So the holidays have already semi-officially begun around here. The weather is crisp. The grocery stores are packed and the smell of cinnamon and baked goods permeates the air.
The kids are excited for a shortened week of school and there's a giant turkey in my fridge.
Yup.
We're on our way to Thanksgiving.
I have been sharing a few holiday craft posts with you over the last week or so, but nothing gets decorated for Christmas in my home until Friday.
One holiday at a time is my motto.
I like to revel in the special feel that each one has to offer. I like to take in the colors of each season, right now for example, I love the apples on my table, the red and gold leaf banner on my hood.
And the roosters...chickens...that currently reside in my living room.
Next week, Santa can come out of hiding.
This week is all about poultry.
Although...hints of Christmas have popped up in my mailbox. Gifts...or more accurately winnings!
This week when I unlocked my box, I found a key inside! Written on the chain were instructions to use it to open another, larger box, lucky number thirteen.
What? I'm new to this whole PO box thing, so this felt like a scavenger hunt. Very cool.
But not as cool as what was inside.
This beautiful gift is from Julie of Julie's Lifestyle. I won her anniversary giveaway. Happy Anniversary, Julie!
She put together the most wonderful goodies, including hand crocheted potholders. I told Julie that I needed to snap a picture quickly, because my family was trying to open the snacks and devour them.
Such is the life of a blogger.
I have been drooling over Julie's crocheting skills for years. Last year, Santa brought me some yarn and hooks. I still haven't opened them.
This year, maybe I should ask the big guy for some time to learn...or, better yet, a visit from Julie!
As if that isn't enough, I also won this beautiful print from Jemma at At Home With Jemma. I just adore the rich color.
Right now, it has made its home on my kitchen plate rack. I have been toying with the idea of moving it to my master bedroom or bath...if...IF I can convince my daughter, that even though her room is blue, it was my win and I would like the chance to enjoy it for a bit.
Apparently, nothing is safe from the grip of my family. However, considering my gifts, I think that just means that they have really good taste. (And guess what, so do they because that print is in her room!)
The third treasure (good things come in threes!) in my mailbox was very unexpected. It was this lovely set of Story Beads from my friend Deb at LaPadre.
They were a gift, custom made to tell the story of my new journey, helping me to bridge the gap between raising a family and writing a book.
There's never enough time in the day, I am not good at saying no and Deb has created a symbol for me, that will remind me that I don't have to choose between one or the other.
There is room for both, I just have to see it.
And I believe her, you know why?
Well, Deb is the one who told me about this fabulous Italian Prosperity Jar that I shared a while ago. I just won three giveaways in a row.
I'd say that's pretty prosperous.
The instructions were very easy to follow and I guess I did it right, considering my luck and my lack of kitchen prowess.
I just hope that the recipes I whip up for the big Thanksgiving meal go this well.
Did I mention I'm hosting and that I'm not a big cook?
At all.
Hmmm. Maybe my guests need a prosperity jar, too.
I wish you all a prosperous week and to my friends in the states, a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yay for prosperity!! (Insert flailing Kermit the Frog arms here!) The hydrangea is GORGEOUS! And I, too, long to crochet better than the 1 stitch I know. Maybe one afternoon. When you're not using your Story-Beads to keep on track!
ReplyDeleteDeb, thank you for my lovely beads. They are a very thoughtful gift and I will cherish them. :)
DeleteNow you've got me curious about this Italian Prosperity Jar thing......off I go to do a little more snooping around on this one!!! And apparently I also need to find out more about Story Beads...so much I still need to learn, huh?
ReplyDeletexo
I have learned a lot myself this year! Snoop away! ;)
DeleteWell you lucky girl you! I just adore your red and white living room.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thank you, Brenda! :)
DeleteWow, congratulations! You are on a winning streak! Enjoy the beautiful gifts and Happy Thangsgiving.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah. I am truly over the moon! Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy the holiday! :) Kim
DeleteYou are one lucky woman. Congrats on your lovely winnings.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. I think it's the jar! :)
DeleteSomeone need to buy a lottery ticket!! Congratulations on all your beautiful gifts from blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteHaha! That’s what my husband said…although he’s pretty taken with the chocolate! ;)
DeleteFun post. Wow, you are a lucky gal. I need to get a prosperity jar going but I have a couple of questions that I hope you have the answer to. Does the jar have to be a certain size? Do you need to create your own prosperity jar or can you gift one? I am thinking it would be fun gifts for my sister, brother and kids but I don't want to start rumors if I all of a sudden start buying bourbon by the case. So maybe pint jars? Did I miss a post where you talked about writing a book. Sounds exciting.
