Happy New Year!

Fierce winds are blowing here at the Lakehouse.

The weather has taken a turn for the worse.

It's nothing compared to what has transpired for the folks south, I'm sure.

With loss of life due to storms, and tornadoes.

What a horrific holiday season for so many.

Losing power for four days is nothing in comparison.

We spent the holidays with family three hours south of here, and cherished every moment.

My middle daughter and family gifted me with the two large candle jars on the mantle, and this pretty knob that holds this JDL scarf for Christmas.

All fitting presents for the Lakehouse decor.

The Jessica Simpson bedding has already found a new home with my 14 year old granddaughter, Maddie.

The colors just didn't "fit" here for my taste.

I thought it would be a nice "change" for the winter season....but it just wasn't "me".

The RA bedding suits my style, and makes my heart sing.

Jessica Simpson's bedding is beautiful!

I'm just more comfortable with the RA line, I guess.

So....the ruffles and roses are back, and I'm a happy girl.

Sometimes....staying with what we know is a good thing.....the grass isn't always greener....ya know what I mean?

Happy New Year everybody!
Smooches.
Debbie
xoxo

Merry Christmas!

The weather outside's not frightful....if not for the fog it would be delightful!

The temps are mild for this time of year.

Instead of snow, we are getting some needed rain.

The forecast for Christmas Day is sunshine and more warmth.

The days are still short....making evenings cozy with candles, and firelight.

Angel wings are a big part of my holiday decor this year.

To be honest....I haven't really decorated much at all.

Just a few pieces here and there.

Angel wings are everywhere! 

Even without the holidays, I still love angel wings.

Bottle brush, and feather trees are found throughout the house for a romantic touch.

You will find the tiniest of lights here at the Lakehouse, and lots of candles to add the warmth of the holiday season.

If you look hard, you will see this little guy also.

He's waiting for the right time to make his entrance.

I hope Christmas week is special for you and your family. 
Enjoy the season, and what the holiday brings your way.
I pray our true focus is Christ, and the gift He offers to the world.
Blessings!
Debbie
xo

A vintage-Christmas tablescape

I apologize for not responding to comments on the last two blog posts.

I will be getting to that in the next two days....promise.

I've been away from this computer more than I've been here, mostly checking some facebook posts when I do turn this thing on.

I answer one or two blog comments, then I'm off again.

Feeling very unmotivated these days.

I did see Amy's FB post about holiday tablescapes.....from Maison Decor.

Amy and five other bloggers got together for a nice presentation, and they all shared their ideas on some gorgeous settings for pretty tables for the holidays.

It gave me some ideas for a tablescape using vintage pieces for my own Christmas table.

Goblets and glasses from antique shops. Silver and linen  from an antique market. Butter pats collected from various shops, and shows.

Some of the pieces used down the center of the table are antique, and some are reproductions.

When gathered together, they make a nice vintage looking display for the Christmas holiday.

The pretty chargers were a sale item from Joss & Main, and the plates are from Target.

Fitting with the theme of a White (shabby) Christmas, here at the Lakehouse

Please put Diana(from Nana Diana takes a Break) on your prayer list. Her family is dealing with a health issue....concerning her husband. Prayers would be a GOOD thing!
Debbie
xoxoxo

The accent pillows have arrived.

The accent pillows for the new bedding arrived yesterday.

They give the bed a more "finished" look.

I like the vintage look the pillows have.....but am already missing the familiar ruffles that I'm used to.

And there you have it.....The Jessica Simpson bedding I am using to decorate our bedroom for the long winter months here at the Lakehouse.

A nice change.

Have a happy week.
Debbie
xo

Changing it up for Winter.

Good Saturday morning.

It's a bright morning here at the Lakehouse.....even brighter now that I've changed the dressing on the window here in our bedroom.

As some of you know, I collect RA bedding....sheet sets, and duvet covers, quilts, comforters, and pillow covers.

I also have RA decor books.

In the last book that I ordered, recently, I was reading about Jessica Simpson's home.

Anyway.....one thing led to another, and I ended up looking up Jessica Simpson's bedding line.

If you are feeling like you need a little bit of a change in just one room for the long winter months.......something that will blend in with your shabby chic decor that you already have....then may I suggest you take a look at Jessica Simpson's line of bedding?

Everything was already in this room, except for the window sashes.

They were brought up from the dining room.

The shutter and birdcage were moved over from another area of this same bedroom.

The side table is the same, minus the dust.

The sheets are from RA.

The shelf was already there.

There are three more pillows that go with this comforter set.

I am still waiting for them to arrive.

They are sold separate from the comforter and shams.

I love the embroidery on the pillow shams.

I am more of a floral type person when it comes to bedding.

I tend to gravitate to roses, but this motif is really beautiful!

I realize this set has a bohemian vibe to it....maybe that's the bit of a change I was needing to break up the long winter months here at the lake.....but it blends in so well with the shabby chic decor that I already have here at the Lakehouse.

I don't plan on changing the whole house over to a Boho look!!!

I just bought a new comforter set to compliment the RA bedding that I already collect.

This is a fun look for a change....but I am a romantic at heart.

Come spring, the ruffles and roses will be back.

Have a great weekend!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxo

The first snowfall.

We received our first snowfall here at the lake.

Our totals didn't add up to what everyone else received in the surrounding areas of Michigan. We have just enough to let us know that Winter has arrived. 

With the sun bouncing off the open water, plus the snow covered ground, it was brighter than usual this morning.

The first snowfall of the season is always a treat.

You can't help but feel the anticipation of the upcoming holiday season.

You slip on that old comfy robe from last Christmas, your heavy socks, and fluffy slippers...then put some water on for some hot tea.

