Dreams On 34th Street ~ French Bread & Family

first Spring on my desk and random Lynne...

2012-03-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

the inspiration...

it's still a bit chilly here in the PacNWest. this morning,

before work, i made a quick little trip to backyard fuchsia bush.
(wow, i did not prune it back far enough last Fall.)

this plant is older than me. it began as a tiny clipping from my grandmother's garden.
(do you see? the SUN is rising and shining!)

how easy is life... now that we have embraced canning jars for their

multi functional qualities?

i took this image on a little Picnik.
(i'm going to be lost without Picnik. )

~ * ~

i won't be posting again until Monday! i have some major

catching up and cleaning to do. next week is going to be a busy one.

i said yes one to many times...LOL.
i know that many of you do the very same thing!

~ * ~

you all know that i have totally embraced Grandmotherhood!

i have to share this link to Chrislyn's blog post yesterday!
this image makes any day a smile maker!
that little teapot talks and teaches manners!

~ * ~

my son, Jay will be coming home next weekend!
we haven't seen him since Christmas!
we are going to hit some of Seattle's furniture and home lifestyle stores.

we will also be doing a wee bit of celebrating! i am going to try a new apple cake recipe that i found!

~here~

so there you have it, garden...decor...Mom...Grandma...and some pure yumminess!
all before breakfast and work!
happy weekend ! i'll meet ya on Monday, hopefully with my to do list checked twice!
happy weekend!
[withLove]

ctrl + z ...

2012-03-07T10:17:00.003-08:00

today was supposed to be Wednesday's wrap.
the internet at 34th street has been VERY unpredictable
recently. this morning, it could not be accessed at all.
i am at work now...and just thought that i would apologize.
i miss you...hope to be in touch with morning coffee in hand soon!

[withLove]

our "sitting" update, growing up with girls at "dear lillie", and a winner....

2012-03-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

yesterday, Mr D and I sat with Holland Grace while her Mommy and

Daddy went out to brunch. it was the very first time that Mommy

and Daddy have left the house together, without little berry blue eyes.

she was a perfect little angel. we had so much fun playing, hugging and

smooching her precious little face.

Holland will soon be standing...

i am hoping to win this wonderful growth chart for her library room.

Jennifer at dear lillie is generously offering to give one away!

~here~

Jennifer is the cutest Mom. she is filled with design wonder and has

the most amazing family and friends that help her take it to market.

her daughters, Lillie and Lola hug your heart.

Jennifer is also a gracious hostess. she designs a lovely printable for

each month and gives it away! if you haven't seen her March print...

check it out below! it's beautiful!

~ find it here ~

"it's on display in my kitchen! thank you, Jennifer!"

~ * ~

the winner of the Kate Spade souvenir event tote is Gina at Random Thoughts of an
Incoherent Mind! (you know how to reach me by email dear, G. )

i'll see you with Wednesday's wrap!

[withLove]

sitting with Holland...

2012-03-02T05:04:00.000-08:00

and above all

watching with glittering eyes

the whole world around you

because the greatest secrets are

hidden in the most unlikely places.

those who do not believe in magic

will never find it!

~Roald Dahl

on Sunday, we will be "sitting" with berry blue eyes for the

very first time...while Mommy and Daddy

step out for a meal together at a nearby restaurant.

every time we are near her, we are totally captivated by the magic of love!

trouver la magie!

[withLove]

starting over...

2012-03-01T05:05:00.001-08:00

i am sooooo ready to play outside!

[withLove]

all images found by typing starting plants at Pinterest!

February's pink post!

2012-02-29T03:16:00.001-08:00

last October, i started a monthly pink post feature.

~ just checking, because i love you! ~

most of you know that i am a breast cancer survivor.

it was detected EARLY. that's what it's all about.

~ visit Pink Ribbon here ~

at the same time i began a Pinterest board called

Pink Ribbon! before BC, i really wasn't into PINK!

i must admit, i have since become accustomed to it!

i will continue to post my subtle reminder once a month, with

an occasional explanation now and then for the new visitors to 34th street!

so without further ado, i'm...

...just checking, because

[withLove]

a little touch of tangerine tango, on eating cake for breakfast and a surprise!

2012-02-28T05:43:00.002-08:00

are you ready to tango?

Kate Spade Spring 2012

we have a proclamation in our house!

it's perfectly fine to eat cake for breakfast

on your birthday!

~here~

i told you that i have one more little giftie for February!

(sort of like the bag that the goodies come in at the award shows!)

New York Los Angeles ... and yes, Seattle!

now, i'm going to let you down a bit. i did not go. a girl that needs new
carpeting and a new deck has to place a real Kate bag on hold.
there was lot's of promo going on at Nordy's... and
it's not often that Seattle is on the marquee with NY and LA, so when i
saw the bag...i thought it might make a fun gift to send to one of you
via the Emerald City!

it would make a great lunch or market bag!

Kate's name IS on the bag! it's a bit difficult to see in the
photo...it's on the black diagonal bar.

if you would like a chance to win it, just leave a little comment!

i'll announce the winner next Monday!

how's that for a boring Tuesday?

[withLove]

practical Eiffel...the winner!

2012-02-27T06:39:00.000-08:00

~*~*~*~

@---}-------

** **

******

****

~*{ANNIE}*~

lovely things

oh, how i love to visit Annie!

~here~

Annie, please email your address!

have a wonderful week!

[withLove]

i'm not just stringing you along...

2012-02-25T07:43:00.004-08:00

this is the very first image of string that i saved on my laptop.

it was over a year ago.
(way before i knew about Pinterest.)

i also printed the image and pinned it onto one of my real dream boards.
i have to apologize,
as the photo did not possess a watermark, i cannot identify where it
came from. if you know, please leave a comment.

this morning, i visited Pinterest and typed s-t-r-i-n-g.
i hope you enjoy the found images as much as i!

it's quite obvious that i am not the only one

to kindly behold this practical fiber.

i found it brushed it with soft sepia love.

~squirrel wrapped!~
(i deliberated about this photo message...i think Ivy has a sense of humor.)
(hey! we're friends!)

it's a natural story.

simple.

not contrived.

not fancy.

mixed with vintage.

French.

crafted modern.

crafted holiday bazaar.

* sweet *

at the potting bench, it's ready to wrap...

...a pretty Spring bouquet for you and me!

OH!!!!
yesterday there was a "notice" in our mailbox!
the Eiffel scissors are at the post office! i'm going there today!
if you haven't placed your name in the hat...
you can do so by visiting here!

i will announce the winner on MONDAY!

have a wonderful (weather~safe) weekend!

[withLove]

i woke up with a light case of spring fever!

2012-02-24T06:33:00.001-08:00

while searching for a cure, i found this cute stuff to buy or inspire!
have a wonderful weekend!

~here~

happy Friday!

[withLove]

hugs from here to Cleveland, Ohio...

