Friday, November 30, 2018

The Holiday Aroma of It All


You might imagine that Santa would have one of those Christmas tree air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror of his sleigh. I'm sure you're right, but if he really wanted it to smell all super Christmastime in his immediate area, he would have to go with holiday candles. These smell like fir trees, yes, but also like cinnamon and gingerbread and eggnog and wassail (whatever that is). So Santa, if you're reading this, and of course you are, now you know. Replace that sad, dangling tree with holiday candles. And they won't even be a sleigh fire hazard because, hello? Magic!



Thursday, November 29, 2018

Ring in the Bling


Today I slapped a little tinsely garland up on the chandelier and shazam! Instant dining room flair. The holiday hits just keep on coming, folks.



Wednesday, November 28, 2018

And Checking It Twice


I'm even getting some wrapping done early. (You can see I've gotten everyone basketballs this holiday season.)


Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Yes, Already


I was at the grocery store this evening and the checker reached into my basket and pulled out this gorgeous piece of Christmas Tree Butter Art. "Already?" she asked.

"You don't know my life, Tanya," I did not say back to her. Instead, I smiled.



Monday, November 26, 2018

Fiiive Gol-den Riiings


Last year, our holidays were somewhat preempted by illness and unforeseen circumstances. This year, we are back, baby. And we are making up for lost time. There will be holly and ivy and candles and dreidels. There will be hot chocolate and gingerbread houses and presents under the tree. There will be eight nights of Hanukkah lights and cookies left out for Santa and doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.

I was going to wait until December 1st to get ye olde snow ball rolling but nay, nay I say. Also, why wait? I want seven swans a-swimming immediately.

Look lively, everyone. We're bringing on the joy.







Sunday, November 25, 2018

Smacksy Sunday Links



A year of Thoreau.

Small bookstores are thriving again. Huzzah.

This baking show is my obsession.

On the sale of an older children's book.

How to turn a bad day around. So sweet.

Take a tea break at Beatrix Potter's cottage.

Jenny Holzer's work at the Tate Modern.  (I have two friends, who don't know each other, who were both visiting London last week. I noticed both posted a photo on FB of the same Jeny Holzer piece at the Tate within an our of each other.)

And a nice lizard named Winston.

Happy Sunday.



Friday, November 23, 2018

A Close Second


Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday  - the friends, the family, the pie. My second favorite holiday is the morning after Thanksgiving when I finish cleaning up and sit and have coffee (and leftover pie) and reflect on another lovely holiday. Did I mention the pie? There's pie.



Thursday, November 22, 2018

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Smacksy Sunday Links


The magic of diner booths.

This flowchart will reveal your Thanksgiving celebrity soulmate. 

And from my Thanksgiving celebrity soulmate, the secrets of Ina Garten's pantry. 

A trip through Belle Époque-era Paris.

Just one piece of art.

And Arnie the baby armadillo.

Happy Sunday.




Smacksy Saturday Photo: Remember That Time I Was in Canada?


Everywhere I looked, I saw something spectacular. That's actually true at home too, when I think about it.


Friday, November 16, 2018

I Can't Help Myself


I think you guys know I'm a sucker for moon/front-yard-tree/wind chime.


Thursday, November 15, 2018

It's Stuffing Season, the Most Wonderful Season of All


It's the return of a perennial favorite. That's right! It's Mademoiselle Magic Stuffing Time! Cut your celery! Dice your onions! Drive all over town trying to find a store that sells that most crucial but elusive of ingredients, dried currants! Use all the exclamation points! You can do it and it will all be worth it! Click the link and travel back in time to meet up with your favorite recipe.




Monday, November 12, 2018

Channel Changer


"Hi. It's me, Levi. I'd like you to watch me instead of four straight hours of Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge. Thanks."

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Smacksy Sunday Links


Thank you to those around the world who have reached out to ask how we are affected by the intense Southern California wildfires. We are a very safe distance from the fires and not in danger, affected only by smoke. Praying for those who are in the path of the fire.

How to help victims of the California wildfires. 

Tips to make yourself happier right now.

A fascinating woman and her island.

How to go clothes shopping.

Finally, inclusion in ballet shoes.

The way you brew coffee affects caffeine levels. Mmm caffeine.

And a cat and baby squirrels.

Happy Sunday.



Saturday, November 10, 2018

Friday, November 9, 2018

I Know


While on the surface this might seem like just another photo of adorable Levi sleeping, HE'S IN MY CHAIR YOU GUYS.


Thursday, November 8, 2018

I Said


I don't play games on my phone, I said. Not interested, I said. (Level 204)

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Seasonal


The weather is finally cooling off a little here so it was time to pull out the "winter" bed clothes. Washed, dried, and fluffed, the nice clean comforter isn't really ready until this guy rolls around spreading Ted fur all over the whole thing.



Tuesday, November 6, 2018

This Dog Will Answer to Any of the Following Names


Levi
Pee-vi
Peevy
Peevman
Peevmonster
El Peevo
Peewee
Peevis
Peeves
Peehead
MC Snores-a-lot
Big Baby



Sunday, November 4, 2018

Smacksy Sunday Links



On the lost art of the phone call.

You're disillusioned - vote anyway.

Hundreds form human chain to move their local bookstore.

Will tiny books be a thing?

Eating sustainably seasonal food guide.

Slow TV livestream of a Norwegian train.

And dogs and treats.

Happy Sunday. (Please remember to vote on Tuesday.)




Saturday, November 3, 2018

Smacksy Saturday Photo: Book Club Cheese Board


Tonight's spectacular book club deserved a spectacular cheese board. Not even pretending I'm not showing it off. I'm totally showing it off.


Thursday, November 1, 2018

Sometimes


Sometimes the sky looks just like this and you must look up and watch it change.