My House on 11 Magnolia Lane's Holiday Open House

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gIxHK9HYXyMk62dQN6ZgfCCA0Gzz046l5c2OCehSfnhyimYa196ctEIGqeQ1xPDMDHb4HE3ubOJXTy8lvgA5IeTHQRaQ2Aw2URlZEIXpaPJhQBu9ji2_jpjQ44KyE3jpae8IxzxmEQKx/s1600/Holiday+Open+House+button+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gIxHK9HYXyMk62dQN6ZgfCCA0Gzz046l5c2OCehSfnhyimYa196ctEIGqeQ1xPDMDHb4HE3ubOJXTy8lvgA5IeTHQRaQ2Aw2URlZEIXpaPJhQBu9ji2_jpjQ44KyE3jpae8IxzxmEQKx/s1600/Holiday+Open+House+button+(1).jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><br />The girls from 11 Magnolia Lane are hosting a <a href="http://www.11magnolialane.com/2013/12/03/holiday-open-house-everyday-occasions-by-jenny-steffens-hobick/">Holiday Open House</a> and have invited me to kick-off their series.  <br /><br />I've included a couple of photos below, but you can see the rest on <a href="http://www.11magnolialane.com/2013/12/03/holiday-open-house-everyday-occasions-by-jenny-steffens-hobick/">their blog</a>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQ4tD9vqaiRMuB8U6Lz2y7ncK8Ot110VN6haOHjN7k9n7lGvuVGPQoInJ8i5Yy8BtIhzBItzLGhVUmxYkCPzoUMpn-K0q0kV8zH6VUsdNZLHznp338RGB3pjU0B4ZVkCp7sPnfxnSinP1/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQ4tD9vqaiRMuB8U6Lz2y7ncK8Ot110VN6haOHjN7k9n7lGvuVGPQoInJ8i5Yy8BtIhzBItzLGhVUmxYkCPzoUMpn-K0q0kV8zH6VUsdNZLHznp338RGB3pjU0B4ZVkCp7sPnfxnSinP1/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZzKi_hKqCSqah3qRJnO4yrVBw_1-hULAl0YyLyXmysWxRLJ2KNcxUZuqIbp_aQBUwFDOfWB8SMMjQ2aQ0G1TRhUdWIkOg-6i6VXvI3R418Iqz-eE902e9WrDXwlbLqE1RFl9F4SAxSgr/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZzKi_hKqCSqah3qRJnO4yrVBw_1-hULAl0YyLyXmysWxRLJ2KNcxUZuqIbp_aQBUwFDOfWB8SMMjQ2aQ0G1TRhUdWIkOg-6i6VXvI3R418Iqz-eE902e9WrDXwlbLqE1RFl9F4SAxSgr/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_Jqwu2h5s0STbVCMyZrV-iSyPuGKNk0tkW7GwyGljkovDBMliQsACq2OZsT79roU8ysBQPTFzYqxTxlpB9EPCOgx8sMq41h0xoJxHag2kBHSg3iErf7wnFbi2oZ0GCackIP8AtFakTKA/s1600/IMG_4531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_Jqwu2h5s0STbVCMyZrV-iSyPuGKNk0tkW7GwyGljkovDBMliQsACq2OZsT79roU8ysBQPTFzYqxTxlpB9EPCOgx8sMq41h0xoJxHag2kBHSg3iErf7wnFbi2oZ0GCackIP8AtFakTKA/s1600/IMG_4531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ8E79HKYzM-aSjhZ0t01gZQPcq3l0l4xY_IOPkj3vYhYHrbmlVTA4je8HJC1_2yCBG4edUYl3qyMKvYqR9BLOXnUn5I6sRKUSAkpCquHTzsvKSHNCJorfwzt0aiO7bt-Uljh0nZ64A-7/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ8E79HKYzM-aSjhZ0t01gZQPcq3l0l4xY_IOPkj3vYhYHrbmlVTA4je8HJC1_2yCBG4edUYl3qyMKvYqR9BLOXnUn5I6sRKUSAkpCquHTzsvKSHNCJorfwzt0aiO7bt-Uljh0nZ64A-7/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Stop <a href="http://www.11magnolialane.com/2013/12/03/holiday-open-house-everyday-occasions-by-jenny-steffens-hobick/">by to see the rest of my home today</a>, and follow the rest of the series through December 13th.  Enjoy!<br /><br />

My House on 11 Magnolia Lane's Holiday Open House

The girls from 11 Magnolia Lane are hosting a Holiday Open House and have invited me to kick-off their series.  I've included a couple ...

