Happy New Year from Palm Desert

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBkyVjNmbbcVTZKr2BHLJe_VtTlDuDiGzNc7NtO1tLCT3mcpss1O72U-Q7H_StC3gI8yco0RKaGQRLhdZTIZlFv5Ci2ORCBSAhXbG8GDJSHZ8wNji9XGTcl93fDtBMZfY3uZM5sC7AXSv/s1600-h/Happy%20New%20Year%20from%20Palm%20Desert%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Happy New Year from Palm Desert" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBfI2J6d1_p31LiHJx9mRdAs57Yz56uvQGepndmb1XOJ_XqMS-BOxxHPvPmxmfmb-KwZ-XKdxzmFWSuB-pRuTbWQXDxtc-osic1nG9gt8n31R6ulj-B6Knj-VaL9BH-IaXUhY4DHfAEKx/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Happy New Year from Palm Desert" width="500" /></a> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <div style="text-align: left"></div> <span style="font-weight: bold"> <div style="text-align: center"><span class="Apple-style-span">Wishing you a Happy New Year and All The Best for 2011.</span></div> </span> <p></p> <p align="left"><span>Image <a href="http://www.r-nichols.com/collections/holiday/products/holiday-poolside-holiday-cards" target="_blank">R.Nichols</a></span></p>

Happy New Year from Palm Desert

Wishing you a Happy New Year and All The Best for 2011. Image R.Nichols

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Eclectic Christmas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB7mP5IC1r7IzBNMjN6Y1qWHhqQfXbnwUg-shbpvgxQ_-dE1bcGILkwGnQhmtOJZW17MBtGG2FsLMqq2LXA7YiEbSvtseOxgCHOzWPffd4E1wwPO_sjCRfOxksdbd6bBEVG-3ahRx1ZE/s1600/redwhiterolandbello1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB7mP5IC1r7IzBNMjN6Y1qWHhqQfXbnwUg-shbpvgxQ_-dE1bcGILkwGnQhmtOJZW17MBtGG2FsLMqq2LXA7YiEbSvtseOxgCHOzWPffd4E1wwPO_sjCRfOxksdbd6bBEVG-3ahRx1ZE/s640/redwhiterolandbello1.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://alifemorefabulous.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-in-red-white.html">Via Escapade</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Merry Christmas</span></span>! I would like to say that before I write the rest of the article. You may be wondering why. Well, again we find ourselves at a time of year, I don't really like. Ahhhhh! How do I convey my feelings? As a Christian, I most definitely observe the meaning of Christmas and am grateful for all it includes. But, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I DON'T LIKE THE DECORATING!</span> </span>Pretty much every year I say the same thing on this blog. So some of you may have heard this before. Sorry for that. For some reason, I always feel pressured to write something Christmas-y, even though; I really don't want to. So, as a way to deal with that dilemma, I write about small details that I do like. (You may also notice that I tend to put this off for as long as I can). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.164612332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.164612332.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53378914/the-original-felt-yarn-wreath-snowy?ref=v1_other_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via Knock Knocking</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I haven't figured out why Christmas decorating disturbs me so much. I think its because it often seems tacky or forced. I don't like doing things just because it is "expected" of me or because everyone does it. Perhaps I need therapy? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Okay, enough! I really don't like being negative, so I am concentrating on what I do like. Here are a few details that are very beautiful and unique.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TQlQzf65brI/AAAAAAAAGEc/A2_U01MausE/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TQlQzf65brI/AAAAAAAAGEc/A2_U01MausE/s400/Picture+5.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">One of my favorite parts of Christmas, is the gift wrapping. Every year I try to think of some new and unusual way of presenting gifts. I found these adorable pom-poms via Bugs and Fishes, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2008/11/gift-wrap-ideas-2-pompoms.html">here. </a> </span>She includes a tutorial and many more gift wrapping ideas. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pSaxHE0pyule7UyJIItVVetiKRTkkNjWPEYAI7K7q9fIXbmTdF1Kq2LhsdHFbBXyVvyD40j403dtvoFJZJto0_JtDRUgaGSBTf4wyR1C9mPgzPLJRXOFCWayupyVcaoTvPH1S_sVg4wx/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pSaxHE0pyule7UyJIItVVetiKRTkkNjWPEYAI7K7q9fIXbmTdF1Kq2LhsdHFbBXyVvyD40j403dtvoFJZJto0_JtDRUgaGSBTf4wyR1C9mPgzPLJRXOFCWayupyVcaoTvPH1S_sVg4wx/" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/">Via Bugs and Fishes</a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR-2NTPAAoCG6TkJIp271XO9cajsDPfKkvDsIjkA1ib-PlWJPTNFO-sPbS3XjZ5uxgzDZhBMSTnqhzzMLtk2iqqeOUomwfF0F_chHCiTZTesdD_1T-TywL7dnU_gzjXaaiO891LqRPALh/s1600/southern+living+lacquer-wreath-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR-2NTPAAoCG6TkJIp271XO9cajsDPfKkvDsIjkA1ib-PlWJPTNFO-sPbS3XjZ5uxgzDZhBMSTnqhzzMLtk2iqqeOUomwfF0F_chHCiTZTesdD_1T-TywL7dnU_gzjXaaiO891LqRPALh/s640/southern+living+lacquer-wreath-.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://vtinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/12/pretty-in-white.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Via VT Interiors</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Yay, I may have a little Christmas spirit after all!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">P.S. If you are looking for my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/search/label/Eclectic%20House">Eclectic House</a> </span> articles, they will be back after Christmas.</span></div>

