Wednesday, February 1, 2017

In Celebration!

Hi Friends
Here we are into February, 2017.
January blew by in a furry.
So much was going on here at

Yes, I made a cute little cottage banner for my home.
You can do this too using picmonkey's royale subscription.
I know most of you already know this, but in case anyone is out there
just starting, this site along with Photoscape are big photo helps for sizing, decorating
and making banners and more for your blogs and shops.

So you ask~~
Where have I been???
Well, to start, after the holidays and the Christmas decor was all put away,
we began a huge project to replace all 40 of our home's windows.
To say it was huge is an understatement, but like everything
my guy and I set our minds to do, we pushed through to getter done!!!

Twentyfive year old windows that were, fogged, broken mechanics from the heat of Texas,
and more, just had to go.
We sourced and interviewed many companies to find the right one and once we did
we were off to the races to custom make the windows.
That part took 8 weeks and was done over the last of November and December last year
knowing we would begin in January 2017.
The install took about 4 days working non stop each day to the completion.
We had an incredible crew!


While windows like this looked pretty enough,
trust me, upclose and in person they were no longer doing the job of
keeping out heat, cold, noise and blocked a pretty view of the yard with the fogged panes.
Yes, the panes were a real pain!!!!
But the payoff in energy costs and more will make a big impact over time.
I still have photos to take of the finished work but I'll share a bit of that in another post.

Next, on the winter agenda was
cleaning out and purging every room including my design studio.

While the window mess was going on it seemed the perfect time to clean out.
What a way to get all the spring cleaning done!!
Now I have a jump on the season with this finished,
but if you know me,
you also know,
 I'll find something else that needs my attention soon enough!!

I also used the time to work on upcoming new designs for
my etsy shop.

With spring around the corner,
I had fun hand painting and designing goodies like these.








I also traveled with my hubby for his business and enjoyed another part of
the country along with a winter treat like this!!

This is something we seldom see here in Texas along with 
really cold temps.
But it was pretty to see for a bit.
Reminded me of my days growing up in snowy Michigan in the winter!!

Now that I'm back here in Texas, it's time to get busy.
There is lots of creating to do
 and many plans going forward.

I also want to share 2017 as my blog year for celebration.
Yes, I've been around here for TEN years  and I have loved every minute.
To tell you the truth,
 I wasn't sure I should continue this little space here in 
blogland, 
but after so long,
 I just can't walk away from this journey just yet!!
You all mean so much and your friendships have been a blessing.
We have celebrated each other in our triumphs
  and prayed for each other
in our challenges big and small.
I have had the opportunity to meet so many of you in person
and what a joy that has been.
We learned from each other,
rejoiced with each other
and
formed friendships to last a lifetime.

So to celebrate here at Southern DayDreams,
I will share posts throughout the upcoming months
from the last ten years.
Some  will really give you a chuckle especially those from the beginning years
and some may bring a tear to your eye.
Others will share some crafting ideas
while still others will be just informative.

It just feels right to review the past ten years and my little journey 
here along the way.
How far we've come and how far we have yet to travel.
I hope we can continue this together as we take on this new year
in a big way.

I will also have a giveaway for you to say Thank you for 
following me here and taking the time to visit.
The details for the giveaway will be announced in an upcoming post next week
so please stay tuned for that.

In the meantime,
I'll leave  you with a few pics from the past.

From sharing our collections~


To recipes


from gardening~


to book reviews!


We've shared a time of creating

and painting~


Treasure hunting~

and many features!
There's been stories~

along with Mother's and Father's Days


We've celebrated family

and anniversaries!

We talked fashion
vacations!


Sweetness
and shopping!


and shipping all over the country!
We've shared in gift guides for the holidays


and gifted each other with blog awards!


we've shared our pride to be an American~


and you joined me in designing and the sharing of tutorials!


You've visited me in my studio


and played along with many giveaways!

we've kept strong with our faith and love for each other~

and become blogland friends along the way!

we've shared our hearts~
and lots of fun!
Yes, it's been a great 10 years!

Thank you for staying for this long post.
I hope you had fun reviewing a few photos.
I'll be back with the giveaway and more to share next time.

Happy February!!

64 comments:

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Wow 40 windows! I don't even want to think how much work that was. All the furniture that has to be moved so they can get to each window- quite an undertaking!
I didn't know you'd been blogging for 10 years! Lots of memories and things to reflect on. Looks like you've shipped to just about every part of the U.S.! Good to see you back, look forward to your future posts!

