Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly !!

"Trying to Live Healthy"....

2012-02-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

I am simply in awe, of those of you who make almost everything from scratch!?...
I so want to be YOU!.....
With the beginning of the new year last month, my daughter Mallory & I went on this ridiculous cleanse. Well, it didn't seem so ridiculous...you were able to eat meals, very limited ones....no gluten, no meat, not caffeine, no sugar. Sounds O.K. right?...well you were supposed to be on this for 21 days, but we both lasted two...barely.
At the end of the first day, Mallory was seeing spots, with the most incredible sugar withdrawl ever. I felt O.K. but was so calm it was eerie.
Then on the second day I simply had no attention span?....I couldn't concentrate on a thing. I decided to sit for a bit on the sofa, where I practically ended up in the fetal position!....My husband came home, witnessed me almost comatose,... & told me to go make myself a cup of coffee!...He begged, "Stop this nonsense!...Just eat healthy!"....So that is exactly what we have been doing!....and both Mallory & I are feeling great!
What the "cleanse" did do for us though, was to get me off of diet soda, Mallory to stop nibbling candy all day at work,... & it made both of us very conscious of what we are putting in our bodies....so here is where I get back to the idea of "cooking from scratch".
Lately I am reading the sides of boxes & cans...& OMGoodness! It is so scary!...Even on many of the items that seem quite healthy, there remains a few ingredients that you cannot pronounce?..or have no idea what they are?....Isn't that creepy?
In the light of our new awareness, both Mallory & I are trying to adapt a "chemical-free" diet. We are trying to make more & more from scratch, instead of purchasing the already prepared variety, like spaghetti sauce or soup, etc. We are also attempting to create meals where we have to prepare very little, eating "cleaner" I guess. Veggies that are simply drizzled with a little olive oil, sprinkled with kosher salt & roasted....Broiled fish, prepared in a similar way, & we have even been grilling fruit with a bit of brown sugar, instead of processed desserts!...and I have to say we are both finding it all quite exciting!...
Like I said above, both Mallory & I are feeling much better, realizing just this morning that neither one of us has had a headache for weeks!...I am happy to say I've lost almost 10lbs....we both have lots of energy & our cravings for caffeine & sugar are becoming less & less.
In short, eating healthy works!
I know we have just begun our journey, but I think we both are headed in the right direction!
If any of you have "clean" recipes or tips, please let me know! I would love any ideas you may have!....and may include them in one of my upcoming newsletters!

Here's to being healthy & happy!
heidi
xo

The Valentine's Issue of "Living Little" has been sent!

2012-02-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

Greetings Friends,
Happy Friday to you all!....I wanted to let you know that the "February".... & that means the Valentine's issue, of "Living Little with Heidi" is on it's way to all of you!....
I was very happy with how this month's issue turned out!..... & hope you all agree with me!

In this month's issue....

* "Decorating with Blue/White Transfer-ware"
(historical in design, but also perfect today!)

* "Blueberries in Winter" Recipes
( all delicious, but tart is over-the-moon!!)

* "Shopping for Red"
( darling items for your home, yourself & for valentine's day)

*"Sweet Craft Idea for All Your Girlfriends"
(a "living little" idea that all your girlfriends will adore!)

Wishing you all a delightful February!....If you would like to subscribe to my free, monthly on-line newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi", please write me at heididevlin@gmail.com & I will be happy to send you both the January & February issues!
"Living Little" is all about "creating a beautiful life with little time, little money & little space"...something I believe we all can relate to!
I write about what works for me in the areas of decorating, cooking, gardening, crafts & entertaining!..... & love sharing my ideas with all of you!

Wishing you a cozy winter weekend!

your friend,

heidi xo

"R.S.V.P.-ing"?????

2012-02-02T19:54:00.000-08:00

I am very frustrated to say the least. Let me explain. I have always been the mother & wife that enjoys entertaining, whether it be birthday parties, family dinners, or holidays. I love the planning & the execution & the actual event. I love opening my home, sharing meals, & special days with our friends & family....& I believe our guests enjoy it too.

What I will never understand is the lack of consideration when it comes to R.S.V.P.-ing?
What is with that?....
You send invitations, asking if the recipient will let you know if they are able to come or not....not difficult. Now keep in mind it used to mean calling, but now more than not it is simply e-mailing the hostess, letting them know "yes" you are coming or "no" you are not....very, very easy, right?...
So again I ask, why don't people do it?....
Were we all not brought up to R.S.V.P?...I was brought up in a middle-class home, not terribly fancy, but there was not an invitation that went through our home where I was allowed to ignore calling the hostess.
I was taught that taking the time was respectful. Respectful of the hostess's time in planning meals & decor.
It was called having good manners....
& so I raised my own children.
Today however, this issue seems to be getting worse & worse!....I still entertain quite frequently, but receive only a handful of calls, usually having to check-in with people to see if indeed they are coming?....And most recently my daughter Holly, who is getting married in the next few weeks, has been given some lovely bridal showers...& of course half the people invited do not R.S.V.P? OMG!!??
My message here is this.....use the manners your mothers taught you!....act responsibly & politely!....
If you were thought highly enough of, to be invited to an event, then be responsible & respectful enough to R.S.V.P. to the host/hostess.
Remember to treat others the way you wish them to treat you.

Forgive my lecturing....

heidi
xo

Pretending.....

2012-01-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

It is January 27th here in Southern California today...& it was 80 degrees.

There is no denying it was a lovely day, but in winter I would love to look out & see white!.....white in the form of snow that is!.....I yearn for snow laden trees, a snow covered roof & snow gracefully fluttering down from a dark gray sky.

I dream of being snowed-in, being forced to spend weeks, cooking soup & sewing in front of a crackling fire.
I wish to wear fluffy wool sweaters & cozy rag wool socks.... & drink mug after mug of hot chocolate.

Luckily for me, the evenings here at our house do drop considerably. I will light all the candles & make a small fire....& maybe soup.....

& I will pretend the snow is falling....

I am happy.

heidi
xo

"Holly & John".......

2012-01-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter Holly, is engaged to be married in just a couple months, so needless to say our home is a "swirl of wedding talk"!.... wedding invitations, wedding favors, wedding preparations of all kinds!....
In keeping with the event, Holly & her fiance John, spent the afternoon a few weeks ago, having their engagement photos taken.....& as a proud mother I thought I would share a few!

It is so incredible to see your child so very happy, finding that perfect person to spend her life with. It is what all of us want for our children,....to be happy, content & loved.

I believe these two are just that.....

Holly + John = forever.

heidi
xo

"Living Little with Heidi"..... January issue is here!

2012-01-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Good Morning....Just a little note to let you all know that the
January issue of "Living Little with Heidi" was sent out yesterday!.....
For those of you who have no idea what I am referring to,....."Living Little" is a monthly, on-line newsletter written by me. It is filled with seasonal ideas for decorating, entertaining, gardening, crafting, as well as delicious recipes....& it is FREE!

My philosophy for the newsletter is "Creating a beautiful life with little time, little money & little space", which is something we all can appreciate living in these times!
The newsletter is very pretty!...filled with lovely photos, inspirational quotes & my own ideas for creating a charming home for you & your family!

If you would like the January 2012 issue e-mailed you you, please let me know at "heididevlin@gmail.com" & I will be more than happy to send it right out!

Thank you to all of you who have written me! I am thrilled you find "Living Little" a publication useful & quite enjoyable!.....

Happy reading!....
Your friend,
Heidi XO

"Kindred Spirits"......an amazing story of friendship

2012-01-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I received the most amazing e-mail. I will post the actual letter at the end of this blog post, but I feel the need to give a brief explanation before you read it.

A couple years ago I hosted a lovely "St. Valentine's Day Swap".... here on my blog. Many ladies signed up to participate....among them a lady named Donna who lived in Wisconsin & another who lived in Arizona named Lynn.

From looking over their information sheets (needed for any swap), they seemed like the perfect swap partners for each other,.... sharing similar interests & tastes....so I indeed made them Valentine swap partners!

They both fully enjoyed the swap, each e-mailing me afterwards, telling me how much fun it had been & how wonderful it was to meet a friend through a blog!?......So over the last two years, Donna & Lynn, even though never meeting in person, became dear friends......

Then like I mentioned above, I received this incredibly touching letter. It made me remember, it made me happy & then it made me cry.... sad tears,.... very sad tears.
After a good cry, I realized this is also a very inspiring story. A story of two ladies, brought together in the simplest way. Two ladies who have become the best of friends through sharing their lives over the internet...... sharing their best experiences & getting each other through the worst ones. It is a story of true "kindred spirits"......

Thank you Donna for writing me...& reminding us that true friendship can be found in the most unusual ways........In friendship, Heidi XO
***************************

This is Donna's letter to me.....

"A Sad Farewell to a Blogging Friend"

Dear Heidi,
Back in the winter of 2010 you hosted a Valentine's swap. New to the blogging world and haven't done anything like this before I was hesitate but somewhat curious and decided to sign up. Well what a beautiful experience and special friendship I formed with my new "friend". We seemed to have been matched together not only by you but by someone with much high powers. We clicked together immediately and continued to correspond and share "surprises" as things arose. A few months later we were both struck with a terrible, devastating tragedy and leaned upon each other for strength and companionship when we both felt so isolated from the world. We continued through the past two years, though never meeting, or even talking on the phone, continued to open one's soul and bare our most intimate fears. We would continue to make gifts for each other and would share our vintage finds with each other trying to bring some joy and smiles to our somewhat dark, gloomy lives we were forced to endure. Heidi, my dear friend, Lynn, whom you introduced me to, is struggling to stay alive while fighting a brain tumor. As of late October, she was still hand stitching me things for my kitchen and sending me vintage surprises.....then weeks passed and no correspondence.
While busy myself with the holidays and starting a new job (and keeping the old one) I just assumed she was caught up in lost time and was busy preparing for the holidays. When the first of the year arrived and still nothing from her, I became worried and tried to reach her. I just received a short, but brief e-mail from her husband, "Lynn will be entering hospice care". I cannot think of how many times she lifted me up in prayer when I was struggling with my own hardship. I will miss her thoughtfulness, her kind words and the way she gave me strength when I felt so weak. I thank you Heidi for the opportunity to meet a new friend along life's journey and to gain so much from a brief and yet, so powerful friendship. I have many friends in my life, some from years ago and others more recent, but this "blogging" friendship was unique. I will be deeply saddened should I receive news of her passing. For now she is still with us, though struggling and fighting this terrible demon that has overtaken her body. Please share with others through your post, to add Lynn to their prayers and believe that through God anything is possible. Thank you. Donna Z.

"The Last Lovely Days of 2011".....

2012-01-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

january third, 2012......

I am sitting & writing this post tonight in a very tidy house. The tree has been taken down & the ornaments all tucked away for next year. All the decorations have been carefully packed & every sign of Christmas is gone.
Then I sat down & while going over photos on-line realized I had taken these pretty pictures that I had been to busy at the time to post? So I am sharing them now....

Christmas came & went a bit too quickly once again....I have never quite figured out how to make those magical weeks after Thanksgiving slow down...really slow down, you know, like when you were a child. Happily though I did capture a few glimpses of just how magical the house looked & how enchanting it felt.

Every year I basically use the same decorations,...but try & arrange them in different & fresh ways.....& this year was no exception. There were lots of little sparkly fairy lights, candy canes & holly everywhere & our angel watching over it all at the top of the tree.

The presents were wrapped in tiny prints & checks.... & the color "red" made quite the appearance!
It all came together beautifully....& we loved it all once again....memories were made....

And as I do appreciate the clean, somewhat bare look of our home tonight....I cannot help but be enchanted by..."the last lovely days of 2011".

happy, happy New Year.......Love, heidi

"A Sabbatical with Tea & Cranberry Bread".....

2011-12-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, Sorry to have been gone for ever so long!...I have been working, working & working getting pillow orders out & just this morning sent off the last one!.....OMGoodness?.....Didn't quite plan on being so busy till now??......but very thankful for the business & wow!...what lovely clients I have had this year!

So now, this afternoon, I am not quite sure what to do?....The house is decorated, very pretty I must say!.....cards have been sent & my yearly "Cookie Party" was held a week ago to rave reviews!.....There is wrapping to do & a bit of baking as well, but this afternoon marks the beginning of my "sabbatical"...I could say "vacation from work", but "sabbatical" sounds so much more interesting!....
After a cup of tea & a slice of cranberry bread,..... I will get my fancy papers & ribbon out & begin creating the loveliest of packages.....but for this moment, I am relishing in the idea that my deadlines have been met.... & the holidays now have my permission to unfold slowly......

Off to to the kitchen for that tea & cranberry bread!.....& have included the recipe for you too!....It is incredibly good!!!...It is more of a "cake" than a bread & one that once tried you will make for ever & ever!.....Please let me know how you love it!

Thank you for stopping by to chat!......

Love, Heidi XO
****************************

"Heidi's Cranberry Bread"

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter

1t. vanilla

1t. lemon juice

2 eggs (well beaten)

**************************

4 cups flour

1t. baking powder

1t. baking soda

2 cups buttermilk

2 cups frozen cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

*******************************************

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Makes 2 loaves.

Bake for 60-70 minutes, approximately.

******************************************************

In a large bowl or mixer, Cream together the sugar & butter....mix well. Add eggs. Add both vanilla & lemon juice; mix well. Sift together flour, baking powder & baking soda. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, along with the buttermilk. Beat well. Add cranberries & walnuts.

*********************

Grease two loaf pans. I prefer the long French-style ones. Split the dough between the pans. Sprinkle generously with granulated sugar & bake. When loaves are done baking, remove from the oven. Melt 3/4 cup butter in a pan or microwave. Proceed to pour 1/2 of the butter over each loaf. Allow to cool approx. 10 minutes. While still warm, remove from pan & allow to come to room temperature. Can be enjoyed warm from the oven or fully cooled.

*Hint: delicious toasted, too!

Thanksgiving......

