Hi Everyone! Guess what I’m doing? Hint: Yankee Magazine. Musica del dia.
What I’ve really been doing is getting inspired! It’s that time of year! I turned our steel-cut oatmeal this morning into a ticker-tape parade by sprinkling over chopped apple and walnuts; minced dried cranberries, raisins, and apricots, with the zest of half an orange, cinnamon and milk. ♥ Such a good way to start the day!
And it’s a gorgeous day here, well kinda, not really, now that I look out there, actually a bit overcast and chilly, but the tree outside my bedroom window called my name when I got up and I had to take a picture of it to show you! We’re going out to kick up a few leaves as soon as I finish here!
Isn’t that gorgeous? While I ate my breakfast, I was looking at some old magazines — I love the paintings on these covers. . .I wonder why they don’t use art on magazines anymore? The other thing I love about old magazines are the serials, the stories they used to run in them . . .
And look at this . . . so sweet . . .
They were so simple and clean in style . . .
Charming and evocative . . . had a bit of the fairy tale about them . . .
Plain gorgeous . . . this one above probably glows in the dark!
ELEGANCE
From a time gone by — I was looking at them because I was thinking that next month, a crew from a very wonderful magazine is coming here to take pictures of my house! This one!
Yes! YANKEE MAGAZINE is coming here on December 11, when the house is all decorated, to do a Christmas feature, which they will publish in December 2013! I’m so excited! I love this magazine, it’s been around since 1935; it’s one of the few remaining family-owned magazine publishers in the United States; it also owns the Old Farmer’s Almanac! I’m honored to be in it.♥
I want the house to be wonderful; I could really use what this magazine has to offer!
… so I’m getting ready, getting inspired; I will bone up by watching the movie Christmas in Connecticut! — such a WONDERFUL time of year, I can’t help but be excited!
It has all my favorite things. . .
Cooking and baking; thinking about making a small gingerbread house…and I should get my paper whites started a little earlier this year . . .
. . . I’ve started making lists of what I have to do and gathering goodies: Thinking about how I’ll decorate, wondering about the tree, hoping we’ll be lucky enough to have snow. What to cook; I want the house to smell wonderful for them . . . so I’m thinking about recipes. I’m thinking about dishes! I want to make it the prettiest ever; I’m going to make all kinds of garlands and banners for my hutches, over the windows and the fireplace. Thinking about how to decorate the Peter Rabbit room! Also thinking we have to have a party the day after they leave because the house will be ready!
This is the first video I ever made, and still my favorite; and this is the way the morning usually goes as I roam around thinking on how to do things, with Dean or Frank to keep me company. And of course, Jack.
I’m looking at my red things . . .
Checking out last year’s photos, making sure I have enough lights . . . Thinking, maybe do it a little differently this year. I’ll be sure to take pictures as I go along!
Already getting started with the basics, freezing the votive candle holders so I can pop out the old candles and wash them.
The ironing I did the other day was “planning ahead” too.
Time to bring out my little house and set it up on top of the stove . . . . I found this a few years ago at the summer flea market here on the island . . . The “lights” were my own addition.
I like to use my same things that have been around for many Christmases, many, many! Out comes the star linen runner and the old books!
This is going to be fun . . . I love a little whimsy, even with food . . . the people at Yankee want a recipe or two for the article, so I’m thinking about giving them my Christmas Jam. The smart thing to do is to start it at Thanksgiving, which I have every intention of doing, but I thought I’d remind you, especially for you newbie kindred-spirit girlfriends who weren’t around last year, I thought I’d give you this easy quirky wonderful recipe so you can be ready.
You start with my basic Cranberry Sauce recipe, which is beyond easy, and soooooo good! It’s three parts cranberries to one part sugar; for a big Thanksgiving dinner, I usually use three cups of fresh cranberries and one cup granulated sugar.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. If you can, use organic cranberries; pick over and discard any that aren’t perfect; rinse and drain. btw, See that basket strainer hanging in my sink? It’s one of my all time handiest cooking utensils. It hangs on a hook over the sink, and I use it→ almost every day — to dry lettuce, wash and drain fruit and vegetables, to drain chicken stock too. You can get one here.
Then you pour the cranberries in a large ungreased baking dish. Sprinkle over the sugar, don’t stir, and pop into the oven for 30-35 min., until the first berries begin to pop. Stir twice during the cooking. That’s it, honestly, it’s to die for, delicious hot or cold, never a prettier color will you see.♥
Did I mention this cranberry sauce is delicious with Chocolate Cake? And if you are lucky enough to have any left over, you are in for a real treat.
You can do what I did a few years ago. Wanting to try something new — I mixed equal parts cranberry sauce with prepared orange marmalade! Flavor-burst heaven! It’s a wonderful Christmas present too if you want to put it in cute jars; everyone loves it!
Insane on hot biscuits with turkey leftovers! Or later on with a chicken dinner.
someone to throw those balls for him. It’s his total reason for living. I’m getting pretty good at throwing it from desk chair, over my art table, out my studio door, across the sofa, into the living room. Balls fly out my studio door all day! Proceed with caution! My favorite is when he goes butt-up into the couch cushions to get it. He brings it back, and we go again, that’s why everything I do takes so long. But life is short, and that’s just the way it has to be! 
mmmm…I can almost smell the wonderful scents and see the glowing decorations already! Can’t wait!
I had to tell you that I have the photo you included on 12/6/11’s post of your little paper Christmas tree angel up as my desktop display at work again this year. She’s already “visiting” me, because I just felt like I needed an angel with me and it didn’t seem to early for her to make her appearance! She reminds me of my daughter, Eva, who was a little blonde angel:).
Heartfelt thanks to you for always sharing your joy! XO to Girl Kitty and Jack:)
Very sweet Christine, I was just looking at that angel myself! xo
How exciting to be featured in Yankee Magazine! I love the feelings those old magazine covers evoke, wonderful. I am going to use your great idea and mix some cranberry relish with marmalade. We always start Thanksgiving morning with cranberry orange scones and that would make them extra yummy!
You’ll love it Diana, it’s really pretty too!
Diana,
Cranberry orange scones sound delicious!! Thank you for the suggestion, I’m going to serve them the morning after Thanksgiving. What a wonderful tradition to begin!!! I’m also, going to have wrapped a Christmas tree ornament for our grandson, Zack and another special little person. I’m excited, how fun it’s going to be!!!
Thanks, Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas
What an honor for you and Joe and your home! Wunderbar! as one of my grandmothers would say. 🙂 ♥
And I’ve always thought that if you and Mary Engelbreit joined forces to create a magazine together, it would be the Best One Ever. I was sad when–well, sad when photographs replaced her magazine’s cover artwork, which was so lovely and perfect for HER magazine, and then sad too when–her magazine ended. And to see a magazine with page after page of your thoughts and selections and illustrations…! Maybe someday, there will be a Susan Branch or duo magazine effort. 🙂 I dare to dream! 🙂
And Jack is adorable, and I am looooving that Merry Christmas tray. Gah! ‘Love it. ♥
Congrats again on the magazine feature, Sue!
Thank you Val! And I loved Mary’s Magazine too!
Was it called Home Companion? It was my very favorite magazine, and I still miss it! (though I have my favorites stashed away!) I think blogs are replacing magazines. Perhaps an online magazine that allows people to add comments to articles, post pics, chat/respond to comments like I’m doing now. Invite guest bloggers like designers, artists, historians, antique collectors, quilters, various craft experts, writers, cooks, gardeners, ….. the possibilities are endless! 🙂
They are! Musica!
I hardly ever leave a comment- I am usually enthralled with your blog but get clled away sometimes before I even finish reading. However, today I am commenting to tell you how Thankful I am to be able to have found your blog. I love your sweet, whimsical style and I always come away smiling. You have touched so many lives through your art work. What a blessing you are- xo Diana
What a sweet thing to say Diana xoxo
Susan,
I so agree with you concerning the beautiful artwork that magazines used to feature on their covers. Such fond memories of Norman Rockwell’s paintings on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post! (I’m showing my age now!) Congratulations on being featured in Yankee Magazine! — too bad we have to wait a whole year to see it. Christmas in Connecticut is one of our favorite Christmas movies and is part of our annual Christmas movie festival. Jack is blessed to have a mommy who caters to his wishes! Thanks for sharing your inspirational Christmas decorating.
winnie*
>^..^<
We’ll have completely forgotten about Yankee by next year and it will come as a fun surprise!
