Winter Morning

Gypsa Darkest Pretty Blue Quilt

I love blankets. I love afghans, coverlets, throws, and comforters. I believe that you can never have too many of them. But most of all I love quilts.

The quilts in etsy shop gypsa are hand-dyed, hand-sewn, and one-of-a-kind. I want to cuddle under the beautiful Darkest Pretty Blue Queen Quilt on a cold winter's night.

Gypsa's lovely goods are created by several artistic families. The shop have been featured in Anthropologie and Apartment Therapy.

A twin version of the quilt is also available.

Snowfall

Lovely Blogs

Michigan is settling into winter. The days are getting shorter, and the chill of the air promises snow. The winter solstice will be followed by Christmas and the new year. My new job means I get more time to celebrate the holidays. I am content to settle into my nest.

Here are a few cozy blogs to inspire your home.

Who says life in the city is cold? Stefanie of A Common Thread catches the warmth of living in NYC.

Jodi of A Keeping of Days keeps a comforting Midwestern blog and home.

Lindsay of A Wooden Nest invites readers to share her home in the Pacific Northwest.

I hope these blogs bring you good cheer!

Safe at Home

It has been a mild winter in Michigan, so tonight's winter storm reminds us of typical February weather: frigid temperatures, gusting winds, and snow. It meant slick roads and limited visibility. 

My fifty minute commute took an hour-and-a-half, and I was happy to pull into the driveway.

Freezer Jam

Although it is winter in Michigan I have been in the mood to experiment with preserving.

When I was young my mother always canned. She put up quarts of pickles, relish, green beans and tomatoes. And freezer jam.

As I walked down the aisle at Meijer, I came across the Ball mason jars. With the renewed interest in canning, the section is quite impressive.

When I saw the recipe for No-Cook Strawberry Jam on the back of the Ball 8 oz. Freezer Jars only had three ingredients (strawberries, sugar and pectin), I decided to give it a try. I bought the jars, pectin and strawberries. I also bought the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving to study the art of preserving food.

Mashing Strawberries

Although I used the recipe on the packaging, the Traditional Strawberry Jam on Ball's website is similar. I used Well Pict Strawberries, Florida Crystals Demerara Sugar and Ball Instant Pectin.

Strawberry Freezer Jam on 12 Grain Toast

The jam is sweet without being overwhelming. It would be delicious on bagels, ice cream, pancakes and yogurt.

I cannot wait until I can use fresh strawberries!

A Little Update

We have been living in the house for a little over a month. I took a vacation the first nine days of the year.  Even though I had a cold, it did not seem as bad because I did not have to go to work. I used the time to clean and organize our house. It is starting to feel like home.

I feel like I am living in "real time." Although I am back to work and still have a long commute, I am not letting it interfere with my life.

Change is near. And it is for the better.

Snowfall

Unexpected

First Snow

Wintery Mix

This morning Mid-Michigan experienced torrential rain and wind. As the day progressed, it became a bone-soaking drizzle that slowly became sleet. 

The overnight forecast is 5-8 inches of snow.

Can it be called a "Winter Advisory" if it is not winter yet?

Chan Luu Scarves

My favorite accessory is the scarf. I love the multitude of colors, fibers and textures. Whether it is a handmade wool scarf in the winter, a cool cotton scarf in the spring, a breezy linen one in the summer or a silk shawl in the fall, scarves are versatile accessories. A scarf can make an outfit boho, casual, chic or elegant.

I wish I could afford a Chan Luu scarf. Made of silk and cashmere, Chan Luu scarves are feminine and luxurious. The scarves are stories based on nature and world cultures. I would love to have one in my wardrobe.

Cinder Cashmere and Silk Scarf

Cloud Grey Cashmere and Silk Scarf

Sand Dollar Cashmere and Silk Scarf

Do you love scarves but you are not sure how to wear them? Here are 7 Ways to Wear a Scarf by MichellePhan:

Wordless Wednesday: Blush

Wordless Wednesday: Borders

Wordless Wednesday: Winter Storm 2011

Winter Storm

Michigan is experiencing the first winter storm of the Christmas season. The weather channel says to expect 5-9 inches.

I am ambivalent about winter. I wish I could hibernate until spring. I hate driving in snow. I hate being cold.

Still, I get a certain excitement reminiscent of childhood and the possibility of being snowed in when we get get winter storms. I love the way the snow clings to tree branches, the way it envelopes the world. And the cold gives me a reason to make tea and snuggle under an afghan in front of the fireplace.

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