Thoughts from Alice W.

Hazel's First Easter

Hazel enjoyed her first Easter!

We attended church and then spent the afternoon with family.

Hazel was, of course, the favorite guest.

We hope that you enjoyed a wonderful Easter as well :)

Till next time...

Loving Easter Wishes

 

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, 
   he was crushed for our iniquities; 
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, 
   and by his wounds we are healed."

~Isaiah 53:5

 

Wishing you a joyous Easter!

 

Till next time...

trick or treat...

We were all ready for trick-or-treaters to come traipsing up our porch Monday night...

Orange lights glowed in the window.

Lanterns were lighted to guide the way.

The big bowl of candy was ready by the door.

Little Red Riding Hood and her pal, The Big Bad Wolf, anxiously awaited their arrival...

But in the end only 5 little treaters came along.

Little Red Riding Hood fell asleep anyways...and the Big Bad Wolf refused to wear his costume for long.

But we still had fun on Hazel's first  Halloween!

Hope you all had a safe and happy Halloween as well!

Now we head into my absolute favorite time of year...and I am so blessed this year to have a sweet daughter to share it with.

Life is good.

Till next time...

p.s. Lisa Super I loved your guess! And hope you won't mind if I borrow it in a few years when we can walk around with the two of them! Dorothy and Toto on the town...

welcoming fall...

It is hard for me to believe fall is already here.

Spending the majority of the summer in the hospital made it seem like we didn't even have one,

but this is my favorite time of year so I won't complain.

Hazel is sure keeping me busy these days, but I still managed to spruce up the house a little to welcome autumn.

The front porch got a much needed makeover, with the help of my mother who encouraged me to get out of the house.

She took me to a local farm market where we purchased some pumpkins and mums.

I also got an itch to decorate our mantel for Halloween...

Hazel is enjoying her first fall season as well...

I have been racking my brain to come up with the perfect costume for my girl...when it finally came to me.

It also involves her furry brother, so hopefully the two will cooperate long enough for me to get a photo to share with you soon!

Till next time...

christmas 2010

It's hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone.

This month has certainly been a busy one around the Wingerden household. We hosted Christmas this year for the first time in our new home.  Events like this are usually just the pressure I need to get things whipped into shape.

So, for those of you who have found your way here to get a taste of our Christmas in 2010, I hope you are in for the long haul since there is much to share...

We'll start with picking out the Christmas tree...

It was  a misty afternoon and not too cold....perfect for finding our tree...

We found a family run Christmas tree market just a little ways from our house.

After some debate {I am very picky when it comes to trees}, we chose one from the group above. I had big plans for this tree...and was very excited to get it home.

Only to realized it was about 2 1/2 feet too tall! After Josh sawed a good portion off of the bottom, it was the perfect size.

Then the next project was to flock it. Neither of us had ever done that before, but I have always loved the look of flocked trees. I found a kit online and Josh rigged up a way for us to use it {turned out we didn't have the right equipment which I didn't realize when I purchased it}.

And away we flocked...must have looked like a site to our neighbors with all of the white powder flying in the air as we sprayed the tree in our backyard.

We didn't have enough flocking to heavily coat it, just enough though to add a  soft, lighter coloring to it.

Then it was on to decorating!

Only silver, white, and cream ornaments this year...with burlap garland.

White lights of course...as well as several religious inspired  and handmade ornaments...

I purchased the beautiful ex-voto "Mary Did You Know" tags from Ozma of Odds on Etsyand adore them. They were a perfect addition to our tree.

A favorite 'Merry Christmas' tag from sweet Sandi, and I purchased a set of two sheet music rosette ornaments from the lovely Susan of Paper Hill.

Some old favorites....

Some new additions...

As you might notice if you are a regular here, we have made some changes in the living room...like painting the walls {finally! The color is now "puff" gray. I was so sick of that 'macaroni and cheese' yellow - still have the office to do as you can see in the background}.

And we hung our chandelier...{haven't found the crystals yet...still lots of unpacking to do!}.

Another new addition this year was the mantel next to our tree. As I mentioned in my previous birthday post, Josh had planned on purchasing one as my gift.

