Make Homemade Peppermint Extract for Holiday Baking

I wrote an article on the history of Candy canes a few years ago. These sweet candies were first made as a bribe to keep children quiet during long, holiday church services. Actually, I've always loved the smell of peppermint. It's bracing, but also fresh and clean -- so I must be a kid at heart. Everywhere I've lived as an adult, I've cleared areas under my downspouts for mint varieties --

November Happenings

“Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils”

Cyril Connolly

I took the picture above, from my front deck this morning.  It is a beautiful, cold November day.

 Here is what's happening in my world for the month of November.

We closed on our new home today!  So for the next 26 days I will be packing, meeting contractors for quotes on hardwood flooring and painting and planning a very small Thanksgiving dinner.  Oh!  And my birthday is this month.  It actually falls on Thanksgiving!  Then on the 26th, we will move.

So this month is going to be a very busy, fun filled month!

Happy November!!

~♥ New Blog Banner ♥~

Want to learn how to make your own customized banner for your blog?  Then check out this link for some easy to follow steps!  Have fun and be creative...
http://www.blogguidebook.com/2012/08/how-to-make-header-for-your-blogger.html#
♥ Kim

Transferware Dishes

                                                             Welcome!

                It seems like Fall is marching right along-hard to believe it is already November! We have been busy working on some projects and so I haven't had time to take many new pictures so I am sharing some old ones of my transferware dishes. Some of these dishes are very old and others are new.

I seem to be drawn to all transferware dishes so it is hard to pick a favorite-what about you,do you have a favorite?

This last one makes me realize just how soon it is until I will be decorating for Christmas once again!
  Today is the start of the blowout fall bulb sale at Veseys warehouse on the Brackley Point Rd for anyone still wanting to get some tulips etc. It just so happens I have room for a few more! It seems where my daffodils have multiplied over the years many of my tulips have not been perennial so I need to replace some every fall for a beautiful spring show.

   Thank you for all your lovely comments and emails on my last post and once again welcome to my new followers. I have been asked if I was going to have my Christmas blog this year and I have decided not to have one this year due to the time required but I will be looking forward to posting Christmas on this blog soon!

Today I am joining French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home and My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Carolyn

Christmas Decoration: Ideas for White Christmas trees!!

Decorating Christmas tree is uniquely special! It brings together the entire family, putting up the tree, selecting ornaments, choosing a theme and the final display. Love everything about it, except maybe the effort in putting it away ;) So get bookmarking your inspirations, pin the ideas you love and when you have a theme marked, the rest will come easy.

White Christmas tree is non traditional, a very modern fun interpretation. They are available everywhere, and the ways you can decorate is amazing! Its the perfect foil for even your pastel and mercury silver ornaments. Anything on a white backdrop literally stands out!

Perfect apartment size and super cute! Match the ornaments to your wall color. White Christmas tree can be decked up in any color and look gorgeous each time.

Subtle elegance of white on white. The simple decoration is serene and the stair banister has the touch of fir and pine in sync with tradition. Love!

Match the decoration to your upholstery. Unique combination of brown and purple. Love the pine cones hanging on the tree. Choosing a theme really helps!

Vibrant colors! A sweet setup for holidays. Bright pink and green are the theme colors, in the wreath, wrappings, and table centerpieces. Cover gift boxes in matching paper and use it to prop up the trees.

A very contemporary Christmas decoration. Black and white is a popular combination and the white Christmas tree fits in perfectly. Tres chic!

Teal and white Christmas tree. A simple tree, which looks amazing in the living room backdrop. The upholstery adds so much to this look. Exceptional choice!

My favourite! Love the rainbow theme. If you love colors as much as me, just display all the colors, with a little scheme. This is a good scheme of colors and looks fantastic!

via here

Neutral colors are a good canvas for bright accent. White tree plays off the little hints of red and green beautifully. Those who love minimal and contemporary this is a good alternative.

If you have a sweet spot for a certain color, chances are its present all as home accents. Decorating your faux tree can't get simpler. Choose some ribbons, tinsel and baubles in your fav color. Done!

Traditional pale gold tissue Christmas tree skirt, with strings of light around frosted Christmas tree. It has a very natural and simple sophistication to it.

Add a few accent in the same color theme to make it festive. Very quick and absolutely complete. Spray paint thrift store ceramics in the same color to match the decor. Easy!

A Ghost?

With Halloween coming up, you might think this picture might be of a ghost....

Normally you don't see a white one of these...

It is a white squirrel.  They are rare but seen around here occasionally.  This one has been hanging around our house.  I was really happy to be able to get the picture above.  Normally every time I run and get the camera, he takes off or turns his back on me...lol.

I will miss seeing all of the wildlife around here, like this tiny baby bear, and this bear, these bluebirds, the baby turkeys, fawn and deer.

Some of you have asked we our moving date is.  We are closing in a few days and at this point the moving date is scheduled for Nov. 26.  We are looking forward to being in our own home again.

Hoping all of you are safe and sound after the wrath of Sandy.

xo

Penny

Sunny Autumn Respite

Welcome!

                         Come on into our garden and enjoy a quiet respite on this warm  sunny afternoon.

                  I have a comfortable chair for you with a cup of hot organic apple cider. Relax and enjoy a peek through a nice magazine or just enjoy the beauty of the falling leaves.

                                                             
                  An old birdhouse on the post that a squirrel has taken up residence.
               

                                               Autumn garden scenes this past week.

   Hope you  enjoyed a quiet autumn respite among the beauty of nature.

Today, I am joining Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday and A Delightsome Life for A Return to Loveliness.

  I pray for safety of all in the path of Hurricane Sandy and for those who have already suffered loss and devastation. My heart goes out to all of you.

Take care,
Carolyn