Hello friends and Happy New Year!
I hope 2022 has been kind to you all so far.
The gowns, the champagne parties, the Park Avenue accents, Dah-ling.
And the fabulous floral furniture.
Just dreamy...
Normally, by now, I would've been hard at work, wrapping up the old year up with a round up of popular DIY posts.
However, this year, I decided to skip all that recap stuff and tell you a funny story instead.
You see, around here, we take Christmas gift giving pretty seriously.
We're always trying to outdo one another in the smile department.
And everyone wants to be the best Santa.
It's never about the money spent or the biggest, brightest package, that's not what makes a great gift in our eyes.
Instead, it's all about the smiles the presents elicit, the thought or meaning behind what's tucked under the tree.
And for the past few years, it's been about the laughs.
The gifts that make us all chuckle.
And this year was no exception.
Usually the laughs and silly backstories are spread equally among the recipients, but this year, while there were plenty of smiles to go around, when all the boxes had been opened, it was clear that I was the lucky winner.
Oh sure, I received some very sweet and thoughtful gifts, sweaters from my daughter.
An apron from my husband - in a pattern I'd love to dress my whole house in - he knows me so well.
Three, yes three, bathrobes to wrap myself up in this winter while I craft.
A journal to write in, maybe start that book I'm always saying I'm going to write.
And, among many other lovely items, a new butter dish, to replace the one I dropped on the floor two weeks ago.
And I loved them all.
Sweet, thoughtful and useful. Just what this practical, sentimental girl is all about.
But what about the laughs you ask? Ok. Well, it started with this calendar.
If you've ever peeked around my home you'd know it was full of chickens and roosters...lots of roosters.
Rooster pillows and dishes.
Rooster curtains and paintings.
Rooster placemats, stencils and figurines.
Rooster curtains and paintings.
Rooster placemats, stencils and figurines.
And the kids make fun of me for it all the time.
I think they even counted them all up one year, with their friends, who also noted my addiction, and came up with a very high double digit number.
So needless to say when one of them spotted this calendar online, they thought it was the perfect way to add at least 12 more to my collection.
And get in a good joke.
But the laughs didn't end there. Oh no.
Next up, there was the story about the butter dish.
About how when they went to Pottery Barn they only had one butter dish left in stock in the whole store. Miraculously it was the one that matched my Cambria dishes.
Fabulous and clearly meant to be.
When the woman asked them if they wanted to use the points, they looked at each other, shrugged and then decided that even though it was a gift for me, they knew I'd be mad if they didn't use the points to pay for it.
The saleswoman chuckled and said, If you're sure...
Well, they weren't but they thought it was comical, so they used the points.
Which made me laugh, only because they know me, and my coupon cutting, avoid paying full price for anything, ever, bargain shopping ways, so well.
Plus, I love a good story.
Lastly, you know how they say the best things come in small packages?
Indeed they do.
First I opened the card and it said this:
Here is the story of Kim, a woman who thinks less is more,
A woman who has an eye for red cottage core.
Over the years, she's looked and looked, but no floral pattern has gotten her hooked.
She can't find the seat of her dreams, searching movies and even old tv!
A new project is what you might need, something new to plant the creative seed.
I think I have found what you have been looking for...just smaller and cheaper, because I am small and very poor!
Reading the words, I had absolutely no idea what could be in the box my youngest presented me with, so I opened it with excitement.
I think I started giggling as soon as I caught a glimpse of the contents.
The kind of laughing that turns into crying. So funny, yet so touching, but really just very, very funny.
Unbelievable.
There, on Christmas Day, I finally had the couch of my dreams.
In miniature.
That kid has had a front row seat - if you'll pardon the pun - to my overly dramatic search, for years, and finally decided to do "a little something" about it herself.
I think it's just about the most creative gift I've ever received.
Certainly the most humorous.
And now the sofa search is over.
Or maybe it's just begun in earnest.
Can you see me, walking into a shop with my prototype saying, Hello, do you happen to have this in my size?
Ridiculous.
While watching those old movies.
Drooling over the decor.
Gathering inspiration for my 2022 family room redo.
And knowing that I already have the perfect sofa in hand.
Literally.
😉
What did Santa bring you?
OMG I was laughing so hard over the calendar. How funny is that?!!!! The little set of furniture is adorable and I too would love that set to grow overnight into a big set. How beautiful is that fabric. Looks like you had a great Christmas full of fun, laughs and sweet surprises. Thanks for sharing this post it was so much fun to read. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, Kris! I'm glad you laughed and that I could spread a little bit of cheer in this new year. The calendar was very funny. I guess that's what you get when you live with your adult children! Of course, I am totally in love with the sofa set, too. There's actually more to that story, that I'll be sharing soon...but seriously, opening that box almost knocked me off my seat!! Have a super week! xxoo
DeleteThat is hysterical!!! Knowing about your couch search I can't help but laugh! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, Susan. I'm still laughing...😉
DeleteAs a crazy chicken lady (currently I have 10 hens), I LOVE that calendar! I usually have a rooster or two also, but lost my last one last year and haven't replaced him yet. The mini sofa and chairs are adorable! Did your daughter make them? I used to be in love with doll house furniture and had several books on how to make various pieces :-) Happy 2022, I hope it brings good things to all of us!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!! I'm so envious that you have chickens, that sounds wonderful to me, but for now, I have that calendar hanging on wall behind my desk! As for the sofa, my daughter found them on Etsy. They're are so sweet. I've never made my own, but I do have a box of dollhouse furniture in the basement that may make an appearance in 2022. That's part two of this tale!
