Saturday, December 17, 2011

RANDOM CHRISTMASNESS

I am going to start baking...I AM! But I keep getting distracted. Movies, reading, hanging out with the family, napping. I have finally consoled myself with the fact that the sweets will be fresher if I do it closer to the parties. We have three family events in a row starting the 23rd. The problem is narrowing it down to what I want to make, there are so many great recipes out there in Blogland. I could eat it, I mean, make it all!
Would you believe that we have a dog grab bag? Yep, there are a lot of dogs in our family and they are our buddies, so we treat them good at Christmas. I found an etsy shop that has all things good for your puppy. I got a gift basket for my grab bag victim. filled with homemade treats and a few cute toys. As always with etsy, everything is wrapped up so sweetly. If you need anything, visit Trish.
Over in Christmas Central, or my den as we usually call it, I have been a real elf. All that remains to be bought is The Husband's gifts for the boys. I do the girls, he does the boys. He loves to shop last minute, he's out now with the throngs.
I am also forcing paper whites in the den because it is so dark in there. I was told to water the bulbs and keep them in a dark area for 2 weeks and then bring them out in front of a window and they should bloom. I don't see that happening before Christmas. These babies are just starting out and it has been a week. Wish me loads of luck.
I don't think you have ever met Nina. She is our Quaker Parrot and lives in the den where we don't have to listen to her. She has a couple of great lines and makes a smooching/kissing noise constantly. She will also dance on command. But alas, she is mean. I avoid her.
I have been immersed in Christmas movies. Last night The Husband had two work related parties and I got to lounge in bed and watch The Bishop's Wife and part of Christmas In Connecticut. I fell asleep as usual, but I do love that ice skating scene with Cary Grant and Loretta Young and of course, the taxi driver. What a great movie. Last week when we stayed in that little town in Michigan, The Husband decided to take a nap once we were back at the inn. I turned on the TV and look what I found. I think The Holiday is my favorite {non~classic} Christmas movie. Love the story, love Rose's little English cottage, love Jude Law.
So, unless I can coerce The Husband into going out for dinner, it will probably be a very quiet night. Love those, but could really use some restaurant atmosphere tonight. They are all so decorated beautifully now.
I was able to download that picture from my phone of Milo sleeping in his new thrifted dog bed. He really only uses it when there isn't a couch or chair available. I think he looks comfy.

So, that's all I have for today. We had a little snow last night that melted today and it is 32 degrees right now. I went outside for a little while today and it felt quite cold. I just hope we have snow on the ground for the big day. Take care! :-)

62 comments:

Debby said...

We had our first snow today. Just a little one the ground.
I had to laugh about your husband liking to shop at the last minute. My husband was the same way. Then the year we had the big ice storm and the mall was closed.....he learned his lesson.
Have a Merry Christmas with your family.

Kim said...

The Bishop's Wife is one of my all-time fave movies. How beautiful was Loretta Young. Still plenty of time to bake! Have fun Jane.
xoxo,
Kim

Anonymous said...

The last minute shopping must be a man thing. My dad always did that until he discovered online shoppng. My eye doctor once told me he hates shopping & goes on Dec 24th. He told me it's only him & the other men who wait until the last minute. Not much on the shelves, so no decisions to make either. I can't imagine the kind of gifts his family must get each year!

Sounds like you are busy, but have a fun holiday planned!

Sonny G said...

Jane,
I enjoyed this post to much. It was almost like being there with you.

I too love the Bishops Wife and so many other Christmas movies.

Happy baking.. Wish I lived closer so I could pop in and do a taste test:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, I'm glad you're all done with your shopping. I've still a little bit more to do! My hubby loves the last minute stuff too!
Merry Christmas, sweet friend.
be a sweetie,
Shelia;)

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, looks like you are doing great at getting ready for Christmas... love little Milo in his new bed... but what about Layla??? does she have a bed too??? Tessy was just wondering...your paperwhites look nice, I don't grow them because I am allergic to the smell, but I think the flowers are always so pretty... I have done my last post before Christmas, so now I can visit my fav's, like you, and relax and enjoy my gift of time to myself... and my family... I too love watching those old Christmas movies, warm and cosy inside with something yummy to eat of course... what are you going to bake? I always love to hear new recipes... sending much love your way, xoxo Julie Marie

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

How sweet is that last photo of your dog sleeping! Those are some fave holiday movies of mine, too. I just watched The Bishop's Wife for the 1st time last year and really liked it.
Hope you enjoy your upcoming parties, Jane. Happy baking and have a wonderful Christmas!
- Susan

Unknown said...

