2013

via Wishing you a Happy New Year! ** As you can see, things are 'under construction' around here.  One of the many things I am looking forward to this year is revealing a new blog design. The pink bike long overstayed it's welcom...

Moving on....

This photo was taken today as we made our way home after spending Christmas in Bend, Oregon with my parents. {didn't think I did the brewpub trucker hat did ya?} Do you see the smile on my face? I have mixed emotions about Christmas..... too complicated to get into today..... but reflecting today during our snowy {slow} drive home, it boils down to this: I prefer life's small moments,...

Merry Christmas...

"Although it's been said, many times, many ways..... Merry Christmas to you" I am signing off for the next week or so.  Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. x...

Easy Christmas Dessert.....

I have made this cake twice this holiday season.  It's always a winner and is super easy, plus it feeds a crowd. I originally posted the recipe last December but thought it was worthy to repost.  Don't be confused, the photos are also from last Christmas {taken with my 50mm lens which I dropped and broke about three months ago - boo!} I need to replace that lens - especially...

Gifts......

My preciousness. It has been quite a week........and as much as I am keeping up with the many activities of the season, my heart is heavy and thoughts reeling with the events of the last week. First, our mall shooting in Oregon - just on the other  side of our beloved Portland.....innocent victims doing what I had done earlier in the day, shopping for Christmas presents for loved...

Life lesson....

Today I am heading to central Oregon to attend a  memorial service for a wonderful man who I had the privilege of calling a friend and mentor. It's a sad pause during an otherwise joyous season. Life has a funny way of bringing people into your life. I met this friend, who passed away on Thanksgiving day, when he became my boss. I was about 25 years old, recently married and relatively...

More Christmas....

Thank you so much for all your kind words about my understated Christmas decorating....it warmed my heart!  It is sometimes hard opening blogs and feeling like you just don't measure up.... So often I find myself thinking, "Look, she had time to bake and build a gingerbread house, home-school her seven children, make her own wrapping paper, decorate five themed trees AND record and...

Our Christmas home....

Welcome to our Christmas home 2012. Truth be told - I don't get that excited about adding a bunch of holiday'stuff' in and around my home, I kind of like it as is and frankly, I don't need anymore stuff to dust.  I do love to add holiday greenery, paperwhites and pointsettas! Oh...and upon looking at these photos, I decided I must love Christmas words cause there are a whole lot...

Winners!

Happy Monday to you all! Just popping in quick to announce the winner of the Spark Modern $75 credit giveaway!  The winner of the credit is............PRUDENCE who said she would choose the 'Romo Camille Chartreuse' cover. Congratulations Prudence!  Please email me {jillbeth@aol.com} for details on how to get your credit. And, I was thrilled when Lauren and Amy from Spark Modern generously...

Gingham and lanterns....how's that for a title?

Gingham....such a classic and so festive at Christmas. I found these large dishtowels at Ikea today and  adore the loop for hanging and of course, the  red and white gingham!  For $2.99, go get some - now! If you don't have an Ikea close - send your friend who does! ******* I get lots of questions about the lantern that hangs over our dining room table.  It is the...

pillow love....giveaway!

I have professed my love for throw pillows many times on this blog.  Pillows are really a 'go to' for many decorators to set or change a color palette  in a relatively inexpensive way.  The photo above was taken tonight - my  great room sofa with the current pillow combination.  Most would probably say it's too many pillows but it's just how I like it.  I really strive...

O Christmas tree.....

Here she is .....in all her Charlie Brown tree goodness. If it were up to me we would always have a natural tree. I have collected Christopher Radko ornaments for many years and they just hang beautifully on a sparse tree. Please come back on Wednesday, I have another  really fun giveaway! So, is your tree up ye...

So true....

Yes you do! ******* Heading home this evening after four days in San Diego watching my big girl play some great soccer - what an experience!  Talk about a whole new world....Her team participated in their first college showcase, an opportunity for college coaches to see the best club players.  Of course, at 13 and 14 years old our team did not have many college coaches...

Decking my halls, soccer .....{and a winner!}

My halls have begun to be decked......I love the  driftwood wreath I picked up at Homegoods about a month ago.  My cabinet loves it too. Truth be told, I have been known to be critical of those who decorate for Christmas {sorry!} the minute after the turkey is eaten. Can't we just enjoy ONE holiday at a time? However, my big girl has a soccer tournament in San Diego this weekend...

Nature's tree lot...

One reason I love reading blogs is to see regional traditions and ways of life.  This country of ours is diverse! We are so lucky! I know some southern friends cannot believe I have never had grits......but I bet they have never traveled up to 4000ft and hiked at the base of a mountain to find their Christmas tree!  I never take the beauty of Oregon for granted.  It is...

Cyber Monday holiday giveaway!

My wardrobe is limited to mostly casual stuff,  so when any dressy/fancy occasion rolls around I sort of panic.  I am a jeans/boots/sweater kind of gal, it's just the way I feel most comfortable in my  daily life as a work from home mom.  However, I do love a beautiful dress every now and again! Shabby Apple is a wonderful source for vintage-inspired clothing and...

My list.....

I'll be honest - the gift giving part of Christmas stresses me out! Of course, it has always been important to get our girls enough to make them happy but not too much as to over-indulge them.  My husband and I have usually kept to a couple simple gifts - but he is completely hard to buy for!  My parents are generous so you always want to try and match their generosity and also...

On Thanksgiving...

Our little family is headed over the mountains and through the pass to Grandma's house in Bend, Oregon. Thanksgiving may be my favorite holiday....I love the pause it blesses us with.  I love the food and time to hunker down and enjoy my family.  We have so much to be thankful for this year..... May your weekend find you surrounded by those you love and counting your many...

Tag Sale!

Inspired by all the upcoming sales....and the bit of  purging I have been doing in my home, I thought it would be fun to offer a few treasures to you! In my humble opinion....this type of shopping is way more fun than standing in line at  midnight at Walmart.......but that's me. Please email me at jillbeth{at}aol{dot}com to let me know what item you would like to purchase....