Sense of Season

Yes, I'm one of "Those" people.  I get the itch to put the tree up as early as November 1st!  The combination of cooler weather, twinkling lights, comfort foods, boots, scarves and the urge to cozy up indoors, prompt me to cue up the Christmas music and get out the decorations. 

My plan was to get everything set up on Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't wait- so the Saturday before, it was. (No shame here). Thanksgiving Day was all the more pleasant when guests arrived to an adorned tree, stockings and even a couple of wrapped gifts.

In my opinion, the holiday scramble takes away from the magic of the season, so I try to do everything as early as possible. The reward comes at the end of each day leading up to Christmas, when I light the tree, sit down with a glass of wine, cider, or cocoa and listen to Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole or Harry Connick, Jr. belt out the classic carols I remember from childhood.

Already?

Good Gracious!  I can't believe we're already knocking on December's door.  I hope everyone had a safe and fun-filled Halloween week! It was a busy day of work for me, but I did manage to sneak in some time to print-off recipes for delicious treats and rich, hearty meals to try in November. Also, the temperature dropped for a day or two and I promptly dragged out the kettle and a blanket. It doesn't take much to get me into that cozy place.

Mane Bauble Basket

Finally found a way to arrange my adorned headbands so that they're visible and out of harm's way.

Win! Win!

To Dine For

Unfortunately, I am not in a place where I can photograph my outfits so I have decided to sporadically share other items in lieu of wardrobe posts.

I took a quick photo of my table, set for dinner one night in August, when my parents were in town for a brief visit. I am no Martha Stewart, but I very much appreciate being able to enjoy a meal on a clean, set, table.  The way things are served is just as important as what's being served and sitting around friends and/or family to share, even the simplest of meals, is often times a far more enjoyable experience than dining in a restaurant.

As for the second photo... sometimes while I'm still sleeping, delicious things appear to surprise me when I wake.

Less Walk More Wear

Once upon a time, I had a walk in closet. It was lovely; large and conveniently divided with a place for everything. I know that city dwellers often lament the ills of their tiny closets and as such, I fully expect my mini rant to be less amusing to those storing their sweaters in the oven, but as a gal who's seen the other side, I'm not ashamed to say, "I miss my walk-in!".

My current closet appears to be an add-on or an alteration to the Master bed and bath, but I appreciate that the Landlord had the good sense to add some shelving. I still need to get the shoes off of the floor and maybe add a track rug, but I feel I've done alright with the space and it's actually been working out rather nicely.

The plus side? I was finally forced to omit the pieces I've neglected.  About six weeks ago, I took to eBay; pulling, measuring and listing items. I kept track in a small notebook and thirty plus transactions later, I walked away with almost $2,000!!  Some extra cash, just in time for the Holiday Season, has certainly helped to soothe my small closet blues.

Red Velvet Corner

I'm not sure what it is about baking, but there is something insanely soothing buried somewhere between the mixing and the frosting that I find irresistible. I know that there are hundreds of blogs out there dedicated to all things culinary and by comparison, my little red ladies are wildly mediocre, but standing in my kitchen after being on the road for months and actually turning on my oven to produce something sweet... well, it just makes me happy.

Never Never Land

Loving the Peter Pan collar on this dress by Zara. The strapless bodice makes it appear as though it's been layered over a lace blouse and the A-line skirt balances the structured neckline, nicely.