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A Peek Around our House the Night (okay, two nights...) Before Christmas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdykr3OThHwywMqckZu9FmsVryqAHn_5__7U7qcER_GyVeacodwMupFWALOzBw6_VtMPpglCkpR9e45UWTV3Z-I4U5fgC8kuUL1mJ5ZU_OQ7UwhfSd7AysUYr_q4OKVDV7Eo_PMoo3KQ/s1600/IMG_9390.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdykr3OThHwywMqckZu9FmsVryqAHn_5__7U7qcER_GyVeacodwMupFWALOzBw6_VtMPpglCkpR9e45UWTV3Z-I4U5fgC8kuUL1mJ5ZU_OQ7UwhfSd7AysUYr_q4OKVDV7Eo_PMoo3KQ/s640/IMG_9390.jpg" width="520" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bqvrAOZWQusZ1sNX8avL8M_LFiNaJG_QsJRTWtCdEU7qX4B0_LzHtN7mmOyTAayh_AdfpKaiVtcxB-JcRR54yPR7PGqXa9kUQRDmQrjYpeTuUbLON0ow6ryBvu02CVZDbwVuwm9xfQ/s1600/IMG_9396.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54bqvrAOZWQusZ1sNX8avL8M_LFiNaJG_QsJRTWtCdEU7qX4B0_LzHtN7mmOyTAayh_AdfpKaiVtcxB-JcRR54yPR7PGqXa9kUQRDmQrjYpeTuUbLON0ow6ryBvu02CVZDbwVuwm9xfQ/s400/IMG_9396.JPG" width="400" /></a>Here is a peek around our house just before Christmas!  Last night Santa (a.k.a. Mike's parents!) made a stop at our house and left this antique sleigh complete with red and robins egg blue paint - isn't it perfect? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1TD710UJUf5mb49hTaZjTMl4Y3Wg0pvLB3hF3IeERQVaFpRQHc6NxZt7b_C60O7NJzdwO2kP-Gmo14RT0eUTyRZ1n_1UB8jc15wbVKlVUhx1vzK9vFNyltK7WHh-EexiwaDmQxtjnYs/s1600/IMG_9382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1TD710UJUf5mb49hTaZjTMl4Y3Wg0pvLB3hF3IeERQVaFpRQHc6NxZt7b_C60O7NJzdwO2kP-Gmo14RT0eUTyRZ1n_1UB8jc15wbVKlVUhx1vzK9vFNyltK7WHh-EexiwaDmQxtjnYs/s640/IMG_9382.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I filled our urns with sprigs of cedar and piles of ornaments (non glass, but glass-looking).  The glittered ones look so great and sparkly at night.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgR_hphuiBxZ0NoEyILfa_Y6EA3nDqpGKhI6qc-maRdDUdHLV0UagjiUEeN-900Hzqp3BcMn1t1vUjFnGNirgM_kmP1DyyQsBpQJzV5dfnhmNEvpw3ytiFT_PaNhhcaIlT4B2zT0d9VQ/s1600/IMG_9368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgR_hphuiBxZ0NoEyILfa_Y6EA3nDqpGKhI6qc-maRdDUdHLV0UagjiUEeN-900Hzqp3BcMn1t1vUjFnGNirgM_kmP1DyyQsBpQJzV5dfnhmNEvpw3ytiFT_PaNhhcaIlT4B2zT0d9VQ/s640/IMG_9368.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Our tree, a Frasier Fir, is decked with upholstery strapping and ornaments, as always. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsyPrRxCbiReKrVNlVGYgcex0pHJ9jKNFKpJ8xKBQqmCEdad45XNRrGvsWAIYRH-YomnK1j4Bb61oG7vvsdPfuic2vvrHln29aALAodnpOQul1miRkCfmao4d47NxslI0AMkgUKS-Ab4/s1600/IMG_9364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsyPrRxCbiReKrVNlVGYgcex0pHJ9jKNFKpJ8xKBQqmCEdad45XNRrGvsWAIYRH-YomnK1j4Bb61oG7vvsdPfuic2vvrHln29aALAodnpOQul1miRkCfmao4d47NxslI0AMkgUKS-Ab4/s640/IMG_9364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of the gifts (but one from Mike to Emma) are wrapped in brown paper and satin ribbon.  I know brown kraft paper is really popular right now, but I've loved it for as long as I can remember.  For the last 30 years my Aunt Lisa has wrapped gifts in her signature craft paper and plaid ribbon.  At some point, maybe 15 years ago, I adopted her wrapping style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sMB_xWVJMCJNLSezNtgVWu1AoIjhxK8lSUf291VUysDc6Ah86ZQeLJMYGDNgF2K6H6NVlYpus6oUWAR4LnENsn4K7G6WbmBvuwJwCCmdMqSR7ppu9CnI0dAcy9ISYlVXNJf1W2f1Y44/s1600/IMG_9363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sMB_xWVJMCJNLSezNtgVWu1AoIjhxK8lSUf291VUysDc6Ah86ZQeLJMYGDNgF2K6H6NVlYpus6oUWAR4LnENsn4K7G6WbmBvuwJwCCmdMqSR7ppu9CnI0dAcy9ISYlVXNJf1W2f1Y44/s640/IMG_9363.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emma loves to unstack and re-stack the presents.   She particularly loves the packages with the red satin ribbons, which happen to be hers... smart girl!  