Growing up, my grandma taught me a lot about creating a haven for others. Here are five of her lessons...

Because there's truly no one like Grandma.

My Dreams, My Passions

10 Ways to be the Best Grandma Ever! What to do, what to avoid. Learn the tips you need as a new Grandma.

Join Grandma Jean in making salmon croquettes. They are simply delicious any time of year. #cooking #homemadefood #comfortfood #gnomeandbackyard...

Tumblr Blog

My Grandma was an amazing person with so many talents. One of her passions was quilting. She used scraps of fabrics and made beautiful quilts for her 7 children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Here are some of my special memories. When I think about my Grandma Shamblin, it always makes me smile. It's hard to find words to describe her, because she had so many talents and interests. She was a wife, a daughter, a grandmother, and a friend to all. One of her passions was her quilting. When my mom made us new clothes, I remember bagging up leftover fabric and taking it to Grandma. Grandma was always excited to get new fabric, and I loved watching her sort the colors and prints. Sometimes she would show my mom and me a sample block of the quilt she planned to make next. She would lovingly sew the scraps into quilts, and it was great to look at her quilts and point out which fabrics had come from us. It is amazing how small her stitches were on the quilts. She had a large quilting frame and worked on quilts during the winter. She also had a smaller, portable quilting hoop, and she certainly put both to good use. When each grandchild was planning to get married, Grandma would make a quilt for the happy couple. I remember looking forward to the quilt that she made for me. It was absolutely beautiful! She told me that she wanted me to really "use" the quilt. Our "Grandma Quilt" She said so many that she made quilts for had just put their quilt on a shelf, and that wasn't why she made quilts! At one time, we even displayed our quilt on the largest "top bed" in our camper! Once we were at a campground at a favorite lake, and Grandma was there, also. It really made her happy to see that we were using the quilt, even on our trip! She warmly reminisced about making so many quilts for those that she loved. We still use the quilt to this day, although not as often. Most of the time, my "Grandma Quilt" is in a place of honor, neatly folded and placed on the bench at the foot of my bed. The edges are a little frayed, but it is still so soft and warm. It is so comforting to cover up with this special quilt on a gloomy day and have warm, sunny memories of Grandma. When the first child was born in each family, she made a "Satin Block Quilt". I used that quilt to wrap around my tiny firstborn son as I brought him home from the hospital on that cold, snowy, winter day. My "Satin Block Quilt" was also used for the other boys when they were small. Our "Satin Block" Quilt When Grandma was in her 70s, I recall her talking about the Senior Citizens' Center. She said, "Now I might go there every once in a while, but I don't have time to go there every day and sit with those old people. I have things to do!" In true character, when she "visited" the Seniors, she often took quilts and other projects to show them what she had made! After her stroke, she said her hand-quilting was not as good as before, but, "I'm still a good hand at tacking them"! Of course, she continued to make quilts. After her second stroke, she started making twin size quilts for the great-grandchildren. She didn't wait for the great-grandchildren to get married; she started giving them to the children when she had made enough for all the children in each family. She was all smiles as she presented 3 special quilts to my 3 sons at a family reunion while my boys were still very young. All 3 quilts were different, and each was beautifully made. Grandma presents quilts to my boys. I told the boys that we would "put the quilts up" until they were grown and had families of their own. Occasionally we would look at and sometimes use the quilts, and the boys would argue about which quilt belonged to which boy. Honestly, I was not sure, so the quilts remained folded and tucked away most of the time. Sometime after we moved to the South, I was looking through some old photos and found a picture of Grandma and the boys, each holding his quilt! Here was finally proof of which quilt belonged to which son! I was so excited as I planned the surprise for that Christmas when the 3 boys would be coming for a visit. By that time, 2 sons were married and 1 was engaged, so this was perfect timing. On Christmas morning of that year after the gifts were opened, I told the boys, wives, and fiance that I had something important to tell them. Everyone gathered in the living room as I somewhat tearfully told them about how special it was when Grandma made a quilt. I told them about how she had diligently sewed quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I then presented each son with a copy of the photo of Grandma when she gave them the quilts, and each was then given his special "Grandma Quilt". There was lots of laughter and lots of good-natured comments like, "I knew this one was mine!" "Now I have proof!" "Hey, don't take my quilt!", etc. The girls loved the story, as I knew they would. It was such a special Christmas! The boys decided to sit in the same positions as in the original picture and posed for a new photo. My 3 sons with their "Grandma Quilts" Today those quilts are in the boys' homes, and each knows how special the quilts are. Grandma may not be with us physically, but the beautiful memories of the "Grandma Quilts" live on! Just like those quilts warm our bodies, special remembrances of Grandma will forever warm our hearts and enrich our lives. I love you, Grandma! Thanks for the quilts!

