November 29, 2012

Inspiring Reads

 
During this time of year, I like to read inspiring stories that capture the human spirit. I read The Christmas Note last year and I've collected more Christmas-themed books from author Donna VanLiere that I know I'll enjoy reading this year. I also highly recommend The Christmas Jars from author Jason Wright. His latest book, The 13th Day of Christmas also looks like a must-read. I'm also eyeing The Bridge by author Karen Kingsbury.

November 27, 2012

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

 
Natural or faux? I like to mix it up, so I decorate with a little of both for Christmas. This fresh balsam wreath gets a little help from some faux branches and a few pine cones. I then placed it on top of a vintage door knocker just outside my back door.


On the other side of the back door, my iron window box is simply filled with fresh cuttings from the Christmas tree and a few more pine cones. White lights draped around the pergola welcome us all home and my back porch scene is complete.


Inside, my faux den tree gets a little help from a few fresh ornaments. Some are made from coxcomb and rose hips, others from Reindeer moss. The tree is wrapped in natural grapevine and sits in an old cranberry crate filled with... more pine cones.

A pair of beautiful birds are perched on top. (The other is hiding behind the first.) Here are some more photos to inspire you. Do you know what's real and what's not?


 
Even the kitchen gets a tree.

Our family room tree is filled with ornaments collected throughout the years. This Christopher Radko Santa is the very first ornament placed on the tree each year. I love a little sparkle among all of the natural decorations.

 
Here comes Santa Claus. You may remember photos of this painting from years past. Some years he's topped with fresh greens.

My favorite way to decorate for Christmas... mixing the old with the new, a little glitz, and lots of natural elements.

If you'd like more Christmas decorating inspiration, simply type in the word "Christmas" in my search box and you'll find lots.  

November 13, 2012

Another Success

We spent Saturday serving up chowda and hot dogs to more than 950 runners! Thank you all for coming out and supporting the Dorine Merritt Memorial Fund during our annual Edaville Rail Run. It was truly a family affair once again. My brother-in-law takes care of the cooking and uses my father-in-law's recipe. My nephew and my daughter's help set up, serve up, and clean up the food station. And various family members are either on the course, at registration, rounding up volunteers, and of course, cheering on the participants. My youngest daughter even got a chance to run this year, and although she was running on a bum ankle, she still managed to place 2nd in her division! Come join us next year. It's a great family event!


November 1, 2012

Edaville Rail Run

It's here again! The 13th annual Edaville Rail Run will take place next Saturday, November 10th. We're expecting over 1,000 runners this year! Come by the food table for some homemade chowda and other goodies. I'll be the one scrambling behind the tables making sure we have enough of everything! And... not only do you get to run around beautiful bog roads, you'll be supporting the Dorine Merritt Memorial Fund as well. Check out the website, the Facebook page, and come on down!


Edaville Rail Run
Edaville USA
5 Pine Street
South Carver, MA
Saturday, November 10th
10:00 A.M.