Sights and Sounds(imagine them) of Christmas in Florida

My Favorite Things

Some old and some new.....my mantel, my simple tree in my sewing room, our vintage stockings (25 years qualifies as vintage?), new glittery Eiffel Towers, vintage Santa mugs from my mom....I love Christmas! Why can't everyday be like Christmas? Merry Christmas!

A Little Vintage

I love the aqua and red vintage Christmas look! Without knowing how much I like these colors for Christmas, my husband went to the store yesterday and came home with these blankets. Wow! I said I love them! So this is what all my precious "little" people are getting this year. I found the snow flake applique on one of my favorite embroidery sites.... "lynnie pinnie". Thank you Lynnie! I think the color combinations are really unisex so some girls may get red and boys may get blue. Of course I had to add ribbon and a name tag. What fun! Also, I wanted you to see a new cookbook I bought....The Farm Chicks....cover is red and aqua and oh so vintage! I really like using things that I have had forever or that have passed down to me. It's a great feeling using things my mother gave me or that I was given 30 years ago. 12 days until Christmas! Enjoy your vintage ornaments or dishes and whatever you have and Merry Christmas! By the way, my sweet husband went and bought me 10 more blankets! Gotta get busy stitching.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Going To Ohio

Make a polka dot Christmas pail, add Mickey and Minnie, throw in two special shirts, put it altogether and viola....a little Christmas gift for a great-niece and great-nephew in Ohio! Merry Christmas Alex and Keith! XOXOX from Aunt Karen

What a great Thanksgiving!

It's all about family! Perfect weather, food, fun and togetherness!

Look who's at my house!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Eve

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my children, their families and dogs(there will be 3!). The house is decorated, beds are made and I am busy preparing some of my family's favorite dishes. However, my thoughts turn to how blessed we have been and how good God has been to us this year. I am thankful all year for these blessings but am especially mindful of them today. The blessings that I am so thankful for include: good health for all my family, safety and protection, a wonderful loving family, friends that are abundantly good to me, a job I love and a faithful God. Wherever you may spend your Thanksgiving, I wish for you and your family a wonderful day of togetherness and thanksgiving.

Bed and Breakfast

We celebrated the beginning of my Thanksgiving break by going to a B&B in Shreveport. It is a quaint B&B in a beautiful old area. It was decorated for the Christmas holidays and music was playing when we arrived. I have passed it many times when I would travel to Shreveport never thinking I would ever stay there. Breakfast was delicious....fresh fruit cup, crustless quiche, sweetened bacon strips and a banana nut crumble muffin. Our cozy room was at the top of the stairs. When we came in last night people were sitting on the balcony visiting and enjoying the cool night. I want to return in the spring!

TruckNTree

More Gingerbread Girls!

40 Days Until Christmas

Current Crushes

43 Days Until Christmas!

I love, love, love Christmas. I already have a decorated tree in my sewing room and have been listening to Christmas music since early October. This time of the year is generally full of excitment, joy, lots of family and celebrating the birth of Jesus. I get to shop, eat and spend time with my wonderful family. This year after Christmas, all of my family is meeting in Destin, Florida. This is our favorite summer destination but will be our first after-Christmas spot. I am in New Orleans right now so I am not sewing. However, I have been perusing the internet and doing some shopping in the downtown New Orleans area. I want to share a few online shops I think are great. Even if you don't order from them, it's fun to get inspired by them. So the countdown to Christmas is on! What are your favorite traditions, gifts, or activities for the holidays? What do you have planned for your family? Please share. You may want to check these out...sorry I don't know how to give the link.

doodlebugspaper.com
monogramchick.com
pinktaffydesigns.com
lifeongrace.blogspot.com
oneprettything.com -Nov. 12 post on edible gifts (scroll down a bit)

Hospitality dinner

The Hospitality Dinner is an annual event at my church. Each year a theme is chosen and we decorate our tables with our prettiest things. This year's theme was "Written In Red". It was a difficult one but each year the tables are amazing. I used a white, black and red theme. I borrowed from friends but I also purchased a new tablecloth. It is a black and white buffalo checked cloth trimmed in red. I think I will find many opportunities to use it. Can't wait to find our our theme for next year. Then we start planning for the next one.

Happy Fall!

Halloween Pails

Halloween pails for two special little goblins. I plan to have red ones for Christmas. I think they are great to hold Christmas aprons, pajamas or anything really. Check back for new Christmas gifts coming soon!

2 Years Old!

Birthday shirt for a little 2 year old boy!

Happy Birthday Grayson!

On October 16, 2008 our little Grayson was born. He was our miracle in the midst of our grieving and what joy he has been to us. Grayson, you are the sweetest and most precious baby. Your PawPaw and I love you very much. We look forward to seeing your smiling face and can't wait to celebrate your 1st birthday. We love you!
Bella

Plie, Jete, Ballet!

Baby Layla Grace