British Royal Christmas Card released Christmas Day

Happy holidays from the Cambridges!

On Christmas Day, Kensington Palace released a new photograph of the Cambridge family. Taken presumably on the grounds of their country estate, Anmer Hall — it shows Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all bundled up in coats and sweaters. A hat-clad Prince William kisses his youngest child on the cheek as Charlotte grabs her brother’s shoulder. The scene was shot in black and white — and by the Duchess of Cambridge, who frequently takes official photographs of her family and children.

“Merry Christmas to all our followers!” Kensington Palace wrote on Twitter. “This photograph of The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis was taken by The Duchess of Cambridge in Norfolk earlier this year." Text and photo from Vogue Magazine. Read more.

Christmas Decor by Mother Nature

These holly leaves dusted and outlined with frost plus the blurred red berries in the background make a beautiful living Christmas card on this Christmas Eve morning. via

Flying Staircase at Shirley Plantation

The flying staircase at Shirley Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia. Shirley is one of Virginia's oldest plantations, founded in 1613, and construction of the current house began in 1723. Eleven generations of one family have lived in the mansion, and descendants still operate it as a farm. via

I never cease to be amazed at beautiful architecture created without the aid of power tools.

Christmas Cottage in the Snow

The perfect little cottage with a red door and a wreath in the snow. Photo found on Tumblr.

Bird Humor

This mother bird is not amused but just look at her little one's expression. This photo is priceless. via

Icy Morning at My Cottage

It looks like another winter wonderland outside my windows this morning. Everything is encased in a layer of ice and a freezing rain is falling. Not at all good for my office Christmas Party tonight! Will update you later. This is a photo of my balcony railing at 8:45 am. xo

Open Shelves, Framed Botanicals, White Ironstone

This collection of ironstone and glass would not be very interesting were it not for the framed botanical prints in the background. I love the shape of the shelf supports and the wonderfully arranged collections. via Click photo to enlarge.

#BringBirds Back - 7 Simple Actions

3BillionBirds.Org

Doing even one of these things would be a wonderful Christmas present for the birds. Read more here.

Christmas Eve for Three Lucky Girls

Isn't this the sweetest bedroom for three little girls to share? The rustic beds with the flannel sheets and woolen blankets must be so cozy. I love the windows over the beds too with deep sills. Waking up on Christmas morning with filled stockings at the foot of your bed must be the happiest childhood memories ever for these girls. via

Bear Christmas Tree at Hamburg Zoo

She has her eye on something at the top.

What a great idea. 

View more charming photos of this particular bear here. See more photos of this mother brown bear and her three cubs feeding here.

Nut Pie Crusts - Who Knew?

I read an interesting article about last minute pies at Food and Wine magazine online.

I have never heard of these nut crusts that are shelf stable, have you? I always use frozen pie crusts but my freezer is jam packed right now and can't hold one more item. These prepared nut crusts might be the answer to my problem. I must look for them the next time I go food shopping. Both photos by Sarah Crowder.

Small Garden w/ Greenhouse + Washing Maching Update

This small but mighty garden is so special. There is something to oooh and ahhh over everywhere you rest your eyes. I cannot believe there is even a sizable greenhouse behind the dahlias. A tall wooden privacy fence, assorted picket fences, pea gravel paths, raised beds herbs, flowers, lawn brick patio, etc. Too many amenities to list! Swoon. Found here.

Washing Machine Update: I washed two woolen sweaters by hand in the kitchen sink this morning. It was quick work and I folded them somewhat and took them downstairs to my laundry room and put them soaking wet in my new Maytag washer. I set the dial to "drain and spin" and walked away. I was very pleased at how nearly dry they were. I always take my window screens out for the winter because they block so much light. I put a screen atop each of two wooden drying racks in my furnace room and put a terry towel atop each one. I took a while to arrange them and reblock them somewhat and to pat and shake out the wrinkles.  I went back downstairs after a couple of hours and they had already begun to dry. I shook each one and turned them over. I was afraid to use the handwash cycle but am quite pleased with hand washing them myself. If you try this make sure you have two or more items for balance in the spin cycle rather than just one.