If you're looking to take Grandma on a special trip this year, check out our list of the best places to go. From the sunny shores of Florida to the historic cobblestone streets of Virginia, you're guaranteed to have the time of your lives. And who knows? One day, you might be telling your grandkids about the trip.

via This photo definitely reminded me of my grandmother, my younger sister, and me. My grandmother was as much a part of my childhood as my parents, given that she and my grandfather lived "just a field away". She attended every school play, every birthday party, every major and minor event in my life until

Name: Penelope and Nathan Miller and their daughter, Bell Location: Alberta Arts District — Portland, Oregon Size: 2,100 square feet Years lived in: 6.5 years; Owned Penelope and Nathan have created a home for their family that is truly a reflection of themselves, where they’ve been, and what makes them feel good.

Farmhouse sinks, exposed brick, vintage-inspired appliances...the rustic country chic aesthetic is having a major moment. But this trend isn't just about looking good on Instagram – it's about creating a kitchen with those copper accents

Four Southern grandmothers known for their fantastic meals and dinner parties share their time-honored tips and tricks for easier hosting, which apply to small kitchens, too.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ̵…

When I turned 70, I gave myself permission to cry, to laugh, to write....

Tasha Tudor è nota in tutto il mondo non solo per i suoi magici racconti e le illustrazioni che li accompagnano, ma in particolar modo per la scelta di vita operata. Una scelta nata da un sogno nutrito sin da bambina: vivere in una fattoria isolata dove potersi occupare personalmente di un giardino...

Blog sobre decoração, arquitetura, artesanato, paisagismo.

