Hidden Magnolias

Last year, I was attracted to Nordic Noir TV Shows. Read about that here. http://www.nordicnoir.tv/newsletter/120314/ Well, that led to reading, researching, looking, talking about Scandinavia. And of course, with the election this past year and all the discussion about life in and moving to Denmark, Sweden and Norway (strange few people actually mention Finland, I must research) I found myself caught up in it all. Is life really better? One of the things I found very interesting is the Danish concept of hygge . https://copenhagenhostellife.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/cup-of-coffee.jpg By definition is it the Scandinavian concept of getting cozy to create feelings of well being and contentment. Web pages and blogs are full of pictures of quiet contentment. http://www.hannahemilylane.com/2016/08/what-is-hygge-12-ways-to-hygge.html Warm coffee, a fire cheerfully burning, candles, a flower or two, warm wraps, pastries -- yes, lots of pastries, being outside with fr...

LulaRoe. A new (well, to me, anyway) brand of clothing.  I first heard of the company while doing my Made in the USA investigation. (And my neighbor had mentioned them several times.) A quick google image search brought up wildly patterned leggings with big over shirts or brightly colored dresses worn by pregnant women and mommies.  Pinterest Mommy clothes.  (No offense mommies -- you deserve great looking stay at home outfits!) Cute. But not for me. But I decided to take a look when I was invited to a Pop-Up Boutique held by our local LulaRoe girls in Powder Springs - Sherrie and Christa .  Not only was the party fun (there was wine), I got to try on clothes and decide what I liked. The laid back, relaxed atmosphere was very encouraging -- no high pressure like some Tupperware or Mary Kay parties that I have been to in the past.  I bought.  Here is my first LulaRoe outfit. A Perfect Tee paired with an Azure skirt. Mak...

I was cruising an estate sale this week and when I went upstairs to the playroom, I hear a tiny voice, “ Hey there .” I looked over and there on a shelf, just covered in dust, was the cutest little face. I am not a doll collector, although as a child I loved dolls. I played with them, tended to their little needs, and adored them. You can read about that here . But somehow, when I walked over this one, I just knew she had to come home with me. So, I grabbed her and ran downstairs to the checkout area. Here she is in my lap in the car on the way home. Once I go home, I inspected her more carefully. She is signed on the back of her neck with a number. Since I don’t know much about porcelain dolls, I thought I would google the maker:  Pauline Bjonness-Jacobsen.    (For those of you who know me well, know that when faced with something I am unfamiliar with, I will research it to death.) At first, I didn’t find much except ...

Quilts.  Lately I have become obsessed with quilting and the thought of quilting.  So in typical Pat fashion -- I google quilts.  Pinterest is a wonderful thing. Look at these beauties. Beautiful, beautiful work.  Really pieces of art. I also like the type of quilt called "Civil War Quilts." They are very old fashioned and more subdued in colors. And then there are the more traditional quilts -- today called "vintage."  These are the quilts I  remember. Made from scratch with the quilting done by hand. I want to start a simple quilt project but there are so many choices. I am really having a hard time deciding which pattern to pick and what colors to use.  Have any of you made a quilt?  Suggestions and thoughts are appreciated. Pat

I am still working on my project to buy Made in USA products. It is not easy; however, I have found several sources for women’s clothing I want to share with you. As I stated before in a previous pos t, with the advent of H&M, Zara, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, Marshall's and others, we have become addicted to and slaves of fashion trends, cheap prices and poor quality. I have come to feel strongly about buying American Made products. While they do tend to be more expensive, I am happy with the high quality of most of these items and I am content to have less and because the quality is better, I can wear longer. Here are some brands to look for. (all pictures from the companies' respective websites) _________________________________________________________________________________ Comfy USA I just love cozy fabrics, easy fit and flowing silhouettes. Designed and manufactured in California, Comfy is prized by women who value comfort as much as style. ...