Little Lights

The mantel is perfect for these little lights. Shown here are pink glass cake platters and mirrors help to show off the lights. Christmas decorating is so much fun at our house. We mix the old with the new.

With the Lights

Without the little lights.

When decorating our homes, I have found that lighting makes all the difference in the world. The lights give an inviting, warm feeling to anyone coming into the room.

So for the Thanksgiving Holiday, remember your little white lights for the warm invitation to your dining room, guest room, or vanity.

Thanksgiving

Our family is very blessed. We are having some family over for Thanksgiving and are looking forward to our little ones. They bring so much joy and responsiblity.

Precious minds, always busy and alway asking questions. Just like little sponges! Wishing your family a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Tea Vocabulary

High Tea to some tea drinkers represents an afternoon of pleasurable socializing with friends. In the Victorian times, high tea was the working man's last meal of the day. An earlier supper which allowed him to get to bed before dark, it also provided him with the substenance needed to perform hard labor. A combination of hot dishes, chicken, game or ham served with salads, breads, cheeses, and an endless assortment of cakes and condiments, this meal consisted of anything available in the pantry. For the most, it was the bridge between a light brunch and simple breakfast.
Afternoon Tea, on the other had, was generally a custom for higher society, whether that of the aristocracy or the prosperous middle and upper-middle classes. A delicate affair, this meal was served in the late afternoon, long after lunch and several hours before dinner. It was appreciated as much for the company as for the meal. It became an excellent reason for an invitation extended or visit made.
The freshly brewed tea is too hot to gulp, but it will cool. You can simply sit and wait until the boiling liquid settles into comfortable warmth.

This location in Overland Park, Kansas is my favorite catalogue and as you can see, has a wonderful tea room.

Clutter Queen

AFTER

I have been taking lessons from my friend, America's De-Clutter Queen, Cyndy Salzman. My upstairs office was a complete mess. It took me twice as long to get tasks accomplished because of my clutter.

First, I decided what I really needed within my reach when working at the office. Second, I wanted to choose colors that would inspire me, motivate me to do my work in my office and not in front of the TV. My colors were going to be black and white with red leather accents.

I moved everything off the work area, made two stacks. One for filing and one for work to be done. Since I am a designer and decorator, I organized my decorating magazine in a stand up file. The more paper in a stand up file, the less area is taken up on top of the work area. Make and label file folders as necessary.

I do keep my printing paper near my printer, however, you could place the paper on a table below the printer in order to give you more work area.

Treats

Perfect treats for Halloween guests. So easy to display. Store bought brownie bites. Orange icing and inject into press to creat the design. We had some witches to show up, they left happy so I believe no "spells" landed on the house.