Rambling from The Roost: Volume 20

Welcome to 2025: A New Year, New Beginnings

Happy New Year, dear friends! As we step into 2025, I find myself reflecting on the joy and promise that comes with fresh starts. Let’s catch up. This year, I’m excited to focus on sharing more family heirloom recipes, bringing treasured flavors from my past into your kitchens. Let’s keep those traditions alive together! I’m also thrilled to bring you more Friday Finds and creative ways to style them, helping you transform your spaces with unique and meaningful touches.

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Home Updates: Drapery, Rugs, and Paint Samples

Here’s what I’ll be working on in the next few weeks.

With a new year comes a renewed inspiration for styling my home. I’m diving into fresh updates, including new drapery, rugs, and paint colors. Choosing from paint samples has been a delightful challenge, and I’m excited to share my choices as I go. Stay tuned for tips and inspiration if you’re considering similar changes for your home this year.

Your Personal Vintage Shopper

At Hen and Horse Design, my mission has always been to help you find those unique, one-of-a-kind treasures that make your space feel truly yours. Through my Vintage Keepers shop, I’m here to be your personal shopper. If you’re searching for something special—whether it’s a piece of vintage decor, a stunning heirloom, or just the perfect accent—I’d love to help you find it. New items are added weekly so be sure to check out my shop!

view of living room filled with estate sale items

A recent trip to Stockbridge, Massachusetts proved to be fruitful! The house was filled to the brim with many antiques. Here’s a peek at a few items I brought home with me. I couldn’t resist the bird teacup and this beautiful vegetable dish made in France.

Pink vintage champagne glasses, bird tea cup and french vegetable dish

The latest from My Kitchen at the Roost

After all of my decorations had been tucked away, I got busy and made this sour cream coffee cake from my mother’s recipe book. I invited over a few ladies and we sat for hours chatting while sipping on freshly brewed tea and slices of cake.

Here is how I made it.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

For the batter:

1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt

For the topping:

Mix together:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts
Cream the butter, then mix in sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Add the dry, sifted ingredients gradually, mixing well.
Pour half the batter into a greased tube pan, sprinkle half the topping, then add the rest of the batter and finish with the remaining topping.
Bake at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes.
Let me know if you try it—it’s a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for tea time or just a quiet morning at home.

Soups & Stews

It’s been colder this winter than last, which means it’s the perfect time for soups and stews to be on repeat. My hash recipe is so easy to make with the help of Trader Joe’s hash. I buy several and store them in my freezer. You will love it!

A Special Announcement: I’m Becoming a Grandmother

This is a year of milestones for me, and I’m thrilled to share that I’m about to become a grandmother for the very first time! Any day now, our family will welcome this precious little one, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. It’s truly a season of love and joy.

Favorite Finds of the Week

Every week, I come across treasures that spark joy and creativity. Here are my favorite finds this week:

Solid Brass Maple Leaf Bookends that brings a warm glow to any room.
Blue and white vintage dishes are always in style.
A charming vintage inspired quilt perfect for layering during these cold winter nights.
I just ordered these for Spring to make tea time even cozier.
Time to replace mine with these!

This was a huge hit at my party. I used this with it.
My skin feels so much better with this.

Looking Ahead

2025 is already shaping up to be a year of growth, love, and inspiration. From family recipes to home styling, vintage treasures, and the joys of grandparenthood, I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Thank you for being part of Hen and Horse Design’s story. Here’s to a year filled with beauty and connection! Until next time! Be well.