Colorado Cottage Kitchen Makeover|Plodding Along

Hello friends and welcome to segment one of Our Colorado Mountain Cottage.
This is a mix of a Jemma Tale and a home makeover, because while my home was getting a physical makeover I was getting a spiritual one.
Today we are going to take a look on how we took our rather dark and dreary Kitchen to light and bright and how plodding led me to spiritual growth.
For those of you that have been with me on my blogging journey from the beginning, I want to give you a big virtual hug and say thank you for plodding along with me!
I appreciate YOU!

Vintage Style Mother's Day On Our Patio

Welcome to our vintage style Mother's Day on our patio and also Happy Mother's Day Week!
Today's post is all about celebrating the art of homemaking and remembering Mom and Grandma through their love of china and collectibles.
Preserving a collection is preserving History, an era, a thought, a moment, an event.
I loved preparing and photographing this post because it's all about celebrating women and the difference that my Mom and Grandma made and continue to make in my life.
In between all of this celebration of  life, we will be talking about being blessed and figuring out where these collectibles and china came from!
This Wedding China is my Grandmother's and is 100 years old.
I know I had the best Mother in the world and I just bet you do too! 

Modpodge French Terracotta Pot for a Spring Vignette

I am so glad you dropped by today and I truly hope you’ll stay a spell.

Today I am sharing a close up look at my DIY modpodge french style terracotta pot for a carefree Spring Vignette. 

Also, I have one small request would you mind sharing with me what you have been making too? 

Now friends, when I say making, it can be anything from a pot of stew recipe,  a new flower bed or whatever you have been doing to keep yourself engaged and vital while we wait just a bit longer to re-enter society.

Jemma's Tales| Coronavirus Pandemic & Giving Up Control

Good Morning dear friends I hope this finds you safe, well and staying at home. I am wondering how you are coping with our worldwide community roller coaster ride?

Personally I feel as though I am sitting on a spinning top that won’t stop and my first line of action is to jump off…a fight or flight response, I suppose.

Just like you I have been hit smack in the face with the realization there is no where to jump off to.

I have lost control, but did I ever really have it and was it really mine to ever have?

  

At Home With Jemma|Valentine Tiered Tray Styling Tips For All Homemakers

Happy Valentine's Week Dear Friends and new subscribers, thank you so much for joining me! Today I am sharing my pink Valentine Tiered Tray Vignette on our Dining room table. I am sort of obsessed with a tiered tray. They are consistently an awesome and multi-use decorating accessory for me and you and all Homemakers. Tiered trays will fit the bill and budget for all of our varying decor styles, a tiered tray becomes whatever you want it to be!

A Farm Tale For A Gentle Christmas

December 16, 2019

Hello Dear Friends, how is the month of December treating you, I do hope very gently, tenderly and that you aren’t under too much stress.

The Holidays are often a roller coaster ride of emotion, both good and not so good.

My hope for you today is that you will sit back, relax and enjoy this Farmhouse Tale and a few photos of our 2019 Colorado Christmas Home.

Postcard From Jemma

Hello Folks, It's been awhile since we chatted and I hope this finds you all well. Today I am sending you postcards from Colorado, Texas and Puerto Rico from my new blog layout on Blogger! I am thrilled to have migrated from WordPress to blogger with the professional, kind and smart know-how of Rebekah Samuel( Lady Gadget, and her worker bee Team.) A BIG thank you goes out to Rebekah and Cyball for this extensive transformation. Now that I am back in my comfort zone on blogger my intention is to be writing more frequently and sharing my gardening, real estate, cooking, traveling and DIY projects with you all.

Winter in Colorado is nearly a distant memory while Spring is inviting us to enjoy warm weather and patio dining. I had forgotten that Spring in the West arrives like a tired locomotive laboring up a steep incline...so, so slowly. I have actually worn shorts one day and a parka the next, naughty Colorado teasing us all like this!

I am wondering what you have all been up to and if your weather is as up and down as ours. My friend (Sandy) told me that her Father believes that Planet Earth has moved ever so slightly off of her axis and that is why the weather seems to have gone bonkers in so many regions of our beautiful country...what do you think?

I have made a couple of trips to see my daughters, son and my grands since we last visited and naturally it did my heart good. There is nothing in this world as sweet and wonderful as a good dose of family time. Family is the elixr of life!

Living in the Springs, Denver area gives me easy access to two airports, so there are many flights and reasonable fares available and that makes traveling so much easier.

Our family is expanding, the grands are growing and I am sliding into the realm of living my best life as a 60 year old, well actually 62.

I have to say that 60 has caught me off guard a bit, 50 was no biggie, but this decade just feels different. I feel as though there is a disconnect to the woman I see in the mirror and the soul of the woman that lives in this 60 year old framework. One of the many physical changes that drives me mad is my hair. If you've been reading At Home With Jemma for awhile you know that my hair color has gone from brown, to blonde to white. Well,here I am again, having gone full circle back to white/blonde again...the struggle is real my friends.

