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!