12.30.2007

Holiday Wrap Up

Note to self: Must be more creative with wrapping next year, e.g., these packages found on my new favorite blog, ali loves curtis. She has some more great ones here.

Home From the Holidays


After criss-crossing the great state of Georgia for the past week, I think we're finally home to stay. I wanted to post these pictures of my Mom's beautiful mantel. She really took the oranges with cloves idea to the next level.

P.S. Brilliant Asylum--she was totally on top of the squirrel trend last Fall, too!

12.21.2007

White Christmas


Back in December 2000, Martha did one of my favorite layouts ever, her White Christmas. It included my favorite wreath of all time, made with white gumdrops. I still love it, but have since given up my seven year quest for that many large white gumdrops.

12.20.2007

Juliska Love




I have a bit of an obsession with Juliska. As a matter of fact, I'm hoping there is some waiting under the tree for me next Tuesday morning. Each piece is mouth blown, and incredibly delicate and unique (and supposedly dishwasher-safe, but I don't believe that for a second). So unique in fact, that I was afraid I'd received the wrong glasses as wedding gifts because of their varying heights. Whatever, I love it. The company is only six years old, and has quite a sense of humor.

12.18.2007

Olive, The Other Reindeer

Olive is my favorite holiday book, ever. The illustrations make me smile, and parts of the story make me laugh out loud.

How to Avoid a Holiday Meltdown

Meltdowns are not just for two-year olds anymore. When I get down and (family-ed) out during the holidays, I find the only remedy is grilled cheese and tomato soup. Grilled cheese made from Kraft singles and white bread, and this tomato soup, which I promise, is the best ever.

12.17.2007

Shabby Chic

A new Shabby Chic opened at Lenox Square not too long ago. While I haven't been in the store, those words came to mind while doing some holiday visiting in South Georgia last weekend. Oh, to think what those houses once were, and hopefully will be again.

12.13.2007

Holiday To Do #6


I guess this is the last one. The tree is up, (most of) the gifts are wrapped, and the wreaths are hung. Now all that's left is to actually enjoy it. Maybe with a nice cup of hot chocolate and some really pretty marshmallows.
{images: marie belle, martha stewart, plum pudding}

12.11.2007

A North Carolina Christmas, 1872


sorry it's a little blurry

Lee Smith is, absolutely, my favorite author. I've read everything she has ever written, and one time I even wrote her a letter telling her how much her work has meant to me. Her Southern Appalachian characters are real, flawed, and beautiful. I love this passage from her most recent, and one her darker novels, On Agate Hill. Set in North Carolina just after the Civil War, the story is told through the diaries and letters of the characters, a style of which Ms. Smith has achieved complete mastery.

12.09.2007

Go Tell It On A Mountain


Episcopal Church


Presbyterian Church



Methodist Church

According to legend, in 1875 two developers drew lines from Chicago to Savannah, and from New Orleans to New York. At their intersection was one of my favorite places in the world, Highlands, North Carolina. While, as the developers hoped, major trade routes did not evolve along those routes, Highlands did become a wonderful summer resort for many southeastern families. A quick trip up there over the weekend reminded me that the Georgia and North Carolina mountains can be just as lovely in the winter. The town doesn't change much, and I'm always enchanted by the churches along Main Street.

12.06.2007

Holiday To Do #5

This one is easy; just hang the wreath on the door. Maybe one made of less traditional materials that can hang around through January.
{images: martha stewart, vivaterra, williams sonoma}

12.05.2007

Sweet Little Gifts: Pretty Paper

For my wedding, I was not even going to entertain the thought of having letterpress invitations. There were already way too many decisions. Now, however, I am obsessed with it. I especially love the calendars from little tree press and linda & harriet, and the cards from snow & graham, and again, linda & harriet.
P.S. By the way, "sweet little gifts" means under $30.

12.04.2007

Keep Your Feet Dry

This may be the year I finally find a pair of wellies under the tree. Even though here in Atlanta we are currently experiencing a severe drought, I'm optimistic that the rain will fall again. Forget the dogs and critters, though, I want the real thing. From my mother's diligent research, tall girls will like Hunter, and the shorter ones (like me) should go for Barbour. I guess the adorable Keri Russell is a bit taller than me.
{images: shopbop, self, orvis}