and this season...

give of yourself. there are so many people less fortunate...

jingle all the way ....

i love the gap commercials... in case you need dance lessons - you know who you are... xo

december...

you already taste so sweet.... we arrived home from north carolina to a blanket of beautiful snow. snow makes all the cold worthwhile. it looks really beautiful covering all the trees. makes you want to stay nice and cozy in your house. but truly there is no time for that. there is much to much to do. make time for what you love. the weekend was filled with lots of love and lots of shopping, chatting, hugging, laughing, crying, and sharing of eachother. that's what life is all about.

heading south...

off to my bff's for the weekend. lots of much needed girl time... sure to find lots of christmas inspiration... love this idea...

have a great weekend ! xoxo

less is more...

that is the theme for this christmas season. so each day of december there should be a christmas related event. a simple idea. a simple touch to make the ordinary - extraordinary. little + happy = the best of today. sort of like an advent calendar. each day do something fun. my ideas to start are- make a yummy holiday drink - enjoy it by the fireplace. decorate the house. watch a christmas movie. (on tonight)


















bake christmas cookies. write a note to a friend. go to the local tree farm to get your tree - even better, cut one down. make homemade cocoa. drink egg nog in wine glasses. light pine scented candles. spread joy. xo

december...

embrace it joyfully
i had made a deal with myself that there would be no christmas music before thanksgiving. basically enjoy one season at a time. so now it's officially the christmas season, - yes, december 1st has arrived so turn up the tunes. ( i can hardly believe it) the weather has been so cooperative (really you should be here) it hardly feels like december. today is the day i crack open the christmas catalogs - ok, you are right i did peek - but i did try to hold off. my motto for the season is going to be... slow down and know when to quit. some of us have trouble setting limits (me) you don't have to do anything. seriously. if you are stressed out at the thought of making dinner or making cookies or ornaments, cards etc... order the stuff. i give you permission ( i am talking to myself here) i have purchased things recently from trader joes and sams club and you know what? the world didn't collapse. no one even blinked. and i got more sleep. and if you don't want to face the mall - order everything on line. there is free shipping everywhere these days. do things that work for you and that make you happy.
(even forgoing celebrations all together if it gets to hectic) whatever you do remember to try and enjoy the moment. cuddle up with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa and start checking your lists. remember this month should be magical. today on the first day of december i leave you this awesome little cookie gift your favorite cookies love and kisses and happy holidays. xo

moments that make up life...

surprise























i need at least three naps to recover from the last couple of weeks, which by the way have been filled with so much goodness. memories we will never forget. the most beautiful things are always simple. moms party was a big surprise and a huge success. it was a perfect tribute to someone who has spent her life giving out love. to be surrounded by love on her special day was all that she would wish for. happy birthday mom. i love you. xo p.s. you make 88 look amazing !!!





























a stand off as to who will get the pink flower .... luckily there were two.








and the newest member of the family (john) ... up until a few days ago that is...