Christmas...It's Coming!

Christmas is less than two months away...WOW! Where has the time gone? Here in the PNW we were blessed with an amazing summer and fall, over 80 days without rain. But the weather has turned. It's cold, blustery and rainy. And...I love it!!! Bring it on!

While Costco had their Christmas stuff out in August (wayyyyy tooooo early!), the stores in town are just starting to decorate. What is it about white twinkle lights that bring such a smile to my face?

I had the wonderful privilege of helping out a wonderful group of ladies at one of my favorite stores, Grandiflora. LaVon and Trish and their staff always have the most wonderful things and the most gorgeous displays! Eye candy everywhere!

I have hinted since last Christmas, that I would love to help them this year, doing ANYTHING! I think I finally wore them down, because I got the call! The call to come to the store during the transition to Christmas, and help. Oh Happy Day!!!!! My job was to unpack boxes and get everything out and organized so the girls could grab and decorate. I have to admit, it was a heady experience! These women have such a vision and the finished look is outstanding!.

Soooo...once again I have a plethora of pictures! But you don't want to miss anything! Put on some Christmas music and get in the mood! Christmas is coming!!!!

I can't even begin to guess the amount of boxes I opened...400? 500? This is but a few of them and they were all filled with tons of boxes of ornaments and goodies!

While I was unpacking, the other ladies were moving furniture, setting up trees, moving more furniture, and then moving it again! They have a vision and  know what they're looking for! Meanwhile, I was squealing with delight with each new box I opened!

Putting everything out so it could be easily seen!

Happy Girl!!! Just call me Holiday Holly! (Okay, please don't!)

LaVon working her magic!

I love this mirror behind the tree...wait til you see it all decorated!!

Yesterday I went back to the store to see how they put everything together. One word.....AMAZING!!

See what I mean? So sparkly!

I love this little flocked tree. LOVE.

and these yarn balls. LOVE.

Why, hello Mr. Vintage Santa!

This little guy is so cute!!

Loving the grey, red and cream...so warm and inviting!

I don't like owls or birds...or I didn't...but I'm starting to sway! This owl is pretty cute!!! And the birds? Overstuffed adorableness!!!

 I had sooo much fun!!!! I get to go back next week and start unpacking for the downstairs!!!! If you're in the area, head on over to Grandiflora, so you can see it for yourself! Things are already flying out of the store!

A Little Fall Tour~

Fall has finally arrived. My very most favorite season of all! I love the beautiful days, and the crisp cool nights. I love unpacking all of my fall sweaters and boots, being able to dress a little more cozily. It's time for pumpkin spice lattes, fall candles and soup simmering, all day, on the stove. It's the first fire of the season, shorter days and an extra quilt on the bed. It's a time to slow down and read a book, or stitch a little. A time for visiting with friends and a trip to the pumpkin patch.
And rain...my long lost friend. Welcome back, dear friend!

So today, I invite you in to my cozy home. My haven. My cozy respite in a busy world!

I painted my front door last month and think it looks a lot more inviting. I figure the green goes with everything, and every season...just not the 4th of July! All the pumpkins, save one, are from my garden. I get a little carried away at Costco when the mums come out! After they're done, I plant them in the yard and enjoy them year after year!

 

My pots have done really well this year, so I'm keeping them out!

A little chalkboard love!

My buffet in the entry. Got the copper pumpkins at Bellewood Acres.

Love the old typewriter...thinking I need a tall, skinny lamp in the corner!

My sofa table. I got the bowl of ornaments at Grandiflora last year and the big acorns at TJ Maxx last week. I LOVE those!!!!

Nice to have a little sparkle!

A little side table...

And a picnic basket waiting for a picnic!

The fireplace didn't change much. I love the big baking pans, jugs and suitcases, so I just added a little fall to what was already there.

I made this little family years ago, and they still put a smile on my face! I got the mercury glass pumpkins at Kohls this year.

Little orange pumpkin from Folktales.

My little bench with an old truck of my hubby's, and a scarecrow that I made years ago.

I really don't do much Halloween, but I still have a fondness for this cute, little witch! Also, the sweater pumpkin I won from Homeward Found. I adore this pumpkin!! (Thanks Deb!)

On my birthday last month, my friend Lynda took me on a lunch,shopping date and I found this adorable, orange cracker tin. Perfect color and rustic-ness! Filled with autumnal books.

The buffet in the kitchen...

My dough bowl from the Farm Chicks show...

Filled with the bounty of the garden and a little vine.

The fun, little shelf near the pantry with my favorite chalkboard...Soup of the Day!

And the hutch...still need to put lights in there somehow!

I didn't really decorate anywhere else this year...just the main living areas. Much faster and just the right amount I think!

Did a little on the back porch, because I had these delectable pumpkins  and squash from the garden!

I had fun growing the unusual pumpkins this year! My jacks (all three) are still dark green, with little chance of turning orange. I'll be buying those I guess!!

And another beautiful mum....those oranges and yellows make me smile!

Nature is at it's very best right now and I'm enjoying every minute of it! Baking, pumpkin farms, shorter days and cooler nights. And the rain...how I've missed it! Welcome back my friend!