So I'm taking it SLOWLY this year. No, our tree isn't up yet nor are any decorations. In the meantime.....
Homemade hot chocolate: Mmmmmmm! I forgot that we got cocoa powder in our fabulous Penzey Spices wedding gift, but now I'm hooked. A little milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla with mini marshmallows? Pure heaven. And way better than the instant powdery stuff.
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Thoughtful packages: What is this huge box?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2fnEwQ6R2Hn4FopBwE7mQ75xcHe-W0Aw84x1TR2mThtahjWZFq6tGFS23TqDeZ1yW4KU-moq_BSZtW5RYRvQe1K3pfIJCPIAvNXC8krIbbt-3jYvuwfKAGTOVE3zdh779rbqQcZBzrpm/s400/2.jpg)
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I'll summarize for you: my mom has been collecting ornaments for every year of my life with the intentions of passing them onto me as I cross into adulthood, and have a family of my own. She decided that now was the time to give me these little treasures with so many memories attached to each year we've spent together. I'm a big girl now, I suppose, and it's time for me to make my own memories with my husband. And so, she sent every single ornament of mine.....individually gift wrapped, which just adds to the suspense.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2N1MkaRvqQV6Jn5UIVbngZQQKRNQkdydad_9r1NE6n5pNrzW27B-kWylhpZs7DW1vFlMPkmWVx1yhgtznVgB3DZMyXXZCDZ0O-HR6vmoVXWC3lwBvBSIsxIAHSX18m5h6NzVVgcZ4hyW/s400/3.jpg)
Can you imagine how long it took her to create these little works of art?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVAnTatNZsKhuTnUKMKKDHm6xscdsX-UQ8iJkT0dMvltQjcqG-4T8mVXnjHGpD6TQVNPJ9k35v0wnBE0XuQqhEV0VfOl47-zMClw_OsuntLlGFSDACCx8eYxPAA0lYg2X4Bs5TaGvSBH8/s400/4.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLn0f-CwUWtBMqU5faxRlkVOis3kOXkthDobst4vG7wjV2vWJHLXLt4k4FpLswyaoA_Si7CBXLdVmoxzO9Otwc7MKmaOd2e71Ke2r5mmD5PFWZcr_S1NbwN1BBxWw2WMlVz7-upEB4s-K/s400/5.jpg)
Also, look at the adorableness Keri sent me. It's pink and green, folks:)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtDsdd_gRgSpPLtxPMIdR2qWwvobOnYlQZ6jg_1he3NjE7CkoYEUL9yTEtCyiePQXZ6G52uU0StOX5pI2SUiUEVvc7n2rTRAYcg4IXEMmofedRItCgXv-dveQl1ttErPlqk_KvohFoen9/s400/7.jpg)
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And the fleece lounge pants with cotton tee shirt? Comfy and without holes. I've turned over a new leaf, my friends. It's like a mini Christmas provided to myself by myself. And it feels so good to be selfish:)
Decor inspiration: Martha has done it again. My newest issue of Martha Stewart Living fired up the old creativity flame. Of course I have no idea when I'll make these crafts but it never hurts to dream.
Button ornaments. Completely adorable and seemingly easy to make.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw8b1cAtmWcgJ2mJL1BA5vsYkPM89wmqCK26J9QqR5NRutV72b4aR0gx4458KHUZVSU1aDWyXjo9xvtNyEL07TyKcLkrhs33DIpQn0fiigOXl8BZtp9VYGPxctuqVLrTDZO6FNSqWK6b3/s400/Picture+5.png)
Damask? Yes, please.
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Monogrammed tags? Why didn't I think of that?
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And not that we are hosting any fancy dinners, but isn't this the cutest place setting ever?
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