A New Door and an Old Door

 As I mentioned in my annual Anniversary Post, I got a new back door this fall! This was another exciting project as it has been on the To-Do-List since I bought the house.The old door was not doing a good job any longer. We had several rows of weather stripping around it, but it still was drafty and the door knob would frost up. 

But I wasn't ready to just throw it in the trash. Even though there was a hundred layers of paint on it and the whole door bows out it is part of the house's history. I love the wavy glass in the window, one of it's good points. It also was the perfect size for the kitchen door. So now I have a new back door and an old basement door! 

 We have already noticed a difference in temperature with the new door. And it closes like a dream!

 I special ordered the door with a window to match the rest of the house. Isn't is perfect?

We are also loving the new/old basement door! Since the basement is unheated and unfinished having a door here helps the kitchen to stay warmer and less drafty. It also makes it cozier!

 

I love how the old door "fills" this corner. It has always felt rather empty and bare. Now it has a bit of character!

(In case you are wondering, I still haven't quite decided what to do about the old dead bolt hole. I am hoping to find a decorative plate to cover it.)

Looking through the door into the cozy kitchen. Pardon the dishes........I guess I should have tidied a bit more before taking pictures!

Thanksgiving from Good Housekeeping Nov. 1920

Need a little Thanksgiving inspiration? Let's take a look at the 1920 Good Housekeeping magazine. 

A few of the latest fashions so one could be up-to-date for the big feast. 

"Low-Waisted, High necked and Long sleeved for Daytime." 

"The holiday season brings with it its round of entertaining and mingled with the delight of home-comings and fond greetings come the hustle and bustle of preparations for the already busy housewife."

Mock Mince Pie? Sliced Pineapple Pie? Rhubarb Custard Pie? The recipe for Vegetarian Mince Pie Filling caught my eye, it has been on my list to try for awhile now. 

I could't ignore all the fabulous advertisement, gadgets and projects to make all the Thanksgiving preparations go smoother! 

Isn't this one fascinating?

Fannie Farmer was the mother of the modern recipe and what kitchen would be complete without her? (I think I have this edition too!)

If you would like to read the entire November issue, it can be found HERE (starting on page 233.) It is a fascinating glimpse into history as it was the first time women voted in a presidential election.

Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving!

A Little Bit of History

Before the year slips away completely, I want to show you the back door project. It is what kept me busy this fall. But before we get to the pretty pictures, I want to share a little history with you. 

In the process of installing the back door, all the exterior trim had to be removed and then put back on. And since it was off, I decided it was also a good time to strip off the aluminum wrapping that was hiding all the lovely details; scrape it down and re-painted it. 

I was very intrigued to notice there was a label on the backside of the trim and every piece was stamped with dimensions. This was very interesting as in the 1920's windows, doors and frames were typically custom built on-site by carpenters. 

A bit of research revealed the Anderson Frame Corporation. A lumber company founded in 1913 by Hans Andersen in Hudson, WI. By the 1920's Andersen Frame was selling pre-made window and door frames in standardized sizes. 

Andersen Frames invented the "two-bundle" system, where the vertical and horizontal frames were sold in separate bundles, thus they were able to provide standard sizes. It was nicknamed the 10-Minute Window as it could be assembled quickly and efficiently. 

(The entire Andersen catalog is view-able HERE)

Isn't that fascinating? The first company to sell pre-made building materials!

I love learning the history behind an everyday item!

Andersen Frames Corporation is still around today as Andersen Windows.

Knitted Ornaments

Are you getting ready for Christmas? I have been working knitted ornaments. They make great simple gifts (or last minute gifts!) and are fun and easy to whip up.

My favorite so far is this Knitted Stjarna by Karolina Eckerdal. I love the ingenious construction and it's simple beauty. 

This Two Strands Christmas Ball by Mary Ann Stephens is also on my list. A lovely classic colorwork design.

 And to add a bit of color I am having fun crocheting these Christmas Baubles by Carmen Heffernan  in fun colors. These are really fast to make! Taking about half an hour to complete. 

What about you? Do you have Christmas projects that you are hard at work on?

Cozy Autumn

 We are moving on to that time of autumn where there are less and less leaves on the trees, hats and mittens are needed for morning walks and the days are shorter. Not only are the days shorter, but around here it is usually rainy. My favorite way to beat the dreary-ness? Do a little baking! Nothing makes the house more cozy then the aroma of fresh baked goods!

Continuing on with my muffin craze this year, my newest recipe are these pumpkin muffins from King Arthur Flour. A lovely fall treat! 

Below is a list of past baking posts.

Autumn Spice Cake

Rock Buns

Apple Crisp Deluxe

Chelsea Pies

Apple Upside-down Cake

Brown Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

What is your favorite cozy autumn activity?