Hi Susan! What a wonderful blog today! So homey and gets me in the holiday mood! I bought your pocket calendar the other day and then received your wall calendar for my birthday (it was on my wish list!). Tomorrow, I’ll get your mini calendar for my craft area. Can’t have too much inspiration! Have fun getting ready for your Yankee Magazine visit. I look forward to that issue!
Something fun to look forward to!
That oatmeal is the most beauuutiful bowl of oatmeal I’ve ever seen…I love each and every entry on today’s post…with each new image I felt like a little kid getting more and more and more excited about the approaching HOLIDAYS….! I’m so thrilled for you regarding “Yankee” magazine…one of my very fav’s….can not wait to see the article ..I hope you get a cover shot! )
Maybe!
If they want to sell millions of copies they had better put you on the front Susan!! That would be excellent marketing strategy on their part….
What an honor and fun thing to be in the Yankee Magazine — and so well deserved. You are such an example of graciousness and hospitality and so down to earth. The cranberry sauce and jam look and sound fabulous! Those scones Diana is going to make sound perfect with them, and a wonderful cup of hot tea. Yum!
Yum. Tea time, I think I hear my kettle . . .
Your blog generates happy thoughts. I may have to start thinking decorations as well. Yankee magazine, I loved it as a child. It was the first time I realized that there were other sections in the US with a distinct culture (food really, what else is as important in culture?) beside the Southern one I was embedded in. I am sure you will knock their socks off in December!! You and Jack and Girl Kitty and Joe! Is this why you painted your kitchen?
Coming from California, I was shocked to see how different things were in New England! The kitchen was planned for a while, and needed it SO bad. But, now that it’s done, and they’re coming, I look around and think “thank goodness!!!”
Yankee Magazine!!!! How exciting!!!! I can’t wait a whole year for it 🙁 Hubby and I used to subscribe to this wonderful old publication and turn immediately to our favorite part — the “for sale” listings of beautiful homes in New England. We’d spend hours dreaming of maybe one day, when retired, purchasing an old Colonial with a couple of acres and a pond. We’d do things a little backwards from most retirees and spend the winters there all warm and cozy in our old house with the cold and snow outside blanketing the ground, then come back to San Diego county in the spring and summer to tend our vegetable garden and orange trees. Life didn’t quite turn out that way — no Colonial in New England, but the dreaming was fun. And now you and your lovely home will be the perfect feature for Yankee! Congratulations, Susan!
I do feel honored! Thank you Marianne!
Hello Susan… what a happy, beautiful delightful post!… I can hardly wait to hear more about you being in Yankee magazine… how fun!… where can I buy those?… I always always always buy the old Farmers Almanac… but have not seen that magazine in my parts… you must be so excited… and I am excited with you!… I must go back through your post again and read it once more and look at all of the photos, I don’t want to miss a single thing… Jack is sooo adorable!… kitty kisses Jack!… do you still have Girl Kitty too?… loved seeing your video, and that little house you put lights on is just adorable!… my Robin cup arrived today and I totally LOVE it!… I went back into your shop to look at the others and noticed… no more Robins!… I am sooo happy I got one before they “flew” away… it’s my new most favorite cup!… thank you!… have fun decorating, and wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving… xoxo Julie Marie
SO happy you like your Robin cup!!! They are adorable, I know! Click on the name YANKEE in the blog post and it will take you to their website.
Hi Susan, I missed the link the first time but found it when I went back and looked at everything again…thanks so much!
Susan, can you tell me which size strainer you got that fits a sink?… I looked at your link, but not sure what size yours is?
It’s 10″ across the basket part … 22″ overall in length.
Thank-you for today’s blog, you have such a wonderful way of surprising me and making our world so beautiful. I am home crocheting and keeping an eye on my grown-up daughter who just had her wisdom teeth out. Wow, what a difference, then when I had mine out. Anyways, I was also thinking about the holidays and all the wonderful traditions, and food, and just knowing someone like you !!!!! Who is an artist at everything you do, a homemade, honest to God, sharing, caring, lovely human being !!!!! I am so blessed to have you in my life, even if it’s just through cyber space, it’s also Kindred Spirits too ! And so many more through your wonderful Blog. I am truly blessed ! OOXX
P.S. Jack is such a STAR, I hope he makes a showing in Yankee too !!!
That was so sweet Wendy Louise, thank you ! I hope Jack shows them his darling self to good advantage and that he becomes a Yankee Star!
Oh,..I meant to ask earlier…does Jack have any catnip mice ?? My one cat Heather carries her little felt one around with her..and every so often I see it flying through the air while she plays with it….and then there are times I find it sitting right outside my bedroom door , or in my favourite chair..as if Heather is letting me..”borrow” it…
I haven’t gotten him any catnip yet; mostly because it already feels like he’s on it 90% of the time! If he starts slowing down, I’ll know how to get him going!
Hi Susan! You just make me want to go home and nest! Where did you get those magazines? I would love to see some of those. I guess I’d better stop at those antique stores I pass before I miss out on any more treasures! So excited to hear that your house will be photographed! Must buy that issue next year. This time of year is so exciting. Thanks for sharing and I must add that I LOVE homemade cranberry sauce…wow it is awesome. Have you ever had a cranberry cherry pie? It is to DIE! LOL..take care ..love you Girl!
MMMMM that sounds wonderful!!! Do you have a recipe?
I will send the cranberry cherry pie recipe when I get home from work today. I pretty much know it by heart but don’t want to get it wrong! 🙂
Cranberry Cherry Pie Oven 425F
Combine:
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries ( I use 1 bag)
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 (21oz) can cherry pie filling
Spoon into pie crust, place top crust, crimp ( I use a lattice top most times or cut out pie dough with cookie cutters and use those as a top crust and then sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 425 for 35 to 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cover edge of pie crust with foil after about 15-20 min. to prevent overbrowning.
This is especially awesome the next day, cold from the refrigerator, with whipped cream. We love it so much, we keep a knife in the pie plate when it’s in the frig, because you just have to keep going back for just a little smidge more. Hope you like it!
This looks delicious!!! Must be a gorgeous color too! Thank you Vicki!
How lovely for you to be featured in Yankee!! I think more of the world needs to know about you anyway!! xoxo ♥
XOXO Martha Ellen!
Susan I’m so excited for you!!! I just saw this on Twitter And had to come right away to your blog. I think it’s just wonderful. What fun it will be for you to decorate. We will all look forward to seeing the article… A whole year away! Our Journal will be ready by then too!! 2013 Is already shaping up to be a great year! Congratulations!
Georgie
Yardville NJ
I know, lots going on! I’ll take lots of pictures Georgie, thank you!!
Boy am I in the Christmas mood now! I have a book recommendation for you… It’s a compilation of Christmas stories by a writer named Bess Streeter Aldrich called “Journey into Christmas”. She wrote in the 1920’s and her stories are just as cozy and heart warming and middle American as can be. She also wrote a wonderful book called “The Cutters” which is charming – funny and warm. She did a lot of serials in magazines as well. Of course you have read Miss Read’s “The Christmas Mouse” and “Village Christmas”? My wife and I read those every year.
We collect old magazines as well. There is a downside to those serials, though… I started one called “The Mainspring” in the October 1935 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. It’s by an author named Beatrice Burton Morgan. It was a great story and I was really into it… But there are two more installments and I can’t find them anywhere! They are excerpts from her book of the same name, but the only one I can find is $75. Someday, I am going to get the rest of that story!
Have fun with Yankee magazine, Susan!
Thanks Jake! Yes, love all those wonderful stories. Funny about your serial! There’s still time, you’ll find it!
Another wonderful post to make me smile and feel good. Will be making the cranberry recipe shortly. I had to giggle at your video especially when you moved the camera back and forth. Happy is a good feeling! Question…..What is the railing on your brick porch made of? We need a railing and the curve is wonderful and sure would like to have a railing like it for my front porch as my legs need the help of a railing. Looking forward to your book. I so appreciate your artwork!!!! Bobbie
The railing is wood, painted white. Thank you Bobbie!