2011-11-23T15:13:00.001-08:00

Hello Friends, Once again it has been sometime since I have written here in my blog. The afternoon before Thanksgiving..... The shadows are long,... & the sunshine, weak & winter-y. There are intoxicating aromas drifting through the house, all in preparation for tomorrow. Candles are burning & a fire has been lit....and I am preparing to dress my table in it's Thanksgiving finery.
This year will be the first Thanksgiving I have ever spent away from my eldest daughter & grandson, which practically speaking I completely understand, but emotionally am somewhat weepy about .....You see they are spending the holiday with my daughter's fiance & his family, which is wonderful!...They are a perfect little group & I know will have the best Thanksgiving.
Here at our house, it will be my younger daughter & my husband & we will have a small, but charming celebration as well. The meal will be delicious, the day relaxing.
I have to say that even though I am struggling a bit with the idea of having a couple faces missing from our table, I know in my heart how blessed I am...& how each one of us is exactly where we are meant to be.
I wish you all the loveliest of Thanksgivings!.....Your friend, Heidi XO

"Time for Sweet Pea Planting".....

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends, I know this hardly seems like an Autumn post, but it actually is for at least some of us. For those of us in the warmer climates, it is time to plant your "sweet peas"!.....I'm sure you are all very familiar with these old-fashioned, sweet-smelling flowers, that are delicate to look at,....but quite easy to grow!
The seed catalogs are filled with many varieties of sweet peas. Tall climbing sweet peas & short bushy ones,...all in the most romantic colors!....I have always preferred the climbing varieties, which grow beautifully on garden teteurs or along wire or string trellises. There is just something so enchanting about seeing these thin, little sprout-lets, reaching toward the support of a wire & winding their tiny tendrils around, pulling themselves up to the sunshine!.....

Sweet peas love mild temperatures, nothing too hot,.... so like I mentioned above, it is the perfect time here in California & anywhere with warm winters, to purchase your seeds & get them in the ground!.....The cool temps, give these seeds the perfect start....allowing them to grow all winter long. Usually then in February, your sweet peas will be covering your trellis with dozens of blooms!....All ready to be picked & brought inside for the most darling flower arrangements!
What a perfect way to welcome in early spring!....
So if you're like me, feeling a bit sorry for myself,.... without the huge display of Fall foliage, or the idea of a white winter, you can rejoice in the fact that in a few months time, you will be filling your home with bunches & bunches of glorious sweet peas!
Order or purchase your sweet pea seeds now!...You will be so very happy you did!

Happy planting!.......

heidi xo

"Hello Friends"......

2011-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends, So nice to be back blogging with you once again!.....It has been sometime since our last visit!.....Somehow "life took over".... & busy-ness followed..... & blogging was shoved to the back corner. Not sure how it happens, but occasionally it does.
It has been a busy September/October......Back to school of course..... getting the house decorated for Fall..... cleaning up the garden..... along with a little entertaining with friends & somehow the days have flown by.
Here at our house, we also have the exciting news that my oldest daughter Holly is engaged & planning an early Spring wedding,..... so in between all the everyday tasks, there is much "wedding chatter" going on! .....which is quite wonderful!
I also have been a bit negligent with the sending out of my monthly newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi". In fact many of you have recently written me asking for it..... & giving me some of the loveliest feedback!.....So I hope you will be happy to hear that a "Thanksgiving" edition is in the works & will be coming your way in a few days!...Some of my favorite ideas, recipes & thoughts about Thanksgiving, all in time for the planning of your own special day!
If you would like to receive my newsletter simply e-mail me at heididevlin@gmail.com & I will add you to my growing list!.....& did I mention it's free! So please shoot me an e-mail & I will send a copy!
I do hope all of you are doing well & are enjoying your Autumn....

Hope to chat again soon!.....

Fondly,....

heidi xo

"Pumpkin Love".....

2011-09-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

September 13th, 2011

I cannot believe Autumn is almost here!.....and with it I can indulge all that is "pumpkin"!!....
I adore pumpkins!......
The other day I was looking through magazines & on-line trying to find a few charming new ideas using the pumpkin theme, & look what I found!...now forgive me, I am not quite sure where this darling idea came from, maybe Country Living, maybe Martha?.....but it is so worth sharing!

Using these very inexpensive Chinese lanterns,.... & embellishing with a green, paper/pipe-stem cleaner leaf & a brown florist tape stem.....you can transform these basic lanterns into "pumpkin magic"!!.....How amazing would these be hung above an old trestle table or even clustered overhead on your entry way ceiling!.....Oh the possibilities!

I will be sharing more sweet "pumpkin" ideas in the weeks ahead!...Stay tuned!

Your friend,.....

heidi XO

P.S. Please visit my friend Erin on her lovely blog, "Living In Yellow"! She was gracious enough to feature my etsy shop, Heidi Devlin Design on her blog!
I am giving away a $50 shop credit, along with my darling "wicked" pillow!.....all in time for Halloween!...but you have to visit Erin to find out exactly how!

Realizing "me" is just fine.....

2011-08-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

O.K.---- I was cleaning up the kitchen this morning, a task I had happily ignored doing last night. And as I was waiting for the water to get hot enough to fill the sink, ( you see I'm a girl that prefers hand washing dishes, instead of dishwashers.....please no lecturing!)....I was wondering why I am always a tad bit behind the mark?....always a day late & a dollar short?....case in point, leaving the dinner dishes till morning??....

No matter what I have going on, it seems instead of one project I have 5!....I have so many ideas, so many things I want to do in a day, but instead of concentrating on one & completing it, I run around trying to do it all & none of it gets truly finished? What's up with that!?

In one day can one middle aged woman truly believe she can,.... bake muffins from scratch, straighten the house ( main floor mainly, the upstairs is a whole other project!), plant seeds for a winter garden, even though the summer garden is completely out-of-control, do laundry & stencil & sew tons of pillows for her Etsy shop!!?...not to mention eat healthy & exercise!? I don't think so....

Now for years I ran my own interior design business. Working with clients, I believe I was quite organized & efficient. I did my job well, answering questions & solving homeowners design issues. I was the "go-to-girl" when it came to anything having to do with pretty interior design decisions!....I had great ideas & knew exactly how to accomplish them. I got very used to being the expert....And I think somehow I still am trying to be that.

I believe a new approach is needed. First of all I don't have to be an authority on anything...nor do I want to be. For once I would just like to be the "student", the novice....the girl without all the answers. I don't have to be an over-achiever.....
Instead of being the teacher , & want to be the person being taught. I want to do things slower, take on less & sometimes fail.....but in the process enjoy it all a whole lot more! :)

Yep...It's time for me to give up trying to be superstar Martha, & instead be just average me.

I think I love the sound of that.... "just me".

I believe I'm onto something!

heidi

xo

"Sunflowers"......

2011-08-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

Today our subject is "gardening". And since I wanted to chat about the glorious "sunflower"...I thought I would combine the two.
Now to be very honest,..... this year the sunflowers I planted in my garden were sad disappointments. I thought I had done everything correctly, but my sunflowers were wimpy & pathetic. .....I have been a gardener long enough however, to realize that sometimes that is the way it is.....
Next year I will re-evaluate the situation, but for now I just need "sunflowers"!

So this August, I have had a lovely relationship with large bunches of sunflowers,.... all of which have been bought at the open market & the grocery store. No problem at all!...
I have displayed them in large ironstone pitchers, in galvanized buckets & even on my front door in an old grapevine basket....It is August after all, & I must decorate the house with sunflowers!

You see there is something quite curious about sunflowers. As far as decorating is concerned, sunflowers look amazing in all styles of interiors!....Obviously "country" by nature, the sunflower is quickly associated with farmhouses & red barns....However, they also are very European, showing up in old French manor houses, displayed in large earthenware pottery.....& lastly the sunflower is so large & graphic in shape, that placing them in a very contemporary home is quite charming as well

So today's gardening tip is this....

1) Plant sunflowers in your garden ( which is usually very easy to do!)
2) or purchase sunflowers to display throughout August
3) rejoice in the classic simplicity that is the "sunflower"!

Enjoy a happy Wednesday!......

heidi
xo

"Decorating Tuesday"....How To Arrange Your Hutch

2011-08-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have been attracted to "hutches & cupboards" my entire life......There is just something terribly romantic about an old piece of furniture filled to the brim with treasures!....For me, it is all about my collection of "brown transferware".....another collection of "Guy Wolff gardening pots".... & of course a few incredible pieces of my "Emma Bridgewater Pottery"....who can resist all those darling words on classic pieces of creamware!

Today being Tuesday, & the topic "decorating, I thought it might be fun & informative to show how to arrange a hutch-top/sideboard!....For years, I have been doing this for clients. What I have learned is you need to please yourself!...After all the hutch resides in "your" house. It is an area that can make quite a statement, so make sure that statement feels right for "you"! No decorator can feel what you do, so forget the rules & just please yourself!...

#1- Remove everything from your hutch-top; & remember too that this piece of furniture does not have to be a prize quality antique!...look at mine! The bottom is a very old Mexican sideboard, picked up at a consignment shop,... & the top is a "far-from-great-quality" hutch-top I found in an unfinished furniture store,.... brought home & painted black. I paid $400 for the sideboard & $40 for the hutch!!....I always thought I would paint both pieces a wonderful color, but somehow have always kept it mis-matched...which I find really charming!
#2- Dust & clean thoroughly before decorating; everything looks a little prettier without layers of dust!

#3- Take inventory of all the items that might possibly find a home on your hutch;I happen to love a fairly neutral color-scheme of browns, creams & whites,...but you may prefer stronger colors, which will work beautifully as well! Of course displaying dishes is the traditional choice for hutches, but remember again to collect & display the items you love, not what you happen to see in a magazine! I have used some very unusual items when putting together hutches for clients,.... among them, a collection of African masks/pottery....another all silver pieces from top to bottom.... & even a hutch filled with all the darling items of babyhood, all in the sweetest nursery!

#4- Place the largest items, as well as the background pieces first on the hutch; As you can see, for me that is all the large serving trays, as well as a pair of old iron urns & my Target lamp, with a lampshade I borrowed from my grandson's room ( my daughter had just switched it out for a much preferred bright red one!)
#5- Proceed to fill-in with the medium sized items....gradually going smaller & smaller; remember to slightly overlap a few of your pieces;
example: after placing a large platter near the back of the hutch, adding a pitcher or vase in front of it creates depth, & in turn interest to the space!....You want to create layers, which is exactly why you begin with the largest & work to the smallest of items; make sure too to have tiny items near the edge of the shelves, so they can be admired & enjoyed.

#6- After all your pieces are placed, be sure & add "life" to the entire space with flowers, greenery, moss, or really nature of any kind; do make sure to use what is seasonal....& remember too,... to choose flowers in the true colors they are in nature!

#7- As a final touch, & if space allows, add a pair of chairs, or a darling bench or even a collection of large baskets in front of your hutch; this again adds layers of interest to your room....
Possibly add a hand-made rug, pretty pillows or even a soft throw, bringing softness & a
"sense of home" to the entire arrangement!

O.K. my friends, I believe you are ready to have some fun!....

Off you go to create a personal statement with your hutch-top!

Any questions.....please just e-mail me!....or leave me a comment, & I will get right back to you!

Be creative & make your home fabulous!

Till tomorrow!~ heidi

"Paula Deen's Zucchini Pie".....

2011-08-22T00:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to you all!.....That time of year is here again..."Zucchini Season"!...And if you have a garden, you know exactly what I mean!.....Zucchini, zucchini & more zucchini!
Like many of us, I am constantly looking for recipes that will help me use this crazy prolific vegetable. So when I happened across this wonderful recipe on Paula Deen's website, I just had to try it!....."Zucchini Pie" was a recipe that an anonymous person submitted to Paula...Paula tried it, changing a couple little things & then added it to her website, along with lots of other incredible recipes!
I decided to make this zucchini pie last week, along with grilled burgers...& every member of my family loved it!!...from my 7 year old grandson to my vegetarian daughter to my husband!....It was a big hit!....In my opinion it's more of a bread/pudding, than a pie. It has a great texture & incredible flavor!...Absolutely delicious!
So when searching for yet another recipe for all that zucchini, try Paula's Zucchini Pie!.....I'm sure you will love it too!
Here's to gardens, summer & lots of zucchini!

Your friend,..... heidi xo

"Thursday's Housekeeping Tips".....

2011-08-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been in the mood to clean?....Not sure why,.... but somehow it seems when the weather gets really hot, I simply cannot stand an untidy house!...instead I prefer everything in order!...
So needless to say, my house is pretty darn clean, considering it's mid-August in Southern California! :)
For my housekeeping tip today, I have two items that I L.O.V.E!!

1. white sponges (12/$18)
The white sponges I purchase from designer Tricia Foley's new on-line shop,
"The New General Store". Now for sponges they are quite price-y..... However they are incredible sponges & "white" which I adore!...so fresh & clean at my sink! You must check them out!

NOTE:
remember too, that running your sponges through the dishwasher, helps to disinfect & keep them clean!)
*******************
2. olive oil soap (Savon de Marseille Soap/$8)
These large blocks of soap are amazing! They last forever & can be used for every task around the house....from washing people to pots & pans to laundry!.... & they are also incredible for your skin!....I think the taupe-y color is lovely & again looks great sitting next to my white sponge in my clean kitchen!

NOTE:
I think a chuck of this soap is pretty sitting on an antique transferware saucer, or a top a pile of pebbles in a small ironstone bowl....
********************
Both these products are a tiny bit of expensive, however, both are functional, utilitarian household items,.... so why not splurge on items like these that elevate housekeeping to a whole new level!

Happy Housekeeping!

heidi
xo

"I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, & gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a "home"....I am thankful for the piles of laundry & ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby."
~ Nancy J. Carmody

"Crafting 101".....Creating a Workspace

2011-08-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today is "Crafting 101". Before you begin any craft projects, you simply need a place to work.....and for many of us it is the kitchen table!.....As wonderful as working at the kitchen table can be, it is also a place that is continually being used for various activities.....making it possibly not the best choice for crafting.

