Flavored vinegars

Looks like our sunshine is coming to an end for a while.

The milder temps are also going to drop.

After moving the herbs inside a few weeks ago, I ended up putting them back outside because of the warm weather.

Then we got snow.

Back inside the plants came.

I almost forgot to make the flavored vinegars this year.

 It's a good thing I had to keep moving the plants inside, and out, then inside again.  It reminded me about the vinegars.

I use them in cooking, and also for salads.

The herbs help diffuse the pungency of the vinegar.

My favorite is Lavender...especially for salads.

 The Thyme, and Chive are wonderful for cooking.

I think even if I didn't use them, I'd enjoy having them on my window sill....just to look at 

When blogging becomes an obsession.

Why do we blog?

What did we do before blogging?

When I first started blogging, I thought of it as a way to journal my thoughts.

Then I started sharing pictures of my home.

I gleaned ideas from other bloggers to use in my own home.

It was like a subscription to an Internet decorating magazine!

I was loving it! Until "it" became an obsession.

For a while, I lost my identity.

I got really busy trying to keep up with what was popular, and forgot what MY style was....which has always been a collection of vintage clutter.

I LOVE the shabby, romantic style...kind of beachy, with a little French thrown in.

I've never had just one "theme" going on at a time.

Collecting vintage linens, dishes, frames, and mirrors has always been "me".

But I had to find a balance.

Blogging was what I did every minute that I had free time. I kept my computer on from the time I woke up,until the time I went to bed.

Instead of relaxing with my husband, and visiting with him, I would sit next to him on the sofa while our favorite shows were on, and I'd blog hop.

Then came the etsy shops.

Not only did I read the other blogs, comment on the other blogs, and email other bloggers, I started visiting their shops!!!

It was a whole new world out their!

I also got caught up in "collecting" followers. I thought to have a "successful" blog, I needed as many followers as I could get. That meant visiting even more blogs, which meant more reading, and more commenting.

Hellooooooooooooooo.....what about keeping it humble, and sharing my thoughts?

What was I doing?!!!

After a long conversation with Mr. Lakehouse, I decided to omit my followers section.

Who was I trying to impress?

I was happy just reading "A Beach Cottage" for the longest time...Sarah kept me entertained with her humor and decorating tips.

It kind of came to a head just last week.

I found myself "wanting" too much.

I felt like blogging was becoming a burden, instead of a blessing.

I actually thought that turning off my comment section was a good idea.

It wasn't.

So now I hope to get back to being happy floofing what I already have.

Since I'm such a clutter bug, I have plenty to pack away for a while, and switch things out with all the other stuff I have stored in closets.

After all, I must have liked everything at one time...right? So why not keep changing things out when I get bored....instead of buying more stuff!!!

I'm sorry, this has turned into a book.

Now, for today's post.

I visited Debra at Common Ground and read her post about Leola's Christmas Open House.

She took some wonderful pictures of great ideas for your holiday decorating.

I saw the chalkboard in the second post, and since I needed to change mine for the holidays, I borrowed the idea from Leola, or one of her helpers???

Autumn at the lake was my idea for Fall.

The next picture shows the board with Leola's idea.

It's perfect! and I didn't have to buy a thing!!!!
Thank you Debra for the inspiration.
Sorry I blabbed my head off today.
Happy blogging to y'all.

Another day of floofing.

I'm loving my new schedule at the pharmacy.

Working three days a week is so much better for me physically as well as emotionally.

I'm not feeling as exhausted as I was.

Plus, I can see my family a lot more now.

 Since I love decorating,  having more time to floof here at the lakehouse is another "plus" to working part-time.

 I moved the little mantel from the dining room into the living room.

Mr. Lakehouse was a little confused with the cement urn being brought inside.

I found this piece at the market with Laurie.

Instead of leaving it outside for the winter, I thought it would be nice to bring it in and enjoy it.

The next idea was taken from Faye.

I love how she filled a suitcase with pieces of handmade lace.

I like the gathering of vintage items on the big wall of the living room.

The wicker settee is constantly being floofed.

This time I brought the burlap, and ticking pillows together.

 I'm really happy with this look....for now....haha.

Originally I bought this gauzy throw(from Ikea) for the bedroom.

I like the mix of textures on the wicker chair found at a vintage shop last summer.

The drop cloth, throw, and vintage linen pillows add a little romance to the $12.00 chair.

That's it for my day of changing things around here at the lakehouse.
Hope your day is productive.
For anyone wondering...I turned the comment section back on.

Sunrise

I woke up with the sun this morning.

My thoughts, as the light filled the sky, were of past chapters  in my life.

 Growing up with an abusive mother. When I was young, I cried out to God over and over again....asking why He gave such a woman eight children to raise.
After having babes of my own, I thanked God for the experiences as a child. I learned what kind of mother I didn't want to be.