Congratulations on the Yankee article, can’t wait to see it. I have subscribed for a few years now even though I am a Midwest gal……love it, my husband enjoys it too!
Makes a very good dream book too!
Congratulations! I’m sure whatever you do for the magazine, it will be wonderful as your home is so cozy now. Love your beautiful red embroidered piece. Your little Jack is so cute. I have a puppy who is constantly needing a ball thrown for him – it does take time, but it’s worth it. Yummy cranberry recipe – I use grand marnier in mine for a bit of orange pick me up! XOX
I’m feeling so happy and content that I know about the best blog on the internet!!! Thank you for blogging Susan. You inspire me to be the best I can be!!! Love you, Lisa
You’re a doll Lisa, thank you!
Pictures! Very important to take photos of your decorating – because sometimes you want to repeat what you did last year because it worked so beautifully. I have a Christmas village I set up every year. Two Christmases ago it was perfect! Last year was cute but did not look as great as the year before.
Pictures make all the difference!
Just a quick note regarding oatmeal. Until I came to North America I had never had oatmeal cooked with water. At home, I always cook my oatmeal in 1% milk, adding a bit of almond flavouring (or vanilla – as the spirit moves me) then cinnamon, nuts and dried fruit. It tastes equally good just cooked with milk and a bit of brown suger and cinnamon.
I never got used to the “cooked in water” style oatmeal and especially don’t like the salt added…LOL!
I don’t add salt either, and there’s another recipe for oatmeal I love, especially in the summer — where you pour milk over raw Quaker’s Oats, stir, and put it in the fridge over night, no cooking. SO good and nutty and yummy!
I have loved Yankee Magazine for a very long time. Some of my favorite recipes have come its very stained and worn pages and I am thrilled you are going to be featured. My mother “taught” me to save magazines, especially the Christmas ones. I loved that they came with a special Christmas story for little ones and things you could make together. We laugh at the ads and how far we girls have come. Can you imagine cutting out a list of appliances and giving it to your husband as your Christmas list? ROFL
LOL, no! too funny!
Love to read your blog. Takes me back to the days of early marriage(20yrs old) and Ladies Home Journal, Saturday Evening Post and so many more ..I waited for the beautiful covers too and then the great stories..remember all the great authors and lovely stories,,not like the unreadable magazines out now! Rosamund Pilcher and Maueve Binchey……Lovely!
Also loved Laura Ashley fabrics and clothes..when I was young I could wear her styles and especially the blouses. I was very saddend to hear of her death at the young age of 64 (I am 79)and wish she had more recognition at the Hotel in Wales..Some history in prominate areas about her designs and life. Put a bee in someone’s bonnet and get her name out there in Wales. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving and BLessed Christmas with all your family>
Thank you for making my day happier with your memories and beautiful drawings and blog. marianne
Happy to have you here Marianne! I would think Wales would have LA wallpaper in every room! 🙂
From the day I first dove into your summer cookbook at the age 10 I knew I had found a gem! Now at the age of 28 I’m enjoying your inspiration and seasonal delights with my little girls. Thank you for all the sunshine you give!
Thank you Karri, so sweet of you to tell me! Tell the girls I said HELLO! ♥
So excited for your photo shoot! I’ve never seen a Yankee magazine before…heard of it but haven’t seen one. So, one with YOUR SWEET FACE in it will be perfect! Those magazine covers are absolutely darling! Each and every one. The one with the little girl and the muff reminds me of those sweet pictures that used to be somewhere (can’t remember where…magazines…toilet paper packages) advertising, I think, toilet paper or facial tissues back in the 60s…could it be for Charmin? Your cookie bowl is so sweet! Have fun getting ready! The date of Yankee’s arrival will be here before you know it! Hey, a question I’ve been meaning to ask (maybe someone already asked it) will there be recipes in “our” England book or just a travelogue? Either is awesome. Just curious. xoxo
Our book has recipes, oh yes, it does. xoxo
This is so exciting!! Just can’t wait for the English book! Now we have Yankee magazine, the Christmas issue no less (albeit Dec, 2013) to look forward to as as well. Have you ever been featured in other magazines Susan? I know your recipes used to be in Country Living, but any articles on you and your house and lifestyle anywhere??
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your post today. I was home from work (just a day off from work) and I had been busy all day, cleaning and reorganizing cupboards, reorganizing the pantry, etc (I had no idea HOW MANY plates and bowls and china cups I have amassed over the years!) and then I sat down at the computer just for a little rest and checked your site. I had a feeling you would have a new post today and I was not disappointed. This has to be the prettiest post yet, starting with that yummy bowl of oatmeal in the pretty pink dish. I have to make that tomorrow! Will also have to make your Christmas jam, I love both cranberry sauce and orange marmalade, so together, heaven…….I think the post today must be my favorite of all time! Thank you for being you!
Thank you back Judy! Love having you here, love your comments! xoxo You can see a few other articles HERE …
We used to get YANKEE in Wis. You can find it at B&N or Fleet Farm. How is the weather in Green Bay Karen???
Congratulations on Yankee!! I don’t know what to eat or make to eat as I am still in Crete. I made a wonderful dinner of chicken and goat and rice the other day and a zucchini and tomato dish. I made a soup with my leftover broth and pasta. The food is so fresh here.
There are many cats here too!! Fluffy came to me the first day, and then returned when he smelled my cooking two days ago! LOL
Sounds like you are figuring things out! Pet a kitty for me!
Will do!
PS We found a fabric store today, after our trip to the Arts and Crafts Village.
PS Is your pumpkin cheese cake recipe in the Autumn cookbook?
Yes it is! Do try it, it is so good! And easy!
My inlaws gave us a subscription to Yankee magazine when we were first married because we were moving away from New England due to my husband’s Army career. They renewed every Christmas and for the past few years since my mother-in-law passed we have kept the subscription going because it reminds us of them and of home. Can’t wait to see YOU in the pages next year. You have so much to do to get ready – and work on our book as well! Better not see you here too often. Good luck with everything.
xoxo Ann Thank you!
Hi Susan, that bowl of oatmeal looks delicious. My husband makes oatmeal every morning and sometimes with all the additions it looks downright festive. I love the old magazines, especially the Christmas issues and the vintage Christmas books. I just finalized a Christmas lunch with three friends for December 7th and I’ve even wrapped some gifts, too. So glad to see the recipe for Christmas Jam. One of the girlfriends mentioned it in her comment and I was looking through your cookbooks to find it (didn’t, though) and decided to see if you had a new blog and there was the recipe. Serendipity, I’d say. Congratulations on being in Yankee Magazine. I’m hopeful it will be available in Canada. Have fun with your Christmas preparations. After the 11th you can relax and just enjoy all the festivities. Jack certainly makes a wonderful goodwill Christmas ambassador.
That’s what I was thinking, the house will be all done by the 11th! Of course I think it usually is anyway!
Maybe Jack will sneak into the photo shoot!
That’s my plan — hope it’s his plan too!
About the cranberry jam – when you give it as gifts – after you mix it with the orange marmalade and put it in pretty jars – does it have to be refrigerated, and how long can you keep it? I can hardly wait to try it!
Yes, keep it in the fridge, and to be honest, I don’t know how long it will keep, because it never lasts very long. But it has a ton of sugar in it, it should keep as long as jam does after it’s opened. You’ll love it. So pretty too!
Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck is one of my favorite Christmas movies…”Everything is going to be hunky-dunky!” Uncle Felix. We watch it several times every season. imdb.com/title/tt0037595/
Did you know this: “The character of Elizabeth Lane was loosely based on the then popular Family Circle Magazine columnist Gladys Taber, who lived on Stillmeadow Farm in Connecticut.” from imdb.com
Blessings this Thanksgiving!
Oh isn’t Uncle Felix adorable!
I made your Cranberry Sauce last Christmas and LOVED it! SO easy, but tastes complicated … and so very delicious! It received rave reviews!!
Good to hear, thank you Kelly!!