When the one we really wanted ended up being sold before we got there, we decided to get creative with what was available.

I never thought we would go with a brown mantel, but the TV fits in it perfectly {which was one of my main goals}.  We plan on mounting the TV on the wall inside the mantel and then I want to make up some linen curtains to go inside, so I can "tuck" it away whenever I don't want to look at it.

This year we had to improvise, however, so I was happy when I found the 'yule log' on cable, so we can enjoy a nice 'crackling fire' in the new mantel.

 

A fresh Boxwood wreath adorned our front door this year, and an old chalkware Jesus, found on the side of the road, rested by the mantel - to remind us of the true meaning for our celebration.

After the  tree and mantel were situated, we had a lot of work to do in the dinning room to get it ready for serving 11 people.

First thing I wanted put up was the chandelier I purchased last spring on Craigslist. It has been stored away since we purchased it, and I have been dying to see it up with all the crystals on it...

Josh painstakingly cleaned each strand and put it up for me. I sure do love that man.

I also worked hard decorating and cleaning up our hutch {but that really was the fun part}...

I filled it with greenery, antique white pottery and other special touches...

 

Our new vintage dining set, that we also purchased last spring and had in storage until we moved in, thankfully came with three leaves. We felt like royalty with how long it was, as I set the table and got it prepared for our guests.

I got to put out my new butter dish given to me for my birthday from my Aunt Maureen, and Josh picked up the bouquet of flocked branches at Wegmans. I split it in two for one bouquet on each end of the table.

Thankfully my mother helped me with the cooking and many of our guests brought hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

For dinner we served cranberry stuffed turkey breasts, ham and lasagna rolls, along with a cranberry vinaigrette salad and several side dishes. It was quite a production, but overall came together wonderfully and all seemed to have a good time.

Earlier that day we exchanged gifts between the three of us {Josh, myself and Renoir of course}. Renoir went first and was quite the spoiled guy that day.

Even got a new gray bed for the floor in the living room {although he is still preferring his "romantic" bed}...

Josh got me an old clothes wringer that I spotted at the antique shop down the road from us awhile back...not sure what I will do with it yet but it sure looks cute!

And I got Josh an old printing press box to store his jewelry and supplies in...

We were also blessed to receive several other wonderful gifts from our family and cards sent in from some of you lovely Ladies...thank you so much! We cherished them dearly and have them displayed in our dining room.

I even received a special gift in the mail from Maren of Maren's Hus a few days before Christmas. A beautiful handmade Christmas ornament...

It's beautiful and even has images on both sides. Thank you so much Maren for your thoughtfulness! :)

We have been truly blessed this year in so many ways and are so grateful for all of our family and friends.

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year ahead and can't wait to share more exciting news from our home and life in 2011!

Till next time...

 

welcoming december...

It's hard to believe how quickly December has come, but I must admit...it is my favorite month.

It not only is the month of all of my favorite holiday festivities...but also my birthday month.

Yesterday, I awoke to a world blanketed in white and huge, fluffy snowflakes falling to the ground.

It was pure magic for the first day of December.

Our neighbor across the street has all of her white lights in her windows...

As do I...

I am now in 'frantic' mode to get my house cleaned up, painted, and prepared for Christmas decorating.

Even though I swore I wouldn't bring my creating chaos downstairs in our new home...it is currently covering the living room, family room and dining room table. With being sick, I didn't have a lot of options, but now that I am better it is time to get this place whipped into shape.

Josh has already painted the living room in a gorgeous shade of gray...I cannot wait to show you! And I hope to get our Christmas tree...as well as an early birthday present from Joshua this weekend. Wanna know what it is??

A mantel! We found one at ReHouse, which I blogged about previously, that we think is still available and are going to see about getting it this weekend. It will be absolutely perfect next to the tree.

I have been keeping myself very busy creating lots of Christmas decorations and home decor items offered on Etsy...like my new 'Ruffled Ivory Wreath'...

with a burlap rosette {think I might make some of these as brooches...I just love them!}

At the request of a new customer, I also created some muslin farmhouse garland...

It is currently available in 9' lengths, but I can make longer yardage for those interested.

