Over the years I developed the habit of creating a huge cookie platter at Christmas with everyone’s favorite cookies. Does that sound familiar? Now, my family expects a wide variety of Christmas cookies. Since time is short these days and I don’t want to spend so much time baking, I have found a few shortcuts. One of those shortcuts is to use a boxed cake mix as the base. CakeRead More →
There are many traditions in our society that are becoming a lost art. One such tradition is to bring a hostess gift when you are invited over by friends and family. I am a firm believer that we should always take a small gift to say “Thank You” for them opening their home to us. Hostess gifts do not need to be expensive but they should reflect the season andRead More →
The mad rush is on! With only a short time left until Christmas, it’s time to get shopping. I really love the autumn months and I try to just focus on one holiday and season at a time. But now that November is here, it’s time to focus on the Christmas season. And shopping for gifts is one of the most time-consuming parts of this season. I always want theRead More →
Thanksgiving always feels like a lost holiday to me. That’s because it’s sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. It seems like we’re just starting to come out of our sugar high and “bam” we’re hit with Black Friday and Christmas shopping madness. There is something so wonderful about Thanksgiving that we often miss. This holiday gives us the opportunity to focus on all of our blessings. I find that the moreRead More →
One of my favorite soups is Manhattan Clam Chowder. Although we don’t live on the coast I am a fan of any type of seafood chowder. Many people only try the New England Style Chowder which is a cream based soup. Over the years I have moved away from the heavier types of soups in favor of broth based varieties. In part, because I have family members who are lactoseRead More →
Let there be light! I am finally getting some light in Pinecone Cottage. This week I am having a vintage chandelier put into my shed. I have been using twinkle lights around the perimeter but now I am getting an extra dose of twinkle. The chandelier is one that my husband and I bought at a yard sale about 7 years ago. It has just been sitting in our garageRead More →
For many years I have had a fascination with pressed leaves and ferns. When autumn rolls around I begin to snag colored leaves to press. Reds, oranges and yellows are all attractive and if done right can last for many years to come. Here is the technique that I use to press my leaves. How to Press Autumn Leaves: Gather your favorite fall leaves while they are still bright andRead More →
This post contains affiliate links that can provide a small income to my blog at no extra cost to you. For complete details, please see my Privacy Policy. Now that October is here it’s time for one of my favorite treats…Pumpkin Bread. I like it with my morning coffee or with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Tea in the afternoon. It has all those flavors of fall that we lookRead More →
Do you enjoy the change of seasons? Each season has it’s own feel to it. I love the ebb and flow of the year and how you can count on the changes that are to come. Maybe it’s a lifetime of being a student or a teacher but for me the Autumn Season always seems like the beginning. So as we move into this season with crisp cold nights andRead More →
The weather in the Northwest has suddenly turned cool. Thoughts of sweaters, blankets and fires are suddenly filling my mind. I truly love the autumn season and look forward to the crispness in the air and the brightly colored leaves. As we anticipate this new season we have much to look forward to. However, before you plop down in front of that fire there are some annual chores that needRead More →