Late arrival

Late Arrival ~ Just what I needed!

I can't tell you how excited I was at 5:45am this morning!

The call came in that we had a late arrival which means I had an extra 90 minutes to myself this morning ~ yea!

The best part ... a late arrival isn't a day that we need to make up in June!

I addressed Christmas cards, started dinner, cleaned a bath and a half, and knocked off a few more "to do" items from my list.

It really was very beautiful and just the boost I needed to get me into the Christmas spirit!

It's been busy, busy, busy around our home ~ I know you can all relate!

Last Sunday was my Art Show.

It went very well but with all the prep and then attending the event,

I didn't have a weekend to catch up let alone get ahead.

This afternoon I'm have my "natural" hair color touched up {read dye job!}

along with a few inches taken off.

Afterwards I'm dashing off to deliver my holiday tassels to a cute shop in Mystic for the Christmas Stroll this evening. If you live in the area, it's a lovely evening and really puts you the Christmas spirit!

During my free time {ha, ha} I'm putting the finishing touches on our holiday decor. The tree will be arriving this week. My goal is to have everything else decorated beforehand.

This weekend welcomes the Holiday Home Tour on Saturday and on Sunday my annual Cookie Exchange.

Did I mention that my husband decided the holiday season would be a good time to remove the popcorn ceiling in the foyer along with painting the walls, trim and doors?

Not to mention remove the runner from the stairs and paint the risers.

Yes, it's always fun to add a mess to a chaotic time.

He promises to have it all done before the weekend. UGH!

I'm starting my morning off with a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha before I greet the excited children who remind me each morning how many days before Christmas vacation begins! :)

Enjoy your day!

The List

I'm making my list

and checking it twice!

That’s what I have been doing … over and over!

This is my list of survival.
You see, I have a master list and from that I create sub category lists ~

yes, I’m that neurotic!:)

I have a very busy few weeks ahead of me with little extra time to breathe.

Currently, my life is filled with …

Art show {this weekend} I have been a busy Elf

Making and delivering a dinner to a friend and family
{just out of the hospital}

My annual Cookie Exchange

Christmas Party

Girls Night Out Holiday Dinner

Home Tour

Oh yeah, and I work full time and I’m not finished with my Christmas shopping!

Thanksgiving Eve

Today is one of my favorite days of the year!

My husband and I have a tradition of meeting for lunch on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving{ This is providing we aren't traveling to see family out of state} Also known as Thanksgiving Eve {not sure when that term began but I've been hearing it a lot lately}.I have to work until 1pm ~ no, my school does not give us the day before the holiday off like many schools do ~ darn!

I look forward to this every year. It's my time to relax and enjoy a little quiet and calmness with my husband before the madness of the Holiday begins. Not to mention I get treated to a fabulous lunch.

This year we are meeting at one of my favorite family owned Italian restaurants. Tonight dinner is pizza from my favorite pizzeria ~ and it's famous! Mystic Pizza.

I'll be a stuffed turkey before the actual turkey day arrives! :)

My market shopping is complete, the house is clean, laundry is washed, dried, folded and put away.

I have to prepare and serve our Thankful Fest at school today then I'm off to enjoy what I'm most thankful for ~ my family!

Have a thankful day!

Ahhhhh

It's been a long, long day!

It's been raining all day and it's cold. The damp cold that gets into your bones.

{do I sound like I'm 80?}

I ran a few errands after school ~ not a good choice! The stores are insanely busy. I only needed a few items and it took twice as long as normal to check out.

Right on cue, it began down pouring as I left the store.

I, of course, left my umbrella in my SUV.

I finally arrived home after 6pm to find my husband laying on the couch.

Upon the initial gaze, I knew this wasn't a good sign.

When I found out he had been home since 4pm I knew we were doomed.

My husband has never seen the inside of our home at that time on a work day.

He's got "the cold"

I'm the one being blamed ~ he's probably right, we have a germfest going on in my school.

I know you're all jealous!

I made the only logical choice:I poured myself a glass of Merlot and changed into my pajamas!

Once the necessities were taken care of, I began dinner.

I whipped up Chicken breasts with portabella mushrooms, petite diced tomatoes, garlic with a gorgonzola sauce on top. This was served over Trader Joe's perline pasta.

Just what the doctor ordered on a chilly damp New England night.

I'm heading off to the family room to read my Traditional Home magazine that just arrived in front of the fire.

Hope you're enjoying a cozy evening!

Random ...

Acts of Kindness

{Country Living}

As I pondered at all that was so quickly about to arrive, I realized that once again I was being swept up into the enormous vat of commercialism.

This almost got the better of me once again this year.

Luckily, I stopped myself before it had a chance to take hold and dictate my Christmas season.

I'm celebrating the season with a different flare and I invite you to join along!

I've had an insanely crazy busy week and I know that this will be the norm until after the holiday season.

However, I made a point this week of sticking to my newly appointed agenda. Doing for others to better appreciate all that I have and the ability to share.

While standing in line at the Commissary {military market} I noticed how well behaved two small children were behaving {just before the dinner hour}. Normally I would have kept this thought to myself but I ventured out of my box and expressed my delight and complimented the mother on her lovely children's behavior.

Cost:

A mother's hard work is acknowledged

While paying for my coffee one morning, I paid for the car behind me.

Cost:

A smile on my face and knowing that I put one on someone else.

Many food drives are being held during this time of year.

I've made a point of donating complete meals to several.

Cost:

I'll be able to enjoy my next meal knowing that another family will too.

My goal is to do at least 3 random acts of kindness a week. It's doesn't have to cost money, time or energy.

Please won't you join me during this season of love to mankind!

Fun, fun, fun!

Jammie Swap

Who doesn't love a new pair of jammies?

There are days I look forward to coming home and donning my jammies ~ they are beloved long lost friends after a taxing day!

Truth be told, I just changed out of mine.

Yes, I know it's 4pm in the afternoon on a Saturday.

Yes, I know you probably think I'm lazy.

Yes, I enjoyed every minute.

If we didn't have plans to meet friends for dinner this evening, I'd still be in them!

Just in case you're wondering, no I never leave the house in them.

I do have standards ; )

Victoria's Secret

~if only I looked this good first thing in the morning~

If you're in the need of a new pair of jammers Join the Gossip is hosting a fun

Pajama Swap!

The deadline is quickly approaching

The rules are simple and the exchange amount is right up my ally.

Only 20.00~25.00. Perfect!

TJ Maxx and Marshalls have some really cute sets this time of year.

Stop by and sign up for a little fun!