Maybe she can read her name written on the packages in gold sharpie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRmVqcg7Mlv0ameXERuOHtF-S9liza2KTS3TsvU0ksBIg1G5X4ttnsMndwAqXSlIywvVCf51poskee1aHl6HP4yAl_t0ys7c1ESKkLMLjeUEw3J5QCjEeGFFWKUO3GXFiXFqY959EolI/s1600/IMG_9366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRmVqcg7Mlv0ameXERuOHtF-S9liza2KTS3TsvU0ksBIg1G5X4ttnsMndwAqXSlIywvVCf51poskee1aHl6HP4yAl_t0ys7c1ESKkLMLjeUEw3J5QCjEeGFFWKUO3GXFiXFqY959EolI/s640/IMG_9366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this pillow featuring a vintage woody wagon that I picked up at Pottery Barn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhR6Bk3Djpy76UUnrcBBvwLhevUOkkSt_KJsLpx0KHwuzz7zl-FzVr1vPldnV4S2GDJqIH2fndsEiH9ZYyZOCqYBSeOG3r15nOZSlGOsMlPq6JQtFE0SOW5VfjdwCdfDgFfRTsZgASy0/s1600/IMG_9371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhR6Bk3Djpy76UUnrcBBvwLhevUOkkSt_KJsLpx0KHwuzz7zl-FzVr1vPldnV4S2GDJqIH2fndsEiH9ZYyZOCqYBSeOG3r15nOZSlGOsMlPq6JQtFE0SOW5VfjdwCdfDgFfRTsZgASy0/s640/IMG_9371.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mantle has fake (gasp!) white pine sprigs with real magnolia leaves inserted in it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsck7yiBOfV2x7bt_apa5Kn5M962X7Q1y4nDMDQ040JlwFbbMhqBnT2E-14tmj9n3OKbFHRlG3hrxoRURixSH2Yao4YhqQCwRo50ZdkAAznNAaL1CvBe7z9s3_DtSncuTU6W_GQNuc6Is/s1600/IMG_9370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsck7yiBOfV2x7bt_apa5Kn5M962X7Q1y4nDMDQ040JlwFbbMhqBnT2E-14tmj9n3OKbFHRlG3hrxoRURixSH2Yao4YhqQCwRo50ZdkAAznNAaL1CvBe7z9s3_DtSncuTU6W_GQNuc6Is/s640/IMG_9370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the combo of the two AND the real magnolia leaves seem to make the fake pine look real.  Bonus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH-lfD4papaxJMMVUuCRwgF5oQOFJzWGwaElMojU9tgoMcfUysqu6DtKz0I261jwpzeGGhQ0ewPEG4DPxleYUEwa1SrivMxlTzUUeuFJ_NHA34-YN92UWPQVamtGiJgocALunMYE6YB8/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH-lfD4papaxJMMVUuCRwgF5oQOFJzWGwaElMojU9tgoMcfUysqu6DtKz0I261jwpzeGGhQ0ewPEG4DPxleYUEwa1SrivMxlTzUUeuFJ_NHA34-YN92UWPQVamtGiJgocALunMYE6YB8/s640/IMG_9387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A bay leaf wreath in the kitchen. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq87NQLaufZ68n-cI_HICyRw8FZ-0zmcJ1D8QFn3cRJwgd8ODTkT6i5_EFfh5LXJKuvhIe_6y7yQoTDMLTiOgGaCT3q22qUsnICRFwLHHgPxTH8_bfuBJraILwXi5ORfE0I6N5ZRUKyA/s1600/IMG_9332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq87NQLaufZ68n-cI_HICyRw8FZ-0zmcJ1D8QFn3cRJwgd8ODTkT6i5_EFfh5LXJKuvhIe_6y7yQoTDMLTiOgGaCT3q22qUsnICRFwLHHgPxTH8_bfuBJraILwXi5ORfE0I6N5ZRUKyA/s640/IMG_9332.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Potted paperwhites in the kitchen. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0y6DS7e6a2nsQh_PFoJR8Ik0I6vR-L_CxBKsCZNSmgI7_KngcycbKhqkAd7jEjKBoa50_hj4GzzC4ARZ9QvYNjxrK14h8o2DK7B87whsKLgnZdGH95ouzsvyGosVbcM2aQHJq96izsg/s1600/IMG_9398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0y6DS7e6a2nsQh_PFoJR8Ik0I6vR-L_CxBKsCZNSmgI7_KngcycbKhqkAd7jEjKBoa50_hj4GzzC4ARZ9QvYNjxrK14h8o2DK7B87whsKLgnZdGH95ouzsvyGosVbcM2aQHJq96izsg/s640/IMG_9398.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Packaged snowflake cookies ready for delivery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBb9kF17lXUcQaoFtNZF7rYmcsq4aKyZhVOwX6Hnn-IwFPKB_vxOx8uKcJVGqlQp6zvPgl-_rPwyhaml1TgS4aLDxQI2RfyITbUulKW1N0_SWViuVu-AXC1krLefZQNs-D5g3A00RqaM/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBb9kF17lXUcQaoFtNZF7rYmcsq4aKyZhVOwX6Hnn-IwFPKB_vxOx8uKcJVGqlQp6zvPgl-_rPwyhaml1TgS4aLDxQI2RfyITbUulKW1N0_SWViuVu-AXC1krLefZQNs-D5g3A00RqaM/s640/IMG_8585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Bay Leaf Wreath in the dinning room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUGfZkN3HztC11XNR41QFT7g0aH86YO0uvH4T0WPhu6-EWzUUTv5Xi-rc8aWAo_YpMP79ShkndZogvkBBW9Ztnb3luRX2xbuHQqyqXW2WvfvAPifDwEusXGLublnwDn-dsmAmByKmDTQ/s1600/IMG_8891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUGfZkN3HztC11XNR41QFT7g0aH86YO0uvH4T0WPhu6-EWzUUTv5Xi-rc8aWAo_YpMP79ShkndZogvkBBW9Ztnb3luRX2xbuHQqyqXW2WvfvAPifDwEusXGLublnwDn-dsmAmByKmDTQ/s640/IMG_8891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A tree in our bedroom dormer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbvukbXtMgQKoW0sDt9xIi-h0HBRjJYEkbiV6Ir_FfO3uE2itZE6f3EleYRD7e8deBhAWOU8iMBkdZ1aOV9L7RmdUg59QhW0kgjzsXAYdNV13neRB-Xh23rJdKqwCcNqaWTPUu3BL348/s1600/IMG_8605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbvukbXtMgQKoW0sDt9xIi-h0HBRjJYEkbiV6Ir_FfO3uE2itZE6f3EleYRD7e8deBhAWOU8iMBkdZ1aOV9L7RmdUg59QhW0kgjzsXAYdNV13neRB-Xh23rJdKqwCcNqaWTPUu3BL348/s640/IMG_8605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Merry Christmas, Everyone! <br /><br />

