Christmas Eve

We finished all the candy and cookie trays, and gave them all out to our friends and families. My fiance is in New York working so he is with his family, and I am here with my mom. The rest of our family is in Michigan enjoying a very white and cold Christmas. I miss them all so very much. Mom and I played some yatzee and watched a movie, then listened to Christmas music and  had a lovely dinner, followed by a ride around the neighborhood to see all the lights. We did a quick check to see where Santa was (just heading into Detroit Michigan according to NORAD), and now we are off to bed!

This year we agreed to no gifts, as there is nothing we decided that we needed that was worth going into debt for. I did get some beads for my mom for a bracelet she wants, but I didn't get it made, so it is more of a Promise of a gift, which I guess is okay :) I did however end up with wonderful gifts, even though we had agreed on no gifts :) I got a new matress from my mom which they delivered tonight so my most wonderful christmas gift will be a wonderful nights sleep! And my brother and his family got me a gift card for amazon which I am so super excited about. I read a great quote the other day that said a book is a gift that you get to open over and over again. I agree! I love books and have a huge wish list on Amazon so I'm very excited to go check out all the new beading books..Any suggestions???

I hope that all my blogging friends are having a warm and wonderful Christmas Eve surrounded by your loved ones.

Merry Christmas my friends!

Oh Christmas Trees

When it comes to decorating for Christmas we have at times been compared to the Griswolds.  Our motto is you can never have enough decorations, especially when it comes to trees. I could explain it, but I think this one is just easier to share in photo's. Believe it or not, we decided to go mild on the decorations this year...

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree...

Kitchen Mini Tree

Front Room Snow Fairy Tree

Snow Flake Tree Front Room

Dinning Room Tree's

Dinning Room Fruit Tree

Half Wall Tree

Red Room Mini Tree

Kitchen Mini Tree

Red Room Fun Tree

My Studio Tree

CinLynn Boutique

GIVEAWAY CinLynn has made three beautiful pair or earrings. She is having a drawing to win one of your choose. Click on her link below for details. Hurry ends soon!

CinLynn Boutique: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bead Box Give Away!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Bead Box Give Away!: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Another Batch Complete!

PHEW! Last batch done!

 Now we just have to tray them up and give them away :)

Holiday Treats!

The cookie/candy madness has begun! Every year my mom makes everyone in the family, friends, neighbors, and others cookie and candy trays. She has done this for as long as I have been alive (I won't say how long that is!). As a child every year for my birthday we would decorate the tree. Then for my birthday party I would have my little friends over and we would decorate Christmas cookies. So of course, every year when it comes time to make cookies and candies I love participating. My mom can bake circles around me, and I think I make more of a mess then I do cookies.  This year we have decided that neither of us needs the extra sugar in the house, so we aren't keeping any of these goodies for ourselves. Interesting part is, I'm okay with that. I really just love the process more then the eating. I have really come to love how much enjoyment people get out of these trays when they receive them.

So, the past 4 days we have been busy working on cookies. And these are just the cookies. This isnt' the candy part. Mom also makes bon bons, fudge, turtles, peacon bars, and lots of other things I don't know the names for. It really is cookie and candy madness.

So I wanted to share some pictures of the process so far :)

Pretty Things: Another Giveaway -- Beads!

Pretty Things: Another Giveaway -- Beads!: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Birthday Celebration

I had a very simple and lovely birthday celebration. Just my aunt, cousin, mom and me. My fiance called me several times through out the day.When I was young I wanted big parties. And as a child those usually included a sleep over. 10-15 screaming girls sleeping on the living room floor. I have no idea how my mother could stand it. Now, the older I get, the quieter I want things. For me the ultimate birthday celebration is..well...exactly what I had. A few of your favorite people enjoying a quiet evening together, and of course cake! Cake is the best! This year instead of one big cake, I got 3 mini cakes from the bakery. A carrot cake, chocolate mint (my favorite), and a strawberry shortcake. So we baked a bree, and had cheese, crackers, and cake. It was perfect! seriously perfect!