Saturday, January 08, 2011

My two favorite gifts


I may have not had a LOT of gifts this Christmas but what I did receive were wonderful.  That red beauty* above was from my daughter and her hubby.  It is not only the perfect color but the size for my kitchen... bigger than the desktop model and smaller than the Big Kahuna Keurig coffee maker I fell in love with at their house when we visited in October.


My hubby gives me two gifts each Christmas, one is my subscription to Victoria magazine and the other a gift certificate to my favorite primitive country store.  This year he wasn't able to make that gift certificate as much as he has before but I was able to combine it with a great sales "coupon" to purchase the above artwork (the top picture).


I found myself lost in it when at the store.  For me, it shows a shabby chic corner of an old farmhouse waiting for mother or grandmother to finish all the household duties of the day so she can read or do some needlework.  My husband says it reminds him of the father's study in the latest Pride & Prejudice movie.


The other piece of art is an original oil painting purchased at Goodwill for just a few dollars many years ago.  It is another picture I can look at and ponder... very peaceful.

When I was in my 30s, I started paying attention a little more to houses where the homes made me feel all warm and cozy as soon as I walked inside.  One of the things I began to notice was how the lady of the house (or gentleman as the case may be) had made good use of artwork, having quite large pieces even in small rooms.  Since then I have done the same.

It also goes along with my love for English Country decorating.  Have you noticed all the various pictures and items on walls in many English Country homes?  I can see generations of lovely and cherished items all displayed in those homes.

Some of my artwork was purchased when we were more affluent but lots (and lots) through the years have been found really cheap at Goodwill, thrift stores, and garage sales.

Oh, I have all my e-mails caught up but I'm planning this afternoon to actually write... as in real pen and paper... thank you notes.  I am sorry to be so late, most of my time has been spent in cabinets and closets and elsewhere cleaning and organizing!  I've been taking advantage of a rare burst of energy.  ;)

* This model is the B31 Keurig Mini Plus

15 comments:

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

What wonderful presents Brenda. I absolutely love your husband's gift to you. I would have picked that one out at the store also. It just makes me feel cozy looking at it!

Manuela

Susan said...

What a pretty picture for your wall. It looks perfect there.

And ... I love your darling coffee maker! I looked it up and it seems you can buy the coffee packs from Amazon. I've not seen this brand before. Here in Zurich Nespresso is all the rage. A friend moved back to the U.S. and gave me hers and boy was I thrilled! But the capsules are pricey.

And the coffee - is delicious!

God bless your weekend.

Scrappy quilter said...

What wonderful gifts. The art work is awesome. Hugs

Joanne said...

How very perfect! Both the coffee maker as well as the artwork! You can never have too many domestic scenes in your home...me thinks!
So lovely! I am drawn to rural scenes as well as scenes of domestic goodness in the home.
And anything british....
Enjoy your coffee!
Joanne in snowy Ontario

Cherrie said...

I also got a beautiful red coffee maker for Christmas. I love the red. I decided I need more red in my home!

Lisa said...

The picture is beautiful! I can see why you got lost in it. I got a Keurig two Christmases ago and I still absolutely love it! I usually get my K-cups through bigcatcoffee.com. Have fun with it!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

As usual, it's a pleasure to stop by and spend time catching up in your beautiful site, reading your thoughtful and inspiring pieces.

I've been nose into cupboards and corners myself this past week, and haven't spent much time writing or blogging. But I'm looking forward to getting back to my online friends.......

Stay warm... cozy....

Emma* said...

Brenda,

What a wonderful use you made of your gift certificate! I love that painting! I love the English Country look as well, but scale it back a bit. I am a cottage girl after all, and not the mistress of a 'grand' home! :) Your paintings are great together!

Your daughter and son in law knew just what to give you didn't they?! Perfect color and size!

You are blessed!

moreofhim said...

Your gifts are wonderful! I love your little coffee maker - so cute! Your artwork is beautiful, too, and I can understand getting lost in those beautiful works of art.

God bless you - Julie

TheNormalMiddle said...

My keurig is one of my favorite things ever!!!! :)

Anita said...

I love your taste in art! Those pictures are beautiful, charming, warming and homey.

Anna Wood said...

Hi,
I love your blog. Very peaceful, very informative. I'm listing you on my blogroll at Joyful Domesticity (http://joyfulmother.wordpress.com/)
God bless~Anna

The Journey said...

Absolutely wonderful pictures! I treasure the ones you gave me- the platter. I get lots of compliments on it. Makes my little vintage kitchen look wonderful. I love the red coffee maker. Red in a kitchen is very nice.

Anonymous said...

So nice that your dear husband will watch p&p. Sweet!

MelMel said...

lovely cheerful coffee maker!

I'm new to your blog, thought I'd leave a message to say hello!x