Holiday Wrap Up

Can you believe it's the final day of 2018?

How can that be?? And how did Christmas fly by so quickly?

It always does, though, doesn't it? 

My Magical Forest Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I have always been a big fan of twinkling lights, so Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. 

This year I decided to keep the decorating fairly simple compared to past years, and just focus on the twinkle lights. 

Budget Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

It's hard to believe Christmas is less than a month away - how did that happen so fast? I think I'm prepared each year, yet it seems to sneak up on me regardless and then I realize just how UN-prepared I really am!

I've been hopping around blogland and I love seeing some of the holiday gift guides that are out there, so I thought I'd share just a few of the items that I consider fabulous gifts....and all but the last two are in the range of $20 or less.

Holiday Home Tour 2017

It's the most wonderful time of the year, no doubt, and, like most of you, I've been busy gussying up my little cozy house, getting it all dressed and ready for Christmas. 

It seems a ton of work at the time, but isn't it all worth it when it's all said and done?

Christmas Blessings

Christmas morning dawned bright and sunny, with temps in the 30's.

 

It wasn't the white Christmas I had dreamed of, but it sure was nice to see all the sunshine streaming in through the windows.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wishing a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Holidays to all of you wonderful people out in Blogland!

A Woodland Forest Christmas

Boy, it was tough not to share this with you before now.....but I feel like there's some sort of law out there that says that even if circumstances and busy schedules force you to decorate for Christmas even before Thanksgiving.....heaven forbid....there's no way you can let anyone know!

Well, that's exactly what happened with us this year. 

Not the Best Start to the New Year....

I wanted to pop in an wish all my wonderful readers a very happy and healthy New Year!

Via

Unfortunately, on New Year's Eve morning I woke up with a terrible virus and it's kept me down for the count for the past two days. 

Needless to say, it was a very quiet New Year's Eve celebration for me - I was home in my recliner in my jammies watching the entire first season of Downton Abbey, which I can now say I am completely and totally addicted to - uh oh!

Via

In addition, my daughter and I watched the entire first season of Grace and Frankie - have you seen this show yet? I'm totally hooked!

Official Trailer for Grace and Frankie

Two amazing actresses - Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin - how could you go wrong?

All in all, despite being a rough start to the New Year, it turned out quite well after all because I got to spend some quiet at-home time with my daughter (who was also sick.) 

And we found two new shows that we love. 

Which, considering how little TV I actually watch is both a good thing and a scary thing!

I hope your 2016 is off to a fantastic start, no matter what way you rang in the New Year. 

Cheers!

The Calm After.....

A Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my lovely readers out there!!  

I have been missing in action for a couple of days....hard to avoid when I've been up to my eyeballs with last minute Christmas preparations. 

And it was all worth it. 

A good time was had by all.....

....except these poor little colorful stuffed critters that met their demise within minutes!

Christmas is a busy, busy time in my little mountaintop home as it is for many - cooking a big feast for my whole extended family always keeps me hopping on the big day. 

Potatoes were peeled out on the garden swing on this 60 degree Christmas. No complaints there!

Prime Rib was smothered in minced garlic from the garden and roasted to perfection. 

Tummies were happy, cocktails were flowing, and there was laughter throughout my new home. 

Just as it should be on such a glorious day. 

When all is said and done I find such peace at the end of the evening when the kitchen is tidied, the dishwasher running, and the house is calm and somewhat clean again. 

And I can take a seat at the end of a long day and just spend time with my sister, catching up on what's going on in her life. That's what the holidays are truly about, after all. 

After a much needed sleep I awoke to a beautiful sky and much colder temps than yesterday. The forecast finally calls for some snow on Monday evening....we'll see what happens but I'm hoping!

The local ski resorts are really suffering this season and need some cold temps in order to blow snow - although some natural snow at this point would be even better. 

We didn't have our White Christmas but perhaps a White New Year's is coming our way?

Fingers crossed. 

Meanwhile, I'm heading to the garden to do a few more chores in preparation for the coming winter. 

After all, it has to come sometime. 

Christmas Cocktails

Our weather forecast here in the mountains of Upstate NY says we will reach a high of 67 degrees tomorrow....on Christmas Eve. 

Are you kidding me?

Where's my white Christmas?

I think in light of the weather our Christmas Eve Cocktails will be by the outside firepit on the deck. 

Because, hello? SIXTY SEVEN DEGREES!

On Christmas Eve. 

I just can't. 

So, instead of a hot beverage on Christmas Eve, we're going to switch things up this year. 

