Thursday, December 27, 2018

Was Santa Good to You? My Family and Friends, They Spoil Me

I really do love the glow of the lights 
on the Christmas Tree. 
Our cats often sleep there,
in the warmth under the tree.

The other night, I was up in the night, 
and caught Lucy talking to Santa.

Maybe she was trying to convince Santa 
that she was not naughty, but nice?!

I will so enjoy my gifts, 
chosen just for me, 
with my likes and interests in mind.

From hubby, an upgrade to my Fitbit.
It was 15 months ago when I 
made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, 
that includes regular exercise.

He also knows that my favorite candle scent is coffee...

These are not easy to find, but they do have them at the 
Karisma/Lost & Found Occasionals Boutique downtown.
Check out the coffee beans in the candle wax.

From our daughter and family in Okinawa, 
we received these treats to share with the whole family.

And this very special Santa for my collection.

They also sent their family photos,
all framed and ready for display.
Their photographer does a beautiful job.

From our daughter and hubby in Boston,
I received these much needed socks.
Notice the label?
“How cute are these?”

Also in their package, a new soup ladle. 
At one time, I had two, but have not seen them since I retired. 
I must have left them at school.


From our friends, Rebecca and Robert, 
we received these elegant canapé plates.

There were six plates in the set, 
so I guess we need to have a party!


My sister-in-law knows I like comfy, 
warm slippers for around the house. 
These are lined with fur!

From my mother-in-law, 
a year’s subscription to Rachel Ray’s Magazine.
 And as always, a care package of Avon products.

I think I have found a special spot 
for my new Santa to sit...
Right beside Baby Jack!

From my friend, Debra, 
I received gifts to pamper myself in the new year.

Along with such a cute calendar.
I love cats...I love vintage!

My family know I appreciate a good cup of coffee, 
and my new coffee maker has a built in grinder.

Santa brought these necessities.

I guess Lucy’s chat with Santa paid off...

She is one content kitty.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday.

Take care,
~Natalie

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas to our Family and Friends ~Our Celebration ~~A Little Peak at our Christmas Past

We are sending Christmas Wishes from our family to yours.
We hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family.

Here’s a look at how we celebrated here.
There is a box of Hubby’s Toys in our attic.
 I thought it would be fun to create a Centerpiece 
with one of his Vintage Pickups decorated with a wreath 
and a couple of Christmas trees.

Emily knew what I was up to and sent 
the Holiday napkins to complete our appetizer table.

Thanks to my friend and neighbor,
I have these cute little Christmas bowls for my snack mix.

These are the napkins that I purchased in a Boutique,
when visiting our family in Boston.

On the Appetizer Menu,
Mini Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls...

And Raspberry Brie Bites.
These even look like Christmas, Don’t they?!

Grandma’s Table looked beautiful today 
with the centerpiece that she received from family.

And speaking of family,
Here’s a photo from Christmas past.
Our daughters helping Grandpa play Santa 
on Christmas Day was a special tradition.

I hope you all made sweet memories today.

Take care. 
~Natalie 

Monday, December 10, 2018

Where the Week Went ~Trimming the Trees ~~And More

Our Christmas boxes came down 
from the attic two weeks ago. 
It takes some time to put everything in place.

So many precious memories accompany those decorations.

Hubby hung the garland on the front of the garage yesterday.
I will get a photo of that after dark.

He also helped hang the Seasons Greetings 
sign over the stairway.

My Jingle Bell wreath sounds 
just like Santa’s Sleigh!

This year I moved the tree to a spot 
closer to the dining room, 
this way I can see it when 
I am working in the kitchen.

Why do I put in all this effort to 
decorate when it is just the two of us?
I just love the glow of the Christmas Tree lights, 
especially in the evening.

Maybe you all remember this centerpiece 
that you can assemble with items 
you already have in your home.

It also gives off a lovely glow 
when you light the little candles


I always look forward to setting up my little tree 
on my bathroom vanity. 
It provides the perfect nightlight 
when I get up in the night.

There are a few sweet treats in the 
Living Room Coffeetable Centerpiece.
I must add some dark chocolates, right?

I like the Christmas Tree Lights so much, 
that I set up a tree in the downstairs Family Room too.



Hanging over the fireplace mantel, 
is the stained glass window from our old farmhouse.

Christmas picture frames show off a photo 
of our grandson...

..And photos of our daughters.

This one was taken 16 years ago, 
when they were both still living at home.

This cute little tin was a gift from a student a few years ago.
It contained homemade gingerbread cookies.


My personalized snowmen ornaments...

...It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Take care,
~Natalie

Road Trip ~Day Three ~Burger Battle ~Sweet Shopping Highlights

Our last full travel day took us through four states… Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Including some Big Bridges over some Big ...