With that said, crafting doesn't require a fancy room or lots of space. In fact any little area of your home or garage where you can have a workspace, a little storage & a source of good light will work just perfectly!

For me, it is a skinny little area in my garage!...Now this is not the most attractive crafting area, but it does meet all the requirements!.....
After moving into our house, I noticed there was a long counter in the garage, which I believe had been used as a carpenter's table. It was a little dirty & used, but nothing I couldn't scrub up & make all mine! So that is precisely what I am showing you today!.....

Organization is key!.....Decide what you truly need to do the crafts projects you love & get rid of the rest!...holding onto tools & such that you know you will never use, just contributes to the madness!
I have used old glasses found at a thrift shop to organize my pens, lint brushes, scissors, etc. I have also used a little old dish to place tacks in , as well as always having a pin cushion at the ready! A package of pretty note cards, tucked among the utilitarian items, adds a little bit of prettiness to the area!

In this photo, you can see how I have used inexpensive particle board shelving from Target, to create convenient storage....& I have arranged them so they will give division to my cardboard boxes & pillow forms....keeping them accessible, as well as nice & tidy!

Plastic buckets & cheap waste paper baskets work very well for storing all my cellophane & wrapping paper. I can easily see what I have at a glance....making wrapping a lovely gift all that much more enjoyable!

As you can see, I have a crazy mis-mash of containers, but each one houses exactly what I use most!....My crafting area in the garage, is one where I can leave out a project if I wish too, & /or work on something without worrying that I am ruining our good furniture or creating a huge mess. This space works incredibly well for me! It has been inexpensive to put together , & a bit "home-ly" decor-wise,..... but this area is so very efficient for me!...
I love sewing, stenciling, & doing crafts of all kinds... This little space helps me be a creative...something we all need to nurture!

So claim a small area in your house or garage & get to crafting!....You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish!

Happy crafting!

Your friend,......
heidi

Next week: How to transform 2-thrift shop lamps, into a gorgeous pair, using Martha Stewart's new decorator paints!!

"A New Idea".....

2011-08-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends, With this summer turning out to be one of our busiest yet, there has been very little time for blogging or writing my monthly newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi". Between my pillow business, & trying to keep up with the house, garden & family, there simply are never enough hours in the day are there!?
So after much thought, I have decided to combine my newsletter into my blog. I have divided the week into the 5 categories, each being near & dear to my heart!.....

Monday....Cooking
Tuesday....Decorating
Wednesday...Gardening
Thursday....Crafting
Friday...Housekeeping

Every week, I will share ideas centering on each of these topics, some my own & some borrowed from talented friends!....
And will continue the philosophy of "Living Little",....
"Creating a Beautiful Life with Little Money, Little Time & Little Space".

In doing so, I hope to provide "knowledge & inspiration" that you will find useful!...along with some lovely quotes & lots of pretty pictures!
I hope you will join me for lots of great ideas we will all enjoy!
See you tomorrow!

Your friend,

heidi

"Wallflowers".....

2011-07-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

"Beauty in Numbers".....

"Overflowing Abundance"......

"Linear Veg"......

"Canned Creativity"....

Here's to walls & to flowers.....
Happy weekending!

heidi
xo

"Sweet Summer Dreams".....

2011-07-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Bedrooms should always be the "ultimate retrea"t...but during the warm weather months sometimes our indoor spaces are somewhat forgotten about.
With just a few decorating changes to our "Summertime Bedrooms" we can change all that....& create rooms that we can't wait to spend a few hours in on a hot afternoon or retreat to at the end of a long day at the lake.

For me it is all about "classics"....here are my suggestions...

*add fabrics that are crisp & cool, such as fresh white cottons & striped tickings

* touches of anything that speaks of the water....shells, boats, coral, fishing paraphernalia, etc.

*shades of blues, greens & of course red....

* items that remind us of vacations spent at grandma's lake cabin,.... or a friend's beach cottage, patchwork quilts, embroidered pillowcases, & charming old one-of-a-kind lamps

* & lots of books....classics, mysteries & of course a few old paperback romance novels....

Most importantly though, our summer bedrooms should be ones where not only the past is represented, but ones that allow us time each day to make new memories. Create spaces where children & adults alike can play board games, read books & fill journals with entries of lazy summers spent together with family & friends....not to mention fall asleep to the sound of crickets & the hum of the fan.

your friend, heidi XO

"Veg Basics".....& a flower.....

2011-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

-french radishes-
basically the same taste as regular radishes, but somewhat prettier with those little white bottoms; best when sliced & placed on a thick slice of sourdough bread, that has been generously slathered with soft sweet butter, & then sprinkled with kosher salt; also delicious eaten right out of the garden, slightly warm

-sweet garden carrots-
very easy to grow; incredible color; sweet as can be; try washing, cutting into coins, arranging on cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt & pepper....& bake for 10-12 minutes at 425 degrees; if extra sweetness is desired, sprinkle with a handful of brown sugar & pumpkin pie spice; warning....these carrots may become addictive; NOTE: children love them!

-nasturtiums-
pepper-y little blossoms that are truly edible; thrive in poor soil, so will grow anywhere; tuck seeds in & around all other veggies & flowers, for a wildly-rambly garden; pick & sprinkle across a salad of butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, french radishes & carrot curls....tossing with a sweet vinaigrette of 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/8-1/4 cup champagne vinegar, generous pinch of kosher salt, a couple grinds of pepper, 2 T. shallot or green onion, 1 t. dijon mustard & a squeeze or 2 of honey...may add a handful of crumbled feta cheese & a few cashews if desired; best eaten out-of-doors, at twilight, surrounded by lots of little white lights & a glass of "lemonade beer" ( 1/2 lemonade/1/2 beer, I prefer dark)

"Paula & Pork".....

2011-07-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

I have never been particularly familiar with cooking meat. I'm not terribly good about what's what, when it comes to which cut of meat to use in what dish. Of course I can take a recipe, go to the grocery store & make a fairly accurate evaluation of which cut to buy,...but I'll admit, I'm kind of faking it.
So lately, with cooking being an area I really want to explore & learn more about, I decided something most of you have already figured out......"As the butcher"!...Off I went, straight over to the butcher's counter & when this crazy-young looking man asked if I needed help, I looked him in the eye & somewhat desperately said "yes"!.....
I went on to tell him I was wanting to make Paula Deen's BBQ Pork Sandwiches, & asked what he recommended. He lit right up, asked for my recipe & then quickly led me over to the largest pieces of pork ever! He grabbed a 5 lb. pork roast shoulder & told me that it would be perfect for what I was making.....I was thrilled!....so thrilled that I ended up purchasing pepper encrusted bacon, & some gorgeous shish-kabobs as well!.....
Off I went, back to my kitchen, where I proceeded to make this recipe. OMG!!!!.....Let me say it may be one of the best things I have ever made!.....I followed the directions to the letter & Paula was right!..Incredible pulled pork sandwiches!......It all worked!.....

Moral to the Story....

* Ask for help when needed.
*Trust young butchers.
*Trust Paula Deen.
*Learn to cook meat....one cut at a time.

Happy cooking......heidi XO

"How Do You Manage?"...."

2011-07-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy working lately,... that I am forgetting that Summer has arrived. Well not actually forgetting, since the weather has been uncharacteristically hot & muggy here in California...but I'm sure you know what I mean. Too much work & not enough "enjoying"!

So my question to all of you is this.....
"How do you manage work & play?"

I have a tendency to think I must be finished with all my work, before allowing myself time for my own projects!....which of course is so silly?.....With a growing etsy shop, I "want" to be busy with orders, so learning to manage work is really important....but how?

So once again,... how do all of you manage?

* Do you get up really early & work till noon, allowing the rest of the day to be your own?
* Do you work only certain days of the week?
*Do you simply, yet successfully mesh working,... with your other obligations during each day, feeling like you are getting to everything you want to?

To be honest, I'm not sure what I'm doing?
It seems I work around the clock, squeezing in the gardening chores, laundry & keeping house,.... around stenciling & sewing pillows,... or working on decorating plans for clients. It's always a balancing act, but one where most of the time I feel slightly behind...never quite accomplishing everything I would like to?

It is late in the day & I am a bit tired tonight, but am truly interested in any suggestions that you may have.
I know I will find a solution. Taking on less,.... & occasionally saying "no" may be helpful....however, I do enjoy all that I take on, I would just like it all to run a little smoother. Am I making sense?

Thank you for indulging me....
Your over-worked, yet happy friend...

heidi
xo

"Lessons Learned in the Garden & from Jamie"....

2011-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have long admired Jamie Oliver's views on growing your own food, preparing it in simple, yet lovely ways, & sharing the process with those you love, especially your children.
If you read this blog, or know me personally, you know that gardening is an important part of my life. I feel I am just scratching the surface as far as my knowledge is concerned, but am constantly striving to learn more.

The idea of being a "sustainable suburban farmer" is my goal. I am beginning small, with raised beds filled with what I refer to as "salad fixings".....lettuce, tomatoes, shallots, radishes & carrots. I have another bed filled with herbs, that I use often, such as "rosemary & dill" for bread,
"basil" for pesto... & of course "lavender" just for my own well-being.
And of course there is always room( or maybe not?) for zucchini, yellow squash, & pumpkins....and last but not forgotten about ..."flowers"!.....
Oh! I must grow bouquets!....it simply feeds the spirit!

So back to Jamie Oliver....who's show "Jamie at Home" on the Cooking channel is definitely a must see!.... Jamie was talking about, how so many children these days are not exposed at all to gardening, & in turn not at all in favor of eating & enjoying vegetables. He was even saying how years ago there was not a person alive not in love with strawberries, but now how you run across children who don't like them?, ....Or feel the same about carrots or greens or onions?
( just because they are not exposed or are eating under-ripe grocery store varieties!?)

The answer here is to expose children to vegetables,... through growing vegetables with them. Like Jamie says it is not difficult....& I agree!
My grandson Andrew & I love being together working in the garden!.... After all,... getting dirty, playing with water & being outdoors is what long summer days are all about.
Not only are we spending time together & working together, but the conversations that we find ourselves in are possibly the most important.
We chat about how bugs & bees are helping us garden, not out to harm us. We talk about how shallots are so sweet compared to onions,.... & how basil leaves & tomatoes picked right off the vine are the best "lunch" ever.

And the best lessons too are the ones brought back into the kitchen....When we return to the kitchen, Andrew is learning to clean the vegetables, to cut the lettuces, & to take the scraps back out to the compost bin....Together we are creating salads & Andrew is realizing that salad & vegetables are amazingly delicious, eating every bit of green off his plate.

I guess my message here is this...
* create a garden....no matter the size
* grown vegetables
* get your children involved
* watch "Jamie At Home"
* improve your diet
* improve your life

Thank you for listening....

heidi
xo
( photos courtesy of Jamie Oliver)

"Home Again".....

2011-06-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

We are home again after a week long road trip to visit family....It was a lovely trip, with lots of catching up, visiting... & driving around familiar places of our childhood.
It feels good to have gone back to Washington for a few days,....
but even better to be home again.... back in California.

Enjoy this June weekend.....

Your friend,
heidi
xo

My Pillows are in the Washington Post!!...

2011-06-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

This morning, I am just thrilled to announce that my "Mr. & Mrs." pillows, along with my "Sweetheart" pillow are being included in a article in the Washington Post!....It is an article in the Lifestyle section of the paper, that is actually a wedding gift guide,.... helping people with creative ideas for that special couple you are purchasing a wedding gift for.
I was contacted a few weeks ago, & have been working with the loveliest lady who actually wrote the article...and yesterday she contacted me saying that indeed my pillows were included!...
I am so tickled about it all!
So if you've recently received an invitation to an upcoming wedding, & haven't the faintest idea what to give the bride & groom, you may want to check out this article on-line!....
Such unique & charming ideas!

Thank you again to the Washington Post!

Here's too romance & the art of giving!

heidi
xo

"Summer Blues"....

2011-06-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Shutters & doors......

Bowls & Jars.....

Tickings & Treasures.....

Fabrics & Flowers.....
Indeed this is what Summers are made of....

"Sweet Summer Wishes" from my house to yours!

heidi
xo

"Lucy's Sweet Nursery".....

2011-06-01T10:31:00.001-07:00

I just had to blog this morning about this adorably charming nursery!....
It happens to be the nursery that was put together by Jill, a lovely client of mine,
for her baby daughter Lucy....

Jill recently sent me these photos that were recently spotlighted in the new baby blog....
"One to Baby".

(And of course my "Mommy Love You" pillow is tucked in that cozy chair!)

Jill, this nursery is one that dreams are truly made of!....Congratulations!

Have a lovely day!

heidi
xo

"Floral Draperies"......& how -to's!

2011-05-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Who knows when my love affair with "floral draperies" began?.....

All I know is that I L.O.V.E. them!

Of course the "flower-ier" they are the more my affection increases!....

Large cabbage roses strewn across yards of linen,.... or antique cotton, simply make my heart skip a beat!...

Faded, textured fabric,..... laden with blossoms,....
is what I would prefer all my windows to be dressed with.

The nicest thing is that draperies like these are within our reach!...Purchase a few yards of a charming floral that speaks to you, & sew yourself a pair of the most romantic draperies ever!....

After-all, shouldn't we all be surrounded with "fabric & flowers"!

heidi
xo

INSTRUCTIONS:
Just determine your desired "finished length" and add 4" for the casing & 4" for the hem,... & cut two panels that length. For the casing: Turn down top 4", turn raw edge under 1/2"; press & stitch. For the hem: same instructions apply, just at the opposite end.
You now have yourself your own "floral draperies"!!
How talented you are!

"Sheets & Paint Tarps"...the Perfect Summer Slipcovers....

2011-05-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love white slipcovers, but have found that they are somewhat expensive to have made….& personally I just don’t feel like sewing them myself!…

Not giving up quite that easily,… I have come up with the perfect solution…

slipcover with sheets &/or paint tarps!!….