A nice frosty Tuscan Pear Cocktail with ginger sounds heavenly!

As does this Pomegranate Vodka Gimlet  with fresh lime. 

Sweet Paul created this White Russian with Toasted Marshmallow Garnish which sounds like such a treat - dessert in a glass, anyone?

Sweet Paul keeps the party going with this Norwegian Forest Cocktail  - mmmmm those berries, rosemary, and lime sound refreshing on a HOT winter's day! Ahem. 

If you have some more berries leftover how about some Jingle Jangle Punch? 

 Or mix yourself up a Merry Maple Margarita for a twist on a summer classic. 

This Caramel Apple Sangria would be fabulous for a crowd...if you feel like sharing. 

And for a non-alcoholic crowd pleaser how about this Cranberry Cider Punch from How Sweet Eats. 

For 20 more holiday cocktail ideas why don't you head over to Swanky Recipes - there are some terrific ideas on that site I might just have to work my way through over the holiday period!

Sounds like a plan. 

It's tough work but somebody's got to do it!

Cheers!

Dealing with Holiday Stress

My daughter wrote an amazing post that came out today on Be Your Own Muse that talks about mental health. Her post really got me thinking about all the stress we go through during the holidays. 

I shared a little about how I was feeling totally overwhelmed last week here and how I caught up a bit here.  

I know, for me, I start feeling overwhelmed when there are a million things I feel I need to do and not enough hours in the day...or energy....to get them all done. 

I really, really like things very organized and tidy in my house. When they get messy or disorganized that brings on feelings of stress for me, and my heart starts racing a little. I don't know if this happens to other people, but I do know it happens to me. And it makes me cranky. I know this about myself. 

One of the things I try to do to keep that in check is take time each and every morning before work to accomplish at least one chore. By that, I mean one chore in addition to the normal daily morning routine of unloading the dishwasher, showering, making the bed, making my lunch, etc. If I take 15 minutes each morning to accomplish one additional thing it helps keep the chores from piling up and keeps me on track. Less stress = less crankiness. 

Via

I also know that I require quiet time. Regular bouts of quality quiet time. I am not one of those people who can just go, go, go and never take a second to breathe. That would flat out drive me over the edge - you'd find me sitting on the floor in a corner of my walk in closet whimpering and talking to myself. 

I make sure not to take on more than I can handle. If we have too many invites pouring in I do not feel one bit guilty turning some down - I know my own self and there's no way I can be out more than a few nights per week at social engagements. Our social calendar is quite full as it is and sometimes I just have to put the brakes on so I can have a peaceful night at home. There's nothing wrong with that. 

One of my happiest places in my home is my kitchen. I love preparing a nice meal with the music playing in the background and the candles burning while I'm sipping on a glass of wine. That's a good place to be and it tends to calm my soul. Making sure I have a few nights each week just like that keeps me grounded and sane. Relatively speaking, of course!

I also love to read. There's nothing like a good book to take me out of my own mind and shut off all the daily turmoil inside my head. Right now I'm reading a fabulous book by Debbie Macomber called Starry Night. 

I just started it on Sunday and I read over half the book that night - I just couldn't put it down. Don't you just love a great book like that? I've been making a point to read Christmas books all month which helps me keep the holiday spirit alive in my heart. 

One of the other things that really relaxes me is having a nice hot bath with some aromatic bath salts and a couple of candles flickering nearby. I love the mineral bath salts from Aura Cacia - they have wonderful naturally derived fragrances that really release their scent with the steam and the mineral salts help with sore, aching muscles. Win, win!! 

I'm a big fan of aromatherapy and always have been. In addition to the routines I practice to keep my stress in check I will often have a candle burning in the house when I'm puttering around. The scent will change with the seasons or my mood but either way, having something fragrant burning in the house just calms me. If not a candle there may be a stick of incense or some scented oils. 

I also use cleaning products during my daily routines that have wonderful scents like lavender, orange clove, or natural pine - I truly believe it makes the daily chores just a little bit easier when there's a bit of aromatherapy involved. 

Add some peaceful music and the pups dozing by the fire and all's right in my world. 

These are things that help me in my daily world. You have to find your own sweet spot, your own things that help you calm your soul. 

And when you find those things, make sure to take the time daily to give your soul what it needs. 

It's as important as breathing. 

Catching Up on Christmas

Whew, it  was a busy, busy weekend in my little mountain house!  

Last week I posted about feeling a bit stressed and not ready for Christmas - I was definitely feeling overwhelmed and I don't like that one bit! I got so many wonderful comments from my blogland friends out there and the majority said, and I paraphrase here,  Just let it be. Let it happen. Whatever you get to, you get to. And what you don't? Oh well!

