{GHP} Happy New Year…tablesettings and other musings

December 29, 2011

As the start of a new year draws near I look forward to savoring each and every minute left of 2011, a good year for the most part. via Better Homes and Gardens I thought I might offer these images/inspiration for those of you with plans to entertain family and/or friends on New Year’s Eve.  [...]

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{GHP} Visions of sugarplums dancing in my head

December 20, 2011

‘Twas  the night 5 days before Christmas… As we round the corner, with Christmas clearly in sight, I think of the upcoming days with excitement and joy {and yes, sugarplums or any sweet treat, have been dancing through my head}.  Our granddaughter, Olivia, will be spending Christmas with us as well as her mommy (Jamie) [...]

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{GHP} Welcome Christmas

December 15, 2011

I love this time of year.  I get downright giddy sometime towards the end of September in anticipation of fall/winter.  I like the cooler nights, the mild change in season that Mother Nature generously provides Southern California, the tiny tots in our neighborhood during Halloween, the grand feast that accompanies Thanksgiving, and the weeks leading [...]

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300th post and a partridge in a pear tree

December 13, 2011

 In blog time my 300th post would, for the industrious daily (weekday) blogger, be just over 1 calendar year.  However, since I started blogging in 2007 and stopped for the entire year of 2008 and picked it up again in 2009, but only 3 times a week, I am just now reaching my 300th post.  [...]

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{Home} 16 Days and counting…Christmas 2011

December 8, 2011

Has this first week of December flown by for you?  It certainly has for me.  I diligently put up all (or most) of my Christmas decorations the weekend of Thanksgiving, foolishly thinking this would put me way ahead of the game.  Yeah, right.  I’ve been scrambling every day since.  I am trying to “enjoy the [...]

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{Home and Party} Collections :: flatware serving pieces

December 6, 2011

As some of you may remember, I’ve declared my addiction to pottery, porcelain and/or china, basically dishes of all kinds.  I believe it comes from my delight in setting a table for a meal, any meal.  There is something very satisfying and creative in the process for me, and I have enjoyed this task since [...]

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{Garden, Home} Forcing bulbs

December 1, 2011

It’s time to decorate for Christmas and even if you prefer to keep things simple, forced paper whites or amaryllis can add natural beauty to any room.  I find paper whites to be a little too fragrant for the dining room but will use them in the family room. via Petersham Nursery, England via and [...]

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{Home and Party} Are you tired of turkey yet?

November 29, 2011

I hope today finds you fully recovered from Thanksgiving festivities and calories!  I do enjoy a good turkey sandwich and the trimmings once, even twice after the holiday.  But then I hit the wall and crave something flavorful, easy (since I’m still tired from all the cooking) and full filling.  This recipe originates from Country [...]

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{Garden, Home and Party} Happy Thanksgiving 2011

November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings. J. Robert Moskin I am thankful for family, friends and a warm home to share Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones.  I wish all [...]

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{GHP} Preparing for Thanksgiving…Fall installment #4

November 22, 2011

Whether you’re here (U.S.A) …  ~or~ abroad… Thanksgiving Day is looming and since we have the good fortune to be celebrating with our future in-laws (for more on this story) in our home,  I’m in full turkey day countdown. I really do enjoy this time of year.  Much like those that love the warmer months [...]

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