Winter Decor Meets Valentine's Decor

☃☃ Snow and Hearts❤❤

Hello everyone!  With February 1st coming this Sunday, I have begun to slowly add in some Valentine's Day decor with my winter season decor. Snow is definitely meeting up with hearts both literally and figuratively! 

After experiencing extreme cold and icy conditions last weekend, we are told that we may have several inches of snow this coming weekend. Winter is definitely making itself known! I know that many of you readers are experiencing similar situations. How comforting it is to have these lovely winter lights to enjoy on these freezing and snowy days! I really enjoy these battery operated snow globes so much. They not only light up but they keep the glitter "snow" inside circulating constantly so it really looks like snow is blowing in the wind. 

I found these cute little stuffed Valentine's hearts at Aldi yesterday. They fit beautifully into this lovely rope bowl that was handcrafted and sewn by my dear friend, Sharon. She is a talented artist who creates lovely quilts, table runners, pillow cases and more. And now, she is creating these beautiful bowls! 

I'm really glad that I found these little stuffed hearts. "Bowl fillers" are popular now and while I don't jump on every trend, I have routinely looked for items that look pretty in bowls or baskets and these hearts certainly do!

Are you adding any Valentine's Decor to your home? Is snow meeting hearts in your home, too? Please be safe and warm as the frigid winter weather continues. 

Until Next Time,

Debbie (This and That)

The Ice Storm Cometh

 Getting Ready For The Storm

Hello friends!  Depending on your location as you read this, you may or may not be getting ready for the impending snow/ice storm that is set to hit close to half of the United States this weekend. For several days now, we have been listening to weather reports, looking at various "models" that show what could happen and generally been getting more and more nervous about the impending weather situation. I try not to get too worked up about the weather, since there isn't much I can do about it anyway. But, I have to admit that since Hurricane Helene took us all by surprise in 2024, I do tend to pay more attention these days. 

I have never been much of a fan of snow and ice and absolutely hate driving in it. When I was still teaching, I would nervously watch the closings and delays list to see if my school system would close down or have an optional teacher work day. These days were more of a misery for me than a joy because I would be so filled with angst about whether I would need to go out or not. Some people just love the snow and wish for inches and inches of the white stuff. But.not.me.

I know that many folks in our area feel more anxiety now about the possibility of bad weather since going through the hurricane. Here in Asheville, we spent weeks without electricity and/or water due to the storm damage. And, sadly, there are still folks in this area who are still living in substandard shelters with this big cold snap coming. Once people have lived through a weather related disaster it's hard to get it out of your head! 

The Mr. and I have prepared as best we can. We have plenty of food, water and an alternate heat source if the power goes out. And with almost half the country facing similar circumstances, we are certainly not alone! I actually may have over-prepared this time for the storm. But, better safe than sorry, right?! I'm really hoping, though, that we don't lose power. Sigh....time will tell.

How are you feeling about the weather these days? Are you a snow lover or hater or indifferent? I hope that wherever you are, you are warm and have a cozy spot to curl up and enjoy life! Please take good care of yourself and be safe!

Until Next Time,

Debbie (this and that)

What's In My Book Basket

 Some Really Great Books To Read!

Hello Everyone! As promised, I am blogging today about some of the books that I have been reading of late. I found each of these books to be really enjoyable and so you might give them a try, as well!

Before Christmas, I ordered two Miss Read books that I had never read before. You will remember that I am a long-time fan of Miss Read and her Fairacre and Thrush Green series of books that are lovely stories of the daily life of characters set in two fictitious English villages. The two books I am sharing today, "A Fortunate Grandchild," and "Time Remembered," are autobiographical books written by Miss Read (Dora Jesse Saint) about her childhood years growing up in both London and the English countryside. Oh friends, these books are simply treasures!! Not only am I learning about Dora's early life living among her many and varied relatives, but I also am learning where she got many of the ideas for her Fairacre and Thrush Green books. Her stories of how the schools/teachers in London compared to the schools/teachers in country villages really caught my interest as a fellow teacher. I was also so impressed by the descriptions of her parents, grandmothers, aunts and uncles all of whom she dearly loved. These books are such an awesome addition to my Miss Read collection of books. If you are interested in reading these autobiographies, I suggest you check with your library to see if, by chance, they have them available. If not, head to Amazon and see what they offer. I purchased mine as used books from book sellers offered on Amazon's site. 

"A Timeless Christmas," by Alexis Stanton, was a book that I found available and purchased at Dollar Tree. It caught my eye because it was marked as a Hallmark time-travel romance. I believe it has been made into a movie shown on Hallmark but I haven't seen the movie yet. This book is a sweet romance between Megan Turner, a tour guide at the historical Whitley mansion, and inventor and businessman Charles Whitley, who finds himself mysteriously transported from the early 1900's to present day times. The book is really good at allowing one to believe such an event could actually happen and weaves historical facts into present day living with believable characters that I found myself caring about. It's a fun read which I highly recommend. 

The final book I'm sharing today is one that I am still currently reading. "My Beloved," is the latest offering in The Mitford Series of books by celebrated and much-loved author, Jan Karon. Friends, this book is sooooo good! It's warm and comforting like a soothing cup of tea and I am savoring each page as I read it. To my mind, this book is similar to the very first book in The Mitford Series. Favorite characters are present in this book and we learn things about characters that we previously didn't know. If you are a Mitford fan, like I am, then I am sure you will enjoy reading "My Beloved."

What is in your book basket right now? Be sure to leave a comment and share. It's always fun to hear about new recommendations for books!

Until Next Time,

Debbie (This and That)