Nature's Christmas

How darling! via

Anne Anderson, “The Busy Bunny Book” illustration, 1916 (by Anne Anderson and Alan Wright)

Happy Christmas by Beatrix Potter

A Happy Christmas to You

The greeting is very faint and Beatrix Potter signed this rare watercolor with her initials only HBP circa 1890. This rabbit family is getting ready to enjoy their Christmas Pudding! See the full-size image and read the provenance ©Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Radiator Tray for Brass Candlestick Collection

Notice the unintended self portrait reflected in the watercolor above the tray. I picked up this old tin tray in the garage at a nearby estate sale about a month ago. I intended to use it under potted plants being overwintered indoors but it turned out to be a perfect fit atop a living room radiator. So now it is the perfect container for brass candlesticks that were scattered here and there. The heat won't harm them either. I am so pleased with my $2.00 purchase! Smile.

Evergreens and Pinecones

This flat lay arrangement is quite beautiful, agreed? via

Weeds in First Snow

Everything looks better with snow on top, even a field of weeds.

I have been clearing my field of weeds by hand and it has been easier than I thought. The first two days, I just used my hand clippers and it was slow going. The third day I employed my electric hedge clippers and it was brilliant as the Brits say. I went over what I had cleared with my mulching lawn mower too. I am determined to whack them all down if it takes all winter and it probably will. Unfortunately the first snow of the season has called this project to a screeching halt. 

Now the weeds are bent over instead of standing tall. I will have to wait until everything melts before I can go back with an electric device but I can still do hand work. It looks like a real winter wonderland and the flakes won't be stopping until after midnight. My heart goes out to all the travelers trying to get home after the Thanksgiving holiday. My problem will wait until next week with temps in the 50s and rain. Be safe. Wishing you all snugness in your own homes. xo

Hello, December

Last December I published a red copy of December page from The Procession of the Months by Walter Crane. It seems like yesterday. I worked outside chopping down tall weeds with my electric hedge trimmers and cleared quite a lot of lawn. It felt good to be outside. This was my third day in a row doing such. Today it's much colder and there is a freezing rain that could turn to snow later. I unearthed my snow shovels yesterday too. Enjoy what's left of the first day of December 2019. xo

BBC: Celebration Chocolate Cake recipe

This recipe is by Mary Berry from The Great British Baking Show. It looks easy and delicious. It is even recommended to bake with and for children. I am not sure how to convert the flour to cups but you'll figure it out. I am a huge fan of cream cheese icing! recipe here

Good Things come in Threes

I got this candy cane needlepoint pillow about a month ago in a charity shop and I love it. I put in a new feather stuffing insert salvaged from an old pillow I no longer liked. Isn't it lovely?

I could not believe my luck when I came upon this antique beauty shortly after the candy cane. This pictorial needlepoint with the reclining goat as the central theme was purchased at an estate sale full of quality antiques. The pillow is quite large, in perfect condition, and is stunning in person. I am thrilled with it.

I have had this one with Oak leaves and Acorns, Cherries and other leaves, for at least 12 years, maybe more. Now I can say I have a collection but I don't think I need any others. The seasonal one I shall put away with the Christmas decorations.

Happy Thanksgiving Day. Peace and prosperity to one and all. xo, Rosemary

Happy Thanksgiving

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving images from my blog. 

Safe travels if you are on the road or in the air.

Dutch Door Love

This charming photo has so many things I like. A screen door, a Dutch door, a porch, stepping stones surrounded by grass, side lights, a brass "door" bell, river rocks under the bluestone porch floor, and a beautiful entrance hall. Found here.

Red Star on Barn

I stopped to snap this barn outside one of my favorite thrift shops recently (last Saturday) on a beautiful, cloudless day. Happy Monday. xo

Bookcase, Staircase, Home Library Love

This photo gives new meaning to under the stairs storage. I have always loved a twisty curved staircase and this one is spectacular. That bentwood handrail ❤💓!

THIS BEAUTIFUL FANTASTIC movie

This exciting news deserves a blog post all of its own! My favorite movie, pictured above, is now streaming free "on demand" on PLUTO TV under the ROMANCE category. I know many of you were disappointed when I blogged about its being on Kanopy through my library card. Sadly, not all libraries offer this free streaming service but PLUTO TV is free to everyone with a WiFi connection.

Here is the movie trailer for this charming film. I have seen it three times but I just might watch it again tonight in bed on my iPad. You are welcome!!! So far, everyone on this blog has enjoyed it and I hope you will like it too. 

xo, Rosemary