Sunday, November 15, 2015

THANKSGIVING WORRIES, CHRISTMAS DECORATING AND A GIVEAWAY WINNER


Thanksgiving 2014


We all have our minds on Thanksgiving, right?  Or maybe that nagging little notion in our head that we should pull out a notepad and make a grocery list.  Or just continue to watch Hallmark movies and pretend it's December 1.  As I write I'm watching Christmas With Holly (which I give up a big thumbs up to), and not having a whole lot of focus on Thanksgiving plans.  Whether I do or not, I will stress out no matter.  It's a given and nothing's going to change, so why not just watch a little mindless happy TV while the world turns?

I've taken some of the craziness out of this holiday by just sticking with the pretty little table I did last year.  And I think I'll have a very simple centerpiece although from this photo it's hard to see what I had then.  A mystery for all of us I guess! lol!  I have some ideas I've Pinned and you can find them on my boards (click the Pinterest icon on my sidebar) under Fall.  I'm looking for simple and small, I do not have a huge long harvest table that seats 18.  So if you're in my boat, look at some of these innovative and inspiring  ideas.  


Time has a way of slowing down on cold afternoons when the wind is howling outside and you have that lull after lunch and before you need to start dinner.  Friday I made a fire about 4 p.m.  I made a cup of my favorite tea, an organic green blend with lemon and spices such as cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Wow, so good!  And then the news about what happened in Paris came on.  I no longer felt warm and cozy--how fast our world can change.  I trust we are all praying.  



I mentioned in my last post that I was actually going to try to be crafty (and crafty to me is getting up at 10:00 a.m., making the bed as soon as my feet hit the floor so that anyone who pops in doesn't think I just rolled out of it).  So the real deal is, it's a very, very difficult sort of thing for me.  I'm all thumbs and since I'm a perfectionist at heart, I give up easily with my high expectations.  So I made this little shadow box thingy for my son and his new wife, a Christmas present.  The box itself was so terribly ugly I painted it with leftover chalk paint, distressed it a bit and lined it with vintage sheet music.  I was flipping through a book of piano tunes from the good 'ol days that I had, trying to find something romantic and appropriate should anyone decide to scrutinize the background.  I became a bit discouraged and then just started to laugh hysterically over what I was seeing.  For example:  Cheatin' On Me, Hard Hearted Hannah, How Many Hearts Have You Broken, I Wish I had My Old Girl Back Again.  Yikes!!!  This is for a newlywed couple!  I ended up using a page from Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat.  The best I could do.  The roses are dried and from the wedding bouquets.  What do you think?  Is it too foo foo?  I don't expect them to hang it above their fireplace mantel or anything but I hope it's special.  :)



I did a little bit of shopping last week with Emily at Marshall's for Christmas decor for my home.  I was really really pleased with how focused and controlled I was about what I purchased.  Many of you must know by now how obsessed I am when it comes to shopping but I'm not nuts and I am actually quite savvy.  I have an abundance of holiday treasures but I wanted to add to an idea I had brewing in my head of a sort of 'Winter Wonderland" theme for the mantel.  And I have been spreading Christmas throughout the house in the past few years so I can use everything I've accumulated in the past thirty years, and that's so a long time so you know what I mean.  Each and every room gets a touch of holiday cheer now, even the bathrooms and office.  Who doesn't love a soft cushy pillow or bright throw to curl up with?  I try to be sensible and get my run for my money.   I'm in love with these two cute pillows I found---$16 dollars?  This is simply not something you can pass up.  



And one cannot live on holiday decorations alone.  The shoe aisles will always call my name.  These were a real necessity.  Truly.  I wore them the other day and they are really comfy and looked quite good with long skinny jeans and a big sweater.  Nothing makes you feel better than when you imagine yourself looking good.  And I stress the 'imagine' part.  



I dropped in on Emily the other morning for coffee.  She and Mike bought their house with a leap of faith a month before they were married just over 2 years ago.  An old home in the city with a lot of redoing just before they bought.  She has made her signature mark in every bit of it.  Call me partial but she has been able to make each and every room beautiful, cozy and a reflection of her taste.  Sometimes I do want to kill her though...I've wanted this ladder of hers for such a long time.  It's in a corner of her kitchen near the door that leads downstairs to the laundry and storage.  It's a great use of this space, who needs an open door and stairwell to look at?  Love the tea towels and well, someday when she's not home I'm going to sneak in and steal it.  By the way, she found it at a great shop that Kris from Junk Chic Cottage took us to when we visited a few years ago.  Kris lives about an hour from us in the northwestern suburbs of Illinois.  Do you know her?  What a great lady and she has a wonderful blog.  Emily and I had a such a good time that day.  And she scored that ladder, darn her!



I'm going to end with a recent picture of Elsie.  A classic.  Mary Clare keeps an album that goes out text-wise to all of our family.  Everyone can see the latest photos and add.  This is such a cool idea and we appreciate the updates so much--babies grow so fast.  This is an unbelievable shot I think, yet every time I see a picture of this precious little girl I want to frame it.  Thank you, MC. :)

Finally, the winner of the book, The Inspired Room by Melissa Michaels is June from Laughing With Angels.  I'll be sending an email off to her.  I wish I had a copy for everyone, that's the sort of part I don't like about giveaways.  Everyone deserves that little bit of excitement and a gift in the mail.  It's like Christmas...but don't get me started on that!

See you next week!

Jane x

50 comments:

Linda said...

I believe this is the best photo of your little Elsie yet!
I just heard the news this afternoon and I was simply stunned. I watched TV for 3 hours!

Thanksgiving is always at my sister's in Fort Worth and this year we have a special guest from Finland to share it with! I can't wait to see what she thinks of all of us!

sweetbriardreams said...

Well I don't think it's foo foo. When it comes to gifts for newly weds it has to be a bit slushy as they are in the first throws of marriage. If anything, a few years from now it's not too big to throw across the room is it?!! I'm joking! You have done a sterling job on this.

We are about to start our Christmas decorations so have a fantastic Thanksgiving and enjoy the rest of your shopping my lovely. xx

Bluebird49 said...

Can't get the horror in Paris off my mind either. I think we as a nation must support them, because they are one of our closest allies! Praying, praying for the country and for the many families who will never, ever get over the loss.

I love your shadowbox and know they will be very touched by it. Lovely gesture and lovely, thoughtful gift, Jane. I think they will treasure it.

I just can't think much about the holidays somehow. Fortunately, our kids have us the weeks of both holidays for several days--they have the space, and we get to enjoy the grandkids. The children's excitement, and the traditions we have are so special to us and we are richly blessed to be included! And next year, Lord willing, they'll be so much nearer! Dream came true!!

Elsie's so photogenic, Jane--and looks like her dad! This will be a magical Christmas for you all

Love you...and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your e-mails. I treasure our friendship and having someone who listens, understands, and shares, too. You're a wise "girl", sweetie. Stay strong and young!
Xx

Blogoratti said...

Crazy world we live in indeed.

Interesting work and best wishes!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Love your new boots, Jane, and your comment on us imagining ourselves looking good. Isn't it ironic - you give a little (the book) and you get a little (Debra's blog) - congrats! And I think your shadowbox is a wonderful memento of your son's & dil's wedding - perfectly distressed, and a sweet token. Have a wonderful, stress-free Sunday. xo
Rita

Theresa said...

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and I am also stressing a bit! Love shopping for some early Christmas decorations and gifts:) We should shop together! Love that sweet baby picture! Elsie is growing way too fast, slow down time! Enjoy your day dear friend, BIG HUGS!

Susie said...

Blondie, I loved this post. I think your new pillows are sweet. I also love the shadow box...I know what you are saying that it's special.. I wanted my grands to frame the wedding card I gave them to go with a little wall hanging I gave as part of their gifts. Your little Elsie is so adorable ...those eyes. Yes I know and love Kris. She's so talented at decorating and have a good heart. Also your give away winner June. She was one of the first people I commented to when I first began blogging. Fantastic gardener. Beautiful mother. Whenever I think of Chicago now, I always think of Kris and you. :):) Blessings for a wonderful day, xoxox,Susie

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Dear sweet Jane,
One of the prettiest, simple and easy - plus classy looking centerpiece arrangements was on Amy's blog from Ms. Toody Goo shoes blog.
Check out her November 11th post. Your framed roses on top of the vintage music sheet is pretty. A mantel theme of Winter Wonderland sounds peaceful. Can't wait to see it. I sure hope the beautiful photo of sweet Elsie is going to be their Christmas card. A beautiful grand Jane. Congrats to June, I just adore her.
xoxo,
Vera

Melanie said...

