Things in my House Thursday ~The Little Things that Make Me Smile ~Birthday Gifts ~My Family and Friends Spoil Me

You all know that I celebrated my birthday 

a couple of weeks ago.

It was a great day with family at Fenway Park.

That should have been enough, but I also enjoyed gifts 

from our daughter and son-in-law,

my sister-in-law,

my long-time friend from college days,

and my best friend here at home.

A package came from the east coast, 

a package came from the west coast,

and packages were delivered here in person.

Who doesn’t love a surprise?!

All the gifts were thoughtfully chosen just for me...

gourmet cooking ingredients, 

my favorite kind of coffee, my favorite scented candle, 

and easy to eat snacks.

My friends also know that I have a thing for all things vintage.

When you are my age, you will agree that the bests gifts 

are practical and consumable in nature.

There are napkins that match those pretty summer paper plates 

and a couple of kitchen gadgets that you can’t see in the photo.

And then there is this...

I just can’t help but smile!

Thank you, everyone.

I am blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Santa, You Spoil Me...

The best gifts come from the heart...

Hubby knows I am in love with Vintage Dress Forms, 

and they are nearly impossible to find.

Or, so I thought...

but Hubby surprised me with this little sweetie.

Maybe for my dresser, maybe for my bathroom vanity...

But I just know she'll be perfect, no matter where she sits.

From our daughters,

this luxurious ivory scarf...so elegant, so versatile.

(Might I point out that it is raining in South Dakota, in December...

...and that's unheard of!)

 Also from the girls, a beautiful set of stemware...

eight sparkling crystal wine glasses.

It seems the set we got for our wedding, 30 years ago,

is no longer a complete set.

 Velvet-covered hangers from my Sister in Law...

Glamorous bracelet from my Mother in Law...

And not one, but two magazine subscriptions.

I feel like royalty!

 In my stocking...

Lady Gaga CDs,

Lancome Juicy Tubes,

and Dunkin' Donuts Coffee.

It's the best tasting coffee, hands down.

This is from a co-teacher and friend...our classrooms are side by side...

we both understand that somedays, you just need instant dinner!

...And from my students...

I should remind you that, while elementary teachers always get gifts,

high school teachers, not so often.

This year I was remembered by some very thoughtful young adults.

Brooke, the chocolates may be gone in a month,

but the handwritten note will be with my keepsakes forever.

Lillie, your sweet note has a spot in my keepsake box too...

And check out these coffee mugs.

One for my car, and

the chalk board mug allows me to write a different message everyday.

Just kidding!

The biggest surprise of all came from my senior super study...

(that's just our name for home room)

I'm not so sure when they pulled this off,

as they are only together once a week.

A basket of spa products...

...a wonderful gift.

But there's more...

What a treat!

And their handwritten notes...

priceless!

It was a special Christmas, that's for sure.

Thank you, family, friends and students.

I hope Santa was good to you, too.

Take care,

~Natalie

Generosity Abounds in Blogland

I entered the blogging world in June and soon learned that bloggers enjoy just giving things away...Well, I love reading other people's blogs and leaving comments, never imagining that I would actually win anything. To my surprise, I have not only won once but five blog give-aways!! Again, I want to thank each one for their generosity and I suggest you look at their sites for some great Holiday gift ideas...like these...
My most recent package came from Suzanne at Just Another Hang Up. She has a talent for coordinating fabrics to create these fabulous totes. I love the blues and greens in this one. Her workmanship is wonderful...definately, Purple Ribbon at the county fair! And you should also see the "dwipes" she sells. The perfect gift for a mom on the go!


I have always admired these cup cozies from Kylie's shop Boutique Creations. She just had a new baby about a month ago, so has 3 little boys. I'm sure she is a busy mom...but still has time to crochet. You should also see the sweet little snowflake ornaments that she is making.

This adorable Wristlet is one of my favorites and is available from Lane Designs. I love the fabric because it is neutral enough to go anywhere, but fun at the same time. Deb also has her wristlet key fobs on sale for $5.00. They would make awesome stocking stuffers.


These Holiday Enclosure Cards are my favorite item from Inkspot Workshop. Their work is done to perfection. You will find items for all occasions with awesome prices ranging from $5.00 to $18.00. Definately "handcrafted paper goodies that make you smile".


My 5th package was from Michelle in honor of her 200th post. She sent some awesome Pampered Chef items...a mini tart pan, shaper and cookbook. From what I can tell, she doesn't have an Etsy Shop, but you should check out her blog, It's Just What I Do.
For those of you keeping track...you can see that I am nearing my 100th post. There will definately be a give-away here, but it will be tough to top anything I have won!

Winning a Blog Give Away

My New Fabulous Notecards!

I love to visit other blogs and often leave comments, however, I never expected to win a blog give away...well...I received a convo from Stacy at InkSpot Workshop that I had won! There is even a video of her handsome son drawing my name out of the hat. Yesterday, the package came with these lovely handmade cards. Thank you so much. Almost too pretty to use...

I am adding the link to InkSpot Workshop, so you can see more of her special creations. http://www.inkspotworkshopblog.blogspot.com/