Eclectic Christmas

Via Escapade   Merry Christmas ! I would like to say that before I write the rest of the article. You may be wondering why. Well, again we f...

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A Dog's Rules for Christmas

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbkG4G1u32MYtZYntec0LLgLqGiHg89C9W50cblSAJYAuqs6xQyuwdwbYYUmYHxXQoUiYVPXA14QNB7Wp4_1EV_gs_zsEVpVfWDaaQJUgnIeSvZ7HemEP-ztrcth0-3e4eUbuSs3s1GOJ/s1600/A+Dogs+Rules+for+Christmas.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549503987192090098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbkG4G1u32MYtZYntec0LLgLqGiHg89C9W50cblSAJYAuqs6xQyuwdwbYYUmYHxXQoUiYVPXA14QNB7Wp4_1EV_gs_zsEVpVfWDaaQJUgnIeSvZ7HemEP-ztrcth0-3e4eUbuSs3s1GOJ/s200/A+Dogs+Rules+for+Christmas.jpg" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; display: block; height: 200px; cursor: hand" /></a> <p align="center"><img alt="Santa Dress" border="0" height="180" src="http://www.barkingbabies.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_14_18.jpg" width="180" /></p> <p>#1 A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DON'T BITE HIM! Believe it or not, he comes bearing gifts.</p> #2 Don't pee on the tree. <p>#3 Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.</p> <p align="center"><span>Wishing you a happy holiday season filled with love and laughter with your dear ones two-legged or four!</span></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span>Courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.barkingbabies.com/" target="_blank"><span>Barking Babies</span></a></span></p> <p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.patriciagrayinc.com/"><span>Patricia Gray Inc</span></a><span> is an award winning Interior Design firm in Vancouver who blogs about Lifestyle and WHAT'S HOT in the world of Interior Design. </span><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/"><span>2010 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™</span></a></span></p>

A Dog's Rules for Christmas

#1 A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DON'T BITE HIM! Be...

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Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree

<p align="center"> </p> <b></b> <p align="justify"><b>Patricia Gray Inc is honoured to have participated along with Linda Sale Interior Design in their 3rd Annual “Home for the Holidays” fundraising initiative benefiting Canuck Place Children’s Hospice at Sutton Place Hotel.</b> This festive fundraising initiative partnered with local Vancouver businesses to create signature trees that are showcased in the lobby of The Sutton Place Hotel for the month of December.  Please drop by and feast your eyes on the beautiful trees and cast your vote for your favourite.  Thank-you to everyone who voted for their favourite tree and helped us raise proceeds for this important cause.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJinXiibSbZ38lZ8QThSf70DWWho7cGYiDf9n1BjnytxgRDZlLononfgK4J2h7uzqg2Ko3gAR2bmwodc6nFXU6SDj5wOscWATggKqzqfTAIW6eVsVRp8qK1wBf1c_6YNrrFOJIsoIhgUbY/s1600-h/2010%20Sutton%20Xmas%20Tree%20003%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 003" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8hy0_UI9PV7DuDefeS-Sj9APOCcLLSpkixQ3rqQu4zpihWNKgk2fFDdMwoHQcKsBV5FBoFzS6-CtskLXdRA8e2CyTb-ukm08ckwlJpuTWBMjikgewstihsFvgfdRZS0RsndjYckwHOCQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 003" width="261" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8Mrlcsa036s-t5mlZrjY5HL5GcIiofKocPOvgF0HQE6Fn0oeugg8YYTiO49CQDpxUMCrbK2S1rJVW9iHmla8fBh4sikxvkcLaVTiUk2TsAZbXVK9B7k3y3k3MEbGRa3-zhS1rc7E7A4W/s1600-h/2010%20Sutton%20Xmas%20Tree%20004%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 004" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9Zh7KpAIVv_OBEV9u4PNzpUyplcw_laWpNsFRk7CrFRPHrJq5JeY8-u1sfDpi3F_EvsFYqdBhwlhCVvpjMGpbPbjlHX8Uo3cmxyZKQdmx66HZfGUyblJkzSd44vekgIGqWf8G5CFtiUj/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 004" width="240" /></a> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAonFMhnjc7eZDQkTnxs7xeaLXGyBa5s3yL2NdQkfVwhKMse8HLuig68Idvm7YSdT2jySWeH2Olw-vPaXBj9JF6DSrleP3haPnjcV3qMfUNHicLH8L0Km4QnCv_RK_roWTvGJy-UvJUdKt/s1600-h/2010%20Sutton%20Xmas%20Tree%20007%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 007" border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6aUzIqed_rE4_0RClEtAfeODpTKtQ14rbbZvHmZYAkL6J-hDmiWsdlXTe_9hrMHIzEAeKVeOgIaigF58YC_untXRrP_J-3ZqY8QeYgbG1AAj-3aPTkusEG_Gtc9WCif7J773Gy661UfN/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 007" width="285" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneuIYVojOBTCOMsXkN_2ymL7BJU59ZhpT3X2h-W0HFztFm5hjFOkbnezhGEyhoVU0TvxZ11wkRCfFaTq154OWpgdtsUQznl92rCpv_DM0tNV9oHIPQxlR0POk3HSDDDeoQpOfxIW2uk4g/s1600-h/2010%20Sutton%20Xmas%20Tree%20009%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 009" border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VxyI2xKTTEoLXBc78T-4-pFXztvcU1uhj4I4-FblsebdSgx-zq_BrDynygxG1gbsjvBl2JF84o8I1hpthyDbS78aJoOm0vG9YHKUq88-FhwY2Bd1rp8iceKFCSgI5RGpLkrXpL_xD2fu/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 009" width="217" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ_qnj-lSrXL40hKJc1MeMzj0My3ghwsZC9BvqU4dIg0lQJRSi8oVBi2Bkzu9en1hR2XR4apI6Qs2TT3w2fWsNEkIjEdW7EYdQQINHWMjlvCvUiqn7HXgpJvHQ_uost90r7zLblcE9yTN/s1600-h/2010%20Sutton%20Xmas%20Tree%20013%5B1%5D.jpg"> <img alt="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 013" border="0" height="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYw6M3rQNTphBy3A4ZbV9chZs3DUrTEknFECdy3-_RUB7cfkPKflGBsVEIpq793Xr1nsw1t2W2ApUKGlBt3ogF4Wd3_2qdC-tBw7t30mNQ3gVFNWwgvN2BrGvBLoRD9O95hQiYVNB3pra/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="2010 Sutton Xmas Tree 013" width="509" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The tree is decorated with handmade Canuck Jerseys for each team member, and Gingerbread Cookies to represent the Children of the World dressed in their native costumes with each holding the flag of their Country. Click <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/search/label/Holiday" target="_blank">here</a> to see more pictures of the decorations. <b>For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.canuckplace.org/" target="_blank">Canuck Place Children’s Hospice</a> or <a href="http://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com/homefortheholidays.htm" target="_blank">Sutton Place Hotel Home for the Holidays.</a></b></p> <p align="justify"><font size="1">Photos top left to right: </font><font size="1">Patricia Gray</font><font size="1"> with clients Arnold & Audrey Armstrong; Patricia Gray with client Linda McGibbon; Patricia Gray with Sara Tye, Creekside Tile; Patricia Gray with Hanan Arabatlian, Aura Interiors.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.patriciagrayinc.com/" target="_blank"><font size="1">Patricia Gray Inc</font></a><font size="1"> is an award winning Interior Design firm  in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about Lifestyle and WHAT'S HOT  in the world of Interior Design. <br /></font><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font size="1">2010 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™</font></a></p>

Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree

  Patricia Gray Inc is honoured to have participated along with Linda Sale Interior Design in their 3rd Annual “Home for the Holidays” fu...

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Knitting 101

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrQraZRrWTB6YZBm2MY5odVrndIYDbGZBCA02mbm0P0S5E3yUIZMmlWycuZpvrKj_ie5uk0e682qd9sAj-tnSrWNZr7ZootwHmJNUd42heRnfAFWwc-CyZZrCVlR3J2IDxCZYHNtHEYLE/s1600/Knitting+101.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409338272429380450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrQraZRrWTB6YZBm2MY5odVrndIYDbGZBCA02mbm0P0S5E3yUIZMmlWycuZpvrKj_ie5uk0e682qd9sAj-tnSrWNZr7ZootwHmJNUd42heRnfAFWwc-CyZZrCVlR3J2IDxCZYHNtHEYLE/s400/Knitting+101.png" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">This year for Christmas presents I am knitting a few scarves for special gift giving. My Grandmother taught me to knit when I was 5 and I have continued to knit on and off over the years. I love going into yarn shops and feasting my eyes on all the colors and textures available. On my last trip to the yarn shop I was captivated by this most exquisite shade of teal blue. It is a blend of wool mohair and silk, and knits up as soft and light as a spider's web. I love working with bamboo needles. This scarf is super easy. Cast on as many stitches as you need to make the scarf the width you want and then just knit every row until it is long enough. For this season extra long and very narrow scarves seem to be all the trend.</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Happy Knitting </span><span style="font-size:85%;">If you have any knitting projects on the go please leave a comment [<a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6842244027880136050&postID=801431938834355396&isPopup=true" target="_blank">here</a>].<br />PS I am going on a plane trip...does any one know if knitting needles are allowed through security??</span></p><p>Helpful Videos:<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Knitting 101 </span><a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:78%;">Casting on Stitches</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Knitting 101 </span><a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knit-stitch" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:78%;">The Knit Stitch</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />Knitting 101 </span><a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/casting-off" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:78%;">Casting off Stitches</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />Knitting 101 </span><a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knitting-tips" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:78%;">Knitting Tips</span></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.patriciagrayinc.com/" target="_blank">Patricia Gray</a> is an award winning Interior Designer in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who blogs about<br />"WHAT'S HOT" in the world of Interior Design: New and Emerging Trends, Contemporary Design, Modern Architecture and Travel,<br />as well as how your surroundings can enhance the world around you.<br /></span><b><strong><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog™ 2009</a></strong></span></strong></b></p>

Knitting 101

This year for Christmas presents I am knitting a few scarves for special gift giving. My Grandmother taught me to knit when I was 5 and I h...

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We Had A White Christmas!

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SVh2wK1WOzI/AAAAAAAAEJI/y_Ba0wjOlZQ/s1600-h/Snow+collage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285104732633185074" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SVh2wK1WOzI/AAAAAAAAEJI/y_Ba0wjOlZQ/s800/Snow+collage.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 507px; height: 507px;" /></a>The snow was a few days late, but Liam didn't seem to mind! Especially when he was able to catch some snow flakes on his tongue. The only part he wasn't counting on was that snow is <span style="font-weight: bold;">REALLY COLD</span>! I guess I forgot to mention that part:)<br />But, it is nice to be back home, in balmy Houston.<br /></div>

We Had A White Christmas!