I'm not stressing about Thanksgiving at all, because I'm not hosting it! ;-) We are going to my cousin's house. I'm going to bring a couple of vegetable side dishes...one of which will be roasted carrots with butter and maple syrup, and then I want to make a green veggie, too but haven't looked through my recipes yet.
Love the shadowbox you made for your son and his wife! You say you're not crafty, but you wouldn't know it by this lovely gift you made. I'm definitely not the crafty one, though we all have our own unique talents, right?
Your Christmas pillow is pretty and you got a good price on it, but I'm not bringing in one more Christmas item into this house! I'm been going in the opposite direction the past few years - getting rid of holiday decorations and not going overboard with holiday decorating. In fact, just the thought of putting away my fall stuff and lugging out all the Christmas stuff has me kind of dreading it. Maybe I'll get in the mood after December 1st.
Elsie is such a little doll!

Anonymous said...

It has been a pretty sad weekend... I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year here at the house and I was excited about it but now it's hard to concentrate on preparations. We just have to keep on trucking along I guess.
On a happier note, I think your table setting is beautiful Jane! And the box you made is very romantic. A great newlywed gift. I'm sure she will treasure it <3
The booties are nice too...I like the heel. They look pretty comfy too. That's just the kind of shoe I like, stylish but comfy as well.
I agree with the other commenters, that is Elsie's best picture yet. She is such a doll :-) What a beautiful little girl she is!
Have a great day my friend xoxo

podso said...

I saw women buying similar pillows to yours just yesterday. They will add to the festivity of your home. Your mantel ideas sound good. The stores are so crowded already. Its like everyone suddenly realized that Thanksgiving is late this year and they better get at it.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I just love those cute pillows from Marshall. They will add some definite Christmas cheer to your home decor. Love those cute boots too!
Little Elsie is a doll. Your daughter's home is looking lovely.

Have a wonderful week.

hugs
Sissie

Barbara F. said...

Hi Jane. I would love to see more of Emily's home, if she doesn't mind! I had an old wooden ladder sitting on top of my shed in my former home.....and that is where I left it when I moved away. Ugh. No vision, what can I say? Blogland has opened my eyes, thankfully. Still reeling from the events in Paris. And praying.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I just realized I need to do my Thanksgiving shopping this week! I haven't even begun to think about the menu. Better get busy! Emily's home is beautiful and I love that pie sign! I think the shadow box turned out so beautiful! Such a thoughtful gift. I'm laughing at all the sheet music you noticed though! Lol!

Marigene said...

Elsie is such an adorable little girl.
We will be staying home for Thanksgiving this year, so I will be the chief cook and bottle washer! It will just be me, Howard and my daughter, Erin. Howard has to do chemo that whole week.
You did a beautiful job on the shadowbox.
Have a great week.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Jane, the baby has grown so...beautiful! Our grocery list is complete as is most of the shopping and as far as the table goes, my granddaughter (age 6) will help me so it will be PERFECT,...:)JP

Kim said...

Congrats to June and Elsie is just the sweetest. What a gorgeous face! Ps- love the shadowbox! I am sure they will, too!

NanaDiana said...

What a fun post. I remember when you went and met Kris and went shopping!
That is a cute little craft with the roses in the shadowbox. I think it would be neat to add a little printed thing somewhere that said their wedding date, too. You know- something that looked like it was printed using an old fashioned typewriter. It could just be part of the music background even. They will love it, Jane.

Elsie is just darling...getting so big and so darned cute. Great picture of her.

Hope you have a great night- xo Diana

Terri Steffes said...

Elsie. Sweet name, sweet child. The shadowbox is so gorgeous. I don't stress about Thanksgiving for some reason. I am pretty laid back for this holiday. But for Christmas-WATCH OUT. They don't call me the Christmas Witch for nothing! Just kidding, no one calls me the Christmas Witch. At least, I don't THINK they do!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I'll start with the last part of your post but certainly not the least...that picture of Elsie is beyond beautiful! You're right, it's classic.

The shadow box is beautiful and meaningful. What more could anyone ask for? The songs were a riot, but I guess they were better than 'hit me with a tire iron baby', which was our wedding song. J/K ;).

I think I'm going to check out that movie now and see if we can get it on Netflix. I'm in the mood to just chill out tonight and rest my brain cells.

xxx

Vee said...

You wove everything together so beautifully...I was with you all the way. Is this little baby your granddaughter? She is simply adorable. What a bright light in your family she is. As for planning...one day at a time, enjoy the process, and all will be accomplished right on time. That's what I tell myself.