let's turn into frogs and hold each other's froggie hands <3

Recently I came across a poem that has hung in many kitchens in the past generation. It reminded me again of the importance of making the kitchen the center of the home with each meal prepared as a service to my family and to those who grace our table. It makes me feel nostalgic and sentimental to reflect on the days when the kitchen truly was the epicentre or heart of the home and the dining table was where great conversations happened over a hearty meal. It was a time of coming together, sharing the events of the day, and offering encouragement to one another around a comforting and nourishing meal. Life has gotten so busy for many families, including our own. I think that is why I cherish the Christmas season so much. It is such a joy to be gathered around the table with family and friends, making me so grateful for those special times. It is my renewed desire to make each meal a pleasant event around our dining table as I create special memories for my family and for all those who grace us with their presence at our table. God bless my little kitchen, I love its every nook, And bless me as I do my work, Wash pots and pans and cook. And may the meals that I prepare Be seasoned from above With Thy great blessings and Thy grace, But most of all Thy love. As we partake of earthly food, The table before us spread, We’ll not forget to thank Thee, Lord, Who gives us daily bread. So bless my little kitchen, God, And those who enter in, May they find naught but Joy and Peace, And Happiness therein. Author: M. Peterson (1944) I have mentioned Gladys before in a blog post recently as I admire her gentle reflections and astute observations of the world around her. Gladys Taber (1899-1980) is the author of 59 books and was also a columnist for the Ladies Home Journal entitled, Diary of Domesticity. She is a kindred spirit in her love of country life, nature, good home-cooked meals and being a keeper of the home. You can take a visit to Stillmeadow here “Traveling is all very well if you can get home at night. I would be willing to go around the world if I came back in time to light the candles and set the table for supper. I cannot conceivably influence the world's destiny, but I can make my own life more worthwhile. I can give some help to some people; that is not vital to all the world's problems and yet I think if everyone did just that, we might see quite a world in our time!” "At Stillmeadow, there is no predicting. (the time of our meal) But in the end, we always manage to sit down to a candle-lit table and the rib roast is not overdone and the Yorkshire pudding is crusty and tender with rich juices bubbling at the edges and the salad is not wilted. I even have remembered to take the cheese from the refrigerator so it has become room temperature, and I did not park the fruit bowl on the radiator! When everyone takes that first mouthful and breathes a happy sigh, that is the time I relax and become the gracious hostess. My hair may not look like a Vogue illustration and my face is shiny and I never did find time to slip into that fresh frock, but I am a very happy woman." ~Gladys Taber The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest. ~Thomas More No matter where I serve my my guests, It seems they like the kitchen best. Bless this Home Ella Miller Bless this home, O Lord, we pray Guard it safely night and day, Bless the family living here Bind them close with love and cheer. Bless the food which is prepared And each guest with whom it's shared. Bless the children through the years Guide them in their joys and tears. Bless the Mother - tender, kind And the Father by her side Bless their pure and faithful love Making home like Heaven above. Bless this home, O Lord, we pray Where we live and walk and play, Bless us all that ever we May live O gracious Lord, with Thee.

My main blog: Blog By Joyce My other blogs: The Travel Blog; Paws For Pets; The Food Pantry;

When you think of indoor pollution, those grotesque, blown-up images of dust mites might come to mind. Tiny bugs living in our mattresses are only one source of pollution, however. Different types of indoor pollution include air and water pollutants, cleaning products and cosmetics. Most of us think of our home as a haven - a safe place where we are protected from the rest of the world. But sometimes extra care needs to be taken to create a healthy home. What Causes Indoor Air Pollution? While we might be wary of smog and acid rain, outdoor pollutants probably don't affect us nearly as much as indoor pollutants do. Concentrations of indoor pollutants are 25 to 62 percent greater than outdoor levels. Because Americans spend 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors, they're at risk for serious health problems. Sources of air pollution include wood-burning stoves, tobacco smoke, cooking and heating appliances, and vapors from building materials, and furniture. Paints, sealants, and other finishes can also be harmful. Radon, a radioactive gas that's released from inside the earth, is also a pollutant, and can be found concentrated in some basements. Reducing Indoor Air Pollution Many of the products we use every day generate indoor air pollution. One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate the sources of the pollution. Choose non-toxic furnishings, flooring, finishes and supplies. Eliminate toxic household cleaners from your home. Seal or enclose asbestos-coated sources. Provide adequate ventilation by opening windows or using fans. Switch to an environmentally-safe dry cleaner. Add some houseplants. Discourage smoking indoors. Have air ducts cleaned. Have lead-based paint professionally removed. Vent clothes dryers to outdoors. Remove water-damaged carpets. Test basements for radon gas. Natural Pollutants Biological contaminants are another type of pollutant that affects the indoor environment. Pet dander, dust mites and other microorganisms that occur naturally can settle in carpets and other fabrics. Bacteria, molds, mildew and insect or rodent droppings are also dangerous. These allergens can trigger allergies and sometimes lead to serious illnesses such as asthma in some people. Use flooring options like wood, cork, tile, stone or bamboo to reduce the number of allergens in the home. These flooring materials don't emit fumes or harbor microorganisms and are easier to keep clean than carpeting. Air purifiers and mechanical ventilation systems can help keep indoor air healthy. They can reduce levels of humidity, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and mildew. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping humidity levels below 30 to 50 percent. Check out WheatonHomes4Sale.com to browse official listing information of homes listed for sale in your area or to find out how much your home is worth.