Hello hello!  What are you up to these days?  Around these parts there’s some last second decorating going on, getting ready for our holiday gathering on Saturday. 

I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to sparkle at Christmastime.  Call me a Pollyanna, but I’m also fond of draping sparkly beads where light will catch them, so I made this simple whimsical beaded garland yesterday. 

Oh yes, of course you can find all sorts of beaded garland everywhere, but I had the supplies on hand in my box of leftover crafty stuff, and I just didn’t feel like changing out of my pajamas.  I made this one to fit the kitchen chandy out of jewelry beads, flat glass marbles, hot glue, and some fishing line. 

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You know that holiday tune “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” ?  Well whenever I hear it, I often substitute these words. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year,

With the relatives yelling

And everyone selling you plastic reindeer!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

In my family, we make up new words to old songs just to amuse ourselves, we’re just strange like that.  Or perhaps you do that too. 

Joking aside, it’s true that even though December is a magical time of year, with little ones counting the days until Santa arrives, it can quickly become stressful and commercialized.  I try to take it all in stride and focus on more meaningful moments: making cookies with the kids, crafting, decorating the tree, snuggling up with Christmas movies, and remembering the reason for the season.  I read this on Laurel’s blog the other day, “Sure, the season is hectic, but you only have a few years to put tradition in their hearts.”   So true!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, there are always moments when I need a little peace and I seek an escape.  When I feel the need for calm.  For me, often that’s dreaming about pretty places.  Time spent with family and friends is priceless, but there is something to be said for the desire to transform the places in which we live into calming spaces.  It’s why we read shelter magazines and follow good design.  It’s why we write about our own spaces and read other blogs ~ we seek to be inspired.   

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so when I seek serenity, quite often I turn to sites or images that inspire me.  I love magical airy ethereal spaces that instantly make me breathe a little deeper, and make me want to curl up with a good book and some tea.

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Winners winners winners !    Be sure to thank Random.org !!!

Winner’s choice for the Alexandra Ferguson pillow . . .

Congratulations to #553 Sharon at Elizabeth and Company

My sweet little peace dove . . .

  . . . goes to #78  Rebecca R.

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“Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays . . .”   Are you humming all of those tunes these days?   We are!  We’re also getting the house ready to welcome (gulp, 70 to 80) guests for our annual Christmas party next weekend. 

Thankfully, all the inside decorating is done! 

Nester is hosting her annual holiday tour of homes today, so naturally it was the perfect time to snap some photos and join in the fun! 

The new staircase is decked out with a garland of mixed greens (faux + real), topped with lights, silver beads, some flocked branches clipped from my Christmas tree and plenty of snowflakes. 

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Last year, I wrote up an article ‘Tools for a Cool Yule’ with a list of the the tools I consider important for my own DIY projects.  Now that this year is coming to a close, and some of you may be thinking of adding a few tools to your holiday list, here’s a revised list of a few I consider essential. 

Those of you just beginning to dip your toes into the DIY pool might consider a few of these handy dandy tools to add to your growing collection.  This list is not exhaustive, nor is this list anything near what a professional might possess.  These are just my personal favorites and the tools I frequently use.  Oh, and if you like the word "Dremel” you’ll love the giveaway at the end! 

Cordless Drill/Driver & Drill Bit Set

I have a DeWalt just like this one.  They are expensive, but worth it.  I use this for everything, from removing seat cushions to assembling furniture to drilling pilot holes with drill bits.  Cordless, powerful, wonderful !   I couldn’t live without it. 

Measuring Tape and Level

Essential for everything from hanging pictures and art, to more advanced projects like installing molding, trim and wainscoting. 

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