A Few of my Favorite Etsy Things for the Holidays . . .

One of my favorite ways to spend a few minutes alone with the computer is to visit all of the wonderful shops on Etsy.  If you've never visited this highly addictive on-line market place (can't say I didn't warn you!!) you are in for a real treat.  Just like my other favorite place to visit, Pinterest , Etsy allows you to get lost in visual loveliness.  One of my favorite places to be lost in!!  : )

These adorable handmade polka-dotted ornies are available at HandyHappyHearts.

The stocking and adorable letter to Santa were found in my newest favorite Etsy shop, Elm Tree Studio .  I also found the little banner below there and couldn't resist purchasing it for my daughter's room.  I've been looking for something small to hang in her room and this was perfect!!

These absolutely wonderful linen trees were found at Adatine .  This shop is from Lithuania and has so many adorable things in it and not just for Christmas either.

For quite a while now, I've been in love with Julie Collings shop .  She always has the sweetest little things in her shop and also sells kits for you to create your own goodies with.  Definite eye candy!!  : )

One of the kits in Julie's shop.

How sweet is this vintage cotton ribbon that I found in theStationeryRoom ??  There are also red and white striped paper straws for sale that would be wonderful for a Christmas dinner table. 

Okay, so I had to include this hunky little elf!!  : )  He can be found at the merriweather council .  She has lots of other great things for sale but, seriously, what more could you ask for than this?? 

Except for maybe this!!!!  LOL!!  Okay, I'm finished now!!  : )

These pretty little snowflake earrings are for sale at picturing , a wonderful shop from Germany.  She has lots of other beautiful items for sale and they're all handmade.

This needle-felted snowball tree can be found at Fairyfolk .  So sweet for a table top or mantle.

I fell in love with this adorable tea towel.  It can be found in Apple White's absolutely wonderful little shop.  In fact, I loved this towel so much, I just purchased it.  : )  Couldn't resist and I have the perfect spot for it!!

I've been in love with vintage Santa mugs since the first time I ever saw them!!  These two are from A Needle in the Hay.

How sweet are these vintage 1950's ornaments??  They can be found at The Heirloom Shoppe along with lots of other vintage goodies for both the holidays and every day, too.

 I could keep going on for hours but guess it's time for me to start my day.  It's a beautiful day here in New York.  The wind is blowing and the sky is bright blue!!  Brrrrrrr!!  I think our surprise 60 degree days are officially over!!  : )


Many blessings for a beautiful day ~ Wendy

the winds of change are a blowin' . . .

Yes, I caught my first glimpse of snow this morning here in New York.  I missed it the other day.  It seems I was the only one who didn't see it and I have to admit I was a little bummed.  The first snow of the season always reminds me of my first husband who passed away nine years ago this month.  When that first flurry came down, no matter what we were doing, whoever saw it first would call the other one and brag that they were the first to see snow for the season (there wasn't texting going on back then). A little glimpse of my former life.  Seems like a whole lifetime ago, indeed.

 It's been such a beautiful autumn.  The foliage has been magnificent!!!  I probably say this every year but I truly think this has been one of the most beautiful autumns I've ever seen. 

But the winds of change are a blowin' and I'm getting that nesting feeling.  I've been lighting candles more and using my crockpot more and wearing a sweater over my jammies in the morning more.  I've added quilts to the back of my couches and have started to think about the need to dig out snow boots and winter hats. 

I'm still trying to put off thinking about Christmas shopping.  I've been picking up things here and there but certainly nothing more than that.  I've promised myself to keep things simple this holiday season and not fall into that trap of wrapping gifts for 14 hours on Christmas Eve.  Life is too short and so is the holiday season.  I want to enjoy it and live in the moment.  Please feel free to join in if you'd like.  Any tips on how to simplify would be greatly appreciated!!  : )


Many blessings for a beautiful Tuesday ~ Wendy

Our Journey to the Polar Express . . .

 Last week we took our annual road trip to Essex, Connecticut to ride the Polar Express.  It's a beautiful steam engine train that is decorated for the holidays and, twice a day for several weeks, is filled with children (and even some parents!!) dressed in their pj's waiting to catch a glimpse of Santa, Mrs. Claus and the sleepy time elves.  It is something we have come to look forward to every year.  My sister-in-law and I have already begun scheming as to how we're still going to go even after the kids no longer want to anymore.  : )
 

 Our journey begins with a visit to Cracker Barrel for lunch and some retail therapy.  It's located at the halfway point between home and the Polar Express (about a two hour drive to Essex, CT) so it breaks up the ride a bit.  The food is good but, as far as I'm concerned, the shopping is BETTER!! 
 

 If you're a lover of all things country and nostalgic, this is the place to visit.  There are rocking chairs that line the front porch and there's vintage charm everywhere you look.
  

 

 

An old tricycle hanging from the ceiling.

I couldn't resist taking this guy home!!  Unfortunately there's no volume control and with a two year old pressing the button over and over (and over) again it gets to be a little monotonous after a while but I still love it!!  : )

 

My nephew Andre in his jammies waiting for lunch to be served.

My nephew Jason in his jammies.

After we ate lunch and spent time in the gift shop, we changed Megan into her jammies and it was back on the road again. 

NEXT STOP!!  The Polar Express!!!! 


Many blessings for a happy Monday ~ Wendy

Family in NYC on a Wordless Wednesday . . .

It was so wonderful to see Jim's brother and our nephew for a few days. Megan was sick so she and I didn't get to go with them. Thankfully, my husband took lots of photos!!


Many blessings for a happy Wednesday ~ Wendy

Some More Etsy Lovin' - Aqua Christmas Style

In an effort to help support small businesses this holiday season, I've brought you some more Christmas pretties that I've gathered from Etsy. Some old and some new. I'm not too sure about borrowed but some definitely blue!!




Above is a set of vintage Shiny Brites still in their original box at efinegifts. A truly fantastic shop.

Below, linocut/letterpress aqua and red Christmas garland from rubyvictoria. There are 22 printed coaster tags on each strand of twine. I think I'd string them along the top of my kitchen cabinets or above my double windows. Great to keep out all winter, too!!






I absolutely love this aqua and red stocking found at kathischristmas. Polka dots and daisies are two of my favorite things. : )





This pillowcase dress found at graceparks is perfect for that little girl in your life.





And while you're shopping for that special little girl, stop by ViviansKitchen to pick up some hand-felted goodies, too!! Good luck picking out just one. They're all absolutely yummy to look at!!!








This beautiful yarn wreath can be found at HeartfeltYarnWreaths where you can find a large selection of yarn wreaths including many holiday ones.


I really love the aqua ceramic stars that I found at MissPottery. They are wonderful for a rustic touch or for a country home. Great for the beach house too!





Who can resist this incredibly gorgeous rhinestone snowflake hair comb??? I found it at OhFaro.





At the top of my list of Etsy favorites is this adorable holiday house that I found at HolidayHouseStudio. I love all of the sparkle and the two chimneys!!






If you're looking for that extra special Christmas card this could be the one for you!! I found this at aLittleCard and loved it. I also love the little rhinestones that have been added for a little sparkle.





Loaded with flower pick balls and flocked bells, chenille stems and foiled leaves this gorgeous 1950's corsage is being offered at thelongacreflea. Such a pretty addition to your Christmas outfit.





And, if you're like me and are stuck making the Christmas dinner (I really don't mind!!), do it in style with this beautiful retro colored apron from CreativeChics.




I'll be back tomorrow with some more Etsy gift ideas!! : )


Many blessings ~ Wendy