The snow was a few days late, but Liam didn't seem to mind! Especially when he was able to catch some snow flakes on his tongue. The onl...

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A Florida Christmas...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvKv068oTDFH3EtKwvwO9V-SrHYOGnckfhSQ4t7HXZBobE3zgYx93df-MV-aLkheJgsDBqEZBnYflFxzobnjhuKmp_5fm2pAimJ4Y6NYR_Cv1y21xUTbbn3Z0_Oi7U0LIBegJe0xQ5t8/s1600-h/DSCN3878.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284662025943171186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvKv068oTDFH3EtKwvwO9V-SrHYOGnckfhSQ4t7HXZBobE3zgYx93df-MV-aLkheJgsDBqEZBnYflFxzobnjhuKmp_5fm2pAimJ4Y6NYR_Cv1y21xUTbbn3Z0_Oi7U0LIBegJe0xQ5t8/s400/DSCN3878.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">We spent Christmas at my future mother in law's home... designed entirely by my architect fiancee. : )</span></strong><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryDdzoUVe1AeB01IaWOwvpichX5seJa799n-DV5vPyVHhbVxbqT6jC10BGMLfl1yJsZ66ey16cEbchxYfmEuQXFRuFQwXlpCcbDyyY5T5c6Ez6Qk-pfgfs4WULirM3r2SEyUueI0nr6U/s1600-h/DSCN3833.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284648337676365458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryDdzoUVe1AeB01IaWOwvpichX5seJa799n-DV5vPyVHhbVxbqT6jC10BGMLfl1yJsZ66ey16cEbchxYfmEuQXFRuFQwXlpCcbDyyY5T5c6Ez6Qk-pfgfs4WULirM3r2SEyUueI0nr6U/s400/DSCN3833.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Harassing</span> Luke with the camera...</strong></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUFaNBku7Gl9H1a_tNjzgxJuYx4IQGGBbm_CCZeDoW_394Kkk4fed9Za6ihjSi_fBpnLHuoEylTk5X7X_kAqGUAbdOhTTUxa-Cm-rialtzqPf2BevC_zImj3SgoMf2EtMnoUedyrCATs/s1600-h/DSCN3873.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284644854387714226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUFaNBku7Gl9H1a_tNjzgxJuYx4IQGGBbm_CCZeDoW_394Kkk4fed9Za6ihjSi_fBpnLHuoEylTk5X7X_kAqGUAbdOhTTUxa-Cm-rialtzqPf2BevC_zImj3SgoMf2EtMnoUedyrCATs/s400/DSCN3873.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Taking a walk in the backyard with the 70 degree weather...</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-jml0X5hY-UvlQ2kKJEF5iXIbto1xYtGHmCjVnKXp5B2OlozQ1GqAqWOw_rsnjfzbnITo7DjFoIM10rwDjJHgiXNCqHzsSPb5Y512Tp_yQLxNKEnErERlYDTXAa0fpUl6kWE6vAX1D4/s1600-h/DSCN3831.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284644843786534258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-jml0X5hY-UvlQ2kKJEF5iXIbto1xYtGHmCjVnKXp5B2OlozQ1GqAqWOw_rsnjfzbnITo7DjFoIM10rwDjJHgiXNCqHzsSPb5Y512Tp_yQLxNKEnErERlYDTXAa0fpUl6kWE6vAX1D4/s400/DSCN3831.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#993300;">Admiring the beautiful nativity set made by my future mother-in-law...</span></strong><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dMhfAU6pZ3vSjWat86R0fiioMGC7j67gq59VDFgQEO9RROu5NxhXs61BeYXoTutTlz5u8gRUchrZjtDZSFXtIfJ69_aab12vuCMjB13Iv7q1DXalMHmydvz4bJi424cPnxq3lg_UmKc/s1600-h/DSCN3839.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284644836555730162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dMhfAU6pZ3vSjWat86R0fiioMGC7j67gq59VDFgQEO9RROu5NxhXs61BeYXoTutTlz5u8gRUchrZjtDZSFXtIfJ69_aab12vuCMjB13Iv7q1DXalMHmydvz4bJi424cPnxq3lg_UmKc/s400/DSCN3839.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#339999;">I sat out on the vintage swing for a long while... praying for blessings in the New Year, thinking about this past year and admiring the beautiful lake view in front of me...