Victoria Magazine...

I have for the longest time had a 'love affair' with Victoria magazine (since the early 1980's)... and can you blame me?
If you are not familiar,,, check them out.... Victoriamag.com or pick up an issue...

Victoria magazine is the kind of magazine that encourages you to curl up on the sofa with, or at the table, a nice cup of tea and a scone.... a quiet moment, much needed.....

 The Jan/Feb issue.... oh, I so need a nice cup of tea and scone...or an Oreo cookie will do if I don't feel like whipping up a batch of scones! lol!

Back in November on the Victoria magazine web site, they asked their readers, "Where in the World"... a question about if  you could live anywhere, where would you... and Oh My Stars, they liked and printed my reply....  Brag moment... my comment is on page 10....
I love the fact 'Victoria' has been committed to the elegant yet calming way of life. Slowing down, enjoying the beauty of a cup of tea, a decadent confection, a relaxing garden... and featured talented women from all walks of life.
It truly is a lovely magazine....

Pear Brandy

Those of you who know me, know that I absolutely love a good Pear Brandy....
I discovered the fabulousness of a truly good pear brandy on a past trip in Switzerland....
Oh My Word! it was so delightful! 
I found a particular brand that I especially liked while in Zurich. I brought some back to the USA and found that it was not easily obtainable here in the USA... Then when I moved up to Washington, I discovered it could not be imported into Washington State! Oh NO!  
So my quest was to find a comparable Pear Brandy... When one day recently, quiet by chance, I was in Costco.... and spotted Pear Brandy by the Clear Creek Distillery...  $36 a bottle.... but I was willing to give it a try in hopes it would bring me back to my wonderful memories of my trip in Switzerland.  Oh MY! It did!
I am so delighted to have found a wonderful Pear Brandy that sooo reminds me of the excellent Pear Brandies produced in Switzerland...

 I am able to find a Apple Pear Brandy.... but,,, there is just something special about a crisp pear flavored brandy.
So, while I was reading my Jan/Feb issue of Victoria magazine.... to my delight I saw that there was an article about Clear Creek Distillery and their prized Pear Brandy .... "Bottled to Perfection" page 59-64.... and how they closely follow the European way of producing quality pear brandy.
One only needs to pop the cork, give it a moment to breath, then pour a small glass,,,, let the crisp clean pear scent reach your nose... then sip and savor. 

 Oh My! if it were not so early in the day, I would pour myself a sip, as I re-read the article.

 There are many good companies that produce wonderful brandies and schnapps...but...

I just happen to really like this company's brandy and am glad to see that it was featured in my favorite magazine as well as I can easily find it.
If pear is not your favorite, they also produce other flavors.....

So, tonight I may have to curl up on the sofa, with my dear hubby, my kitties, my snugly Pendleton blanket, my Victoria magazine, a piece or two of chocolate and a snifter of pear brandy... Ah, and conjure up wonderful memories of my trips in Switzerland and especially Germany.

A Fascination with Vintage Stitchery

I have a fascination with vintage stitchery. You know the kind, like our mothers and grandmothers use to stitch up....
A dear friend, Amanda got me interested in these stitchery transfers about 4 years ago... and when ever I come across a vintage pattern I buy it.

 I think this collection is from the 1940's... based on the hairstyle and dress on the package.

 Notice the apron on this package... can you imagine having 7 white crisp aprons each with a day of the week stitched on it...

 This is the pattern that I used to stitch up my little Scotty dog...

 I decided to trace my pattern instead of ironing it on......

 As I was perusing through my vintage patterns I noticed that 3 of them are identical,,, but the packages had been re-done.... probably to generate new interest in the same old pattern.

I have some "Aunt Martha's" from the 1960's as well. they cost a whole whooping .53cents at J.C. Penny & CO. (according to the price tag)
Well back to stitching.....

Just a Little Stitchin'

I have been working on several projects and decided to take a little break and stitch up this little cutie..

I haven't decided what I will do with this... but... for now, it was a nice little diversion.
It's from a vintage stitchery pattern.

One of those Days!

I am having one of those days! 
I am so tired of the gloomy, cold weather... I could really use a dose of good old fashioned California sunshine!

Just 3 more months until my first Glamping trip of the season!  lol!