Pocketful of Blue

Just before Christmas, we went on a short trip to Stowe, Vermont. Hubby and the kids love to ski so that is what they did but you may be able to guess what I did while there. Yes, a little shopping and exploring of course. I really love New England and the small town of Stowe lived up to the picture in my mind of an adorable New England town. I took these photos with my phone so they're not the best and it was very, very cold that day so I didn't take as many as I would have liked. I was surprised how small the town was but I also loved that about it. It was so picturesque especially with the snow and Christmas decorations. Shaw's General Store sold clothing - lots of chunky sweaters and warm woolen mittens. I borrowed a couple images from the internet of things I didn't get a picture of. This red building is The Old Depot which houses a small restaurant,  a bookstore and The Stowe Mercantile which has lots of goodies...

I have always loved the phrase "Home for the Holidays". Even though we are taking a short trip right before Christmas, we will be back in time to enjoy Christmas at home. Of course, home can be wherever the people I love will be. That's the most important thing and the most necessary ingredient. But I don't mind if it also includes a cute little reindeer. And a decorated mantel. A Christmas tree, of course. Pretty packages. And a cozy kitchen with little bits of Christmas sprinkled around. Christmas also includes our cute kitty with visions of sugarplums dancing in his little head . . . or kitty treats, whichever. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. I know there are so many beautiful homes to visit right now. Hope your Christmas is Merry and Bright! JoAnne - joining - NESTING PLACE ~ CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES 2016

Uh-Oh! It's almost here. Are you all scrambling to be ready for the big day like I am? It will all get done - at least good enough, right? That's what I keep telling myself. We're actually going on a short ski trip right before Christmas. I'm not sure who's crazy idea that was! With our oldest being in college now, it's more difficult to find  a time when we can do things as a family. So my deadline is very near. I need to have everything ready before we leave. But don't worry (just in case you would) - I won't be skiing. You can find me in the lodge by the fire with a warm drink. Sounds very relaxing about right now. I hope you enjoyed these pictures of our simple dining nook as I rambled on and I hope to share a little more of Christmas at our house before we leave on our trip. Have a wonderful and productive week with hopefully a little bit of relaxation and enjoyment of the season mixed in. ...

Hi Everyone, I recently saw THIS POST about a Christmas tree made with old toolboxes and crates.  I thought it was soooo cute and thought I could make something similar with some of my old boxes and baskets. Here is what I came up with. I think it turned out kind of cute. I placed it in this formerly plain and boring corner near our back sliding doors. I love how quick and easy it was too. The basket I used as one of the layers did give me fits though since it is not completely flat so it was making the "tree" lean to one side. A little bit of maneuvering and I finally got it to stand up straight. I topped it with a mini tree. I found this jingly bell star at Joann's the other day and attached it to the (unruly) basket. It fits in well with the rustic look. So there you have it. A quick and (mostly) easy tree made from boxes and baskets. And don't you love when you can use things you already have? T...

I always love when I walk into someone's home and their entryway is pretty and inviting. Its just a good feeling and then of course, I want to see more. Well I was ready for a new look in our entry but it's a bit narrow and difficult to find  small pieces of furniture that will work without crowding the area too much. I love cute little stools and benches and I actually have a small collection  at this point so I decided to try one of them in the entry. I liked it, but it didn't seem like enough and there was too much  space between the bench and the mirror.   So then I tried stacking a smaller bench on top. It was looking better and after adding a few accessories I think it did the trick. Adding something large like this galvanized bucket full of faux lavendar makes a  very pretty statement as you walk in the door. This one little white pumpkin is a nice seasonal touch too. Now I have a new look i...