It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!!

Just a quick peek at some of my Christmas decorations my hubby put up over the weekend. He has such a knack for displaying things that I just let him have at it and then tweak things as needed when he goes to work. He is a huge help though and aside from our big tree, which we haven't gone and picked out yet, we have the whole house decorated. I have trees in most rooms but here is a few pics of what we have been up to. One of my kids, a teen of course, said it looks like Christmas threw up in our house. Funny but they said they wouldn't have it any other way.

My theme in the kitchen is gingerbread and candy and I did the cutest candy tree which I will post a picture of later. 

 I thought it would be fun to do a hot drink basket for the kids. They always have friends over and are making snacks and this is such a festive little thing for them. We had 5 extra kids spend the night on Saturday night. We always have a house full.

The Santa head is one my mom bought in the 60s. I don't have much of her Christmas stuff but I do treasure this guy. Other than things I have had forever, I buy most of my new things at my favorite little shop's after Christmas sale. I am the first one in line and fill my basket with lots of 50% items I have had mt eye on. I'm joining Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphasis Monday and The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays. Also linking with Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday and Rednesday with Sue Loves Cherries
and Happy To Design.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

Wanted to wish everyone a blessed and safe holiday with your family and friends. Ours is a quiet one this year with just our family and my oldest daughter's boyfriend. Made most of the sides today so tomorrow I can enjoy more time with the fam and less in the kitchen. I've been doing this a few years now and will always do it this way. Less work on Turkey Day!!

Thanksgiving Decor, Turkeys and Pilgrims Galore

Over the years I have been collecting various Thanksgiving decor. Thought I'd share. Though I'd love to decorate in all prims, my favorite decor, I have tended to buy things I think my kids would like too.

I am drawn to Turkeys of course but I usually buy myself a pilgrim figure every year. Here is a sampling.

This guys sits on my kitchen shelf.

Bought two of these little orange turkeys the other night at 50% off at Cost Plus. Do you have those stores?They are fun shoppin' for sure.

Our table getting ready for Sunday night dinner.

Isn't her little face so sweet?

These were my first Pilgrims I bought over 12 years ago. They were calling my name at a craft show.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my blog friends out there. I just get so much joy checking into my favorite blogs
daily. Since I left work with my last baby, blogging has helped me to keep in touch with other women and it has been such a bonus in my life. THANKS!! Linking with Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphasis Monday, Cottage Instincts for Make it 4 Monday, and Marty at A Stroll Thru Life.

A Fun Thanksgiving Tradition

After all the turkey eating and dish washing, our family settles down to a Thanksgiving tradition of watching a movie. Every year we watch the movie "A Christmas Story". It is a funny sweet movie about a little boy who wants a Red Rider Bee-Bee Gun for Christmas. It is set in the 40s (I think) and is a picture of a simpler way of life for the Holiday season than we are used to. It is hilarious and safe for the whole family to watch. If you have never seen this movie you have to rent it. We still love it after all these years and it puts you right into the Christmas spirit.

I'm linking with the The Shabby Nest for Frugal Friday, Bargain Hunting With Laurie for Favorite Things Friday and The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Fall Coastal Weekend

Spent the long weekend on the California Central Coast. The weather was clear and wonderfully warm. This is the best time of year to visit the region. We are lucky that my husband's parents have a house in a small quaint town called Cambria. It is unspoiled and always beautiful. We recharge our batteries when we go there.

We often visit this wonderful old cemetery about a mile behind the town. It is so peaceful set in the woods with the breeze blowing through the pines.

The headstones I am drawn to are these with the little lambs on the top. I am so touched and saddened when you see that these little ones died  only days apart. How sad for their parents. One can only imagine the pain.

 Here are three little ones who died  only months apart so you can see what was probably an epidemic that spread that year. You find several of these separated only by weeks. I hope this doesn't seem morbid. I don't want it to be. I just think they are sweet and very touching.

We were able to enjoy a wonderful dinner out that was so yummy. I should have snapped pics of the wonderful food. This is taken at our favorite restaurant called Robin's. The outdoor patio is covered with a huge vine growing and winding through the walls. You can see it behind us in the picture.

I loved the labels on these beers we ordered. My husband said only I would say a beer label was cute. The central coast in fall is so wonderful. If you ever get a chance you must visit it. I am linking up with The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.

A Fine Change

I inherited a china cabinet from my MIL and have always had it full of a bunch china and tea cups she gave me. Now don't get me wrong the items are lovely but not in my color scheme so I decided to take it all out and replace them with the colors I love and items I have collected. Here are some pics and you will notice a lot of red. I have touches of red in every room. I am really into neutrals and browns, black and red. Joining Sue for Rednesday It's A Very Cherry World and Savvy Southern Style for her B&A Party.I'm also linking with My Romantic Home and Mustard Seed Creations and finally French Country Cottage. Please visit them to see all the great links to the other blogs that are participating. So many great ideas out there I could spend the whole day just blog hoppin'.

 I'm thinking of painting this piece black. Not sure how that will look but it might really make a nice change.

 I have been collecting red transferware for years and love to now get to display it.

 I have a lot of roosters and chickens throughout my house.

 I saved this little card and love to think of my hubs whenever I walk by.

Touches of red make me happy!