</span></strong><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ak77cOGDHqq-vdpOzwdmtNsxCM-us38Lhdyh6jqPoxhyQyz0jpGyr_Ls8QkGhEHBa4GWOWr1Mt24flsG7vwPHBVU1rGlwSln_i9tVzp8bUoBwO77pnvsqUd3PiUENESQSgvq7Q-TsUk/s1600-h/DSCN3834.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284644826779164450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ak77cOGDHqq-vdpOzwdmtNsxCM-us38Lhdyh6jqPoxhyQyz0jpGyr_Ls8QkGhEHBa4GWOWr1Mt24flsG7vwPHBVU1rGlwSln_i9tVzp8bUoBwO77pnvsqUd3PiUENESQSgvq7Q-TsUk/s400/DSCN3834.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#6633ff;">Beautiful Lake Huntley in Lake Placid, Florida and the future in-laws' backyard...</span></strong><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivuEFQpNTktX0ePyHJ9StUhpXdAT3lqd0DhfWc68-GPkQK7qSDuxZUTppGpJOXoPaNrs_IGDLnRn5jL7kAlabuaWB285SFjDYVBDk0PUdJYIusQyk4Ktd8_q9RiRKY8VZEwVeSd48Sg8/s1600-h/DSCN3832.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284644823108413314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivuEFQpNTktX0ePyHJ9StUhpXdAT3lqd0DhfWc68-GPkQK7qSDuxZUTppGpJOXoPaNrs_IGDLnRn5jL7kAlabuaWB285SFjDYVBDk0PUdJYIusQyk4Ktd8_q9RiRKY8VZEwVeSd48Sg8/s400/DSCN3832.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Yes... there are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Poinsettias </span></span>in Florida! : )<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf-ySJ2AItE6iYF0s4RBPNLPoHWvOuFatNnteJztW5lVK46qedXCWzckF334lG-CntHQ80e1rFAm4DYuoLyPSXWsmywt05JqPLBKXlz1mxppIB_zNmHx17H-mPTN4y57SnhXiwTzhTRI/s1600-h/eames-rar-rocker1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284650145386987522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf-ySJ2AItE6iYF0s4RBPNLPoHWvOuFatNnteJztW5lVK46qedXCWzckF334lG-CntHQ80e1rFAm4DYuoLyPSXWsmywt05JqPLBKXlz1mxppIB_zNmHx17H-mPTN4y57SnhXiwTzhTRI/s400/eames-rar-rocker1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="color:#006600;">One of my Christmas presents from my sweetie!!! He's dropping it off tomorrow! Remember my obsession and hope for one of these? </span></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#993300;">So... now it's time for a new year. A new beginning. A fresh start. What are your New Year's Resolutions? What are your counted blessings for 2008? I know that 2008 was a tough year financially for a lot of us around the world. Gas prices soared. Groceries were unbelievably priced. Jobs were lost and times were hard. I don't know one person who did not lose their job this year. But, the good thing is that people have learned to appreciate a simpler time. A time when doing things for ourselves and with our families was more important and valuable than buying the greatest and newest gadget on the market and placing our children in front of the television like little robots. That is refreshing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vintagely</span></span> refreshing. (Is that a word????). Are you choosing to live the simple life in 2009? Please share your thoughts. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#993300;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#993300;">Happy Decorating,</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#993300;">Mina</span></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

A Florida Christmas...

We spent Christmas at my future mother in law's home... designed entirely by my architect fiancee. : ) Harassing Luke with the camera...

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Yum, Yum!

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUcoUFqPduI/AAAAAAAAEGw/NNqV7K9arIg/s1600-h/Picture+17.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280233413697042146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUcoUFqPduI/AAAAAAAAEGw/NNqV7K9arIg/s800/Picture+17.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 476px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUcoTjhj4-I/AAAAAAAAEGo/5YHtZwtAb48/s1600-h/Picture+18.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280233404533826530" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUcoTjhj4-I/AAAAAAAAEGo/5YHtZwtAb48/s800/Picture+18.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 436px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUcoTSj0ygI/AAAAAAAAEGg/G2F_Xk763Lo/s1600-h/Picture+19.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img alt="Link" border="0" class="gl_link" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" /></span></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280233399979919874" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUcoTSj0ygI/AAAAAAAAEGg/G2F_Xk763Lo/s800/Picture+19.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 523px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">These ornaments are so yummy looking, I don't blame anyone for giving them a nibble. Found via </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=60781" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kate Sutton's Etsy store</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. (P.S. I like </span><a href="http://www.katesutton.typepad.com/" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;">her blog</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> too!)</span></span><br /></div>

Yum, Yum!

These ornaments are so yummy looking, I don't blame anyone for giving them a nibble. Found via Kate Sutton's Etsy store . (P.S. I li...

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Christmas Decor: Keeping It Simple.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUIEJFbZB5I/AAAAAAAAEFU/ckaNkQ_s9hY/s1600-h/Christmas+collage3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278786267354040210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUIEJFbZB5I/AAAAAAAAEFU/ckaNkQ_s9hY/s800/Christmas+collage3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 503px; height: 421px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Just so all of you don't think I'm a total Scrooge, I thought I would post some lovely Christmas photos.<br />So, any of you who read this blog regularly know I have to keep it simple.<br />I've always felt that simple and natural elements at Christmas are so inspiring and special.<br />Who can decorate better than nature?</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUIEI7M43CI/AAAAAAAAEFM/q-UiN431qWk/s1600-h/Christmas+collage2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278786264608857122" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SUIEI7M43CI/AAAAAAAAEFM/q-UiN431qWk/s800/Christmas+collage2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 496px; height: 496px;" /></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Links: <a href="http://m-a-belle.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">M.A. Belle</span></a>, <a href="http://bobedre.dk/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bo Bedre</span></a> via <a href="http://www.doorsixteen.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Door Sixteen</span></a>, and <a href="http://yukinohi26.exblog.jp/m2008-11-01"><span style="font-style: italic;">Trifolium</span></a>.</span><br /></div>

Christmas Decor: Keeping It Simple.

Just so all of you don't think I'm a total Scrooge, I thought I would post some lovely Christmas photos. So, any of you who read thi...

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I Don't Like Christmas Music!

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/ST9Wt90-3hI/AAAAAAAAEFE/oKcwuLhbYZA/s1600-h/Picture+9.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278032635992399378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/ST9Wt90-3hI/AAAAAAAAEFE/oKcwuLhbYZA/s400/Picture+9.png" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 215px;" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Every year at this time I begin to feel like the Grinch. Mostly because I really dislike Christmas music! It just really drives me crazy! Usually its so boring and wimpy. To make matters worse, people start playing earlier and earlier every year. Now, before you decide that my heart is a few sizes too small; let me explain myself. I have a very good reason for disliking Christmas music. You see, I have to admit an ugly family secret...my family liked listening to Christmas music year round. Oh the horror!! In May or September, one could often hear Deck the Halls or Silent Night and so on. I told all of you it was terrible! So if you aren't horrified enough! Who were the most popular artists who sang Christmas music all year? Only people like Perry Como, Engelbert Humperdinck, Anne Murrey...must I go on. My stomach gets tied up in knots every time I think about it. (For those of you younger than I am, and you don't know who these people are...be grateful!) As you may imagine, as soon as I had a choice; I avoided all Holiday music whenever possible. The funny thing is that now that I am a mom, I find myself wanting to teach Liam all the kid favorites. So last year I started to come to terms w/ my aversion. What I started doing was collecting Christmas music that I can tolerate, by artists I like in styles of music I like. Funny enough, now I find myself listening to "My Christmas Music" quite a bit. I decided I would even share it w/ all of you who may feel the way I do. I posted my list on the sidebar, available for those who want to hear it, but I'm not forcing it on anyone. If you want, check it out. (Be forewarned, I have an affinity for Rockabilly).</span>

I Don't Like Christmas Music!

Every year at this time I begin to feel like the Grinch. Mostly because I really dislike Christmas music! It just really drives me crazy! Us...

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