2012-02-23T06:43:00.000-08:00

so honored to know you, Ed. you and Mary raised a beautiful

daughter. she is one of my most cherished friends!

[withLove]

almond scented white cake!

2012-02-21T04:42:00.000-08:00

my yummiest birthday cake to date!

Chrislyn found the recipe ~ here ~.

if you wish to pin it?

~ visit here ~

that's it for birthday talk!

c'est mardi gras!

[withLove]

i forgot my camera!

2012-02-20T03:20:00.000-08:00

i cannot believe that i forgot my camera!

i transferred all of it's contents onto my laptop, so i would have plenty

of space. Chrislyn took some photographs. she will be sending them to me soon.

in the meantime, with camera in hand,

i could not wait to start sharing this with you!

J'adore 60 was held at Jason, Chrislyn and Holland's home!

Chrislyn made all of the decorations. they ~~were~~ are wonderful! i brought it all home.

yesterday, i displayed some of her French paper charm in our dining room.

i will never let go of this...

soon i will move it upstairs, into my studio, above my dream boards.

she used her Cricut, her hands, and her creativity. what a perfect combo!

at the soiree', the banner hung beneath the mantel, on their fireplace.

it now decorates on our planked wall!

the little hole punch detail...added a modern touch!

i am embracing this, however, i assure you that i do not feel six zero!

she made this little garland with my avatar and Eiffel. she stitched it together on her

sewing machine. it has a fragile quality. i adore it! i hung it on the chandie!

there is so much more to share. i have the most wonderful family and friends.

i was embraced with gracious hearts and laughter! Mr D poured wine and was a

wonderful host. i will be back to tell you about the food and share the recipe for

my best tasting birthday cake to date. Chrislyn found a recipe that married two

of my favorite flavors...

this recent "pin" is a perfect fit for the end of this post!

~ * ~

i took captcha off of my comments for the time being. Google added

more words to decipher which made it difficult for me to leave comments

this weekend. some of you have emailed me about your difficulty when trying to

comment. i don't want you to be discouraged about leaving comments.

i love your comments!

you are brilliant with your displays of beauty and

yumminess!

thank you for your daily inspiration.

[withLove]

the memory keeper gives us a Summer bouquet !

2012-02-18T05:32:00.008-08:00

this year, i am making it my full intention to simplify

~ via ~

and organize our life here on 34th street. this past week

~via~

i have been editing and categorizing my photographs from 2011.

it's so nice that today's technology allows the photos

to be stored in folders on my laptop.

the next photo editing and organizing project

will not be virtual. my hope chest is filled with a lifetime

~ via ~

(or two) of slides and snapshots! it will be a rainy day,

many pots of tea project on a Saturday when Mr D works overtime.

while editing, i was reminded that...

...last Summer's Lilies were the prettiest ever.

(before April, i need to find a new place to Picnik.)

i can't wait for Lilies to come visit us once again in 2012!

in the meantime...here's a virtually huge bouquet for me and you!

[withLove]

J'adore 60!

2012-02-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

what was life like in 1952?

pretty ribbons! i knew how to "party" early on!

honestly, i don't remember.

it appears that polka dots were a trend the month i was born.

the big news was Elizabeth.

the "it" girl was Audrey!

fast forward... it's 2012!

"everything old is NEW again!"

~ retro chic here ~

she abandoned her conservative style and wore yellow to her grandson's wedding.
it was the talk of the world!

Elizabeth is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, and...

...i'm "totally" infatuated with the newest "it" girl!

J'adore 60!

to this day...i still love ribbons and a party!

i'll be back on Monday to share!

[withLove]

speaking from the heart...

2012-02-14T05:15:00.000-08:00

way before emails and texting...

we ~~passed~~ exchanged

little folded notes

professing

our crushes and our loves.

i made my Valentine some simple little LOVE notes.

i found a favorite LOVE poem...
~ here~

happy Valentines day!

~ thank you, Gigi and Pinterest

welcome home!

2012-02-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

two posts today! it's a first for me.

Holland's Auntie Kyla!

{she's one beautiful and brilliant Blackhawk pilot!}

now home, safe and sound.

we are blessed once again!

[withLove]

i hope you don't mind if i change the rules for February...

2012-02-13T05:37:00.000-08:00

you may (or may not) have noticed...

i didn't launch the

glassybaby give a way on February 1st!

i hope that you don't mind if i change the rules for February!

we (you and i ) have a sweet friend that lost a very dear family member

to cancer recently. her loved one was taken from our world way too soon.

most of you know that Lee Rhodes, the creator of glassybaby,

is a three time cancer survivor! 10% of a glassybaby sale goes to

cancer research and a few other wonderful and helpful organizations.

last month's winner's choice supported Paws of Chicago!

i am going to call Kim in the shipping department and have her send...

~ remembrance ~

along with a bunch of hugs from all of us!

[withLove]

an invitation...

2012-02-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

about three weeks ago this pretty little invite appeared in our mailbox!

soon there will be a soiree' !

le samedi!

on the way to samedi there is so much to share!
~ mostly LOVE! ~
tomorrow, it's about remembrance and hugging back! i'll see ya in the morning!

[withLove]

do you know what i love about Pinterest?

2012-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

yesterday, i popped in for a short visit and saw

this!

and THIS!

this photograph made me feel very jazzed

about finding this curtain panel when Goodwill hunting
for 3.00. do you remember that roll for the chaise lounge above?
(i'm also thinking of Michele, my "stitched by hand grain sack magic
girlfriend!" ~here~)

it said, "Lynne, you need to purchase a few more wooden spoons."

...and it told me...what a fabulous hostess gift! you can make
it with those amazing 79 cent ~~dish~~ tea towels from Ikea!

then...i spied the unexpected...

it reminded me that i need to take a moment to play
French Macaron tic tac toe with polka dot mice!
oh my goodness! i think i just found the inspiration
for my Valentines!
i buy our French Macarons here!

wishing you all a SO happy Saturday!

[withLove]
.

hey baby...sweetie...cutie...dreamy pie!

2012-02-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

last Saturday, we threw a big baby shower for the latest

arrival in a dear circle of friendship!

my food assignment was baked potato soup and

~~sweetie~~, ~~cutie~~, ~~dreamy~~, baby pies!

i had started this post about the pies a few days ago.

[my blogging was preempted by work and home duties.]

in the meantime, Chrislyn sent me a collage of photographs that
she had taken for my screen saver at work. i thought that they
would add some cutie pie pizazz to this pie story!

she just held the camera above the two of them at play time and snapped away!
~ beyond precious pies ! ~

i made an extra batch of dreamy pies for Mr D. i have probably tried a hundred
different approaches to making pie crust over the years. this is my favorite. it only takes
one minute to make in the food processor and 30 minutes in the fridge
and it's ready to roll!

Mr D gave me my Cuisinart for Christmas 31 years ago! i have used it to make everything
including baby food for Chrislyn and Jay. it is HEAVY and has a motor like a HARLEY!

here is the recipe for 31 minute pie crust:
1 3/4 cups of flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 & 1/2 sticks of butter ( i use salted)
1/4 cup ice water ( i take a measuring cup, drizzle, wait drizzle until the
dough starts to form)

add flour and

sugar to the food processor...pulse!

add half the ice cold cubed butter...pulse...pulse...pulse!

add the rest of the butter...pulse until it looks crumbly...

turn the processor on...drizzle just a bit...wait a two or three seconds...
drizzle just a little more...wait...drizzle...by now, it should
the dough should start to form

and look like this.

place it in saran wrap that has been dusted with flour and
chill for 30 minutes!

most of you are way better bakers than i, so i don't think that i need to
spell it out photo by photo. this collage tells the rest of the story! this time,
i made apple and blackberry dreamy pies. i always use a fork to edge
the apple and sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar before
popping them in the oven. for the berry or cherry sweetie pies,
i just leave as is, because i dust them with powdered sugar as soon as the
come out of the oven!

bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
(my oven is a convection oven, 25 minutes is perfect!)

~ yields 6 baby pies with a bit left over for cinnamon crisps.
double the recipe for a 2 crust 9 inch pie! ~

enjoy!

~ a sweet bonus for the baker! ~

and now for my favorite little cutie pie!

she's the apple of my eye!

practical Eiffel...

2012-02-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

i could not resist!

~here~

i bought a pair for me, and i also pick up a pair for you!

if you would like me to send them to your house,

just leave a little comment below!

i will draw the winning name on the day they arrive!

[withLove]

Saturday shoes...

2012-02-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

~here~

~ in my dream, i was wearing party shoes made from book pages...

...i danced on a roof top!~

wishing you all the sweetest of weekend dreams, day & night!

[withLove]

this morning, at the farm table...

2012-02-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

with small a gathering

JWroble makes beautiful boudoir bags.

of woman

Alexandra...(way before Martha)...was my Mommy get a way, go to girl. It started when I purchased

Living The Beautiful Life (my favorite) in 1986. Living The Beautiful Life and Creating A Beautiful

Home are never far from my kitchen counter top or farm table.

that have inspired

Maria (lavender pillow), Donna (crystalle) , my Grandma Hazel (she made hand crocheted
covers for basket lids ...they are the sweetest heirloom) and Alexandra!

and contributed to "everyday elegance"
here on 34th street!

{if you haven't visited this post...you will have
missed a heaping sprinkle of French sugar!}

[withLove]

a tale of two Verona's...

2012-02-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to February!
it's time to talk about LOVE. i can smell LOVE brewing in our blog
world and everywhere!

i am proud to be from the home of Starbucks!
i have been drinking it since the early 70's.
my favorite blend is Caffe' Verona! during the days
leading up to Valentine's Day, the stores feature Verona
and chocolate. it's a perfect marriage!
(an affordable way to experience the best of both worlds)

Cafe Verona originated as the house blend of a restaurant called
Jake O'Shaughnessy's. it was a very popular restaurant at the
foot of Queen Anne Hill. back in the first days of Starbucks, they would
blend the coffee beans for you at your request. Jake's blend became the
most popular request. when Howard Schultz bought Starbucks in 1987,
he chose to trademark the blend and call it...

it you want to "have your cake and eat it too", brew a cup of Verona

to go with your slice of chocolate cake! YUM...pure February!

~ * ~

every girl seeks a happy ending to the story of Romeo and Juliet.

it could be found at the place where it started,

Verona, Italy. the town has capitalized on it's place in literary history.

there one can visit the famous balcony inspired by the story,

and leave a letter for Juliet.

each February they stage a festival called "Verona in Love".
lovers visit from all over the world to dine, shop, and listen to concerts on Piazza Bra.

at night, the streets are heart lit!
the traditions of Verona inspired the book Letters To Juliet, which
was made into this cute little predictable romantic movie.

~here~

Mr D and i will watch it with artichokes and wine, on the Saturday movie
night before Valentine's Day. ( yes, he actually sets aside his sci -fi and
war movies, to view this romantic "chickish" flick!)

i truly LOVE reading your comments!
i am honored to have you pop in for a visit to 34th street!

(is that chocolate for our pre -work out and breakfast visit? shhhhh!)
it's with Caffe' Verona in my cup, and a heart lit like the streets
of Verona, Italy that i will be visiting you this month!
...and, as always...
[withLove]

thirty~one, January, nineteen hundred and eighty three...

2012-01-31T07:36:00.000-08:00

i became a mother on this day, twenty nine years ago.

she arrived, bright and beautiful! she melted my heart!

ohhhhh...those freckles...a million angel kisses from above!

she fills the world with sunshine!

she insisted on doing her own hair and makeup on her wedding day!

she has a confident, naturally sophisticated style!

she worked in county government and for the college success foundation. she was on

the board for an organization that purchased homes for homeless woman with

children. their mission, to give them shelter long enough to become self sufficient.

this past summer, she became a mother. Mr D and i were very nearby.

it was like this day twenty~nine years ago, that ray of sunshine!

the very same rush of love! my sunshine was holding her sunshine!

my sunshine is now a mom!

she and her love, Jason delivered dear Holland Grace.

it's the most wonderful feeling to watch your child become a parent.

Chrislyn is a wonderful mother!

time spent with my two sunshine girls is living beyond my childhood fairy tale dreams!

Happy Birthday, Chrislyn!

Happy Mommy Life!

there is new joy in every day!

[withLove]

my '"grand" Valentine!

2012-01-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

hellooo Monday!

yesterday, we celebrated Chrislyn's birthday! we had a lovely

Sunday dinner. Jason brought Chrislyn's favorite

decadent dark chocolate cake.

just when i thought... "life can't get any better",

i got to hug and hold my first Grand Valentine!

grandpa Dreams found her cute velour ensemble here!

have a great week!

[withLove]

Saturday shoes ...and the rest of the give a way!

2012-01-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

last Saturday, we were living in one big slushy here in the PacNWest. the slush is

gone. for the past couple days it has been cold and crispy clear!

a crispy clear forecast = grey flannel boots!

no fancy schmacy here.

i found them two years ago, HALF PRICE, at a local sporting goods store.

~ * ~

this morning, i decided to try a new breakfast!

i had never eaten a broiled grapefruit!

after seeing photographs of this take on the morning treat on

Pinterest and various blogs, it was due time for me to go for it! i dusted

it with some brown sugar and popped it in the oven!

you might be thinking...Lynne, this is pretty simple. why haven't you tried this before? .
here is the answer.

the inspiration from blogging is a daily reminder to do and try things that i have never tried before.

since this was spur of the moment, i didn't have a maraschino cherry on hand.
( grapefruit is usually photographed with a maraschino cherry in the center.)
the walnuts were a perfect substitute!

you may have noticed the Somerset Life bookazine next to my breakfast.

( i moved it out of my place setting immediately after the photograph.)

in my post yesterday, i mentioned that i found something special at Barnes and Noble.

i also mentioned that i drew a second name

on glassybaby give a way day. i am so very excited to give a copy of this

beautiful publication

to Linda

at flowers on my table!

Linda...please email your address to me!

(oh!...the broiled grapefruit with walnuts was YUMMY!

it was worth the 50 + wait!)

thank you all for your daily inspiration

and for lifting me at sunrise!

have a wonderful weekend!

[withLove]

Winterplace...a liebster thank you, Mr D's dinner, and a glassybaby winner!

2012-01-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

happy weekend on the rise to all!

what a week it has been!

(snow day catch up week!)

on Tuesday, i received two Liebster blog awards from two very dear blog friends.!

thank you, Cheryl! Cheryl has a beautiful blog called
" fresh vanilla for C"
~here~
she lives in SoCali ( i just love saying that). she has a beautiful
family and shares her passion for vintage style. i love to
peek at SoCali shops and "vintage where a bouts" through her eyes!

thank you, Maria! Maria is a newer blog friend!
she portrays the essence of country living sprinkled
with French sugar on her blog...
Rusty Hinge
~here~

Liebster is German and means 'dearest' or 'beloved' but it can also mean 'favorite'. The idea of the Liebster award is to bring attention to blogs with less than 200 followers. So, in the spirit of good fun I am passing this award on to 5 other bloggers.

please click over and visit them. Then decide if they may be one of your new favorite blogs!

The RULES are:

show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.
Post the award on your blog.
bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.
have fun and spread the love!

and the Liebster is awarded to:

The Velveteen Rabbit
Linda's life journal
Texas Tales
The Taylor House
number five is very new. my daughter, Chrislyn at
Holland Blossom
i offered to do a post with a link to her blog. she asked me to
wait a month or so. (she is just getting her feet wet.)
if you would like to stop by and welcome her
to blogdom, please do.

~ i checked to see if you were award free blogs. if you do not have
the time to devote to award linking right now, it's totally fine.
blogging is about the spirit of having fun!~

~* ~

on Wednesday night, Mr D surprised me with a

beautiful steak dinner. when i arrived home after working late,
i walked into the kitchen to find

a perfect green salad and two baked potatoes... just

out of the oven ...they were rubbed with olive oil and dusted with sea salt.

( i cannot believe that i did not grab my camera.)

i looked around...Mr D and the Chocolate Gousse were missing.

i found them out in the "oh so cold" grilling the steaks! Mr D had a
glass of wine in hand...the Chocolate Gousse was happy and waggling away!
i just had to share this sweetness!

I'm a lucky girl!

~ * ~

now that i am caught up at work and here on
my blog it's time to announce the winner of

the

glassybaby

give a way!

she picked...

glassybaby "chango"

10% from the sale of each chango will be donated to PAWS Chicago, a champion for animals.

Heather, it's you!...
...and because of you, we have some furry pals
in Chicago that will benefit from this!

~here~

please email your address to me!

i am ~~exhausted~~ elated with all this giving and paying it forward!
my coffee is cold! i'm going to go warm it up and get ready for work!

before i go...i'm just going to tell you that i found a little something
special at Barnes and Noble last weekend...so, i decided
to draw just one more name...
i'll meet you in my Saturday shoes, tomorrow and tell you who it is!
am i being a tease? YES, i am!

[withLove]

do you know what day it is?

2012-01-26T04:38:00.000-08:00

just checking...

...because i love you!

{tomorrow... i love my Liebster girls and the

winner of the January glassybaby! give a way!}

[withLove]

Winterplace...just signing in...

2012-01-25T04:57:00.000-08:00

it's catch up week at work!

i missed three days last week due to the snow!

i haven't posted since Sunday. i have missed you!

~so~

i'm here to say hello and share a pretty piece of laundry!

~ here~

Winterplace...put the records on! Journey and Joan...

2012-01-22T05:11:00.000-08:00

"some were

meant to sing

the blues."

"if you're offering

diamonds and rust,

well, i'll take

~via~

the diamonds!"

[withLove]

images via pinterest

Saturday shoes ...

2012-01-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

we're melting!

it's one

BIG GIANT SLUSHY

here in the PacNWest!

i will be trekking in my crazy plaid rain boots!

what kind of shoes will you be wearing today?

have a wonderful weekend!

[withLove]

Winterplace...it's another morning at the farm table... under the chandie...a bit of French bread...

2012-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

a view of our dining room from the kitchen sink. our red phone is vintage
PB. the Chocolate Gousse's puppy chow is kept in the Ikea can! the chandie
looks very drum~like with it's upholstery ticking makeover for January.

the has snow stopped falling...

it's soooo frozen outside. most of the buses are not running. Mr D

drove into work this morning. he called and advised me to wait a bit before

going in to the office. i'll be commuting to work around 11:00 am, with my dear

friend Helen. she has a 4 wheel drive vehicle, which is helpful in icy conditions.

last night, on the national news they were reporting how a few inches of

snow paralyses western Washington. it's mainly because we do not have adequate

road equipment and we dwell among steep hills. when you cross the Cascade

Mountains into eastern Washington, it's a whole different story. they have much

more snow than we do, which justifies the need for snow equipment.

this morning i gathered some inspiration on the farm table. i had some natural

black wool (which is really dark taupe) that i needed to wind into balls. i

accomplished the winding with my coffee this morning.

i then decided to grab some needles and cast on a few stitches for a winter scarf.

also on the table, i placed two of my favorite books from French General.

"Handmade Soirees"

and "Hand Sewn"

Hand Sewn has an envelope filled with beautiful patterns

inside the front cover!

our table holds today's inspiration.

i hope that you have the loveliest day!

it's time to get ready for the Northwest trek to the office...MUSH!

with...

very over priced...but inspiring...

~here~

{i'm linking up today!}

Winterplace...snowed in...found a pretty Etsy shoppe...

2012-01-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

this may be your very first peek at 34th street! it's just a regular

little neighborhood street. this morning, it

is beautiful because it has been dusted with a blanket of fresh fallen snow.

a few posts ago, i mentioned that i wished to keep a couple strands of

lights up until the end of January. we chose the glowing cedar garland on the
front steps. the garland still so fresh and fragrant. Mr D has the lights on a timer.

the lights are a welcome greeting when we return from our workday.
this morning it frames our front porch view of 34th street.

it's so pretty!

on the steps i have two stone vases filled with bay leaf branches!

Mr D's miniature fir lollipop topiary has a new winter cap!

there are two chilly little winter Pansy plants and a iron hummingbird .

it amazes me how the Pansies weather the winter storms.

our home style is a Pacific Northwest Contemporary. it was built in 1979.

this is what it looks like at 5am on a snowy week day morn.

we are early risers due to Mr D's commute. the snow is falling like

the finest sprinkle of sugar as i am taking the photographs.