Jan Hermann said...

The windows look lovely...but I can't imagine having 40-something windows taken out and replaced in just 4 days!! What a whirlwind. And congratulations on 10 years, my friend. I'll be celebrating 9 years in a couple of months. Keep it up!!

Decor To Adore said...

10 truly fabulous years Celestina! Here's to many more. Have a wonderful week!

craftyles said...

What a wonderful post, Celeste. I love seeing pic's from the past. Loved seeing old projects, and old friends and your family too. Wow-10 years-big congrats to you! Glad you got your window project finished and so many other things too. You are truly one of a kind, dear friend.Looking forward to more years of your beautiful blog.

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely post, so much to see and admire. My apartment has exactly 3 windows, all ancient, so it must have been a huge job getting 4o done. Have a great fEBRUARY; HUGS; vALERIE

Deborah Montgomery said...

Well, we are birds of a feather. We finished our kitchen reno shortly after you did, and now, we too are looking at replacing windows. Ours also are 25 years old, and we have about the same number to replace. Any tips?
Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! That is quite an accomplishment my friend! You have shared so much beauty over the years, and I missed the first 6 or 7, so I'm looking forward to your flashbacks.
Also eager to see all your new projects. xo Deborah

Stephanie said...

Oh Celestina, what a precious and beautiful post! 10 years...what an accomplishment! I am so thankful you started a blog because the Lord used it to allow me to meet you and my, what a blessing you have been in my life. Truly, you are a treasure.

I am looking forward to more lovely posts from you, dear friend, as they bring smiles to my face and sweet joy to my heart. Thank you for everything you share with us for it's much appreciated.

Love and hugs to you!

Daniela said...

For sure you've been very busy, darling Celestina, you've made so many things !
Thank you for this amazing post of yours, you always put me in such high spirits, sweet friend, thank you !

Sending blessings of joy on your February

XO Dany

Unknown said...

Celestina Marie, A Great Post! 10 Years what an accomplishment. Thank you for sharing your talent, lifes work, special thoughts and blessings.
LJ

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Congratulations on ten years of blogging, my friend! I'm so happy that we met through Stephanie's teacup exchange, and now I consider you a special treasure. It was so nice looking back through your pictures, and I look forward to reading posts from the last ten years. I know that you're happy about the Windows being finished and good for you in purging and cleaning. I need to do more. Sending you hugs and love.....

Dorthe said...

Congratulations with your 10 years anniversary ,dear Celestina, and too, with your 40 new windows, what a big work, and what a wonderful feeling to have finished by now, with February starting.Your creations you also mastered, are so beautiful, and so fun to see 10 years back . Dorthe, xoxo

Cynthia said...

This is a wonderfully inspiring post! As for the windows, we are in the same boat. The house is 17 years old and everything needs to be repaired or replaced. We are starting on the inside and working our way out. There's tons to be done!!! Thank you, for inspiring all us! May God bless you and yours! Cynthia

Karen@Southern Gal Meets Midwest said...

Happy 10th Anniversary Celestina! I am so glad you have chosen to stay with your blog or else I may have never had the pleasure of knowing you! Looking forward to all the beautiful things you will be sharing with us this year...HUGS ☺

Art and Sand said...

When I saw your window number, I began counting ours. I can't believe that our tiny house has 31 windows!

We replaced the window in our living room in 2016 and at the cost of replicating 2 mullioned door-like windows, we won't be replacing any others soon.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Congrats on 10 years of blogging and on replacing 40 windows. What a job!

I look forward to seeing past posts from your 10 years here.

Happy February ~ FlowerLady

NanaDiana said...

Oh- I hear you on the windows! lol I think you know we used to own a window, door and siding company so I know ALL the INs and OUTs of that process.

What a wonderful tour of the last 10 years, Celeste. I wasn't blogging that long ago so I didn't know you back then but I found you shortly after I started blogging, I think. I have loved every moment of visiting your blog; not only are you talented, but you are more loving and giving than most people I know. I am glad to call you a friend. xo Diana

Alessandra said...

Congratulations on ten years of blogging. You've been very busy. Thanks for sharing all the beauty of your creations and jobs
Hugs Alessandra

Sue Kosec said...

How fun for you to have blogged for a decade. I didn't find you that long ago so in my spare time(!!) I'll have to go back and start from the beginning.

