two straight lines

(I wrapped my gifts in newspaper and sticky bows.  The newspaper I actually liked, the bows my husband bought for some gifts he wrapped.  It was all I had on hand since we just moved, and I refused to brave the snow to buy anything.)

Hi there.  I hope you all had a nice holiday.  I was feeling rather Scrooge-ish on Christmas Eve until I started unpacking all of the handmade goodness that I had for my kids and it warmed my heart and got me into the spirit after all.  Even though your holiday giving is likely over I wanted to highlight some of the great sellers who brightened our holiday season.

Back in September or so, I had the foresight (amazingly enough!) to place an order for a custom Bamboletta doll for Lucie's main gift.  She was thrilled with it and has been tucking it into her cradle (handmade by her Grandpa) each night.  I love the softness of Waldorf dolls and have become slightly obsessed with them.  Did you see the ones that Molly got for her kids?  And these French ones, oh my. There are even adorable patterns for Waldorf doll clothes right here.  This stuff is killing me.

And my favorite Etsy seller, Ella Pedersen, made a return appearance on our Christmas list this year with a large batch of her beautiful felt balls.  They were a gift for the whole family, since I had a feeling that a certain five year old would become rather obsessed with which ones belonged to him if they were doled out in stockings.  I think this may have created a tradition of the family gift.  Ella also made a small scarf that went to Elliot, and a felt crown and flag bunting for Lucie.

Have you seen Little Seedling's etsy shop?  I discovered Jane's beautiful work through Ella (who is her real life friend) and was thrilled to order a pair of her little stumps to go with some Holztiger animals Elliot also received.  I also have a special order toadstool outfit on order for Lucie's doll.  That may be a birthday gift for her.

And finally, I know all of you have seen the work of Hello Handmade Paperie, but I wanted to let you know that their work is just as pretty in person as it is on the computer.  I got my husband their "Let It Snow" print.  It is amazingly beautiful, and is perfect for our new snowy hometown.  This week is the first time since we moved it that I have seen our grass, so it truly is a winter wonderland here.  I also purchased calendars from Hello Handmade for Elliot's teachers and Lucie's caregiver.

So thanks to all of you out there who make and share your talents and wares with us.  Giving these gifts was a gift to me as well.  And thank you to all of you who support these makers.

What are your new year plans?  Mine?  A little Hoppin John for sure, and if I'm really lucky, I may engage in a New Year's tradition that my Mom once told me about.  Did you know that it is customary (with whom I'm not sure) to make new pillow cases on New Year's?  The only information I could find about it was here.  I had hoped my craft space would be fully up and running by New Year's but that isn't likely. (It's getting there)  But if I can get the house straightened enough for me to relax for the day, my boy and I may crank out a few pillow cases.  Sounds lovely doesn't it?  If you make some, please share them with me.

Here's to a Happy New Year.

XO- Courtney

Thanks for your kind comments.  I'm truly thankful for all of you and this great community.  Hope your holiday is as cozy as a corduroy dress with tights.

Happy Holidays!

XO Courtney

Front Hall

So, we moved in the midst of a snowstorm, with incredibly flaky movers, but it's all good now.  We've relocated a ton in our 13 years of marriage, but I have to say this one has to go down in history as the most arduous.  Moving with children is really no fun at all, but we just had to roll with it.  We stomached a sketchy apartment for a month and a half, and moved into our house this past weekend.

Dining Room

We love our new location, Kalamazoo, Michigan.  We are just a few minutes from everything we need, (school, natural foods store, babysitter, cute coffee shop, YMCA, a beautiful nature preserve) and our house is in a lovely older neighborhood.  It is hilly and treed and sort of bustling with the activity of daily life.  I was driving around recently on a snowy night, and there were people out walking their dogs, jogging, driving through the winding streets.  Life in a subdivision did not suit me well, so I am soooo grateful to be here.  I am not doggin' it at all, it just wasn't for me.  I am sort of a loner by nature, so I enjoy catching little glimpses of people living life around me.  It keeps me sane (well, sort of).

Living Room into Sun Room

Our new home was built in the 20's and sits high atop a hill.  It was lovingly cared for for the last 15 years by a couple who turned it into probably the best maintained older home I've ever seen.  It has vintage details and pretty views, and I can't wait to put my imprint on it.  There a some updates to be done, but I'm trying not to start tapping my fingers before the boxes are even unpacked.

Stairs to Attic and Linen Cabinet

Elliot is loving his new school, and sweet Lucie is even going to a babysitter a few doors down from E's school for 2 half days a week.  She spends her time there playing with another "Baby" named Violet.  I am determined to build connections here, and am trying to finally admit that I need a little help (OK, a lot) so I can be a little happier.  It's funny too, she absolutely loves it, she squeals when we pull in and waves "Bye-bye" when I pull her coat off.

I hope that means that I'll be able to get back here a little more often, especially in the new year.  I have been poking around all of your blogs, and I want to say, that you all make the holidays so much more enjoyable, seeing what you're all up to, like little elves.  I swear it is so refreshing to see people who want to put some thought back into this time of year, when it seems that so many around you are more concerned with empty consumerism.  Don't get me wrong, I love nice things, but buying loads of junk just because we should, no thanks.

 

Master Bedroom Built-in and Master Bathroom Detail

So that's it for now.  I hope you enjoy the photos.  It was such a bright and sunny day when we moved in due to the snow, that the photos are super contrast-y.  And the one of the dutch door didn't come out at all, so I'll have to re-shoot it.  But before more photos, I need to do a little more unpacking and plan a 5th birthday party. 

Keep warm.  XO- Courtney

Houses Across the Street (I can't really tell what they look like!) and Street Way Below.

PS- a very nice person recently emailed me welcoming me to K-zoo and I've tried and tried to find the email to reply but haven't been successful.  So, if you read this, Nice Person, please email me again!

Hello.

We've just moved into our new home (pics to come) and due to an email glitch all of my emails have been rejected for the past week.  So, if you needed anything, please resend.  After a week of horrendous customer service, I'm hoping my new phone and internet service is buzzing by 10AM tomorrow.  See you soon.

XO Courtney