~ * ~

i found this pretty little Etsy shoppe!

Julie sells precious trimmings that are

reminiscent of the "bits and bobs" that were in the homes of my
Grandmothers and Great Aunties!

i am smitten with this pleated crepe paper.

her products are perfectly packaged and presented.
they would make a lovely party favor, or Valentine "as is".

she has also assembled a wonderful nostalgic Valentine kit for purchase!

if you would like to visit her shoppe click

~here~

[withLove]

Winterplace...sipping "warm" on snow days and nights!

2012-01-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

it's snowing here on 34th street!

that means it's time for hot chocolate!

we serve it...heaped with marshmallows,

or topped with freshly whipped cream

and shaved chocolate!

here are the recipes of some of our favorite
Winterplace drinks along with a few
new ones that i plan to try soon!

{hot mulled apple cider with whipped
creme and caramel}
~ here ~

we love sipping a warm treat

by the fire while taking in

Winter's cool magic!

PW's hot chocolate recipes!

~ here ~

below, are two snowy evening

(or afternoon if you please) drinks with a little kick!

{blueberry tea}

is my Whistler, BC signature drink.

~ recipe here ~

(now that you have seen the recipe, you might ask... Lynne, where are the

blueberries? well, according to Wikipedia. ~here~ , the mix has

been likened to the taste of blueberries.

i have used a blueberry blend tea in the recipe. it's also fun to

drop a fresh berry in the snifter with the cinnamon stick for a finishing touch.)

Gluhwein (glow wine) or

en France, Vin Chaud (~~mulled~~ hot wine)

is Mr D's favorite when we go to the mountains!

~ recipe here~

speaking of PW... she took this photograph!
it's one of my favorite Winter "pins".

Ree's recipe for dulce de leche coffee is
right ~here~!

it's time to get to the office!
i'm leaving a bit late today. there are a few
hills, both arterial, and freeway, between
34th street and the office. i may just have Mr D.
drive me in the Expedition since he's off
for M.L.K. day!

happy Monday !

[withLove]

{all photos courtesy of Pinterest}

Winterplace...making a kitchen journal...

2012-01-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

i am attending Jeanne Oliver's e-course.

there are a few art supplies needed for the course.
i plan to visit Michael's this week.

i couldn't let the lack of a few art supplies get in the way of making my
first journal. i dug around my ~~craft~~ junk room and found this old government
ledger that i bought for $5.00 a couple of years ago.

the last entry in this book was on November 13, 1960.

i gathered some stuff...my Grandmother's teaspoons, an old button,
my ticket to ascend the Eiffel Tower on July 1, 1996, and the sterling
silver charm, that i chose as my souvenir of the ascent.
one of my favorite items to purchase at Ikea is the 79 cent Tekla
dish towel. i opened up the drawer in the kitchen and found one
without a stain. i was going to do some hand stitching on it before i
applied it to the cover of the book.
( hence the pinning... i actually tried, but did not like
the effect, so i ripped it out.)

i just looked around the kitchen and played with what i found.
do you recognize the green circle and the little tag with the red love knot?
i took them from my Herbs of Provence jar! i also chose a couple of
business cards from two of our favorite Washington State wineries.
oh!!! my MAMA BISCOTTI postmark!

i can tuck daily inspirational quotes and grace notes
between Grandmother's spoons!

my Eiffel Tower ticket is attached with a mini clothes pin from Ms B. at Besotted.

i could not glue it! i love to see both sides! i love to hold it!
i also love that it's an
arrow that points to... " let's see what's inside"!

it's good to go! time to whoop it up!
i'm journalling!!!!!!
(oops, it's another word made up, according to google)
somehow the movie What about Bob? comes to mind.
now i'm ~~sailing~~ smiling!

happy Sunday!

[withLove]

i'm linking up today...

Winterplace...home is where...

2012-01-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

your ~~heart~~ hat is!

~ via pinterest~

i know many that of you live in warm

climates. however, warm or cold

i am spying trapper hats everywhere!

i have watched this trend evolve over the

past couple years.

some are silly / trendy

and worn by teens and tweens!

most are ~~hot~~ warm ~ practical, and have

hit in the mainstream a la

Banana R., Urban Outfitters, Target and JCP!

this one is tagged East Coast Chic!

silly, practical, chic, authentic...

they are all over the place!

but my favorite...most loved trapper hat off all...

is

on

the

sweet noggin of

my dear Holland Grace!

(Mama Chrislyn also looks very nice in her Winter cloche)

what hat are you wearing today?

Snow? did I hear the "s" word here in the PacNWest?

~via pinterest~

[withLove]

Winterplace cabin...

2012-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

34th street is looking

and feeling

very

J A N U A R Y !

it's a little Winterplace cabin,

with a soft glow!

we're livin' in warm and natural!

this weekend i will be making some pinon sachets.

i have been known to burn pinon incense during

the winter months. the sachets are cleaner.

this year our Valentines will be

frosty

and soft!

(something a little unexpected from lacy,

traditional, me.)

look what happened when i wrapped

upholstery ticking around our chandie!

it's all about a mid Winter lift!

Naturally!

[withLove]

{photos courtesy of Pinterest and here on 34th street}

to dance in the kitchen with Anna...

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

i have been thinking about making a Pavlova.
it has to be one of the prettiest desserts that i have ever seen.

~via~

the dessert, a creation to honor the Russian
ballerina Anna Pavlova, was a tribute to her tours of
Australia and New Zealand in the 1920's.

both nations boast it's inception.

Schocolate,

{my favorite tiny chocolate shoppe},

features Nigella Lawson's recipe on their website.
~here~

Raggy Girl Vintage's recipe seem's pretty easy...

perhaps this version shall be my dress rehearsal.

~here~

Anna is most remembered for her performance in Swan Lake.

Chrislyn's birthday is at the end of the month.
her favorite flavors are chocolate and raspberry.
i think that i may have found the
perfect Pavlova!
~here~

(if you visit Pinterest and type Pavlova in search,

~here~

you will be amazed at the display of cloud - like yumminess!)

i will set the mood by watching
The Grand Pas de Deux from the Nutcracker.
it's my favorite.

(the Pacific Northwest Ballet's choreography
and arrangement always captures my heart.)

the video above is from the Royal Ballet!

[withLove]

a besotted surprise on my doorstep!

2012-01-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

in yesterday's post, i mentioned that i would be back on
Monday with something pretty and yummy.

i am back today...because yesterday, something very fun
arrived here on my doorstep on 34th street.

a week or so prior to Christmas,

Miss B. at

announced that she had designed a new custom postmark stamp.

to celebrate her new offering, she held a give a way.

i entered and won!

in the mean time, i placed a small order!

yesterday...it all arrived!

inside there were little parcels, wrapped naturally, with

wee, perfectly tied love knots.

a parcel from Miss B.

is most

perfectly presented.

you may visit her shoppe at
BESOTTED BRAND BLOG
~here~

she has re-opened her Etsy shoppe
~here~

prepare to expect the unexpected!

although this post had it's definite YUM factor,
i'll be back with the edible pretty and yummy post that i intended for Monday,
on Tuesday!
are you confused yet?
[withLove]

OHHHH...if you would like a chance to win your own postmark...
Miss B. is sponsoring another give a way
~here~
you have three chances to win!

yipes! stripes!

2012-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

this trend is set to push it's way through Fall 2012!

wrapped around romance.

more wrapping...
looks good...not necessarily practical...but, that's FASHION!

i always have to post the "what i would be wearing
if I was 35 once again photo!"
some of you ARE 35!

Melissa paints!
~here~

cocoa ~ cozy!
(no longer available at Etsy ( a lost link), but very cute! )

Massuco Warner Miller
Los Angeles ~ San Francisco ~ Seattle
~here~

striped shelter!

Emily's West ~~Sid~~e Elm Story!
~here~

it' a big clean and tweak weekend for me! i'll be back on Monday with
something pretty and yummy to talk about!
have a good weekend!

that smile! those eyelashes!
silly me!
hmmm...i may need to find a Zebra for Holland Grace!

[withLove]

what's new?

2012-01-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

Tom's introduces ballerina flats for Spring 2012 !

there is a pattern for everyone's passion!
i have my eye on the linen! (no surprise! LOL)
check them out here!

The Great Gatsby! to be released Christmas Day 2012.
there is already a lot of buzz about it!

Ralph Lauren designed the fashions for the film.

his Spring 2012 collection is roaring 20's chic.

headbands, scarves, cloche hats, and flowing fabrics are on the horizon.

here's a peek at Lauren Spring 2012.

soft florals,

silks,

and the return of the chemise!

i popped in to Chanel Spring 2012. there is a bit of the 20's
influence there as well. i love how the look is updated with the funky flip flops!

for those of us that don't want to jump in with both feet, we can update last year's
Spring sundress or slimmer cut jeans some simple accessories...a perfect cardigan,
a pretty pastel floral scarf softly wrapped around the neck and layered pearl bracelets!
(i will be mixing it with my linen... i just can't let go of it...
however there will be more white and a pinch of pastel!)

now, a bit of blog buzz ... Angela's new venture!

her home has been featured in several publications such as Fifi O'Neill's
Romantic Prairie Style, Artful Blogging and Where Women Cook.
it's Angela's time to translate her French connection through her new
e-magazine. it's set to launch April 1st. she has a give a way going to
coincide with her announcement on New Year's Day.
you can check it out here!

~ here ~

i have set four goals for 2012.

1. simplify and organize life on 34th street.

2. refine and refresh my creative potential through personal growth.

3. live a healthier lifestyle.

4. open an Etsy shoppe.

now that i have made them public...there's a bit more pressure to achieve!

i have enrolled in Jeanne's online journey. it begins on Monday!

it's time to get a few chores done before i go to work!
i won't be posting for a couple days because i need to catch up around here...

baby steps...
~ here ~

...so i get to visit with you!

[withLove]

a simple journal, on the calendar, and some pretty inspiration.

2012-01-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

there are some very creative ideas and

down loads popping up in blog land right now.

here's a cute idea for a journal.

(i could use that amazing berry / market basket

from Anthopologie!)

it's from design sponge! tutorial here!

i am thinking of the concept for a handy little recipe box!

Heather has collected a bunch of download fun!
~ here ~

Emily has a monthly subscription that offers a stylish way to plan and organize.
~here~

looking for some pretty inspiration?

Jennifer Holmes offers a free printable each month.

she posted it this morning!
~ here ~

it's Mama Biscotti day at work! i have some toasting to get to!

have a great day!

[withLove]

a miracle on day one!

2012-01-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

during the past couple of weeks, my favorite aunt became very ill.

last Thursday she suffered another set back and was placed on life support.

when you hear such news, the first thing that runs through your mind is...

...prepare for a goodbye.

i kept saying to myself...she's a fighter, she has spunk, she's not ready...

i could visualize the last time that i saw her. it was in September. my Mom and

Dad and I drove to Salem to take her out to dinner. she was standing in her

front yard in a pretty flowered sundress and bare feet waving to greet us!

i remember how excited she was when Chrislyn was born on her birthday!

{so was I!}

when i was sick, a couple years ago, she sent me a funny card telling me that i

was tougher than the disease i was battling.

(no, God, she's not ready to leave quite yet.)

yesterday, Mom called and told me some amazing news.

"she's off life support and she is speaking! her right side is weak, but not paralyzed!"

YES!

when we hung up, a simple thought crossed my mind.

life support is so much more than a machine.

life support happens throughout your day. it's all around us!

i am going to embrace this day!

i am going to embrace this year!

~ miracle ~

~ i have several friends and family members with loved ones that are facing medical

challenges. i have been praying and keeping them in my everyday thoughts.~

today, i am lifted by yesterday's miracle!

via pinterest

Mr D. and i have the day off. in a minute we' ll be taking a groupon

to Legendary Donuts, and delivering some as a little surprise!

~hot cocoa~

i'm not worried about the calories because we have to go to Costco,

via pinterest

and put Christmas away.

tomorrow it's back to daily workouts, business as usual, and

more days filled with ordinary and extraordinary miracles!

via pinterest

do i really have to put all of the twinkle lights away?

[withLove]

January's "glassybaby" give a way...

2012-01-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

Good First Day, 2012!

remember...

i am keeping all of the previous month's entries!

so...

if you have tried before, your chance to win will be greater!

if you are new to try, welcome!

believe

friendship

peaceful

joy

gratitude

if you would like a chance to win...

1.visit glassybaby

2.pick your favorite!

3. leave a comment stating your fave!

that's it! simple!

~ start here! ~

believe ~ friendship ~ peaceful ~ joy & gratitude!

what a great way to start the New Year!

(the give a way will close on January 25th!)

[withLove]

first night!

2011-12-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

"What is it that you want, Mary? What do you want?
You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso
around it and pull it down. Hey! That's a pretty good idea!"

"I'll give you the moon, Mary."
~ George Bailey

images by Laurent Laveder
~here~

tonight, we'll lasso the moon, and hold onto
it until fireworks start!

Happy New Year!

I am so blessed to know you!

[withLove]

put some sunshine on your shopping list!

2011-12-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

after i visited

Gigi

at

The Magpie's Fancy,

i experienced writer's block.

that's not a bad thing because

my mind instantly became filled with SUNSHINE!

~Sunshine for your shopping list here!~

(after four days of bucket pouring rain who wouldn't be seeking the sun!)

thank you for delivering it so tastefully, Gigi!

[withLove]

this one's for the girls! and back to Boise!

