Living A Simplified Life!


Friday, December 31, 2010


This is posted for all my friends who have recently gotten SNOW!  It looks so peaceful, quiet and serene doesn't it?
I am glad to see the smoke coming out of the chimney though because it looks like it is mighty cold!

This is house plan 005H-0095 courtesy of the house plan shop. I love all of their house plans but of course I have a preference for anything cottage! This darling house is a little over 1200 square feet and has two good sized bedrooms split by a bath off the Master bedroom and the Hall Bath which is conveniently located to the center of the house and the second bedroom. The laundry room is located between the garage and the house, with easy access to counter space in the kitchen to drop your groceries.

The family room and kitchen with eating area is all one large space running the width of the house. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings make the room feel even larger than it is. Situate your living room furniture around and close to the fireplace, perhaps use a long table behind the back of your couch in the center of the room, to visually divide the room into two areas.

This would be a great home for retirement or a young couple just starting their family. 

So as we close out this winter season, enjoy the comforts of your home, dream dreams of a new one or just enjoy the one you have!

Happy New Year Everyone!  May you be blessed with health , happiness and prosperity.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Caught Without Mittens? Quick Ones to Make

Hey Baby it's cold outside!  Have you or your children ever been caught without mittens?  Here is a quick way to whip up some super fast.

Lay your hand on a piece of paper, letting your fingers spread out a little bit like they naturally do, in fact spread your thumb out a wee bit more than normal. The reason for this is you want a little extra room for your pattern. Draw around your hand and up your wrist about 21/2 to 3 inches. Next draw another line beyond this one by another inch.


 Now you have your basic pattern. I used some leftover fleece material to make mine and they are toasty warm!
You will cut a total of 4 of these for each set of mittens. Lay two together, matching up the thumbs and stitch around the mitten,with a 5/8ths inch seam allowance,  leaving the wrist part that will go over your hand open. At the wrist opening, finish off by making a small hem. Now turn your mitten right side out and they are ready to wear!  For little children, you might want to make a casing to run a piece of elastic through at the wrist instead of just a hem. This will help them keep them on their hands.