Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas to all! Now I'm going to go wrap, wrap, wrap, enjoy my little family and the true meaning of Christmas. I love experiencing Christmas through my children's eyes--it's so magical!

Here's the inside of our Christmas cards that were mailed out. We had fun and played up the family picture. Okay, one of my goals next year is getting a formal family picture taken. My little baby is getting neglected. There are no pictures of him up on walls and framed. Third child. I know. Anyway, Merry Christmas!

ps--click on the images to see the full picture.

Christmas Goodies

We got our Christmas goodies out early this year to neighbors and friends. I'm not quite sure how that happened seeming that I'm still packaging up jewelry orders, still need to Christmas shop and barely mailed out our Christmas card that probably won't arrive until next year.

We made our traditional sugar cookies and decorated and decorated until the counter was covered with frosting and the floor was covered with sprinkles. Lots of fun until I had to clean it all up. Then I boxed up peanut butter fudge with pretty ribbon, which is a recipe that my mama would make every year during the holidays. Lots and lots of childhood memories are around the taste and smell of this fudge. Here's the recipe. It's a keeper.

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup milk
1/2 pint marshmellow creme
1 cup peanut butter
1 (6 oz) package (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla

1.Butter sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan.
2. Combine sugar and milk. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissovles and mixture boils. Cook to soft ball stage (234-250 degrees).
3. Remove from heat; quickly add creme, peanut butter, chocolate and vanilla; blend quickly. Pour into buttered 9x9 inch pan. Score; cut when firm.

Crown & Crumpet Holiday

Love Crown & Crumpet's holiday decorations--very alice wonderland.

Flower Presents

For a few of Stella's girl cousins, we made flower hair presents. We picked up different silk flowers from Michaels, hair clips, headbands and ribbon. One style we made up was a large flower on headband wrapped with ribbon. And the other was a flower with clip on ribbon that can be worn around the waist or the flower taken off and clipped on a shirt, jeans or in the hair. It was so easy to make and quick. All you need to assemble is hot glue. Here are the directions.

Not Too Late

It's not too late to order jewelry for Christmas delivery. Order over the weekend by Dec. 20th for express delivery ($26 for 2-day air, $36 for overnight). There is production time, but all pieces are being expressed so what usually times 3-5 days is now taking 1 - 3 days. And if you want gift certificates, those are offered too just not through the website. Send an email.

Going Natural

We got lucky last week with the birth of two new little baby girls being born in our family. My sister-in-law Tess and sister Marleen. Both of the babies were born within 24 hours and both of the mamas did it natural--no pain medication.

My husband tells me I can't change the past, but if I could go back and make changes in my life one of them would be more awareness of birthing options, have a birthing plan and making sure that my voice was heard during labor. During my first labor and delivery, I wasn't prepared. I hadn't done my homework. I didn't know all the birthing options. And during my delivery, I found out my doctor and I didn't have the same birthing beliefs and basically my delivery ended up in a C-section, which in my option could of been avoided. It's sad to say that after three C-sections, I now shop for doctors who will give the best C-section scar. Anyway, I say this because women are having fewer options and a heard voice in the delivery room. Doctors are more concerned about liability and making money than what is best for mother and baby. I'm proud of my sisters for being smart (not that I believe natural is the best option), being prepared and doing what they feel is best.

I love this picture of baby Anna and sisters. She was in the ICU for the first week because she pooped in her amniotic fluid and then took a big gulp of it. We are so happy that she is now home.

Shabby

The lovely Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic opens up her private space of her cozy Santa Monica cottage. All I know is that I'm on the hunt for a bust form.

My Christmas List

At our house Christmas is focused on the children. The hubby and I don't go too crazy on each other and usually only exchange one gift. So, I guess this post is for him on a few things I have my eyes set on this year.

Patagonia stretch velocity full-zip hoody--perfect for layering under a down jacket. Or wearing during winter running because of the built-in handwarmer pockets.

You can never go wrong with Norah Jones. Her new CD--The Fall

Pressure Cooker--this item needs to be on the top of the list. I've been borrowing my neighbor's but really need to have my own to make all the jam, sauces and canning items.

The new Ugg Roseberry boots: I like the exposed fur on the back.

The Reed Hanging Light--for my office. I have the worst lighting and have been wanting to change the light fixture for. like. EVER.

A new 2010 calendar. I love this handpainted large poster calendar that I could keep hanging in my kitchen all through out the year.

A Bamboo writing tablet. You draw on the tablet and it instantly goes digital. Awesome!! I need one of these.

Pink Stairs

I do have to say that these pink stairs somehow work in the space.

via Style Files

Pretty Swell

These custom flower garlands from Pretty Swell are adorable! Perfect for any party or holiday decoration. She also does hair pins. And the garland could be used to wrap a hostess present and then reused for decoration.

Dolls

It looks like Santa's going to fork over the money and get Miss Stella a "real" American Girl doll. She's finally caught on that her other American Girl dolls are imitations. Not quite sure how she figure that one out. But she's been mulling over the catalog for a good year now, and it's been on her list the last two years. So the hubby is working in the city today and will have the honors of stopping in the playland for dolls. All I have to say is...she better be excited.

Lonny

The hole in my heart that was once filled by Domino might be healed. There's a new kid on the block--Lonny, which is a free online design magazine. But let me be honest--there is something about the feel, touch and weight of holding a magazine. I just like it so much better than viewing it online. I'm sad that tangible publications are becoming something of the past.

New Pieces are Up

As promised the new collection is finally up. As requested, many of the styles are available in sterling silver. It will be noted on the product detail whether they can be ordered in a different metal finish. Also, this collection is very well-priced. Many of the styles are in the $30-$50 range and still maintain exceptional material. Happy Shopping! Check it out here.

Update: Loving Cup Collection

I have a ton of new pieces that I'm quickly trying to get photographed and then up on the site for the holiday shipping. Stay tune. Here's the Christmas shipping information:

Order by December 16 for standard delivery by December 23
Order by December 20 for next day air for delivery by December 24

Orders over $150 receive free shipping

Advent Calendar

Last year our advent calendar collected dust. This year we got it up just in time for the 1st to be open. Little envelopes fit perfectly in the numbered mailboxes. Here's a list of what we'll be doing this year for daily holiday cheer:

donate canned goods

put up wreath and stockings

write letters to Santa Claus

watch The Grinch

cut down Christmas tree and decorate

address and mail Christmas cards

make hot chocolate and read Christmas story in Bible&Book of Mormon

sign up to purchase gifts for a child

go to Barnes & Noble and pick up new Christmas CD

watch a Christmas movie

make a graham-cracker candy house

go ice skating in Central Park

take a drive to see Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music

put together care packages for ward missionaries

do a Christmas craft

make angel ornaments in remembrance of Camille

play a game in front of the fire

see Christmas tree at Rockefellar Center and Saks window displays

go to the Nutcraker or another Christmas production

make and decorate sugar cookies and deliver to neighbors/friends

do a service for someone

make Christmas candy

write 10 things we have been grateful for this year

act out the nativity scene and open one present

open Christmas presents and have a Christmas dinner

Zara Kids

My girlfriend told me about Zara kids. I've heard of Zara--actually there's one down the street from me. But it was just one of those stores I would always by pass and never go in. Now, I'm in love with it, especially their children's clothing. European urban styles + H&M pricing = a mama shopping like crazy. Very cute. Actually Stella's plaid Thanksgiving dress is from Zara.

Ruche

Lots of cute vintage-inspired outfits at Ruche.

Baker's Twine

Divine Twine offers a variety of baker twine colors to wrap your holiday gifts. Something a little different from red and white.

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