The Holidays are upon us!

Well the Holidays are almost upon us. As my mother would say, the festivities most merrily commence! In a some what surprising turn of events I am very organized this year. Frequently at this time I am running around like a loon with a bad cold. But I have all my gift bought and even wrapped, cards are sent and stocking stuff ready to go. Don't hate me please! I have no idea how this has happened. This is our year to be home on Christmas, we go to my folks on alternating years. C is singing in the Children's Choir at our church for the 6 pm mass on Christmas Even and then we will head to a friends house for dinner and festivities. Hopefully, C and I will get out to hunt on Boxing Day but it has been raining a ton here so maybe not. I hope all of you lovelies out there are having a safe and happy holiday season!

A Man and his Mission

We live in the great state of California. As a result all 4th graders study the state during the school year. One of the 4th grade rights of passage is the mission project. They are assigned a mission and must do a report and creative visual on the mission. They can not use a kit to build it. A was assigned Mission San Francisco de Solano. This is about a 2 hour drive from our house. After checking out a book about the mission A compelted his report and was launched on the task of building his mission. It turned out pretty good. He actually did all the work himself with only minimal help from us. I just hope it survives the trip to school tomorrow!

A Favorite Holiday Tradition

I love the Nutcracker ballet. Every year when I was a child my mom and dad would take my sister and I to see it. I was a special day. We'd get all dressed up, have a special lunch or tea and then go see the ballet. Now that we are grown, we take my daughter who is 7 and my sister's who is 5. Neither of my other boys are at all interested and my sisters daughter is to young, she just turned 2. We meet at the BART station and ride into down town SF, then we have lunch at Max's Opera Cafe and walk to the War Memorial Opera House. Each year we pick a new ornament for our tree at home and then see the ballet. We have cookies and hot chocolate at the intermission (the grownups have champange). Then we ride the train home. It's a wonderful day that we talk about all year long and look forward to next year. It really makes me feel like the Christmas Season is upon us. Here are some pictures from this year's trip. Just to satisfy the fashion side of the blog I would note that I am wearing a silk J Crew camisole from a few years ago. I don't know the name, my ivory celosia cardigan and a pair of Banana Republic black pants. C's dress is from Gymboree and her red coat is from Strasburg.

Wish I were there!

Isn't this cool. Apparently there is a huge storm and Paris is totally covered in snow. I love the look of these pictures. I am sure it is a huge pain if you live there or are trying to get home, but really I wouldn't mind being stuck there, although I am sure that is one of those things that sounds cool but that is not as much fun if you actually are stuck there. Still, I love the pictures!

Oh We Need a Little Christmas!

I love that song. I've used this photo from an older J Crew Holiday catalogue. I just totally love this image. Several different folks have posted pictures of older JC holiday items this week. I love the yellow coat. I have the same one in red. I wish I had this skirt too. Really though my favorite thing is that the model is happy, smiling and looks like she is having fun. That's what the holidays are all about, right?

We had a great trip last weekend to cut our tree and then decorating the house. As soon as I have a chance to actually download the pictures I will post them. I'm having a pretty good christmas season thus far. No major drama, just fun. Almost done with my shopping too! Yeah!

Oh I WANT These!

How cute are these custom holiday gift tags? I first spotted them in Decembers edition of Traditional Home. I made it over to the Lobrid's site (click here to visit ttp://www.lobird.com/index.html) I think this one with the little mouse is my very favorite but I could look forever before choosing! I love this type of thing. It's the litle personal touches that are so perfect!What do yuo think?

Key to Your Heart Giveaway

Hi there, I just had to post about a fabulous giveaway going on at How I Met Your Father. It is this totally fabulous Lilly Pulitzer Key to Your Heart necklace. I love the details on the key and heart. If I can't win I would love it to be one of you! Click here http://howimetyourfatherblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/key-to-your-heart.html?spref=bl. to visit and enter. Be sure and mention I sent you over. Good luck!