Can hardly wait!!!! Yay, we’ll all want a copy of that magazine! Love this blog, words, music, pictures! Btw, don’t think I’ve ever told you how I love your writing & paintings in the Indexes of all your books! Your details are amazing (& yes, you even handwrite the copywrite page!), I enjoy all those pages!!!!!Makin’ your Pear Tatin, company’s comin’! Thank you for brightening my day, now off to cook! xoxoxo
Bye Joanie, thank you so much!
Dear Susan
I want to let you know I did not forget you I find myself at this time very busy. I just wanted to say I stop to look at you’re blog but don’t always respond. I ask if I may will you say a prayer for my cat bellamia she is very sick vet Doctor found a small mass in her lung. I know she 15yrs old but this little girl has been my best friend all these years and I know God hears prayers even for his animals, I prayed for little man Jack when you took him to the vet. Susan I want you to know I enjoy you’re work and all you do here! and always a friend. Susan you don’t have to post this if you don’t want too… give your kitties a hug for me I just love cats…. XO Kimi
I would be happy to pray for your kitty Bellamia, I am so sorry Kimi, I know what a best friend they can be. xoxo
Praying for you Kimi, and your precious kitty, Bellamia.
I’m going to pray for her too.
Love,
Jane Alexander
Thank You 🙂 Susan xo
Kimi – I’ll be thinking/praying for you and Bellamia too. And PS – I think God ESPECIALLY hears prayers for animals [and children]. There’s a line from a song that became famous when I was in high school that has never really left me…
“bless the beasts and the children… for the world can never be… the world they see…” Much love and a big virtual squeeze – and keep us posted please. :>)
Hold all of your “good” thoughts close at a sad time. Many kind thoughts and prayers to you and your dear kitty.
Kimi,
Said a prayer for your sweet kitty and one for you too!! It so hard…know we’re keeping you in our hearts…
Jeanette
Congratulations Susan!!! Can’t wait to see your beautiful home (and beautiful You!) in Yankee next year! Thank you so much for sharing those gorgeous magazine covers. I just keep buying up all the books I love as much as I can, just in case the wave of the future does away with printed ones. Hoping that they never do!
I know what you mean! One reason I love Yankee, they are still here!
I forgot to tell you how much I LOVE Christmas in Connecticut! I dvr’d it last year and watched it for the first time. Loved it so much, decided to buy a copy to own. It should be here any day!! Thanks for introducing us to such a wonderful movie. You always know the good stuff!! ♥
So glad you got one, such a fun movie!
Congratulations on Yankee Magazine…what a nice tribute! I’m off to buy more cranberries and orange marmalade…I’m thinking Christmas baskets, tea towels, small spoons and lots of green and red ribbons.
Perfect! xo
Susan’s do you realize that you are as inspiring to me as those covers of old magazines are to you? Thank you. Can,t wait for the magazine next year!
No, but that is very nice to hear! xoxo
Susan, No wonder you thought it was a beautiful day, your sunny outlook aside, the tree outside your window was making its own sunshine! Looking forward to Yankee Magazine’s article featuring you and Joe, the kitty-kids and your house of celebration! It seems as though you are in constant party/celebration mode. Everything is always so festive! I love it!
Many days nothing happens all day long … On those days, I think I should write: up, walk, nap, wrote, Jack, bed. But then, that’s not very exciting … we need our flowers, sky, birds, oatmeal, cake, tea, kitty, house etc!
I’m very excited for you about being in Yankee Magazine …….I’m sure you’ll have fun when they come over. I watched the videa in this post and you made me laugh the way you were shaking the camera back and forth to the beat of the music…lol.
Yes,…….. no matter what you are doing in life you must always take the time to throw the ball for kitty ….. life IS short and I’m sure kitty doesn’t know that but kitty probably waits all day long til you have time to do that with him. I’m sure he worships you…lol. I love all of your cozy decoration and your house must smell yummy all the time. I LOVE pumpkin cheesecake….One of my favorites. What time should all of us girls be over for that???
OOOO’s – Sue Ziff
Trinkets & Treasures
Monson, Ma.
This cake probably makes enough for us all!
oooh! I hear the makings of a party! As usual, we’ll be extra good in sharing the cheesecake to make it last for all the girlfriends who come. We’ll even play toss the ball with Jack so you can get a few more pages done for “our” England book.
That would be a BIG help!
Thanks for all the inspiration. Can’t wait to see the Yankee Mag featuring your home at Christmastime. I hope they print enough copies for all your fans.
My very first quilt was your Martha’s Vinyard seasons in the multi colors. I gave it to my mother as a gift just 3 months before she passed away at 96-years old. She loved it and put it on her bed as soon as I gave it to her and enjoyed it every day right to the end.
You are a doll, what an amazing gift. So touching to read that Jam. xo
Congrats, Susan – how wonderful!! I know it will be amazing!! PLEASE make sure they include the kitties!! I’ve been a subscriber to Yankee for 30+ years since I left NY and get a wee bit homesick every month when I read it. Also enjoy Cape Cod Life. I think any magazine would look wonderful with YOUR illustration on the cover!! By the way, I LOVE the red and white embroidered Norwegian tablecloth in one of your photos. My dear mother-in-law, who passed away last year, came from Norway in 1950 and I have many embroidered linens from her that I enjoy putting out, especially the holiday ones. She could knit, crochet, or embroider with her eyes closed! She was a treasure trove of stories about her life in Norway and her early years in the U.S., as a cook in the homes of wealthy people in the midwest/west (when she couldn’t even speak English). I learned so much from her and miss her dearly. Anyway, hope you enjoyed your leaf-kicking!! It’s always nice to come into a warm, cozy home and a hot drink after a round of playing in the leaves!! Hugs to you, Susan!
You are so right Barbara! Thirty years with Yankee! Wow! This is why I love them; they inspire so much loyalty, and all over the country! With the history of New England, I would think there might be a little Yankee in all of us; I hope that doesn’t start an uproar! xo
Oh Susan…your blog is so delightful! You really do reset my hectic panic mode..you remind me to pause take a breath and remember what is important. You also remind me to enjoy and remember the art of homemaking. Just love this post you did today. The magazine covers are delightful…those were the good ole days but as my granddaughter Lily says Nana these are the new days. I like the ways of the old days better. I love seeing your pictures and videos of your home. It is so very charming and cozy. I live in the west but you inspire me to visit the east. I can’t thank you enough for your blog! I have had a difficult year with my health and seeing you blog posts really do make a difference in my life. Thank you so very much! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Oh my gosh, I loved your blog today (as always!). I am SO excited about your home being featured in YANKEE. I am going to subscribe today. I lived in Kittery, Maine, for 5 yrs. as a child and still have such warm fuzzies about New England. YANKEE Magazine refreshes those memories. Your magazine covers were SO wonderful–takes me back to a time I wish we were “in” right now. Life seemed so simple then….people seemed to appreciate things so much more back in the day…! And then, to close with yet another adorable picture of Jack is icing on the cake! Can’t wait for your updates! Thank you, Susan!
Sue! OMG! Yankee Magazine!!! How absolutely fabulous! Exciting!! (…and, a bit nerve-wracking???!!!). Wowzer! Congratulations!!! Btw….I am watching Christmas in Conneticut right now, too! And, baking pumpkin bread in cans! And, waiting for the rain….will it ever get here???
Congrats, Sue! Do take oodles of photos when they come….maybe one of your gal-pals could take some video? That would be fun to share! Keep us posted!
xo ♥ Peg
I will Peg!! Love you dear! xo
If there is any house that should be featured in Yankee Magazine it’s surely yours. When you show pictures of your rooms, especially your kitchen I think to myself “pack the suitcase and move right in, no feeling strange here, it feels like home”. So if pictures on a blog make one feel that way surely being there would be even better. Watch out…..if I were the people from Yankee I would bring my pajamas and stay awhile. xo
LOL!
Just had to add a note ….I just ordered a subscription to Yankee magazine..thanks for introducing me to it. It will be a wonderful surprise to myself in the mail.
Thank you! for all you do for us!!
Love it ReNae … it will be great to help keep them in business, such a precarious world for magazines these days!
I’d like to add my congratulations also and a suggestion for your votive candles. If you add a little water to the bottom of the glass holder, then add the candle, the leftover wax will just pop right out and there is no need for the freezing!
I always forget to do that! For some reason I’m always in too much of a hurry to go to the sink and get the water! Such a handy way to do it Mary Lou!
Oh dear. We have to wait until December 2013 to see the Yankee Mag article? I guess I’ll have to console myself with the England book.
YES!!
This is beyond exciting!!!! We have subscribed to Yankee since we moved to MA from Michigan 28 years ago. How can I possibly wait till 2013??!! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
We’ll forget and then it will be a surprise!
Oh sigh, so much goodness in one post. I just adore you.
xoxo so nice.
That will be so fun to be in Yankee Magazine! What a perfect house for Christmas. I took Yankee Magazine for the 10 years I lived in NY state and never threw one away…until we moved to Texas. We will need a November reminder next year so we can pick one up!
The magazine covers are purely delicious! I love “THe American” and the “Hearst’s” covers but they are all wonderful.
Someone mentioned scones for your cranberry jam….mmmm. Will have to try that. I have had your Christmas Joy book forever and it may have actually been my first SB book. Joy is the word for it! Are there very many Christmas shops on MV? I know there are precious shops everywhere but wonder if they are open all year round.
Love your warm and inviting home anytime but cannot wait for the Christmas. Last year, I think you showed a picture in your living room with a reflection of your Christmas tree in the mirror. Loved that!
Have fun dreamin’ and schemin’….is that right???
Exactly!
Thanks for giving your Christmas Marmalade recipe again–it is our favorite!!! We love it on toasted English muffins. That is a good one to put in the Yankee Magazine, which we have subscribed to for years since BFF Sandy gave me a subscription for it years ago when she moved to the Boston area. Can’t wait to see the article and will be fun to hear about how they do the photo shoot, etc. Susan, want a suggestion regarding your little house on the stove with the lights? You could find a little stuffed critter (mouse, bear, etc.) and put in the doorway, couldn’t you? It looks kind of like an empty haunted house and NEEDS something cute standing in the doorway…I thought of a whimsical mouse from “The Night Before Christmas” story…you know, the mouse stirring in the house… 🙂 And Jack might not see it up on the stove shelf… 🙂
I do have a teeny felted Cardinal (the bird) — but Jack keeps getting it … so we’ll see when I move it to the stove if he still tries to go after it!
Susan,
Reading and looking at your blog is SOOOOO refreshing in this world. Thank you so much for reminding me how special decorating for Christmas is. I,too will fix the cranberries and orange marmalade. I love getting to have a little visit in your home,….such a gift to me.
Thanks,
Love,
Jane Alexander
Thank you Jane!
Yippee! I’m more of a Southern Living kind of gal, but I’ll be looking out for this next year. 🙂
When I lived in Denver I used to get Yankee and Southern Living magazine. My mailman thought that was very funny!:-)
You’re a citizen of the world! 🙂
How incredibly exciting!! But we will have to wait a year to see it?– aww…
Your home will be beautiful, I know! I know it sounds horrible, but we don’t put up a tree anymore. Our decorations consist of a very good housecleaning, changing the quilted table runners to others suitable for Christmas, then I buy a wreath, plant a few pots of paper whites, candles, a poinsettia or two and lots of flowers & evergreens for the vases. Sometimes I pull out the twinkle lights. We always go home for the holidays, which is across the country, so it works.
Love the old magazines & artwork too!! My grandma had tons of them in a big closet, and my sister & I would take a flash light and sneak in there to read them when everyone else was asleep! Now I’m collecting those I find with needlework/knitting patterns.
I love Yankee Magazine! What a delayed gratification Christmas present for us next year. This gives those who don’t have a subscription plenty of time to get theirs. Each issue is special in its own way.
Reading your holiday decoration plans has me wondering, “Where do you store all this stuff when it isn’t out?” In that scary basement you talk about? I’ll be making the change-over the day after Thanksgiving. I have all my old turkey planters on the buffet. Some have tea lights but others will be used to hold silverware for dinner. It sounds as if your idea of list-making is key to this holiday. Everything needs to be as perfect as you can make it for the photographer. Congratulations and have fun!
List making is the key! I don’t store everything in the scary basement, we put it in the scary attic! 🙂
Susan, I can remember years ago, just being completely taken with your Christmas stickers. I bought your first beautiful Christmas book because it was written by the person who made those lovely stickers. I knew in my heart that there was someone very special behind the artwork on those stickers and the person Susan Branch. And, years later, I was sooo right. It is such a blessing to be able to enjoy part of your life as we do now. ( I never would have guessed this in a million years). It is beyond special that we get to tag along on your beautiful journey. We will get to enjoy the Christmas edition of Yankee magazine next year, but we also get to enjoy that journey with you. Awesome! I have to give my head a shake sometimes. Is this real? Congratulations! You and Yankee magazine sound like such a good fit. I can’t wait until next Christmas to own this magazine and see your lovely home all decked out for the Christmas holidays. Loved your old magazine covers…felt just like I was in Norman Rockwell/Susan Branch Village. I love your Christmas artwork in this post and the vintage pictures. You’re inspiring me to get busy with some Christmas decorating and that’s important because we bless others by doing this. After this post, I might even start to like cranberries!
P.S. One of our senior climatologists here in Canada said the other day that we were in for an old-fashioned winter, complete with the regular amount of snow. You are very close to us in proximity, so if he is anywhere near correct, then you probably should have some snow for Christmas this year. Let it snow!!
That is wonderful news! I hope they are right!
LOL Rhonda!
Oh, WHERE can I order the Ho oversized Ho Ho Ho teacup in your video? Early morning, first thing when I come in to a clean kitchen (it’s a must) and put the water on for a Brown Betty of tea is my favorite time of the day hands down (and I suppose that moment of snuggling into bed after a busy day just might be the next!). Yankee Magazine looks wonderful and I definitely want to get the issue next year! I always say I should have been born in either Vermont, so perhaps I would enjoy the magazine — I surely did the link. All the dishes look scrumptious. These holiday weeks pass too fast for me and although I love the beauty and joys of each season, I like to keep fall and Christmas in the planning and crafts all year long (and that’s ditto for certain selections of Christmas music, too!). Jack reminds me of the fact that my daughter is moving home to commute to grad school in Atlanta and has brought her cat, who did not love my big pit mix or return the affection he would have liked. But it’s been awhile since I heard purring and felt soft paws step on my head during the night! Enjoyed the blog — thank-you!
I got it so long ago, and there is nothing on the bottom for that one! So that’s all I know! So sorry! Thank YOU Frances!
Well, congratulations on being in the Yankee magazine! I can undertand why they would want to do an article on you and your pretty home! (Oh yes and Jack?) Also love all those old magazines…wish some were as innocent as those were. smile… Your cranberry recipe is soooo good..I’ve made it so many times..it is so simple to make and yet “oh so delicious”! I’ve added it to my recipe section in our newsletter! Can’t wait to see your house once it’s all decorated for the photo shoot!!
hi Susan,
How exciting, I get the Yankee mazazine so that will be a keeper. Can’t wait to see your house all decked out. Your posts are always so interesting, sometime I would like to know about the History of your house, were you given or able to find any old pictures of the past owners? Hi Jack, good boy.
Nancy Jo
Oh I should do what I know… I will sometime…
Perhaps Yankee Magazine would let you paint something for their cover!
Dear Susan,
What an honor for your home to be featured in a magazine. The pictures (magazine and your home) you shared with us are just darling. You are so talented! Here in Canada, we have already celebrated Thanksgiving, so now we are in Christmas mode! Btw, I prepare my husbands’ oatmeal the night before and he just cooks it really early the next morning. ….Always a pleasure to read your blog post in my email box! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Anita! Someday (unless he only likes it hot) just pour milk over the oats the night before and put the bowl in the fridge … it will be soft enough to eat in the morning, and delicious!
Good idea I never thought of pouring milk in the bowl the night before. He actually does pour milk over the porridge anyway in the morning.
It softens it; you don’t cook it then, but it’s a little nutty, and delicious.
