My Snowy Day

Central Virginia had quite the snowstorm last night. It continued all day today and really transformed the town into a winter wonderland. I only went outside a few times, as the snow is really deep (they said 16 inches this morning, and that was before another full day of snow). I accidentally left my boots in the trunk of my car (why didn't I grab these while there were only a few inches of snow on the ground???), so I have only ventured outside once today for a walk. Above are a few photos from my living room window.

I had plans to go see my sister in the Nutcracker today, but when the snow really started to fall last night, all my plans were canceled. I am sad that I missed the show; luckily the tickets were shared with family friends who were able to make it.

I did get a chance to do some baking this morning. Rachael gave me the recipe to her delicious breakfast blueberry cobbler a few months ago, and I luckily had all ingredients available. It was a delicious breakfast treat for a snow day.

Holiday Baking

I've been doing a little holiday baking recently. This is my first year of completing cookie cutter cookies. Most years in the past they've turned out horribly, so I've tossed them before icing. Here are this year's results:



I only have one good photo of the snowflakes. They're Martha's sugar cookies. Needless to say, they were eaten pretty quickly.

Fa la la la la

Just downloaded "I've Got my Love to Keep me Warm" by Kay Starr on iTunes.
Go download it and do a little holiday dance.

Ready, set... go!

The holiday countdown is on. Go grab a peppermint mocha and start your decorating!

Goodness

This holiday weekend was filled with goodness. I went home to visit with my family, eat lots of delicious food, and relax! Our Thanksgiving celebration was fabulous.

Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving by watching the parade, eating Monkey Bread, and then feasting on one huge meal in the afternoon. That night we attempted some midnight madness at the local outlets, but turned around when we saw the insane amount of traffic (if I only had photos!). We returned home to a midnight snack of ham biscuits!

Friday morning was the perfect time for a walk/run at the beach with Auntie A, Em, and the dog. Friday afternoon we had a freak storm - hail, snow, and lots of rain - so we napped and spent time with the grandparents. Em got me hooked on Glee, which we watched on Hulu. Loved it!

Saturday the weather was beautiful. Em and I went back out to the outlets and checked everything off our list in 2 hours. Watched more Glee, ate more leftovers, and spent time with Michael's family. In the evening we celebrated Auntie A's birthday and ate more delicious food.

Sunday it was time to pack up and get ready to go back home. We tried out my parents new coffee pot in the morning. I'm so glad they decided to go with this model. No more worrying about the burner on or that gross taste of burnt coffee.

I could not have asked for a better weekend. Thanks for hosting all of us, Mom and Dad! We had a great time! Now off to bake gingerbread cookies. Loving this holiday season!

Thankful

Where were you last Thanksgiving?

I was here.

Patiently waiting for this to land...



with my Uncle Steve inside.



I can certainly say that it was the most exciting and emotional Thanksgiving weekend I've ever had. I'm sure all of STS-126's family and friends can say the same.


This year, I am thankful to have my entire family on Earth. And yes, I do mean that literally!
(photos from my mom and sisters)

PS - He's back on the schedule for another launch - STS 132.

Holiday Gifts

House Beautiful featured some really fun holiday gifts for under $25 in their latest magazine. These cookies, from The Flour Pot, are definitely my favorite item under $25. I think I will use this project as inspiration though, as its far more fun to bake and decorate holiday cookies with friends.


PS - While looking for my own light bulb cookie cutter I found Fancy Flours' website. Be sure to take a look at all their fun baking supplies and decor for all your holiday sweets!

Your weekend plans...

Just in case you're looking for something to do this weekend... take a look at this handmade paper chandelier. Holy Moley! Where does this level of patience come from? Each piece was cut out by hand. Please, someone make this! I would make it, but where in the world would I hang it??? Actually, that's an awful excuse for not making the chandelier, I have plenty of ceiling space... just no patience to cut out so many pieces.

PS - WedVert has a DIY tutorial for making a simply chic and easy version of the paper chandelier.

Glam Lighting

Loving these light fixtures. They are oh so L.Alden. I can see each really making your room sparkle and giving your space a warm feeling; perfect for cozy evenings reading by the fire, entertaining in the dining room, or dimly lit console tables.

