Some old-fashioned, miniature Chirstmas trees are not made of feathers; they're made of tinsel. A tinsel tree reflects the colors that adorn it. Burgandy and pink tassels, clear crysals, and small red birds make for a stunning combination of decor for small tinsel tree.
Credit: Photo from Country Living
Some feather trees are made with white feathers and, when dressed in winter decor, suggest a dusting of snow and evoke a cottage charm. Plain red ornaments, white snowflakes, and some vintage Christmas tags keep this tabletop beauty both simple and festive.
Credit: Photo from Country Living.
The July issue of Tea Time arrived in my mailbox today. Before reading the feature stories, I always leaf through the magazine just to look at the beautiful photographs. Here is the cover. It's so summer-y!
Raspberries always remind me of my mother. She loved that flavor jam and especially liked it in combination with chocolate. A chocolate layer cake with chocolate cream and raspberry filling was the best. Coincidentally, her birthday was in July, so raspberries befit well a summer celebration.
I'm looking forward to reading the stories and recipies in this charming publication!
Another Monday, which means it's time for The Simple Woman's Daybook hosted by Peggy. I'm writing this Sunday evening since I'll be at work on Monday.
FOR TODAY
Outsite my window
. . . it's dusk. The skyline is a black silouette of treetops and mountains against a pink-blue sky.
I am thinking . . . how lovely it is to always have peace and quiet in my home.
I am thankful for . . . my sister's feeling pretty good lately.
From the kitchen . . . a red candle in my favorite scent of apple orchard sits beside a fresh bowl of cherries.
I am creating . . . efficiencies at work and at home. It comes naturally!
I am going . . . to try to post to this blog every day in June.
I am wearing . . . the usual, relaxing Sunday-at-home attire; hair and make-up are done as always!
I am reading . . . Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger, who also wrote The Devil Wears Prada. I'm taking my time with this one. No rush, just enjoy languishing.
I am hoping . . . my sister's medical appointment goes well on Tuesday.
I am hearing . . . my television announce the beginning of this season's HGTV's Design Star, one of my favorite shows!
Around the house . . . night is falling and all is quiet.
One of my favorite things . . . is chatting with my sister online as we both read email and surf the Internet on our computers.
A few plans for the rest of the week . . . sticking to routine and making sure I get plenty of sleep each night.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you . . . I included a photograph of my granddaughter here two days ago. I'm an equal opportunity grandmother, so here is a photograph of my grandson, Austin, taken a little over a year ago at a fundraising event for my sister.
Well after three lovely days of vacation solely to spend time at home-sweet-home, I'm back to my routine today. But the end of this week is a fun part of my routine, facilitating a 2-day class that always reaps tremendous benefits for participants and facilitators.
I checked off my list several chores and errands I wanted to accomplish during this little break, much of which was fine-tuning nooks and crannies in invisible parts of my home. For example, inside my bedroom closet looks great! I didn't get to another closet in the hallway, and I have to admit I did procrastinate a bit in that case. It's a deep closet where I store everything from wrapping paper to lampshades to the vacuum cleaner. I could probably have it all buttoned up within an hour, but then there would be stuff I wouldn't want to put back in the closet, which leads to more sorting and finding new homes for odds and ends. That's the part I was avoiding. Maybe I'll get a surge of energy this weekend and just get it done.
One section of my garage needs some attention, too, and that project will get my attention soon. In past years I've spent time cleaning the garage on Father's Day in honor of my father who passed away in 1982. It seems a fitting activity since he and I would sometimes spend time cleaning our garage. Sounds like a good plan for this year, too!