A Peek Around our House the Night (okay, two nights...) Before Christmas

Here is a peek around our house just before Christmas!  Last night Santa (a.k.a. Mike's parents!) made a stop at our house and left thi...

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Cape Cod Co. Lantern & Dining Room Update

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuYAdhyokcb5SRNzIyRDi7JXwg-ZWF_CRq1j2FI8-7ZAvBBAXqIwl63vj3reDu6a4ThQOEpiZ5vMv7Dcxq0pxBqMQpOwQ0YW7Bzoiw7HzANvrDwzuqqQgv8JczDn67eLrNxdqAYOII3M/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuYAdhyokcb5SRNzIyRDi7JXwg-ZWF_CRq1j2FI8-7ZAvBBAXqIwl63vj3reDu6a4ThQOEpiZ5vMv7Dcxq0pxBqMQpOwQ0YW7Bzoiw7HzANvrDwzuqqQgv8JczDn67eLrNxdqAYOII3M/s640/IMG_8587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Finally, there is light in the dining room!   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEIV7DFthmGMHcYiQFwPVC8GpjIGazJHADzrHDxd2gQ6dNe51EI8Qdj1j4v3k9iGrJZk4AdMa1OLIWiKbwRNuJsTVnOM0E5mbxBQtlb99Rx2NksZ0z7edxayjJkS_Onc3JiSgjRU7JcA/s1600/IMG_8591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEIV7DFthmGMHcYiQFwPVC8GpjIGazJHADzrHDxd2gQ6dNe51EI8Qdj1j4v3k9iGrJZk4AdMa1OLIWiKbwRNuJsTVnOM0E5mbxBQtlb99Rx2NksZ0z7edxayjJkS_Onc3JiSgjRU7JcA/s640/IMG_8591.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />More specifically, a light.  Or should I say, a lantern.  The lantern.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNTbKBqEvr3sxdSNpGg-AjLkQb88ztwwrzO3X7T6fhgG8d8ohv0inaftY5Zu_t0LTDcyC7tuvk3usFa2FiTxjIH_M2Qvm4BnHShWJar1aTmLcVENLgPKtFsUAkJkfW6qjTMJ45-i4oy8/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNTbKBqEvr3sxdSNpGg-AjLkQb88ztwwrzO3X7T6fhgG8d8ohv0inaftY5Zu_t0LTDcyC7tuvk3usFa2FiTxjIH_M2Qvm4BnHShWJar1aTmLcVENLgPKtFsUAkJkfW6qjTMJ45-i4oy8/s640/IMG_8596.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After chatting with Mike's mom, Joy, about my vision for the fixture, I told her that I wanted something that felt authentic for a "Cape Cod" style house.  Being Joy and an expert in all things unique and special, "Have you looked at Cape Cod Lantern Company?  They are in Chatham.  I believe they make all of the lanterns at Chatham Bars Inn."  Only Joy would know great things like that sitting in KC!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq8ybDV-WrQWrwDMG-1Iy97JJuyeaujr5HRDouguuHBTkwg4G67d1E9B-ERKVWBUEWC-I24Xni1gER9klBQs_vDIk7qoy8e9r2QwIusCYtBaFTXwptumdYsOu0tEsFfGfQHMYwsoXNuo/s1600/IMG_7057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq8ybDV-WrQWrwDMG-1Iy97JJuyeaujr5HRDouguuHBTkwg4G67d1E9B-ERKVWBUEWC-I24Xni1gER9klBQs_vDIk7qoy8e9r2QwIusCYtBaFTXwptumdYsOu0tEsFfGfQHMYwsoXNuo/s640/IMG_7057.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">  Do you remember <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/cape-cod-weekend-classic-new-england.html" target="_blank">my post about our stay at the Chatham Bars Inn</a>?  I oogled over the authentic fixtures and lanterns that hung seemingly everywhere on the property.  The photo above (no, that is not my family room...) is of the sitting room at the Inn. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwUkaRxLeZ0O59XNepp396DF3-zTmkAD54bhuSFnPpMMp6utIRlA6hD6UJXDtLKl1Cwn0CwqmVv_trrpoSSNvy-aipfry82BGa8oWnUHvrg2C5RG21qBbNTIhlHffRJG5aUdOwRYrYDY/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwUkaRxLeZ0O59XNepp396DF3-zTmkAD54bhuSFnPpMMp6utIRlA6hD6UJXDtLKl1Cwn0CwqmVv_trrpoSSNvy-aipfry82BGa8oWnUHvrg2C5RG21qBbNTIhlHffRJG5aUdOwRYrYDY/s640/IMG_8585.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fEGf2mbIu_OYd9vJoPBVjj1nxvPmW-K2Yi-FXgXqmBOq9YVLAKX6GmBOFE8RbFP1oGRTWxqnwx4l5UNOn2n9VDzAKRD-Bua6cczd6yoyaAmktDqflCX6TdgzLReF5AkS5hyphenhyphen467lgPJs/s1600/IMG_8599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fEGf2mbIu_OYd9vJoPBVjj1nxvPmW-K2Yi-FXgXqmBOq9YVLAKX6GmBOFE8RbFP1oGRTWxqnwx4l5UNOn2n9VDzAKRD-Bua6cczd6yoyaAmktDqflCX6TdgzLReF5AkS5hyphenhyphen467lgPJs/s640/IMG_8599.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />So, I immediately searched their site and found the <a href="http://www.capecodlanterns.com/store/products/4-hanging-lanterns/512-5652-concord-hanging-lantern/" target="_blank">"5652 Concord" Lantern</a>.  Not only did I love the style but I loved that this particular style was a nod to our New England home, Concord.  Perfect.<br /><br />I love it.  It is simple, yet very striking.  The scale is lovely, which I was a little concerned about before it arrived... would it be too big?  Not big enough?  But, alas, it is just right. <br /><br />I love that it is an authentic, handmade representation of our time in New England that hangs in the center of our home.  