Some simple yet elegant number tags...perfect for adorning bottles or counting the 12 days of Christmas :)

I am hoping to find time to create some ornaments and decorative items for our home as well this year, but that is always tricky when there are orders to keep up with a house to keep cleaned.

I have been working on some 'Jeanne d'Arc' inspired ornaments that I will be sharing with you soon as well as easy instructions on how to make them.

And even though it is the season to be buying for others, I have already managed to get myself a few things...including one I just have to share with you...

I am sure most of you know the very beautiful and talented Jo-Anne Coletti. She was one of the first woman I discovered when I found blogging {I instantly fell in love with her style, her talent, and her impecable taste}. Well, she recently came out with her own romantic magazine and I had to get myself a copy asap!

I cannot wait till it arrives...I am sure it will be loaded with inspiration! And I am very honored to have some of my photos included.

If you haven't gotten yourself one yet, please head Jo-Anne's way and get yourself a copy. You don't want to miss out on this one!

www.vintagerosecollection.com

Well, I am off to start all of the cleaning, organizing, and {my favorite} decorating that I have waiting for me...

Till next time...I wish you all many blessings this holiday season!

 

Black Friday Sale!

In honor of the holiday this week, I am offering Black Friday Savings now through Sunday! {This isn't just a Friday sale!} Enjoy 15% your orders in both my Looking Glass House and Paradox shops by entering the following code when checking out:

BLACKFRIDAY2010

And I want to send a big thank you to all of you concerned about my health recently. The bronchitis seems to be almost completely gone {still a slight cough though}. I did end up having to return to the doctor's office twice due to terrible pain I was experiencing under my ribs on my right side. I was in excruciating pain for two days, and had to have an ultrasound today to be sure it wasn't a kidney infection/problem. Which thankfully it doesn't seem that it was, but more likely the rib cartilage that was stressed during my 8 days of coughing that is causing all of the pain. I do have medication which is helping considerably, so I am grateful for that. I really do appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers along the way!

Hoping to be back to my normal self very soon :)

Till next time, I wish you all a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

under the weather...but on the mend

Well, I certainly hope these past couple of weeks have treated you better than me.

Last Wednesday, I came down with what I thought was just a slight cough. By Thursday, I realized I had the full on flu. My entire body ached, I had a fever and felt extremely sick. I quickly set up camp on our new sofa - of which you have a glimps above.

{Can't show you the rest yet, as it is completely covered in old sheets, blankets and pillows, since I have barely left that spot for the last several days.}

Well, the flu lasted long enough...and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, it did.

My symptoms changed, and I came down with the most unbearable cough {which has kept me up very late, even into the early morning hours, ever since}.

I finally got myself to the doctor where it was confirmed that I now had bronchitis. Thankfully, I received some meds, and have been on them for a few days now and am hoping to recover soon. Now my sides are aching something fierce, but my cough seems to be subsiding a little.

Josh recently brought me home a beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas, which brightened my day when he walked in with them.

With being sick and keeping up with Etsy, I haven't had much time for decorating, which has made me a little depressed.

I so love decorating for the holidays.

I did start placing some items around that make me happy when I look at them...some recent acquisitions like this transferware dish. I just love it...

And I was delighted when I unpacked my ironstone pottery...haven't seen these in about 10 months!

And Josh found this great little covered dish recently with faces on both sides and the lid...

So, I have all the works to decorate beautifully...now just need the time and strength to do it! Sigh...

Yesterday, after basically being able to accomplish nothing for 8 straight days, I got restless and started creating again. It felt good to get things made and not just sit and watch Hallmark Christmas movies all day {although I am still enjoying those as I create}.

Here are few of the new items I came up with during my time on the sofa...

Last year, my rag ball ornaments were my most popular seller so those are back in burlap, white linen and natural linen...

And they are now available in several new styles...including white burlap, red ticking and pink cotton...

I have also whipped up some vintage inspired holiday banners...with more coming soon...

And have some other holiday items up my sleeve that will be coming in the next few days. I do hope you will stop by my Etsy shop to check them all out! Just click below to view the full Holiday Collection...

 

Till next time...I'll just be on the mend ;)

  

harvest and holiday...

It's hard to believe that October has already come and gone.

