Christmas Joy

Everyone’s rushing around this time of year trying to make this season into the images that we have seen on television and in movies.

Ten years ago my life was so different. I would have shopped and decorated through the season. Of course I still love shopping and decorating.

But
I’ve pressed the slow down button so there’s time to reflect, enjoy and of course sing.

Christmas Joy.

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Stable is up

 A few years ago, I was rushing around getting ready for Christmas and amidst all of the rushing I saw the Willow Creek Nativity. I just stopped and stared at it. The faceless statues reminded me of the reason for the season. On a great after Christmas sale, I grabbed myself a set. They had all the pieces, but not the creche. The following year Lee built me a similar manager and it’s one of my favorite Christmas decorations.  *When I was a child, each year I put up the stable. The pieces were purchased and the creche was made by my grandfather.*

The donkey on the left (not a Demdaco Willow Tree figure) is just a sentimental donkey who joined the scene.

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Sprucing Up

I’ve had the flu and then it returned. But we managed to get some things done this weekend.We hung this wreath over the dress. The ribbon looks gold, but it’s really a light beige.Santa came out.We hung a huge picture of Reggie and Lee. It doesn’t look huge here, but it is poster size.A friend brought me these cool metal stockings and they made the hallway bright and cheerful!

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Be back shortly

A few weeks ago I was carrying some heavy stuff with Lee and his friend. A muscle in my leg twinged and I thought something was wrong, but I kept lifting and carrying. The next weeks that followed brought a lot of pain. I was very worried that I did serious damage to my knee. But it’s healing up and I am just limping a little.Then I got the flu on top of that and I have been sleeping a lot.And now that I am feeling better, I have to catch up on laundry and cleaning. Be back this weekend with some fun updates.

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Best Thanksgiving Ever

It was a fantastic Thanksgiving.

And the days before and after were just as fantastic.

Even with a cold and a hurt leg, I am really happy.

I added a new pic to the dining room (second pic for that room)….pic to follow

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$100 Giveaway

Close to My Heart is having a giveaway for a $100 shopping spree. Go and enter – beautiful items for Christmas gifts!

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Cathi Black – NYC’s New Chancellor

NYC is buzzing with questions about Cathi Black, the new school chancellor. Joel Klein stepped down today and the former Chairman of Hearst Magazine will now lead our schools.

Is her educational background important? Sure. Parents and teachers are looking for someone who knows the school system and can improve it. Black knows what a successful business looks like. She knows how to manage and to delegate. I’m sure she’ll put together a task force of NYC’s best for NYC’s best resource, our children. Our city is loaded with amazing educators and once Black puts their best practices to use across the city, all schools will improve.

Cathi Black may not have an background in education, but she’s experienced with children – she’s the mother of two. I think that gives Black an advantage over Klein because she knows parents want what is best for their children and I think that will make her sympathetic to their needs.

I love when someone steps into a new position.  There’s all the whispering about who they are, but there’s also the feeling of hope for change and a brighter future for the NYC schools. I like what Alison Harvey, Cathi Black’s daughter wrote about her.

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Front Door Makeover

My front door needed a makeover.I have pics of the beat up door….but they are on my other computer and I’m tired (it’s Friday and I’ve been teaching all week). I was inspired by Kierste at BrownPaper Packages.  Anyway, here’s the after.This is on the outdoor:

 And the Inner Door:

Have you seen our Halloween decor? Check it out here 

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Halloween in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

 love Halloween and decorating for Halloween.I was inspired by Brooklyn Limestone to decorate with skeletons this year! It’s fun and different and makes me laugh every time I walk up the stairs.

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Saint Anne send me a man

Many years ago before I met Leon, I dated some creeps. There are no shortage of creepy guys out there in dating land. One day my friend’s mother told me to say this prayer to St. Anne when I was ready to meet a man. Of course I laughed because I didn’t think a prayer could bring someone a boyfriend.

The day after a bad date, I fell onto my friend’s bed backwards and in desperation said the Prayer to St. Anne – St. Anne St. Anne please bring me a man. Or maybe it’s Saint Anne Saint Anne send me a man.

That afternoon I met Leon.

Saint Anne was Mary’s Mother and Jesus’ Grandmother.

So if you are a single lady looking for someone go ahead and try the prayer to St. Ann boyfriend and hopefully she’ll send you a man too.

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Pottery Barn Friends and Family 2010

WoohoooooooooI wait for this event all year -> the Pottery Barn Friends & Family event. It’s the only time of the year when Pottery Barn has a huge discount 20% off for all of their customers. You do not need to be a Pottery Barn card holder to participate in this event. Once I saw an advertisement for a 30% discount code for Pottery Barn, but it was just a website false advertising as 20% at the F&F deal is the most Pottery Barn has ever done.

For years I have been invited to the Pottery Barn Friends and Family sale day because Pottery Barn and I are tight. Even before I was a PB cardholder, I got the invitation. Then this year the Roosevelt Field Pottery Barn store closed. This year there was no card. In the past I have purchased vases, glasses and plates, but this year I furnished half our house with Pottery Barn furniture. I purchased all the furniture through the NYC Pottery Barn store….and they didn’t send me an invitation.

The biggest event all year and I didn’t get invited to it?  I called the store and they told me not to worry – come in any next Saturday or Sunday and they will give me a card (actually I think the sale goes from Thursday to Sunday).

The Friends and Family code discount can only be done in the store. It is not available for online orders. Also the items must be store stocked items. Last year, I purchased nightstands and a dresser from the PB Hudson set. The nightstands were sold in the store, but the dresser was only sold online so I had to use the Pottery Barn new mover 10% off discount code.We are planning to order the Franklin rug, but since it isn’t sold in the store, it’s not part of the deal.

Happy Shopping everyone!

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Cool Sweeps Win

I have been dying to make cake pops. They look like they are fun and easy. I won the Cakepop book and the Cupcake mold at Jeanette’s My Little Cupcake blog.  I can’t wait to try these cupcake pops out. They look like they would be easy to make for a birthday party.

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