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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Cookies! Cookies! COOKIES!!!

Here's a great link for cookie recipes - just about ANY and EVERY recipe you could possibly be searching for is on this site. You click on the name and the recipe magically appears Well, it IS the most magical time of year, isn't it? This is great for when you want to find an old cherished recipe or discover new ones to impress the cookie exchangers. Happy Baking!! GOT MILK?


http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.asp

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Christmas - It's Not Just Red And Green Any More!

In August of 2007, my mother suddenly passed away. That following Christmas, it was so difficult to get up any type of holiday cheer or spirit, but since we had a new grandson (born in July) I wanted to make sure that his first Christmas was full of fun, laughter, decorations and memories (even if he didn't remember it, we would). I went to the local craft store, in search of some inspiration. Looking at all the sparkly decorations made me quite anxious, missing all the special touches my mom always put into the holiday. I considered leaving, but told myself that I had to keep things together and find something positive to occupy myself with. How about a craft project? What about a new wreath for the front door? Upon looking at the aisle with the floral picks and other decorations, I suddenly had this giddy feeling come over me, unlike that of a child in a candy shop. I saw all the colors - purple, pink, silver, gold, white! That was all it took to decide that if I was going to celebrate, I was going to put my own twist and flair into it. I ended up with a variety of decorations for my wreath and I didn't care if it wasn't traditional by other folks' standards. It made me smile and I know that my mom would have gotten a kick out of it as well. She knew I was always the quirky, artsy one of the family with the wild sense of humor.

Isn't she cool? Works well against the burgundy door too!
 Recently, I added to my whimsical holiday happiness, purchasing a fuzzy little pink tree last year. Again, I was in the same craft store when I spotted this tree on display. I literally laughed out loud, it tickled me so much. I looked at it, said no, walked away, came back, looked at it again - oh I just had to have it! I figured that anything that makes you laugh with such joy is a must have! There was that giddy little kid again, trooping out of the store with her treasure. My little pink tree ended up on the mantle, along with pink candles, silver, gold and white decorations, two of my cherubs and white lights with white garland. My family members chuckle but I really think that they like this new trend almost as much as I do.

You can see most of the mantle in this picture


I LOVE my fuzzy little pink tree!
 So, now I'm thinking that this year, I need one of those white trees to put pink and purple decorations on, maybe other colors too! I once saw a tree with copper and turquoise-colored ornaments and it was breathtaking! I've also seen chartreuse, black, white and silver - stunning! I guess that my point is, don't be afraid to try something new, to let your inner child out and to experiment with uncommon ideas. Crazy colors, animal prints, metallics - whatever your heart desires can become new holiday favorites for you and your family. Have fun, giggle lots and enjoy! ~Leena~

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veteran's Day!

To all those who have served our country and who are currently serving, I offer you my sincerest gratitude for all you have done and do to protect our freedom! Your sacrifice is like no other and we can never fully explain how much it means to us. I include my father in my appreciation. Not only has he been a fantastic father, he was also a brave Navy man, fighting overseas during WWII and being employed by the U.S. Navy his entire working career. Thank you, Dad! I love you! Happy Veteran's Day!


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Yippie!

I am SO looking forward to this weekend! It's the Holiday Open House and Design House at The Old Lucketts Store! I LOVE this place! It is my absolute favorite haunt for finding unusual vintage and home decor items. They have the best furniture too! It's made up of many small shops and vendors inside the most beautiful old house - three stories of great stuff! The Design House is in another old home, out back by the pool. I have no idea who used to live on the property, but it is a place where I could spend many a long day, relaxing.

One of my pride and joy acquisitions is my antique sideboard that I bought from a store there called Fleurish. I also bought a beautiful table runner for on top of it there and a beautiful framed piece of art. They look so fabulous together! When we got our purchases home that day and in place, I was so giddy, that I kept saying to my husband, "Isn't it PRETTY?" I had wanted a sideboard for a long time and this one was perfect! This shop is run by Karen, who has a great web site called "The Graphics Fairy". She sells the most unique French items I've ever seen and her shop is always my first to browse in once I enter the store.

Here are some pictures of a past sale. I had a blast and know I will this weekend too!

I want this bedroom!

The pink chairs are to die for!

Howdy, Partner!

I adore the  use of the old car parts as decoration on this wall!
The other place I'm excited to be going to is Sawdust Specialties and More here in Leesburg. On Sunday the 7th, they are holding a special sale to benefit two local children, stricken with cancer. Discounts will be given and there will be tons of original arts, crafts, furniture and other goodies just waiting to be snatched up! If you're local, come on out and help support this worthy cause! 8 Ft Evans Rd, NE, Leesburg, VA 3-6pm.



SO MANY goodies to choose from! Shabby, Romantic, Country, Primitive:
no matter what you're looking for, it's bound to be there!

You can see more pictures of these two fun shops on their Face Book pages.
Happy Shopping!!!
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