My Dollhouse

About twenty years ago, hubby gave me a dollhouse kit for Christmas.

We put it together, almost all the way, and being the impatient

sort that I am, I painted it. And then it sat.....for years.

Several years ago, I decided to finish it. So, I repainted it.

And then it sat......for years.

Watching Claudia work on her beautiful dollhouse,
I was inspired to dig mine out, and finally finish it.

I've been making repairs, finishing things that were never finished,
and of course, repainting it!

Puppy is happy to finally have the porch put back together.

Lots of trimming and painting yet to do.

And I absolutely had to try Claudia's amazing idea for wood floors.

I've been cutting LOTS of popsicle sticks.

And I'm so excited that my kitchen will have a beautiful wood floor.


I love blogland!


There is no better place to find creative ideas and inspiration.

Thanks Claudia!

He Is The Reason....

As we surrender to the hustle and bustle of Christmas,

may we always remember the Reason for the Season.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

A Visit From My Secret Santa

I joined in on the Secret Santa Soiree
hosted by the lovely Suzanne from The Coloradolady.

And this week, my package arrived from my Secret Santa.

She treated me to some of my favorite scents,
and a sweet little sewing kit for my purse.

She also fed my obsession for fun socks.....

as well as my addiction to chocolate!

During the winter months, one of my favorite sweet treats
is a big cup of hot chocolate with a candy cane.

And I love, love this beautiful Eiffel Tower ornament!!!


This was a really fun swap!


Suzanne, thanks for hosting, and giving us a chance to meet new friends.


And to my Secret Santa, whoever you are, thank you
for bringing a smile to my face with these sweet treats!


Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!

May Your Days Be Merry & Bright

The house is decorated, and the gifts are wrapped.

Saturday was spent at our annual family Christmas party,

eating delicious food, playing games, singing carols,

and doing lots and lots of hugging and chatting.

This week will be spent baking yummy goodies and cooking the turkey....

listening to Christmas music and maybe a movie or two....

and remembering why we're celebrating.

On Christmas Eve, we'll gather at my daughter and son in law's home

for a delicious dinner. And on Christmas Day, the kids will all

be home for hubby's special Christmas breakfast, and gifts.

My favorite Christmas gift is the time spent with my family.

From my home to yours,

I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Marie Half Doll Supply Swap

In the Marie Antoinette group, we're doing a fun swap

where we're swapping beautiful supplies to create a half doll.

We were to create a beautiful pouch or bag to hold the supplies for our partner.

This is the bag I created for my partner Melanie.

I had so much fun sewing this. I am not a seamstress,
but I've really become very interested in sewing lately.

Melanie chose a cream color palette which I had alot of fun putting together.

I also chose a cream color palette for the goodies I received from Terri.

She took this gorgeous vintage lingerie pouch, and added a beautiful
pleated ribbon across the front. She also added two vintage flowers,
and a gorgeous ribbon rose that she made.

Terri does the most amazing things with ribbon!

(it's been gloomy here lately, so I'm having trouble taking pics. the pouch is actually cream)

Here are the beautiful goodies Terri sent me.

Thank you Terri for these wonderful, beautiful goodies.

I. can't. wait! to start working on my doll!

Our beautiful supplies came from our partners, but we were to supply
our own half doll. I couldn't find a vintage doll that I really liked. So
I was excited when I found this beautiful unpainted bisque Marie doll.

I'm still trying to decide if I want to paint her, or leave her as is.

What do you think?

Either way, she is going to be my first project after Christmas!

Tea Cup Swap with Terri

My sweet friend Terri and I just did a tea cup swap together.

These are the gifts I sent her.

I had so much fun creating ornaments for her.

These are the beautiful gifts Terri sent me.

This gorgeous tea cup has me seriously swooning.

She made beautiful lace pouches that hold an assortment of teas....

and there's a sweet little bird for my tree.

There's a recipe for yummy cookies....

a beautiful stitched tag.....

and the most gorgeous frozen Charlotte angel.

And look at this sweet PINK sugar.

I love everything Terri!

Thank you so much sweet friend.

I'm Dreaming of a Pinterest Christmas

♪  ♫   O Pinterest, O Pinterest,  how lovely are your pinnings...... ♫  ♪

(source)

I resisted for a long time, but it finally got me. I have become a Pinterest addict.

(source)

(source)

The beautiful photos and wonderful inspiration make for hours of fun.

(source)

And there are more ideas for beautiful Christmas decorating

and crafting than I could accomplish in a lifetime.

(source)

(source)

(source)

It never ceases to amaze and delight me, how much

beauty and creativity there is out there.


Hope you're all enjoying the holiday season.