I am telling you this is the best idea!…First of all, sheets come in pure white which is always the perfect color,…& paint tarps are that fabulous heavy oatmeal-y fabric that is not only a great shade, but is about as durable as you can get!….With 3 large dogs, 4 cats , a little boy, 2-big girls & a husband here at my house, I know what I’m talking about!
I recommend washing both the sheets & paint tarps, so they are soft & somewhat wrinkly, which I love. Then just drape them over your furniture, tucking in as much as you prefer!….
Now remember this is a warm weather look, ….very, very casual, so no need for perfection! And remember sheets & tarps come in various sizes so keep that in mind too when purchasing.
After “reupholstering”,... decorate as usual!…with large squishy pillows, (maybe in tickings, or grain sacks or over-sized cabbage rose prints!)….& Lots of flowers, & bowls of fruit!…

Now isn’t this the kind of summer decorating we all love!

heidi
xo

( excerpt from my May issue of my on-line newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi")

* to subscribe, e-mail me at heididevlin@gmail.com

"Blessed"....

2011-05-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

I became a mother 28 years ago.....
and have celebrated 28 Mother's Days.

Each year on this day,....
I am once again reminded just how blessed I am.

heidi
xo

"Queen Bee" Pillow Giveaway!!........

2011-05-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday to you all!
I first want to announce the winner of my "Springtime Pillow Giveaway"!.....The lucky lady is Victoria over at the darling blog, "Things I Learn From Bear" !
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I will wrap up & send off your lovely pillow tomorrow morning!
*******************

And now for this week, I am having a giveaway of one of my very popular
"Queen Bee" pillows!...

(Perhaps it's that I still am feeling so very delighted after the royal wedding of William & Kate!!....)

All you need to do is to leave a comment here on my blog, & also become a "favorite"!....I will leave this giveaway up for a couple days & announce the winner later in the week!
Wishing you all a lovely May Day!.....

Your friend,

heidi
xo

"Fairy Tale Friday".....

2011-04-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today it's all about "The Wedding"!......I was taping it on NBC & BBC from 1:00am on. However, last night while in bed reading, my husband & I had the coverage on,... but we both fell fast asleep, with lights on & books open on our laps!?.....
Somehow though, I happened to wake just as the British Prime Minister was arriving!......then William,... then the Queen.... & then Kate!....Perfect timing!...
So both my husband & I watched "live", the unveiling of Kate's dress!.....We managed to stay awake long enough to watch her make her way down the aisle with her father & then decided the rest would have to wait till this morning.

At 6:30 we got up, & I made coffee...& then proceeded to the couch to work on pillows & watch the ceremony. Something happened though. I became over-whelmed with how traditionally lovely this wedding was. I stopped working & got cozy...
& simply enjoyed all the "pomp & circumstance"!

So far it has been the most wonderful Friday!....
a handsome prince,... a beautiful bride....and a palace & carriages!......

Fairy tales do come true!

heidi
xo

"Remembering William....& his Lovely Mum".....

2011-04-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

With the royal wedding of Prince William & Kate Middleton just days away,...I couldn't help remembering his lovely "mum" Lady Diana....who I have been thinking a lot about these last few weeks.
You see I adored Diana.
It all began when she became engaged to Charles,.... at the time, I too was falling in love & was soon to be engaged as well.
When Diana got married, I set my alarm clock & awoke at 3:15 a.m.,.... along with my mother, to drink our coffee & watch every minute of the this enchanting wedding!

And when Princess Diana announced she was expecting, I too was just a couple months from announcing my pregnancy!....I remember sewing maternity dresses similar to hers & wearing her trademark white nylons & black patent leather flats!....
I felt a certain kinship with her,.... loving her style, her demeanor & her English ways.

I remember like it was yesterday, when Diana & Charles came out to introduce the world to their new son, William. And what a doting mother Diana was. In fact I think her happiest moments were those spent with her boys!.....I remember those adorable smocked "bubbles" that William wore & how I let all my girlfriends know I wanted to have some for my own new baby!...
( luckily one of my dear friends happened to be a Children's Apparel buyer for Nordstrom, so I received 1 large box where 2 smocked bubbles & 1 smocked dress where hidden!!!...thank you Celeste!!!)

How adorable baby William was!.....& how content he made his beautiful mother!

I watched as William grew from a baby,... to a toddler,... to a darling little boy....learning from his mother how to relate to the common man & to all those less fortunate the he.
I admired how Diana put off boarding school till William was a bit older than most royals, wanting to keep her children all her own for as long as possible.. and I loved how she was such a hands on mother.

Many years have passed since William was a child,....but he will always be his mother's son. How proud she would be of the man he has become.
Although Diana will not be sitting in Westminster Abbey on Friday to see her eldest get married,.... I like to believe she will be there, watching over William & Kate.....
lovingly guiding them to their future.

Here's To a Happily Ever After.....

heidi
xo

"Little Faces of Spring".....

2011-04-22T02:26:00.000-07:00

"The splendor of the rose and the white-ness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it's scent, nor the daisy of it's simple charm.
If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its lovliness."

Therese Leisieux

"Kind Gestures & Girlfriends".....

2011-04-21T01:51:00.000-07:00

*Sometimes I have a tendency to think a bit too large*

Let's take any holiday throughout the year,...Christmas, Halloween, May Day, or at the moment Easter,......I began thinking how lovely it would be to treat "all my friends" to a small, but very sweet gift.
Maybe "pansies encircled in pure white parchment paper".... & tied with a taffeta ribbon.....
or possibly a "delicious lemon bread" wrapped in clear, crisp cellophane & secured with twine & fresh lemon leaves,.....
or better still, a "floral teacup" ( found while out thrifting!) placed in a tiny box that has been wrapped in fabric & "millinery daisy-garland"!

Now as lovely as this would be, it all takes time, which is something all of us seem to always be a bit short of.
So I am trying something new....I am choosing one dear friend, each month to do something special for.
Nothing extravagant, nothing expensive.

Instead something baked from my kitchen,
or grown in my garden
or created with my own hands.
I will wrap it in the most charming way & tuck it in their mailbox or on their front porch,....
& of course it must have a pretty little card!
This way I will be able to treat each of my girlfriends to "sweet remembrances" in just a wee bit of time & very economically!

Here's to kind gestures!...& to friendship!

heidi
xo

"A Springtime Pillow"...to give-away this morning!!

2011-04-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Friends,.....
Today, I'm doing a little reorganizing here at my house & studio,.... & thought a "giveaway" might be a lovely way to start!......

In my shop, is the most adorable pillow,......It is made from designer Anna Maria Horner's "wallflower rose print",..... & is backed with a gorgeous yellow toile!.....
All in shades of aqua & soft yellow,....
this precious pillow just exemplifies the "Loveliness that is Springtime"!

To enter the giveaway, you must be a "follower of my blog"...& just leave me a comment!
I will announce the winner on Thursday, April 21st!

Good Luck to you all!

heidi
xo

"Life Goes On"......

2011-04-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

It's official......
My "Large Number" pillow is NOT in the May issue of Country Living magazine...
& I am so very sad.
Let me back up a bit,...a couple months ago, I was elated when an editor from Country Living Magazine e-mailed me, informing me that they loved my pillows & asking if I would send her two of my "Large Number" pillows as soon as possible!...She was very nice & asked if I would send her a "5" & a "0", both in tan burlap.The magazine needed them quickly, because they were interested in them for the May 2011 issue!.

Of course I was thrilled!....Of all the magazines I purchase, Country Living is one of my very favorites!!...& has been since I was in my early 20's.
Now keep in mind, I was just sending the magazine my pillows,..... nothing was for sure.

A few days later, the same editor contacted me again, with forms she needed filled out as quickly as possible!...which I did, faxing them back to her. Then another e-mail making sure I had sent all the information needed.
Throughout all of this, again, no promise that my pillows would definitely be in Country Living....

Needless to say, the last few weeks have been very anticipatory!...not knowing if my "number" pillow would actually grace a page in the May issue???
And of course during the last week or so, I have been a crazy person, running down to Walmart, or Target, or Barnes & Noble, checking each day if the May issue had arrived!?....And of course Martha's Living- new, House Beautiful-new, Oprah-new, etc. etc.....but no Country Living?
So yesterday, my husband & daughter & I were stopping for yogurt, & there happened to be a bookstore right next to the yogurt shop. We went in & there it was!...the May issue!.....All wrapped in plastic, with the most darling room on the cover.
We purchased the magazine, & went out side. We sat down & started thumbing through each page, scanning each for my pillows.
Then we turned one more page,.... & we saw a section all about "50 Deals Under $50"....& on the first page there is a photo with two pillows, one with a "5" & one with a"0",..... but not my pillows!?
OMGoodness!....It hit me! Someone else's etsy shop & pillows were chosen for the shoot...not mine!......
And instead of being mature & counting all the blessings that have been given me, I sat & I cried. Oh yes!...You heard me, I sat there, with my husband & daughter trying to comfort me, & tears rolled down my cheeks....I just couldn't stop weeping!

After a while we ended up getting our frozen yogurt & going home, where I have slowly come to terms with all this. Not a big deal for some of us, but for me in that moment a huge disappointing deal.
The tears are now over, & a bit of sanity has returned.
Life goes on...

heidi
xo

"Wonderful Evening & Great Food"!......

2011-04-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Last night our "Dinner Club" got together at our friend's Dave & Judy's home!
OMGoodness!....
What a lovely evening!
Judy had the house all decorated for Spring, & had set a gorgeous table....
with peony centerpieces, beautiful antique glassware & candlelight everywhere!

The dinner theme was "Mediterranean", so anything Greek or Spanish was perfect!....
Judy made a pesto baked chicken,....
Susie brought wonderful vegetable cabobs, hummus & olives,....
Lauren a wonderful artichoke appetizer....
& I brought "Panzanella"!!...

I was a but worried since I have never made panzanella in my life, but have always wanted to....so I prepared this salad never having tried it before!..So risky, but it paid off!!...So amazingly good!!!!
So good in fact, that I'm making it again tonight for our family dinner!!...

Since I am always looking for a great recipe, I thought I would share with all of you!...
Super easy!
The perfect salad for Spring & Summer!....
I hope you love it too!.....
Enjoy!.....

Your friend,
heidi
xo

"Four Cute Tiles".....

2011-04-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Country Living)

I have been decorating my client's ( & friend) master bedroom today...& just got home.
With the little time I have before figuring out what dinner might be, I was looking through some design ideas I had seen in various magazines & tucked away for safe keeping!...
possibly to be applied in a future home!....& look what I found!

This absolutely, ridiculously darling use of 4 gorgeous tiles!

What a charming back-splash!!....
OMGoodness!!
This is one idea that will be stealing!.....

Dinner is calling, but all I want to do is decorate!

Enjoy your evening!

Your friend,...

heidi
xo

master bedroom today ( & friend)

"Pillow-Slip Giveaway" over at The Shine Project!......

2011-04-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!.....
You must grab your coffee right away,... & head straight over to visit the ever-so-charming Ashley,..... at her inspiring blog, "The Shine Project"!.....
Ashley is featuring my shop, Heidi Devlin Design,..... along with a fabulous giveaway!....
my "Sweetheart" pillow-slip!

While signing up for the giveaway, please take the time to read all about Ashley,....
& all she is up to!

Good Luck to you all!

Your friend,.....

heidi
xo

"Exciting News From the Shop!"......."

2011-04-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

"Family" pillow-slip/
This morning, I have the most exciting news from my etsy shop,....
Heidi Devlin Design!.....
My pillows have become "pillow-slips"!......
For some time now, I have simply offered my designs as actual pillows, with clients having to request the "pillow-slips", & me making them up as custom orders.
However, after much thought, I decided designing & hand-stenciling "pillow-slips" was the way to go for everyone!

Creating "pillow-slips" allows for me to offer many of my pillows at lower prices, as well as slashing the shipping costs to almost 1/2 of what they have been!
And now, with the "pillow-slips" being beautifully made with a finished "envelope closure", customers can easily remove them for laundering, making the pillow-slips ones that are very family friendly!.....
My "pillow-slips" also allow you the"seasonal switch"!!,..... using your existing pillows, but just switching out the "pillow-slip" for one a bit more appropriate for the season you are in!
With the economy the way it is, I am trying very hard to offer charming pillows, runners & accessories that are not only extremely well-made, but very well priced as well!

I encourage you to visit the shop very soon!....& do a little shopping!....
After all, "pretty pillows" at lower prices & shipping costs just doesn't happen every day!!!!!
Happy Shopping!

Your friend,....

heidi
xo

"For the Love of Gardening".....

2011-04-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

I have always loved having my hands in the dirt.
I love the idea of taking a seed & watching it grow. I love waking up,.... & wanting to check the garden, even before making the coffee.
I'm not sure why it is that some of us are drawn to the idea of gardening? I know for myself, that watching my mother plants "petunias & marigolds" off our brick patio, was something I took to heart.
I noticed at a very early age how a few, very ordinary annuals would transform our modest backyard into an area of beauty. And I was very proud of it. My mother worked tirelessly in our yard, ....weeding & trimming & raking....& even though at the time I didn't always want to participate in the heavy work, I do remember appreciating the compliments that came from the neighbors & friends.

Then as a young wife, both my husband & I spent hours in the yard of our first home. We removed rocks that were crowding out our shrubs, & we re-purposed them into a rock wall. I planted pots of red geraniums & trailing blue lobelia,.... & placed them all over our deck,...again lots of work, but the reward was so very satisfying.

Over the years we have lived in many homes,.... tiny suburban homes with tiny suburban yards......a large colonial with a very large yard & even a rural New York farmhouse & 31 acres, not to mention 2 huge gardens & a greenhouse!......& through it all I have happily grown flowers & vegetables & herbs.
And now in my early 50's I am more interested than ever in being a gardener, or dare I say an "urban farmer". I am interested in growing a full kitchen garden, with all the herbs I cook with.

I also want to grow not only my dear little "sun-gold & cherry" tomatoes, but a few heirloom ones as well, .....& of course a variety of lettuces, & french radishes & shallots & zucchini & pumpkins....And "flowers"!....old-fashioned hollyhocks, nasturtiums, zinnias & sunflowers!.....

