Something Sweet in the mail

 A sweet friend sent a surprise!

 Claudia, you shouldn't have but I'm so glad you did.

 Oh, what could it be? I opened the note first.....wow, she has lovely handwriting! I truly savored the note thinking to myself about the kind hands that wrote it.

Hand written notes truly are a lost art; 

Emily Post would agree.

 A darling hand stitched heart, from her heart to mine!

Thank you Claudia, my sweet friend. Your thoughtfulness was such a surprise. 

Receiving a package in the mail makes one's heart 

dance with delight. A hand written note is a double dose of joy!

If you dont know Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage, you must visit her sweet blog and say hello.

An Imperfect Christmas

I'm not quite sure where to start, something has been stirring within me all month long and I felt the need to share it with you.

Typically, I am a Christmas fanatic.

Translation: overwhelming excitement, lots of preparations including no fewer than 4 trees are ever put up. Every room in the house is decorated including the bathroom, yep!

A large collection of nutcrackers are displayed, bows tied to each chair at the dining room table. Candles grace the entry way to welcome guests.....

but this year its different.

 

Ive been feeling like all of the decorating, shopping and cooking were causing me to miss the true meaning of the season. The "hurry up and hurry some more" routine.

Do you know it? Im sure you do.

I heard something from a friend that was relating what someone
else said and it really resonated with me. 

It was something like,"Dont let the season just roll off your back, take time to drink it in".

So true, isn't it?

Ive decided it doesn't matter whether the house is spotless and perfectly decorated.

As I look around at all the people in need this year and the horrible losses here in CA from the storms my decorating plan pales in comparison.  

The perfect tree in my living room wont be what I remember in years to come. But I will remember helping neighbors, savoring quiet moments with my family, candlelight services at church and the sweetness of what Christmas means to Christians all over the world. 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

 Isaiah 9:6

No matter what faith you practice, drink in these precious moments with your loved ones.

Wishing all of you Peace, Joy and Love.

My Secret Weapon!

Mmmmm!

 Butterscotch Fudge. 
That's all I need to make my husband and sons, 2 brother in-laws and nephews melt like butterin a  hot frying pan.

 Need the trash taken out? The dogs fed?

Carry in the groceries?

 Works like a charm.

Butterscotch Fudge

7oz. marshmallow cream

1-1/2 C. sugar

2/3 C. evaporated milk

1/4 C. butter

1/4 tsp. salt
2 C. butterscotch chips (12 oz)
2 tsp. vanilla
1Tbsp. grated orange peel
1C. walnuts if desired

Mix first 5 ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat. Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes. Candy should reach the "softball" stage. The ingredients will double in size while boiling and shrink back down when removed from heat.

Remove from heat and stir in chips, vanilla and grated orange peel. Pour into 8x8 prepared pan. Top with nuts if desired, gently pressing into fudge. Allow to cool completely before relishing every last bite.

ENJOY!

A Very Special Post!

 Romantic Country's Spring 2011 is hot off the presses! There are many of our favorites treasures, blogs and marketplaces featured in here.

I absolutely adore Dreamy Whites. If its layers of white with barely there colors you're drawn to this truly is the place to dream.
I am new to Dusty Lu Interiors and Styling by Coty Farquhar 

and so glad to have found these fabulous blogs.

 I am thrilled to seeThe Beautiful Life included in 
the "Global Inspiration" pages as well as French Larkspur.

Ruth Harsham, owner of The Beautiful Life has been a personal inspiration to me. She is kind, warm, smart, funny and has given me some of the best advice a girl could ever ask for! Tracey of French Larkspur with her booming business and eye for detail is an amazing, inspiring woman. How she manages to answer every comment on her blog is beyond me, but that shows how important people are to her.

 Nada Farm Life by Anne Marie is truly breathtaking. Although I haven't attended her barn sale we have emailed each other often. This woman leads a life that is so beautiful to watch. Visit her blog and fall in love with her family and a beautiful farm.

 Chateau de Fleurs hosted by the beloved artist Christie Repasy and her amazing sister in-law Rita Reade of Mammabellarte . I had the pleasure of participating in their Christmas event just last week and it was an absolutely lovely event. She holds the Vintage Marketplace 4 times a year once for each season. There are several vendors who participate with more eye candy than one can imagine!

Featured in the photo is Lisa Loria's booth known for her down to earth personality and her "thinking out of the box art"

 Just this past October I attended Glitterfest and it was more than inspirational. If you adore handmade items and glitter this is your ticket to fun.

Those gorgeously decorated bottles are from Christie Repasy.

And here I am with my Paris & Fairytale pillows!

What an honor to be features alongside so many talented ladies that I respect and admire so much. 

 It wouldn't be possible with out the generous  
Fifi O'Neil, editor of Romantic Country.
Thank you Fifi for the continuous support and passion you have for women following their dreams.

Hugs~

Chateau de Fleurs was Fabulous!

 What an amazing event.....

 First a mini tour of Christie's studio. I will let her gorgeous work speak for itself......

 Dreamy!

 A few of the many treasures in Rita's booth.

 One of her signature pieces; the dress form with a giant crinoline skirt.

 I adore this piece.

 Sweet Magnolias Farm is the sweetest!

 I should have bought the pink tree, I'm kicking myself.

Or the white. Absolutely heavenly!

This is part one. I will post part two soon!

A Chateau de Fleurs Holiday Event

Please join me at the lovely Chateau de Fleurs this Friday & Saturday in Fallbrook. There will be many talented ladies bringing their talents and one of a kind treasures to dazzle you.