Little Bits of Christmas 2010


2011 is just days away now...

What a strange holiday it was for me this year..a bit surreal really. Trying to balance the excitement the kids have for the season with my dread of it. You see, it was my first Christmas in my entire life without my Mom.

I decorated, baked, shopped and wrapped almost robotically. Just going through the motions. Really, what else can you do? Children depend on their mother to create the magic.

My mother created magic.

In the end, her magic could still be felt...

In the smiles and wonder of our children... my Christmas eve dreams of her... the traditions I shared with my parents being shared with our children... the joy I can see in my fathers eyes as he watches his grandchildren... and even the pop of the Christmas crackers at dinner - special because my Mom had brought them last year and we had forgotten to use them.

We had a quiet but joyful day with my Dad, my brother and my sister-in-law. Although my Mom wasn't sitting with us I could feel her loving eyes and spirit watching over us.

I wish everyone a happy holiday season and all the best for 2011.


Fimo Critter Home



My daughter is a budding Fimo artist :) With their growing population they were in need of a safe home. My Dad came to the rescue with this sweet little cubby just for the critters.


This would be a great D.I.Y.

He used a shadow box depth picture frame for the box and added wooden slats. He added one of my daughters doodles as a fun background.

Now her Fimo critters have a happy little home!

a quiet holiday table...


I'm hosting Christmas dinner this year.
I crave a quiet, relaxing day spent with those I love most.

This collection of lovely handmade products from Etsy shops is mixed with a few items from West Elm that I have my eye on.

I really love the combination of natural tones and textures created from a mixture of linens, porcelain, felt, and vintage paper. It creates a ambiance of tranquility at a time of year when things are not always so tranquil.

I hope you enjoy my choices for a holiday table....

1. A lovely custom vintage textile banner trio from Monkey Puzzle would be perfect over a buffet table don't you think?

2. A natural linen drum pendant from West Elm - a perfectly understated dining room light fixture.

3. A have a large collection of vintage glass Christmas decorations that would be perfect in a vintage cream planter like this one from All Things White.

4. This pretty linen table runner from Nell Gleason is simple, yet has a flirty feminine touch with the ruffle.

5. I have some antique handmade wood bowls that would be the perfect place for these felted snowballs from Apple Hill Dolls to rest.

6. Porcelain plates and trays cast from tin pie dishes. I love these! A fun way to serve some holiday goodies. Available at West Elm

7. Peace... handprinted linen napkins from Terre Mum



Happy holiday Etsy finds

Some things that caught my eye this week on Etsy...



This cream patent leather carry case from French English is the perfect modern but ladylike bag.

I have had my eye on this vintage jewel bracelet "the dutchess" from Dreamy Vintage for awhile now.

Fun hostess gifts, tree ornaments or to adorn your gifts this holiday trio of vintage silver spoons by Hammermann is a favorite.

I know a sly little guy who would love this sweet fox stuffy pillow from Birdmafia.

A festive looking handprinted floor cushion from Mookah would be perfect in my daughters bedroom.

Leilalou has the sweetest linen stuffed toys including this wee linen boy mouse!

I'm almost done my Christmas shopping and I'm proud to say I bought many gifts from Etsy shops. I love giving handmade gifts.
















It's a start...



I know many of you are probably well into your Christmas decorating by now.
I'm just beginning...the shop has been busy (a good thing) and to be honest I'm just lacking a little Christmas spirit at the moment.

I did manage to get my urns primped a little for the holidays this past week. I used ornamental cabbages and a mixture of greens to create a very simple arrangement.
Flower designer I am not :)




I also created this very simple advent calendar today - very quickly as I am already 4 days late!




I promised the kids I would get the Christmas tree early part of this week and set to decorating it and the rest of the house.

Happy decorating!