Friday, January 31, 2014

Our home settled in for a Long Winter's Nap: seasonal home decor plus a wintertime recipe!

Goodness.  This is the longest I've gone in 5 years without blogging.  I miss this and I miss you.  I am still here and I have no explanation for my absence except that I've been a lil lazy this winter.  Blogging is a lot of work!  I made a mental note to myself to write at least ONE blog post in January.  It is January 31, 4pm, and I am making it happen.

Every passing of one year to the next, right after the holidays, I clear out our home and decorate with fresh winter.  Fresh is my favorite word for winter.  White is fresh.  So is snow.  New beginnings are fresh.  So is the biting cold air.  New sheets, toys, and other Christmas presents are fresh.  So are the newly bare walls after decorations are taken down.  Winter fresh is a time to inhale pure beginnings and slow our spirits as we reconnect together indoors.

Fresh cuts


I like to bring live, natural elements from the stillness of the winter into our home sweet home.  I bought this live, fresh-smelling wreath on clearance for $1.99!


In the middle are perfect, cozy mittens given to me from one of my dearest friends.  I smile extra big inside when I see these mittens because I know I'm loved...and that is a good thing to be.



I also double love having fresh flowers in our home, whatever the season.  It may be a white wonderland outside, but inside we have some pastel color!


And more fresh cuts to cheer up our days!



The boys made adorable pipe cleaner New Year's garland with my Mom.


And our chalkboard celebrates the brand new year 
with antique watch faces reminding us to always be thankful for TIME.



A winter Monday morning, planning my week makes me a happy girl!


Lamplight on dark winter nights with heavy blankets is my favorite.


Hot tea and soul-captivating books at my bedside
 are also my favorites.


And we're all settled down for a long winter's nap.



I typically don't burn candles in the summer, 
BUT in the winter our home lights up!

Bundled candles replace potted flowers.


Pinecones and candles,
happy winter.


It's easy to see that my most loved wintertime things are pinecones and mittens.  
I'll decorate with these things all day long.  
Because nothing is cuter. 

Minis here...

...and minis there.

Soft comforts of the season...



We also keep a basket, in our wagon, by the front door
 FULL of mittens and winter hats.  
It's a warm reminder to bundle up before heading outside.



We've had a handful of exciting white outs.  
It amazes me how entirely unique each of the 4 seasons are. 
 Every year the variety that the season brings is like a present from God to us.  

Pushing snow!  Winter workout!


Somehow I missed capturing the white trees and iced over EVERYTHING this year.  But if you want to see shots of Jack Frost's beautiful work, see this post.


We woke up to this gentle and glorious and quiet sunrise this winter. 




Winter pulls my heart to the kitchen, 
turning on our oven to 350 and letting the warmth fill our house.  I'm a homemaker girl.

Winter pot roast dinners...


Fresh bread on cold, long days.


Rich and cheese bubbly stuffed mushrooms


 And of course, some January detox to reset our bodies.


I tried this incredible winter cranberry avocado dip at a holiday party this year and fell in love.  
I fall in love a lot with good food.  
Just sayin.


Here's the how to.

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons honey 1 minced jalapeño 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 2 ripe avocados, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 3/4 cup halved cranberries 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Coarse salt and ground pepper Pita crisps or tortilla chips In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat, if desired), and 1/4 cup chopped red onion. Add 2 ripe avocados, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, 3/4 cup halved cranberries, drained well on paper towels, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper; toss gently to combine. Serve with Pita Crisps or tortilla chips, as desired.



Plenty of hot chocolate to warm up icy cold fingers.


Besides many nights spent with candles and lamplight, big blankets and hot tea, we've been busy with a LOT of winter activities!  Chris and I also had an awesome vacation to Vegas after Christmas.  I will be sharing everything soon!



Happy Winter!



Most of these photos are from via Instagram.


For Moore Winter Decor posts: