HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS !

 

 

Welcome to our holiday home this year.

 

I have only decorated a few rooms.

There has been very little time to get it all done,

but I am happy and in the mood.

 

The weather here in the North-East has

certainly made us feel like it is winter,

even though it is still fall.

Snow has been falling, and between the two storms

we were up to twelve inches.

We are expecting warmer weather,

but I think we will still have a white Christmas.

 

Along with children and grown ups,

even dollies are waiting for Santa to come.

 

 

So here is a little tour of how I made our home feel like

 

CHRISTMAS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My snow people are feeling perfectly happy in this weather.

 

 

 

Sheep are warm in their woolly coats.......

 

 

....and mom is holding her baby close to keep her warm.

 

 

 

Owls have nested again.

This time in the entrance foyer-breakfast room.....

 

 

......and sweet books are there to read.

 

 

The living room is light and airy.

(Light makes me happy)

 

 

Santa is on his way with his reindeer.

Wonder what he will bring?

 

 

The mantel a bit different this year.

The little stars dangling from the twig star

spell "wish".

We have only one wish this year

"HEALTH"

 

I believe that is the most important thing.

Everything else will follow.

 

 

Our beautiful Frazier fir tree is a bit different  this

year too.

I used chandelier crystals, icicles, birds, nests,

stars and shimmering bird cages.

 

The tree sparkles and glistens.

 

 

A little snow girl made by Pat Castka

is bearing a gift.

 

 

I never realized how many different trees I had.

It truly made a virtual forest.....

 

 

 

....with a cute chalet.

 

 

And of course my pillow, inspired by a Pottery Barn version

a few years ago.

 

 

Last winter I made this cutie.

I actually kept her.

(Paula love, you will have to wait a little longer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my earlier, and larger snow gals.

I love the beautiful antique fabric I used

for her dress.

 

 

The porch looks pretty for winter.

 

 

 

I love crows.

Don't ask me why, I just do.

The are actually very funny. I feed them scraps and it is

amusing how they all interact.

So needless to say, I collect vintage decoys.

At a show recently, I got to talk to a customer who bought

one of my crow dolls.

She loves them as much as I do.

She told me an interesting thing.

When a crow passes away, they all mourn.

Did not know that.

 

 

Mine look quiet happy sporting their new ribbons.

 

 

I recently purchased these

candy canes made from wire and fabric.

When I put them into the jar, they made this

heart.

 

 

 

 

 

Natural, light and airy with some glitter.

I like it!

 

 

 

Our sons favorite Santa.

Made many moons ago, and still loved so much.

 

 

 

I purchased this sweet little angel a long time ago.

Don't remember the artists name.

It is a tiny treasure.

 

 

 

 

My wish for everyone...

 

May angels guide you and keep you safe.

 

 

I like to wish everyone happy holidays.

May all your wishes come true in the new year.

 Most of all, we wish for peace on earth.

May the wars stop, and all serving our country

return safe and sound.

 

God bless,

Evi

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

From my family to yours......

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I hope, and wish that you enjoy a wonderful holiday

with your loved ones.

 

This is a time where we are trying not to dwell

on things we cannot change,

but be thankful and appreciate what we have.

 

We will be spending time with our son and grandchildren.

 

Peter is preparing a wonderful meal,

(he is a great cook)

and we are looking forward to good talk,

much laughter and happy thoughts.

 

You have not heard much from me recently.

Here is a quick update.....

Hubby is still dealing with lots of medical issues.

Every time I think we reached the end,

something new pops up.

 

I am also working feverishly on Santa's and

snow girls for an upcoming blog sale.

(I have two big shows under my belt....,

stressful this time)

 

I am hoping that soon things get back to my new normal.

 

Sending everyone hugs and wishes for the best holiday!!!!

God bless,

Evi

 

TIME OUT FOR CULINARY TREATS

 

Yesterday we decided to treat ourselves to

a trip to the Culinary  Institute of America.

Hubby had a doctors appointment on the east side

of the Hudson River, and since Hyde Park

was only 3 miles away from there,

why not have some wonderful thing

to look forward to.

