Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sweet Little One

There is nothing better than welcoming a new baby into our family. Meet our new Grandson, Bladen Paul. Isn't he darling! He was born October 20th just squeaking in one minute before Midnight. So his official birth date is 10/20/2010! Lucky kid, that's a date that even I can remember! He is the cutest little guy and has been such a good natured baby. We have had such a fun time getting to know him.

Doesn't he look darling in his Halloween sleeper!

Both Mom and Dad are doing such a great job with their first baby!

Welcome to our family sweet little one! We love you baby Bladen!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Comforts of Home


When I think of the comforts of home, I think of old worn sweaters, soft and faded with time. Sitting by the fire, wrapped in a beautifully pieced quilt that my mother made so many years ago. On the sofa beside me, the colors of the quilt I’m stitching, bright in comparison. A pot of tea, steeping in a favorite tea pot, sitting on a table nearby. Throughout my home there are many framed photographs on the wall, and placed casually among my belongings. Many of family and friends that are a part of my present, others of family no longer with us, but never forgotten.
In my home, I’m surrounded by glimpses of my past as I sip my tea from the antique cup and saucer that once belonged to my grandmother. The fragrance of the potpourri simmering on the stove, reminiscent of holiday get-togethers, and mingling with memories of my mother’s kitchen during the holidays.
The lit candles, with their rich and spicy fragrance, cast soft shadows around the room, lighting up corners with memories of familiar voices and laughter.
The comforts of home reach out from the past and wind their way into those of the present. They are our own distinct style, with a touch of nostalgia mixed in. A place we create for ourselves that is warm and inviting and will one day become a comforting memory for our loved ones.Come visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink for all the “comforts of home.”
Written by Joyce Lucas,
Founder of Make Mine Pink

Friday, October 22, 2010

Shades of Autumn

Autumn bursts into the season with a symphony of color. Swirling leaves of crimson, amber, and gold against a background of crisp blue sky, exciting our senses and inviting us to grab hold and enjoy every minute… before it slips away until next year. This is a season of celebration, meant to be shared with family and good friends. We host dinners at tables covered with vintage tablecloths, embroidered with the colors of fall. We decorate our homes with colorful pumpkins and gourds. Afternoons are spent winding through corn mazes and walking in apple orchards. Cool crisp evenings wind to a close with a long country walk. Nature’s display mingles with the glorious scent of fall. Pies baked with fresh apples, the spicy scent wafting throughout the house. Cinnamon and spiced cider, cooling in a vintage teapot on the counter. The delightful feeling as the crisp cool air rushes in when the front door is opened.
The changing of seasons from the cool greens of summer to the warm oranges and golds of fall foliage, provides inspiration for our indoor decorating. We add accents from an autumn palette of copper, rust, green and gold to highlight forgotten nooks and crannies. We warm up your our homes with the colors of falling leaves.A colorful fall wreath graces the entryway. A needlepoint cushion stitched with rustic fall colors, displayed proudly on an antique settee. The colors of autumn infuse our quiet times. Quilts are pieced together with fabrics of warm russets and reds, crimson and gold. The fabrics remind us of swirling leaves and autumn’s irresistible allure. The sunset colors of autumn fade quickly away, making autumn all the more beautiful. Bring a bit of autumn into your home by shopping the boutiques at Make Mine Pink.

Written by Joyce Lucas,
Founder Make Mine Pink

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Dressing your table for guests

When I think back on my childhood, having family or friends to dinner was a really big deal. It always felt like a holiday or special occasion when we moved dinner into the dining room, and opened the up the china cabinet in search of special dishes, table linens and flatwear.I can still remember the feeling of excitement as I helped polish the silver and unwrap the special serving pieces. Each piece felt like a treasure. My mother always encouraged to use extra care when handling these special pieces. We were so proud to be trusted with this special task.

The china, once my grandmother’s, and now my mom’s, encouraged large family gatherings. Place settings for 12, filled every corner of the china cabinet. The hand-painted roses, still bright and glorious. I knew we were in for a treat, the minute I heard those glass doors open.It was setting the table for guests, where I learned my right from my left. Placing the flatwear atop the freshly ironed linen cloth, in just the right order, was a lesson I learned early on. My mother had such patience with us, when I’m certain it would have been easier to set the table herself. She never complained if we were slow, or had questions about where a special piece came from. She was always happy to share the stories of her childhood, while we worked side by side. Our small hands, clumsy and unsure, her hands working deftly next to ours.
When the table was set, we’d step back and admire our masterpiece. To a child, the table looked like it was set for a queen. Beautiful linen and lace tablecloth and napkins added just the right touch. Spotless crystal water glasses, shimmering from the light of the candles, china place settings, each piece brimming with memories, an ornament to be admired by all. Dressing our table for guests was a ritual that not only made our guests feel special, but was a reminder of just how special they were to us.Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink, to dress your own table for your special guests.
Written by: Joyce Lucas,
Founder Make Mine Pink