It must be a hubby-thing ... mine was always a last minute shopper.

Love the pooch ...

We are just returning from the southern shores in lower Maryland ... it is snowing. It was a beautiful day, the water was so crisp, the air so clean, the boats on the docks, & a fabulous sunset.

Merry Christmas
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Oh I love the movie The Holiday too! Wouldn't it be fun to stay in a little English cottage?
My boys got to go sledding today. It was my two year olds first time and he loved it!
Have fun with all your baking and listen to some fun tunes while you're at it :)

Anonymous said...

beautiful photos ,happy baking!

Marigene said...

I have done a little baking, some yesterday and again today. I should have waited until about Wednesday to do it...the freezer is filled to overflowing.
Have a fun week!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

With you having snow, I'm sure that you don't want to hear about me spending the last three days at our beach condo and having sunny 70 days:) I better get to wrapping these gifts.

Blessings,
Linda

Kerry said...

Everything looks so wonderful Jane, and I'm sure those paper whites will perform beautifully. I'm with you on the Christmas movie watching except I haven't had a chance to stop yet. In a few days time I'll be heading off to Sydney to spend Christmas with my kids..can't wait :) And I almost have my shopping done...almost!!

Pondside said...

I don't think we'll have snow this year for Christmas, although it was predicted. I love both the movies you mentioned - what good choices for an evening of knitting in front of the TV - thanks for the reminder.

NanaDiana said...

What a great post, Jane! Felt like I was right there with you! I love that you buy for the girls and he buys for the boys. MyHero was always fond of shopping on Christmas Eve which used to drive me nuts!

I love Christmas in Connecticut. I think there was a remake of that with Dyan Cannon, too, wasn't there?
Anyway- it was a great old movie.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend...if you are done wrapping please feel free to drive up here to help me!;>)xo Diana

Brenda Pruitt said...

He does indeed look quite comfy. If he knew you were taking his pic, he might have decided to look disgruntled and beg for a chair. Enjoy your days however you want. You are the queen of your house!
Brenda

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love to watch all the wonderful Christmas movies this time of year. I haven't seen one yet! I need to get busy!!
Hugs,
Penny

Linda said...

I so loved visiting with you this evening! Your house is all warm and cozy and filled with Christmas!

Whatever you bake will be wonderful! Our entertaining starts tomorrow afternoon. So for tonight - it is the fireplace and football along with a glass of wine and a couple of rustic metal ornamnent kits I am making for Amber. They spent the day in Verona, Italy. She called me on Skype and I could hear the bells ringing form the cathedrals. I LOVE this modern age!!

Merry Christmas, Jane. I am so glad we are blogging buddies!

Joanne Kennedy said...

I'm like you. I still have so much left to do but the days are going by and I'm not even stressed. I figure I'll get it all done and like you said, things will be fresher :)

Love your doggy picture.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Enjoy all your wonderful preparations for you parties.

Fondly,
Glenda

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Milo looks so comfy,he has the right ideal ! Looks like you have been busy with all that wrapping. Have a great Sunday !

Lynn said...

Looks like you're all set for Christmas Jane! I started wrapping yesterday only to find out I didn't have enough paper... And yep, I think Milo looks very comfy in his new bed:@)

Martha said...

Ilove both the Bishop's Wife and Christmas in Conneticut! As well as Holiday Inn -- I've not had a chance to watch them this year! There is still time to bake so don't worry about it!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I Love those mercury glass lanterns, beautiful! As are the other touches in your home, jane.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Love all your Christmasness, Jane. I am hoping for snow, too, but it is not looking good for it :(
xoxo

Shellbelle said...

The best part about Christmas baking are the aromas that fill your home…

Okay, I'm lying, the best part is eating it all!!!!!

Love The Bishop's Wife, I'm a HUGE Cary Grant fan. I even got to meet him once and honey, my knees went weak.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

If you've got some time before the parites, I'd take it a bit easy, too, Jane! Any lull you can get during the holidays is good! It sounds like you are all set though. I'm done, too. Now we just wait for "the boy" to arrive from NY on Wednesday afternoon!

My Beautiful World said...

So lovely to catch up again my friend enjoy reading all your posts. Sending you and your beautiful family special wishes for a very Merry Christmas Day and look forward to keeping in touch in 2012.

Always Wendy

Tricia said...

It looks like it's going to be a brown Christmas around here, since there's not really any snow in the forecast. Today's suppose to be over 40 degrees, how surprising for Minnesota.

