Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Today I'm taking you on a tour of my Village. This is what we woke up to on a recent Saturday morning. Most Saturdays begin with a walk down this street

 Festive huh?

We stop here to buy Emma her scone.

Then we take a right off of Elm Street and walk until we get to the town Christmas tree where we take another right onto Main Street.

Next we go to the coffee shop to get treats for the grown ups (Our Maddie can only rarely be convinced to join us on Saturday mornings)

Then Emma left her mark and the two of us spent some time knitting while Sweet Hubby read the town newspaper.

 Afterward we enjoyed the Christmas parade from the warmth of the yarn shop.

 Next we ventured back down Main Street to take in the sights. 

Everywhere I looked my eyes were met with Winter wonder. Truly.

I couldn't capture it quickly enough.

 It was one of the happiest days of my life. One of those days lived completely in the moment.

 I wish I could show it to each of you in person and let you fall in love with it as I have.

I don't believe it would take much convincing. This place is hard to resist. For me, clearly impossible  to resist.

We have sacrificed much to be here but those were the superficial things. We have gained the things that really matter to us.

I fall a little bit more in love every day. Can you see why?

The Week in Review

I have this feeling that December, and likely even January, will find me posting a lot of "week in review" posts. I've been saying since September that I was going to slow down. Turns out I'm a liar. While I would love to slow down, my life doesn't seem inclined to cooperate with me. On the plus side that means you will get a post chock full of pictures and ramblings. What's that you say? Maybe that's not so much a plus? Hmm.

 We had a lovely snow day last Saturday which was just perfect for putting us in the Christmas spirit. That day is actually getting it's own post hopefully later this weekend.

It does seem that simple is the trend this Christmas and that is the direction we went as well. It came more from a lack of space and not being able to dig our decorations out of storage than from an actual choice. However, I am enjoying the pared down look and not even close to getting tired of it all yet.

After some furniture removal we managed to wedge a small tree in our family room. I was really hoping to do a vintage theme on the tree but was completely outvoted. I love that they care so much so I saved all the vintage stuff for the studio which I will share soon. I also wanted to do all of the presents in plain paper and my little one would not stand for it so hello polka dots!

 In case we forget the words to our favorite Christmas song we can always refer to this. Don't laugh. That actually happened the other night when I was tucking Emma into bed and singing to her and she said go look at the chalkboard Mommy! I love Christmas decorating that is actually practical.

Emma and I made this wreath together. She did most of the hands on work. I love that every year when I unpack it I will get to relive that memory. Go here to see how to make your own. It was designed by one of my favorite artsy girls, Charlotte Lyons.

A little closeup of the pretty details.

In case you caught a glimpse of my adorable new accessory in the above picture, here she is ready for her close up. I'm just smitten and so glad I finally bought it. Seriously when you covet something for 2 years I think you deserve to just go ahead and own it. Tell your hubby I said it's okay. I guess that also means I should head to the camera shop for that new Canon...

Other than that, I've been doing a lot of knitting. And for the record I was a little over ambitious about how many handmade Christmas presents I could make this year. Okay maybe a lot over ambitious.

All Wrapped Up

In case you are like me this weekend and in search of inspiration for pretty wrapped Christmas presents.

We are having the most delicious kick off to our holiday season today. The snow has been flying since before we woke up, there is a roast chicken in the oven, the tree has been decorated and we saw our first ever Village Christmas parade this morning. I am taking the time to really enjoy the season this year. I hope that you are too.

Village Life - Month 6

Here we are in our 6th month in the Village. It has flown by. Of course an amazing number of things have happened in these months. We are halfway through our first year and even more importantly, we are halfway through our lease! I get giddy just thinking about it. Happily, it looks like our finances will allow us to buy a house soon and not have to stay here a second year. Hallelujah and Amen!

The thought of getting out of here sooner rather than later will be enough to keep me warm these winter months. Or not. As I sit here typing this I am wearing jeans, knee highs, fuzzy boots, a tank top, a long sleeve t-shirt, a long sleeve sweater and a scarf. For reals. And you know what? I'm cold. You know what else? It's all worth it.

Late yesterday afternoon Emma and I walked through the snow to our new dentist's office. On the way back we stopped at our favorite gourmet shop that is housed in a sweet little cottage to celebrate no cavities with a chocolate chip scone. They love her there. She loves them. They hug her and call her by name and occasionally offer her free scones. She's been told she has a job there when she's old enough. Her artwork even graces the window. This is what life in the Village is like.

This morning it was still snowing. Millie and I walked Emma to school and then I met my buddy Sarah at the coffee shop followed by knitting class at the yarn shop. Afterward I walked over and picked up my dry cleaning and then stopped to chat with a neighbor who was walking her dog on Main Street. Then I slowly made my way home as the snowflakes fell upon my shoulders and with every step of my feet I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for this life I find myself living.

I live in a Norman Rockwell painting. I wouldn't blame any of you if you thought it didn't sound real. It doesn't sound real to me either. Yet I am living it and falling more in love with it each and every day.

Cottage Christmas Wish List

Today is a rainy kind of day. I love those. Especially when they come on the heels of a Monday that contained 3 trips to Target, 2 doctor's offices, 2 different ER visits and 1 tonsillectomy scheduling for a sweet teenage girl. It is a perfect kind of day for taking care of my girl and getting my house in order. It is not however, ideal for picture taking. So while this is not what I planned on blogging about today, I thought I would share some things that you may want to add to your Christmas wish list.

Martha Stewart Glassware Collection from Macy's $17

Project Folder Set from See Jane Work $10

 Cupcake Stands from Farmhouse Wares $39

 Mushroom Felting Kit from Etsy $12

 Colorful Cotton Foutas from Basic French $35

Pretty Baker's Twine from Cute Tape $15

Felt Ornament Pattern from Rosy Little Things $6

Calendar from Paper Source $12

Condiment Set from Pottery Barn $39.

I would happily wake up to any of these on Christmas morning. I love hearing what's on other people's wish list so please share!