Thanks so much for your photos along the way - always enjoy seeing how the other half live.

Looking forward to more ...
xo
SuZeQ

Linda M. said...

Celeste, Congratulations on your ten years of blogging and sharing. I haven't been following you for the entire ten years but it has been quite a few years. I'm always inspired by your painting and decorating, I look forward to many more years. Thanks. Hugs, Linda

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW, 40 windows. I bet they look terrific.
Congratulations on ten years of blogging. I have really enjoyed your posts over the years and our blogging friendship.

I bet you feel so good cleaning out your studio. It is always such a great feeling of accomplishment when we get a project finished.

So glad your back to blogging, I have missed you dear friend.

Have a wonderful weekend and looking forward to your next post.

Hugs,
Mary

Draffin Bears said...

dear Celestina Marie,

Congratulations on 10 years of blogging - I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed your friendship, kind gifts you sent me and enjoying all the wonderful inspiration and things you share with us. Loved looking back on the past 10 years, you are so very talented with all you do.
You will be so happy to have the windows done and what a difference that will make. We are replacing French doors and will have new bi-fold doors out of the lounge and kitchen so will be excited to have them put in.
Lovely that you are continuing to blog here and look forward to many more happy years with you. Thanks for visiting me and the kind note.
hugs
Carolyn

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Celeste! You have been busy! And you replaced all those windows at the same time? YOU are brave! We've been in this house almost 20 years now and we've only replaced one at a time, once a year, and we've skipped a few years! Bravo and welcome back!

My thrift store addiction said...

Congratulations on 10 years, Celestina! Your designs are always lovely and you are an inspiration! Blessings, Cecilia

Sandi Magle said...

Aw, I was just searching for your blog yesterday and the shop ---and was hoping you would be back soon...Great to see you again, love all of it, Sandi

Donna said...

Congrats on your blog-aversary, Celestina! That is a long time to be blogging:) Love seeing pictures from the past, especially your wedding photo! Wow, I can only imagine what an undertaking it was to have ALL of your windows redone, all of the dust and mess, and finding time to create and purge and organize in the middle of it all! Looking forward to seeing posts from your past. Glad you were able to get away and have some fun!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! What an accomplishment and what energy you have for the new year. Looking forward to seeing all you will be doing.

Blondie's Journal said...

Happy Blogiversary! I'm at 9 years! I love the photos from years past---helps me know you better!

40 windows! I know your home must be spectacular! We had 16 old, old windows replaced when we moved into our home 30 years ago. It was essential for keeping the cold Midwestern winds and chill out during the winter.

Good for you for the purging and organizing. Summer is much too busy to be doing that!!

Jane x

Claudia said...

My dearest friend Cleleste,
thank you for this wodnerful post, in words and pictures!
10 years blogging, such a long time! I am so glad, I found you here and I am glad to, you will go in with blooging!
I am looking forward for all the lovely posts you will show us through the new year!
Your new spring paitings are wonderful, I love them all!
Now , a last few words about replacing 40!! windowse in your lovely home ... what a work, but I can undsterstand, that it ha´d to be done after 25 years! i just remembered, when my parents did this ( but long time ago, I was a teenager then ...;O) ...) it is such a lot of work.....
Thank you for staying with us, my sweet friend,
have a lovely february and take care!
Sending Love and hugs and blessings to you, and hope, you are doing fine!
Claudia xoxo

Crissi said...

Congratulations with your 10 years anniversary ,dear Celestina - thank's for sharing your talent, lifes work, special thoughts and blessings.
Enjoy the week
blessed day
Crissi

Anna said...

Congrats for your 10 years of accomplishment !!!
Lovely creations ! As always...
I was smiling reading your post....we are in the process of changing our windows (11 and a door) after 20 of good service...
Hug
Anna

Debbie Harris said...

Ten years of pure beauty I am quite sure of. I have been blessed to have enjoyed over two years with your amazing blog and I look forward to seeing your past ten years through your up- coming posts. How thankful I am that I found you through my dear Stephanie''s blog. It has been a real joy getting to know you, Celestica.
Congratulations on your ten years!☆
You have certainly been busy over the last month with some great projects. There's something wonderful about purging, isn't there?
Though it's a big messy job, those new windows will be a delight.
I have missed you!

Have a wonderful day~

Conniecrafter said...