I imagine that we will take it with us to all of our future homes.  As Mike and I drove through Mission Hills on our way to dinner last weekend, I noticed all of the graceful lanterns that hung in front of the front doors of the large stately homes... maybe someday...<br /><br />I'm not big on souveneirs, I mostly rely on photos instead of sweatshirts, but I have to say... This is one great souvenir!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg025vKA51sCDd-y4tx4pWTaw9VwYmikMjO_DeO4ichyphenhyphenSakarPto97c-3TJrplonW0MzGrGLUyMNdG4cpkUldrF7mg95-DxoKwvWxB2GTvnmWnVTE2SfLADs2X4Xpl_6EgIcj3Ut2IaUnA/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg025vKA51sCDd-y4tx4pWTaw9VwYmikMjO_DeO4ichyphenhyphenSakarPto97c-3TJrplonW0MzGrGLUyMNdG4cpkUldrF7mg95-DxoKwvWxB2GTvnmWnVTE2SfLADs2X4Xpl_6EgIcj3Ut2IaUnA/s640/IMG_8600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had it made (all of their fixtures are handmade to order) in Antique Brass finish with clear glass to compliment the original brass fixtures in our house.   The un-laqured finish will weather and age with time. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XC_EvMD__L-YMqJylb11l_iFHr4Cr7wRucTOE6_55_AkgeVdF73JpB46hCUTha9YG-2AeZn_5XRdp_qCGnOYIBU8l64kHQ_J5JiNZiQSrwNb26QO6B8gBI5pOqhevWJQ0qiUA0njNCs/s1600/IMG_8605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XC_EvMD__L-YMqJylb11l_iFHr4Cr7wRucTOE6_55_AkgeVdF73JpB46hCUTha9YG-2AeZn_5XRdp_qCGnOYIBU8l64kHQ_J5JiNZiQSrwNb26QO6B8gBI5pOqhevWJQ0qiUA0njNCs/s640/IMG_8605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> You may also notice a peek at our Christmas decorations that are beginning to take their places.  In our windows, I've hung fresh bay leaf wreaths.  They smell soooo good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mMfPMhqTTnIrOHt9hNL4CR-ydVmGNU9Hi1xSLfKI2vMQoeJ1QTF93TeGqAfpmrktncK69_oXJMAi4SUYoP_PiYWNnFRwsbvBamNk4dtt4G2Sr2UapySqFCseQeIdLqbq_nurh5q3uPk/s1600/IMG_8614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mMfPMhqTTnIrOHt9hNL4CR-ydVmGNU9Hi1xSLfKI2vMQoeJ1QTF93TeGqAfpmrktncK69_oXJMAi4SUYoP_PiYWNnFRwsbvBamNk4dtt4G2Sr2UapySqFCseQeIdLqbq_nurh5q3uPk/s640/IMG_8614.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Here is another look at the room - a couple of stacks of plates, compote of tangerines, etc., piled in the center of the table from my holiday header shoot for the blog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX1kdEQJ9OQwKRy-AJPOnydGY2lJ6SX8KAQ00Mqe2lwsYJCR96sZjgAZI1xuAYUcoPJ_q3MnZqGABj4d4aa1nllt1_L-HbH8zCU7QcdESbNnf2kKiiNMvolY7Tftrg8PF2j5D4La6NRo/s1600/IMG_8607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX1kdEQJ9OQwKRy-AJPOnydGY2lJ6SX8KAQ00Mqe2lwsYJCR96sZjgAZI1xuAYUcoPJ_q3MnZqGABj4d4aa1nllt1_L-HbH8zCU7QcdESbNnf2kKiiNMvolY7Tftrg8PF2j5D4La6NRo/s640/IMG_8607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Another "authentic" decision for the room was to feature photos from our travels.  As I was getting ready to order some random prints of botanicals and birds, I decided to take a more authentic approach to the artwork that hung in our home.  I decided to have 11x14 photos from our favorite experiences displayed in the room.  <br /><br />They are framed in frames that are painted the same color as our trim, Navajo White in Satin.  The walls are painted navajo white in flat.<br /><br />Above : Stowe, Vermont and Martha's Vineyard<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmhDfET_PNVw3U6IEWEgexFoQbrLt3LHNivQtRmwAY3_ZXwtNzUN-eoMyVVHDwJrffl5FE9lt8Vf7bK7ekKAAMM9Rs9tQXJ-e5aywcdnnGzyoAwUPY7VGPbJiZ3Z8nALzcn4-6faMwes/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmhDfET_PNVw3U6IEWEgexFoQbrLt3LHNivQtRmwAY3_ZXwtNzUN-eoMyVVHDwJrffl5FE9lt8Vf7bK7ekKAAMM9Rs9tQXJ-e5aywcdnnGzyoAwUPY7VGPbJiZ3Z8nALzcn4-6faMwes/s640/IMG_8609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I included a caption of the place and date of each photo. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9dUXm6uoUkYwe5kNJvEKA9FNrwXBlLXdabvpRYaCmRmUNAeuF4ze47V79g7VRxF223IdUaNbLbtNi1P8anIT5A77AdPf5HZjgJT5OQiui498hbAMIJlyY__aU1TxMSvpVY31QR3w5Hw/s1600/IMG_8610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9dUXm6uoUkYwe5kNJvEKA9FNrwXBlLXdabvpRYaCmRmUNAeuF4ze47V79g7VRxF223IdUaNbLbtNi1P8anIT5A77AdPf5HZjgJT5OQiui498hbAMIJlyY__aU1TxMSvpVY31QR3w5Hw/s640/IMG_8610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We plan to keep adding to our collection... maybe someday we'll have an entire wall gallery devoted to it... I imagine it in a long hallway - in the same stately home in which the lantern hangs in our entryway.  <br /><br />

