holiday decorating

I am having a difficult time making the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas this year. The leaves on the trees here are such vibrant colors of brown, gold, red, and green that I am finding that I am just not ready for the colors of December. The last few days I have driven by homes that are already decked out with lights and have brightly lit Christmas trees glowing through the windows. They must have elves living at their homes. I have been poring over the holiday issues of my magazines that are arriving daily and they are giving me lots of inspiration. I love the soft blues of this fabric wreath that Sweet Paul made for the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens. This would also be so pretty in soft shades of blue felt.

And just how cute are these little votives wrapped in blue velvet ribbon with a tiny pine cone spray painted white and then glued onto the ribbon? Just makes the table look so festive, doesn't it?

When I saw this spread in Better Homes and Gardens, it made me remember that Sweet Paul's Holiday Magazine is out. I took a quick look at it the day it came out, but there was so much going on at work and home that I haven't had a chance to really look at it again until now.

This is another gorgeous issue by Paul Lowe. Filled with holiday crafts, recipes and beautiful photographs, you can't help but get inspired by it. I just want to pluck one of those pudding cupcakes right off that cake stand! Isn't that faux bois background fabulous?!

I really liked this wreath composed of family photos. What a wonderful way to display both old and new cherished photographs of family members during the holidays.

Isn't this chocolate espresso flan to-die-for?! I really must make this!

You can find the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens on news stands now and you can view Sweet Paul's free digital holiday issue here. Happy Decorating!

Happy Halloween

May You Have...

I just want to thank you for visiting my blog throughout the year and taking the time to leave me such lovely comments. Have a Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

by Dorothy Louise Thomas (1904 - 1964)

I thank Thee, for eyes to see

The beauty which Life holds for me!

So many walk with blinded eyes,

Oblivious to Thy wide-flung skies,

And never see the growing things,

With petals curved like gossamer wings.

Intent upon some empty gain,

They miss the cowslip's gold, the stain

Of mallow, springing gaily up

To catch the sunshine in its cup,

The iris, tall and deeply blue

As dusk before the stars shine through!

How barren all my days could I

Not hear the meadow lark's sweet cry!

Yet some there are whose ears are sealed

Against the sounds of wood and field,

Engrossed in self, they mutely go, 

Nor hear the chants the wild winds blow,

The ebbing, flowing melodies

The long waves sing in minor keys.

I praise Thee, that I can hear

The changing music of the year,

That in each day there is for me

Some silver flute, some symphony.

If only I might take warm clay

And go and lay

It on these eyes which cannot see

A summer rose, an autumn tree

With copper leaves touched by the sun,

The thin-curved moon when day is done!

Open their ears, this I pray!

That man is poor indeed today

Who hears no harmony in rain,

Beating in crystal on the pane,

Who hears no bird pour from his throat

Paens of worship, note by note!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Thanksgiving Treats

The Holiday issue of Sweet Paul's online digital magazine, Thanksgiving Treats, is out. Sweet Paul has done it again - he has created a stunningly beautiful magazine, filled with inspirational and creative ideas for the holiday season. If that cover photo isn't enough to make you want to take a peek, I don't know what would. The recipe for that marzipan, pistachio, cranberry treat is included in the issue.

There are some simple and creative gift packaging ideas:

I absolutely love cranberries this time of year and there is a whole section devoted to them. Recipes included.

And, of course, it wouldn't be a Sweet Paul magazine without some chocolate recipes and there are some there are some chocolate treats that make me drool.

Simple and oh, so easy DIY projects. I thought these item were hand knitted, but they are made from sleeves and ribbing from old sweaters!

Look what you can turn an old whisk into? So unique and clever!

I loved this section on incorporating family memories into your holiday decor.

And the best part of all? It is free. Thanks, Sweet Paul.

Gifted

The uber-talented Ez of Creature Comforts just released her online holiday magazine and gift guide, Gifted, and it is FABULOUS! Here's just a little peek:

Two hundred and twenty pages of creative ideas, crafts, recipes, and a holiday gift guide for everyone on your christmas list. Go on over to Creature Comforts and check it out.

Valentine Wishes

I just want to express my thanks to each of you who come by and visit my little blog. And a special thank you for all the wonderful comments since I started blogging two years ago. They all mean so much to me. I hope you have a sweet Valentine's weekend! xo

May You Have...

I wish for you a year filled with love, laughter, happiness, good health, and prosperity.

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

One of my favorite holiday songs from one of my favorite singers.


As much as I think it would be fun to just once ring in the new year dancing cheek-to-cheek at a fancy party, I really can't imagine a New Year's Eve without watching Dick Clark's New Year Rocking Eve and watching the ball drop in Times Square.

Another tradition of ours is to eat 12 grapes at midnight. Each grape represents a month during the new year. You make a wish while eating each grape as the clock strikes midnight to give you good luck throughout the year.

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

A Day of Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving.