On rainy winter nights, I prefer not to go anywhere. Instead I light a cozy fire in my fireplace, read books or magazines and watch TV snug in my warm slippers. Though it’s unusually warm (in the 50’s) during the daytime here, I’m treating myself to my gas fireplace for an hour or two every …
I wish I were a better photographer – here’s my house lit up on a very rainy night. I love driving along the long straight dark road, then turning the corner into my cul-de-sac and seeing so many jewel-like lights lighting up my waiting cozy house. What can you do to make the holidays more …
Jewel Tone Ornaments, at Crate and Barrel I didn’t want to put up my tree quite this early, scared it would die or turn brown before Christmas. But my teenagers are coming home this weekend to celebrate Christmas two weeks early. We’ll open gifts on Sunday night, so I have to be ready! A few …
My aunt got me this lovely Peacock Wreath from Pier 1. I already have a berry wreath I use on my front door, so this is hanging proudly in my peacock-themed guest room instead. I often have to walk in to visit it! Tonight is Family Night at my house. It’s usually on Sundays, but …
Vanilla Bean Noel Lotion, at Bath & Body Works QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: If you’ve been wrapping gifts, see if you need to reorganize your gift wrapping box or your gift wrap station. Throw out those little odds and ends of paper you save “just in case I have to wrap something small.” Odds …
Nutcracker Holiday Cookies, from Eleni’s Cookies QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: How is your supply of hot cocoa doing? Tea? Coffee? Apple cider (both fresh squeezed and the alcoholic kind if you stock that?) Have a bottle or two of Sparkling Apple or Sparkling Pomegranate in case an unexpected dinner party crops up? Need to …
Glitter Pine Wreath, at Z Gallerie QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: Need to launder your slippers or fuzzy socks? With the colder nights, I’ve been wearing either my pink slippers or my two pairs of black plush slipper socks for several days now. Both pairs are in dire need of visiting the laundry. Do you …
Almost every other winter, Seattle (as well as many other American cities) gets hit by some sort of really bad storm. Whether it is ice, rain, floods, snow or wind, something happens that shuts down power for a day or more; floods streets so you can’t get around well; or causes traffic disruptions. I just …
Here is the beginning of the most festive month of the year. Ahead are long, dark, cold nights, sprinkled with a liberal amount of parties, celebrations, events, guests, family and tasty shared meals. I’m looking forward to nights spent reading books in front of my fireplace, visiting friends, crafting, throwing a party or two, and …
Gingerbread Paper House Kit, at Paper Source November ends. December begins, with its month full of dark nights, wintry cold, seasonal holidays, festive parties, and family gatherings. Let’s be sure to have some fun tonight or this week before the crowds completely make restaurants and malls unbearable. And before we get wrapped up (so to …