Author: jennifer

Simple pleasures

Color, Musings on Life and Beauty

I’ve always found it interesting how much comfort can be found in feeling grateful for simple things.

Today I’m thankful for the gift of fresh fruit, oranges to be exact.

sliced oranges
They looked so beautiful with juicy sections glistening in the sunlight.  I love the many shades of color.  Things like this seem so simple, but when you really look at them you realize what a composition they are in themselves.

orange slice
They tasted as sweet as they looked.  Mmm.  Not many things better than a sweet, juicy orange in the winter.

What simple thing are you thankful for today?

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Spring Porch

Decorating


rocking chair with red bench and spring sign
Inspired by the spring weather we’ve had this week, I took the little ones on a walk and when we got home I decided to give my front porch a little attention.  It started out simply, but somehow became a project that involved moving everything that was on the porch somewhere else, and bringing pieces from other porches to use in front.

My parents gave me this cabinet that they picked up at a community yard sale in Colorado.  The large drawer is made for storing bulbs.  I bought the “dirt” bin years ago because it made me laugh.  It still makes me laugh, and it’s a great place to keep dirt.

vintage cabinet with dirt bin and window frame
I grabbed my old “spring” sign from the basement, along with a white lantern to sit on my old red bench.  I love that bench.  I could use it in 10 different places at the same time.

red bench with "spring" sign
My old blue milk jug found a new location as well, along with a planter I hope to fill with flowers soon.

vintage blue milk jug and planter
The porch looks more open than it did.  More colorful, yet simpler at the same time.

distant view of porch
Zero cost.  A bit of time.  Entirely new look on my front porch.  I like it.

Front porch ready for spring
I’d love to add a rug.  What do you think?

This post linked to The Inspired Room .

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Verna and Kate Spain

Color, Dishes, Quilting and Sewing

Earlier today I posted pictures of the quilt top I’m putting together.  It’s made with Kate Spain’s new collection for Moda, titled Verna .

Well, about an hour later, Kate left a comment on the post, which was so kind of her, and although I have absolutely no idea how she found her way to my post, I do know that her comment led me directly to her website .

And I think I can say that I now have a new favorite designer to watch.

Let me back up.  A few weeks ago a new Crate & Barrel catalog came in the mail, and I devoured all the pictures, as usual.  One in particular was torn out of the catalog and kept for 2 reasons:  1.  I want these!  2.  Inspiration.

Did you see these too?  And do you like them like I do?
Loire plates
I mean, I’d like several in each color, but if I had to choose, I’d take the aqua ones.  They’re beautiful and affordable.  You can buy them individually or in sets of four.   Hello!  Can they get any cuter?

Back to Kate Spain.  You see, not only is she responsible for the gorgeous quilting fabric that I’m currently in love with, but imagine my delight when I read a few posts on her blog and discovered that SHE is the designer of those lovely Loire plates, the very plates I tore out of the catalog,  from Crate & Barrel!  She also designed these awesome melamine plates .

Wow!  I was so excited to discover that two different products which I’m so drawn to are designed by the same person.  Cute stuff!

Well, it gets even better than that.  She’s currently giving away one layer cake from the Verna collection, and some totally cute gift bags and takeout boxes for a second winner.  So hurry on over here and get in on the fun.  You have until March 20th to enter.

And thank you, thank you Kate for sharing your awesome designs!  I love them.

Hopeful Homemaker

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