Blessings all-around!

Well, I made it back to Miami just in time to welcome this little cutie into the world. 

Stilla was born on July 5th via C-section and my husband and I 

were able to stay for three weeks to visit and help out!

 Her 2-year-old sister, Lini, was a bit hesitant about this

new little person

joining their family...

But soon warmed up to the idea.

Especially when she knew she was going to have some special Grandma/Grandpa time, 

filled with playdoh, painting, new toys and treats!

Isn't life just filled with blessings!

Stay Cozy my friends...

Love,

Carrie

A fair trade?

 My neighbor was kind enough to lend me a cup of milk 

I needed to complete a recipe.

So I made this little "milk carton" for them 

and I filled it with "milk" chocolate candies.

So grateful for thoughtful neighbors.

Stay Cozy and be a good neighbor,

Carrie

Dollar Tree "Pop-Bys"

The other day when I "popped" into my local Dollar Tree they had

these fun 4th of July poppers on the shelf.

 I immediately snagged some up to use for my husband's business.

 

As a Real Estate Broker, he and his team love to "pop by" their client's homes 

to say hello and drop off wishes for the season! 

 I knew these would make a perfect little gift!

So I wrapped them up, tucked their business cards inside,

 (in case they weren't home) and finished them off with a handmade tag.

I love how they turned out!

Happy 4th

Hope your "staying cozy...

Carrie

Making Miami Memories...

We just returned from a trip to Miami to visit our daughter and son-in-law, 

and the best reason for the trip...

To spend time with our adorable granddaughter, Lini!

It was a lovely time away, great weather and wonderful family time...but since they just purchased and moved into a new home, we put ourselves to work painting, installing plate covers, hanging a large tv and helping with all the other things you need to do when you move into a new home! 

Lini will be welcoming a little sister in July.

Our plan is to return then so we can take care of her and 

help with the new little one on the way.

My daughter will be having a planned c-section,

 so, the help will be much needed. 

Stay Cozy,

Pinecones for the picking...

 I don't know about where you live - but here in Oregon, 

especially this time of year,

we have lots of pinecones laying on the ground that have fallen from the Fir Trees.

So I wanted to put them to use for Valentine's Day.

This simple hanging pinecone was so simple to make. 

A little ribbon and some faux floral decor did the trick. 

You could leave it on someone's doorknob as a Valentine surprise. 

Using live succulents and a glue gun brings this little pinecone to life. 

Spray the plants with water every so often to keep it fresh for weeks!

You can find all sorts of beautiful pinecone wreaths on Pinterest or YouTube...

Some paint, glue and patience and you have a beautiful door decor!

This sweet little pinecone fairy idea is courtesy of Its Overflowing

where you can find many craft ideas for kids. 

Isn't she sweet?

Now get started and let's see what your pinecones can become.

Stay Cozy and Creative...

Carrie

Tea Party for One...

A couple of weeks ago, like so many others,

we had a snowstorm which quickly turned into an ice storm. 

It was "iffy" to leave the house unless you had to...

 and only if you had a 4-wheel drive vehicle!

So we hunkered down at home where

I decided to make these little (3.5" purse size) "scripture card/tea holders"

for the ladies in my Bible study group...just for fun!

And it was fun... 

Folding, cutting, trimming and glueing the double-sided printed papers ...

Sizing and printing the scripture cards on glossy cardstock paper.

And thinking of how I might be praying for each of the ladies during the storm.

And of course tucking a Jasmine Green tea bag into the little loop.

It was definitely a "labor of love"!

Stay Cozy,

 

Treating my guests with "PINKness"...

The color PINK is often associated with love and kindness.

It is a gentle, nurturing color that is associated with nurturing, 

caring, and supportive relationships. 

In many cultures, the color pink is also associated with romance and love.

PINK is a warm and welcoming color.

Whether swaying from a hook...

Or hanging on a wall...

A splash of PINK is a lovely way to brighten the heart and calm the soul.

Although I don't have decorations of pink anywhere else in my home...

I was drawn to bring this uplifting color into my guestroom. 

After all...

Stay Warm + Cozy,

Carrie

All thumbs...

My daughter, Lauren really wanted some thumbprint cookies 

when she was visiting from Miami. 

She has to eat gluten-free/dairy free and I was determined to make her some.

 I found this wonderful recipe...so good in fact, 

I will always make them gluten free. they were delicious.

I made her a batch while she was visiting 

and then another to take to the airport.

Since she loved them so much I made some more, 

packaged them up, 

and gave them to two of my "gluten free" friends!

Here's the recipe:

2 cups almond flour (or 1+1 almond/coconut flour)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons coconut oil

2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

A bit of water as needed  (if dough is dry)

1/4 cup raspberry jam (or flavor of your choice)

Combine all ingredients to form dough.

Scoop 1 tablespoon batter on parchment lined cookie sheet. 

(I used a small cookie scooper)

Press thumb into the center of each cookie to form the indentation.

Bade at 350 degrees for 8-10 mins. 

Cool before removing cookies from cookie sheet.

Enjoy

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

This Place Called Blogland...

A happy new year, a new year for trying

no regrets for the past - look ahead.

Those days have been spent, there's no use in sighing

keep your eyes on the future instead.

This place we call blogland can be a safe place

a place to bring joy to your heart.

By sharing together, whatever the weather

although we might be far apart.

I put pen to this blog 15 long years ago 

 the landscape has changed here and there.

But each time I return I am greeted by friends 

who welcome me back with fanfare.

There is Facebook and Tik Tok and Instagram too, 

many places to visit and share

But the warmth and the realness, the true feeling of caring, 

these others, they just can't compare. 

Although I've been gone and left my blog unattended, 

far too long I am sorry to say.

Nostalgia has swept me and brought me back here,

and I promise I'll try not to stray!

Still keeping cozy,

Carrie

Ninety-three Birthdays!

 Celebrating my mom's 93rd birthday with my youngest sister!

We even gave her the special nail treatment!

We used the stick-on polish strips!

Stay Cozy, 

Carrie