Yankee Magazine – my favorite magazine since leaving Rhode Island! I have to admit I do love it here in Indiana – I am trying very hard to think of Thanksgiving BEFORE Christmas, but it is hard. I would keep my house decorated for Christmas all year long if I could get away with it. We have to wait a whole year to see the article – it will be fantabulous! Thanks for your continued inspiration – I’ll be making those cranberries!! Love you Susan!
So glad to see this new post….I am going to try Christmas Jam! Yum! 😉
Love, love, love this post! Love old magazine covers. Didn’t know about Yankee mag. I’ll look into it. This is the perfect inspirational post for the holidays! Jack is so cute, and Christmas in Connecticut is one of favorites! ( the old..and new version 🙂 Love your funny video. My dream is to start waking up as early as you…before the sun comes up. I’ll get there someday. 😉 have a wonderful Thanksgiving…browsing your autumn cookbooks!
Susan, I’ve been thinking lately: if anyone should try and make me give up either chocolate or your blog, I don’t really know what I’d do. ????? I seriously appreciate you so much. I look forward to sitting down at my kitchen desk– candle lit, tea/cocoa between two hands– to soak in the words, the art, the photographs that you leave for us. It gives me such a lift. I’m inspired in all the ways you might expect and in some that might surprise you. The things you write about Joe, for example, make me want to take a daily walk with my “Joe” and appreciate his work around the house a little more, to simply cultivate that relationship. So I thank God for the unique ways He has gifted you and I thank you for sharing them with me (and thousands and thousands of other girls)!
I don’t want you to ever give up that hot chocolate blog reading habit, that sounds too nice! xoxo Thank you Valerie!
The recipe sounds delicious. I’m going to try it. And, by the way, Jack is the cutest cat EVER !
Yes, I have to agree. He’s so soft too!
What a treat to see all those old magazines, with their beautiful artwork. I was very pleasantly surprised to see a Good Housekeeping for the very month I was born — January, 1938 — yep, I’ll be 75 in a few weeks! And one of the stories was, “A Baby in Her Arms.”
Thank you so much for another wonderful visit from you!
How sweet Marie, it was YOU!
~ Good Evening~
£ove, £ove , £ove this post~ Did I get enough £ove in there?
The magazine covers~ £ove the fashion from back ~ in ~ the ~day~ Born too late!
£oving my red striped Gramma bowl (which I will be using for the first time this year)~ and cranberries~ yum! ~ Going to try making cranberry butter for the first time this year too~ double yummy ~butter & cranberries together!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner~ counting my blessings every day ~and praying for those who will not so fortunate~ We sponsor a Thanksgiving and Christmas basket for a family in need throughnour church ~ helping in some small way.
This Christmas I’m hoping our family can help out a family through the Salvation Army~ I heard you can call them and they will give you a family~ I had no idea individuals could do this!~ I just heard about it today.
Can’t wait to see the house as you get ready for the photo shoot Susan~ sure would £ove a little peek……..
I have rambled on enough~
~God’s continued Blessings to us all ~ And special prayers for those are dreading the holidays~
Happy Thanksgiving
Lynn
Please excuse the typos~ just too excited!
xoxo Lynn!
Let us know how your cranberry butter turns out!!! Blessings to you too.
I will!
Happy Thanksgiving Margot & all the girlfriends!!!
Wow! Yankee Magazine! Aren’t they in for a treat! Love all the old magazine pictures Susan! I can’t wait to make your cranberry sauce again this year, AND your Pumpkin Cheesecake! I can just see Jacks backside sticking out of the pillows on the couch! I don’t know why but I always imagined your studio being upstairs! Just like when you read a book, you can set your imagination into motion! Jack is really helping you excersize while you work! Such a good boy!
Happy Thanksgiving from WNC!
Hugs, chirp chirp ~~~~~~~~~ 🙂
Jeannie
LOL, that’s how I look at it, oh thank goodness this cat is making me move! 🙂
Oh Susan…as always, you inspire me beyond words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH, I LOVE YANKEE Magazine!!!!!!!!!! (I must be a Yankee).
This is so exciting….no wonder you’re decorating and going crazy—how fun is that????? Oh my goodness!!!! OK, this is over the top. Are girl kitty and Jack going to wear bows? This needs to be shouted out to the world; tell the Prez; blare the fog horns….
Susan is going to be in Yankee magazine AND she’s getting all decorated up so cute….what an inspiration. OK, that’s it. I’m taking down all the Fall stuff RIGHT AFTER dinner next Thursday—-red and green, here I come!!
xoxo
Joann
“Blare the foghorns!” LOL So far I haven’t ever gotten a cat to wear my little outfits! I was thinking how good Jack would look in a tiny santa hat!
I think that’s one you’ll just have to “paint” on him.
OK – did I read it correctly that the article on you will be in December 2013 issue of the Yankee magazine? If so I MUST mark my next year’s calendar so I remember to buy it. Can’t rely on “memory” (it’s disappearing!).
Don’t worry, I put it on my calendar, and I’ll remind you! 🙂
I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR TOO! WE HAVE HAD A SOMEWHAT OVERCAST DAY HERE IN S. CALIF., AND AS IT IS CHILLY, I HAVE THE FIRE ON. WE ENJOYED SPLIT PEA SOUP FOR LUNCH. SO, IT IS KIND OF LIKE A “BACK EAST” DAY.
I LOVE OLD MAGAZINES. I REMEMBER MY MOTHER USED TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE MAIL DELIVERY OF HER “IDEAL” MAGAZINES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. I LOVED THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS ISSUES. SO FULL OF INTERESTING DECORATING IDEAS, STORIES, RECIPES, ARTWORK AND EVEN MUSIC TO PLAY ON THE ORGAN. I WISH THAT I HAD THOSE SPECIAL MAGAZINES NOW TO REMEMBER THE PAST.
YOUR CRANBERRY SAUCE RECIPE SOUNDS WONDERFUL. I REMEMBER THAT AS A CHILD, ONE OF THE AUNTIES USED TO SEND US A BOX OF CRANBERRIES THAT CAME ALL THE WAY FROM THE NEW ENGLAND AREA. THEY MADE SUCH LOVELY SAUCE. WE HAD A BIT OF ORANGE IN THE CRANBERRY SAUCE AND SOMETIMES I RECALL THAT A COLD RELISH WAS MADE WITH WALNUTS AND ORANGES AND CRANBERRIES. MMMMM!
MEMORIES ARE WONDERFUL AND SWEET.
Hi, Susan. I’ve never thought of making my cranberry sauce in the oven. I will do that this year. I like to add orange zest to mine. And love the marmalade idea. I want to mention that my first glimpse of your Confetti Oatmeal photo made me think it was one of your paintings. Your art just puts me over the moon! Congratulations for being chosen for an article by Yankee magazine!!! I will look forward to that along with the Diary.
Warmest wishes,
Nancy
Thank you Nancy!
Love reading your blog. Love your beautiful pictures. And I just love your cat. He is to cute. I love that he is always somewhere in one or more of your pictures.
He is usually within reaching distance as I write … he is my shadow! I don’t know what he would do if I had to leave the house to go to work!
What wonderful news ! Yankee could not have picked a better person/home/place to feature for Christmas. Can’t wait to see it ! Wanted to tell you that my wonderful husband knows I need my Susan Branch Calendars…big one for my desk at school, the smaller one for my desk at home, and the pocket one for my purse. It’s been crazy busy at school and at home and I could not find them at my usual spots – was getting ready to order from your site…and mentioned that there is a shop near his office that sometimes carries SB stuff. He came home today with ALL THREE…and said “now you can be organized in style for another year”. Honest…it’s the little things that make you realize why you picked the guy you did ! So…here is our little tradition that touches on YOU….Whenever I use the crock pot to make a big meal ( today was veggie beef soup…yummy and so nice to smell cooking as I came in and thought “dinner is done”) and there are just us two I have freezer containers that I divvy up and pack the freezer. Husband job is to make the freezer labels…and he goes crazy making up names for what each container holds. We were cleaning up and the evening news was running a story about the local food bank and how generous everyone is and how many MORE people they need to feed this year and we were saying how lucky and blessed we are….so when I picked up the two containers to put in the freezer one read ” We are SO LUCKY Veggie Soup 11/15″ and the other tag reads…..”Susan Branch Veggie Soup 11/15″….becuase he knew how thrilled I was to have my year ahead set up in style. Thought you’d get a laugh out of that ! Have fun planning your big day…and once again – just THRILLED for you!