Your distractions sound wonderful...a little lounging is perfect for this time of year. I don't think I've ever seen The Bishop's Wife of Christmas in Connecticut, but I do love The Holiday movie. I don't watch many movies. Good luck with your baking, there's still plenty of time :)

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

We've been immersed in kid Christmas movies around here, but you've inspired me to watch something for myself tonight :)

Have fun baking!!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Hey Jane! Looks like you've been a busy little elf getting things done :) This week I am going to try to attempt Chirstmas cookies ~ hope I get one or two made! We've been forcing bulbs at the store...we started middle of November and they look a little bigger than yours! We have some fake snow...called Snowonder, that we've planted our bulbs in - it looks really cool! Hey, we'd better let you get back to baking...enjoy!!

Anonymous said...

Nice post! thank you so much for sharing... happy holidays..blessings soraya

Theresa said...

Hi there dear Jane, I am doing same stuff here in my house! Wrapping, cooking, singing, watching movies and enjoying it all SO much!

My Husband doesn't have to shop AT ALL:) He doesn't like it and I do it all! We started last year giving each other a trip which makes it easier ON HIM:)

Have a blessed evening and steer clear of the Parrot! HUGS!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi darling, thank you for your sweet comment about the tree, they are all one of a kind and have been collected over the 34 years of our marriage... our weather is calling for freezing rain on Tues. I think I'll make candy that evening.. if I make it before I'm going to eat it all..lol Happy Holidays. Hugs ~lynne~

Andrea said...

Growing up, I had a Red Masked Conure, named Merlin. He was the meanest bird ever! My Mom still has the scars on her lips to prove it (she tried to kiss him lol). However, I loved him, rarely touched him, and he lived with us happily until I was 25 =)

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Lucky you with the snow!I have never witnessed a white Christmas! I think your paperwhites may have a few blooms on them by Christmas Day. Mine looked like yours a few days ago, but all of a sudden they have bloomed! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

xinex said...

I am a wee jealous cause I have not wrapped my gifts yet. Half of them are at Rochelle's house cause I left them there when I went last Thanksgiving. Your home looks so warm in spite of the cold weather out. Anyway, I am gearing more towards copper for the pot rack. I have some nice Le Creuset but they are wrought irons and very heavy and I am nervous about hanging them there....Christine

Tracy said...

I love Christmas movies too, Cary Grant, swoon. I have never seen the original Christmas in Connecticut, but I have the remake with Dyan Cannon and it is terrible. I usually watch it anyway!

You have plenty of baking time left but I don't see that your paperwhites will be blooming by Christmas - mine have been started since Thanksgiving and are about a foot high, but as I recall they were much higher than that last year before they bloomed. Maybe you will have a Christmas miracle!

Enjoy your week!

Charlene said...

I can not believe that stack of packages girlfriend!!!! WOW!!!! We are so doing it low key this year & I'm glad as I'm tired! Good luck with those bulbs. I've never tried forcing any but, I do love to buy them already out. There's just something about flowers blooming when there is snow outside.

I too feel so blessed to have found you through Blogland. I can't believe how long we've been friends... Like right when we first started blogging. WOW how time flies. Have a Merry Christmas sweet friend! HUGS!
Charlene

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

I've got to get baking, too! So many ideas, so little time, must limit my calories!! Oh, I LOVE The Bishops's Wife - such a classic and so sweet! Happy Christmas! Linda

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, And Happy Holidays! Your pictures are so adorable, especially the one of Milo! I plan on watching some holiday movies today myself. I'm off for the next 2 weeks and plan on just relaxing! Merry Christmas from your friend in Calif.
Marcia

Barb said...

Hi Janie, it is all so wonderful and Christmasy!!

Don't you just love the baking for the holidays? I am knee deep in cookie dough as I am baking for hubby's office (again) and all the neighbor goodies boxes....I love it!

I have had a steady stream of Christmas movies running. I love this season.

Sending you happy greetings...love all your sweet pictures.

xoBarb

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, always love reading your post! We do the dog thing too! I bought Ben's presents on Saturday. He loves his duck and I found a weatherproof one with a great squeaker at the Tractor Store. I know he will love it. I haven't started my paper whites yet but my amaryllis started growing our of the box so I went ahead and planted it. It's been growing leaps and bounds each day and it's getting ready to open. LOL...I had hoped to have it for Valentines but guess that's not happening. xoxo Have a very Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Had to laugh because I happened to turn on the tv when the skating scene was on the other night. I went to bed before the next movie came on because I was just to tired! Love those bottle candles.