I not only want to grow all these edible darlings, I also am trying my hand at composting, which I have not done in years, but do remember doing with very favorable results!

I have to say that when I imagine myself as an old woman, I picture myself dressed in faded, denim overalls ( of course with a gaudy rhinestone brooch pinned on!),... a huge straw hat & lots of grandchildren helping & having as much fun as I am in our family garden!....

I'm off to a good start since my almost 7 year old grandson Andrew, has spent many summer afternoons picking & nibbling tiny tomatoes while I weed..... He loves it like I do, like a true gardener. It is in his blood, just like it has been in mine, my mother's & her dairy farmer father before her.
I guess then, that I have answered my own question,...whether we are born with the "desire to plant" or not..it is possibly more in the "cultivation". So I will go on from here, spending as much time as I can in the dirt & hoping to instill my love of it to all my future seedlings.

Off to the garden....

heidi
xo

"Eggs.....Glorious Eggs"!...Be inspired!

2011-04-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

At this time of year, with Easter peeking around the corner,....
I am simply enchanted by "eggs"!....
To tuck in a basket,.... or decorate with,.... or give to a friend,... Easter eggs are ever so charming!.....
Here are a few of my favorites this year!......

Above is this darling "button egg" that I happened to see ages ago on Etsy, but now have no idea who's shop it's from?.....So please let me know if you recognize it as your own!....
All those old buttons secured with pearl-headed pins!.....So pretty!

Of course Martha Stewart's "paper-flowered eggs" are as fresh as Spring itself!.....
Pastel-dyed eggs,.... adorned with the tiniest of blooms!

And these "amazingly spectacular confections", from the blog "Everyday Beauty"!
Now "confections to the eye" I should clarify!.....not truly edible, yet so luscious to look at!...all lavishly embellished with
millinery flowers, antique buttons & velvet ribbons!....
Oh My!
Now I realize I might not be making all these myself, but I certainly am inspired!
I am off to create a few eggs of my own & you should too!
Happy Egg Decorating!

Your friend,
heidi
xo

"Pretty Pillows for the Upcoming Weddings in Your Life"!.....

2011-04-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

"Happily Ever After" pillow.....$56

It seems that lately "engagements & weddings", are the common theme in my shop!.....
Everyone is ordering pillows with" sweet romantic messages" to be given as shower or bridal gifts!!.... which simply couldn't make me any happier!...
Not only are my hand-stenciled pillows a very personal gift,.... but also one that is very practical!...
what would be more charming than a lovely pillow to place in your first home together!.....
Come on by Heidi Devlin Design today!

It is definitely true!...

LOVE is in the air!......

Your friend,

heidi
xo

"Sweetheart" pillow....$46

"us" pillow.....$28

"I Do" pillow....$28

"Family" pillow...$56

Announcing my "William & Kate Royal Wedding" Swap!......

2011-03-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

The other day, it occurred to me that I have not hosted a swap in quite some time!...& to be very honest I miss it!!.....So I have decided to combine my "love of swapping", with my
"over-the-moon excitement" for the upcoming
wedding of
Prince William & his lovely bride-to-be Kate Middleton!...into the
"William & Kate Royal Wedding" Swap!!
Now if you know me or have ever been involved in any of my swaps, I am very strict about signing up only if you have every intention of following through!!...I am not kind to "flakers" of any kind!....no patience for it at all!
With that said here are my guidelines for this swap!!
In this swap, I will be pairing you up with a partner. You will be responsible for making up the loveliest of swap boxes for her! ( $20-25 limit)....which should include items that are "British-inspired" &/or "wedding/romantic-inspired" as well!...This could be teacups, crowns, British flags, etc.
The point is to use your imagination & make not only the contents of the box wonderful & creative, but the wrapping of it all as well!
You can sign up for this enchanting little swap from now till Tuesday, April 12th.
I will assign & e-mail you your partner on Wednesday, April 13th....
And I am asking you to please send your swap box out no later than April 29th,.... the wedding date of this charming pair!
I so hope you will sign up & join me in a bit of "royal fun"!.....
We are in for a "Jolly Good Time"!
Your friend,....
heidi
xo

Information Sheet:
( send to me at heididevlin@gmail.com)
Name:
Address:
E-mail address:
Blog:
Hobbies: Any info. you would like to share about yourself; style, tastes, favorite colors, etc.

"A Royal Swap"......

2011-03-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

A swap of "Royal" proportions!....
To be announced tomorrow!........

See you then!

heidi
xo

"Mixing Oranges".......

2011-03-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

I love flowers! And I love creating interesting combinations with flowers. For me, combining two or three different varieties of flowers, but staying in the same "color-story" gives you the most charming results!.....
While grocery shopping a couple weeks ago at Trader Joes, I happened to eye these amazing "melon-y orange roses",.... & then at closer inspection glanced over to see tulips in a very similar shade. I snatched then up, brought them home & WOW!
Look at the result!.....
Just the bouquet I needed that cold rainy afternoon!..
It inspired me to light a fire & lots of candles & make big pot of soup!

Nothing like "Orange Blooms",....
a bit of bright green....
& a backdrop of brown transfer-ware to inspire an entire evening!

Have a cozy little weekend!

Your friend,...

heidi
xo

"I Have a Question for You"?

2011-03-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends......I am spending the afternoon today working on laundry, changing beds & stenciling pillow fronts for the shop. However, what has been swirling about in my head has nothing to do with laundry, making beds or stenciling pillows.....
It has to do instead , with these ever-so-charming "sequined fruit"!?...
(No telling what you think about while doing household chores is there!)
O.K....I found this photo a while back,..... I think in Country Living magazine when they were doing an article on flea markets & thrifting.......& I fell in love!...I so want to make some of these bejeweled fruits!!! The question is where do I get the fruit?..Silly question, but the hard fake fruit at the craft stores is a bit too thick, & of course I'm not aware of any styrofoam in these glorious fruit shapes? Is there a softer faux fruit that would work?....
I would love any suggestions you may have!....My hands are itching to get into tiny pins & all those gorgeous colors of sequins, so I welcome any input you can offer!
Thanks so much!......Now back to the laundry, beds & stencils!
Enjoy your afternoon!........
Your friend,
heidi
xo

"A Must Try" !!!!

2011-03-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Friends,
If you are under the impression "Mac & Cheese" is not appropriate for company than think again!.......
A week or so ago I was hosting a big family dinner,.... & decided another side dish was needed. Since Ina Garten is usually my "go-to-girl" recipe-wise, I went to the bookcase & pulled out one of her cookbooks. I was flipping through, & somehow landed on the page with her
"Mac & Cheese" recipe......
Now it seems I had made it years ago, since I had made a little star & written delicious?.....but somehow my memory of how good it was had faded?
O.K....so I decided I would add this to my buffet dinner for my husband's extended family.
I made it that afternoon & baked it right before serving!.....& OMGoodness!......So incredibly fabulous!!!!!!!.....The children loved it ( what child doesn't adore m&c!), the men loved it & so did the women!!!!!!!!
So the message here is most definitely plan a night to make Ina's "Mac & Cheese"!
You will simply love it!.....It's a keeper for sure!!!!

Happy Cooking!

heidi
xo

Just in time for Easter...my "Glittered Ragball Eggs"

2011-03-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

With Springtime just peeking around the corner,.... & Easter just weeks away, I decided to add these enchanting "Glittered Ragball Eggs" to my
Etsy shop, Heidi Devlin Design!
When designing these eggs, I wanted to give them that "vintage feel"!....So I actually made "ragball eggs",... & then encrusted them in mica flakes, which adds that antique-y look we all love!
I am selling them for $18/set of 4.....each egg measuring 3+ inches. The set comes wrapped in a crisp cellophane bag & tied with satin ribbon!...so very pretty!
Personally I am planning on displaying my "Glittered Ragball Eggs" in a few old florist baskets that I have been collecting for years,.... but they would also be lovely to give as a "favor" at your Easter celebration or even as a sweet gift for a friend!
Hope to see you over at my shop!......
Your friend,
heidi
xo

"Living Little" has Gone Seasonal!....

2011-03-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to you all!...I hope you are all doing well!
For those of you wondering where your on-line issues of "Living Little with Heidi" are, I am so tickled to announce that my Spring issue is being put together as we speak,..... & will be arriving to each you in about three weeks!

Like many of us,.... life & work here at our house has gotten busier & busier, & very often it seems that there truly are not enough hours in a day to accomplish everything I want to do. So as much as I loved putting out a "monthly" newsletter, I have decided a "seasonal" one might be just as lovely!.....

Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter editions are being planned!...

with a few fabulous short special editions added along the way!

For those of you who are not familiar with "Living Little with Heidi", let me take this opportunity to tell you all about it!
"Living Little" is my lovely free,...on-line newsletter!
It is filled with seasonal ideas of decorating, cooking, crafts & gardening! Ideas that have worked for me & that I am sharing with you now in "Living Little"!.....And the ideas are based on my personal philosophy, creating a beautiful life with little time, little money & little space"!!..which I feel is quite relevant in today's world!

And lots of beautiful pictures & inspiring quotes too!

To receive "Living Little" please e-mail me at heididevlin@gmail.com!!

And a sincere thank you & hug to all of those of you who indeed are my readers & who have sent such sweet e-mails to me about "Living Little"! I love hearing from you!

Wishing you all a day of discovery!

Your friend,

heidi
xo

"the whole world is a garden"......

2011-03-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

"If you look the right way,....
you can see that the whole world is a garden."

Frances Hodgson Burnett, "The Secret Garden" ( 1911)

"Not Sure Which Way to Turn?"......

2011-03-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

I am not quite sure which way to turn?.....Spring is in the air around here, & I am in the mood to spruce up everything!.....The house, the patio, the garden,...... all are calling out for attention!....
In the garden, I am working on adding more raised beds, so all the seeds I am dying to plant will have a place to grow & thrive!.....I am eying tall "tuteurs" at the local nursery, to add height & structure to the garden,.... & am even hinting to everyone that a "rose arbor" would be a lovely Mother's day gift!

I've even moved our wicker patio table to the far end of the garden, where I romantically see us dining throughout the summer months!

And then there is the inside of our home. Where do I start?.....
Making curtains for the kitchen window, would be good.....or maybe those large floral/burlap pillows for the sofas?
Or possibly rearranging the furniture is where I should begin?....but then again the coffee table is desperate for paint?.....

Decisions, decisions....

Then there is the patio.....I have already given it a good cleaning, but new cushions on the chairs would be lovely!....but nothing too tailored. I am far more in the mood for a large geranium print, something "splashy & not too serious"!
And then I am even toying with the idea of hanging drapes on all four corners of the patio? Wouldn't that be charming!
So need I say more. I'm sure you can imagine the list of "to-do's" I have in front of me.
Somehow though it doesn't seems like work. These are the tasks I find so inspiring!....
Creating beauty in & around the spaces where we live!

Now off to get a start on that list!

Here's to all our homes, our gardens & our dreams!

Your friend,....

heidi

xo

(photos courtesy of... Martha Stewart & Country Living)

2011-03-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

"Each Morning".....

2011-02-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

Each morning I wake up between 6:00-6:30 am. No alarm,.....just my internal clock reminding me another day is about to take shape......Invariably I pull the covers a bit higher,.... slowly turn over,.... & decide that it is to far too early to begin the day.

The odd thing is I really never return to sleep, ...instead my mind is thinking about the day ahead. My eyes might be closed, but thoughts about the new day are "opening" one after the other.....

It is such a lovely,.... but somewhat odd beginning to the day...... How in such a lazy state, I can somehow put together the most marvelous of days.....

but I do.....

each morning somewhere between six & half past.

heidi
xo

"So Ready!"......

2011-02-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

I am so ready for Spring!

Ready to throw open the front door.....

Ready to decorate in neutrals, & lots of white!.....

Ready to surround myself with just the "necessities"..........
& of course bouquets of fresh flowers!

Ready to de-clutter, organize & arrange.

And ready to make up a bed as fresh & inviting as that first breath of Spring air!

I bet you might be feeling the same....

heidi
xo

"The Charm of Painted Cabinets"......

2011-01-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

Since a very young age, I have been attracted to "antique cabinets". They could be large impressive pieces of furniture,.... or small wall cabinets tucked in a corner of the room.
They could be dark polished wood, or primitive time worn pieces, but the cabinets I adore most are the "painted" ones!......

Of course my own taste sends me in the direction of "colonial blues & gray-greens", ...but lately I am considering some slightly unusual combinations as well!....."Leaf green with a raspberry interior", so perfect filled with a collection of pure white ironstone pitchers!....
Or possibly a cabinet painted "pussy-willow gray with a French vanilla interior"!....can you imagine how beautiful anything "silver" would be placed in such a piece!

The possibilities are simply endless!.....Choosing classic shades of whites, blacks or browns lend a clean, classic feel...always appropriate, always beautiful.

But throwing caution to the wind & making a painted cupboard "pop to attention" with a fabulous color is something we all should consider!,... especially at this time of year when we might need a little color inspiration!

So with this all in mind, I am wandering the house,.... looking at each piece I own, trying to imagine it dressed in a pretty new color!....

I invite you to do the same!.....

Would love to hear what you come up with for your "painted cupboard"!.....

Happy Decorating!

heidi
xo

"Good Morning.....A Busy Day"

2011-01-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Friends,
This so far has been one busy week!....And today is no different!.....The coffee is made, a quick chat with my girls, with my husband occasionally joining our "coffee clatch"!......Then bed making,..... a shower/make-up/hair.....& then off to a dear friend's house for a decorating appointment. Back home to work on lots of Etsy pillow orders this afternoon & then preparing meatloaf & Paula potatoes! ( simply divine!) A dinner I will serve buffet-style, from the stove top, everything piping hot, with a large stack of white plates & napkins placed close by.
Tonight we have different schedules,.... boyfriends joining us, &....my "open door" policy is in full swing!
*definintion of "open door policy": new idea I am trying to put into action here at the house; delicious food prepared, house fairly picked up, & ready for whoever & whenever friends & family happen to join us each evening.
***********************************

I will bet your day is fairly similar!.....

heidi
xo

"New Designs" at Heidi Devlin Design!