I adore your husband. What a doll! “We are so lucky veggie soup!!!” Too much!
Me, too ! And he says to tell you he can’t wait for me to make the cranberry sauce again this year…yummy! Thanks for sharing it !
Hello Ann Y! I always read your comments and think that you must be typing just over the hill from where I live in Rothsville. Ever go to Shupp’s Grove? I love that place! Anyway, it’s fun thinking of you hanging up your SB calendars, just like I do!
Love,
Linda
I just love it when my laptops jumps around and deletes my text unbeknownst to me. I only meant for one “Ho Ho Ho” teacup, and to say I should have been born either in Vermont OR…Minnesota, although that’s not New England 😛 Reading my favorite Tasha Tudor and Gladys Taber books most certainly lent their influence on my geographical wish list! Perhaps the photographers will get a picture of young Jack or the serene Girl Kitty in next year’s December issue. How could they resist the mustache? Regardless, I know your house will look — and smell — divine. Enjoy the fun preparations!
I hope he sneaks in too!
Oh happy day! The Yankees are comin! I am making pumpkin bars for Thanksgiving…good as pie….with an oatmeal crust! Susan, have you thought of using red and pink together for Christmas? I haven’t ever, but someone just mentioned it to me, and it sounds wonderful! I have red flowered napkins and need to get a pink tablecloth. Have little white lights that I painted red stripes on, [the kind with tiny batteries], so they look like peppermints. I want to put them into the punch glasses, tie a bow on, and put some evergreen sprigs in with them for Christmas day! That’s all I can think of for now. Have a great time decorating, and I’ll be thinking of you as I decorate too, for DECEMBER!!!!!
How fun that sounds, you have the spirit!
Love the magazine covers – they are classics. Congrats on the Yankee feature. Your lovely home will be enchanting – however you choose to decorate. Looking forward to seeing and hearing about your journey to Dec. 11. And a party the next day is brilliant!
Hi Susan~~~ I was entralled by your blog today. I miss not getting one each day…. is that selfish or what?
I loved all the magazine pictures that you put out. I, too, wish that they would have the old time art on their covers. You know, I believe that Yankee Mag. must be a ‘back east’ one. I’ve never heard of it before. You’ll have to let us know when the article comes out next year. I want to be sure to get a hold of a copy!
Your cranberry relish really looks good. I think that I’ll try making it soon. We have decided to not make all the trimmings this year and just go to a nice restaurant.
After reading your blog today, I’m getting into the mood for Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday of the year, for more ways than one. We have a bunch of people over for a potluck and gift exchange. So much fun. Seems more people come each year. Our Victorian home comes alive with the season. We don’t have many antiques left anymore and have replaced them with ‘modern’ furniture. Were hoping to have been moved up to WA by now, but alass, we’re still here. In fact we are planning on remaining here. Still want to move to a one level home, but until then, I love our victorian home and the roominess it gives.
I’m going to re read your blog when I have more of the chance to slow down a bit tomorrow and truely absorb it. Just may have to pull out the Christmas CDs.
Gave a great evening with Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty,
Carol M
Perhaps they will vote in” Medicinal Catnip” there on your island …..or you can “get” some when you visit Calif. again …….
Traditionally speaking — there is only one way to fix oatmeal for normal humans …….
It does not require any bouffant creations to enhance the wonderful natural basic ,
sweet/salty – nutty flavor …….Why would anyone even try to improve on perfection !
PS will you be doing that Chicken – Goat recipe soon ?
You are so funny! I don’t know what the chicken goat recipe is! I knew you would find the oatmeal to be bouffant, I was almost going to preempt you in the post, could already feel the steam coming out of your ears as I was writing it! As for the medicinal catnip, you are a nut. xoxo That I love.
glad you didn’t preempt him 🙂
That’s such wonderful news! I “lurve” Yankee mag! Still have my Route 6A issue from quite a few years back. Soooo excited for you Susan – can’t wait to read all about it ! 🙂 Love, love your cranberry sauce and make it every year now! xxoo
I, too, am drawn to the exquisite artwork on vintage magazines and even had some framed to hang in my daughter’s room when she was growing up. Prayers to the sick kitties…did you ever hear back from little Molly kitty’s owner ? We all need our precious pets!
No and it worries me. 🙁
How exciting that you are going to be featured in “Yankee Magazine” !! My aunt whose husband was from Dublin, New Hampshire where the magazine is
published gave us a subscription to “Yankee” the first Christmas we were married; and we’ve subscribed every year since ………….. and that’s a total of 46+ years !!!! It will be so exciting to see YOU featured in the magazine next year !!!! Happy Decorating !! Helen
WOW! That’s a loyal reader, how wonderful, I love long – time things like that!
Oh Congrats on the magazine coming to your house . You must be soo excited I know I am for you and cant wait to see a post of all you are doing for it to prepare ! This is why I come here cause of your wonderful blog it really is so enjoyable to read and see all that you get up to. I love all you do and your lovely home ! Have a wonderful evening !
Loved your blog today! Yankee is my favorite magazine. I must keep up my subscription! Can not wait to see the article on you next December 2013, even though you have shared so much of your home and life with us! Christmas magazines are always the very best.
BTW dinner tonight was your recipe for German pancake with pork breakfast sausages! YUM.
Yummie!
Congratulations on being chosen for a Christmas layout in Yankee magazine! Be sure to remind us next year when it’s about to hit the shelves, okay? Of course I like all your magazine covers today, and the cranberry recipe, but I got totally beside myself when I reached the end of the blog and saw the wreath on the back of what appears to me to be an American Rambler, perhaps 1960 vintage??? My first car was a pink ’60 Rambler with a kit (covered tire) on the rear bumper. I bought it from a fellow heading to Viet Nam, borrowing the $200 from my folks and repaying them weekly, except for the last $20, which they “forgave.” The year was 1966 and I drove that little car until 1969 and no car since has given me the satisfaction of ownership that one did! Thanks for evoking the memory.
I’ll remind you — and glad you liked the car, I loved your story … mine was like that, but a turquoise convertible Corvair 🙂
A traditional reminder — I recall your Corvair to be “Baby Blue ” with a white Convertible Top?
Pale pale milky turquoise is what I remember, but you were the one who fell in love with it first. White bucket seats, four on the floor! Too bad I didn’t understand the importance of putting oil in it periodically! Gas was 25 cents a gallon, but oil, that was much more expensive, maybe a whole dollar!
Ah! You had a convertible! At age 62, I’m still waiting to own one. Living in the Midwest, where the weather, so much of the time, isn’t conducive to riding the with open roof, it doesn’t seem prudent, but one of these days, when prudence is lost to second childhood, I’ll have one!!
Throw prudence to the wind, and next spring, get yourself a convertible! If not, rent one for a day, we do that almost every summer, to get our “fix!” We go everywhere, for a long ride along the ocean, out to lunch, out to dinner … we only take time to sleep!
Congratulations!
Your enthusiasm is so contagious, that I am on pins and needles over the Yankee’s Christmas issue; the only difficult part about all this, is waiting until Dec. 2013. Is my giddiness showing?
Susan, I am confident that your home will be transformed into a winter wonderland, no matter what you decide to do. Just as I’m sure that awwwdorable Jack will be hamming it up, in his built-in tuxedo, for all to see.
“built in tuxedo!” It’s true! So debonair!
Congrats Susan on being featured in Yankee Magazine. I used to subscribe to it back in the late 70’s early 80’s when the country look was becoming so popular. I haven’t read one in years, but now you have me thinking I might just subscribe to it again. I can’t wait to see how you’re featured in it next year. On the subject of magazines of which I am a huge fan of ( I take after my dear Grandmother who subscribed to every woman’s magazine in the 60’s – she would always help me cut out the monthly Betsy McCall paper doll ) I hope magazines are never replaced by the internet. I love having my stack in a basket next to my chair especially during the Christmas season – there is something about seeing the beautiful color photos and recipes that you just can’t get from an online magazine.