 I thought about Patrick(my first husband) having Leukemia. Our girls were so little. Why would God allow a man only 26 years old to die of such an awful illness?
Through Pat's illness, we were given the gift of salvation.

 Another situation was Mr. Lakehouse spending four days in the trauma unit at the U of M Hospital because of a horse throwing him....causing his lower body to compress into the upper left side of his body. His organs were bruised, and all the bones involving his left shoulder, and ribs were broken.
We learned that God performs miracles of healing, and grace.

 In 1996 a mass, the size of a juice orange was found on my brain.
We were blessed with another miracle. The doctors at St. Joe's Hospital were so amazed at the recovery, they entered my case in a medical journal.
We found the "peace that transcends all understanding".
I also knew that if I died on the operating table(as the surgeon suggested I might) I'd LIVE!
If I made it through the surgery, I'd live.  It was a win----win situation.

 Last winter was the discovery of uterine cancer. During the surgery, my bowel was perforated....causing a long recovery.
We understood that God is in control.

 Doctor reports of lumps in my granddaughter's breast.  The possibility of birth defects concerning my daughter's baby due this December.
The power of prayer....pouring in from the bloggers here.

 As I was reminded of the blessings and miracles of the past years, I was drawn to the sunrise.

I realized that the "Son" shines in the darkness.

Bringing peace, hope for a new day, and the knowledge that God is in control.

Each phase of the sunrise was like the chapters of my life.
The light entered the sky...slowly...but surely.
It filled my soul with joy.
I know that each new day brings unknown  circumstances...good and bad.
I also know that the Son will fill me with His light....just as the sun fills the morning sky with it's light.
I pray that I will stay focused on the Son for the remaining chapters of my life.
Have a blessed day.

Just enjoying the day.

Good afternoon.

It's a beautiful Autumn day here at the lakehouse.

I keep going to the windows and looking at the canal.

The water is sparkling with little diamond reflections of the sun.

 I will miss the water once it freezes over. 
Although we get to see deer, fox, and coyotes walk on the frozen canal during the cold winter months.

The Halloween decorations are all packed away, and I'm bringing out some Thanksgiving pieces....ever so slowly.

It's been one of those lazy days.

The kind where you do a little laundry, sweep the floors, and sip on apple cider.

Do you ever take a whole day and stay in your pj's?

THAT'S the kind of day I'm having.

The kind where you feel all warm and secure in your surroundings.

Finding joy in the little things.

Experiencing the presence of God in every room.

Loving where you are....feeling blessed to be in just the right place.
I hope that you are enjoying your "space" today. Being comfortable in your own skin. Feeling content.
Embrace it!!  Sit back, close your eyes, take in a few deep breaths.....and just be.
Toodles.

Shopping, surprises, and some floofing.

Helloooooooo!

Can you believe it's November 2nd??!!

I guess I can finally accept the fact that it's Fall.

I think Halloween made me realize Summer is really over.

I spent five days with my girls over the weekend.

We shopped Hobby Lobby, Pier 1 Imports, Target, Home Goods, and TJ Max.

I found a few little things for the house.

Mr. Lakehouse and I took a trip down to Ikea on Monday.

We found the jute rug we've been wanting for the dining room.

 While at Home Goods, Melissa and I found this great pillow!
I'm always a little behind  "what's in" for your home. BUT...... I'm really loving the burlap pillows and covers right now. Everyone has probably moved on to something else, but I don't care....I like it. 

My daughter Erin found this great stool for me at Target. She thought I'd like it because it looks "barn-ish" to her...LOL.

She was right, I do love the way it looks.

 After returning to the lakehouse, I found a package in the mail from Evelyn and Rose.etsy.com. Susan embroidered this vintage towel for me as part of Sandi's give away, from A Cottage Muse.  I was very happy to see the vintage towel, since I collect them....having our family initial on it makes it even more special.

 I ended my "floofing" spree with this pretty enamel pitcher we found at Ikea. It's such a creamy white.
I love how it looks on the French table runner I bought from Tracy at French Larkspur months ago.

Having five whole days to spend with my daughters, and their families was such a huge blessing for me.
I was ready to return to the lakehouse, though.  I was anxious to find places for my new treasures, and soooo excited to sleep in my own bed.
As a matter of fact, I'll be heading for bed shortly.
I hope you are enjoying your week!
Sweet dreams*******

A fun Halloween

We spent a few days with my daughters and their families.

Last night was the most fun ever.

The grandkiddos were all excited to go trick or treating.

Sadie was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz..... complete with her Ruby slippers.

Big sister Zoey was Rapunzel. She has really long hair, but it was the wrong color.

Anson and Charlotte were having fun with their glow in the dark sticks.

 Kayla dressed up as Cat Woman....she even had long fingernail/claws.

 Maddie was a cartoon character...a teenage monster, I think?????
The fun was just starting.

 Everyone is ready to go.........

 It was a nice night...perfect for the kids!
I am so glad I got to share in the fun.