ReplyDeleteHey Lorri. I went straight to the source for the answers to your questions. Check down a little bit, Deoborah answered you! AND...you didn't miss anything. I never wrote about writing the book. Right now, it's just a vision, but I'm hoping to change that...Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteThanks Kim and Happy Thanksgiving to you too. I hope your vision comes true. You are a great writer. I recently started writing a short cookbook. Not sure if it will ever get done but so far the writing is fun. That may change. Perhaps we can encourage each other.
DeleteThat sounds so exciting Lorri. I am sure that your cookbook will be fabulous! I would love an encouragement partner! Fabulous!!
DeleteCongrats on your wins Kim. Enjoy the week and Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Celestina Marie! Happy Thanksgiving to you! :)
DeleteOkay- YOU must have been bitten by the LUCKY BUG! lol I love it- Three wins like that all at once. Amazing! Love that Italian prosperity jar thing!
ReplyDeleteHope you have an Amazing Thanksgiving....I know you will- xo Diana
I know!! I usually never win. I'm telling you, it's that jar! ;) Happy Thanksgiving right back to you and your fabulous brood, Diana! xo
DeleteHi Lorrie! Small jars are just as good as larger ones - no need to buy the liquor store out of bourbon! And yes! you can absolutely make them for others. Try to hold a clear vision of the person you're making it for in your mind and heart as you create it. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah! That sounds great. I appreciate the quick response. I may even have time to get to the liquor store before thanksgiving! My kids will be home and it would be fun to send one home with each of them. Do they eventually need to be replenished?
DeleteI have asked this question myself and Deb told me that when the kale starts to turn white and pale, it's time be refreshed. I made mine over the summer and so far, it still looks fresh!
DeleteHappy about all your wins . . . Congrat's!
ReplyDeleteHappy turkey fixin' and enjoy all that THANKFUL . . .
Thanks much, Lynne. Happy Thanksgiving right back to you and your family, my friend! :) Enjoy.
DeleteSo much to be thankful for! I love each gift.
ReplyDeleteI also won a blog give-away this past week from Cottage at the Crossroads - a fountain kit, something I have wanted for years. I'll be dreaming of spring when I can set it up on my screened porch.
Lucky you!! That's an awesome win, Jenny. Sounds like you received an early Christmas gift, too. ;) Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteSoooo happy you won the trifecta of giveaways!!! Awsome! Could not have happened to a nicer more giving person than you. So glad you got all these treasures in one week. Have a great Turkey day. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteKris
Thank you, Kris. You are so sweet. It was very overwhelming and unexpected! I am super grateful, not only for the wins, but for my lovely online friends as well. Happy Thanksgiving my kind friend, enjoy your family! :)
Deleteawesome wins...and I don't do C'mas decorating until the day after T'giving, either. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks BJ, enjoy the holiday! :) Kim
DeleteThank you, Teri. I wish you a blessed “homespun” Thanksgiving, too! :)
ReplyDeleteBlogging has the most generous women I've ever connected with...so happy for you and the lovely gifts you've been given.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!!
Jane x
Thank you and I couldn’t agree with you more, Jane. I have been the recipient of so many great gifts…including friendship! :)
DeleteYou are on a lucky streak! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Su. I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday, too! xoxo
DeleteWow, lucky you! Hope you have a great week and a happy Thanksgiving with your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristi!! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
DeleteThat had to have been a lot of fun..so many lovely surprises in one day! :) Enjoy your Thanksgiving and I don't do Christmas early either.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb...yes. so many lovelies!
DeleteWow Kim!!! Congrats on all of the giveaway wins!!! You deserve it and I would love to teach you how to crochet!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Julie xo
Thank you, Julie. I love my treats…thanks again!! :) Happy Turkey!!
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving Kim! You know every time I see your beautiful red wreath, my heart skips a beat!
ReplyDeleteXo
Jemma
You’re so kind, Jemma…it’s that red. Gets me too! ;) Happy Thanksgiving.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving my lucky friend. :-) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWe are the same,we wait until after Thanksgiving to do Christmas. :-)) One holiday at a time.
