~the love of soaps~

while i have been turning our home into a "winter wonderland" for Christmas... I go upstairs each night totally exhausted, to get ready for bed. First, I love to soak in a warm bubble bath...it relaxes me internally & externally... It gives me a chance to lay my head on my little inflatable pillow and just soak in the day... It has become my favorite part of the evening.. a time to compose my thoughts, check off my lists, (i am a big list maker)...and relax.   I have so many scented soaps in my little bath....Yep, I'll admit it...another addiction, collecting soaps!!!... Trader Joe's lemon verbena is amazing, yardley, oatmeal & almond is scrumptous.. i have to say those 2 are my favorites... & very inexpensive. So, I stock up when i am shopping for my home supplies....




  I also love little pink roses.... i have little white vases & white pitchers full of pink roses in my bedroom & bath... soft & simple ..... love them.

Enjoy the rest of your week, & find joy in the little things!!
& Be Blessed

Sandy

~My sweet Erin baking me cupcakes~

Today was my last day of Thanksgiving vacation...My youngest daughter "Erin" decided cupcakes for dessert might snap me out of my "oh no work tomorrow" blues. Her older sister Cori came over for dinner... she was in a "oh no!, class tomorrow,break is over" blues ... so little sister to the rescue... a few eggs, whisk, batter.....

and tada.... Erin's famous spiced cupcakes with cream cheese frosting......

and a little more sugar sprinkles...
Cupcakes must be a little medicinal.... we instantly felt better. :)   ... Erin you are such a sweetie....
Enjoy your week.
Blessings to you and your family.

Sandy

~unpacking our Christmas Decorations~

my mom & dad.....

Every year around Thanksgiving, I start separating the red & green totes. Some of the totes are ornaments, others are outside decorations & beautiful pinecone garlands.
This year was a little different, I looked over my totes and started looking inside some of the cardboard boxes labeled with a very familiar handwriting. The boxes were sealed with packing tape and had not been opened in 7 years. They belonged to my mom. When my passed away my brother & sister gifted me my mom's Christmas treasures. 

my mom's Santa ornament.....

one of my mom's toyland music boxes......

I love this Nativity ornament.....

My brother (Wes) & my sister (Cheryll) and all the nieces & nephews come over to our house on Christmas Eve.. It is a time we all treasure... homemade cookies, candies & lots of delicious finger foods...I wasn't sure how Cheryll & Wes would feel, if I brought out my mom's beautiful decorations... but, I did it anyway.. I was ready. I wanted it proudly displayed with all the whimsical toyland, bright colors & lots of Santa's... The Santa & Rudolph below were ALWAYS beside my mom's Christmas Tree.. As I slowly unwrapped this prized keepsake, I smiled...as I could see my mom's face as we helped her place them under her tree....and I proudly placed it beside our tree.......

aren't they beautiful.... I think I will bring them out every year!!!



This is my Beautiful Santa & Rudolph in our Picture Window, in the Kitchen...I love that big window with all the bright sunlight & it was the perfect place to put Mr. Claus...  well, back to decorating.... "Tis the Season"...

xoxo

Me & my handsome Brother (Wes) Thanksgiving... at the traditional lighting of the tree.

Have a blessed week...

Sandy



~Happy Thanksgiving~

Bless us, Oh Lord,

and these thy gifts which

we are about to receive from thy bounty,

through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

From my family to yours, wishing you a happy, healthy, and blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.

God Bless,

Be Back Soon

Sandy