Fail.

         When I first joined Facebook back in 2008, I joined an event.  This event was to update my status to "FAIL." on 22 December 2012.  I did it as a joke because I don't believe in all that Mayan junk.  I couldn't even think that far ahead. But here are. It's less than five hours till the 22nd.  Although I never thought the world would end, I was sure that I might not make it till 2012.  I mean, geez. I came across this blog post today, and I felt that it was definitely share-worthy.  Oh and if you don't already read The Day Book, then you should.
         Here are a few other links that are share-worthy. I can tell that's going to be a frequently used blog term.

This scarf restyle is genius. 

I am all about low-cost decorations, so when I saw this idea for wrapping presents, I was sold. 

These wedding photos are perfect.  I mean, wow. 

I am making Spiced Cranberry Spritzers this weekend when our family comes to town.  If you don't follow Lindsay Landis' blog Love and Olive Oil already, do it. 

And here is my favorite present that's under our tree. It's for me. And the bag is made out of laminated cloth, so I can keep it after the holidays and use it for whatever I want. Aweee yeahhh! 

"All Christmas trees are perfect!" -Charles N. Barnard

       Christmas is in full swing.  All I listen to is Christmas music, and I am eating more than I should.  I've been gift wrapping although I've yet to finish my shopping! The house is incredibly festive with all of our decorations up.  We burn Yankee Candles all through our home, and it smells like heaven.

       We have decided that our family has the tradition of being different every year.  Meaning, we really don't have any traditions. We don't have a specific way we decorate each year.  Our decorations used to be very traditional, but they've morphed into the more aspen/woodland/Scottish styles. Here are a few snapshots from our decor this year! 

       The only semi-constant in our house is the tree. We use the same tree and ornaments each year.  We made the switch to an artificial tree several years ago. Our ceilings are 12', so buying a live Christmas tree that would fill the space was becoming very expensive. This one has been perfect.  This will, however, be its last year.  Seven years is quite impressive! Whenever I look at our tree, I think of that part in the film, You've Got Mail, where Meg Ryan is decorating her tree in the Shop Around the Corner. 

        "It’s coming on Christmas, they’re cutting down trees. Do you know that Joni Mitchell song? I wish   I had a river I could skid away on. Such a sad song. And not really about Christmas at all, but I was thinking about it tonight as I was decorating my Christmas tree; unwrapping funky ornaments made of popsicle sticks and missing my mother so much I almost couldn't breathe." 

       It's an incredibly sad passage, but I can't help but think of it when I look at our ornaments.  They are a mixture of popsicle sticks, globes from each place we've visited, and family heirlooms.

       We keep a mixture of holiday sweets on our buffet in the living room.  It's a dangerous thing to have meringues, truffles, cookies, and candies so easily available, but we balance it with oranges and other fruits.  That makes all the consumption neutral, right? These plates are a sample of our collection. The Merry Christmas plates in the bottom left corner are from this year's set of Target decorations, so if you're interested, they're probably still available! 

 

       These angels have long been one of my favorite decorations.  We placed them on top of the liquor cabinet this year with fresh greenery and some wooden tree figures. 

       Oh, here's a bonus picture. Probably the last year I went and saw Santa and actually looked cute while doing it. I wish I could post more/better pictures, but I just simply don't have a camera for it.  Looks like I'll be using the good ole iPhone for a little while longer! 

       Do you have any decorating traditions? 

Winter Essentials

Just five days away from the first official day of winter, I am settling into a nice, lazy routine.  I get up, drink my cup of tea on the couch or in bed while snuggled up in my favorite throw, then put on my trusty puffy vest and boots.

1. I bought my Eddie Bauer down vest four years ago for my birthday.  I wear it with skirts, jeans, leggings, and anything in between.

2. My mom purchased this blanket in Scotland last summer. It is 100% wool in the Thompson tartan.  It is the perfect blanket--light enough for summer and extremely cozy in the winter.

3.  Everyone should own a pair of LL Bean boots.  They are water, snow, and mud proof while still being surprisingly versatile.  Like my vest, I wear them with everything, including dresses.  Without a doubt, they are my most worn item in my closet.

4.  The first thing I do in the morning is head to the kitchen to turn on the kettle.  I have gotten to the point that I must have a cup in the morning.  Tetley is the best British tea. I prefer mine steeped for 3 minutes with a little milk stirred in.

5. And finally this is my favorite mug.  A cuppa tea cannot be enjoyed in just any mug.  This one speaks volume about me as a person.  From the moment I first stepped into Glasgow, I knew it had stolen my heart forever.  The caption on mine reads, "You can take the girl out of Glasgow, but you can't take Glasgow out of the girl." It's true.  My mom bought this for me at the Kelvingrove Museum last year, and it quickly became my favorite.