"If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." — E.B. White

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Christmas in July!


Well, I did it!!!

I sent in my pics for Matthew Meads fun contest for Holiday!
It was very last minute and (OF COURSE) I had more tech nightmares so am not at all happy with the quality pictures I sent. Oh well, at least I did it. Next year? I'll be more prepared and maybe have more time to spend on blogging n picture taking... I'm sure there'll be thousands of entries but I had to try as I LOVE his work (and Linda's and Jenny's and all who create those gorgeous magazines and projects)!

Above is our tree last year. It was one of my all time favorites done completely in kiddie theme this time.   I went all out for bright color and FUN or home made decorations. This way all the kiddie school ornaments look right at home - those are soooo sweet! I even hung toys, animal cracker boxes and mini raisin boxes on the tree with tiny polka dot ribbons. Put a cascade of polka dot, gingham and even different color rick rack down from the top - stole that idea from the clever n colorful Life in Grace. Our angel topper is a Beagle dog, a gift from a silly friend!






Our awesome but ancient kitchen fireplace needs work before it's safe for a real fire - so I just tucked orange Halloween lights in amongst logs for a warm glow right now! (I'm all about instant gratification.)


Here's a current shot of our kitchen that I sent in... Lotsa tweaking needed but just had to get it sent!


My little Elves love two things about Christmas morning - their vintage stockings with candy and treats spilling out the top, and the new electric toothbrushes Santa sends with it all! They even love each other - or is he just trying to get his hands on her candy?!


One of our favorite traditions is driving our carriage round the neighborhood to visit with friends and pass out baskets of farm fresh goodies. When we're finished, even the horses are excited to find their stocking hung with carrots, apples and peppermints.


This pretty pic almost makes me romanticize the loads n loads of snow we got. No, scratch that, I'd rather move south and buy spray on snow!



Merry Christmas to all!!!






Linking to these fun parties!









FJI's Gitter Done! challenge

8 comments:

Cat said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me such a sweet, encouraging comment. Love your blog and see you love a lot of the same blogs I love. :) Thanks again! XOXO cat

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This is great...you are such a fun mom!!!! Nice to see winter pictures in three digit heat!

Unknown said...

Good for you and it looks great! How fun!!
And I LOVE your kitchen, it's beautiful, cozy and country!! : )

Be well ~Andrea~

PS Your carriage ride tradition is amazing! I think I might have to visit this Christmas! : )

carolina mts said...

Cooled me off to see the holday picts. Love your tree! In my pict I never even noticed the Sponge Bob on the bench!

Kendra@Creative Ambitions said...

Hi Leslie! Thanks so much for the visit! I think it's great that you entered for the contest...I wish you well!!! I love the horse and carriage... what a delight to have that and use it to spread Christmas cheer!!

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Oh my! I love the brick wall in your eating area. Drooling over here. Yes, let's schedule a time for me to come out. I can hardly resist a visit to a farm and a trunk full of junk. Can you send me an e-mail, so we can get it scheduled? marian@missmustardseed.com

Lori O'Brien Photography said...

All your pics are great! Love your kitchen, fireplace all cozy and the gingham sink skirt just PoPs, fabulous!!!!

Regan Family Farm said...

Thanks for visiting the farm...I loved looking around your sweet farm too, and though I'm sure you didn't mean to, looking at your beautiful kitchen made me cry!!! It's lovely, enjoy!
Blessings,
Kathy