2011-01-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy designing & creating lots of new designs for my etsy shop,
"Heidi Devlin Design"!!....

Among them is my sweet "cozy winter" pillow......

my typographic "at" pillow,..... clean & classic!

& the perfect pillow for Valentines Day,...my "us" pillow!

All are available now!.....

& each would just love a "new home" at your house!
Enjoy your day!.......

heidi
XO

"Inspired Aspirations"......

2011-01-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

O.K. I'll admit it. I just finished taking down my Christmas tree.
Now most of my other decorations are put away....
let me clarify....
All my holiday things have been taken down & are now sitting on my big dining kitchen table....to be packed away sometime in the near future?
Can't say for sure it will be today.

So even though I still have "Christmas baubles & bobs" to attend to....my mind is thinking about new projects!... ideas for the garden & for a quilt!

Over the the last couple of weeks I have been thumbing through some of my beautiful books & have become so inspired!.....Inspired over quilt designs...& inspired to plant a winter garden!.....
I have purchased sweet pea seeds, 2 raspberry plants, winter lettuce, spinach & onions & shallots, & even a new pair of gardening gloves!....
I am ready!
On the quilting front, the same kind of enthusiasm is being put into color, pattern & fabric choices!

I believe it is good for the soul, for us each to take on a new project or two at the beginning of a new year.
It allows you to learn, to be challenged, to be frightened.....

It takes you out of your comfort zone & in turn allows growth.

So I am off now to finish putting away my holiday decorations of 2010,..... maybe.
And then it's all about a new quilt,.... a new garden.....& lots of of possibilities for 2011.

heidi
xo

The Last Twelve Days.....

2011-01-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

The last 12 days have been filled with very "thankful highs",... along with some very, very "worried-out-of-your-mind lows".

All is looking up this afternoon.....prayers are being answered.

It's interesting how "child-like" you become,... yet how very "grown-up" you need to be when your mother is sick, hurt or compromised in any way.

Our mother, tonight,.... is thankfully "on the mend",... & will be for some time....

however this evening a "calm" has come over my sister & I.

We can relax tonight.

God is taking care of us all.....

your friend,.....

heidi

xo

"Truly Christmastime".......

2010-12-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

Work is finished, I am completely caught up!.....I just sent out my last pillow order this afternoon. I love that it coincided with the busiest mailing day of the year?.....I was assured each package would arrive before Christmas....so both myself & my clients are happy.

With work behind me,.....it is now truly "Christmastime"!.....

The house is decorated, just like a cozy English cottage...very busy, with aqua mixed in with all the raspberry & soft green. Every surface boosts the most charming still-life arrangements & candy canes are within easy reach no matter what room you happen to be in.

Tomorrow cranberry breads will be competing with spritz for oven time,.... & wrapping paper & ribbon will be adorning all our presents.

It is the week before Christmas & happiness is all around us.
It is time to breathe in the moments that make these days so enchanting.... appreciate each & every one.

heidi
xo

"Christmas in Old Poway".....

2010-12-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

Just now my husband Ter & I returned from "Christmas in the Park".....which is a lovely celebration in Old Poway,... where we live in Southern California. Knowing that the tree lighting was scheduled for 5:20pm, we decided to walk over, just the two of us....to see what all the excitement was about?....
Well, we were incredibly impressed!!! Old Poway was utterly charming!...You would have thought we were on the set of the "Gilmore Girls"! Who knew!? All the turn-of-the-century buildings were dressed in little white lights,...with Mr. & Mrs. Claus arriving in the steam locomotive, which encircles the park!...
In the beautifully decorated gazebo, choirs of children sang carols, while people of all ages strolled around listening & sipping hot coffee!....
I am, so proud to be part of a community that takes such pride in it's history & the celebrations it hosts!
What a treat for us all!.....
Enjoy your weekend!
heidi
xo

* entry way- courtesy of Martha Stewart, "Turkey Hill".......I will always love that house! :)

"In Search of Our Christmas Tree & Memories".....

2010-12-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

So sorry to have been away from blogging for far too long! I have so missed chatting & sharing thoughts with all of you!....Here it is the most exciting time of year & I haven't been blogging at all?....Well, I am happy to say that I am back & so very ready to visit!
I am sure many of you have your "trees up & your cards sent", however here at our house that is not the case!....In fact, tonight we are going Christmas tree shopping!.....This year, we have had quite the debate....fresh tree or fake??....Growing up it was always a real tree. Going to tree lots & choosing a tree was one was one of the highlights of the holiday season!...
After marrying & moving to Southern California though, it seemed a fake tree was a smarter choice, so for years that's what we've done!....and happily!....there is something very nice about a pre-lit, tree with adjustable branches!
This year though, and maybe it has something to do with having a 6 year old grandson....Returning to the local tree lot to choose a Christmas tree, just seems to be the right thing to do!....I find myself wanting Andrew to experience how fun it is to wander a tree lot at night, with strings of tiny white lights & lots of stars guiding you. Row after row we would walk, pulling out one tree after another... deciding which was straight enough, full enough, tall enough.

And then after the chill of the air was beginning to help make our decision for us, we would choose our beautiful tree & take it home.
In the days that followed, our tree would be dressed with "glittery balls & thin strands of tinsel"...... I would sit & admire that tree night after night, curled up in a big wing-back after my evening bath...the enchantment of it all almost to overwhelming for one little girl.
Those are my memories.
So with these thoughts in mind, I am hoping that my grandson will grow up with similar remembrances.....& his grandson after that...& so on.
Happy tree hunting......

heidi
xo

"Holiday Shop News"......

2010-11-30T19:49:00.000-08:00

"Roses & Plaid" pillow

A little announcement......my shop, "Heidi Devlin Design" will be open through Thursday, December 2nd....but will be closed for the remainder of the holiday season. I will be busily working on all the orders that have come in the last couple of weeks!
I wanted to give myself enough time to finish all your lovely purchases, & be able to get them to you in plenty of time for Christmas!

"you & me" pillow

If by some chance you wish to purchase a pillow while my shop is closed,... please e-mail me at heididevlin@gmail.com & I'll consider orders on a "case by case" basis!.....
I so don't want to be unable to get you an item you are hoping to purchase, but also need to make sure I can deliver on what I have committed to.

"Laurel wreath/reindeer" pillow

Thank you so much to all of you for understanding!.....
& Merry Christmas to you all!
Your friend,
heidi
xo

"Unhurried & Quiet"....

2010-11-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends, How are you all?....I hope everyone had the loveliest of Thanksgivings!....And now before we blinked twice it is "Christmastime". It seems that everyone is putting up trees & decorations, ... shopping & hanging lights, yet it is still November?......
The media makes it sound like if you haven't given much thought to the upcoming holidays, that you indeed are already a few steps behind?....What's up with that?
I have to say, that through the years, I have approached preparing for the holidays from many angles.
I have been the "working girl" that was so busy with her job, that I waited to the last minute to get anything much done.
I have had years where I declared proudly that I was making all my gifts,... which also ended with many unfinished projects!...& last minute trips to the mall!
Then of course I felt doing everything super early was the way to go!...but like my husband pointed out,... I started out wonderfully organized, but just kept going!?.....I made presents & even wrapped them, tucking them away in late summer early fall...& went on to forget all about them, only to re-buy more gifts!?
So the other day, while contemplating about how my mother created our childhood Christmases....I began remembering. I remembered that my mother always reminded us that Christmas was a "holiday", not the entire month of December.
December was a month to quietly & calmly prepare for the most special of holidays....not one to spend stressed out & over-burdened. Mid-month we would put up our tree,...might possibly my most favorite holiday activity!.... decorated with ornaments we had for years tucked in a large department store box, each one wrapped in tissue.
Our Christmas decorating was sweet & charming,....nothing too planned or "style-ized" about it. Preparing for Christmas was "tradition", not decorating magazines dictating the newest fade.
What I remember most though, is that getting ready for Christmas was not hurried, it just happened a bit at a time.
The house, the lovely gifts & the cookies all came to be,...unfolding slowly those last couple of weeks before Christmas.
So with these memories in mind, I will be taking one step at a time,.... allowing Christmastime to calmly surround me...unhurried & quiet. I wish you the same.

Heidi
xo

"Thanksgiving Day"....

2010-11-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is almost here once again. For our family, like many of yours as well, it will be a cozy day at home with our immediate family. Not a houseful of guests, just those I hold most dear.
This year, my daughters & I are all cooking. Mallory is in charge of the stuffing, Holly the pies & potatoes & I will handle the turkey & fresh cranberries. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that our girls will be sharing the kitchen with me.
I also have plans for a lovely table. I am using my Spode "Thanksgiving Day" brown transfer- ware plates,... that years ago I found while antiquing. I remember them being $7 each, which at the time was crazy expensive. But with the encouraging words of my friend Angela, I did indeed purchase these gorgeous plates,....never ever regretting my decision.
I will also be adding small arrangements of"plum colored mums & deep pink peonies", which will look amazing with small chocolate turkeys running among them! The color-scheme of warm browns & deep plums is a bit unusual, but very Fall-ish non-the-less!
The family will of course be watching the Macy's Day Parade, which is a yearly tradition! I grew up watching it, with the excitement of seeing the "true" Santa" at the parade's end!....And as all traditions are, now my grandson is the "believer", sitting on the edge of the sofa as the sleigh & reindeer make their appearance....very wide-eyed & filled with wonder.
Thanksgiving is such an immensely personal day. Each of us have our own memories of Thanksgiving past,....mine being frosty, dark days, spent in a warm kitchen, with delicious scents wafting through the house & my mother cooking all day long, (which if you knew my mom was not the norm! :)....We ate early & then spent the afternoon relaxing in front of a fire, anticipating the upcoming weeks.
This year, even though we have been married 29 years, we are starting new traditions, since for many years we had Thanksgiving dinner at relative's homes. But now our celebrating is here at our own sweet home, with our girls & grandson. I love that we have three generations under one roof ( just like the Walton's, ....a family I so wanted to emulate!). I love that we are healthy & happy. I love that even though the last couple of years have brought a few challenges, we are all closer & more appreciative than ever.
I thank God for the blessings I have been given.
Wishing you a day of thanksgiving......
Your friend,
heidi
xo

Lots of Pretty Pillows at Heidi Devlin Design!

2010-11-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Friends, With the holidays approaching I had to let you all know that my shop is full of the most darling pillows!.....both for your own home & for fabulous gift-giving!
From hand-stenciled monograms, vintage-inspired fabrics & lots of "crown" pillows...(all very appropriate for the season!), .....Heidi Devlin Design is full of the most charming pillows!.....With my newest design being my "25" pillow"!.....A very clean & fresh design, as well as being a lovely reminder of the true reason for celebration!
And of course I have once again my "mica glittered candy canes & snow balls"!...All handmade & darling to fill an old crock of iron urn!......
I invite you to stop by soon for a little peek!
Enjoy your Sunday!
heidi
xo

"Returning to Normal Life Once Again"......

2010-11-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

It has been sometime since I have given my blog, the attention it deserves. For the last month, my life has revolved around preparing for the Queen Bee Market, which was held here in Southern California last weekend.
Each day you could find me stenciling & sewing pillows,... along with painting & glittering my "candy canes" &" rag-ball snowballs"!....Each time you prepare for a show of any kind you forget the time & commitment it takes.....The Market came & went, very successfully....but it will take some time for our home to be completely back to normal.
Yesterday afternoon, I was in the kitchen making stuffed shells & Caesar salad. How lovely to be able to prepare a home made dinner.....& I never thought I would actually enjoy catching up on laundry & picking up the house!.....
As nice as participating in the Queen Bee has been, I may have to think twice about signing up again.....just not sure it's all worth it for me?.....You see, no one is the "homebody" I am. I like a well run home & dinner on the table. I am a huge fan of the "everyday", & anything that interferes with that has to be considered carefully.
So for now, I will relish in my "returning to normal life".....thoughts of craft shows & Queen Bees can be debated another day. Right now I am home & very happy to be so.
Here's to everyday!.....
Heidi xo

All Hallow's Eve.....

2010-10-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight, on all Hallow's Eve, I will be stenciling pillows & watching episodes of "Ghost Adventures"! I have been taping the last few shows, so I would have a few to watch all at once....

Have you seen this show?....It is on the Travel Channel & I think it is fabulous!....The show consists of three friends,... Zak, Aaron & Nick, who are investigating paranormal activities at some of the most (supposedly) haunted places throughout the world. They travel to these places, spending the night in each location, looking for evidence of ghosts, spirits, etc.

Now I am about 99% sure these guys are for real, however my husband not so much! :).....But then again I was born on Halloween, & am fairly open-minded to the existence of ghosts.
All I can say is watch "Ghost Adventures" & make up your own mind. If nothing else it is one very entertaining hour of television!
Here's to a happy & a bit "spooky" evening!

Heidi
xo

"Living Little with Heidi" is a Bit Spooky this Month!

2010-10-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

The Halloween edition of "Living Little with Heidi" has just been sent out to all of you who have asked to receive it!.....It is a somewhat shorter newsletter than usual, but filled with lots of charming ideas, thoughts & recipes!.....I hope you enjoy it!
Your friend,
Heidi
xo

P.S. If you are not receiving my monthly free on-line newsletter, please contact me at heididevlin@gmail.com...& I'll send it right out to you!

"Wishing & Dreaming"......

2010-10-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

As many of you know we are renting a house at the moment....which I really don't mind a bit, possibly since our little house is so darn cute. Someday though I look forward to having a house of our own once again. Not sure if we will end up buying the house we're in or buying another, but for now I love the "wishing & dreaming" part of buying a house.
Lately whenever I see an idea that appeals to me, I am quick to save it!....Ripping a page from a magazine or copying a photo that I saw on-line, is something that is happening fairly often. And one of my favorite ideas at the moment is these amazing "barn doors"!.....I love the juxtaposition of these over-sized, primitive doors being brought into the interiors of a home!.....Not only decorative, but functional as well!....Just fabulous!