Seems I want to grab more of each moment in each day and never let it go and live it more intentionally than ever before. Loving the philosophy of this gal; Brene Brown. Are you familiar with her? “Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” ~ Brene Brown

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” ~ Brene Brown

“The willingness to show up changes us, It makes us a little braver each time.” ~ Brene Brown

“To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.” ~ Brene Brown

Up next I will be sharing the beginning of our Kitchen makeover and some useful and practical tips on how to take stained cabinets to white.

xoxox Jemma

Beaver Creek Mountain Village

I made a mountain journey this past weekend to Beaver Creek Mountain Village where I met up with my son, his wife and three grandchildren. Beaver Creek Mountain Village is sweetly nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

When Colorado sought to host the 1976 Winter Olympics, Beaver Creek development was part of its successful bid in May 1970

The drive from our home is an easy 3 hour drive. I took highway 25 onto 470 West and intersected with 70 West which took me right into the middle of the glorious Rocky Mountains. The views were amazing and I popped open the sunroof (20 degrees) revved up the heater and the music too. Carole King was my radio companion for most of the way.

The Aspen Tree has always been a favorite of mine, any time of the year.

Beaver Creek ski area operates on National Forest System lands under special use permit to the White River National Forest. The 30-year permit assigns a portion of the bundle of rights associated with land ownership to the permit holder. All lifts, ski trails, and facilities must be approved by the Forest Service in advance prior to construction.

Winter snow storms move in quickly and move out just as fast!

My family treated me to a sleigh ride and dinner at Allie’s Cabin.

Sun-drenched days with mountain snows are some of my favorite way to spend Winter days. Of course family time makes it all the more fun!

Who can resist a Moose with flowers in her hair!

Tiny Tots who were in ski school.

Beaver Creek Resort has great customer service, friendly staff, good food, great music and well groomed slopes. Plenty of after skiing activities for children and adults too, and of course that warm chocolate chip cookie we had every day sure was good!

What better way to welcome the First Day of Spring than with a beautiful mix of flowers and snow!

Happy Spring Friends!


XO



Jemma

Welcome March!

Welcome family, friends and March to At Home With Jemma. March arrived in Colorado like a Lamb and then quickly turned on a dime and became a roaring lion. I am discovering that I enjoy Mother's Natures weather games, because no matter how much snow we get the sun spreads her golden beams of sunshine through the frosty Ponderosa Pine branches.

Sadie and I Walk

Sadie and I walk pretty much everyday and she loves, loves the frosty snow and it seems I pretty much to do. She's my sweet Golden and I love her.

Sadie May 15 Months

Jack Frost

Jack Frost works his magic on puddles of melted snow and the crunch of the ice as it snaps and crackles often times makes Sadie jump an inch or two or more... It seems to us that Sadie thinks she is a Kangaroo these days and we have now nicknamed her Roo.

Early signs of Spring

Among the Pines and Sun

It is the long walks with Sadie among the pines and sun that center us both.

Happiness Is Also Creating

Walks, Crafting and Studying

Embracing Winter

So, I found this Spider Plant at our local King Soopers. King Soopers is the Colorado version of Kroger in Texas, so I feel right at home shopping:)

Pink Depression Glass & A Romantic Table For Two

On this particular day we had strong winds that were coming over the Rocky Mountain Range and it was about 25 degrees out. I did hesitate before purchasing this gorgeous beauty of houseplant, but when a plant calls you-you have to accept the invitation. Anyways, the gal in the Floral department wrapped her all up for me in heavy plastic and as you can see she's doing very well. Natural Rattan Plant stand came from Target-I am loving their Rattan selection. (Reminds me of my youth)

Wreaths are my Thing...

Wreath From Home Goods

So, I made a wreath and found one too! Our Home Goods, Hobby Lobby and Target are well stocked, neat and tidy and an easy driving distance. I usually take 83 wherever I go because of the Mountain views.

Tulips In The Great Room And Reading

I love fresh flowers and especially tulips this time of the year. I usually treat myself to a bouquet every single week and always choose the $10.00 or under bouquet, they brighten up any room and also my spirits if they are running low.


I shared a previous post how to care for fresh cut tulips right here.


I have a couple of reading recommendations for you if you like thrillers and aren't scared of the dark...lol

My Husband's Wife and Blood Sisters both by Jane Corry.

Until next time...wishes for you to have a great week!




XO



Jemma

Facing The Fear

Hello Dear Readers and whoever ever else might be reading. I suppose one never truly knows who "hears" or reads what we write behind this computer screen. But write I shall as I am beginning a new chapter in an old life. I am writing this to hold myself accountable.

I can make a wreath…

If you have been reading my blog the last six years you know I can make wreaths, sand, paint, garden and cook. I love my family. I love Jesus and I love adventures and the outdoors.

But the real question that I have for myself this year is can I learn something new, unfamiliar and totally out of my comfort zone? Am I too old to learn new things??