Congrats on 10 years!!! I am so happy you have decided to keep up your blog, I would be so sad to see you stop for good. Thanks for the tips on banner I know nothing about it and would love to make my own blog header instead of using the templates they provide.
It sounds like the whole window thing was quite the work but I imagine it feels good to know you are more energy efficient, I would love to get ours done but I don't see that happening any time soon :(
I started cleaning out my craft room and it didn't last very long, every time I go in there I just want to create more. The new items in your store are just beautiful creations!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You have been busy!! Where in Michigan did you grow up? I grew up in Michigan too. Happy 10 years blogging!

Cynthia said...

My dear friend, I knew you were getting your windows done but you were gone long and I kept popping over to your blog and shop and was concerned. Happy to hear everything is good. Can't wait to see your new windows. Love that you're sticking around to blog I would miss you and your wonderful blog. You're an amazing talent and have enjoyed getting to know you. You have been supportive of my blog and encouraging.

Cindy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It has been wonderful blogging with you for so many years. I think we started close to the same time and I've enjoyed (and remember) so many of your posts. You always inspire us and are a blessing to have as a blog buddy! Happy blogging sweet friend. I can't wait to see what you'll share next! Hugs, Diane

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Well, Celeste, you have been very busy. New windows was quite an undertaking, I'm sure, and you will enjoy them throughout this winter and beyond. Congrats on 10 years, I have been along for 4 of them and look forward to seeing looks back..Happy Thursday..Judy

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Happy 10th blogging birthday!!!Doesn't time go by quickly!? Looking forward to more post from you with all your creativeness.
warmly,
deb

Createology said...

Congratulations on 10 years blogging and I am thrilled that you will be continuing to blog and share your Grace and Talents with us. Your window project was massive and I am certain it is a huge improvement with new window technology. You have kept us informed and entertained and generously gifted with your wisdom and treasures and I am sincerely grateful. Happy 10 Year Blogiversary Dear. Fabulous February to you...XO

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

Hello Celestina, wow congrats on 10 years of blogging!! What an accomplishment. I love your blog and your talent. Thanks for being my blog friend.
Big hugs to you.
Julie

Anonymous said...

Happy 10 year anniversary! What pretty things you've been working on. I enjoyed seeing your photos from the past. :)

Kim said...

Ten years? Wow, that is quite an accomplishment!! I have enjoyed every visit and I am so glad you have decided to stick around. I can't wait to see some of your posts from the past, from years before we met. How fun!! I am looking forward to that! I hope you are enjoying your new view and resting a bit after the window replacement. Not fun to have all that work going on... have a wonderful weekend!!

20 North Ora said...

Congratulations on 10 years - that is quite an accomplishment!! So proud of you and your sweet spirit. It is amazing to me that I have found so many dear, dear friends who are so precious to me. Thanks for your beautiful blog and your many talents.

Judy

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Your wedding photo is my favorite!! You & Larry look so sweet. Ready to start your new life together as husband & wife. Hope all is well with you. I'm doing very good. So far so good! Lots of love & hugs to you and yours!! Blessings always, Sherry

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Wow, you have been a busy bee. That is quite the accomplishment, replacing that many windows. So glad you got to visit with your hubby. What sweet photos you haveshared. Congratulations on your 10 years of blogging. I hope your weekend is fabulous. xo

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Congratulations on 10 years of blogging, Celestina! Loved seeing all the wonderful photos - such a sweet celebration of time! You deserve an award for going through the window renovation and you must be so happy now that it is all done. So nice to look forward to looking out your new beautiful windows on the upcoming spring. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Sending hugs xo Karen

Stacey said...

Ten years of sweetness from you!! I'm so glad we've met in person because your kindness shines though. Congratulations and thank you for all the inspiration and beauty. :)

Smareis said...

Uma linda coleção Celestina.
Fotos do passado sempre traz muitas lembranças boas. Adorei a postagem!
Boa semana!
Beijos!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Oh this was such a wonderful post! Ten years of goodness, talent, inspiration and joy from you!
I have not known you this amount of time, but in the short year that I have I have been blessed by knowing you!
xox
Jemma

Linda Walker said...