Cape Cod Co. Lantern & Dining Room Update

Finally, there is light in the dining room!   More specifically, a light.  Or should I say, a lantern.  The lantern.  After chatting with Mi...

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Home Depot Holiday Style Challenge | Our Mantle Makeover

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB7c5QUWlWPZaiROAPul0NxnE738mCm_5YAOzOhhNO41TyWwzgin6u8ySKaG4wltpzEru_2_wkXzxm_oDSr46TXqxmHP4-0rsRvamlrgO3KjjtlsLV-jn1e1Uh4sM0Nsz5CpuJukTRC0/s1600/IMG_2969_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB7c5QUWlWPZaiROAPul0NxnE738mCm_5YAOzOhhNO41TyWwzgin6u8ySKaG4wltpzEru_2_wkXzxm_oDSr46TXqxmHP4-0rsRvamlrgO3KjjtlsLV-jn1e1Uh4sM0Nsz5CpuJukTRC0/s640/IMG_2969_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4uqxY9MFBVMELWJJa_Z_8RZgI9PMx_65AbXmv8VIvSH62yC3la994LTN_mzdezyLQB4GHgD2AMRSAs9OxKAbopeGWA_MfXskETdfQ2U7gvR8Fee4E0zI90z862UtPUJv-Z0vCUKFt4w/s1600/IMG_0743.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4uqxY9MFBVMELWJJa_Z_8RZgI9PMx_65AbXmv8VIvSH62yC3la994LTN_mzdezyLQB4GHgD2AMRSAs9OxKAbopeGWA_MfXskETdfQ2U7gvR8Fee4E0zI90z862UtPUJv-Z0vCUKFt4w/s320/IMG_0743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To kick off the Holiday Season, I thought I'd share the mantle I created for the Home Depot Holiday Challenge.  After selecting bloggers to participate in their Holiday Challenge, they sent us supplies and gift cards to transform areas of our homes into winter wonderlands.  I was thrilled that I was selected to design a mantle... and was able to use my gift card to purchase gas logs for our fireplace!  <br /><br />To see all of the photos and details about my design, visit <a href="http://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/christmas-mantel-ideas-from-jenny-of-everyday-occassions/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuW7j_eSkh9HFH0IQoJ35PAGvRryikBwaISUlPxY7Mj6WPnjM8ltSU9n2IE9ZxKq7NLYFSELD3tVtb-VtIwmFX99TwzMNmfjqou5t7nOWRTMS_8lsDwFPDSNxuTHCUYjylmYK2C9B_jM/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuW7j_eSkh9HFH0IQoJ35PAGvRryikBwaISUlPxY7Mj6WPnjM8ltSU9n2IE9ZxKq7NLYFSELD3tVtb-VtIwmFX99TwzMNmfjqou5t7nOWRTMS_8lsDwFPDSNxuTHCUYjylmYK2C9B_jM/s640/IMG_0727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHzyHPMjEszZFp_aWTwjDVvuiLQcZHvY0fp_-Ci50OX47-M8A76mbMpFpuuhMV0-JnA0vJU3tAD388YqV1cJH8gO5MMTm9XT1GBLd0IfkMH4oJngpJKhQXF2YafYRpF6pvLI3D8W2t0U/s1600/IMG_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHzyHPMjEszZFp_aWTwjDVvuiLQcZHvY0fp_-Ci50OX47-M8A76mbMpFpuuhMV0-JnA0vJU3tAD388YqV1cJH8gO5MMTm9XT1GBLd0IfkMH4oJngpJKhQXF2YafYRpF6pvLI3D8W2t0U/s640/IMG_0761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

Home Depot Holiday Style Challenge | Our Mantle Makeover

To kick off the Holiday Season, I thought I'd share the mantle I created for the Home Depot Holiday Challenge.  After selecting blogger...

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Gingerbread House | My First Time | Holiday Baking

