merry happy!

Rushing around to get last minute things done before Christmas Eve....sharing tiny moments with friends and neighbors, joining my friend to take her little ones to visit Santa, and finishing off wrapping presents while listening to some holiday music (that's what Ive been up to). What are you doing? I have a family photo session tomorrow afternoon with a BIG group, looking forward to it! I will leave you with my very favorite Christmas song (and movie). Wishing you all a joyous Christmas, may your hearts be light...xo-Kate

twinkle

We finally got around to decorating the Frasier Fur--which is super fragrant and the entire house smells of orange pomanders and pine tree.  Too bad I can't enjoy it since I have been sick the last few days...but it is cozy to have that twinkle while I lay on the sofa covered in blankets! All we need now is snow..the cold rain isn't cutting it! xo-Kate

PS. If you need some inspiration please check out the latest on #26 acts of kindness, which has taken over social media, thanks to Ann Curry. It is truly awe inspiring, focusing on the inherent  good in people.

peppermint bark

As I had mentioned in an earlier post in December, we decided to do a "made or found" Christmas theme, meaning you can't spend money on gifts; it either has to be something you already have (a prized possession you think your sister would LOVE). Or something handmade. I have two ideas for that; one which I won't share, since I want it to be a surprise for my sisters on Christmas, and the other, is this really simple candy recipe. It takes maybe twenty minutes to make and is so festive and delicious. I found some pinecones outside and dried them over the last two weeks, knowing I would find some use for them, picked up some clear plastic baggies, and simple tags.

Peppermint Bark 

Ingredients

• Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
• 2 pounds white chocolate (or whatever chocolate you like). I used semi sweet, & white. Using Nestle chocolate chips is the simplest way. 
• 
  

Directions

Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate. Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

hello decemeber

Yay! It's December. I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. It was chilly here in CT (I'll be sure to post  some images tomorrow of my fun outdoor session with a great family). We warmed up after taking pictures with hot chocolate and candy canes (The girls stirred the peppermint sticks in the hot chocolate and said it tasted like peppermint bark). Driving around Bethlehem, it is hard not to feel festive, all the white lights are up in town, and the big tree lighting happens on Friday! Happy December everyone! Less than a week till Hanukkah, and countdown to Christmas begins now! Do your kids use Advent calendars ? Ive seen some really cute ones lately on Pinterest. I don't have kids, but would love this one.

a snowy day.

It's really starting to feel like winter here in New England. I mulled cider, planted Paperwhite bulbs in a  galvanized steel tub (I love white flowers in steel or silver), and hung my wreath on the front door. I also put some red bows on my window boxes. Maybe they are a little bright? There's snow on the branches now. I wonder how long it will stay? Long enough for another holiday photo session this weekend?

it's beginning to look a lot like

Day after Thanksgiving. AND...Christmas begins. Not being a "black friday" kind of person (never was never will be). I am enjoying this friday with family in Massachusetts + spending time at Crane beach.  I am, however one to get kinda excited about winter-christmas decorations. And Im not talking about tinsel. Mostly natural outdoor elements, like  greens, firewood--simple natural things. Last weekend was so sunny, I got a head start and cut greens and bittersweet for the window boxes. If you are just thinking about designing your holiday cards, don't forget to check out my storefront at minted AND Don't forget that tomorrow (Saturday) is small business Saturday. Shop local, and support those little stores near you. This year I am pushing towards a handmade Christmas. No buying just making. What do you think? Also a friend had a great idea; that if you can't make it, buy it from someone who can, like a friend who makes jewelry, or knits, or even support your favorite Etsy shop. Wouldn't that be so much lovelier?

If you want to see some of the stuff I have pinned to my winter holiday board you can check it out on Pinterest.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and stuffed yourselves silly like I did. Have a lovely weekend.
xo Kate

happy, thanks and giving.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone! I am so happy (and grateful) I get to spend it with my whole family in Massachusetts; all the sisters, parents, nieces and nephews will be there. I am going to make this delicious looking pumpkin bread pudding. I had it at a restaurant a few weeks ago, and been scouring over recipes to find it ever since.

This month a wonderful friend of mine came up with the idea of "a month of gratitude", so every day on Facebook she states one thing she is grateful for. I loved it so much i'm doing it with her. It really makes you think every day about being grateful (not just on Thanksgiving day). Has anyone else seen friends do this on Facebook? The other day she was grateful for "red" and I was grateful for heating pads (my bad back). Sometimes they are silly and sometimes they are very much not silly: but you get the gist.

 Have a lovely Thanksgiving, + eat your little hearts out!