We have been there a few times before,

but yesterday seemed special.

The rain held off, it was not mobbed,

the leaves have started to turn, but everything looks still

luscious  and green.

 

This is Roth Hall at the CIA.......

 

 

 

.....the Culinary Institute of America.

The campus is large. It is one of the

finest culinary colleges in the world.

 

 

 

The CIA is situated on a beautiful spot on the east

bank of the Hudson River.........

 

 

 

with beautiful vistas of the Catskill

mountains on the west side of the Hudson.

 

 

Look carefully and you can see the Hudson on the

right top of the picture.

 

 Anton Plaza.

It is hard to find a prettier place.

From here you can look at the Hudson or Roth Hall.

 

 

 

How nice, that people are still generous to make funds

available to give people enjoyment.

And enjoy we did.

We ran into Australians who loved our pretty

part of the world.

 

 

 

 

Just sitting there, relaxing and looking at the fountain,

 was good for our souls.

 

 

 

 

 

Lets follow these upcoming chefs into Roth Hall.

Roth Hall has three Restaurants, a bookstore,

where you can also get the latest gadgets.

Classrooms and places to see some of the young

chefs  learning the art of baking.

Unfortunately no pictures are allowed to protect

the privacy of the students.

Lots of fun to watch though.

What I found amusing....when we walked

behind a student going to class, we noticed

that she had her wire whisk hanging from her knapsack...

Cute!

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, we could not take pictures of the

restaurant we chose in Roth Hall,

The Apple Pie Bakery Café.

At least I got permission to take a picture

of this mural of the Hudson.....

 

 

and the courtyard for the students right outside of

our window.

It reminds me of a monastery, and there is also a chapel

on campus with beautiful windows.

 

 

And now for the best part of our day....

our luncheon......

 

Shrimp Nicoise!

 

Grilled shrimp, balsamic vinegar reduction, greens,

quail egg, fingerling potatoes, haricot vert, asparagus,

olives, piquillo peppers and cherry tomatoes,

with herb vinaigrette.

 

 

That quail egg looked so sweet, I could not resist taking a picture.

 

 

 

Oh, the desserts!!!!!!

Hubby and I shared  a lemon tart

presented in the most intriguing way.

It was decorated with white chocolate,

a kumquat and a meringue.

It was heavenly!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other desert was a Tart Bourdalou.

Poached pears in vanilla syrup with almond cream

inside a  crisp almond tart shell.

 

If you ever have a chance to visit, indulge!

So many wonderful things to choose from.

The students have made it all, and also serve

their creations at lunch to you.

They are eager to engage and tell you what

they are studying and what their plans

are for their future.

It was charming!

 

 

One of the displays in the windows showed

lovely breads........

 

......so of course some came home with us.

Who could resist!!!

Oh, I don't know what the 40 means on the bags,

certainly not $ 40.00.

 

 

 

This map shows just how big the campus is,

and we saw  that they are still building.

 

 

After all the eating, we had to walk some of it off.

This restaurant sits apart from the others.

It is the Ristaurante Caterina de' Medici,

and also the Colavita Center for

Italian Food and Wine.

I felt like I was transported to Italy.

 

 

Everywhere we went, we saw herb and vegetable gardens

tended by the students.

Even along driveways and roads.

 

 

And urns everywhere with edible flowers, herbs and veggies,

incredible and inspiring!

 

 

All these wonderful things end up in their cooking,

beautiful and fresh.

 

 

One huge urn still had strawberries coming.

 

 

We walked, we set in this peaceful spot.....

 

 

 

.....and at one o'clock it was time to face reality

and head to hubbies doctor.

The news was better than expected,

and we are happy.

Hoping for more good news in the next months,

and keeping our fingers crossed.

I am trying to get ready for some shows.

Also some windows are getting replaced

next week.

So, I have done no decorating for Halloween.

We will be in a mess.

But I am wishing everyone a happy, and not

too spooky Halloween.

 

God bless,

Evi