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJU5hY7oNccnbU7_XfV1YhmGN3s7LAjd1LW0Q7ZC3d6NilZvVpPgxpaXXt-yM3RQ2JZl3a2MegvE491ZvyPmrmAfDYLr7CPRqmKuUGW0Ee-jN-gzOiY_qIQwdWvcuIeysqcyZRnjHOAM/s1600/IMG_9827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJU5hY7oNccnbU7_XfV1YhmGN3s7LAjd1LW0Q7ZC3d6NilZvVpPgxpaXXt-yM3RQ2JZl3a2MegvE491ZvyPmrmAfDYLr7CPRqmKuUGW0Ee-jN-gzOiY_qIQwdWvcuIeysqcyZRnjHOAM/s640/IMG_9827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINnKexF1ovDXQryeEr5Yi9YX7WqSNDaL1z4egjn22O96fYr2DqaRa_NYL9N0C1R_T6U3ETS6hd5CaVpt3q0BywQxn6e5ry1nVmJ86FLrzSMp42WSVoe4Lj8ZkfmK3o7bNa1MhFConyOw/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the first time in my entire life that I have made a Gingerbread House.  Ever.  I know - even Jill didn't believe me when I told her.  Apparently she's made several over the years.  Humph.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In honor of our adventure here in Massachusetts I wanted to make the house just like our house here in Concord - a cozy little Cape Cod.  I love how it turned out - dormer windows, evergreen garland and all!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to say, I have a lot of respect for anyone that has made a gingerbread house before... it was tougher than I'd anticipated!  Mike helped me assemble it - and let's just say, it is not like the pieces fit together like a snug puzzle.  I had to keep reminding myself that it was a cookie, not a carpentry project.  Small gaps and holes in the seams (and one cracked wall...) were not that big of a deal.  It is a cookie!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my photo documentation of the entire process.  I used <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/339021/molasses-gingerbread-cookie-dough" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's recipe for the gingerbread dough</a>.  It is different than a typical cookie dough- tougher with very little rise in the baking, which is important because you don't want the pieces of dough to change shape or size.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVlc5OFAEhLEOnkTJNxI5g0nJaFrTPcrL_44ySVkBgAaKU_KxU_THnagGmQUAMdUsn7hvHBq_wwMPFStCUtLcgma7P3ZZ1APJVWIGffiARmekkciDG-J3CR_Ohe0JoiKLTNNMIsPsKHo/s1600/IMG_9080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVlc5OFAEhLEOnkTJNxI5g0nJaFrTPcrL_44ySVkBgAaKU_KxU_THnagGmQUAMdUsn7hvHBq_wwMPFStCUtLcgma7P3ZZ1APJVWIGffiARmekkciDG-J3CR_Ohe0JoiKLTNNMIsPsKHo/s640/IMG_9080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I created templates of all of the pieces I'd need.  Measuring and cutting straight lines are very important.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L96555C0CShqPoHYECbZnSgMJioVNJb9AnCaLxvURR3L9k2EnTbfKkk510YrsERYDSyERypshhz48z3IwY0O8vlaVp0T99O6TVmtAXXWdato8LgF1wCe9INueuVQOVCl9n7PMEx4V9I/s1600/IMG_9083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L96555C0CShqPoHYECbZnSgMJioVNJb9AnCaLxvURR3L9k2EnTbfKkk510YrsERYDSyERypshhz48z3IwY0O8vlaVp0T99O6TVmtAXXWdato8LgF1wCe9INueuVQOVCl9n7PMEx4V9I/s640/IMG_9083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here are all of my pieces ready to go.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzi2PKGal3u-6GD3BIkqovP00oDLqoqnYzmedwVnC6hrqAbEGfxWEn6mGxiRrd528fWcYbBveZOGQGaesSpWr-DZZROYCqLk0ypP70S_blJGxBi6PIyBPF4pDHxFqdehz5ZbKtvAIJls/s1600/IMG_9085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzi2PKGal3u-6GD3BIkqovP00oDLqoqnYzmedwVnC6hrqAbEGfxWEn6mGxiRrd528fWcYbBveZOGQGaesSpWr-DZZROYCqLk0ypP70S_blJGxBi6PIyBPF4pDHxFqdehz5ZbKtvAIJls/s640/IMG_9085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I highly recommend rolling the dough out onto your silpat baking liners or parchment paper, then placing that liner or paper directly onto the baking sheet.  If you roll out the dough onto the counter, then try to move it, your cut outs will distort and change size and shape.  Even the smallest difference can mean a big hole in your house!  <br /><br />I rolled the dough out onto the silpat, then cut around my template.  I put the silpat directly onto a baking sheet, then into the oven.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XaF2CqcJogyubusHmZWUG6Kg5_j-8Za5ex8MHrEHHgF3FwT6MO70Bgjj9AMgjqBBWChE3tgkXwXGpspWy6Tjv1AVomue5ybn4AXmXXpDbLspKclbc-YK-kXidN9d5-5zaswPb7btF6g/s1600/IMG_9088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XaF2CqcJogyubusHmZWUG6Kg5_j-8Za5ex8MHrEHHgF3FwT6MO70Bgjj9AMgjqBBWChE3tgkXwXGpspWy6Tjv1AVomue5ybn4AXmXXpDbLspKclbc-YK-kXidN9d5-5zaswPb7btF6g/s640/IMG_9088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After the cookies had baked and cooled, I decorated them with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-christmas-cookies-christmas.html" target="_blank">royal icing</a>.  I learned something new, again.  I would have thought the decorating should be done after assembled, but it was so much easier to make straight lines on the pieces before they were put together as a house. <br /><br />These are the front and the back pieces.  I did a trial run on the back so it would be perfect for the front.  I knew that where I planned to display the house - no one would see the back!  I modeled the door off of some of the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/trip-to-deerfield-mass-new-england-day.html" target="_blank">colonial homes we saw in Deerfield, Ma</a>. a few weeks ago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJALom-1eTOHcLyT2T85rZ8fqS6LvS8o7o2fi-EOoqmWPzMJZlhI1_ycddhd8H8KlHT0pzSw5Kfexp0xE5PdymueWreSV9uujERsoR7B0-jr6-L3vYzlprUDWlve19Yt7vbf5nr3QCDo/s1600/IMG_9089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJALom-1eTOHcLyT2T85rZ8fqS6LvS8o7o2fi-EOoqmWPzMJZlhI1_ycddhd8H8KlHT0pzSw5Kfexp0xE5PdymueWreSV9uujERsoR7B0-jr6-L3vYzlprUDWlve19Yt7vbf5nr3QCDo/s640/IMG_9089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The sides.  I think the 'snow' in the windows adds some personality to the home.