You might even turn on a Christmas song....or two.

Enjoying that first snowfall here at the Lakehouse......
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Coloring books for grown ups.

Do you like to color, or did you enjoy coloring when you were young?

Maybe it's because I have grandchildren, or because I love painting....I love coloring.

I especially like using colored pencils, because it's easier for me to shade, and blend.

I am NOT an artist....but I do enjoy sitting down and coloring.

I find it difficult to sit still while watching TV.

I need to be doing something with my hands.

That's why I like silk ribbon embroidery. I can accomplish something while sitting with the TV going.

I found these "coloring books for grown ups" at Hobby Lobby, and TJMaxx.

They are inexpensive, and the colored pencils were right with the books at Hobby Lobby.

It depends on how detailed you are, but these pictures took me some time to finish...and I wasn't even being as detailed as I could have been!

There are many different books, pictures, and subjects to choose from.

Each book has a lot of pictures. They will keep you busy for quite a while.

You can use crayons, markers, pencils, paints, or chalks(which I am going to use for blending on the next picture I color.)

What is nice about this...you can do as much, or as little as you want. No deadline. It's just a relaxing hobby for anyone with the spare time to do it...lol.

It's not like a class...no one has to see it, other than you. You can be as creative as you want with it. You can even add some glitter....Donna???
Have a fun weekend!
Debbie
xoxoxo

One day at a time.

First of all, I'd like to thank Diana (from Nana Diana Takes a Break) for her post about the feature in Romantic Country Magazine.

That was very kind of you, dear friend.

Second, for the suggestion from Tessa to make the images a little smaller to fit in with the format of my blog.

I am open to any suggestions that will improve the overall appearance of the blog. So....please let me know if this looks better.....I appreciate your honesty dear lady.

The flowers from the garden that have been drying were ready to finish the wreath hanging over the mantle.

I showed you the partially finished version.

This is how it looks now.

I am happy with the way it turned out.

The lack of sunshine has me in a melancholy mood these days.

With the holidays approaching, reminders of my niece have been creeping in my mind.

My sister is going through some difficult days....missing her daughter.

We talk on the phone (she lives in Washington state) many times for encouragement.

I cannot imagine being in her position.

Needing some connection, a word, a photo, any little detail to keep that person alive in your heart.

We try to capture memories, and hold them tight....not wanting them to escape our minds eye.

If we could just keep them from fading away.......

I think that's why we talk about our loved ones so much.

To keep those memories alive in our hearts and minds.

So they don't become lost.

We hold on tight to the funny things, and let go of the sadness.....slowly.

There is no time limit on grief.

Until we've grieved, we will muddle through the sadness with the freshness of our loss. Yet laugh about the silly times we remember. The times that seem like yesterday. We will reinforce the fun, and hold those days captive in our hearts, until they take over the grief......one day at a time.
My love to my sister, Denise.
Debbie
xo

Sissie and JDL

Good Sunday morning to you.

It's bright and sunny here at the lake this morning.

The Nuthatches and Chickadees are busy at the feeders, filling up on seed, getting ready for the cold weather ahead.

I know I've shared my angel wings with you before, but I wanted to let you know about the blogger that I bought them from.

I'm sure you know her.....Sissie, from Sissie's Shabby Cottage.

She's one of the first bloggers that I started following when I joined the blogging community.

Sissie is a very talented a creative lady.

Her home is gorgeous!

She is kind beyond words....and I just love her style.....not just decor wise, but as a person, too!

Sissie sells items from the Jeanne d' Arc Living line.

The pieces for your home are beautiful!

I ordered this lovely pillow slip, with it's wonderful detailing, and was recently gifted with another (from Sissie) with another. The workmanship in the product is amazing!

I LOVE the lace angel wings I ordered from her, too!

They will definitely be a part of my Christmas decor this year.

I'm using an idea that I saw on Sissie's blog for the wings...using a rosary made by Kerrie at Seawashed....another talented artist met through blogging.

You can see a scarf from JDL with the wings, and rosary as part of the vignette.

Part of the JDL clothing line.

I've ordered three tunics from the clothing line, and LOVE them all!

The shoulder bag is a stunner, and I've received many compliments on that.

Sissie sells her JDL pieces through her etsy store. 
It's a quick and easy process, and I personally guarantee you will be pleased with your purchase.
I have not been asked, or compensated to do this post. I am doing it because I LOVE this classy lady, and am so pleased with the line of merchandise she sells.
Enjoy your day!!!
xoxoxo

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween to you!

My email has been down for quite a bit, so I had to switch from hotmail to gmail.

My new address is in my profile if you need it.

The weather here is very nasty for the poor trick or treaters. 

Cold, windy and raining....and  some flakes here and there.

A good night to stay inside and sit by the fire.

My stomach has been feeling a little off the past week....symptomatic of Crohn's Disease.

I doubt I will be doing much in the way of partying tonight.

The white chalky brand of liquid relief for the stomach will be my drink of choice for the evening.

No ice....just straight up for me, thank you.

It should clear up in a couple of more days.

It's kind of like the tide....some days you have high tide, then it rolls back out. There have been times when a tsunami came crashing in....those days you need more than the chalky liquid drinks.

Things could always be worse.

It could rain on Halloween!!!

Hopefully the weather will let up long enough for the kids to get out and have some fun.

They look forward to this all year long.

I'd hate for them to get colds and flu because of the bad weather.

Ahem.....have you had your flu shot???

Just a plug from your friendly pharmacy tech.

AND don't forget about setting your clock back if you live anywhere around me......I deplore daylight savings time, by the way.  Does Hallmark make a card for that?

I sincerely hope that the weather is nice where you are, so the kids can enjoy their evening.
Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Debbie
xo