We are HOME and happy to be here with darling kitties! I hope you will love this charming MUSICA . . .
Perfect music for nesting . . . which is what I did yesterday, our first day home; I waltzed around to this song putting everything back in order; kissing the kitties, hanging laundry, eating farm-stand Honey Crisp apples, putting the pumpkins we bought on the porch, hanging the wreath on the door. I dressed my stove in the two vintage dishtowels I found on the trip . . . cute eh? Look at those embroidered, appliqued apples! How come that was even THERE? Why hadn’t someone snapped it up before me? Lucky!!
I was all over the place trying to figure out how to do this post . . . I have too many different subjects/things from the trip to show you! But since I started with antiques, I thought I would continue that way . . . especially because we careened into every antique-store driveway we saw and found some really fun things.
“Was it open?” were the most-often spoken words on our trip.
This cute little barn was filled with wonderful old stuff.
But this one had the best prices! I found a 4′ x 6′ black, flowered, hooked rug here, for $49! For my pantry. Oh yes!
Some things struck me as perfect for Christmas presents . . . like this large embroidered towel with the title “Mother’s Little Helper” on the back. For some reason I’m weakest for embroidery, potholders, tablecloths, napkins, dishtowels, fabrics, needlepoints; the soft stuff.
And I found another vintage measuring cup! These are not easy to find! The shapes are softer than the modern ones, and they aren’t printed on, they’re embossed!
But this was the big one, and I do mean big. I walked into a wonderful store called Rustology in Stafford Springs, CT and just fell in love with this old doll house. It was almost four feet tall, and about six feet wide . . . and three feet deep.
The front of the house is on wheels and you can roll it away to reveal the wonderful rooms inside.
Wouldn’t Jack just LOVE this? The owner of the antique store said he found it in the attic of a Massachusetts house during an estate sale. It was originally built as an exact replica of the real house — It must have had a room of it’s own to live in, it’s so big.
What this must have looked like when it was furnished, I can’t imagine! That flowered piece on the floor is an actual carpet, a tiny petit point; and you can see the old wall paper. And the doors! And the doorknobs!
If this was my house, I would make everything for it. I would paint little paintings, and mold little clay, and stencil the walls. It would be so much fun finding the perfect pots and pans, making tiny pillows, looking for little dishes. Decorating it for the holidays!!! Joe could make beds, I could make sheets. Our real house could fall apart, but the doll house would be perfect at all times!
It definitely needs help, but it has great bones … and all the wonderful details; trim around doors and baseboards.
The shutters are perfect, and there’s glass in the windows, and through this window you can see two other doors with doorknobs.
The front door . . . Imagine it with tiny lights on it! The owners of the antique store love the doll house as much as me; they were showing it with so much pride. I don’t think they are in any hurry to sell it; they’d only had it for two weeks . . . they were asking $6,500 for it.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun in there pretending what I would do with it if it were mine. I considered which room in my house I might put it in, and came to the conclusion that it was too big for any of them. I also would have wanted it when I was twenty, so I could have done it the same way I did my charm bracelet, making and gathering one piece at a time, from everywhere, so each piece could have a story to go with it. Magical magical house. Lucky someone who will end up with it! But this house requires commitment, if you move, you have to pack it and take it with you which would he a true heck of a packing job! Maybe the smart thing would be to get it, give it to a historical society with the caveat that during your own lifetime, no body touches it but YOU.
This house was in the same store . . . . MUCH less expensive — $250 . . . and pretty darn cute, although it needs a lot of work. It opens like a little closet … how smart, hardly takes up any space at all; I really liked the original shape of this.
And it has lots of charming details too. . .
Inside, you can still see vestiges of the glory that it once was . . . but someone would have to start from the beginning to put it right again.
Sooo, while I’m at it, I thought I’d show you some of the pictures I took of REAL houses as we drove hill and dale around Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Because truly, one of the inspirations that motivated me into moving to New England was the charming houses I saw in books and movies. I wanted an old house sooooo badly; my life just wasn’t going to be complete until I got one.