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfjzkhd1hkLDT_S8te-LPfwWbxrk7JLz39x5fkfnwPR46qT09wY65oJVrYGtBWai6N_o5PZg6ak1Y5rWyCEqhVB-MGxFXzin5KEoIaTA8SCbP1Mr_q8_JaUvHROt3SqCstb1YeENuXvE/s1600/IMG_9090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfjzkhd1hkLDT_S8te-LPfwWbxrk7JLz39x5fkfnwPR46qT09wY65oJVrYGtBWai6N_o5PZg6ak1Y5rWyCEqhVB-MGxFXzin5KEoIaTA8SCbP1Mr_q8_JaUvHROt3SqCstb1YeENuXvE/s640/IMG_9090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I shingled the roof pieces with a 'brick' pattern.  The two dormer windows got a snow swept look, too. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxmOYKaUcFb9Hb60rS1xtc95JXKgu99J2LcERyxI2GFj6Z9shyphenhyphen2fApzvIXC1LAJLfX4szDDGTliYn40lzxHYEmWvyPmQz1TapfYztSGwCc8ZcrJY6EXgP2sGrkFZXwPiuybh4KV15RG0/s1600/IMG_9091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxmOYKaUcFb9Hb60rS1xtc95JXKgu99J2LcERyxI2GFj6Z9shyphenhyphen2fApzvIXC1LAJLfX4szDDGTliYn40lzxHYEmWvyPmQz1TapfYztSGwCc8ZcrJY6EXgP2sGrkFZXwPiuybh4KV15RG0/s640/IMG_9091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />These were the other pieces that I needed for the dormers... they were a little complicated to create! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21O7FwrMOTSEjwe47QwfAlOmFBj4j-YpEKGevK2U8eVFnv1f5XjXkJMqpSO5qXFW2nz9XqIrMY9rIfoUN2rn8tg9YstjSnfdGr_JQXNIkJ4tjhTXpfhDxDx8iJ9X0njtAXuZK9QjSjnU/s1600/IMG_9094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21O7FwrMOTSEjwe47QwfAlOmFBj4j-YpEKGevK2U8eVFnv1f5XjXkJMqpSO5qXFW2nz9XqIrMY9rIfoUN2rn8tg9YstjSnfdGr_JQXNIkJ4tjhTXpfhDxDx8iJ9X0njtAXuZK9QjSjnU/s640/IMG_9094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I used little pieces of cedar greenery to create a garland around the front door.  I attached it with my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-christmas-cookies-christmas.html" target="_blank">Royal Icing</a> 'glue'. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs6d3nw1HBZ69_glBSqfbmVdrJqGDGBMY_bDKKydcQB__mdim6PJ2yEp_aShs3CkzuM_q0n6LNtRpYyB94RGtMYS-JAqTgucQRHf4k-5xD5Ek_rGsI-sm0o-TcEiQ2uf4BX569y4u0Rc/s1600/IMG_9120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs6d3nw1HBZ69_glBSqfbmVdrJqGDGBMY_bDKKydcQB__mdim6PJ2yEp_aShs3CkzuM_q0n6LNtRpYyB94RGtMYS-JAqTgucQRHf4k-5xD5Ek_rGsI-sm0o-TcEiQ2uf4BX569y4u0Rc/s640/IMG_9120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />What a cozy little cottage!  Now for the snow... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYL3Kh_DyinY1_oy3GS7O2GZ8sfXGEJKSrclbnrjA85vM6uwnpQ1KCkRvLWzKpASuoDuVcjg4psIH9z8Ov2OOa-ZB3ldkfgkN7DLXCLCbHQ-5kOOGz3deTwtgWkfQhyphenhyphenkBlzVXg2qNzeA/s1600/IMG_9122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYL3Kh_DyinY1_oy3GS7O2GZ8sfXGEJKSrclbnrjA85vM6uwnpQ1KCkRvLWzKpASuoDuVcjg4psIH9z8Ov2OOa-ZB3ldkfgkN7DLXCLCbHQ-5kOOGz3deTwtgWkfQhyphenhyphenkBlzVXg2qNzeA/s640/IMG_9122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I made a small batch of Swiss Meringue to create pillowy snow drifts around the house.  I put the meringue in a pastry bag, then cut a very large hole to pipe it out of.   <br /><br />Swiss Meringue<br /><br />4 egg whites<br />1 cup of sugar<br />1 pinch of cream of tarter<br /><br />In the top bowl of a double boiler (glass bowl sitting on a sauce pan with simmering water), whisk together egg whites, sugar and cream of tarter.  Cook mixture in the double boiler over medium low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until sugar has dissolved.  If you rub the mixture between your fingers, you should be able to tell if the sugar has dissolved.<br /><br />Transfer the mixture to your kitchen aid fitted with the whisk attachment.  Whisk on high for 7-10 minutes.  The mixture will cool and froth into a thick meringue as it whips.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3_TH2c9PUSsj7_U7q_vGs3C8VWFu9uSGQ-nPDtvf59AbjmiVYShPwxoqJBX0xIX92isUH01D6jHRZ1zvOu1nGDwo6J0Tl2hMYHJBb2EDtr1LLhORstngHCjQ4hgiq4WacPfcb-QRa2M/s1600/IMG_9123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3_TH2c9PUSsj7_U7q_vGs3C8VWFu9uSGQ-nPDtvf59AbjmiVYShPwxoqJBX0xIX92isUH01D6jHRZ1zvOu1nGDwo6J0Tl2hMYHJBb2EDtr1LLhORstngHCjQ4hgiq4WacPfcb-QRa2M/s640/IMG_9123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I tried to make it look wind blown and natural. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdurIavd_Ze4xCih0Bo8Mw0fbxurxiAzdMfV5aBP9Cl4_KOmvJQbZvCveHb5ZhAhv0BNn3P_zofuQpGbkNI-47cAC0IqhhlbsD_ITtF4PxuT1gWXMuP_cYamXbU-BmQW31OWYrbwnC8uc/s1600/IMG_9127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdurIavd_Ze4xCih0Bo8Mw0fbxurxiAzdMfV5aBP9Cl4_KOmvJQbZvCveHb5ZhAhv0BNn3P_zofuQpGbkNI-47cAC0IqhhlbsD_ITtF4PxuT1gWXMuP_cYamXbU-BmQW31OWYrbwnC8uc/s640/IMG_9127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I LOVE meringue. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuhXlGvGMDK0A8Wp9DrnVfTnaCMKupLph2d5xjiX1r-S3uIOSe8vOTNPsALRBq67s7VZ65wJp7JBsc2j6jERy8TZEsQnse7qdQjIvRPK2pM0a-ld0ArnYvBSWX8gROyoPfyqvPA8zOP4/s1600/IMG_9131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuhXlGvGMDK0A8Wp9DrnVfTnaCMKupLph2d5xjiX1r-S3uIOSe8vOTNPsALRBq67s7VZ65wJp7JBsc2j6jERy8TZEsQnse7qdQjIvRPK2pM0a-ld0ArnYvBSWX8gROyoPfyqvPA8zOP4/s640/IMG_9131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Finally, I sprinkled powdered sugar on the meringue and the house for that 'fresh' dusted snow look!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHvpg_0BE7Cx0YAtH_hSYOD3qyQWoGzpbNuJ95AC04QrJmqxck4XHXEutVM_57nj_KYr37D530fKXhRMe7LzzO31M3UHDYxNsvqBIy4uDWJQJb4EnOXarrX-e25Tei-G6uGF0bSjPOes/s1600/IMG_9143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHvpg_0BE7Cx0YAtH_hSYOD3qyQWoGzpbNuJ95AC04QrJmqxck4XHXEutVM_57nj_KYr37D530fKXhRMe7LzzO31M3UHDYxNsvqBIy4uDWJQJb4EnOXarrX-e25Tei-G6uGF0bSjPOes/s640/IMG_9143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Do you dare try to make a gingerbread house this year?  What are your secrets and tips!?

Gingerbread House | My First Time | Holiday Baking

This is the first time in my entire life that I have made a Gingerbread House.  Ever.  I know - even Jill didn't believe me when I told ...

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