Most of the leaves have already fallen off of the trees in our neighborhood, and we even had our first snow last night. It was brief but a sign of the long winter to come.

I hope that all of you enjoyed a safe and fun Halloween...and haven't gotten too overstuffed on candy. This was our first year getting trick-or-treaters, and we were thoroughly impressed with the costumes that we saw. All of those adorable little faces dressed as a fireman, cowgirl, cheerleader, spider with large scary arms, princess, pony...we even saw a blue M&M {I think that was my favorite}.

And now that Halloween has passed...we move forward to my favorite time of year.

I long for the next two months all year long.

When I tell Joshua how I wish it lasted longer, he reminds me that it wouldn't be as special that way. So I strive to appreciate every single day while it is upon us.

This is the busiest season for us around here, with my three Etsy shops as well as Joshua's to help manage. We will be busy creating, listing and then, hopefully, shipping lots of items within the next several weeks. I am planning to have all of my shops stocked full of goodies for all of you this season and hope that you will stop by for a visit.

Here is a sneak peek at what you will find in my Looking Glass House shop...

I also wanted to share with all of you some other news. After a few months of debating, I have decided to close Painted White. If you have tried to pop over there, you will notice it is already gone. Since I have found more success listing on Etsy in the past year, and to save money on website hosting costs, I have decided to solely focus my efforts there for now.  I may at some point open another website down the road but that remains to be seen.

I hope that my long time customers will follow me over on Etsy and enjoy the goods that I have to offer.

For those of you who don't already know, I have three shops on Etsy...

For vintage finds, handmade home decor and artwork you can shop with me at 'Looking Glass House' {also known as aliceslookingglass}...

For vintage and handmade fashions you can shop with me at Paradox...

and for my romantic and vintage inspired photography you can shop with me at alice w. photography...

For those of you interested in my wonderfully talented husband's work, you can shop with him at St Joshua...

as well as follow him on the new Facebook fan page that I made for him by clicking here. 

If you haven't found my page on there yet, you can check it out here, and stay up to date with new items, sales, features and more.

* * * * * * *

And for those of you who are dying to see more house renovations and decorating that we have done, I hate to disappoint, but with how busy I have been in the past few weeks, I have hardly had a second to spare to work on it.

So no worries...you aren't missing anything. Trust me. We have gotten the studio painted in the loveliest shade of gray, and now I will begin focusing my attention setting it up and getting it ready to create in. Hopefully I will have it ready in a few weeks for some photos of the before and after.

This whole house thing will be one long process though, so I hope you will bear with me as we take our time making decisions and getting things 'just right' before I share them here.

I wish you all a most beautiful November and harvest season ahead...

Till next time...

 

autumn romance...

It's beginning to look a lot like fall around here.

The leaves are changing drastically by the day, and there is a definite chill in the air. It has only been in the forties this week so we have already started utilizing our pellet stove. It certainly keeps the house cozy and warm.

Joshua and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary on Friday, October 1st, and since we just made the biggest purchase of our lives, we are trying to stick to a tight budget.

But that does not mean there is a lack of romance here.

We just have to go about it a little more creatively...

This year, Joshua suggested going out to dinner, but the day of, I decided to surprise him with a home cooked meal and a little autumn romance...

I found a box with some of my favorite items including antique lace and a crocheted runner, some vintage cameras and old glass bottles...

I went down in the {fully packed} basement to scrounge up some white sparkling lights to decorate the dining room and added a sheer lace curtain to the doorway...

Outside, I collected a bouquet of wild flowers...and some colorful leaves to scatter about the table...

I did notice a friend or two from outside decided to join us...but I made sure it was just Joshua and me come dinner time...

 

For dinner, we enjoyed penne pasta with feta turkey meatballs {a recipe I saw on the today show} and herbed mashed potatoes.

Joshua brought us home some wine and a beautiful fall bouquet filled with sunflowers and other lovely blooms.

We ate by candlelight ,and I read a few poems from an old book that I found...

It was a wonderful evening filled with romance, love and the beauty of fall...

Thanks to all of you who left us such wonderful anniversary wishes. I cherished each and every one.

Till next time...