A Summer in Somerset...

It feels like forever since I have been here! Well, it has been quite awhile hasn't it?

So, I thought I would take some time to share what I have been up to this summer...

First, I just received the Summer 2010 issue of Somerset Life. I have been anticipating this one for awhile but due to some postal issues and Border's not having a copy, it took awhile for me to receive it.

But alas, it came and I was delighted to see my article with a featured headline on the front cover!

The wonderful new editor, Christen Olivarez, wrote me a few months back and asked me to write an article based on this previous post featuring my vintage recipe cards.

It is funny how things work out in life...as I was certain that post would go by unnoticed by most when I first wrote it. And then it inspired an entire magazine article, who knew?
 
 

You can find my article on page 82, where I share how I acquired these vintage cards and what I have done with them, as well as some inspiration for your own recipes to share with others.

I am a firm believer that in today's fast paced life, a home cooked meal with friends and family is so important. And when the basic act of cooking it together is shared, special memories can be made.  I know that we all get busy and live in a society of instant gratification, so taking the time to prepare food and allow others to "help" can seem daunting, but it is the lessons learned and time shared here that will be treasured forever.

At least...in my humble opinion...

I was delighted to see that my article inspired a new challenge for readers...

You can share with them your own ideas for recipe cards, and if you do, I would love to see what you come up with!

{If you are interested in purchasing a set of the recipe cards, I still have several available and you can find them in my Etsy shop by clicking here.}

In the same issue, I was also featured in the article 'Simply Add a Button'...

It was based around embellishing packages with that little 'extra something' and just goes to prove that even the smallest of details {ie: a button} can have a big impact. Who would have thought by embellishing a previous box I sent into them, would result in a little spotlight?

And...I am honored to have three of my photographs featured in their Miscellany section! It truly has been 'a summer in Somerset'...

Some other events of the summer, I have joined this century and finally got myself on Facebook.

I know, I know...but I wasn't a 'fan' of it previously.

Since then I have found it can be enjoyable place to catch up with old friends/relatives...and keep in touch with people. I even created a little 'Alice W.' fan page for all of you, so that you can keep up to date with all of my shops and happenings if you are so inclined.

And some other big news of the summer...

Joshua and I are purchasing a home!

Finally, after a couple of months of looking we found the right one for us. We have already had the home inspection, applied for our mortgage, etc. So now we are just waiting and hoping it all goes fine as we wait for the closing date, which falls in the middle of August.

And then I will really be busy! Packing, moving, cleaning...and eventually my favorite: decorating my very own place.

I simply cannot wait. I am already looking at paint colors, scouring magazines for inspiration and dreaming of how I will make it my very own home sweet home.

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to check up on me this summer. I really appreciate all of your friendship and love!

Wishing you all a wonderful August...

Till next time,

Comments

[kelly]

What a nice surprise to see a post from you and how exciting, congrats!!

[Lolo]

You have been a busy gal this summer :D So glad to see a post from you.
Congrats on the magazine honor, and more importantly the new nest! I cant wait to see how you decorate and make your new house a home.
XOX

[Julie Marie]

Hello dear friend... I was so happy to hear from you today, and now your post! I bought that magazine several weeks ago and was so excited to read your articles and see your recipe cards... I LOVE mine I ordered from you, and they sit proudly on a bakers rack in my kitchen with vintage cooking items... I am so happy to hear you are getting a house! How exciting for you! (and Josh and Renoir of course!)... I DO hope you will continue to blog, and not just do facebook... I cannot and will not do facebook (too many problems with privacy, etc! and after having my email hacked into, there is no way!) You truly have had a Somerset Summer! Love to you... BIG doggie kisses to Renoir... xoxo Julie Marie

[susan]

congrats on the magazine and the house! how exciting! we are enjoying our summer nights filled with baseball! thanks for stopping by! susan

[Debbie Demmers-Lujan]

Yes, congratulations on being featured in Somerset!!! I hope to someday be in there also. I hope all goes well with your home purchase!!! debbie

[Monica]

Wooo hooo! Beautiful news, Alice! I'm so glad you finally found your special nest! Hope you'll share with us photos of the WIPs ;)
Congrats on the features, they look simply amazing!!
Hugs,
Monicax.

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

You know how happy my heart is for you about everything, especially the house... you will make a beautiful home filled with all things grand, beautiful and most importantly, love.

[Thespoena McLaughlin]

Wonderful! Congrats!

[Debra]

I love the button on the box and what cute recipe cards. I can't wait to see what you're going to do with your new house. Please let us know also about your space and how you are going to fix it up. We are all so glad to hear from you.

[Kerryanne English]

Lovely to see you back Alice and hear all your news - which is all very exciting. Congratulations on being published and especially great news about the house.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

[Sheila R]

Love your articles in Somerset Life!! Congrats!! I just popped over and purchased my very own recipe cards from your shop.

Congrats on finding a new home. May everything smoothly and you enjoy your new adventure

[Lisa Super]

Congratulations Alice, you're on fire lady! Oh, your first home...you're going to LOVE being able to do with it whatever you wish!! Enjoy.

[My Shabby Roses]

Congratulations on you feature article in Somerset Life! What an exciting thing to happen!
A Big congratulations on purchasing your new home! It sounds like, from your past post, that this is something you've been waiting for for a long time. I'm so excited for you. I can't wait to see pictures. I'm sure your mind is racing thinking of all the wonderful things you want to do.

Happy dreaming!
Debbie

[kim klassen]

Hi Alice
i loved your features in somerset life... you are so incredibly talented....
i really truly admire your work.

i posted a little bit about your article on my blog if you wanna come see. :)

i just adore your work.

xxo, kim
kimklassencafe.com

[Denise]

CONGRATS! your photos are always so beautiful. HOw exciting for your new home...I can't wait to see how you decorate it.

