...Designing My Own Path...

Week 21! I have a cozy bedroom now, and love its quaint size, so I stemmed this weeks design with the simplicity of the room.  The only change I would make to my current space would be to switch the window wall (I only sleep on my right side, so I would love it if the sunrise would be conveniently positioned to wake me in the morning.  I love this wall color and the retro couch.  And I'm a sucker for orange/ peach roses.   Source A clean color scheme with eclectic accents for the kitchen. Source This deep blue with white trim and light wood are very serene and relaxing (and there is a chevron blanket which makes me like this space even more!)  Source Chevron! Source I would love a walk in closet, even if a small one.  Source Simple and clean counters, dark cabinetry. Source Walk in shower with glass tile & a simple bench. Source Small but beautiful powder room. Source

This weekend, I've been determined to make the most of my time, so I've been working on Christmas gifts galore.  In my family, we started a tradition years ago that we can do "made" gifts, or crafts.  This year, I'm carrying through with this because I just love the idea of not just spending money, but also spending the time.  Let's just say, if a burglar ever stole the presents under my tree, they would be highly disappointed because there are no electronics, but rather personalized handmade gifts that come from the heart. This weekend, I started off Saturday with making a scarf for a friend (for purchase to give as a gift.)  This is my first scarf that I am actually selling, so that is actually exciting.  The funny thing is, as I was knitting, I made a mistake, and I quickly thought "Edit, Undo."  It made me sad to think my brain automatically switch to "computer mode."  Clearly, I work a job where things are easily reversed with the

Week 20! So I came across this great cabin , and I love its simplicity and the style.  A beautiful design! I tried to make my own version, and of course made the kitchen the more prominent space in the living area. I used a similar layout for the bedroom/ bath, but I added a bigger closet and rounded window for a global view.   I wanted the front to be deceiving, and extended the front wall slightly so the living room window would be modestly hidden.  I added a pantry because I know I would want one with all of my cooking.  I don't think a bedroom door is necessary in this space, and keeps with the rustic cabin feel.   Source Source Source This shower is incredible! Source Source I absolutely love the blanket above, and have been knitting lately.  Would love to fill a cozy cabins with wool blankets all over.  Source Source

Saturday was the big 30 for me, and I had an amazing day with friends and family. In the morning, my good friends Jolene and Tim, and I drove to Pottsville, PA to take the Yuengling tour. Although I am not a big drinker, I am always down for roadtrips and exploring.  Here are a few photos from our trip.... The beautiful exterior, which is conveniently right next door to a church... The creepy caves...which during the prohibition, the government sealed up with brick walls. Beautiful stain glass windows used to prevent sunlight blinding the workers... Selfie in the bottling room!  Yuengling amazingly has less than 300 employees total! Since it was my birthday, I got to play bartender behind the tasting bar... After an awesome family dinner, I was sang to by some munchkins, via skype and had to blow out my 30 candles, conveniently all placed on one piece of cake.

I need to start working on fulfilling some dreams, and one is to have a cute little cafe/ bistro on the main street of a quaint little town, have a yoga studio above it, and above that my loft apartment.  But most importantly, escape on weekends to a great cottage in the woods. Source My thoughts are that if I needed to expand for sleeping arrangements, I could easily breakup the back of the house into two bedrooms.   Source Source Source Source Ideally, a place like this would be somewhere down south --- and Asheville, North Carolina has always caught my attention.  From what I can tell, there is a great downtown (hopefully I can plan a trip there next spring/summer to check it out myself.) Source I think I could put up with a view like this on weekends!

One day at work, it came to me about how awesome it would be to combine my two favorite things,  Gold & Sweet Mashed Potatoes! I've been toying with this idea for about 3 weeks now, and finally got the chance to attempt this creation as I continue to ponder my Thanksgiving Menu.   The plan was to boil two of each type, mash separately, and then once mashed to my liking, put in a pastry bag, each on either side, and squeeze onto a cookie sheet. Top with the slightest amount of butter and bake.  I was hesitant that the structure and form would stay, but overall just hoping for an awesome taste and an amazing presentation. So here it goes.... Mashed Gold & Sweet Potatoes Swirled over a Kale Salad and a side of Asparagus! Not too bad for my first attempt!

I'm starting to think I should have named this blog   "Cooking & Cottages" Especially with Week 18's design.  With all of my recent culinary obsessions, I realized that I should consider creating a design with all of my favorite things... *A plentiful garden to grow most of my food* Source *A chef's kitchen with a gas stove* (gas stoves scare me - hence the reason the stove is on the wall furthest from the bedroom!) Source Source *A renovated barn as the facade & bones of the main living space* (I wrote my thesis on renovated barns, and love them, so I try to incorporate them into my designs whenever possible) Source *A library/ study* (and to display my ceramic collection) Source *A large picture window in the master bedroom to welcome morning light* (with the window facing east so I can wake up to the morning light coming in) Source And this list could go on and on...

I have been toying with various recipes and ideas to perfect my meat-free Thanksgiving. Today I baked acorn squash (with a little butter, honey, and brown sugar.) I like my stuffing to have a variety, so I started with sauteing onions, celery, and fresh thyme in butter.  Then I added chopped apples, cranberries, golden raisins, walnuts, and eventually the bread.  Seasoned with Sage and Pepper before putting in the oven. The presentation came out pretty awesome too! Next weekend, I'll be experimenting with Sweet Potatoes and Mashed Potatoes!