Wow, Celeste, Congratulations on your 10th year of blogging! So glad you decided to stay with it or I might not have "met" you! I loved scrolling through all of these treasures from the past and I am so grateful that you share your many talents with us! You are an inspiration for sure and I am blessed to call you friend! Happy Anniversary and here's to 10 more years! xo
Linda

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Afternoon Celeste, Firstly, congratulations on 10 years of blogging, that is such a marvellous achievement.
.... and I loved looking at your photographs, my goodness there is so much to enjoy.
I was just thinking about how many windows I have in my home and I have 10 windows. It must have been such a mammoth job for you to replace all those windows, but as you mentioned, you will really benefit now that they have been installed.
Again, congratulations on your 10th anniversary.
With warmest wishes to you.
Daphne

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

Whoa that's whole lot of windows to change out..Also a big congratulations on 10 years of blogging..what an accomplishment. You certainly have been a busy girl...

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

You surely have been very, very busy! Changing out 40 windows, wow! A ton of decisions and planning for sure. The trip you took with your husband was lovely, complete with a bit of snow! I'll be glad to send you some more, if you want some, just let me know, we have plenty to go around up here, lol!

Your creations are so beautiful, creative, and just darling! I am so thankful to have met you in this blogging journey, although I can't remember how long it has been since we've met, but I look forward to hearing all about the past ten years! Congratulations on blogging that long!!!!

I enjoyed seeing your new creations and organizing of your craft room. It seems my craft room always needs organized, especially if I am busy working in it, lol!

Hugs to you today :)

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Wow...what a huge and beautiful project. Nothing like having great windows!...So great that you are traveling and spending great time with your hubby....life is too short so take advantage of enjoying every minute that you can with the love of your life. I love traveling with my hubby too! You certainly have accomplished so much in these last couple of months. Glad you are continuing your blog journey!!!

Feral Turtle said...

WOW..Congratulations on TEN years!...and 40 windows. Amazing! You have been one busy bee and a talented bee at that. Looking forward to a preview of your last ten years. Cheers.

Unknown said...

Hi Celeste! My name is Chasity and I am new to the blog world. I stumbled across your blog and wanted to congratulate you on ten years! I love your blog and hope I can be as dedicated and maybe one day reach the 10 year mark like you did with my own blog. :) I would love it if you have a moment to check mine out. I am your newest follower!

Chasity @ bluecottagefarmhouse.com

Dianna said...

Hello Celeste!

It is so wonderful to find you again! I'm Dianna from Joyful in His Presence (my old blog). I needed to take a year's break from blogging in order to help with my father-in-law's needs while we still had him here before he departed this life in July to go to Jesus. I started a new blog (Forgiven) at the beginning of 2017. The web address is http://dlmcb.blogspot.com if you care to stop by. You are always welcome, my friend.

I loved visiting here today. Forty windows! That was quite an undertaking but as you say it will definitely pay for itself over time.

All of your things you've been working on for your shop are beautiful! And I loved looking back over the pictures from the last ten years. Looking forward to seeing what you have in store this year as you continue to celebrate your 10th year in blogging.

xx
Dianna

Anonymous said...

Mia cara Celestina, I am so happy to have "met" such a beautiful person such as yourself. You always have such nice things to say and you have such talent in your hands with all the beautiful creations you make. You keep things real and I really love that about your blog. 10 years is a long time and I look forward to reading your past posts and seeing how your blog has grown during these 10 years. God bless you my friend, Silvana

Anonymous said...

Hi Celeste! Wow, 40 windows! That's a lot. But I know they will really help with electric bills! ;)congratulations on your 10 years! I know I've been visiting you ever since I've been blogging and that'll be nine years in June! I will enjoy seeing posts all through your years! Be blessed, my talented friend.
You're always a sweetie,
Shelia :)

handmade by amalia said...

You've been busy! For me, I have an awful feeling the 2017 will copy 2016 and go by way too fast :-)
Amalia
xo

Unknown said...

Such a fun post!! I love your blog, your beautiful work, and am so glad you will continue to blog. Your blog brings lots of inspiration to us! Happy 10th year!!

Tete said...

What a wonderful post! Loved all the happenings now and all the sweet things from years gone by. We have been through so much here in blogland. I look forward to this year of celebration with you!

Eilis said...

Congratulations on ten years! So glad you're going to keep sharing your inspiration with us. I'm looking forward to your post about replacing the windows. That is a bullet we really need to bite one of these days.

Junkchiccottage said...

Wow Celeste changing out 40 windows is a big undertaking. I am glad you will stay with blogging I love the friendship we have shared through this crazy land called blogging. I love seeing you on IG too.
Happy Sunday.
Hugs,
Kris

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! You've made many friends along the way and inspired us all, Celeste!

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..