Things don’t always turn out the way you plan. That’s definitely been true this year. And sometimes that happens in the garden too. Do you remember those bulbs I planted last fall? I talked about them in the Autumn Garden Chores post. The blooms are all finished now, but I can reflect back on what I learned and how I can do things differently next time. Blushing Beauty Tulips Fall Flat Here’s what the Blushing Beauty tulips were supposed to look like–a beautiful delicate pink with a little apricot mixed in and delicate elongated tips… And here’s what they ended up looking like… Boring. Plain yellow. Not at all what…
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5 Things I Learned From Wearing Chanel No. 5 Every Day
Chanel No. 5 has been my favorite perfume for many years. In my 20’s, an interest in vintage style and fashion introduced me to the iconic scent and I have loved it ever since. It makes me feel classy and elegant and catching a whiff makes me feel like a more put together version of myself. But somewhere along the way, I began hoarding the perfume and instead of wearing it, I saved it for special occasions only. I ended up saving a single bottle for over 10 years–sniffing it occasionally but never wearing it or spraying it. Then, last year something shifted. I started wearing my Chanel No. 5…
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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
My all time favorite cookies have to be these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. They are so addictive, I have to give them away or hide them from myself. Grandma gave me this recipe many years ago when I got married and it has been my go-to recipe ever since. Grandma’s Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe This oatmeal cookie recipe makes a pretty big batch, but no worries! The dough freezes really well. Shaping the dough into logs before freezing makes it easy to cut slices and throw them on a cookie sheet for fast and easy cookies any time. Extra vanilla and a larger proportion of brown sugar give…
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How to Style a Mantel~ Tips & Tricks from a Stylist
I could scroll for hours on Pinterest looking at beautiful home interiors and perfectly styled mantels, shelves, and room vignettes. But for some reason, I can never quite figure out why those images are so pleasing and the mantel or bookshelves in my own house always feel a little… off. I asked interior stylist and long time friend, Lisa Minor, for tips & tricks for styling mantels. Her philosophy of using what you have and making a beautiful home regardless of budget fits perfectly with the Learning Contentment philosophy of a being content with what you have and making the most of it. Check out Lisa’s Instagram Hummingbird Home and…
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Cozy Winter Teas
When the weather outside is frightful, I drink tea. Drinking tea is more than just consuming a liquid beverage. It’s evocative of warmth, comfort and a sense of well-being. And that doesn’t even account for the different flavors, herbs, and vitamins that add their own layer of enjoyment and health benefits. I’ve put together a list of a few of my winter time tea favorites. To make the list, each tea had to be affordable, available at my local grocery store, and one that I reach for on a regular basis because it’s just so good. I tend to do caffeinated teas in the morning and herbal or rooibos in…
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A Hint of Spring & a Dash of Hope
January is a time when I often feel a little bleak. There is no particular reason except the cold rainy weather and the bare trees seem naked and gloomy. As I write this, I am watching a bird cling to the bare branches of a tree blowing furiously in the wind. I mentally cheer it on. “You’ve got this! Keep hanging on!” Maybe I am talking to myself, too. At times when I feel a bit windblown by life, it’s nice to think of things I can look forward to and spend some time appreciating the beauty of simple things. Soon I’ll begin to watch for the green blades of…
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Hussif Sewing Kit Project
I have been inspired recently by 18th & 19th century hussifs (sometimes called housewife) and I wanted to make one for myself. You might be thinking, what is a hussif?! A hussif (or housewife) is a sewing kit originally carried by soldiers in the 18th & 19th century as part of their kit. It held needles, thread, and scraps of fabric for mending their clothing and could be quite simple or elaborate. Learn more about how I find inspiration and the book that started it all. Plan Your Hussif Sewing Kit One of the best things about designing your own projects is the ability to make it exactly the way…
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Book Review ~ The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives
The history of the tie on pocket from the 1660’s to 1900 may not seem to have wide appeal or a broad audience, but for those interested in fashion history and the social politics of gender and class of the time period, I can highly recommend this book. It is full of details, not just about the pockets and what they contained, but also their role in the tumultuous dynamic between genders and class. I have a passing and amateur interest in fashion history, but what I enjoyed most about this book was the glimpse into the every day lives of women of all classes. Usually the story of the…
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Finding Inspiration
Finding inspiration for creative pursuits can be a challenge, especially in times of stress or emotional turmoil. It can feel like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack or like trying to find a pen in the depths of your handbag. Somehow it always manages to hide even though you know there’s a pen in there somewhere and your purse isn’t that big. Brewing a Cup of Inspiration When I stop to consider when and how the creative spark comes or doesn’t, the common denominator for me seems to be “thinking time”. The time to create is an obvious part, but I’m talking about something different. I like…
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Classic Children’s Books Holiday Guide
Anything is possible if you have a favorite book to transport you! I firmly believe that you are never too old to enjoy a classic children’s story. To be considered for this list, each story had to prove itself with multiple generations and continue to possess some of that same magic when I read them again as an adult. Many of these books can be found in different forms including audiobooks and movie adaptations. And because they are classics, you can probably find most of them at your local library for free. But if you’re in the market to purchase these books for your own collection or for the children…