Just look at these and you will see why. I would be perfectly ecstatic to have any of them! Look at that glassed in porch. Perfect for a tea party!
Obviously these people have another way to get into this very old house besides the front door! Look at those pumpkins!!! Wonderful, huh?
Of course, I am a fool for picket fences with colored leaves falling around them.
Sunny cottage, little arched porch, dentil-work up top, and tiny windows.
Very old house, leaves swirling through the air.
Love this soft yellow house in Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts — if you ever get a chance to drive through here, you should do it…. the prettiest houses ever, so full of history, most of the houses are very old, pre-Revolutionary war!
The great thing about these houses is that no two are exactly alike and all so amazingly romantic … I always wonder what kind of thinking was going on that they added so much gingerbread; the wide porches, bay windows, columns, and balconies? And inside, with all the built-in little nooks and crannies! Some of the bigger houses have a cozy fireplace in every room! I think I would have liked those people!
So on we drove, past houses and barns, farm stands, graveyards, and antique stores . . .
The sunsets would light the mountains on fire with color . . .
In one little town, we saw they were having a Book Sale . . . So of course we stopped to see what treasures we could unearth . . .
OH BOY, look what I found!! My first book, Heart of the Home! Rescue secured! Book no longer lurking pitifully in cardboard box! I brought my baby back home. Pobrecito!
And then, while nesting all day yesterday; I put some Martha’s Vineyard sand in my new measuring cup; then I added a pear-shaped candle I found on the trip, and a couple of shells and some sea glass. I thought, how perfect for the kitchen table!
And then I set it on top of my book, and it all looked so cute together, I thought,
I already have one of these books, and I already have one of these candle holders; I should make this a give-away for the girls, because they stick by me through thick and thin. And so that’s what it is!
And then, guess what? My brand new Collector’s Edition Ornament was waiting for me when I went to get the mail! Isn’t it cute? This is the 5th year in a row for our dated collectible ornament (no, in case you’re wondering, we don’t have any left from the other years; we only get a few in of each design, and because they are dated, when they’re gone, they’re gone!) . . . . so, I thought, oh yes, I better throw this in with the book and the candle, right? They look so good together. ♥
I added a leaf I brought home from the trip . . . . and I’ll sign the book when I know the name of the winner and where its new home will be. Just leave a comment, and you will be entered in our drawing for all these goodies! And BTW, if my blog is being emailed to you, you have to come directly to my website (click here: www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/) to enter for the drawing . . . just scroll to the bottom of this post where you see the tiny word “comments.” Click there, and leave a comment and that will automatically enter you!
OK Girls, bye-bye for now … I have more to show you, but realized this would be the longest post EVER if I tried to do the whole trip all at once. So, there’s more to come! XOXO Love, me
I’M BACK ONLINE AFTER 6 YEARS AND BOY HAVE THINGS CHANGED.
YOUR BLOG IS ONE OF THE DELIGHTS OF MY DAY. THANK YOU FOR
GIVING US SO MUCH JOY! JB
I too live in New England. I am a Mainer!!! Nothing like a fall in Maine! Everyone needs to have the four seasons in their lives!!!
Dear Susan,
I am so very fond of your posts that are delivered directly to my inbox! I am happy to be entered into your drawing and wanted to share with you that I too (just today in fact) was fortunate enough to find not one, but TWO of your fabulous books at my favorite thrift shop (that I frequent so often they seem to know me:) I could hardly wait to get home and look at them! They now reside on my coffee table and I’m just tickled to have them; Girlfriends Forever, & Christmas from the Heart of the Home! Thank you for contributing your joy into the lives of so many!
Warmly,
Jacqueline
Good for you, I’m so happy they are being rescued and going to good homes! 🙂
Susan, your blog is the only one I read. Thank you for sharing the information about the Gladys Taber quarterly newsletter. I have visited her house, and have a handwritten letter from her. I feel that you, Gladys, and I were born under that same shining star. Thank you for all the joy you bring to all. Gladys would have really cherished you! Sarah.
Gladys and I have the same birthday! Thank you Sarah … kindred spirit!