I absolutely agree, much more fun to be able to touch it!
How exciting for you to be featured in Yankee Magazine! I’ve subscribed to it since I moved from upstate NY to the mid-west and it is one of my favorite magazines! Your post has lifted my spirits and put me in a holiday mood! Thanks so much!
Susan, Oh my goodness!!!!! So much excitement in this post!!! Yankee magazine, WOW!! Something to look forward to next year, already!
I think your Christmas Coffee Cake would be another winner!! I start making it on Thanksgiving morning and go all the way through New Years! :). D-lish.
Going to give the cranberry sauce/jam a go, it’s beautiful for the eyes and the palate.
The old magazines covers were works of art, for sure. I worked in magazine publishing for years and love the old covers, what treasures – just like you.
Have a glorious weekend. Happy Cooking, Baking, Decorating! Happy Everything!
Much love ~ XooX,
Jeanette
Loved your post, your photos, your uplifting spirit…AS ALWAYS!!!…even loved your oatmeal in the English Chippendale Johnson Brothers bowl {I have the whole set 🙂 }. And I must offer my congratulations on your inclusion in next years magazine! Thank you Susan, you help the world shine!
Love your dishes Cheryl! Thank you!
Well, you have officially kicked off the holiday season for me! Thanks for the fun blog and Happy Holidays to all. Can’t wait to see the article in Yankee magazine. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your upcoming feature in Yankee magazine. I can already tell by your cheerful enthusiasm that we are in for a real treat. How fun to have this behind the scenes peek today. I’m glad you will be giving us a reminder next year as I wouldn’t want to miss it.
I love your little video. It was one of the first things I watched when I discovered your blog and I remember watching it over and over. So cute and happy too. It makes me smile when you go up and down with the camera 🙂
I wanted to let you know that I made your turkey meatloaf for dinner tonight. O.M.G. ~ major deliciousness!!! My husband said to tell Susan Branch this one is a real winner. I’ve tried several turkey meatloaves through the years and this one beats them all, hands down.
I made it the other night too. Joe loves it, we try to have left overs and fail miserably. Maybe one sandwich worth. Thank you Kim! xo
Oh, I so loved this post! So so much! My comment will just be an echo of all the others, I’m sure. First of all, “Yankee” magazine is coming! I love “Yankee” and now we have a “Branch Hall” feature to anticipate. Your house will be glowing, fragrant, warm, welcoming – well, just like you. Can’t wait to see it. A treat to which all we Girlfriends will look forward! I had to say it that way [the Preposition Police are lurking at this very moment] :>) Getting excited for the holidays too. Will have to start moving the CDs and DVDs out front this weekend. “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and “Holiday Inn” are always the first things I watch each year – on Thanksgiving night. At least for as long as I can stay awake. :>)
Absolutely LOVED all the vintage magazine artwork. The vibrant colors, the sweet times-gone-by scenes. Very evocative. A kinder, gentler time for sure. Of course I’m a Cancer and we love everything old. I once read that Cancers love the past so much, they would live there if they could! Completely possible in my case. And you’re so right, Sue. How did photography replace all those glorious illustrations? I guess it must be cheaper than paying talented artists for their beautiful creations. Think of it! If Norman Rockwell were starting out today, would we even get a chance to see any of his wonderful work? My dad was right. All Progress is Change, but not all Change is Progress.
Cranberry & Orange – another marriage made in Foodie Heaven. Right up there with Chocolate & Peanut Butter, Lamb & Mint, Pork & Apple, Tomato & Basil, Peas & Carrots. My oatmeal bowl looks a lot like yours too. More fruit than oatmeal on many occasions, except I’m very partial to dried tart cherries. Yum! Going to try the No-Cook Oatmeal too. What a great [green] idea! Do you think it would work with “regular” [not steel-cut] oats? Mine are the ones in the round red cardboard box…
One plea please… PLEASE keep your camera very handy for the next time Jack goes hiney-up in the sofa cushions because THAT would be an all-time cutest Jack photo ever! Thanks again, darling girl – for this most wonderfullest [that’s a kindergarten word, dontcha know?] post today. Just the best – what a Happy generator it has been for me! Love you! :>)
“Progress is Change but not all Change is Progress.” I think one place that is HUGE, is cars. The cars of the 1950’s. Were they not gorgeous? Those were the days you could tell a Chevy from a Ford at a glance! What is with the cookie cutter cars? They should hire some fanciful car designers again.
I think the steel cut oats might be too thick for the milk to permeate, but it would be good to pop a little bit in the fridge and see what happens!
It is SO hard to get photo of Jack flipping through the air, which he does every day, full-on air-borne back flips. The minute I get the camera, that’s his cue to stop doing the cute thing. OR, he’s being cute, but I can’t hold the camera and throw the ball and take a decent photo that’s in focus, so I call Joe, but he’s on the roof, and by then, Jack is asleep! So I miss it. But I won’t give up!
Cookie-cutter cars – yes, that is for sure true. I bought a Chevy Cruze a little over a year ago & ever since, I’ll be tooling along – “oh, there’s a Cruze like mine…” Only to discover it’s really a Ford or Toyota or whatever. Until you can actually see the manufacturer logo or the model name right on the car – you can’t tell WHAT they are – they all look so much alike. Everyone feels they have to imitate “this year’s hit” or sales will suffer [and they could be right]. I think it’s very difficult to be in any business these days – and even harder if trying to be original. But then I think it can be done too. Look at Apple – booming sales, innovative products & design. I guess we need more Steve Jobs-es in the world.
Out of the box thinking makes a very interesting world!
Hi, Susan. How wonderful that you will be featured in Yankee Magazin! Having grown up in Maine, I’ve often enjoyed looking at its issues, and I even have a few on my bookshelf that I just couldn’t part with. I so enjoyed reading your post. Your excitement is so palpable that it jumped right off the page and into my lap. Oh, what fun for you, and what an archive it will be for us next December when we buy the issue and probably, never part with it. I bought the hard cover of “Where Women Cook” just so I could have that wonderful segment on you.
I don’t know if you saw my tweet, but I sent you a picture of the frosted molasses cookies I made from your grandmother’s recipe. I put them on my “Baked for You with Love” plate that I got from Avon so many years ago. I really do hope some company will start producing your china designs again. With all the followers you have, I’m sure it would be a successful run.
As for the magazine covers with art work, perhaps Yankee will let you do one for them, and it will start a revival. How fortunate for us that folks archived all those old covers for our viewing pleasure today. So enjoy the preparation but try not to do too much and get overwhelmed. You don’t want to lose any of the pleasure of the experience. I’ll look forward to the updates. Happy Holidays. Love to you all.
I did see your cookies, loved your photo — you did the icing so perfectly, nice and thick and white, so sorry I haven’t replied to you yet, there is a lot of communication to be done these days! 🙂 Thank you so much Carolyn!
AND Thank You! It gives me (as I’m sure it does all your hundreds of “girlfriends”) such a thrill! I honestly don’t know how you keep up as well as you do! I’m newly retired from a teaching career, and I can’t tell you how much finding your blog has enriched my days – now I finally have some time to follow my other interests. Of course, once a teacher, always a teacher, and you’ve inspired me to get back to my blog. As teachers go, you are one of the best I’ve ever had!
Happy retirement … and that was one of the nicest compliments I ever heard! Teacher! Thank you Carolyn!
very exciting all that activity and preparations galore!
Recently I made a Christmas Orange Marmalade with marachino cherries and chopped walnuts. Quite good. Your breakfast and your jam yummmmm! Hi to Jack too.
Congratulations on being chosen by Yankee Magazine for an interview for their Christmas’s 2013 issue. I’ve subscribed to Yankee magazine for many years –they have the best recipes, such interesting articles and gorgeous photographs! Do you remember when it was printed small enough to fit in a pocketbook, around 5 x7 size?
I know they will do an excellent story about you, Susan, and include some of your wonderful recipes!
Hugs,
Pat