2011-12-29T05:10:00.000-08:00

yesterday, Mr D, Chrislyn, Jay, Holland, and i took a drive up north

to the Alderwood Mall, and then on to Microsoft where Jason works.

it was a fun, family day.

last summer, American Girl

opened a shop in the mall. it's arrival has been the talk of the town!

the first stop was a visit to Molly.

Chrislyn still has her Molly from childhood.

she has it tucked away for Holland some day.

she kept her in perfect condition.

there are many dollies to visit.
we love the dolls that carry the historical significance.

Holland was intrigued with the pretty dollies, displayed in a
colorful museum like fashion.

"happy dollidays"

Chrislyn bought a miniature "Kit Kittredge" for Holland.
Kit's story takes place during the depression. her family had
to make lifestyle changes, and rebuild their business.
i know it sounds like a sad story, but there are positive lessons
to be learned through rough times in history. that's the message of
the American Girl dolls.

my precious dollies!

Uncle Jay and Holland.
we had lunch with Jason at Microsoft after we left the mall.

today is a bittersweet day!
in a few minutes i will be making coffee and Mr D's lunch.
in a couple hours, i'll be driving Jay to
the airport. then on to work.
it's back to Boise and back to business as usual.
goodbyes are tough, but i am already thinking about the next hello!
we made lot's of desktop and telephone wall paper this Christmas!

"group hug today!"

[withLove]

you knew that i wouldn't forget!

2011-12-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

just

~~pouring~~

~~toasting~~

~~sipping~~

checking!

because i love you!

now,don't you forget!

[withLove]

it's a wrap! and a winner!

2011-12-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

this morning, the Chocolate Gousse and I are having coffee and

Biscotti on the couch while the boys are fast to sleep.

it was the best Christmas, because we were all together.

i had so much fun wrapping, cooking, tweaking and reshuffling!

the last gift that i wrapped was Chrislyn's gift!

did you know that my blog became my Christmas list?

as i unwrapped gifts and the comments were,

"you wrote about this on your blog!"

i think we're on to something...lol!

~ * ~

the winner of the December

glassybaby

give ~ a ~ way

is...

Andrea!

at
French Basketeer!

~ * ~

happy Boxing Day!

England 1923

there will more shuffling and tweaking on the agenda for today!
~ and ~
we will be re-heating those yummy leftovers!

[withLove]

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

each Christmas, i pick a little theme for gift wrapping.

our packages are either wrapped in brown paper or white paper...this year
it will be brown paper, the usual cello bags,

(the red heather yarn did not photograph red..)

and you guess it! Burlap! my blog daughter Jami made the custom tags for
our gift packages. she's closed for Christmas, but you can visit her here next year!

yesterday, the Chocolate Gousse and i went out into the back yard to
clip some more fresh cedar. just when you think the chandie couldn't
be any prettier...i added touch of evergreen !

~*~

i am so very blessed to have found each an every one of you!
and i am touched by those of you that found me!
you have enriched our life here on 34th street!

~*~
Have yourself and merry little cozy Christmas!

[withLove]

Mama Biscotti and the French "T" above our fireplace!

2011-12-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

tonight, i put on my apron and i

become Mama Biscotti.

i was given the name by Chrislyn's friend

Agnieska! i bake biscotti year 'round...

it's my comfort treat!

at Christmastime...

i traditionally bake the loaves on

the 23rd of December. i slice and toast them

into cookies on Christmas Eve

and on Christmas Morning,

after the Cinnamon Rolls come out of the oven.

when the family wakes to the smell of baked

cinnamon, almond and anise seed, it's officially

Christmas here on 34th street!

"Mama Biscotti"

in a large bowl...sift 5 1/2 cups of

flour and 1 tbl baking powder...i give it an extra

stir with a fork to make sure that the "bp" is

thoroughly mixed in!

in a

larger

bowl combine...

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) melted unsalted butter

2 tbl Anise extract

2 tbl Anise seeds

2 tsp vanilla extract mixed with 2 tbl water

2 cups of coarsely chopped almonds

mix it all up with your favorite big wooden spoon!

crack 6 eggs...beat them with a whip or fork...and

add them to the mixture stirring with love and that big wooden spoon!

i start adding the flour and baking powder mix by sifting it

into the wet mixture...i dust the on top like a snowfall, stop and gently stir to

combine...dust...stop...stir...repeat until everything is combined. i love a snowfall in the kitchen!

the dough is ready

to be divided in half,

wrapped with clear wrap,

and to be chilled for two hours!

~ * ~

line a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

shape each half of chilled dough into a log or loaf shape.

it should end up about 12 inches long and 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide.

set the loaves side by side making sure that there is about 3 inches

space between them

bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes...until the loaves are golden brown!

place on wire racks to cool. once cooled, i wrap the loaves in tea towels

until i am ready to slice and toast them into cookies!

for the finale...

pre- heat your oven to 375 degrees.

slice the loaves with a serrated bread knife...

place the slices side by side on a plain cookie sheet and toast for

ten minutes...place on a wire rack to cool.

oh! i there's a ritual!... i have a fresh coffee brewed...

i am so ready for that warm first biscotti bite !

we don't have a mantle on our stone fireplace...but
there is a quirky little jagged stone smack dab in the center
where i always hang a wreath.

at Christmastime the wreath is made from Evergreens...

{everlasting life and love}

this year it holds

our sweet French "T"!
~ found here ~

Merry Christmastime!

[withLove]

flying in the bright lights with Santa!

2011-12-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

i can feel the momentum rising!

on Tuesday, Jay called me at work!

the words...

"MOM!" "IT'S YOUR SON!"

"FOUR...MORE ...DAYS!

next, an email from Las Vegas...

( where he is covering Boise State's Bowl Game)

~fly here~

yes, my son is the one singing with the "wedgie"!

when you are at your desk and you are having

one of your most out of control moments at work.

this is what reminds you...

it's all WORTH IT!

my son is flying in the bright lights!

working in a profession that he LOVES!

making every moment count, and sharing his joy !

he'll be home for Christmas tomorrow night!

Merry Christmastime!

[withLove]

chic Christmastime...Chanel meets burlap!

2011-12-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

oh my goodness!

so sweet...

i have loved burlap for years...

i have placed touches here and there at

Christmastime.

this year, i will say it..i became OBSESSED with

washed burlap, thanks to Andrea and Donna!

so i blogged about it, and just about everyone that knows me

knows that i have wrapped it like a fashionable scarf, around our home!

Monday night, when i came home from work, there was a Christmas Bag
on the farm table. Mr D said, "It's from Jeannie"...you can look!"

on the tag it read...