You know what? I like that attitude!! I'm going to try to adopt that mentality to more of my busy life!

We started the weekend Friday evening with some sweetness from my favorite reindeer. 

That little face always makes any day brighter!  Of course, she doesn't look too thrilled with her new accessory but she's always a good sport.

And a cookie bribe helps. 

Saturday morning dawned bright and SNOWY - just what I needed to put the pep in my step!!

It wasn't much but just that little dusting of snow made it feel so much more like the holidays!

Some good snow squalls throughout the day made me feel all warm and cozy inside while wrapping gifts. 

It was a marathon wrapping session for sure! But, I can cross that task off my holiday to-do list so I'm a happy girl. 

My little treats for my staff are all ready to hand out on Christmas eve. 

It's certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the tree!

Sunday brought more cold weather although no snow. I don't think we have a hope of a white Christmas this year which is sad. 

The holiday grocery shopping was done with some help from my girls and after a quick pizza break the baking began. 

Tell me why I bothered to clean the kitchen before we started baking? Not my wisest moment!

Butter cookies three ways, chocolate chunk cookies, and Carol's absolutely amazing sugar cookies - (get the recipe here at the Red Painted Cottage) -  and the cookie marathon was done!

A quick kitchen cleanup and then my daughters and I gathered in the living room by the fire to watch It's a Wonderful Life. 

Obviously all the action this weekend wore my poor old Lily girl out. 

However, I guarantee that as soon as she hears the sound of the cookie jars opening she'll bounce up looking for a treat!

All in all it was a great weekend, albeit a busy one. Not much time for R&R but perhaps after the holidays I might catch up on a little quiet time. 

I hope your weekend was a happy one, friends!

Forcing Holiday Cheer

It can be so tough to get in the holiday spirit some years, am I right? Just because the calendar says it's Christmas time doesn't mean it feels like it....so what's a person to do?

We're one week from Christmas and I'm not ready.

I'M NOT READY!!

I haven't wrapped a single gift. For that matter - I still have gifts to buy. 

The weather has been unseasonably warm, there's not a snowflake to be seen. It doesn't feel one bit like Christmas. 

I don't even know what I'm making for Christmas dinner.

I haven't baked even one cookie. Not one. 

Via

The weeks just fly by, there aren't enough hours in the day, and I can't catch up. 

Can anyone say STRESSED??

This weekend I need to catch up so I can enjoy the remainder of the holiday season. What's left of it. 

I'm pulling out all the stops right now. The big guns. It's time.

Here's my plan. 

Saturday morning I'll make my usual weekend morning cappuccino....with a good sprinkle of cinnamon. 

And a hearty weekend breakfast. 

And I'll get to work. 

My favorite Christmas CD will go on. 

Sarah McLachlan - Wintersong

My most loved song on the whole cd? Right here. Song For a Winter's Night. It gives me chills, every time. I turn it up real loud and sing right along with Sarah. 

And it's not Christmas without James Stewart and Donna Reed. Not even close. My daughter took me to see a 1940's radio version of this at a local theater last weekend, which was incredible - we had such a terrific day! However, the original movie still needs to be watched. Without a doubt. 

Via

I'll light some beautiful holiday scented candles - I'm super excited about a new one I just got in the mail and it's unpacked, in place on the sideboard, and ready to go - just waiting for me to strike the match. 

Unplug Soy Candles

These Unplug Soy Candles are poured into old wine bottles and they smell AMAZING!!  This one is a Christmas scent and I am so excited to light it up!! I read about it first at Thrifty Decor Chick's blog and she absolutely raved about it....of course, since I'm a total candle junkie I had to reach out to Jennifer and place an order. I'm so glad I did!!

Via

Once the scene is set I'm going to make myself an eggnog, get out the wrapping paper, and go to town. 

Via

How do you get yourself in the holiday spirit when you're just not feeling it?

What's your secret?

Puttering Sweetie

I'm so  lucky to have a good man in my life.....not only is he sweet, funny, and handsome but he also likes puttering around the house. 

Just like me. I love puttering. 

But I work full time so my puttering days are limited to weekends. 

Fortunately for me, my sweetie will often surprise me by coming to my house while I'm at work and tackling little projects to make my life better and/or easier. 

He's a good man. I might just have to keep him. 

This week he tackled two projects for me as little surprises while I was at work. 

The first one is this ingenious system he worked up in that brain of his to store some of my patio cushions - and hopefully keep the critters out of them. 

