Thursday, January 8, 2015

Into The New Year We Go

 In my travels through blogland recently I have come to the following conclusions:
  • It is downright cold just about everywhere.
  • Many of us are enjoying the act of putting the house back together after the holidays.
  • De-cluttering as we restore order seems to be a popular theme.
 I can relate to all of these things.
I've been enjoying the beautiful photos you all are sharing of your winter snowfalls.  Despite frigid temperatures here, the best I can offer is a covering of ice on the goldfish pond this morning.
I haven't spotted the goldfish ice skating today, but I'm hoping they are doing whatever it is they do to survive these wintery days.

 Inside, where it is warm, the Christmas decor is now tucked away and I, too, am enjoying the fresh start that this new year brings.


Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is behind us I like to fill my mug with something warm and spend a few leisurely hours on my version of "old school Pinterest".  Yep, it's true in this age of pinning I am still cutting and pasting my dreams and ideas into a little scrapbook of Christmas ideas.  

 
As much as I enjoy the holidays, I am happy to have some semblance of order returned to the house.
One day I filled the sink with warm, sudsy water and washed all of the counters and knick knacks in the kitchen.  With each swipe of the dishrag I felt the holiday excesses being whisked away.

It felt so good to wash away that greasy grime that tends to sneak onto the kitchen surfaces around the stove.  It also felt good to have the time to give my wooden spoons and cutting boards a fresh coat of mineral oil.  
I'm looking forward to a fresh start in my cooking.
Now that all of those Christmas goodies are gone, I'm moving forward with healthy soups, homemade breads & roasted veggies.  

Sometimes things look a bit bare after the Christmas decor is put away.
While it seems too early for the spring decor, my personal opinion is when in doubt, put a bird on it.  Ha Ha!!  Now if you weren't a bird lover that may seem strange, but around here that's the way we roll.  As a side note, once, after opening the birthday card I had given him, my dad said "you can always tell when a card is from Kim because it has a bird on it."  Ha!  
Anyhow, this sweet dish towel was a Christmas gift from my sister-in-law's friend.  She had gotten it at an estate sale and thought I would like it.  She's been to my house one time... I guess that's all it takes to know that a bird lover lives here :).


 On that note, I think I'll fly on out of here.
But first let me officially wish you all a Happy, Happy New Year.



14 comments:

  1. Have never made an old-school Pinterest scrapbook, though I love looking at them. My aunt has a beauty.

    Birds are wonderful and I love how you decorate and the colors you use.

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  2. Oh, your kitchen is such a lovely place! I fell in love with your sweet birdies tea towel :) Thank you for sharing your pretty photos with us. Hugs!

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  3. I love your pretty banner...snowmen are fun for this month. I always hate putting all the pretty things away. It was cold here today...in the 50s and windy, but that felt cold to us. I can't complain though when it's so frigid everywhere else. Hope those goldfish are okay! Hugs, Diane

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  4. Happy New Year Kim! It feels good to get things cleaned up and start 'fresh' for the new year doesn't it? Your little bird is really sweet. Keep warm!

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  5. It always makes me smile when I see that you have posted. Love visiting you.
    Our pond is frozen solid with snow on top. Good thing we never did get fish. : )
    I love birds too and our spare room is decorated with them.

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  6. I think it's great when people know what you like. Of course, my aunt liked roosters, but then that's all anyone ever bought her and at some point it became a little too much for her. :) But who wouldn't like sweet little birdies? Watching them outside my window sure brings me much joy. No ice or snow here, just a rather still, drab, dusty day, but not as bad as they predicted, thank goodness. Happy New Year! Tammy

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  7. Sweet post. It's not too cold here, but we've had a fair bit of rain. However, the sun shone today and there were birds out on the lawn. Robins are around already! (Maybe they never left.) You are right about a house feeling a little bare after Christmas is put away. Having a new tea towel with a bird on it adds a special touch.

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  8. Happy New Year, Kim. You know I am a real bird lover as well! Love that towel amd the sweet statue!

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  9. Happy New Year to you and your family Kim. It has been frigid here all week. Today a bit milder, but getting a serious snowfall...Would be a good day to clean, but I think I'd rather make soup! lol
    Take care
    Jeannette

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  10. Kim, I just love all of your photos, and I love the buttery yellow pitcher and the decorated plate. Everything looks so beautifully calm and organized. I could just be in your kitchen sipping something warm, and enjoy the calming decor. Thank you for sharing.

    Hugs,
    Marianne

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  11. I started an old-fashioned scrapbook last year filled with cut-outs from old magazines I need to get rid of. I have such a stack of them and it's quite a task, but I'm determined to get it done. :) Your kitchen looks so sparkling clean and beautiful, Kim. Enjoy this new year!

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  12. How adorable is your kitchen? I love it!!! Wishing you a very happy new year for 2015! I so look forward to reading more of your posts and becoming blogging friends! Big hugs Kim!!!

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  13. Now you have me wondering where you are flying off to. Enjoy!

    I love the coziness of all the Christmas decor...and then I like the pared down look once again when Christmas is all packed away. For everything there is a season... Love your new tea towel Happy New Year!

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  14. Once again, your post inspired me. A sink of hot water and soap can make all the difference, and only you can make it look beautiful! Your blue, birds, and touches of yellow, create the look of a magazine page. Where every you are flying off too...enjoy! We will be here when you come back:)

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