Hi Susan- Gosh, I feel like I know you as I have all your cookbooks and lots of other things. Last time I tried to post a comment, it did not go through. Hope this one does! The photos of your trip through New England were charming and I loved seeing Joe’s shirts flapping in the breeze. My mom hung out her laundry her whole life- nothing better than sheets fresh off the line! Fall is beautiful up here in Seattle too, although not quite as dramatic. Thanks for the gift of your blog which is a real treat each day! Francie Goodrich
I look forward every evening to see what you’ve written on your blog and the pictures you post. I just love your style…so cozy and homey.
Dear Susan, I have been nesting too! I think it’s this time of year, everything needs to feel cozy. There’s a “getting ready for winter,” feel in the air. I check your blog everyday for decorating ideas too! One thing I like to do is leave folded blankets in every room. You’d be surprised the amount of people who curl up with one the minute they sit down 🙂
That’s so true … before my Grandma died she knit like a fiend, and made me many knitted throws, they are all over my house and in all the bedrooms! I call them “nap blankets.”
About 5 years ago this weekend, my husband gave me my dream trip to Nantucket. New England in the fall is the best …the colors, the beautiful sunsets and the crisp ocean air. Now that our daughter and her family live in the Boston area, we hope to make it over to Marthas Vineyard too. Thank you for the road trip through New England!
Looks like you had a really fun time on your trip. I always enjoy all your photos – it always makes me feel like I tagged along for the ride. Loved that doll house!
Susan,
The big doll house, yellow with blue shutters looks so much like A. Lincoln’s home in Springfield, IL. I am wondering if it is. I will so a search to make sure.
Love your blog.
Barbara
Susan,
The big doll house, yellow with blue shutters looks so much like A. Lincoln’s home in Springfield, IL. I am wondering if it is. I will so a search to make sure.
Love your blog.
Barbara
PS Checked it and it is not. Should have checked first.
Fall has been pretty here in NE Kansas. Even tho we are in a major drought the trees are showing lots of color. Just hope we get some rain this weekend altho that means a lot of the leaves will fall. We just need the rain so badly.
I would love to have your book! Thanks for offering it!
oooo, pls enter me for your drawing. i love your blog. and i love jack!
I just love Jack’s expressions. I never had a cat, but he makes me want to go and adopt one. Enjoyed your blog, as always…you make me smile:). Thanks.
They make you laugh every day!
I enjoy seeing the fall colors – your new kitchen color – and Jack!
simply gorge.
Rain is in the forecast this weekend which means it is the perfect weekend to nest. You are inspiring me friend.
Thank you!
Lani
Eureka California
Enjoy!
Susan….the honey crisp apples are WONDERFUL this year….I got mine at the grocery store and they may have come from Washington….probably not local ( Indiana) but they are better than ever!!!
Hi, Susan,
I cannot wait to see some of the wedding pictures, what a wonderful friend you are! Thank you so much for sharing all of your trips, clothes blowing on the clothes line, I can even smell fresh clean clothes drying on the line, memories.
I have 3 of your books, just purchased 2 of your new wall calendars, 2 mini calendars and the wallet purse calendar…I even save your old calendars with the recipes…I have your address book, which I keep, all of my passwords for work, it makes me happy every time I open it to find a password. This book would be a treasure to me and my home. Thank you for always thinking of us. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you so much Linda!!!
Leaves are changing here in Colorado. We had our cold snap. Burr!
Treese
We are just beginning to see fall color in Conyers, GA. We are 30 miles east of Atlanta. The weather has been wonderful and we are looking for more beautiful days.
Please pick meeeee, Vanna!
Hi Susan,
I am a relative newbie to your blog. I started following while you were on the ship. I could hear the seagulls and feel the wind as you blogged. I will be England next Fall and I hope to find some enchanting spots as you did.
Your blog is a day brightener for me and I love the Musica. I never know where you’re going to take me via memories and music. Guy Lombardo… really!? My mom loved to listen to Guy Lombardo while ironing, and then she’d hum his tunes for the rest of the morning. Thank you for reviving those memories!
