Christmas 2010

My wonderful hubby surprised me with a beautiful pearl bracelet on Christmas morning!

 And speaking of hubby, there he is, fake smile and all...

My son, pretending he's thrilled with the packing material. Can you tell he just rolled out of bed? At least guys don't have to worry about the no-makeup look (as evidenced by MY first pic).

Showing what was under all that packing material...

My sister and her daughters - my lovely nieces - and my BIL (not pictured) came over for afternoon hors d'oeurves and games. We love playing Apples to Apples!

I've always wanted a Corvette...so my sister got me one. Thanks, Laura!

One of my son's artist friends made my nieces each a hemp and clay necklace....

Showing off her cupcake necklace...

Even Zippo gets in on the present action with a piece of salmon from my mom...

LuLu, my mom's Pomeranian, all decked out for Christmas...

 All Monkey and Clementine have to say is, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!"

little comforts

Oatmeal-raisin bars under a cloche, a vintage Marshall Fields Christmas crock (found at Goodwill) and a pretty red crock of kitchen tools at the ready...

Candlelight to make things cozier, especially on a cold, winter day...

Red glass bottles to brighten up a gray view...

 A loaf of cranberry-pecan bread...so good with a steaming mug of tea or coffee...

Pussycats (Clementine and Monkey) sleeping the afternoon away...

And a collection of snowmen gracing a kitchen shelf...

Warm winter hugs...
Melanie

a little bit of christmas decorating

I don't put up a Christmas tree anymore, but I do like a few Christmas touches around the house.

Here's the living room buffet ...

This vintage green bowl has always been one of my favorites. It belonged to my grandma. I think it looks really pretty with the miniature ornaments in it.

These elegant votive candlesticks are from Partylite, but I got them at Goodwill a couple of years ago. I sometimes like to use them to hold something unexpected instead of votives. I found these miniature presents at The Dollar Store.

A shelf in my kitchen...

Little candy canes grace a vintage sugar bowl...

And a pretty basket to hold Christmas cards from loved ones...

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN THE NEW YEAR!