Our Christmas Journey

Usually I absolutley love white christmases, not this year.  Phil and I were able to just get in the car and drive 1200 miles to see our babies and grandbabies.  We were almost there at about 3 a.m. and ran into one of the worst snow storms about 8,000 feet up.  I won't get into how terrified and alone we felt, but I know we had angels intervene!  Seriously!!!!

I hope you all had a great, maybe peaceful, Christmas.

We left our cozy, beautiful, home.  I had to take pics of the great fire we had.  I'll miss a fireplace if we get the house we want.  It doesn't have one.

I love to wrap presents.  I bought these great, handmade tags from ebay, but you can find even better ones on Etsy.  

We packed all the beautiful gifts and headed out west.

After a seriously terrifying drive through the mountains, we arrived safe and sound.  Let the festivities begin.

The 1200 mile trip was worth it to be with my beautiful children and grandchildren.  Below is my gorgeous daughter.

 Our son drove 6 hours from L.A. to be with us.  He too is gorgeous.  What a blessed mother I am.

And how could I not mention my soul mate and husband of almost 35 years.

My lovely granddaughter looks like she's right out of the movie The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

I wonder if he wasn't really a Kennedy.  Sweet, handsome grandson.

Our youngest will certainly be president some day.  He thinks he's big enough to drive.  Truly he does. Momma has to convince him (unsuccessfully) that he's not.

And yours truly happy as ever...cherishing the moment.

Peace to all, will write next year.

Festive Holidays.....Hanukkah and Christmas in all styles....

I love Christmas and Hannukah most out of all holidays.  Posting ideas yesterday was so much fun.  It was almost like doing it myself in my own home...but if you've been reading my blog, you'll know I'm in the middle of a move and am not able to unpack my Christmas and Hanukkah treasures.  Why does that Frank Sinatra song, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" keep coming to my mind?????

Anyway, I found some absolutely beautiful ideas and inspirations.  Hope you find joy in your own home while decorating.





Found this over on the "primpattern".  I love how pointly the boots are.






This is from a shop in Kirkwood, Missouri.  What I love most about this are the paper trees cut-outs which are cut and taped to the window.









As a little girl who grew up in the 50's and 60's my father would always comment at Christmas time, "Look at all the pretty Hanukkah bushes."  I loved that!

















Breaking away from the traditional dark green and red, I love this pink and orange...This looks fresh and young.






I have some little fake plants I bought at Ikea which would really dress up similar to these to fit in a Christmas theme..






This is one of my most favorite decorations; Beautifully wrapped packages under the tree.  I love using plain brown paper whether it be from grocery sacks or brown kraft paper.  When I saw this image I had to post.  It's all about the ribbon isn't it?  And I LOVE the maps.  Using found items for gift wrap is the best most interesting idea for gift wrap!  Stenciling is also something fun you can do to plain paper. Making your own gift tags is also fun. I have skipped that and found some great home made tags over on ebay. 


I bought these from mayasmomma at ebay.  She tea stains these herself with a hint of rosemary in the scent. 


Below are from doymc on ebay.  I love them.




   eco-friendly tips for beautiful gift wrap....I love this, especially the maps.







Below, a contemporary take on Christmas.  My grandmother used to have an aluminum tree (in the 60's) with the color wheel.  It was magical.  Recently I found one just like hers with a color wheel...$550.  I passed it up.













Marion Parsons made this holiday party favor and gift.  She put glued magnet strips on the back of the silver letters (inexpensive at craft stores, or make your own with durable cardboard, stencils and glitter.)  She placed them in a pinecone for a placard and vwalla!  A beautiful gift and elegant table setting. 













Designer Holly Mathis created this earthy, homey wreath. The key to making this wreath look full, use a base Christmas wreath and tuck in real greenery for freshness.

This look is what I never get bored with; simple white and green.

This is from Country Living magazine.





Hope you've enjoyed scrolling through.  Take care and hope you have a great day.

Christmas inspiration anyone??

Here are some wonderful visuals I found for you to put you into a 'Christmas decorating mood'.  Because my husand and I  may not even be in our home on Christmas, I can't post any pictures of my magical, beautiful and funky decorations that I love to open each year, they're all packed and ready to go to a new space.  In Christmases past I would go to the basement, bring up the boxes and unpack all of my tree ornament. It's like opening Christmas presents again and again; beautiful, shiney, delecate, and whimsical.  They bring me such joy!  HOWEVER, this year, unless there's a miracle (and for sure I'll let you know) that's just not going to happen.  (BUT I do believe in miracles. ) 

ANYWAY, I've collected some beautiful pictures from different places (which I've sited) and I hope you let them inspire you to make your space a beautiful, holiday getaway.

Love this room from Homedesign.com

Restoration Hardware
LOVE this place~



Pottery Barn Wreath



live magnolia garland from Pottery Barn


Something magical happens in kitchens all over at Christmas time.  A room for creating edible treasures and home-made tastey gifts.  Christmas in the kitchen from remodelingmyspace.com


Santa, I want these in my stockings! please?????

The above three items are from Anthropologie


Gift card holder from Pottery Barn





Even the bedrooms deserve a touch of festive feeling. (pottery barn catalouge)





Am seriously in love with the peace sign ornaments.....available at Pottery Barn this year.


(the 4 pics above are from Pottery Barn) Beautiful inspirations to help put you in the spirit.

In about a week I'll let you know where I spend Christmas, the day we celebrate God sending Jesus to earth....my favorite! In the meantime, peace and love to all and to all a good night.