Happy to have you along Jacquie!!
Hi Susan,
Your trip sounds so delightful. The houses that you photographed look so cozy, maybe even more so during the fall and winter. How neat to have found one of your books at the book sale – and that you want to share it and other goodies with one of your girlfriends. Thank you for being so generous, especially in sharing your travels with us.
Pat Holland
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the houses in New England. When I was 11 years old and living on Long Island, down the street from my best friend, Susie, her grandparents took us up to their summer home on Swan’s Island in Maine for 3 glorious weeks. On the drive up through New England, we spent the night in a large, beautiful white Tourist Home. I even loved sharing the bathroom down the hall – it had a clawfoot bathtub! And so my love of old New England houses was born. Do they still have Tourist Homes or do they call them Bed and Breakfasts now? Thank you for reminding me of some beautiful weeks from more than 50 years ago.
You make this Cajun girl want to become a New Englander! 😉
Have a great weekend!
Mary Beebe
I just love joining you in all your adventures. Thank you for being so generous to take me along each time.
Hi,
Wonderful photos and wonderful stories.
I love visiting your blog. You always make me smile.
Thank You!
I love the heart and soul of your work, books travels…still want to go on a train ride with you like your niece did a few years ago and make tea in your electric pot…can Jack come? it’s been fun watching him grown from a baby “Branch” to big boy “Branch”. Thanks so much for make the world a much lovlier place. I live for your blogs and Willards.
We’ll be heading off on the train again just as soon as the book I’m writing is finished, and I’ll be sure to take everyone along. But Jack can’t come on the train. They have rules. Believe me I have thought about having my kitties designated as “Guide Cats” saying I might go insane without them, because they let Guide animals (probably mostly dogs) come for the people who need them, but we don’t think it would work.
Fall is a beautiful season here in Colorado but oh to see the colors of New England…….maybe someday! Thanks for sharing a little piece of your neck of the woods!
Susan, you are always the bright spot in my day! Please keep doing what you do!! Hugs 🙂
That dollhouse is absolutely incredible! My nearly-5 year old daughter and I would have such a ball decorating it from roof to porch! But I’d love to have a signed copy of my favorite book of yours, too. I grew up poring over that book (my mother still has a copy but I don’t), dreaming of a home of my own to “keep” someday. 🙂 I think I read it more than she did!
I dreamed of having my own house too, when I was young, and made lists of things to put in it! 🙂
As always, beautiful pictures. That measuring cup is fantastic! You have such a great eye for the antique shops. Love…
I don’t really buy anything that isn’t useful. The first question I ask myself is what will I specifically do with this. If I don’t have an answer, I don’t buy it. That way I don’t have a house full of yard sale stuff.
A few comments………..How can anyone part with your books?
Your leaves haven’t changed yet? We hardly have any leaves left on our trees. How nice to have a long Fall. (They’ve already started skiing out here and no, we’re not in the mountains!)
You probably know we are known for our Honey Crisp apples. What a wonderful addition it would be to your garden! Best apple ever! Happy hunting!
Enjoyed your blog again today………always do!
Thanks you for once again adding a taste of my homeland to my life. Love your photos!!!
Still a New Englander at heart,
Elaine
Our leaves are usually falling like crazy right around Halloween…the air is usually full of them. Very good timing! I want it to last as long as possible . . . long drifting fall days!
I love your books! Your charming illustrations make my sister and me feel happy. You brighten my day. Thank you!
Thank you Patricia! Say hello to your sister!
Absolutely loved this post, possibly your best ever Susan! I would love to be included in the drawing. I posted a comment earlier, but didn’t see it when I scrolled through. Good luck at the wedding. You’ll be great as always!!
Fall is very slow getting here in our part of Oregon but we are getting the colder nights now and so I am hopeful.
I’d love the chance to receive your first book. Your pictures are beautiful and HAPPY FALL to you!
As fabulous as all the other parts of your generous giveaway are, that 2012 ornament is PERFECT and I want it desperately. And the book. And any other tidbits you are adding to make the gift so very special.