I am not sure that barn doors such as these will ever be in any house I own, but they certainly are more than comfortable in my "wishing & dreaming" folder!....Right alongside, plank floors, farmhouse sinks, wrap around porches, pea gravel courtyards & driveways, large garden spaces, picket fences, barn/greenhouses, etc. etc. etc.......
Here's to dreaming!....
Heidi
xo

My shop is full of.... "Candy Canes & Snowballs"!.....

2010-10-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

A little announcement to let everyone know that my
"Candy Canes" & "Snowballs"
have indeed once again arrived in my shop,....
Heidi Devlin Design!......
The candy canes are available in not only the traditional red/cream...but also in the monochromatic tan/white, which is so very pretty when using dusty pastels or planning an all "white" Christmas!
And the "snowballs"!...well what can I say....inspired from old-fashioned rag-balls, these darling vintage-inspired snowballs are wrapped in oatmeal-y cotton & then decoupaged & encrusted in mica flakes & diamond dust!.....
Arranged in an old urn or tucked throughout the branches of your Christmas tree, they are just the most charming decorations ever!

I invite you to come by for a quick peek soon & place your order!....They seem to disappear as quickly as my "glue-y/glittery" fingers can make them!

Here's to candy canes & snowballs!

Heidi
xo

Enjoying "Autumn's Charms"....

2010-10-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

O.K..... Enough is enough. All I have been doing these last few weeks is working.....stenciling, sewing & packing up, lots & lots of pillows!...... Now I am very, very thankful for the business & to have such lovely clients.....& tomorrow I am thrilled to report that I will be completely caught up!.....

With that said though, I am in desperate need of a bit of "Autumn Charm"!.....

You know,.....

*pumpkins & falling leaves......

*afternoons spent cooking delicious chowders & soups....

* front porches sporting big pots of golden mums....
I want to think....

* "Halloween", about costumes & candy corn.....

& *baking as many apple desserts as one family can handle!.....

And above all, I want this time of year to slow down.....just a little.

I want to savor each moment of Autumn.....

I am deliberately clearing my calendar, so this season doesn't slip by without me noticing.....And it feels incredible!....Like many of you I am a "pleaser", always taking on more than I can possibly do,...not wanting to say "no" or "disappoint" anyone...

but I have come to the conclusion that for a few weeks I will be a little selfish with my time,.... & do what I want,
& if that means sitting, sipping hot cider, reading magazines & watching the leaves fall.... then I'm doing it!

Before long the holidays will be upon us, & these days of Fall will be
"sweet memories"...

So for today & for the next few weeks, I will be celebrating Autumn in every way imaginable!.....
And I would love to share this Fall with you!.....

So stop by whenever you can! I might have a new "recipe or idea" to share!

.....or then again, I might just be wandering through
a "leaf-carpeted orchard", enjoying my Autumn afternoon.

Here's to enjoying each season......

Your friend,

heidi
xo

I Adore "British Country Living"......

2010-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I adore my magazines!.....I buy fewer these days, due to some of my favorites being discontinued, as well as my sincere efforts to save money!....However, there is one magazine that I will always purchase,..... British "Country Living"!

This gorgeous magazine,... for me, is like some kind of drug, I simply cannot go without it!....Since it is British, it is somewhat expensive here in the states, but I simply cannot go a month without it!

I love the incredibly lovely covers,...which are always a seasonal feast for the eyes!....& how this magazine is truly immersed in the celebration & preservation of the English countryside,..... & yet presented in the most enchanting way.

Thumbing through pages of old stone English manors, with farmhouse kitchens sporting those "aga" ovens.....articles about cooking "sheppard's pie & fruit trifle".....& how to grow climbing roses or to create the perfect cottage gardens.....all make me feel that I too am living right there in the middle of England!

Reading about the raising of sheep,.... the how-to's of decorating with fresh floral cottons ...& all the fashion pages having models sporting "wellies", alongside their darling printed dresses & cozy sweaters ( very Anthropologie-esque!)....is just so up my alley!...The juxtaposition of the beauty of England & the roughness of it.... is just so appealing to me!

So this month, as with every other, I look forward to the receiving my issue of British Country Living!.....especially now with the Fall & winter months upon us!.....& with Christmas too, just around the corner!.....
A warm fire, a cup of tea & this little publication & you have the makings of the perfect afternoon!.......

Cheers to England & drizzly afternoons!.......
Your friend,
heidi xo

Remembering Autumn Weather.....

2010-09-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Good Morning & Happy Thursday.......
Here in Southern California, we have been having crazy hot weather, with temperatures in the 100's....Now today & for the immediate future, the temps. will be only in the mid-eighties, but with very high humidity?....
Now I know that in California we cannot expect the Autumn weather that many other parts of the country enjoy......& in reality we can't do much about it anyway....
However a girl can certainly dream, right?
Growing up in Washington State, Spokane to be exact....I remember those crisp September mornings, that required a little sweater,.... while walking to school or years later waiting for the school bus.
I remember how the afternoons would indeed become warm, but then quickly cool.
I remember how exciting it was for the early days of Fall to turn into the chilly ones of October & November....with trees turning & leaves falling.
I remember beginning the school year in dark cotton dresses & anklets, but graduating quickly into wool-y jumpers, tights & cozy jackets.
I remember loving the changes in the weather, finding it all very exciting!
Our family now has been living in California for many years, so you'd think I would be used to our "Fall", ....but no. Each year I go through a couple-three weeks of feeling sorry for not living in a cooler climate.
However, I do eventually come out of it, realizing that "Autumn" can also be a "state of mind", ...... I shake off my sadness, adopt a better attitude & begin to notice the subtle changes that we do experience. Fall weather does come to Southern California,...you just have to look a bit harder & be keen to all the little seasonal differences.
So today, still warm in temperature, my day will include the purchasing of a few "mums" for the front porch....adding a few" tiny pumpkins" to my kitchen hutch & the lighting of "candles" in various spicy scents.
And if I'm not mistaken.....I believe I do see a few trees with slightly golden leaves?
So in conclusion....It is reassuring to know that Autumn arrives in one form or another at all our homes.....You just need to be patient & keep a watchful eye.

Wishing you a lovely Fall day!
heidi
xo

For the Love of Baking......

2010-09-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have to just admit it......I LOVE to bake!!!.....Cakes, cookies, breads! All of the above!....I love how the aromas from something delicious in the oven makes the house feel so cozy & inviting!....

& how tickled it makes me to hear all the ooh's & aah's from family members walking in the door in the evening!

I've decided too, that since we do not need "all the calories" from this glorious pursuit of mine, I will become one of those ladies who always is sharing her days' baking with friends!....It makes me so very happy to have a pumpkin bread or oatmeal cookies in hand, when visiting a friend or client!...& to see their smiling faces & wonderful comments is just so rewarding!!!
So I will be stocking my house with plenty of flour, sugar & eggs....and be testing out lots of new recipes, along with posting the successful ones!.....

Off to preheat the oven!......

Happy baking!

heidi
xo
NOTE: Libby's Pumpkin Bread- incredibly yummy!!

Here's to Small Blogs"......

2010-09-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm home today, getting caught up on housework, laundry & sewing.....& had a few minutes to post a blog as well. I am a true believer of not posting unless you have something to say.....none of this posting, just to be posting business for me.
O.K. while puttering around the house, attending to all the tasks I just mentioned, I was thinking about blogs & the particular ones that I seem to be attracted to the most. ....
And I was also comparing them to these "super blogs"..... You know the ones!...I won't say any names, but you all know exactly the kind of blogs I am referring to. Bloggers that began about the same time you did, but have now thousands of followers,....are writing books & that have almost become "blog celebrities".
Not exactly my cup of tea.

And then there is the 2nd type of super blog, where they really don't even look like a personal blog any longer, instead more like a page of advertising?...where it is difficult to actually find the current post...
O.K., I have to go back a couple years when I started writing this blog. The blogs I instantly were attracted to were ones written from kitchen tables, by everyday ladies describing the simple activities of their day. I will admit I do love a "pretty" blog....so of course the bloggers I instantly fell in love with were ones where a recipe was posted along with a gloriously beautiful loaf of bread, with a lace curtain catching the breeze in the background,.... or a post about gardening with a photo of wellies sitting next to an old screen door....
I am so very attracted to the "beauty & charm of everyday".......
So back to the "super blogs"......I guess they must be what many readers want to see, & that is certainly fine.......but for me, I will take the charming little blogs anytime. Lovely photos & sweet thoughts.......perfect for everyday ladies like me.......
So all the best to the "super blogs"....
but a heart-felt thank-you to all the small blogs for your daily inspiration that I value so very much....

heidi
xo

"Living Little" ......September Issue, Just Went Out!

2010-09-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note, to let you all know that the September issue of "Living Little with Heidi" was sent out yesterday!.....
As you all know, I LOVE sharing my thoughts with you each month!...Ideas about decorating, cooking, gardening & creating a comfortably pretty & cozy home!
This month's issue is wonderful!.... full of ideas for getting your house ready for the Autumn season, along with some amazing recipes!.....
I cannot believe how this little publication has grown this year!...all thanks to ladies like you!
If you are not receiving "Little Little" & would like to,....please let me know at heididevlin@gmail.com.... & I will get this month's issue out to you right away!

Once again a big hug for allowing me to write my thoughts!.... & for all your sweet comments!.....
...... "happy reading" to you all!

heidi xo

Visiting Over at the "Queen Bee"!!!.....

2010-09-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

This morning I am guest posting over at the "Queen Bee Market" blog!....The "Queen Bee Market" is being held for the second time here in San Diego,.... & is scheduled for November 12th-13th.
If you are hearing about the "Market" for the first time, you must go check it all out!....It was thought up by two talented sisters, Mique & Jessica, who came up with the idea of having "craft show" that is fresh & fun & all about the design esthetics of today!....You can shop from one fabulous vendor to another, picking up items along the way & then pay "once" at the end!

I can say from experience that I have been to, & involved with craft shows for many years & the "Queen Bee Market" is the most well-run, organized & delightful craft show around!! And simply incredibly talented vendors!!!!.....You must mark your calendars & go!!!......

Along with me, ....both my daughters, Holly from Etsy shop "Mommyholly" & Mallory from "Wendymiracle" will have booths as well.
We are so looking forward to taking part once again in such an exciting show! Hope to see you there!......

Your friend,

heidi xo

Unexpected Days....

2010-09-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today, "us girls",.... my two daughters & I, decided to drive up to Old Orange, California to do a little antiquing. We have not been to Orange since last year at this time & we were so very excited! We of course have "a routine". We start at Starbucks, for an ice tea & a little something sweet to nibble on. Then we proceed over to Country Roads to see what all the vendor booths have to offer.

Well let me just say that Old Orange has changed in the last year!.....Many of my favorite shops have been replaced, one with a Karate studio, one with a modern little yogurt shop & even one has become a laundromat?....My girls & I decided it was just another example of our poor economy, making it very difficult for the little antique shops to survive....but who knows?

It was a bit disheartening.....not only did we not make even one purchase, we were really not even tempted!?....Everything was so EXPENSIVE!.....OMGoodness! Not the day we had planned.
Of course the three of us love spending a day strolling & browsing & enjoying each others company, but shopping-wise, not so good.

In fact, by mid-afternoon we all decided to cut our losses & come on home!....Of course my husband was happy to have us home a bit earlier than expected & thrilled that most of the cash we had stopped to get, was still safely tucked away in our wallets! I think he almost felt sorry for us,.... & even offered to go pick up dinner...something I have never said no to!....

So in closing,.... our sad little antiquing day came to an end,.....but everything turned around by dinnertime. We were happy to return home, have a meal that none of us had to prepare & be able to get to bed early. It may not have been the day we had planned, but in the end it turned out just fine.

Here's to unexpected days!

Heidi xo

"Shutter Love".......

2010-09-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure you all will feel the same,.... but then again how could you not?.....Are "old-fashioned shutters" not just about the most fairy-tale, most charming detail any house could ask for!....Since I was very small, I have had such a fascination with these simple wood structures.

Maybe it had something to do with the books I was attracted to...you know, classics, like the "Secret Garden" & the "Little Princess"...or anything written by Louisa May Alcott. All these featured stately old houses, or sweet country cottages, where each window was accessorized with shutters.

The best however, were the shutters that were truly functioning. You know the ones,...the ones that could be closed to keep the weather at bay during the cold winter months,... & then when springtime came, could be dramatically thrown open!... once again letting the sunlight & fresh breezes drift in!....

And then of course is the "element of color". Of course classic black is always tasteful & elegant.....with green or blue running a close second. Oh but every once in awhile isn't it enchanting to see a very uncharacteristic shade of pink or lavender gracing these wood beauties!....So very "nursery-rhyme-esque"!, especially when paired against an old stone dwelling or vine-covered brick brownstone...... Simply magical!

O.K..... by now you are beginning to understand just how obsessed I am!....
but that's perfectly fine.
I am deep in "shutter love"..... unabashedly & undeniably!......

Cheers to shutters everywhere!

heidi
xo

My Mother's Pumpkin Cookies,.... thanks to Sarah.....

2010-09-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Please understand! My mother used to make the most incredible "pumpkin cookies". They were supremely tender & frosted with a cooked, brown sugar frosting......so good that sitting here I can smell the aroma drifting through the air,... & I haven't even begun to make a batch yet!

I have been looking for this recipe EVERYWHERE!...I have googled it a million & one times, still not finding this perfect recipe?...Then today, all of a sudden, after altering the phrase I fed into Google,.... I found it!!!....I followed it back to a lovely blog, "In Praise of Leftovers". It seems that it's hostess, Sarah, has the same adoration for these cookies, as I do... & also remembers her mother baking them for her!.....I left a comment to Sarah, telling her I just had to steal her photo & this recipe & post it on my blog!!!...of course giving her all the credit!!!....So this is Sarah's photo & Sarah's mother's recipe!!!!!......

