{ happy new year! }

I hope you had a wondrous Christmas spent making memories with family and friends.  We sure did!

Wishing you a magical weekend full of fun as we welcome 2012!

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{ merry christmas from our family to yours }

Wishing you all the most JOYOUS CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I plan on spending the next week or so offline, cherishing time spent with family and friends.  My hope is that you are planning to do the same.
 I'd love to see you back here soon! ;)

{ my christmas wish list }

Yep, I know.  Christmas lists are for children, not grown-ups, right?  Sure.  But it's fun to put together a list of goodies that you'd love to have under your tree - even if it's just for kicks! ;)


1. I- Dreemy flats by Steve Madden.  I'm obsessed with metallic flats.  I just can't stop thinking about these. LOOK how sparkly!

2. PhotoShop Elements 10 - MS Paint has been my go-to, free program for graphics and such for a long while. It definitely works in a pinch. But I used Photoshop all through design school, and, dang, I miss it!  It's a fantastic product, and there really is no great substitute. I'd love to have Photoshop CS5 some day, but this version would be a huge upgrade for me.

3. Oh, Tolix chairs.  Or knockoff Tolix chairs even- heck, I don't care.
Come and live with me....four of you. Please and thank you.

4. Kate Spade Tate Bag - I go through handbags like Kleenex, so I'd never pay this much moola for one. But this gray lady sure is pretty.

5.  Smidgen Posts - I adore these Anthro gemstone earrings. They're both delicate and a bit tough. Love that.

6. Design* Sponge At Home - Can you ever have too many design books? I think not. This gem by blogger, Grace Bonney, is full of practical, yet inventive ideas.

7. Tocca Feu de Touch Candle - This candle is pure luxury. Makes the whole house smell amazing and lasts, and lasts, and lasts.

8.  Lemongrass is Always Greener Jacket - Jackie O. would want me to have this, doncha think?

What are you hoping to find under your tree this year?  

More importantly, what are you excited about GIVING?!?

{ a merry monday! }

Right.  I know it's Tuesday now, but I'm still reliving the magical day we had yesterday. We had the absolute merriest Monday at our house.  Our little friends came over to celebrate, and we made some wonderful memories.

 All the lucky kiddos exchanged secret Santa gifts.
 Look at these beautifully wrapped presents!

But us mamas got to take home something even better: big bags of delicious COOKIES!

I had a ridiculous amount of fun putting together a merry and bright table for our guests.

There were, of course, goodies.

Lots  

and

lots

of goodies.

The kids all took a break from snacking and ripped into those gifts!

These munchkins received some really great presents. 

Here's the lucky recipient of some very cool spelling puzzles....

Oh, and a Disney Fairy.  Yes,Tinkerbell was very popular indeed!

This little sweetie received the most perfect, handmade hat!

And this lil guy was really digging Mater. 

Hey, I see you right there behind your own Christmas card, buddy! 

My sister surprised us with a visit to join in on the merriment. Grant was so ecstatic to her!

  Aunt Eesa is only his favorite person in the world besides mama.

Jack took some time out from play to sample a snowman sipper.

I managed to grab Grant and hold him still for the quickest of hugs ;)

 A handsome boy hanging on the bench.

Joyful, smiley little friends are the best gift of all! 

One of the wee cuties slept right through most of our 'rocking around the Christmas tree' ruckus.

But, not this darling girl.  Nope, she was wide awake for all the fun!

 A rare photo of all my gorgeous, cookie-baker, mommy friends!

 

When the party time came to an end, all our small guests went home with little bags full of sticker fun.

It's wondrous days like this one that make me adore the Christmas season. 

 It was truly a laughter and joy-filled day that I will not soon forget. 

I hope you're enjoying some merriment of your own with some very special friends!

Vendor credits:

* the talented ladies at Anders Ruff are responsible for all the gorgeous printables

*Stripey straws - Hey YoYo 

*Stripey cupcake holders/ Sofie's Big Day
*Styling by me  (Rachel of polkadots and puppies)

{ a bit of hall decking }

Just thought I'd give you a little peek into our home that's dressed up a bit for Christmas.

I like to change the look of our tree from year to year.  Does anyone else do this?  Last year ours was green and silver with black and white silhouette ornaments.  I went with a sweets-themed tree this year. Yum.

I borrowed most of these beautiful ornaments from my sis.  They are so lovely.  But they are also glass, and therefore NOT the least bit kid friendly. We've had one chocolate-dipped strawberry casualty.  

  I'm really digging my sweater sleeve trees.  Jack had several suggestions for the mantel.

He insisted it needed presents. 

Sparkly ones, he said ;)

Both kiddos helped with our felt wreath.

And I crafted up a few more pillows too.  

With a fire going, warm cocoa in hand, and Frosty the Snowman on the TV, it feels like our own little cozy, colorful, and warm Christmas wonderland. 

h a p p y   w e e k e n d !