Love the fall posts and antiquing!! Thank you for sharing, Sue!! We are in South Dakota this weekend visiting great grandma in a tiny town that has only a bar, a church and a cheese factory!! It’s wonderful here just a little blustery! We made a traditional family meal of pigs-in-the-blankets for dinner (very German, my Grandma calls it hilopsy.) What a great day!! Thank you for another wonderful give-away!! Bless you!
How perfect that sounds! South Dakota is so beautiful!!
I know Texas Leigh who’s post is next to the top…she’s my cousin. How funny…haven’t seen her in a few weeks here in Houston and we only live a couple of miles from each other. Funny to “see” her on Susan’s blog!! Fall in Houston has given me misery with allergies, infection complete with bronchitis! Wish I were in New England with you all this weekend breathing fresh air!! Have fun with your girlfriends.
Love that! Family reunions right here! xoxo I’m sorry about those allergies! Feel better soon!
Thank you! I’ve just copied and pasted the above to share with Leigh. How Fun!! Can’t say that has EVER happened before! Love from your Texas gals!!
I don’t think it’s ever happened either!
Oh Susan, your blog makes me so happy. I have a dollhouse in the works…..maybe by the year 2026…….it will be finished. When I retire 🙂 I think I’m going to ask my husband for a cute little pumpkin ledge……that’s been one of my favorite things about your home. Also when Joe turned the Joy sign into “Jo” i still smile over that one. Thank you for bringing us so much happiness. xo
Take your time on that doll house! I think it’s kind of a life’s work! Love from me and JOeY xo
Autumn is the best!
Dear Susan,
Oh! What magnificent Big and little houses you found to share with us in the golden crisp autumn. Oh! How I would love to take a trip through New England now with the leaves twisting and swirling and dancing on those quiet curvy roads. You never know just what you’ll find around the next bend.
I love old doll houses and have way too many, almost a town! I’m a frequent flyer on eBay when it comes to furnishing them.
Just like real houses, each has it’s own personality. I have one old house that is inhabited by ghosts, goblins and spooky things even old cobwebs. I keep it on our screened porch where my big Puddy Tat (that’s his real name) lives. He’s a Norwegian Forest cat with a big cheeks, mane, long whiskers and a fluffy tail like a raccoon. He loves being outside, I call him my porch Pud. One day I found him curled up sleeping in one of the spooky upstairs bedrooms. It didn’t matter to him one bit that he was lying on two creeps, a skeleton and all the bedroom furniture. How he got his big fluffy self in that little space, I do not know but, after his second snooze there, I took out all the spooks and the furniture and deemed it his room.
You and Joe always seem to be doing all the things I want to be doing at just the right time, when I can’t . I am so grateful to you for making my dreams vicariously true. Thank you!
XOXO! Victoria
As usual I happen to be opening your email with those chops……now my thought is clicking about the groceries I have to get tomorrow, which of course now include those chops that have me drooling at 1:30 am!
As usual, love hearing from you. Like and old friend you are there to entertain and keep us close! Thanks!
Ginny S.
Thanks for the tour, would love to see houses like these in person someday.
Hi Susan~
Thank you for sharing your trip through your charming stories & photos that would make anyone want to jump right in! Your blog is always a sweet treat sprinkled with all the stuff that dreams are made of… the sugar plum kind that dance in your head!
PS~ Sending love to your kitties from our sia-meezers (Skippy & Jilly B.)
Through your photos we were able to tag along on your trip–what fun! How nice to see all the fall colors–I miss having a real autumn season.
*Happy Autumn ~ Happy Fall* . . . I love you, I love you, I love you Susan Branch!! You inspire me all of the time. Thank you for that! Have a happy, crisp, yummy, cozy, delicious & blessed day!! :0) xo ~ Cindy*
xoxo Cindy!
Lovely post! Only thing missing – a picture of Girl and Jack! But the houses – both real and play – were great, too! Thank you for sharing.
I just come home from fall-coloured Illinois to grey and wet Netherlands and catch up with all my mail. I always enjoy reading your mails and I love the old houses, have been taking such pictures alot myself too! thanks for another nice give-a-way! I’m in!!!
