Remembering And Dreaming

The decorations are put away (the day after Christmas), work tasks are completed till next year, so now I can sit back and enjoy the last few days of this year.

As we near the end of 2011, I would like to thank you for your friendships and wonderful comments throughout the year. It is because of you, taking the time out of your day to stop by that keeps my little blog going. 

I can’t believe how fast this year has gone. It has been a good year with some highs and lows, but either way, there were always lessons to learn along the way.  I hesitate and hold my breath what 2012 will bring our way, but no matter what I know there are treasures waiting to be discovered.

Be safe and enjoy the next couple of days. I will see you next year!

Happy 2012 my friends and may it be bright!

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

P.S. As for my camera, I’m not sure if my little gal will see the new year, it looks very bleak, but I’m hopeful.

 

Remember today, for it is the beginning of always.

Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams, your heart can hold.

Think truly to the future and make those dreams come true.

Wrapping

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We had a nice time. 

I woke up early Christmas morning to get my camera ready for when Bo and Gary woke up. I managed to take one photo when the my sweet little camera decided to go on strike. Thank goodness I have the memories imprinted in my heart.  Bo was really into Christmas this year . He even managed to open one of his gift before Christmas.

While I take my camera in to be looked at, I thought I would share some of my simple holiday wrapping. The kitchen window was a last minute idea to dress. I added fresh roping and tied some of vintage pieces and small wooden ornaments I purchased at The Backdrop.  

I like to use wrapping paper I can use throughout the year. I use to get seasonal wrapping, but realized I would have pits and pieces of paper, so I decided to be wise and save space by using paper I can use for all or most occasions.

Another way I like to wrap is to use boxes, simply adding a ribbon or twine with a gift top

or adding a bit of paper to it.

Well, I'm off to the camera shop. Enjoy your day my friends!

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

 In the depth of winter I finally learned that there within me lay an invincible summer

~ Albert Camus~

From Our Home To Yours...

We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

May the season fill your hearts bright and the spirit within you shine

As we celebrate the birth of the child that was born on this day.

Have a golden Merry Christmas my friends!
Love, and hugs,
Joyce, Gary and Mr. Bojangles
xo

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.

~Laura Ingalls Wilder~

Highlights Of The Evening

Zach's party was a good time. I think he really enjoyed himself and is happy school is behind him.

The desserts were the highlights of the evening. They were made by Zach and some by his mom (my sister).

Here is an evening image of the table. I like candlelight dinners.  If you look closely you can see a loaf of bread in the shape of an alligator, made by Chef Zach!

And the evening could not end without our friends and family leaving with party favors. I love giving out party favors. These were hot chocolate on a stick. Yum...

I hope everyone is taking time to enjoy the season!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

From Home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another.
The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.
~Emily Matthews~

Friday

I hope everyone had a good week

I am happy the way the tables turned out for Saturday's party, simple, vintage feel and a splash of bling, just like the theme for this year's decorations. With Zach's graduation being close to Christmas, I didn't want the table to look too Christmas, since this was a graduation gathering and not a Christmas party.

I used Kraft paper with fine lines in it for a table cloth. I use Kraft paper often, usually as a runner, but decided to give it a present feel by wrapping it on the table tops. I then uses burlap ribbon, tossing crystals on the table for bling, adding a few small votives. The centerpieces are vintage containers filled with greens and cream pillar candles. The simple red stripe napkins  (can be used for Valentine's and summer gatherings) are from Pottery Barn. I fell in love with them, because of the vintage look. I then used basic buffet white plates so I can toss them in the dishwasher and finally for the placecards I stamped clothespins with my guest's names, clipped on the plate. As you can see I mix and match pieces.

Do you set your table/s in advance? This is one of my favorite parts of getting ready for a party is the table. I like to do this a couple of days in advance so I can plan and make changes without rushing. I then cover the table with plastic to keep dust free and remove the morning of the party.

I have a couple of things to do for work that needs to be done before the end of the year, the party is this Saturday, shopping is done except for a couple of animal rescue groups, and cards are being written in between. Ahhh... next week looks a bit lighter and brighter.

Have a magical weekend my friends!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.

~Peg Bracken~

Happy Monday!

As I squeeze in work and continuing planning for Zach's party this weekend, I will share a couple of photos of our Christmas decor. 

I miss visiting your blogs, but will soon. Um... I must be busier than I thought. The other day when a neighbor saw me, she said, "I don't see you anymore, I thought you moved". Smile... 

I listen to Christmas songs in the car, on my phone, and at home. Do you share the love of Christmas tunes?

Have a magical day!
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.

~Charles Schulz~

I'm Still Here....

I didn't get lost in the city last Friday. I had a GREAT time!  I just have been tied up with work, planning for my nephews graduation next Friday and of course in the craze of the holiday season.

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season! I'm almost finished with shopping. How about you?

Have a golden day~
Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Remember, this December, that love weighs more than gold.
Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon

It's A Wrap

It is officially the Christmas season.  Yahoo... I thought it would be fun to start the month off with a wrap. The folks at the post office always smile (a good thing, right?) when they see my packages or envelopes because I like to doodle (draw) on them.

(photo taken with my phone)
I love wrapping and using things for containers one might not use. So... I was double excited not only to sell this vintage jewelry box, but to a gal that likes to use things the same way I do. Do you like adding special touches to your gifts?

Sending you warm wishes for a golden weekend my friends!

Today is going to be my first day in awhile to play, so I'm taking the train into the city with my friend Lisa. I can't wait.

Hugs,
Joyce
xo

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.

~Janice Maeditere~