Merry Christmas

I Broke My Record

I left everything to the last minute yesterday which really isn't like me.  In one whirlwind shopping spree, I had all of my shopping done in 3 hours and got my hair cut.  Once home I put on Christmas music and wrapped everything until I was done.  Total time 4 hours.  This morning I realized that I has everything done and could just relax.  So, I'm squeezing in a Christmas Eve post and then I'm off to watch Christmas video's. 

Well it's finally here...

Took me awhile but I finally got moving on my Christmas activities.  Haven't even starting shopping yet but at least the tree is up and the house decorated.  After tomorrow I'm starting two weeks of holidays and I so need that time to get organized and to relax. 

 

I thought I would share with you the Murino Glass Santa ornament that I purchased in Venice this year.  Every year we had a Coca Cola Santa ornament that we got when we were kids and we'd put it on the tree.  The lights couldn't go on until Santa was there.  We seemed to have misplaced him in the many moves we've had before my parents died so spotting this little guy in Venice seemed appropriate.

 

If I don't get a chance .... Merry Christmas to all.

 

 

Where is my Christmas Spirit?

I just can't seem to get into it this year.  We've missed it the past few years because of deaths and health issues but for the life of me I just can't seem to motivate myself to decorate, shop, bake and do all the traditional Christmas activities.  Time for more motivation.

 

 



 

Now to work .... ok after my morning tea.

It's December Already

Only a few more weeks until Christmas and I'm no where near ready to even think about it.  I'm surrounded by Christmas movies, commercials, store displays and Christmas lights all around... but I can't get in the mood.  We're pulling a "Krank" Christmas this year and skipping it since we spent so much money this year and the car is on it's last legs.  Still we should plan something so it's time for some Christmas season inspiration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off for the Holidays

Merry Christmas to all.

 

Drive Safe and enjoy.

 

 

Tiffanies can drop these boxes off at my place - I'll be home waiting Santa.

Countdown to Christmas ....

 

 

The White Company

Count down to Christmas

 

Jo Malone

Baby it's cold outside

Why did I ever come back...  It's that time of year and I'm trying to focus on finding my Christmas spirit since it's only one month away. 

So Santa - here are a couple of things from my list.

 A camel cashmere coat from Ralph Lauren

Classic Cartier Tank Watch

 

Or Classic Chanel

 

 

These lovely gold bowls - Spotted at Camillestyles.com

 

 

 

 

Signing Off for the Season

We've had a rough year.  My dad's health has deteriorated yet again. As such we've been walking a tightrope trying to find a balance this season.  It hasn't been easy and his health has reached the point where we need round the clock care and it takes up a lot of my time as the main caregiver.  So, sadly this blog has suffered and I will no longer be able to continue until we've seen this thing through.

My best wishes to all those I've been in touch with this and anyone else reading this blog.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will continue to have a wonderful New Year.  Hopefully 2013 will be a time a great joy and help to heal a lot of the wounds that we've all had to deal with this year. 

Are you ready for the Christmas Season?

Merry Christmas to You and Yours

Merry Christmas from A Serene Life for Me

Image from Canadian House & Home

Have a Wonderful Christmas Holiday

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Holiday this season.  Drive safely.

Image - Canadian House & Home

To put you in the mood.  My favourite Christmas song.  It works every time.

Ladurée

My second stop in Paris will be here. 

Ladurée Champs Elysées

75, avenue des Champs Elysées - 75008 Paris
Tél : +33 1.40.75.08.75 - Fax : +33 1.40.75.06.75

Check out The Ladurée Dream below.  A cute video for Christmas.

It's recently been announced that they're coming out with a new colour cosmetics range called Les Merveilleuses de Laduree.  The collection will include blush in the form of cameos, liquid foundation and lip colour.  They already have a candles, home fragrances and face and body creams so this isn't as much of a stretch as it may seem.

Christmas Treats from Paris

Leave it to the Parisians to create a new take on the traditional Yule Log.  Traditional they are not.  They've been reinterpreted to feature flavours such as bourbon vanilla cream, candied lemon and chestnuts, chocolate mousse, lavender, mango and salted butter caramel.   Where else would you find a Yule Log wrapped in leopard print.

Eric Kayser

Since Paris has perfected the art of over the top and mouthwatering deserts, Paris by Mouth has put together a video show casing the many talents of the French pastry houses like Arnaud Lahrer, Café Pouchkine, Christophe Roussel, Dalloyau, Des Gateaux et du Pain, Dominique Saibron, Eric Kayser, Fauchon, Jean-Paul Hévin, Ladurée, La Maison du Chocolat, La Pâtisserie, La Plaza Athénée, Le Meurice, Michel Cluizel, Pain du Sucre, Pierre Hermé, Pierre Marcolini, Richart, and Un Dimanche à Paris.  It's a gastronomical tour that is guaranteed to have your mouth watering.

  

Sugar Cookie Snow Flakes

Another great Christmas Cookie Recipe.  We're getting everything organized for Santa tonight and of course fitting in those last minute things I forgot.

Recipe from Canadian House & Home



Snow Flake Sugar Cookies

Ingredients: 

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

Royal Icing
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp white vinegar
5 cups icing sugar, sifted



Last Minute Decorating Tips

Here are some great holiday decorating tips from Canadian House & Home featuring Angus & Company - one of my favourite stores.  You'll see why if you watch the video.

Decorating tips from Angus & Company video

Setting the Table

I like the idea of using Magnolia leaves, white flowers, paper whites and greenery to create a simple but elegant look for Christmas dinner.

Image Canadian House & Home

Last Minute Hostess Gift - Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

I'm preparing a favourite for hostess gifts tonight and packaging them up just so.  These are great served at the end of a meal.

Recipe from Canadian House & Home

Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Ingredients: 

2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp table salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup icing sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla

Filling
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup icing sugar
1/2 tsp peppermint extract



I Love This Idea

A fun alternative to the traditional Christmas stocking... Christmas Wellies.

Image - The White Company