Check this out - he suspended them from the rafters in the garage, in a mesh tarp bundle, high up in the air! 

I worried - how will I get them down in the spring? We know how much I hate ladders, right?

Well, Sweetie thought of everything - he rigged up this pulley system to raise and lower the bundle to make things easier for me. 

He bought this pulley a few years back after I had knee surgery so I could raise and lower bags of firewood up to my second story deck - it was a slow process and much quicker to just have my daughter bring in all the wood! But the thought was there....and it was a good idea. I just didn't have the patience to stand there and keep turning that crank. 

The pulley was removed when I was moving from that rental and stored until needed again. The next use was when a snow and ice storm bent a tree nearly in half on my new property. My sweetie rigged the pulley up to pull the tree upright again in stages so it wouldn't snap. It worked - genius, I tell you!

And now it's in place in my garage with this new system. I tell you, that man's brain works in ways mine never, ever would!

It's seriously a wonderful system and hopefully by having the cushions suspended so high up the critters will stay out of them. Fingers crossed. 

The path is cleared again so it's easier to carry in wood. 

You know, if we ever need a fire again here in the mountains of Upstate NY. Ever. 

Since it's been 50 - 60 degrees consistently. No fire needed!

Weird weather. 

Anyway.....the second surprise I got this week was just yesterday when my honey came over and put up a lit wreath at the peak of the roof. 

He brought me over the wreath from his house....he wasn't using it.....but I was already done with the decorating outside and there was no way I was getting back on that ladder. 

No way Jose. Not happening. No, thank you. Uh....nope. 

So the wreath sat on a chair by the door. And then I hung it around the porch light, which was ok, but not great. 

But I was ok with it because it didn't require me stepping on a ladder. Worked for me!

My sweetie came over with a friend yesterday and took care of it while I was at work. What a nice surprise to come home to!  It looks lovely from the road, and now the house looks finished for the holidays. 

However.....unless he's going to get back on the ladder after the holidays that baby's going to stay up year round!!

It will give the birds a place to nest, come Spring. 

Stretching the Dining Room

When I first toured my new house I fell in love. 

Instantly and completely. 

But I had a problem. And I almost didn't buy the house because of it. 

Despite the fact that I was in love. 

What was my problem?

The dining room would not seat my whole clan for Christmas dinner. 

I told you about it here - I didn't sleep for a few nights, tossing and turning and worrying about this. 

Yes, I know. I'm nuts.

Finally I just gave myself a good hard kick in the butt and said, "Who cares? It's one day a year!"

And I made an offer. 

And the rest was history. 

But now it's nearly time for Christmas dinner. 

And I'm starting to fret again. 

So what's a girl to do? 

Get creative, that's what!  

And I did. 

With help from my sweetie. 

I had this idea to take a piece of plywood, saw it in half, hinge it (for ease of storage), and place it over the table top. 

For once, Sweetie didn't tell me I was out of my mind. 

He saw the possibilities....and made it happen. 

Sanded and smooth, corners rounded, piano hinge down the middle. 

With the table stretched open as far as it can go - and a gap in the  middle to accommodate the hinge - we're giving it a test run tonight. 

With a dinner party for 12  nope, now we're at 13. 

Sweetie helped me carry the makeshift tabletop in last night and get it in place. 

It was a little warped, as plywood tends to be. So he clamped it and I weighed it down with all the fall squashes I have yet to cook. 

And I went on a hunt for the giant ivory colored tablecloth I have had for eons. 

And I hunted. And hunted. And turned every linen storage area in my house upside down. 

And no giant ivory colored tablecloth can be found anywhere. 

It walked away. As things do. 

So I improvised. 

With two brown tablecloths I've had for centuries and that lovely red velvet jingle bell runner I told you about here. 

And I worried the colors would clash. 

But you know what? I'm not hating it!!

My plates have a brown band as well as blue and dark red, so they work to pull the colors together. 

Add red napkins and crystal glasses and there's not a thing wrong with it!

The dishes help to weigh down the table so it's not quite as warped. It's still a little wobbly but hopefully will be alright, once the bowls of heavy food are put in the center. 

I'm really quite pleased with the end result. I set the table for 12 this morning.....I'll have to find room for one more when I get home from work - we'll squeeze. No worries. 

When the lights are dimmed and the candles lit and the music is playing and the wine is flowing nobody will worry one bit about being a little tight around the table. 

And we'll do it again next Friday. 

Happy Holidays, Friends!!

~~~~~~~~~~

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