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!

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.

And Checking It Twice

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

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.

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.

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.

Smacksy Saturday Photo: Retro Bob Balloons

My tiny heart.

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.

Thanksgiving Moon

Thanksgiving AND a full moon? How did we ever get so lucky?

Crusty

It's on, pie eaters.

Turkey Shaped Butter Sculpture?

Heck yeah, I did. 

Steeeeee-rike

I just love watching him play.

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.

I Can't Help Myself

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

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.

It's Not All Dogs Over Here, There's Also Baseball

And more baseball. And dogs. 

Yes, It's Another Post About the Dogs But You Guys

This was today's nap-time situation. 

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."

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.

Smacksy Saturday Photo: Banks-y

There appears to have been a run on the pink piggy banks. 

I Know

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

I Said

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

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.

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

Another Thing I Made and You're Voting Tomorrow, Correct?

Tomorrow is the day. Let's make this happen, everyone.

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.)

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.

It Was a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

It really was.

Sometimes

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