Sugar and Toys

See my hand waving? I'm hiding behind the gingerbread man :)

Well, there's a glimpse of my sugar and toys decor. I like to think of Christmas as I did when I was little. Everything so full of sweets and magical surprises, whimsy, and wonder. A mix between Santa's Village and It's a Small World.

Do you remember how the smell of the Christmas tree used to make your tummy tingle? I found myself cupping branches yesterday and breathing it in. Just pausing in the moment felt wonderful. Flashes of memories...

New roller skates, zipping down the sidewalk in the cold winter air with my best friend (who also got a brand new pair). A quick memory of a color wheel casting pretty hues of green, red, blue and yellow. Curling up beneath the tree with my brother and staring up in to those magical branches. Catching a glimpse of your nose in a gold ornament. Dipping sugar cookies in a tall glass of cold milk. The decadence of eggnog with nutmeg sprinkles while watching the Peanuts special on television (no such thing as DVD back then!) Handfuls of tinsel to place on the tree - careful at first then glob tossing with creative vigor. Oh but the waiting...the waiting was the best and worst wasn't it?

What Christmas memory makes you smile? Take some time and indulge them, you will find that they refresh your inner child :)

Hugs,

Dena

Tell Me I Am Not Alone!

Hi Everybody,

I'm afraid I haven't been a very good neighbor lately. I feel like I am missing out on so much in Blogland and I miss you all SOOOOO much. In truth, I have a lot going on right now....but I'm finally finished decorating! Now the shopping...well, let's just say that there is much to do! How are you doing? Is your shopping all done? Please tell me I am not alone!

Dena

Sugar Plum Kitchen

I need to make room! Everything has to be rearranged to make room for the sugar plums and candies and gingerbread men. I like to make my kitchen a magical place at the holidays, filled with sugary whimsy. I think it is my favorite room to decorate for the holidays :)

What is your favorite room to decorate?

Sunday Giggles

I had to share this because I don't want to be the only woman walking around her house singing "where you at Santa? I been good..." If you have not yet seen this commercial, it's a good Sunday giggle. Be sure to go down to the bottom of my page and stop my music before you hit play :)



Falalala, HO! HO! HO!

Getting Ready

The clean up is finished, the leftovers are turning in to new yummy creations (turkey sandwiches on white bread with mayo salt and pepper).

I woke up this morning and realized that it is about to get busy.

I am not ready yet. I am not, not, not ready.

Measuring Goodness

Along the way we decide what is good for our family. We select the recipes, measure the ingredients and create the memories. These measures of goodness become our traditions. It could be as simple as the special bowl you serve your sweet potatoes in. Perhaps a special dish that you make, or a table scape creation that transforms the ordinary into the elegant.

What ever that special measure is, you know that it is the love behind the effort that makes the difference; despite your tired feet, or aching lower back. The meal itself will be gobbled down in a fraction of the time it took to prepare it but never forget that your measures of goodness go further than any full stomach.

When the clean up is over and you have this holiday behind you rest assured that you have lovingly added sweet memories for all those you entertained. YOU are the special ingredient that makes ALL the difference.

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving.

Hugs,

Dena

Mixed With Love

I love this time of year in my kitchen. Every bowl filled with ingredients, mixed with love and served with a joyful heart. I will be pulling each one of these bowls down soon!