Merry Christmas
Lynne and Chris!
with a mutual love for burlap!
Janeen!

this morning in the workshop/kitchen mapping out the final tree day plan!

inside was the absolute COOLEST wine bag
that I have ever seen!

the Santas were peeking out from under the chocolate dipped sprinkled pretzels.

under the Santas and pretzels...a lovely bottle of
Muller Thurgau from the Willamette Valley!

do you know how your heart just instantly beats to hug an other's heart?

i met Janeen this past summer. she invited us over to her beautiful home
for wine with aperitif and dessert. Mr D has known her since his school
days. they commute to work on the bus every day to the U of Washington.

i hope to have her to our home in the new year when the weather warms
to have wine by the fire in our backyard!

and...yes...i have a new OBSESSION. i am going to make some
chic wine bags in the new year!

celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving.
make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!

~Amanda Bradley

[withLove]

cozy Christmastime...

2011-12-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

it's not fancy...it's cozy here on 34th street.

my Mom and Dad dropped the antique pedestal table off last week.

it might be my very first chalk paint experiment in the new year!

in the mean time, i tossed one of my grandmother's linen tablecloths

over it. Grandma would cringe because i just pulled it out of a warm dryer

and did NOT starch, sprinkle and iron it!

on the table are some sweet keepsakes...

the little snowman globe is also a music box. it plays,

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

you will see your creative hearts and inspiration represented in our home.

Laura (hand made bookmark), Donna (hand poured soy candle),

and Maria (lavender pillow sachets) stand out in this photograph!

we have a "Christmas In The City village". i spread it throughout the

main floor of our home. the post office and the bank are displayed

atop our roll top desk...

and here's my dreamy little 34th street neighborhood on the hope chest !

i won Laura's {Decor to Adore} give a way a couple weeks ago. a package filled with

goodies arrived. i have been dreaming about owning a piece of Andrea and

Laura's Metis Linens. the lovely piece set the stage for the hope chest neighborhood!

there is sweetness from Laura all over this post today.

oh, oh...time to get ready for work! i don't want to leave "cozy"...quite yet, but i must!

yesterday, Mr. D and i received the sweetest gift...here's a hint...burlap love.

i'll show you tomorrow!

[withLove]

a first peek at Christmas here on 34th street...

2011-12-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

i'll try my best to give you a proper view.

the weather has been dark so light is a challenge.
let's start where i finished...the dining room!

can you believe it's five days until Christmas and the farm table is clear?

...well, for the moment!

Saturday night, i finished the kindergarten angels.

on Sunday morning, i made a simple little garland with some found items
around the house. i used some of our vintage tiny tinsel garland
from Anthropologie. i love it's nostalgic look!

this year i added silver jingle bells tied on loosely with hemp twine.

( i used the crochet hook to pull the hemp through the loopholes on the bells.)

i have a ton of upholstery ticking that i purchased two years ago when a fabric store

went out of business. so... i made some little regalia flags!

the chandie holds the kindergarten angels, some paper graphic
(coasters) from CAKE Vintage, a beautiful sparkly Angel card that
i received from Rachel at 425,

"Silent Night, Holy Night"

and the amazing rag Christmas hymn rag balls
that were made by Marlene!

our manger scene is very sweet and simple. do you see the bunny
keeping Baby Jesus warm and cozy?

on the farm table...i decided to create a mini marshmallow world.

it's a perfect little yummy vignette for a few of our Christmas village people to
hang out. could that be Loretta Young and Cary Grant?
the Bishop's Wife is one of my favorite classic Christmas movies.

~ * ~

you may be wondering...
why does Lynne refer to her little angels as kindergarten angels?
this morning, i will also show you the top of our tree. there perched
are my two very favorite kindergarten angels.

they were made by Chrislyn and Jay in 1988 and 1989.
don't you love the big smiles? i love Jay's green apple cheeks!

the pretty ornament next to the angels was given to Mr D and i by his
mother Rita on our first Christmas. she passed away soon after.
she was a nurse. she worked in labor and delivery!
her precious gift has hung on the highest limb ever since.

today's post is dedicated to Chrislyn and Jay's Grandma Rita
and to their kindergarten teacher,
Mrs. Hutchins. both have passed from
this world, but have touched our lives and the lives of many...forever!

"Always have room in your home for some
Christmas miracles!"

Merry Christmastime!

[withLove]

hunting for Holland's first tree, meeting Santa, Christmas movie night, and some kindergarten angels...

2011-12-17T22:47:00.000-08:00

a week ago, we all went to the Snowshoe Tree Farm

to hunt for our Christmas trees. here is a cute snap

of Jason, Holland and Chrislyn in front of their chosen tree.

Holland Grace didn't mind the rain...

she was wearing her new snowsuit from H&M.

i am impressed with the quality of most of their infant clothing!

the suit has separate mittens and boots...fully lined with a hood

and was only 15.00! Chrislyn said she could not pass up on the pink

"Darryl, Darryl and Darryl" hat! ( we loved Bob Newhart)

it's a beauty...T I M B E R RRRRRRRRRRRRR!

on meeting Santa...

she held his hand, but did not take her eyes off of

Mommy and Daddy!

~ * ~

tonight we are watching old Christmas movies

and i am making some simple little

kindergarten angels for the chandie!

i found this really cool wired flat paper covered in glitter
at Annie's on first in Snohomish.

it's perfect for making halos.
i'm cutting up a crisp new white flour sack tea towel for
their ~~dresses~~ robes.

so...multi tasking it is...blogging, gathering little
angel robes, crocheting ribbons and garland
and watching old movies.

my ~~kitchen~~ workshop!

Merry Christmastime!
sugar plum dreams ahead!

[withLove]

sharing some free Christmas " love letters" ...

2011-12-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

i am eagerly anticipating the weekend so i can start

taking a few photos around 34th street.

( i am never home in the daylight accept for the weekends!)

~*~

in the mean time...i found this on Pinterest this morning!

look here!

last Saturday, i went over to Chrislyn , Jason and Holland's house
to work on some Christmas paper crafting projects. there is a little room off
of their living room that they are making into a library / play area for
Holland Grace. atop the bookcase, Chrislyn framed a print that she
found at jones design company. you can find it ...

~here~

how beautiful, is the message!

how it warms a home and a heart!

Merry Christmastime!

[withLove]

i can't get this song out of my head...

2011-12-13T07:09:00.000-08:00

so i am going to pass it on to you!

i have just fallen in love with this whole marshmallow trend!

visit here to find a post "fluffed" with tutorials!

if there was a definition of "Marshmallow Chic",

it would be here!

need a recipe?

a craft with the kids?

something way too yum, yum, yummy?

need i say more? Anthro's doin' it!

the Marshmallow World has come full circle since

Frank and Dean sang about it here!

i'll make some fluffy hot chocolate and dance with my grand babies
with only the lights of Christmas shining on 34th Street!
are you ready to twirl with me Holland Grace?

[withLove}

have you ever wished on a star? carried snowflakes home in a...

2011-12-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Mason,

mustard,

baby food,

jelly,

mayonnaise,

pickle

jar?

{withLove]