And to All.....a Good Night

I am in a silent home this Christmas evening.  It is wonderful.  I'll be off to bed soon, but just wanted to wish my friends a most joyous sleep after what was sure to have been a most hectic, but wonderful day.  We will off for day three of Christmas celebrating tomorrow as we drive an hour or so north to visit my husband's oldest son and family.  Then my mother arrives from Georgia either tomorrow night, weather permitting, or Monday....and we'll have one more round. 

My sweet little Kloe angel, who turns one on the the 28th, has enjoyed her first Christmas immensely and has given us the most special moments.  It is for the children, after all.  I admit I had a bit of a time getting into the spirit this year.  The spirit hit me straight on when I watched the faces of my niece and grandchildren open their presents spreading their pure joy throughout the room.  Thank you, Lord, for that gentle, yet wonderful reminder.  I needed it.  (Oh....and Happy Birthday to you this day as well!)

So this sleepy wife, mom, grandma (Mimi) is off to bed.  I pray your day was filled with everything you hoped for...whether it be the beautiful view you gazed upon or the company you kept. 

Merry Christmas.

Special Delivery

That is what I received today!!  My special delivery from Shari Replogle of Plays with Paper.  I was thrilled to see the package on the table when I walked in from a very long and busy day.  Look at these beauties...

What a sweet, sweet drawstring bag with an
even sweeter tag!

Look what was inside!

This is the flip side of the lovely neckace.
To me, it now became something that could
be worn year-round. 

But, I really love the Santa side too.
I can't wait to wear this tomorrow to work.

Thank you again, Shari, for sharing your beautiful work with me.  Please see some more of her work in the Winter 2011 Belle Armoire Jewelry.  I picked it up and am trying to make my way through it.  LOTS to see and learn from this gem.  Right now it is my "red light" magazine.  Yes, I'm one of those who has to be beeped at so I will put my book down when the light turns green.  Annoying, I know.  Sorry.

I ran to one of my favorite local antique shops at lunch today to shop for a piece of pink depression glass for a co-worker whose name I drew.  I didn't find the right piece for her, but I did find a sweet little bargain for me.  I rarely see green transferware.  This platter was marked only $10 "as is."  I inspected it and didn't see any big chips or scratches so I was not sure why it said that.  When I took it downstairs, the gentleman reminded me about that part.  I said, "It looks good to me!"  I did find a little chip under the edge tonight when I took another look, but I am really pleased.  In my neck of the woods, bargains are pretty hard to come by.  Take a look...

My table is covered with mail, wrapping paper,
Christmas cards.  And, I think I see my reflection
in the plate.  Nice.  Isn't it a sweet find though?
I almost forgot to mention that it was "on sale"
for $8.  SWEET!

A little blurry, but I was pleased with the markings
on the underside.

This is something I am unfamiliar with.  A letter "P"
was pressed into the porcelain when it was wet.
Does anyone know the significance of that?
Very interesting...

And finally, as it is getting late, and I'm in for another very long day tomorrow...I've been stealing moments to look at my new Barbra Streisand design book.  I have one word for you....WOW!  It has been written by her, and her alone.  It is like she is sitting across the table from me and telling me all about her home.  The majority of the pictures were taken by her as well.  I'm not that far into it, but know I will continue finding special moments to read a few pages and examine the glorious pictures.  For example, the first couple pages include a fold out panaramic picture of the front of her "elegant farmhouse" painted a deep red with white trim and black shutters.  The next page unfolds to the entire back of the house....painted all white and looking like it belongs on Nantucket.  Beautiful!!

I bid you all a good night and wish you sweet dreams.

Books and Vintage Friday

I am SUCH a book hound.  I just can't help myself.  I would like to "blame" my mother, but that would have negative connotations, when I really mean, "Thank you, Mom, for sharing your love of books with me!!"  I just love them so.  So.....today I received my shipment from HomeStyle Book Club:  (Oh.......the JOY!!!)

I have done a cursory view of each and am LONGING for a day  (or more) to myself to devour, read, and savour EVERY WORD.... I am beyond happy.... I have no more words.....  (Christmas break is coming...almost 2 weeks off!!  Plenty of time for reading....I hope.)

For Debra's Common Ground ~ Vintage Inspiration Friday....I really love vintage everything.  However, today, these two pictures really spoke to me.  I know when a space works for me because I instantly feel calm.  Just looking at these two pictures brings calm to my mind and heart. 

I'm actually not one who usually like too much white.
I love color, HOWEVER, what I love, love, love
is that sink mounted in that beautiful antique dresser.
The different shades of whites and creams, and
the different textures bring enough interest to me
that I feel I could live with it.  BUT, don't you think
if the walls were painted the palest of greens, it
would be just perfect??  See....I can't help myself!

I could live here....year 'round...24/7.
If you need me, I'll be sitting in the wicker chair
enjoying a cup of tea and reading one of those
books listed above. 

Enjoy a most perfect weekend, my dear friends!!

Two bottom picture credits: 

Sink, etc.:  Robin Stubbert Photography via inspiracionline.blogspot.com

Garden sitting room:  homehousedesign.com

Book Giveaway and a Birthday!!

I have mentioned my favorite gardening blog A Way to Garden before.  Margaret Roach is giving away an advanced copy of her upcoming book and I shall have some peace there.  It is ON THE TOP of my must-read list.  I am hoping to win it, but won't dally at all in ordering it for myself.  Please pop on over, take a look, and enter.  The deadline is Saturday, December 11. 