I would love to win : )
Loved seeing your fall road-trip thru the NorthEast .. so pretty and quaint. And look at those pumpkins you brought back.
I love Fall. October is the best month of the year. Get out the pumpkins–anything pumpkin ! Plus it’s my birthday month !
Well, Happy Birthday Mary!!
I’ve been behind on my blog reading, what a wonderful, relaxing way to start my Saturday. You’re trip looked wonderful. Those are my favorite kind…traveling back roads, finding cute little shops and keeping your fingers crossed that they are open. Thanks for the wonderful give-a-way.
P.S. Have fun at the wedding today. We’re going to a wedding today as well, our third in the last month. What fun!
I love New England! I have family living there still and I’m trying to find a way to move my little family back (how did you manage to do it?). I found one of your books while house sitting and felt I found a kindred spirit. Imagine my happiness to then discover your blog! I love your blog so much and it gives me such peace and happiness to read it (usually during my son’s nap time with a cup of hot Earl Grey). Thank you!!
I too just returned from New England….2 weeks in New Hampshire and Maine. I long to move back someday!!!!!! Thank you for the lovely lovely photos of a New England Fall!!!!! Love them!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your last three posts. Just what I needed for inspiration after the last two busy weeks at work. What a celebration of Autumn! We are still waiting on the big parade of colors here, but we at least have been enjoying the cooler weather. Your New England trip was so much fun to read about and the photos reminded me and my husband of our trips there when we lived in NYC. I love seeing all of those old houses in their natural habitat! That doll house was absolutely magnificent and love thinking about who made it and played with it, and how it was furnished! What a really fun trip! We have been enjoying making recipes from your Autumn book for dinner, and my husband has now run out to get those thick pork chops to make tonight (college son is home for the weekend!). With you as our inspiration, we will make this a perfect Autumn weekend!
Oh what fun! And what a wonderful, Autumn giveaway! Almost 1,800 entries, but someone has to win and it could be me 😉 Thanks for your generous and sweet spirit!
Blessings,
Robin ~ Southern Bella
Susan, You are such a cheerful person! I look forward to reading your blog.I live in an upper duplex on a busy street and I just love it when I get a chance to go for a drive in the country. You are very lucky to live where you do.Enjoy the smell of those freshly laundered shirts and the crisp fresh air.
I love hearing about your trips! You would be an awesome travel mate, your girlfriends & hubby are so very fortunate! Thank you for sharing life with us, your online friends!
Hi Susan,
Just catching up on your blog from last weekend. I think we must have walked by each other at the book sale, in Deerfield, and at The Stables!! We had the same weekend. Autumn in Western Massachusetts is wonderful. Come back and visit us sometime.
Kim in Western Mass.
Oh, how I would love to see New England in the fall again! Thank you, Susan for almost making me feel like I’m there! You ooh and ahh over exactly the same things that I would!
Doll Houses – What fun!
My daughter and I had the fun of decorating (and redecorating) my mother’s doll house as we were growing up. My favorite part of hers is the windows. They open out and have small curtain rods so we could make our own curtains. It’s tucked safely away for the next generation to dream with.
Happy-Happy Joy-Joy! That’s how your blog makes me feel! Happy Autumn!!
Thanks for the great New England tour! That dollhouse was so magnificent! I was so hoping “we” we’re going to take it home and renovate it! Thanks for taking us along on your wonderful travels. Happy Fall!
Another post from you that totally brightens this cold, rainy day in mid-Michigan!!! Love your road trips! Love your creativity! Love you!
Seaglass and beach sand . . . Mom and I have been putting together some displays with our similar keepsakes from our trip to Maine in October of 2011 . . . thanks (as always) for sharing . . .
Hi Susan, Sure hope Vanna Picks me! Love the pictures of all the old homes. Something my heart has always longed for too but living in California we don’t see too many. o so enjoy your Blog. It’s like a letter from a dear friend but with pictures!
I’m enjoying fall, thanks to your trips and blogs. Thank you so much. We had our first rain in many days this morning and the town looks….um…..washed! I can see that you love line drawing. It was the first technique they taught in art school many years ago. I don’t know what they teach, now, but I have an ancient copy of “The Natural Way to Draw” and that is how we learned. Your sweet embroidered piece of the mom and daughters in the kitchen reminded me of some embroidery I designed several years ago, which I think you might enjoy. My goal was to make embroidery patterns which showed women doing GOOD things…..family things. Thanks, again for the lovely trip. Meow to Jack and Girl from Norman and Bodecia (the bodacious babe), our kitties.
Such BEAUTIFUL homes!!! Wow, I sure would like a trip to Martha’s Vineyard! Thanks for sharing, and I would love to be a winner!!!!
I love your books! and BOOK SALES!!!! I have rescued many books that I already own to re-gift to others (or just save from the sad box). 😉 Love the pictures of your charming kitchen and your New England trip.
Ola susana!
Thank you for celebrating the fall season with us.
You are so inspirational when it comes to decorating the
The home for the fall season. It makes me want to outside
Right now and collect all the beautiful leaves from
My front yard and bring them inside to visit with me.
I look forward to being part of your latest drawing of
Your book, vintage measuring cup and ornament.
Gracias for the opportunity.
God bless you and have a beautiful fall season day!
Sinceramente,
Lydia Alejandro
Fremont, ohio
Lovely give away, I hope there is still time to be included. I’m recovering from eye surgery and have been a little “out of pocket”. 🙂
Love the vintage towel, such a seen domestic scene on it.
Hope you are better Brenda!
Enjoying your blog & waiting for the leaves to change here in Ohio, too. Your pictures sure do give off a warm and cozy feeling — thanks!
Me! Me! Me! Vanna pick me!!!! I won this book at a United Way Raffle, but lost it in a move. It made me fall in love with you, Susan. That was almost 25 years ago.
Oh, I have always wanted to visit New England in the Autumn. And those homes…too die for. Thank you for sharing such beautiful sights!
It’s always been a dream of mine to visit the northeast in the Fall. Thanks for the tour! And another giveaway!
What a great idea for a candle holder, Susan. I just love this cook book of yours, too. We’ve made so many excellent meals from its recipes over the years. Thanks for creating this work of love.
Catching up on your blog today as we just returned from our own autumn trip down to the Ozarks ~~ beautiful scenery, many country & farm antiques, and wonderful craft festivals. I’ve seen fall in New England, too, and it is gorgeous…So today is my nesting day, tucking all of my new-found treasures around our house, much as you did recently. I missed seeing your blog while we were traveling as I enjoy it every day!
Susan, you always make my weekend! I love everything you do, say and show! You always have beautiful wonderful things in and out of your house, and in and out of your mind (don’t know what that means exactly! LOL!). I’ve been searching for your calendars and have not seen one around the stores I frequent like Barnes (they have it Online). I buy a lot of it (wall calendar) after Christmas, as that’s when I can afford them-half price; then I give them away for family/friends/relatives here in the US and some are shipped to the Philippines for my family/friends/relatives. Please keep up what you do Love to do! Many thanks!
Kellee has a calendar deal in our webstore right now for the 12 x 12 calendars …. if you buy two, you get one for free! FYI! Thank you Salve!
I’ll have the yellow cottage with the arched porch please. My next house will have a porch definitely. I love stopping at antique stores too. The doll houses were wonderful! It would be so much fun to decorate them. Thanks for a chance in your giveaway. It would be a lovely surprise to win.
I’m pretty much doing the same thing….Company came for the weekend, made pumpkin bread and some into muffins last night. The young adults are off to Disneyland for the day…..celebrating my sons 26th birthday tomorrow!!! How can that be? Oatmeal-pecan-raisin cookies out of the oven and pork chops, stuffing and home made apple sauce (CHUNKY) from Honey Crisp apples for dinner tonight! Yum! House is clean and smells pretty darn good in this cool bright Ventura County California day!!!!