[Lisa]

Congratulations on all of your publishings! I have seen these first hand in Somerset! Just lovely! Would LOVE to see pics of your new home! BTW, I am new to your blog and am a BIG FAN!! Thanks for all of your inspiration! Lovely Etsy Shops, too!

[Vicki]

What Joyous News! Breath in all that life is!

[tara]

What wonderful news through this whole post,congrats Alice! enjoy the ride and happy summer, xo!

[Susan Frick]

Hello Alice,
It is wonderful to see your blog update - we've missed you! I saw the Somerset Life at Borders and noticed your contributions. Congratulations on that and the purchase of your new home! I'm sure it will look absolutely lovely with your and Joshua's touches. Enjoy this time,
Susan

[Andrea]

Glad to "see" you again.
Congrats on the magazine cover and articles.
What an achievement!
Also congrats to you & your hubby on
your new home!
I can't wait to see pictures, when you
decorate it.

[Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic]

Alice! Tell us more about your new home :-) Is it located nearby or in another town? How many rooms will you have to decorate? What fun! You are soooo creative and have a wonderful sense of style; I'm sure your home will be fabulous. Do plan to share pics of before and after of the house with your blog friends. I too am on Facebook but don't use it much. Issue with privacy, etc. I have two friends who put way too much info. on Facebook and had their emails hacked into!! So be careful with Facebook.

I hope to see more about you/your creations in Somerset publications!!

xo,
Cheryl

[Dore Callaway]

Alice!!
Ihave the wonderful Summerset Magazine...When I picked it up off the book stands I yelped and had to lean into others unknown to me or my daughter to only then start up maybe unwanted conversations that I know you!! Or that I felt I knwe you and that you are a beloved blogger.

Opening there eyes to the blog world of beauty, heart and soul. I felt as if you were the STAR! the famous Alice. You my girl deserve this honor, it was you that returned my first email when I started out blogging, your hints in how to do this or thats was all it took and I was off and blogging.

A world no oe can really understand until they are swept up into it :)

Thank you dear Alice for your spirit, passion, and soul.
xx
Blessings
Dore
BurlapLuxe.blogspot.com

[Dore Callaway]

(Oooop's typo's to last comment)

Alice!!
I have the wonderful Summerset Magazine...When I picked it up off the book stands I yelped and had to lean into others near by me, unknown to me or my daughter to only then start up maybe unwanted conversations that I know you!! Or that I felt I knew you and that you are a beloved blogger.

Opening there eyes to the blog world of beauty, heart and soul, I felt as if you were the STAR! the famous Alice. You my girl deserve this honor, it was you that returned my first email when I started out blogging, your hints in how to do this or that's was all it took, and I was off and blogging.

A world no one can really understand until they are swept up into it :)

Thank you dear Alice for your spirit, passion, and soul.
xx
Blessings
Dore
BurlapLuxe.blogspot.com

[Allison]

so great to see a new post from you, Alice!
Congrats on the magazine features!
What you didn't mention is your p. 12 feature in Romantic Homes! Was SO excited to see you there.
Can't wait to see the new house and what all you're going to do with it!

[Alison Gibbs]

I saw all of your treasures in Somerset Life - loved them. Congratulations

[Jenny]

I loved your Somerset Life photos and can't wait to see photos of your new home. Glad you're back. It was a bit of a drought waiting for your next gems...

[Mitzi Curi]

Welcome back, Alice! You certainly have good reason to be away from the computer for a while.....buying your first home is so exciting, especially for someone that enjoys decorating like you do. Congratulations! And congrats are in order for your Somerset article and pictures too. Right now I have several old recipe boxes in my garage that I purchased at an auction last summer, full of old recipes. Today I'm motivated to finally do something with them, thanks to you.....

[Leah C]

Oh Alice, what an exciting summer you must be having! Congrats on the Somerset articles...I've already purchased my copy and really enjoyed your articles:) And a great big congratulations & well wishes to you & Joshua on purchasing a home! Wishing you many happy days there and I know you will make it your "dream home" in no time:)

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

Hi sweet girl!!!! I received this beautiful issue and saw all of your wonderful contributions!!! Alice, you possess an amazing talent girl, and I'm just so happy to see you sharing it ~ I have a tidbit of a lampshade in the back of the issue!

Congratulations on your home purchase!!! I can't WAIT to see the progress of you decorating your new home ~ I hope you are doing wonderful, hugs and love, Dawn

[starrydeborah]

Ohhhh! I need to go look at my issue again! Congrats, on the mag. someday I will get there too, I hope :)
Enjoy house ownership, it's the best, now you can paint the walls any color you want, lol.
blessings,
starrydeborah

[Debbie]

Hello dear Alice,

How exciting you were featured in Sommerset Magazine! Congrats also on your new home! Looking forward to see how you decorate it!
Many blessings to you and hubby, and little Renior!

Debbie from NJ

[June]

I was so excited to see you in the new publication Alice. I am thrilled to see you published once again...and in one of my favorite mags. You are such a dear and lovely friend. I love all the goodness coming your way!
hugs

[The Vintage Rabbit]

Congratulations Alice... I'll definately buy this one!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the new look of your blog!!! i know it's been a while for me!!! So excited for you buying a house!!! Can't wait to see how you will make your house a home!!!

Smiles,
Joy~

[Janean]

i was going to say, *who would have thought to add twine and a vintage button onto a old recipe card, but alice! it looks fab to the bone!!!!

congrats.