A Sneak Peek at one of this week's showers . . .

Will share pictures galore after this Saturday!

Flowers on Ceramics

I'm a sucker for vintage ceramics with flowers on them. This still life includes a handmade snow globe — Harleigh and I made them one Christmas for gifts — a pretty piece of scrapbook paper and, of course, shells.

Vintage Duvet

Found this at one of my favorite thrift stores for $3. I've been looking for a duvet for my down comforter. Didn't have a hint of yellow in my bedroom, but now I do with these yellow rose buds doing ring-around-a-rosy on a printed "quilt" background.

Cuke water and the never-ending uses for gravy boats

For a wonderfully fresh take on serving a pitcher of water, use cold water and lots of ice, slice about half of a peeled cucumber into the pitcher and let it set for about an hour. You'd think it would be overpowering or fight with the flavors of whatever you're eating, but I find it way better than regular water. I sip it and pretend I'm at a ritzy spa. Don't knock it 'til you try it.

And I love my vintage gravy boats. To use as bowls, eyeglass holders . . . too pretty to keep in the cupboard and pull out just for gravy.

Doily Hanging Plant

Ever try to find a pretty hanging pot for a plant? Nearly impossible. So I crafted my own hanger of sorts. Took a regular plant potted in one of those cheap plastic tubs. Dug around in my basket of doilies for a round one that was pretty, but that I wouldn't be upset about if it got wet or stained. Took a needle and thread around the outside in order to create a gather, then tied three pieces of string as the hanger. It fits in nicely with my girlie kitchen.

Michael Michael Michael

Harleigh got me Michael Buble's new CD for Christmas. Confession . . . I've watched this video about a million times. And I plan on watching it another million. Guilty as charged.

New Year Nesting

The little girlie is in New York City for 5 days on a school senior girl discipleship leader trip. Gideon is at the groomer's. It's rainy and chilly here. Tomorrow is a big crafting day at Chateau Gahan. Ali the bride, her mom, and two friends are coming over. So today I'm cleaning, putting a nice lunch together for us and enjoying a day of nesting. This past week at work was a bear, and I'm glad to be doing simple, happy chores.

Busy Busy Busy

What a craft-filled extravaganza of a weekend! Unfortunately I can't share any of it because it was all about the hand-crafted invitations to Ali's wedding shower. And I don't want to spoil the surprise for her. Let's just say that putting my heart, hands and head into these simple little shower invites was so much fun! Can't wait to share them (and the shower pix — coming up February 6 here at Chateau Gahan)!!

In the meantime, a thrift store pit stop this weekend landed me this $3 ceramic parakeet. Not the real bird I hope to have one day, but it sure is pretty!

Snow Day

This is what has shut down Atlanta. The snow isn't the big deal, though, it's the ice. There was a 27-car pile-up on the interstate this morning; luckily no one was seriously injured. I'm working from home, Harleigh (from a trip to the library yesterday) is planning on staying in bed reading all day, and Gideon is splitting his time between snuggling and snowy frolics.

And today gives me a good excuse to bring Harleigh breakfast and lunch in bed. Isn't a warm muffin always better on a paper doily?

In My Own Little Corner, In My Own Little Chair

Yesterday here in the ATL it was soooooo cold. When I came home I had a gazillion things to do, but it's tough to do laundry or work on craft projects while wrapped in a blanket. So I got a batch of blueberry muffins made and then cozied up in my chair with the new Rachel Ashwell book. Got it for Christmas and I've looked at it, from cover to cover, at least three times. That, and Thrifty Chic (by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell) — a Christmas gift to myself! — have kept me off task more times than I care to admit!

And reading any book always takes me longer than it should simply because Gideon insists on playing drop, toss and fetch. How can I not resist this face????

Team Jacob

Kisses all around for Team Jacob. Native American, ripped and deep vs. pasty, aloof and brooding. No contest.

One Happy Old English Sheepdog

My sister and her family (including Tank the black pug) sent Gideon a giant stuffed Santa "ball" for Christmas. He loves it. It's as big as his own head. Sidebar: Sometimes Harleigh and I forget just how big a dog we have. We've had him since he was a little tyke, and we cuddle with him now as if he's a little baby. But take a look at those paws. He's a mix between a polar bear and a lion.

Candle Gift

Just looky at what Ashley and Allison crafted this year for gifts. Too cute. My candle is in a vintage creamer. I think this project will be on my list for next year.

Taking the Tree Down

We'll be hauling it off to the fire station Christmas-tree drop off this evening. In the meantime, the lights are boxed up, candy canes tossed, the ball fringe is no longer a pretty garland, and I'm missing the Christmas season already.