Light, comfort food, and let it snow!

More on mason jars! 

I like having them near the beverage/bar area.  Here they are filled with mini oil lanterns.

Speaking of light.. 

Although I'm not super religious, I do enjoy the spiritual experience of attending a Christmas Eve service. 

My favorite moment is when we stand in total darkness, each of us holding a special candle, and sing Silent Night.  No music, just candles and beautiful voices. 

I cry every time.  

This is a time for me to reflect on my life, give thanks for all that I have .. and say a prayer for those that need it most. 

ON TO COMFORT FOOD!!

Crescent Rolls and Brie

This is one of those foods that you can't stop eating ... it's that good!  I buy refrigerator crescent rolls and place them around a piece of brie.  Bake according to the directions on the back of the crescent roll container.. (usually 15 -20 minutes at 350 degrees).  

Serve right out of the oven while the brie is running all over the place :)  and add a little fig jam.  YUM!

Readers have asked  me to show more house pictures so I added a couple photos. Due to time constraints and house guests, I only have a few.  

My mantels are really simple.

Living room.. Blue and white porcelain, greens with pinecones, and a small string of fairy lights. 

 Fresh greens is ALWAYS my preference but it's just not practical if you want to enjoy your decor for more than a week or so.  As the pine needles fall you find yourself vacuuming daily.  So.. I've compromised and do a little of both.. faux and fresh.  It's smart to wait until right before or after the holiday to take advantage of markdowns as the good ones are pricey.

This mantle is in the kitchen area.  It's a very small, narrow space. Fortunately my nut crackers fit perfectly there.  

I try to keep my blue and white vases filled with flowers, especially during the dark winter months. It really helps keep me from getting those seasonal blues.

 For the holidays I put white poinsettias and a candle on the island, trying to  leave extra space for all those holiday goodies coming;)

I have black granite and white marble counters.  The cabinets are painted white and a black bean color for a two toned look. Honed marble is the back splash.  

Clam pulls and knobs.. very simple.

Up high in the kitchen.. things in unexpected places.  I light the lanterns year round.

evening 

Chocolate cake in the background .. ready for my son's birthday;)  Homemade and chocolate of course! 

Holiday baking with my daughter!  ..get the butter out ;)

Let it snow!

 This morning I woke up to this lovely sight! Our first snowfall of the season. 

Looking out of my kitchen..

 Driving in the snow here in the pacific northwest is different than back east.  It's hilly, we  have lots of ice, and are not equipped with regards to road clearing.   A little snow  can create a bit of chaos. Those of us living at higher elevations get treated to this scene frequently over the winter months.

view from the front

My girls headed out for our daily walk.

ginger and layla

This will be my last post until after the New Year. 

I've got to finish out this work week and then I'll be busy planning meals, wrapping gifts, and spending time with my family.  Both kids will be here, plus my two dogs, and my mom and her dog will arrive soon.  Yipee! (btw, dogs are confined to the main living area.. the dog hair gets everywhere if they start to roam around)

There will be plenty of chaos.. and lots of family time, classic movies (thanks for all the suggestions!), eating, and some R & R. 

Next year I look forward to starting my second year of blogging.  The experience has been a good one so far and I'm thankful for your friendship and kind comments. 

Enjoy the spirit of the season and I wish you and your family a healthy and happy NEW YEAR!

In the meantime, I'll be stopping by your blogs and would enjoy hearing what your holiday plans are .. so leave a comment!

xxleslie