On another note, we are enjoying some cold weather here in South Florida.  It was 46 degrees on my drive into work this morning.  So far I haven't had to cover my roses yet, but I am guessing I will before the end of winter.

And finally.....today is my Aunt Claire's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Aunt Claire!!!  I wish you a most special and blessed day!!!

I'm Happy to say....

....that I won!!  I won a giveaway from Plays with Paper...Shari Replogle's beautiful blog featuring her beautiful work.  Maybe you remember my mentioning that I met her at the Country Living Fair in Atlanta here.  I raced home, pulled up her blog, became an instant follower, and BIG fan of all her work.  I will be sure to share pictures of the lovelies....a beautiful handmade Santa necklace and some beautiful handmade tags.  Can't wait!!

Linky Party - Christmas Vignette

  

I remember the first time I ever heard the word "vignette."  It was while devouring my first Victoria magazine....the original one....many years ago.  I was in my early 20's and a friend had that magazine.  I instantly became a faithful follower.  It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with decorating and learning my own style. I fell in love the word and the concept on the spot. 

Today I share with you pictures of my Christmas vignettes and join the Linky Party you see above.  Please check out Rhoda of Southern Hospitality to see so much loveliness and inspiration.

I am still tweaking my home and will do more this weekend.  I want to add more natural elements, plants, etc.  So I'll add more pictures next week.  But for today.....Welcome to my home.

This is my favorite vignette.  I repurposed the chicken wire
and burlap cone I received from Donna with
poinsettias, wooden beads, and greenery.
This little area is my "tree" space.  More little trees to be added.

Thirty years of collecting Santas.

If you live in Florida, you must have Santas on the beach.
I think it is the law.

On the buffet under the tv.  I love this very old
Christmas card.  The theme here is
Woodland Christmas at the Seashore.
(Hence....the lighthouses.)

I always felt I couldn't get away with decorations that were too
girlie when I was outnumbered by my son and husband.
So I collected a more masculine, rustic decor that I have added onto
over the years.  I still like it.  The lighthouses were added for my
husband who is in the yacht business. 
So me to be accommodating to all.

This year, I added a new tree.  It is the girlie tree I have always
wanted!! She is a beautiful 4 foot, table top tree
in an urn.  I decorated her with burlap and birds
and other treasures.  It is the Mimi and Kloe tree
(me and my granddaughter).

This is one of my favorite Smith & Hawken ornaments. 
Oh, how I miss them, especially at Christmas!
(I will have to see if they are back online....
I heard a rumor....)

Okay, I will admit that I cleaned out our local
Pottery Barn.  I couldn't help it.  I just love
their Christmas story this year.  I will continue
to add some hand-made and natural elements.

It's not Christmas without the Nativity. 
This one was once my grandmother's
(I think), then my mother's. 
I love the natural cream against the warm wood.

Front porch vignette.....Florida style.

I noticed that we do a lot of "welcoming" here.
The first one...

A double whammy!

And yet a fourth....from my days of collecting
for the Woodland Christmas.

And some "warm wishes" thrown in for good measure.

The scene all lit.  Sprout is on our tv 24/7 for Kloe.
I think I know all the songs by heart!!

Santa came early!  Gracie takes a nap.  I think
she likes the burlap tablecloth.

So....a few more pictures will follow, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to play along and join the party!!  Now I will browse around all the others.  This is a mighty big party and I don't want to miss a thing!

P.S.  Please click on the "freckled laundry" button above to enter Jami's great giveaway!!



Thanks for Giving....

....me such joy....such Joie de vivre.

**A poem for you.**

Nature XXVII, Autumn

The morns are meeker than they were,

The nuts are getting brown;

The berry's cheek is plumper,

The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,

The field a scarlet gown.

Lest I should be old-fashioned,

I'll put a trinket on.

~Emily Dickinson

Yes...I got a trinket to wear tomorrow to dinner at my brother's.  (Emily said I must.)  I debated all day whether to shop for a Fall-colored outfit of some sort.  However, I have a new lightweight sweater in that very popular color that I call "blush"....you know, not really pink, not really beige.  I really like it.  I scored a lovely trinket at Anthropologie today to wear with that sweater.  In the grand scheme of things, it was not a major bargain.  It was an Anthro bargain, however. 

Isn't she lovely?  The blush beads coupled with
two sizes of clear beads.  Ooh la la!!

Do you love the fabric pouch she was put in?
Simple drawstring with snappy cotton fabric.
Love it!

All their jewelry hung from these simple tags with ribbon loops.

The best part....ON SALE!!
(Not the Made in China part.)

Are these exclusive to Publix?
Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim salt and pepper shakers.
I have a "thing" for salt and pepper shakers.
I didn't realize it until I counted them one day.

Another set...



One of several little Autumn vignettes with another s/p
set.  All will get put away Friday when I start on the
Christmas decor.

Tomorrow we will enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at my brother's new home.  We will make our rounds to other family homes as well.  I pray you all will enjoy a most special day with whomever you choose to spend it.  Families come in all shapes and sizes, and consist of friends as well.  Enjoy a blessed day.

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare.  They are consumed in twelve minutes.  Half-times take twelve minutes.  This is not coinsidence.  ~Erma Bombeck

(Wasn't she wonderful??)

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.  But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.  ~Robert Frost  (One of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite writers.)

And finally, as I write this, I am wearing my new trinket, paired with an old brown plaid flannel shirt.  One can never be over accessorized....right?

May Thanksgiving blessings abound to all!