Olive said...

Oh ya'll please send us some snow. Milo is too cute in that bed Jane. I have been practice baking a new recipe Jane. You are right about there being so many great recipes. I am going for fruit recipes for dessert and a pound cake. I am cleaning up a storm too but it really all is fun. I wish you and your a happy, joyous Christmas. olive

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

i love the song that plays as your site appears..beautiful.
and the sandcastle comment on your profile made me laugh. thanks

xo nita <3

Signing Out said...

I'm with you, Jane...There's nothing better than snuggling in bed with a hot cup of cocoa (with lots of whipped creme) watching Christmas movies!

Tomorrow we start making Christmas candy. Can't wait to taste it. :)

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Jane

koralee said...

What a happy time you are having my friend...Christmas Joy over in your home...hugs. xoxo Enjoy the rest of your week.

The Charm of Home said...

Jane,
May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! It looks quiet cozy there! Stay warm!
Hugs,
Sherry

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
This week is swooshing by so fast. I wanted to stop by and say Merry Merry Christmas. I am leaving for Vermont day after tomorrow. I love the Christmas movies, tonight The Holiday is on TV, one of my favorites. My husband always loved to shop the last minute too. Must be something they learn in Man school.

Happy Christmas
Karen

Sarah said...

Jane, I've been enjoying catching up on your recent posts tonight. Looks like your house is decked out for the season. I haven't begun cooking either. Thursday is the day for me. ;-)
Holiday Hugs ~ Sarah

Jacqueline said...

We had a little snow today too! I haven't seen The Holiday, am going to have to find that one. I love holiday movies too. I love to shop for the girls and so I also assign him the boy's stockings. Great thinking! Your wrapping station looks so great. Mine is in the master bedroom and it is hard to walk in there. I am going to have to change that someday. You wouldn't even want to see a picture of it!

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
sounds like things are moving along for you! Alas, I'm not going to get any baking done this year, but, that's ok! As I'm writing this, I'm watching The Holiday my favorite Chistmas movie and before that, my other favorite movie, While You Were Sleeping was on! I love Christmas in Connecticut but never seem to catch it, did watch Holiday Inn twice! Don't you just love them!
Merry Christmas
Rebecca

Bunny Jean said...

Sounds like you are enjoying yourself and not stressing too much. Napping and watching movies is something that I seem to do at the same time... kind of like multitasking!

The later you bake, the less chance of eating the goodies and having to do it all over again, lol!

Xoxo Bunny Jean

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed your Christmas randomness, Jane.

I have been watching lots of Christmas movies too. Love 'em! Can watch them over and over!

Merry Christmas!

Lynne said...

I love your random Christmas style, Jane!
I know that you are enjoying
your once fantasy ~ now reality kitchen island!
I also love that you love to make up make up words!
Merry Christmasness!
~Lynne
[withLove]

Kathleen Grace said...

I love teh Holiday too, and the Bishops Wife is awesome!(Did you know Loretta Young had Clark Gables love child? Scandalous!) Enjoy baking in your beautiful new kitchen Jane:>) Merry Christmas!

Maggie said...

Really enjoyed catching up with what's happening in Blondieland.
You are so organised, all those gifts bought & wrapped, watching Christmas movies must get you in the right frame of mind, perhaps that's what I need for the final push towards Christmas Eve!

All That Glitters said...

I'm still not finished shopping. O do this every year. The in laws are so hard to buy for.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

We are supposed to have rain on the ground on Christmas Day...BOO! Last year we had a white Christmas...our first....EVER! Loved it!!

My favorite holiday movie is The Family Stone...LOVE IT! I watch it two or three times every Christmas Season! All by myself....my family says, are you seriously going to watch that AGAIN? It makes me laugh and it makes me cry....

Have a Great Christmas!

Lou Cinda

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

So pretty Jane!
You have been busy... packages all wrapped and stacked and in piles!
I love that Cam Diaz movie too but if you can believe it, have never seen the Bishop's Wife. My client just told me about it for the first time last week and almost fell off her chair when I told her I had never even "heard" of it!!!

Heading down to the city with my daughter this morning for our annual Christmas Eve eve sleepover and shopathon. :)

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas.

Love,
Alison

P.S. Where did you get those awesome mercury glass bottles with the candles and holes in them??? LOVING THOSE SO MUCH!

Karin said...

Lovely! Yes, Quakers can be quite a handful, since they are spirited little birds. :) Thank-you for sharing the recipes!