xx oo
Carla
One holiday at a time...perfect! :)
DeleteKim, did you ever hear the old saying , good thing's happen to good people ? Well, your a great person and great thing's should happen to you :))) I've never won anything , well once year's ago , maybe I should try Deb's Prosperity Jar. Lol I very , very much appreciate your comment back to Kris from JCC , my lovely online friend's..... I'm not a blogger but a VERY faithful follower of your's :))) Good luck with that BIG bird and have a very Happy Thanksgiving !!! You are the BEST !! Cyber hug's from a friend from afar , TT
ReplyDeleteTammy, you just totally made my day! :))) Thank you for your very sweet words, they really do mean more than all the gifts in the world. Kris is a doll and she is the epitome of generosity, featuring bloggers on her site every week, introducing them around and bringing them into this lovely fold of women (including yourself!) that I am so blessed to be a part of. I wish you nothing but blessings this Thanksgiving and I say make a jar!! You never know! ;)
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving Kim. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacey, right back at you! xo
DeleteWhat a lucky gal you are, Kim. Your success will surely blossom with the book. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and don't stress too much about the food preparations. I'm not much for cooking either, but haven't poisoned anyone yet! You'll be fine, too :)
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you always, always make me smile. For that I am surely grateful! Happy Thanksgiving my friend! :)
DeleteYaaay for you!!! I can't think of a better winner!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving day and a blessed holiday season!
J
Happy Thanksgiving to you, J! I hope you have a wonderful day! :)
DeleteCongratulations! Such lovely gifts from lovely people! Hope you and your family have a most wonderful Thanksgiving!! And yes, you can do it all...just reach for what you want! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Benita! You’re right…lovely ladies, one and all! :) Hugs!
DeleteCongratulations! That was quite a windfall and all such lovely gifts.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to stop by and wish your sweet self a very Happy Thanksgiving. Your comments are always so kind and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate that. xo
Thank you so much Susan and I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving, too!! I am touched by your visit and your own sweet comments! Gobble, gobble! xo
Deletewow, you are one lucky lady! Love your turkey decorations, I assume the kids haave been busy making all kinds of crafts for the holidays! I must admit, I started decorating for Christmas.............I'm not hosting Thanksgiving dinner so I thought I'd get a jump start. It has been a rule for me to wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate, I succumbed this year and I'm feeling a little guilty, I must say! I have been sorting as I go though, hoping to downsize a bit and get rid of those decorations that I don't want to put out anymore. So next year I won't have as much to put out!
ReplyDeleteHave a very Happy Thanksgiving Kim!
When I was cleaning out the Christmas bins this past weekend, I have to admit I was tempted to leave a few key items out. The kids were pushing for it, too. You're in good company! Happy Thanksgiving! :)
DeleteJust love your touches of Fall! So pretty and I am just so partial to red! Lucky girl! Great wins for you. I was coveting that Hydrangea sign....so happy for you. BTW, I had to google your blog to get to you. The link in the email sent me to Go Daddy....what?? That happened recently to me with Doreen's blog, Househoneys too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet words and the heads up...hmmm....MadMimi glitch I guess. I'll look into it! :)
DeleteWhat lovely gifts! A very lucky gal indeed! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving... and enjoy all of those goodies!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynn! Have a wonderful holiday! :)
DeleteSo happy you received these beautiful gifts, Kim. Yay! Nothing more fun than getting this kind of "mail". Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Nancy!! Happy, Happy Thanksgiving my friend!! xo
DeleteThree blog winnings in a row...wow! Maybe you ought to buy a lottery ticket! I've never heard of that Italian Prosperity Jar and I read the post that your link led to, but I'm still not understanding what the kale and whiskey have to do with anything?! lol I will Google it. I am with you - I don't decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I am still enjoying my fall decorations and pumpkins! I will probably start dragging the Christmas stuff out this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYou know Melanie, I am not sure of the ingredient's significance either. I just followed the recipe and it seems to be working! ;) Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, too!! :)
DeleteHi Kim.You really scored some lovely gifts. That hydrangea picture is beautiful. Thank you for your comments to me.Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving..x0 Judy
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy. I am just thrilled with my gifts. Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteHappy Thanskgiving Kim! Blessings xo
ReplyDeleteTo you and yours too, Celestina Marie. xo
DeleteLovely post with some lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving - enjoy this special time.
All the best Jan
Thank you so much, Jan! :)
DeleteWow what a blessing to win so many awesome goodies! I am new to your blog and am really glad to have discovered it!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Alicia! So happy that you are enjoying what you see! :)
DeleteHappy Belated Thanksgiving wishes Kim, to you and your family. You have been very lucky indeed, and even before Black Friday has begun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary!! :)
DeleteCongrats on all your wins!!! I just clicked over to your post on the Italian Prosperity Jar and I think I'm going to try it! It certainly can't hurt, right? :) Oh, and I love how you added the red trim to the jar as a decoration. ;) Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! I say make the jar!! :)
Delete