another little happy.

Sometimes just adding one new little (or kind of big) item to your house makes the whole space feel new and fresh.  I just added this new kitchen light over our table and I am in love.  Every time I walk in the room it makes me smile.  I'm all for the little happy-makers!

our holiday party

Once again for Christmas, we had our adult holiday dinner that I host at my home.  (Like I said, it's been a crazy year and I'm a little behind...)  It's wonderful to be able to spend some grown-up time together during the holidays.  We have drinks and appetizers, sit down for dinner together, have a gift exchange, play games, indulge in dessert and just have a great time laughing and talking and being together.  This year my best friend, Laurie was able to come from California to help me decorate and get all set up for the party (and to join in the festivities, as well!).  We have so much fun doing this sort of thing together!  It was a great night with ridiculous games and lots of laughs!  Even though it was almost two months ago, I thought I would share some pictures now anyway.  

Better late than never, right?  

which way to the beach?

So, this is my latest flea market find.  There used to be a mirror hanging over this table at the beach house, but I took it down and hung this old freeway sign in its place.  I absolutely love it.  The family had mixed reviews.  One little granddaughter told me she liked the mirror better, but her mom pointed out she probably just liked looking at herself.  The real debate was over whether or not to wash it.  I didn't even think about it when I hung it up, but everyone was very opinionated as to what should be done with it.  What do you think?

a relaxing weekend

Did everyone have a wonderful long weekend?  We had a lovely and relaxing weekend here in town not doing much of anything in particular.  We attended some family gatherings and messed about the house. Sometimes those weekends are the nicest, don't you think?

How about you?  Did you do anything exciting, go anywhere fun, or just hang out and relax?

summertime

I must say, I am getting rather excited for summer to be here.  In honor of the start of this summer, I decided to redecorate my mantle.  It is certainly getting me in that summery mood...

a garden gift

I found all these crates at the flea market last time I went and I thought they would be so fun to use for plants or even as little herb boxes.  So, as usually happens with me when I am sitting in my craft room, I start to think of what fun little bags and packagings I can make to go with these boxes to create cute little individual gifts...  I have said it 1000 times, my craft room is my therapy.  And I had a lovely little session last week putting all this together...  I am going to put seeds in the little bags and fill the big "grow" bag up with some of our super fertile soil from the garden.  Throw in a watering can, some tools and even a cute little tablecloth and there you go.

Would you think it was fun to receive a vintage crate full of gardening supplies as a gift?

whoa, garden

Our garden is in full swing this year.  Everything is growing and it seems we have more than we will possibly be able to eat.  We keep encouraging the kids to come over and take as much as they can for their families, and we still seem to have so much.  I was thinking it would be so fun to have a salad making party.  Put a huge farm table out in the yard, cover it with butcher paper and lay out all the lettuce and vegetables it could hold.  Everyone could bring a bowl and take home a huge salad for dinner.  What do you think?  Would you go to a party like that?  Any ideas on what else you could do?  Would you prewash the lettuce or set up some sort of washing station in the yard?  Lots to think about...  Oooh, we could even make different salad dressings in little mason jars as party favors to take home!  I have to keep thinking about this one.  Oh, and find the time to pull it off...