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

Elsie, what a sweet name and beautiful child! One of my favorite school teachers, my 6th grade teacher, was named Elsie! A fire and tea sounds like a wonderful plan for any cool day! And you did a great job on the shadowbox! I'm sure it will be a treasured gift! ~Hope you have a wonderful week! Rhonda

Sarah said...

Jane, Elsie is adorable, and that photo is definitely one you should frame. What a shot! Plan to work on my Thanksgiving table tomorrow. It will just be a very small party this year. '-) Wish we had a long, French farm table, but we don't. I'm going to check your boards.
Congratulations to the winner and congratulations to you on winning Debra's give away. So happy to see your name!

Lorrie said...

Your little Elsie is so sweet. How great to get lots of photos. I'm thinking about Christmas these days (since Thanksgiving was in October for us) and not actually getting things done. That needs to stop fairly soon. Like right away. Like now. Like why am I reading and commenting on blogs when there's work to be done?

Junkchiccottage said...

Elise is adorable. What precious eyes. Love that Emily is making good use of the awesome ladder. So cool. It was fun when we all spent the day together. Gosh 2 years ago. That is way too long. We need another visit soon. Have a great new week.
Kris

An Oasis in the Desert said...

First off, Elsie is just adorable! It's totally normal that you want to frame every pic of her.....it's what grammas do!

Your Christmas pillow is so cute, and the glimpse of Emily's home....well, that just makes me want to see more! I think your attempt at crafting with that shadow box for the newly weds is absolutely perfect. They will cherish it!

Hope you have a great week shopping and planning for Thanksgiving!

Sylvia said...

I love my visits here; there is such ease and sincerity when you write about life... Elsie is a beautiful child with a beautiful name! I like the shadow box and the fact that it is made by your own hands makes this gift truly special. Thank you for your encouraging words; it is always a joy to see your comments on the blog! I am off to Pinterest to check your boards.

Scribbler said...

You truly are one of the nicest people I have met on the blogs. I always enjoy my visit here, because it is like talking with a friend. The shadow box is beautiful, and so is that sweet little Elsie. I am so glad to see people using old-fashioned classic names again. I really hear way too many silly names! You will probably think this is weird, but when I was trying to think of names before my my own child was born, I used to think, "How will it look on a tombstone some day?" Not being morbid, just didn't want it to embarrass anyone!

Barb said...

Hi Janie,

Sounds like you have it all under control. Isn't this such an exciting time of year? I try and take it one day at a time so I can enjoy it.

All your pictures are wonderful....so varied. Love it.

Elsie is ADORABLE!!!!!

xo
Barb

Vel Criste said...

Elsie is quite the beauty, any picture for sure would be worth framing. The sheet music story made me laugh Jane! LOL!!!! Still shocked with the Paris incident... can't imagine the victims loved ones feelings right now... downright evil incident.

Kathleen Grace said...

I am thinking of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not stressing the Thanksgiving part, we have hosted it so many years it all just falls into place. I have also decided not to worry about foofing up the table. I'll mix and match just like I always do, but no need for anything new. The older I get the more I realize it's all about having my loved ones here, the pretty table is just icing on the cake.
I think you did a great job with the shadowbox, good thing you looked at the titles of that music rather than just tearing a page out. That could have been awkward!
Paris, what can I say, we are all heartbroken about the chaos and horror. Yes, I am praying.
Elsie is so precious, what a beautiful photo of her! Have a happy Thanksgiving with all your loved ones gathered round. Don't worry about the decor or table, those things just aren't important.

Carla from The River said...

Hello Jane,
Elsie is so sweet. I love her sweet face.

Paris shocked me, made me cry and get angry. Yes, I am praying.

I am starting my Thanksgiving table setting this week. I am doing something different this year, I hope it works.
Carla

Dewena said...

That expression on sweet Elsie's face is priceless!

Of course your shadowbox will be loved! It's an elegant and romantic piece of art.

Here's to Hallmark Christmas movies!

Praying for Paris.

Unknown said...

Love the pillow.....and that ladder! Wow! Elsie is a beauty. Gorgeous eyes! Enjoy!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I love the pillow, the shadowbox, the new shoes, and oh that sweet photo of little Elsie! She is beautiful.
I am trying to talk my family into going out to eat this Thanksgiving. My house is still a wreck with the bath remodel which is not quite complete. Christmas...I just can't think about just yet!
We're praying for the people in France, too.
Take care and have a great week!

