Christmas Party

The Christmas Party invitations are out, the menu has been planned, the decorations are up and now I get to enjoy the beautiful company of my friends this coming weekend.

When I was little, I hated my surname, but I have come to love it, especially this time of year. 

Christmas Cards - 2011

The time is here to start looking at Christmas cards.  There are SO many fun ones this year.  I've collected a few of my favorites - in case I don't have time to make mine this year.

sugar paper

laughing owl press

paper source

sugar paper 

paper source

simple song design

inkadinkadoodle

shed letterpress

a favorite

sweet harvey

smock paper

brooklyn bookbinder

a favorite

Thanksgiving Dinner 2011

I am truly thankful for what I think may have been my favorite Thanksgiving Dinner ever.  It was such a love and laughter-filled afternoon and evening.  Everything went off without a hitch and was so relaxing.

Inside the little napkin envelopes were notes listing all the reasons I am thankful for that person.

Thanksgiving Dinner Plans

My parents have surprised me by announcing that they are flying into New York on Thanksgiving Day. This will be the first time I've ever hosted any Thanksgiving and even though this will be a very small gathering, I'm quite excited.  I've already put a very simple menu together, gathered the recipes and made my shopping list of things I will need.  I am sure there will be another vegetable in there, but I've yet to decide what that will be.

I thought I would share my pre-planning with you. 

11:11:11 on 11-11-11

I don't know about you all, but I've got my fabulous wish ready for 11:11:11 this morning AND another for 11:11:11 this evening.  

Make 'em good people!

Bingo Number 11, a photo by Leo Reynolds on Flickr.

Fishing Match Peg Number 11, a photo by Leo Reynolds on Flickr.

11, a photo by Leo Reynolds on Flickr.

number 11, a photo by Leo Reynolds on Flickr.

11, a photo by Leo Reynolds on Flickr.

Colorful Farmyard

Aren't these jars THE most fun?!  

I stumbled upon them via Creature Comforts who found 

them at House to Home

They would be the easiest things to make; just a little glue & some spray paint.  I might try these for Christmas gifts with deer on top painted white...What do you think!?

What Movie is This?

I'm making up for lost time with the third "what movie is this" in a month!

Clockwise from top left:
Vintage Lee Grunge Plaid Flannel Shirt by Mother Midnight

Cigarettes - Smoking Ashes Burnt by Photos by Blanca

Shell Gas Station by molly kugler dickinson

graduation caps, a photo by j.o.h.n. walker on Flickr.

coffee cup, a photo by jitterdoug on Flickr.

BMW 318is Signature Kidney Grill by Justineb916

Acoustic Guitar Strings by Quaint Leigh

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Beginning of the hunting and gathering phase

Every year, right after Halloween, my mind skips to Christmas fun.  I know so many people think that this is way too early to start thinking of the holiday, but I like to revel in the dreaminess of the season as long as possible.  So in early November I begin hunting for fun things to give and use for the holidays.  

This weekend I am headed to an antique market to begin looking for things that I can use this Christmas.   Here are a few things that you should be on the lookout for.  As we get closer to the holiday, I will begin showing you how I use these various items to decorate and gift wrap.

Happy Hunting & Gathering!

Vintage Nokorode Soldering Paste Can, a photo by Leader Of Men on Flickr.

Vintage jewelry for altering, a photo by outofthebluedesignsbyjerin on Flickr.

Perfect, a photo by wasianed on Flickr.

vintage christmas postcards, a photo by everything vintage on Flickr.

vintage tin, a photo by marzipan inc on Flickr.

Vintage Buttons, a photo by karenann1952 on Flickr.

Vintage Tins, a photo by TheFancyLamb on Flickr.

Vintage Keys, a photo by hesson on Flickr.

reels of ribbon, a photo by peet-astn on Flickr.

What Movie is This?

Clockwise from top left:
Pink champagne, a photo by simon seljeflot on Flickr

Empire State Building Photograph by JoshFriedmanPhoto
The Historic Queen Mary cruise ship by JimAmosPhotos22
French Riviera Photography by VitaNostra
Lace Wedding Wrap  by CrochetButterfly
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What Movie is This?

I just realized that it has been well over a year since I have done a "what movie is this" posting, so I figured it is about time.  Something recently made me think of this movie as I was exploring New York with my family.

Clockwise from top left:

Heart Locket Necklace in Brass by Rhondas Treasures

Paw - Archival Fine Art Photograph by Nomadic Notebook

Radio City 8X10 Fine Art Photography by Frozen Time Photo

Vintage Exotic Swami Punjabi Snake Charmer by Etsy and Then Some

Dress w/Black Trim Handmade by The Costume Bootique

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Maxfield Parrish Skies

This morning, Maxfield Parrish skies woke New York City.  

And during my recent visit to Colorado, I got to enjoy many Parrish sunsets.  

I always associate him with puffy clouds turned peachy-pink by the sun.  

When I went back to look at his paintings online though, I wondered why I so associate him with these clouds because there are only a few pieces of his work that seem to include these dreamy images.  I found it funny to see how many other people associated Mr. Parrish with these same skies - you need only google Parrish clouds & you will see exactly what I'm talking about.   

New York

Summer on Perry Street, Greenwich Village, New York City, a photo by Vivienne Gucwa on Flickr.

My mom & her 3 sisters are coming into the city for a visit next week and I am so excited. It will be the first "sister trip" like this in a very, very, very long time.

To make sure we make the very most of their time, I feel I need to set up an itinerary for their 4 days here. I have started making lists of restaurant ideas for each neighborhood, indoor and outdoor activities for each neighborhood (in case the weather doesn't act the way we think it should), and maps, Even though I live in this great city & navigate it fine on my own, when you're walking 4 other people around, you don't want to go a block out of the way because you didn't turn where you meant to, or to be the one saying for a third time in a day "I swear it was right here! Let's try the next block." So, I'm getting my act together to play the very best hostess and tour guide.

With all the planning, this week has been ALL NEW YORK for me & it has made me step back & realize all that I have at my fingertips. I'm a lucky girl.

Doyers Street, Chinatown, New York City, a photo by Vivienne Gucwa on Flickr.

Hiding

 

I know this isn't the best photo in the world, but it just makes me smile. 

Can you remember standing inside clothing racks, trying to entertain 

yourself while your mom shopped for hours on end?!  

My mom used to get so mad because she wouldn't be able to find me.  

This was little Cookie hiding in the clothing racks last 

week as her mom & I shopped.  

Don't you love the pink knee socks?

I took these photos a few years ago when I was visiting my dear friend Nisha in Pittsburgh. They are all little snapshots from her room. To those who do not know her, the images mean nothing. But, I feel close to Nish when I see these, as they are the tiny, little bits of the Nisha that I love.

Happy Birthday Girl!