Thankful.

Thankful seems like such a small word when I think of all of the blessings I have..

Each of these table tops are so beautiful in their own lovely, individual and meaningful way.

And though decorating for the holidays is one of my very favorite things to do, I am determined to think less of the china matching the silver, or the napkins folded just right, and instead focus on WHO is at my table and WHY they are there.

Yes the food will be delicious. But more delicious than a warm pumpkin pie is the feeling of warmth in one's heart when a simple glance around that beautiful table will feed one's soul with memories and love.

THAT is perhaps the best recipe for a perfect Thanksgiving.

And I plan on creating lots and lots of it.

Below are three lovely ideas that capture the essence of Thanksgiving yet are simple to recreate.


I love the simple message of "Thanks" on this napkin ring. However, one could also use this same idea but with names instead, creating lovely place cards.

What I love most about this lovely idea is the way mine will be created. My girls and I are going to enjoy a walk through the park on a chilly Saturday morning and they will be filled with pride as they find the perfect pine cones to use for our display.

The smell. Can you imagine the smell? This is a must.

I hope I have given a tad of inspiration to you..
May you all be blessed with a warm and magical Thanksgiving.
Best Wishes,
Jolena

Midnight.

I've read the books. Yes, they are wonderful. Tonight I am insane. But it will be fun. I'm joining a number of my girlfriends to gather at midnight to see the long anticipated New Moon.


I am going to be SO tired when I hear my alarm at 6am.

Dear Edward and Jacob,
I know you will make my sleepless night worthwhile. LOL
xx
Jolena

p.s.
I apologize for my lack of posts. I have been extremely busy lately with school, work, etc. Oh how I've missed this blog.

Little Girls.. Little Girls...

"Everywhere I look, I can see them!"
I often find myself singing this song and laughing.. usually because I have a house full of little girls.. and also because Annie is one of my all time favorite movies and Miss Hannigan is my favorite character in the movie..
Anyhow, as I browsed for inspirational little girls rooms today, I sang that song to myself and thought I would share...
Below are some lovely,creative rooms.. Enjoy!

"I Got A Rock."

Happy Trick Or Treat!
xx
Jolena

Anywhere But Here.

Yes, this bath should suffice...
It's a cold dreary Wednesday, I'm stuck in the office working overtime so I can attend my girls' Halloween party... so I thought a quick post on a few lovely places I would rather be is in order.. and of course I find much inspiration from these rooms as well......





A lovely dinner with my family.. or a long warm soak in the tub.. {sigh}
I do look forward to Trick or Treat tomorrow.
Madison is going to be a "goth" {her idea} Pirate. She has the cutest ... I mean er creapiest vampire dress with a black sash at her waist.. I still need a sword.. she has a black bandanna .. and her favorite part, black nail polish, lipstick, and fake piercings....

Paris Abella is going to be a ballerina.. her tutu is pastel pink and black with silver accents.. I made her a pink choker w/pink ribbon and fake rhinestones.. spray on glitter.. she looks like a porcelin doll I swear it! She and Madison had such a fun time last night w/their costume "dress rehearsal". Madison turned on one of our classical cd's and spinned her sister around like she was a ballerina in a jewlry box. I couldn't ask for a better big sister for Paris.. Madison has helped me so much since Paris was born.. I remember times when I couldn't understand what Paris was saying or wanted and Madison would tell me.. or just fix it.. so my goth vampire is really quite the angel.. ;) whether she likes/knows it or not...
Happy Trick Or Treat.
xx
Jolena

Wishing You.

A luxuriously divine weekend.










xx
Jolena

P.S.
This Just in...

Guess who we will be seeing on Sex and the City 2?!?!


Aidan: Don't take this the wrong way but this place could use a little work.
Carrie: I know, but I can't afford it.
Aidan: You've got eight thousand bucks' worth of shoes over there.
Carrie: I needed those!


"I diapered your dog!"

-akward :(

Of course I realize it's Carrie and Big.. However.. do we not all question if it should have been Aidan?
{sigh.}

*Forget the luxuriously divine- this calls for jammies, champagne, and MANY seasons of my favorite show, EVER!

Vintage Halloween.

Those who know me know I love all things vintage. So when browsing Country Living and came across this article, I just had to share. The pics are fantastic and the story even more so.. enjoy...


"At twilight on an October evening, the Connecticut woods behind designer Bruce Elsass's home assumes the sort of Halloween glow that typically can be found only in illustrations. Lanterns swing from branches, casting a golden light across a bed of fallen leaves, and beneath the indigo sky, a long table is set with treats and realistic-looking ravens. The pathway to this setting is lined with jack-o'-lanterns, and even before the party's festivities, which include vintage games and a magic show, the air is filled with excitement. "

"When he entertains, Bruce combines his collection with items from his line of reproduction vintage designs. These include dinnerware (the plates' orange rims feature reproduced storybook illustrations from the 1920s and '30s) on a table with a "Web" tablecloth fashioned from cheesecloth. The table is also set with early-20th-century noisemakers and 1930s Bakelite flatware. The centerpiece is comprised of his antique papier-mâché Jack-O'-Lanterns, a German horn-shaped noicemaker and faux ravens."



The home made dress/witch costume? was said to have been from 1908. Oh how I love vintage!