"Can you teach an old dog new tricks??"

I can sand...

Can I learn something new…

Materials are purchased, contacts have been made and I have even received my first e-mail from my "teacher." I am excited, apprehensive and searching. I search to stretch my mind, move out of my comfort zone and commit to uncharted waters of learning, and ultimately facing the fear of embarking on something "new," at 62. I am afraid.

Can I memorize and retain and pass a test…

I leave you today with an article that my daughter shared on Instagram... Felicity Aston.


Love to hear how you are Facing Your Fear.


First Woman To Cross Antarctic.


See you on Sunday with Ten on the Tenth!




XO



Jemma

Our Colorado Life

Hello Dear Friends and New Subscribers I am dropping in to say Hi and Happy New Year! Thank you for all the well wishes as we ventured up the mountain (we are at 7,300 feet now.) We have arrived safely to our cottage home in Monument Colorado.


The day we arrived it snowed like crazy, we gasped, Sadie chased a rabbit and of course I fell down! But aside from all of that I am here today to welcome you to my world of frosty snow, and magical pines. Our mountain cottage is nestled on 4 acres of Ponderosa Pines. Surprisingly enough we haven't been all that cold(seriously we haven't!) and there is a very real reason why we haven't been too terribly cold...dry air.

My frosty angel

I have discovered that my hair and crackling joints love dry air...my skin does not. I have used a couple of jars of aquaphor on my lips and even on my hands, bottles of lotion too. I now know what alligator skin feels and looks like! EEK! So if you drop by for a visit let me know in advance so I can get my lotion out first!

Buffalo Check Is In Order

I thought I'd share just a few random photos of the house today. Trust me we are in one big old painting, sanding and dusty mess but I did spruce up this room just for you:) This bedroom is one of my favorite rooms in our cottage home and it has become the upstairs guest room and my office. I have just recently painted the walls Olympus White.


My youngest daughter discovered this dreamy white and I am smitten with it now too.

Blue Colorado Skies and Plenty of Sunshine

I am using quite of bit of blue in our cottage home, as my ultimate goal is to bring the pristine and vibrant blue Colorado skies inside! Lots of light, airy, and bright vibes are in order for this home. This particular shade of white has some lovely blue undertones and you can find it at Sherwin Williams (SW6253)

Adding a Chinoiserie lamp and Orchids to a Sofa Table

Incorporating more blue by adding some new accessories as well as some treasured ones on our sofa table. The plate is a gift from my daughter Samantha and the vase was my dear Mother's. I purchased the Chinoiserie lamp from Lamps Plus. I am really pleased with the lamp too. It arrived in a timely manner and very well packaged.

Sofa table Vignette

You may notice there are not any pulls on this sofa table...it has just recently been painted too and I am waiting on my Hobby Lobby order of pulls to arrive. The top of the table is Watery from Behr and it's another great choice of blue too. We use the Marquee which is the paint and primer in one and it provides great coverage.

Thanks for dropping by and let's chat again soon!




XOXOXO

My Idaho

Welcome to At Home With Jemma and thank you for subscribing! Today I am sharing my Idaho. This will begin my series on the West, and I hope that my tale will be one that you and my own family will enjoy. My husband and I just returned from a little trip to my Idaho. I grew up in Southeastern Idaho on an agricultural farm in the upper snake river valley. Mountains surround the fertile soil of the patchwork fields and from a Birdseye view the fields really do look like quilts. To the north of the farm gushing, clear waters of the snake river wind their way around nearby Buttes. Eagles soar, Moose roam, Deer have plenty of food and God is present in every inch of this good, solid earth.

I have always thought that growing up in this region of the country was like heaven on earth. The mountain air is always clean, crisp, and dry. Seems that each and every time I visit I am reminded of how this pristine and natural environment influences my way of thinking and living even now.

My parents first home was on this spot in this field, they were young farmers with a young daughter (my sister Sandra) and worked this land together, side by side. Their tiny wooden home was built by my Father. Mother would tell me stories of the potato and grain harvests and of the cold Idaho Winters. So cold were these blustery, frozen Winter days that Mother and Father would take their produce to bed with them to keep the potatoes and apples from freezing.

Winters are quite long in Southeastern Idaho, but this seems a small price to pay for the majestic beauty which encases the fields once the glorious sun-drenched months of Summer and Fall arrive.

These serene refreshing Mountain streams provide precious water for irrigation in the valley.

Golden Aspen dot the Mountain landscape nestled among the Pines.

Farmers have a keen eye for detail, sophisticated watering systems, hydraulics, diesel engines, nature, life, love and ethics. Sadly enough the small farmer is becoming a lost breed of stellar, intelligent, capable individuals who wake to the sunrise with hope of a flourishing crop. Their work ethic is amazing and they look best with dusty boots, weathered faces and and a can-do attitude. They are and always will be my people. They are Makers of a different kind!