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
Your shadowbox turned out so pretty, such a thoughtful gift for a newly married couple!
Love your pillows and those boots too, love the boots!! Oh, did I say I love those boots?!! ;)
I just cannot believe what is happening in the world now, it scares me! And I am praying!
Try not to stress over Thanksgiving, speaking as someone that is so far away from home...just enjoy each others company - that is what matters most - your time together, not how the centerpiece looks!
ps...congrats to the winner!
Have a wonderful week!!
Kimberley

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
I'm not gonna stress over the Holidays this year since I'm going to CA to help out my sister who's having her 2nd knee surgery, she had her other knee done last year, leaving Monday before TK coming back the 12th of Dec. I've started putting up some Christmas so not so much to do when I get back. Your shadow box is very sweet, (those song titles, what a hoot), a wonderful reminder of a special day. Love Marshall's, it's my go to place to shop, bought the most gorgeous plaid pillows there to use this Christmas. That photo of Elsie, is so adorable, she is beautiful! I'd so blow it up and frame it!
My heart is broken over the horror that happened in Paris, all we can do is pray for their recovery and healing.
Rebecca

susan said...

I had to laugh over you coveting your daugter's ladder. I sold those in my shop at one point and they were a great seller. We're keeping Thanksgiving on the simple side this year. Of course, it will be all about the food and making sure to include everyone's favorites. My daughter and I are looking forward to baking a couple of special desserts - always fun baking together.
I know it's a bit early, but I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! And don't work to hard - enjoy the day.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I always love reading about your days, Jane...it's like having a little visit with you! Looks like you are getting a start on your decorating...I am slow here this year, trying to get over a cold.
The roses make a lovely little keepsake...

bj said...

Have your hubby make you a ladder....I want one, too. :)
I love Kris and her blog, too.
And, the wind has been howling for 3 days now and it's cold....and I never want to do anything but climb in bed and watch Turner Classic Movies....:)
xoxo

Gypsy Heart said...

Please don't stress over Thanksgiving! It will all work out...always does. I'm focusing on gratitude, especially in light of all the tragic events in our world. It doesn't really matter if the table is perfect or the side dishes unique...it's a time for family and to enjoy each other. :)

Elsie is adorable and I love this photo! Frame all you want ~ the time flies by. Believe me, I treasure every photo I have of Abby. Alex too, of course!

Enjoy your week ~
xo
Pat

Helen said...

Dear Jane,
Your precious Elsie is our future ~ a gift amidst the turmoil we are feeling right now .. the Holidays are what we need whether they are simple or lavish. Thinking of you this morning, take care.
Helen

Alicia@eco Friendly Homemaking said...

Your shadow box is so pretty! Holidays are to be enjoyed so I try my best not to get stressed!

Curtains in My Tree said...


Love Marshall's store, which I always over spend in that store
love the pillows and love the baby picture

My family still can't decide if we are going out of town for Thanksgiving or eating at sweet grandma's house ( me) LOL

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Jane,

Such a whirlwind time isn't it...and don't you just Love, Love being a Grandma! Take as many photos of Elsie as you can and frame them all! You know this is the sweetest of times.

Your shadow box turned out positively lovely, and I love the pillow as well.
Sit back and relax Jane, you deserve it.

xox
Jemma

Benita said...

What a gorgeous photo of Elsie...babies do grow up so quickly. When my oldest son was born (32 years ago..sheesh), I received a sweet little plaque that said "Dusting and sweeping can wait till the 'morrow, for babies grow up we've learned, to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep." That little poem still makes me cry.

You did a fabulous job on the shadow box...it is adorable and such a treasure..to give and to receive!

Yes, praying for all of the tragedy in Paris....does this horror ever end??!!

Congrats to June....she will love the book!

And yes, yes...I'm in a panic over Thanksgiving, but like you, am getting lost in the Christmas movies hoping it will all work out! :-) Love and hugs to you sweet friend!!

Traci said...

Elsie is just gorgeous!! Christmas will be so fun! I'm with you on the shoes. I bought 2 pair online today.

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Oh this Elsie picture is just magical!! :) And I think you did a wonderful job on your shadow box.

Looks like you are in for some snow. Usually your weather reaches us but they are just saying snow showers here. Still, sometimes they are wrong so we'll see...

Suzanne said...

Yes, I have been praying all week. The world continues to stun me, not in all good ways. Hope you're having a great Friday! The shadow box is lovely.

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