Fall is Grand! Thanks for the delights that you share on your blog. It’s so fun to read and maked me appreciate what is just outside my window. (But my space bar keeps stickingso things are running togetheralot. Darn, there it goes again!
Hi Susan,
I just love your blog and get giddy with excitement when I see a new post? Thank You for sharing your tour of New England. It is my greatest wish to go there someday, especially in the fall. I live in Texas so don’t get to experience fall in all it’s glory. I would love to win your giveaway to have a little bit of New England in my own home.
Happy Fall Y’all from coastal Carolina. -skb
One day my husband and I hope to wander the roads of New England.
Thank you for the wonderful tour.
What a beautiful look at your neighborhood in the fall. What a sublime outing. I love the old pyrex measuring cup. I have the printed ones and the print eventually washes off and you must guess or write on it with a Sharpie. Please, please enter me in the drawing. Such nice goodies would be most welcomed at my house.
Jody
Was just thinking how nice the Autumn book would look on my coffee table along with my Vineyard Seasons book = ) A Match Made In Heaven I’d say! Tea for two? <3
my first communication…..i have your all your books beginning with heart of the home in 1986 and have used them ever since……i have now bought them for my daughters…..i am new to computers…..:)……and have just figured out how to “play”……i so love your postings…..the music…..the pictures…..the quality of life that you encourage all to have…..thank you…..thank you……please enter me into your drawing …..and…..keep on drawing…..peace and joy…..phylicia…..
Welcome to the wonderful world of the internet! There is so much good here, I think you will love it. Nice to meet you Phylicia!
I love your blog, and all your books, and calendars, and recipes, and everything else. I love the photos of your house and your kitty and your travels. You spread happiness, happiness, happiness.
xoxo Amy!
wow, lucky find! It’s such a thrill to find a book-treasure in a book sale or thrift shop. Sometimes I about squeal. LOL
I love, love, love old New England houses and barns. Someday, I’ll have one for myself! Thanks for the give-away. Jean
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your wonderful blog entries! I love all the old houses……..in fact, most of the samplers that I stitch seem to have a big house in them. I can’t get enough of them. And the picket fences, perfect!
We just returned from a cruise down the Danube and while it was wonderful, I’ve found that I’ve missed most of fall in Wisconsin. I’m living vicariously through all your photos. Thank you!
Cruise down the Danube! What’s it like Jane?
Hi Susan! I’ve enjoyed your work for years now. Taking it in helps me slow down and reconnect with the little things which impart so much. Having just bought your Autumn book yesterday and gone through the entire thing today, you might say that I’m on an SB tear and just need to, er, “Branch” out some more….Thank you for sharing your life and inspiring us!
I moved from central NY to AK in 2010, and I cannot tell you how much I miss fall on the east coast. Your post made my day, and brought back all kinds of wonderful memories to my mind. Thank you!
You always make me feel as though I have been on a trip with you!! Thanks for making everything so homey and warm.
Oh my goodness! I stumbled across your website and fell in love! There are so many wonderful ideas that I absolutely must do! I even became a fan on Facebook and will be checking both frequently to see what new projects you have! Thank you so very much!
Hello Jasmin! How nice to meet you!
I am amazed to know that someone let go of one of your books, I WOUILD NEVER! A friend gave me your first one when it came out and I was hooked. I prowled the bookstores waiting for the next new one to come out and have them all!! Also have recipe file folder, 2recipe binders, a phone book and a tiny little pocket size one, etc. A shop near here used to carry stationery, greeting cards and wrapping paper. I reread the books all the time and have given lots for gifts! All this to say I hope someone wins that doesn’t yet have the book! I’m set—–but would love the ornament! Thanks for making the world a cheerier place!!!!!!!
OH PLEASE, OH PLEASE, VANNA, pick me!!!!!!
You are so much fun! I just love dropping in to see what’s going on. 🙂
I look forward reading blog. You are bringing a little bit of New England into my home each time I read it! Some day, I really hope to see the Fall colors of New England first hand! Utah colors are starting to change and it’s just beautiful! I have most of your books, but not this one. Thank you for bring your life into my world!