A Blondie Day

New Start New Year

New Year's Eve is usually a quiet night for us, in stark contrast to the New Year's Eves of my childhood (my family knows what I'm talking about!). We all have been sick on and off, so tonight's plan is snuggle on the couch, watch Honeymooners and Twilight Zone, nibble on some crackers and cheese, sip on some Bailey's Irish Cream, (sparkling grape juice in a champagne glass for My Girl) and at midnight go outside, bang on some pots and pans and wish the world a Happy New Year! Hope you all start the New Year happy, safe, warm and secure with those you love best. And I pray that this year brings health and happiness to us all. ❤❤

 

 

XO

Helena

 

 

Christmas Love

Merry Christmas Friends!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me.  I am always honored that you do!

May you have a very Happy Holiday and a Blessed and Healthy New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

Much love,

Helena

 

XO

 

Warm

Looking around my house...

 

 

 

at all the colorful and cozy afghans and blankets...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...that I've collected and thrifted over the past few years...

 

 

 

 

 

 

...there's never a reason to feel anything...

 

 

 

 

 

...but warm and loved.

 

 

 

 

 

Snuggle in!

 

XO

Helena

 

A Little Gray and Quiet Monday Before Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much Love,

 

As Always.

 

Helena

 

My Big Christmas Book

I just have to share with you one of my very favorite vintage Christmas inspirations.  My Big Christmas Book by Hayden McAllister is a vintage children's book that I absolutely love.  I keep it out all year long on the bottom shelf of the coffee table, but during the Christmas Season, it gets moved to the top, where I can lovingly pick it up here and there, browse through it, and get a nice little dose of inspiration.

 

 

Although it is a children's book, at 327 pages, it is full of the most delightful artwork, poems, stories, recipes and even crafts.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everytime I page through, there is something new to Ooooh and Aaaah over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are easy to find on eBay or even Amazon, and they are inexpensive too.  So if you come across one, grab it.  I think you will enjoy it and be a little inspired too.

 

XO

Helena

 

How To - Kissing Corners Pillow

This adorable little pillow is a breeze to make and would be a lovely gift for someone special.  Each corner is sweetly puckered, just like a kiss.

 

 

Here's a quick How To.

 

You will need:

 

    1.  1/2 yd. (30.5cm) total light to medium weight fabric.  (I used a different fabric for my front and back, but you can surely use the same fabric.)

    2.  tape measure

    3.  scissors

    4.  pins

    5.  dental floss (or other thin, strong string)

    6.  polyester fiber fill

 

Cut out two rectangles of fabric.  My rectangles measured approx. 17 in. X 11 in. (43.2cm X 17.9cm), but you can make it bigger if you'd like.

 

 

 

If you'd like to embellish the pillow with bits of doilies or lace, or whatever pleases you, now is the time to do it.

 

 

 

Once you have finished your embellishments, place your rectangles right sides together.  Pin and stitch, using a 1/2 in. seam (1.3cm).  Leave a 5 in. opening in the center of the bottom seam for turning and stuffing.

 

 

 

 

Measure and mark approx. 2 in. (5cm) in from each corner point and wrap and tie securely with dental floss or thin, strong string of your choice.  Don't use a string that will be too bulky, or your "kiss" won't look as nice.

 

 

 

 

After you've tied all four corners, turn pillow right side out and stuff with polyester fiber fill until firm.  Turn in raw edges and slip-stitch opening closed.

 

 

 

 

And there you have it - one Kissing Corners Pillow!

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoy!

 

XO

Helena

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Bird

I'm afraid life has gotten the better of me the last few weeks, and my blog is the first to suffer.  I have, however, got a good start on Christmas decorating.  A few small trees are up, to be followed by our bigger tree.

The first tree being my "A Little Bird Told Me" Tree.  Filled with sweet crafty birds, some cheerful doilies, a few buttons and a thread spool or two.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new addition to my decor for the Holidays is this sweetheart, found in a thrift shop in Texas when I was there in November.  I walked by her several times and decided I couldn't leave her there.

 

 

I will share more as I continue to Jolly up the place!

 

Happy Monday.

 

XO

Helena