What Good Shall I Do This Day? (and Everyday)

Well, I guess I took a little blog break there, huh? 

It was mostly unintentional, I swear, but lots has transpired since my last post and I can't wait to fill you all in shortly. Here's some of what has happened:

-families were visited

-prime rib was consumed

-an auction was attended

-a snow fall was seen

-gifts were exchanged, including the Best Co. enamel sign above.

Isn't the sign a perfect reminder for today and everyday, for that matter? 

2013 is just around the bend, and while we usually greet a new year with renewed purpose and drive; but I wanted this little sign (taken from one of Ben Franklin's notebooks) to remind me on a daily basis to live with intention. We can all use those kinds of reminders, right?

On that note, I wish you a very Happy New Year, dear readers. 

'Til next year.

There Are No Words

(via Getty Images)

In light of Friday's tragic events in Newtown, it seems impossible to muster excitement for the impending holiday. Instead, my heart is heavy for the families now mourning the loss of their children, an absence that reminds the adults in our society that the youngest among us are owed more. Safety, innocence, education, happiness and peace--all of these should have been guaranteed for the children at Sandy Hook Elementary School but were not. 

Now more than ever, we are reminded that children are a treasure we as adults must protect, nurture, and be thankful for. We must decide to create a world with more peace, more good will, for all the children--especially those who died on Friday--who deserved more than this. 

Home for the Holidays {My Home in Pictures}

Something about Christmas puts me into fully nesting mode. I adore all of the bits and bobs that come with the season, including the lights, the evergreens, the ribbons and garlands. Rather than ramble on about my love affair with the holidays, why don't I just show you how I've brought a jolly spirit into our apartment? As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Christmas Craft #5: Birch Tree Food Banners

As a last minute craft, I whipped together a quick touch to add to the table at Saturday's holiday party--a set of birch tree food banners. I felt really drawn to traditional woodland-inspired themes this season, and these tiny little trees make me long even more for a white Christmas.

Christmas Craft #4: Washi Tape + Metallic Dot Garlands

For the better part of a year, prime real estate on my living room wall has been empty while I hunt for a great piece of art for the area. But, I couldn't allow the holiday season to roll by without addressing the blank space in a festive, seasonal way.

Christmas Craft #3: Glittered Apple & Pear Ornaments

Last week, when my husband and I were decorating our Christmas tree, Adam looked at these glittered fruit ornaments and asked me, "Where did you get these?" He thought I bought them! What a compliment.

Christmas Craft #2: Holiday Clip-Art Cocktail Napkins

My husband and I host an annual holiday celebration at our apartment and each year, I try to concoct new and special touches for the event. Today, I'll show how I created a set of cocktail napkins with a vintage festive feel that our guests can enjoy while we eat, drink and be merry!

Christmas Craft #1: Vintage Wooden Ornament Wreaths

Happy Monday, everyone! 

I'm so glad it's finally December. I love decorating for Christmas and will have lots of seasonal projects to share this month. Today, my first Christmas craft of the season!

During the summer, I found several bags of vintage wooden Christmas ornaments at a thrift store for $1. I'm probably the only person who thinks about the holidays in August, so I couldn't leave the store without them. What did the ornaments become? A trio of fun, cheery wreaths!