Thinking about Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, as its all about food, family, and friends. There are few expectations about presents (unlike Christmas), and everyone is in the mood to make a delicious treat to bring to the host's home for dinner. Pumpkin pies, roasted root vegetables and stuffing are some of my favorites. Mmmmm...

While searching for some new Thanksgiving recipes, I saw this video on Food Network. It makes me want to spend Thanksgiving with Ina (okay, or every day! I can't imagine ever eating boring leftovers at her house). What a delicious party she hosts! And her home... If I were there I'd be inspecting all the details of her lovely kitchen. I'm sure you saw that her kitchen was House Beautiful's 2009 Kitchen of the Year. What a wonderful food and interior inspiration for the upcoming holiday!

Etsy Shop Updated

I have updated the shop! Look to your right and you'll see a link. Actually, I basically just set it up tonight. For now, there's only one pillow listed, so you all will have to fight over it. Don't worry, I have more here in my "inventory," I just haven't had a chance to upload the photos. In the meantime, if you have any Etsy selling advice, I'd love to hear it. I'm new to Etsy and will take all the advice I can get. Thanks!

I Mean Seriously...

Could this little guy get any cuter? He's Max from "Where the Wild Things Are." Props to the Mom who put this costume together! She did a great job. Aren't you inspired to make a creative Halloween costume?

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Citrus-y Goodness

I got an email about Crabtree and Evelyn's new scent this weekend. Citron, Honey and Coriander sounds scrumptious, and the perfect accessory to any kitchen sink. Lemon-y scents always have a home in my kitchen. They seem to really get the cooking smells off my hands. Has anyone had a chance to try some yet? I'd love to know how zesty it smells.

New Autumnal Pillows

I made these dog silhouette pillows over the past two weekends. The autumnal look of the plaid is really what drove the inspiration. I thought the dogs were so happy and the contrast between corduroy and plaid/houndstooth print fabric was fun as well. We already have a favorite here... can you guess? Its the beagle. The dachshund (pronounced "dash-hound" in my family) comes in a close second.

Depending on how the work week goes, I'm hoping to put some on my Etsy site in the next few days. These would be great gifts for the dog lovers in your life! In the meantime, let me know if you'd like more info.

Cute Buffet

I found this on Craigslist last night. I think the lacquered red is really cute and gives a bit of an Asian influence to this piece. I'd love something like this along my empty wall in my living room. It would be perfect storage for my project supplies. A set of prints over this, plus a pair of tall lamps would really create a perfect setup for an empty wall in your home.

Party Planning?

Planning a party anytime soon? Check out The Party Dress. Its a website full of cute party ideas! Totally scrumptious ideas that are perfect for the girly girl in you!

Artist: Tracy Glover

Today I opened the mailbox to find Hospitality Design magazine waiting there for me. Before I even got back inside, I was already flipping through the newest issue. Trade magazines are usually pretty interesting because they highlight artists, designers, materials, vendors, etc and provide more technical information that you wouldn't normally read {articles on hardware, fixtures, etc} about in Domino, Southern Living, etc. Note: I'm not suggesting that you go subscribe to a bunch of trade magazines... they're not always that interesting {and frankly many decorating/design magazines have way better photos}.

At some point during my lunch break, the magazine fell right open to a page featuring artist Tracy Glover. Tracy, a RISD graduate, uses Venetian techniques to create contemporary glass home accessories. Her work is incredible! I don't know too much about glass blowing, but from what I understand, its not easy {and if you breath while you're supposed to be blowing the glass, can't you die from the heat???... this might be an urban legend, but I think this thought will pretty much permanantly keep me away from ever picking glass blowing up as a hobby}. To think that someone could make glass that is so intricately designed just amazes me.

After looking through her website, I have determined that it would be nearly impossible for me to decide on a favorite piece. Tracy's ceiling mount light fixture is high up on my list though. I would love to have one of her lamps on my bedside table. I imagine it would cast a warm glow with small hints of color running through the light. And a pair of sconces flanking my bathroom mirror? Lovely lovely lovely! In conclusion, I could design many a room around her lighting and accessory pieces.