Advent is Here!

Today is the first Sunday of the Advent season.  It's a wonderful time of anticipation for the celebration of Christmas.  We always try to make our own wreath for the kitchen or dining room table.  Do you have an advent wreath in your home?  

 

Also, I came across the Advent Conspiracy" several days ago.  It's my understanding that the organization that produced this video is promoting clean water.  The message sent is a great one.  Please watch and consider your attitude in readying yourself for Christmas.  

I can't wait to hear about what you are doing to prepare yourself for the great season that is upon us.  Do you have special china that you save just for the holidays?  What about family traditions of hanging your stockings?   Any movies that you just have to watch?  Food you must eat?  Tell me all about it.

Christmas House

There may be a Granny sighting here today...

It's the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Christmas House.  I am thinking about touring it today.   Have any of you been?  It looks like fun.  The website has links to the designers sites.  Style Court has discussed it in several posts.  Now I'm really tempted.  

Black Friday Shopping Anyone?

No thank you.  I think I'll stay on the computer and bargain shop in my pj's!  Do you all have any shopping tips or suggestions?  I'd love to hear your creative ideas.  

Thanksgiving Blessings to You!

Tuesday Morning

Tuesday Morning is one of my favorite shops to wander around in and kill a few minutes.  Do you have one in your town?  Here is their store locator.  They are now selling some of their items online.  Below find a sneak peak of what they offer: 

What about wonderful Peacock Alley linens...

Wall sconces

something normally seen at Williams Sonoma

or a lovely new bedding ensemble

Two Southern things I Adore

My love of The South runs as deep as my roots.  When I find treasures like these, I've just got to share them with you.  Here are two Southern things that I just adore.  They are too special for me to keep them to myself.  Mark my words folks, you will be hearing much more about these two.  Just check out the news and other press they have already received.  The word is spreading!

Alabama Chanin

and 

Billy Reid

Thankful Thursday

I'm thinking about next Thursday.  I also wanted all of you to know how THANKFUL I am for each of you!  We may have never met in person, but haven't we become dear friends!

I hope you had a wonderful Thursday!

A few images to get you in Thanksgiving mode.  Enjoy.

Oldest Mass Produced Christmas Card

For more detailed information on the first know mass-produced Christmas card please visit this site.   To see the entire image, please click the link.  (I think the file is just too large for Blogger to accept)  Then you will notice the following:

1.  Feeding the hungry

2.  Clothing the poor

3.  Serving wine to children--caught you off guard, didn't I?

I have so enjoyed reading your comments about your Christmas card plans.  You all are good.  The cards shown in the previous post are indeed from Crane.  It think the 100% cotton paper and copper plate engraving makes all the difference.  Hold onto your hats, or should I say pocket books, if you want to order personalized cards of this quality, like the one shown below.  The prices range from $521.00 for 50 cards (that's $10.42 a card) to $2,443.00 for 500 cards.  

I say just get out your quill pen and bottle of  ink (a la Europafox!) and go for the boxed set of 10, unpersonalized, for $34.00.  Better yet, wait till after Christmas and get them for half price!  

Christmas Cards

I hate to skip over Thanksgiving in any way, but this is what I'm thinking about...

Have you already purchased your cards?  Are you going the hand-made route?  Do you always do a picture card?  What are your traditions and new ideas?  I'd love hearing all about them.

The Townhouse is Closing

Attention New York City readers:   

PLEASE go to this sale for ME!  I do so admire the work and stylings of Charlotte Moss and hate to see this store go.  PLEASE send me a full report.  Who can pass up 50% off antiques and 70% off new items (YES 70%!).    See Kappa Prep's post about the closing as well.  Lucky gal, she'll be in town for the sale!  

Catalog Crazy

I get so excited when a good catalog arrives in the mail.  What's even better is discovering a new catalog (or store).  Leave me a comment letting me know of your favorite catalogs.  Maybe we will all discover a few new ones!

A good catalog day:

Who doesn't adore the Christmas catalogs, this one in particular:

Fabulous Kitchen Designs

Isn't this a warm kitchen?  

Several thoughts while studying the picture:

1.  Notice the detailing above the doorway--it appears like a tall case clock.

2.  Imagine how different this would appear if the refrigerators had not been paneled.  

3.  I think this is a lovely kitchen, but don't you think the three light fixtures are distracting?  I   keep looking to the ceiling.  Maybe it's just the camera angle.      

Wouldn't it be nice if we could hid all of the appliances like this refrigerator drawer?

Adventures of a Southern Coffee Drinker?

Sweet Lauren, the adorable Adventures of a Southern Newlywed, is hosting an great give away.   Be sure and check it out!

Julia Reed's Interiors

Any one else a fan?  Tell me your thoughts about this interior.  Can you see yourself living here?

God Bless America

'On November 1, 1800, just before the election, John Adams arrived in the new Capital City to take up his residence in the White House. On his second evening in its damp, unfinished rooms, he wrote his wife, "Before I end my letter, I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."'

God Bless America

(from the biography of John Adams)

Well said, Eco-Prep

I promise, I'm almost off of my political meanderings.  I did want to tell you about a post I just read.  I think most of you, regardless of your political persuasion,  will really enjoy reading the blog post by Eco-Prep.  Her point is so very well said.  

What I did Today

(He won in my state)

(Won't you be glad when this is all over?)

What did you do today?

Be Don Draper

This is so funny!