Wednesday, December 29, 2010

a little break

Taking a little break from the blog this week (in case you hadn't already noticed) to enjoy family and relax. Hope you all are having a lovely holiday season!

Came across this enchanting little winter picnic and thought I would share. Doesn't it make snow look so magical?


Do you live where it snows? Is it this wonderful or do you get sick of it fairly quick?


See you in the New Year!

Friday, December 24, 2010

'twas the night before christmas


'Twas weeks before Christmas when all through the house
there was plenty of stirring, even the mouse.

The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care,
the Nativity was still packed and I was pulling out my hair.

The store was not ready, no cranberries were strung,
no visions of sugar plums, no wreaths had been hung.


The children weren't nestled, they had sports to partake in.
I needed a drink, one stirred and one shaken.

I sat by the fire with my scarf and my cap
and dozed for 10 minutes, for a short winter's nap.

When out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.

Away to the oven I flew like a flash to find my cookies all burnt
and now fit for the trash.


Twas' weeks before Christmas and I was hardly prepared
from design blog to blog I sat and I stared.

And then in a twinkling to get away from the noise
I went to the beach in hopes of shopping for toys.

As I woke the next day and walked down to mass
The quiet, the peace, no schedule - alas.


The feeling of Christmas, that's all that I need,
forget the decor or my cute jacket of tweed.

Forget all the shopping, forget the stress of the store,
forget holiday crafts, forget the festive decor.

Remember my blessings, remember of the things that I should,
Thank God for my family and all that is good.

Just for a minute, everything seemed right.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.


Wishing you all the merriest of Christmases and hoping you are enjoying your family and what is really important!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

holiday home tours #5 and #6

This week my daughter and one of my daughters-in-law both let me invade their homes to share with you. What is it about the holidays that make people's homes feel extra cozy?

Here is Christine's...


And here is Mary's...


Have a wonderful Christmas Eve Eve!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

white elephant


This year for our Willows' Christmas party we decided we would all go out to eat and end the night at my house for dessert (and drinks) and an always entertaining white elephant gift exchange. We teamed up with the lovely crew from Healy Bea and all met for dinner at the Parlor, which, as expected, was delicious. Then we all headed over to my house to pile into my living room with cake, coffee (bailey's or kahlua?) and some mighty interesting white elephant gifts. Needless to say, we had loads of laughs and lots of fun. The holidays can certainly be crazy, but I love the reminder of how important and wonderful it is to surround yourself with friends and family... and laughter.

oh, and do you like my cute little party favors?


We did a pretty good job on dessert...


And the girls from the store surprised me with this lovely gift...


Thanks, ladies! It sure was a lot of fun!