Maybe our mothers found the recipe in the same magazine or newspaper article years ago?.... who knows!...But one way or another, with Sarah's help,... I have found my mother's long last "pumpkin cookie recipe"!...Thank you Sarah!!!

Autumn is Here....

2010-09-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am so very happy that Autumn is here....maybe not officially, but once Labor Day has come & gone,... Autumn in my mind, has arrived.

It's true that here in California we will still have our share of very warm days, but this week is supposed to be cooperating quite nicely,... with the weathermen predicting temperatures in the 70's, which for those of us in Southern California is most definitely "Fall" weather!

In the next few weeks I am concentrating on readying our home for the cool months ahead...adding softness with extra pillows, placing a rug on the bare floor of my kitchen & burning as many deliciously spicy-smelling candles as possible!.....I want to bake pumpkin bread & oatmeal cookies... & am even thinking about putting up a batch of apple butter!....And I would love to begin a new quilt,... possibly made from tiny colonial prints in deep golden yellows & dusty browns.....

This is the Autumn I am dreaming of.....crisp early mornings,.... afternoons of pale sunlight & long shadows...& peaceful family evenings spent in our cozy home.

This is the season of the year that I look forward to the most....
and it is now here....
for us all to enjoy.

heidi xo

New Pillow Designs for September!.....

2010-09-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

"Little Swallow" pillow
With September's arrival,.... I felt it time for a few fresh new designs to be added to my Etsy shop, "Heidi Devlin Design". Of course most of them follow along with my undying love of "Farmhouse Chic" ....which whether it is French, English or good-old American, for me "farmhouse" is fabulous!!!
My new designs are simple, somewhat "vintage-in-feel" & so very charming!...And even though I do love the quiet quality that neutral fabrics offer,...I am having such fun adding a bit of interest to the backs of some of my designs!....Some have backs that are either beige or blue traditional mattress ticking, while others will be showing off the incredible reproduction French prints from the talented designer Kaari Meng from French General!...I'm just "over the moon" with love for Kaari's fabrics!...& have been ordering yards & yards of various prints!...So be watching for more to show up in my shop!....I am planning on stockings & ornaments for Christmas,.... both with not only my signature "burlap & oatmeal-y cotton", but also bits & pieces of these lovely French prints as well! So much to look forward too!

One of Karri Meng's French reproduction prints, as seen on my "French Country Patisserie" pillow
The designs today are all about the "casual feel of wonderful cottons", the "hand-stenciling" which I am very proud to offer,.... & the "lovely workmanship" that I feel is so important in today's world!

"Home sweet Home" pillow
For me it is so rewarding to be able to design, create & sell such pretty pillows to all of you!...It is simply delightful to hear from many of you...knowing that others share my love of old-fashioned quality as well!......Home-made & Hand-made is definitely alive & well!

" French Country Patisserie" pillow

I also would like to remind you all that I love being asked to do "custom designs", which my last photo is all about!...Recently, a lovely client of mine, asked me to create a pillow for her two young sons. She described the room she & her husband were putting together for their newborn & toddler son, & very much wanted to have a very special pillow with their names. Of course I was thrilled to be asked! The pillow turned out so beautifully that I asked my client if I could indeed offer it in my shop! She happily agreed & here it is,....
my sweet "Our Sons" pillow!....Not only is it hand-stenciled on the front, but also has a darling prayer on the back!....Such a special piece!

"Our Sons" pillow
It was my pleasure today, to show you what I have been up to, with lots more in the works!....Please come visit my Etsy shop soon & take a peek for yourself!!....Thank you all for your continuing support!.... & for reminding me daily how much you too appreciate the "handmade"!
Off to make a little dinner.....

Love Always.....Heidi xo

My New Fascination for Fall...Dundee Marmalade Jars....

2010-09-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
O.K. it's official...I am in love with those darling little
"Dundee Marmalade" jars!.....They are so darn charming!!!!.....It's not that I have never seen them before, but for some reason they are now just calling to me!....

I adore their "plain-jane" cream, crockery pots..... & even more so their exquisite black lettering! So simple, yet so very elegant, a combination that always delights me! These little vintage jam containers will be my Autumn obsession!.....I will be scouring antique & thrift shops, as well as continuing my hunt on Etsy!....Of course I would be
"over the moon" to have a cupboard filled, as in my first photo,.... but also would be very content to enjoy 3-5 jars arranged on my mantle, each filled with button mums!.....Oh! how pretty!

I know you all can understand such a "fascination"!....So I will let you know what I find!.....

Happy Hunting!

Your friend,....

Heidi
xo

Back To School".....

2010-08-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Last week, I took my first college class of all time! ......That's right, never been to college. Not really even sure why I didn't go? Anyway, that changed a week ago!...My daughter Mallory & I have signed up for a "pattern-making" class. We both design & sew, but neither of us know a thing about making a pattern from a sketch?....However, by the time this semester is over, hopefully our pattern making skills will be sharp enough for each of us to qualify for the next Project Runway!.....

I have to say learning something you have always wanted to do is so exhilarating!....I sat in the class, hanging on each word, as our teacher described all the necessary tools & their functions. She talked about needing to be very precise,
...."industry exact" is how she explained it.....was that "fashion industry exact"?...OMGoodness!....She talked about what we would be learning & how she wanted us all to feel comfortable with the terms & references of pattern making, so we could be confidant when dealing with those in the fabric & design industry.
Now keep in mind, my goals are a bit less lofty, but listening to our teacher, I realized how much I love learning & how you are simply never too old to expand your knowledge.
Who knows?...This class may spur me on to another!...."pattern making" today....possibly "draping" next semester!?......

Enjoy your day & keep absorbing knowledge!

Heidi
xo

Preparing for Autumn with Pretty New Pillows!....

2010-08-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday to you all!....
With Autumn just around the corner, I have been thinking new "pillow designs"!...You know,... thoughts of coming inside once again, creating rooms that will offer functionality, but still be cozy & inviting as well!..... I am anxious to shift the furniture around, re-arrange my hutch & organize my kitchen cupboards, preparing for the cooler months ahead!

In my quest for cozy,... I have designed some new pillows, which I will be debuting this week.... in my Etsy shop
"Heidi Devlin Design".
The first is my "Home Sweet Home" pillow, which is absolutely charming! Whether we live in a county cottage or a contemporary downtown loft, these "iconic words of home" must be displayed!.....

The second pillow is a darling little "tuffet",.... measuring just 12"x12". The front is a French-inspired cotton, with the back being a tan burlap... & then hand stenciled with the most adorable little bird....hence my "Little Swallow" pillow, a tribute to one of my favorite feathered friends!

Both of these lovely designs would be so suitable tucked into the cozy corners of our Autumn homes. I invite you to visit my shop soon, for these & more Fall-inspired designs!

Wishing you a relaxing Sunday!.....

Your friend,
Heidi XO

School is Starting & Cookies Are Baking.....

2010-08-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

With school having already started for us our house is feeling a little like Fall!....And along with a new teacher, a new classroom & new school supplies....it is again time to make sure our cookie jar is filled!....I am vowing this year, to keeping this big glass cookie jar of ours filled at least 1/2 full, since it truly is a very large jar!.....
So this week, I decided to start the year with the
classic & the grandson!
I ended up doubling the batch, so I am happy to report lovely chocolate-y cookies did make it to the actual jar!.....Oh how pretty they looked!
Now even though I am quite sure you all have made this recipe over & over again, we all know a classic recipe can never be repeated to often, so with that said, here is "the" chocolate cookie recipe of all time!....I am not sure quite yet what next weeks cookie will be?...but when I decide I will be sure & share!....
Happy baking & a spoonful or two of dough as well!......
Heidi
xo
**********************************************

               Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe
( baking time:9minutes/makes 5 dozen cookies)

2 1/4		cups all-purpose flour
1		teaspoon baking soda
1		teaspoon salt
1		cup butter, softened
3/4		cup sugar
3/4		cup firmly packed brown sugar
1		teaspoon vanilla
2		eggs
1		(12-ounce) package (2 cups) real semi-sweet chocolate chips (We recommend NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Morsels)
1		cup chopped nuts

Heat oven to 375°F. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Set aside.

Combine butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla at high speed in large bowl. Beat, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low; gradually add flour mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in morsels and nuts by hand.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

Farmhouse Sinks......

2010-08-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

There is just something about "farmhouse sinks". I just adore them!....& for so many reasons! First of all, farmhouse sinks "whisper" of kitchens from the past..... They are big & functional & make me think of the kitchens my mother describes when reminiscing about her summers growing up on the farm.

Today, farmhouse sinks are certainly not just for function, but for beauty as well!....Here not only one sink, but "two" have been added to the design of this kitchen!...Can you imagine?....One not being enough?.....

Here the farmhouse sink has been added to a laundry room!....Wouldn't you just love slaving away with "washing & ironing" in this charming room! Sign me up!

And then there is this extra long, sky-blue, vintage version!.....Could it get any better?....Simply unbelievable!

However, this "farmhouse sink" may be my very favorite!....It is so old-fashioned, & when coupled with a butcher block counter, a darling paned window & open shelving, it covers all bases for me!.....
Simple, functional & a sink that might even make me feel like I was "Anne" doing dishes at "Green Gables"!
Hopefully somewhere in my future there will be a "farmhouse sink". One that will wash fruit, vegetables, dishes & grandchildren!
Here's to the "humble sinks of the past".

Heidi
xo

Instead of Blogging.....I've been Puttering

2010-08-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

The last few days have found me "puttering". Nothing I love more than "puttering".....having time to arrange, stack, rearrange, clean out, sort through & make pretty.

I so need time occasionally to just "be",..... no appointments, no commitments,.... just attending to your home & garden without any interruptions. Pure heaven. It appears that the remainder of August may be more days like this....the days of late summer.

I couldn't be happier.

Here's to "puttering" & enjoying every minute of it....

Heidi
xo

"Nini-Andrew Nights".......

2010-08-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight was "Back-to-School Night", at my grandson Andrew's school. After his parents left to attend, & hear what his teacher has planned for the year, Andrew & I began our little evening together.
Even though we all live under one roof, sometimes it is rare to have this "one-on-one" time. And for Andrew & I it has been awhile. He has "guy nights" with Papa ( my husband), fun outings with his Auntie "NumNum", (my daughter Mallory),..... & lots of time with myself, my daughter Holly & I...but not too much with just Andrew & "Nini" (me).
This evening we had strict instructions from mom, to make sure I had Andrew in bed on time, something that proves a bit difficult to achieve when dinner, showering & reading stories is on the agenda.
We sat down to a simple meal of macaroni & cheese, bread & butter triangles & orange slices....along with a tiny bowl of peanut-butter cup ice cream. I insisted sitting at the kitchen table, since we have been working hard on learning good manners. Even though sitting in front of the T.V, would have been Andrew's choice,.... once I mentioned setting the table, he was all about it!....Soon place-mats had been retrieved, napkins were folded & milk was served in tall water goblets......and oh! what deliciously good manners & conversation we had!
We discussed the movie " Matilda", & made plans for eating pizza & watching it on Friday night. We talked about how much we both love Parmesan cheese & how it elevates Kraft macaroni to a whole new level!....and we discussed how some children don't believe in Santa Claus, a direct result of discussing the premise of "Miracle on 34th Street". We both agreed it was the silliest of notions!.....no Santa?....please?.....and we debated the reasons we both love gardening while mommy just doesn't understand our need to get our hands dirty.
We had the nicest dinner, just the two of us, chatting & eating. During the meal, I happened to mention that when my daughter begins nursing school, sometime next year..... we will have lots of "Nini-Andrew Nights"......Andrew finished chewing his food, ....looked up at me, smiled & sweetly said...
"I love Nini-Andrew Nights"!.....I smiled back & said....."me too".

Heidi XO

"Summer Cherries"........

2010-08-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

Cherries,..... glorious cherries!....
A pie?.........jam?.....not sure?.....

maybe just "nibbling".....

I'm good with that.

Enjoy!

Heidi XO

Just Running A Bit Behind....

2010-08-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Friends......Hope you are all having a lovely first week of August!.....For those of you that have signed up for my "Aqua and Avocado Swap", please don't worry!......I am running just a bit behind, but will be sending out partners later this afternoon!.....Please forgive my tardiness!...Like you, I cannot wait to begin this delightful swap!

Well, I smell coffee brewing & the family preparing for another new day!.....
Off to get it started!...

love to all!........Heidi XO

P.S. Just sent off my Summer issue of my newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi"!!. ...
If interested in being sent a copy, please contact me at heididevlin@gmail.com..

& I will be delighted to e-mail you a copy!!....

"I Am Just One Woman....."

2010-07-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Friends!
Has it really been almost a week since I blogged?.....Other of course from last night when I accidentally posted a lovely picture without any text??...What was that all about?....but thank you to the sweet ladies who left a comment about the lovely picture itself!

I guess my "wordless post" yesterday, was an indication of my last week. As many of you know I have an Etsy shop where I sell hand-stenciled pillows. Well I truly appreciate how busy I have become, however, in the last few weeks the orders were coming in faster than I realized!...A great thing for a business, but I somehow forgot that filling each order takes time!...always more time than you actually realize!

Long story short, I have been stenciling, sewing, packing & mailing around the clock!.....Always wanting to give wonderful customer service ( a holdover from my Nordstrom days!),.... I have reluctantly had to inform customers I was running a bit behind....not something I feel very comfortable with....

I am happy to report that I am beginning to see a light at the end of my sewing tunnel!....Another few days & I believe I will be all caught up!

I have learned a few things in these last few days....I absolutely LOVE my small pillow business. I love making pillows & sending then off to ladies who appreciate what I do. ....however, I also am just one woman. One woman always taking on much more than she can comfortably handle!! Sound familiar?

I am finishing up on the lovely pillow projects I have left....& happily re-opening my shop next week.......

I will also remember that my business is only one part of my life. I will remember there is only 24 hours in a day. I will remember I am just one person. I will realize once again that I am happiest when I have breathing room & time to putter.

love you all......Heidi xo