baking for days      12.18 to 12.20

Each year Case and I enjoy putting together baked goods for the people he works with.  This year's boxes included Case's Elf Cookies, Angelettis, Chocolate Gingerbread Bars, Chocolate Espresso Snowcaps, and Lemon Pistachio Wreaths. In retrospect I may have eliminated the lemon wreaths and included my mom's mint chocolate cookies, I think it needed a little mint to balance out the selection. As you can see I have been away from the computer as I was in the kitchen baking up a storm then resting and receiving goodies and cards in the mail, like the felt ornament from Holly in New York, I think it's my ninth one from the ornament swap, the Bumble looks so sweet holding it. Happy holiday making...

it's raining kitties & hermies

I haven't seen this much rain...ever! It is quite enjoyable when you are in all day, but not so much when you have to go out. This sweet bird ornament via the ornament swap arrived all the way from Cape Town, South Africa, thank you JoAnne! 

peace

Three packages from the Ornament Swap arrived together, my little mailbox was overflowing with good things! The peaceful tree is from Becky in New Mexico, the beaded star is from Haley in South Africa, and the birdie is from Jeanelle in Colorado. Thank you, each one was made beautifully and I love how they are all so different from one another. 

noel

Several ornament swap packages arrived together, an extra special treat. The Noel ornament (that's Ladybug's nose checking it out) is from Rochelle in Ireland, the birdie atop a branch is from Kate in Florida (if you go to her shop you'll see there are a few for sale) and the detailed fabric bulb is from Becki in Missouri. My swap tree is looking quite festive, thank you, I love them all! 

                                                                                                                                       

Also, I found a charming blog done by Julia Freund, she is doing an advent giveaway, go here to see more about it!

early bird

Ingrid is an early bird in the ornament swap. I received this sweet smelling cardinal dusted in a beautiful pattern of glitter. I love it, thank you Ingrid! This little cardinal marks the beginning of my holiday decorating. 

a few things...

Today is the last day to join the ornament swap!!  

Only a few more days for the Indie Fixx Autumn Cornucopia Giveaway (ends November 14th) All of the items in the giveaway are amazingly fantastic (I would love to win one). The jewelry from Starving Artist Bazaar is lovely, I met the artist behind the name and she is sweet and pretty just like her work. 

**shop update...ribbon ornaments + new card design