DeleteOh, Kim, the little couch and chairs are adorable. Did your youngest find it or craft it? Either way it is beautiful. Love the photo with your very similar full size chair in the background. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lorri! Happy New Year! She actually found it on Etsy. It's just darling and even has the sweetest bun feet. The attention to detail is really great and yes, that photo...if I could just make it larger, I'd be in business!!
DeleteHow much thought went into those gifts..looks like someone is well loved in your house!
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the sofa the first thing that came to mind was an old Waverly fabric that I think was called Norfolk Rose.
Looking forward to what you have up your sleeve in 2022
Thank you, I certainly felt loved...and yes...I love that old Waverly fabric!! I actually have a bunch of it peppered about the house. If they still made it, I would totally cover a couch in it!! Happy New Year!
DeleteSanta had fun this year at your home! ;P
ReplyDeleteSanta brought me skincare and books. I also got a nice yoga outfit!
It was fun for sure, Ricki! Sounds like Santa was very good to you, too!
DeleteThat calendar is a hoot, definitely tickled my funny bone....LOL Your roosters are so fun and I do love red as well. We need to be able to wrinkle our nose and make that cute floral furniture into large pieces. So glad your Christmas was bright and cute. Happy New year Kim!
ReplyDeleteThat would be great, Linda!! Where is that "Bewitched" power when you need it? Happy New Year, my friend!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteThe calendar story is the best. The little sofa and chairs is the sweetest.
Happy New Year!!
xx oo
Thanks Carla! Everyone seems to think that calendar is a winner!! Happy New Year!! xo
DeleteThis is the best. I was laughing as soon as I saw the roosters head.
ReplyDeleteOkay your daughter gets present of the year.
But the best is using the points for the butter dish.
Pure perfection
Thanks Cindy! I'll pass on your words to her. We all laughed so hard. The best was that they were all laughing before I opened anything, since they knew what was inside! Happy New Year!!
DeleteLove this post and everything in it!!
ReplyDeleteI, too, love to watch TCM, for all the same reasons as you.
Kathleen -- kakingsbury at verizon dot net
Thanks Kathleen!! I'm glad it made you smile and I'm happy to know I'm not alone in my viewing habits! Those old movies are awesome! Happy New Year!
DeleteIt sounds like the perfect Christmas, Kim. The calendar is a riot and your new living room furniture is the best...now you need a dollhouse...instead of 'Barbie's Dreamhouse' it can be 'Kim's Cottage'!
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny, Ann...and stay tuned...there's a part two to this tale that just may involve a dollhouse. 😉
DeleteWhat a fun way to have Christmas! Everyone needs more laughter in their lives and I just love this idea. So someone has to have that fabric somewhere!! Lol I’ll keep a lookout for it! It’s actually very pretty and I would add it to my living room. As for the calendar, we’ll I love the roosters and think it will make a fine addition to your home!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It was a fun day for sure...filled with laughter, just the way I like it. I was looking for that fabric, too. I was thinking about emailing the Etsy shop owner and inquiring. If you run across it, I'd love to know!!
DeleteIt sounds like the very best Christmas! I love the laughs, we also enjoy gifts that make us laugh. The calendar is so funny - and perfect for you. The kids using your points for your gift - so good! And that couch has you written all over it! Glad you had so much fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari! Opening gifts was a lot of fun this year. The presents were very unexpected, super thoughtful and the laughs just kept coming. I hope you’re having a great week!
DeleteMy family is crazy like that too, so we always have a lot of fun at gift time!!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!!!
Blessings,
J
That's the best kind of holiday, J!! Happy New Year and blessings for only the best in 2022!!
DeleteWhat a great family you have! And that calendar is a hoot!!!
ReplyDeletePS: I love Gene Tierney's apartment in "Laura".
Thanks Briana! Oh and I love that apartment, too. Her floral sofa and the chair that Dana Andrews falls asleep in were dreamy. I adore her as an actress, too...have you seen Leave Her To Heaven? Great movie and great decor...in color!!
DeleteI agree - my favorite gifts are always the ones that make me laugh, because when you think about it, they are usually the ones that have been given the most thought, and say "I know you so well...." The hilarious calendar, butter dish, and mini sofa were perfect gifts from those who really "get" you (translation: really know you and love you!). Great post, Kim. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Amy, and thank you for the very sweet words.Those funny gifts are the ones that mean the most because, exactly that, they're loaded with the most thought...and love. Happy New Year!!
DeleteKim that calendar is hysterical! Your girls are so adorable. I love how they love their Mom and put so much thought into your gifts. I get such a kick out of how your floral sofa is a theme running through both your blog and your life. So funny. You are so relatable. I just love that when I saw the miniature sofa,I felt ,as your reader , that I was in on the joke. Happiest of New Years my girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Susan! Over the last eight years I've shared my thoughts about that sofa in more posts than I can count, so it just felt natural to share this punchline of sorts! Glad you were able to chuckle along with me and Happy New Year to you and your lovely family, as well!!
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful Christmas! Love the fabric on the miniature sofa and chairs. What a cute idea!
ReplyDeleteShe’s a very creative gift giver, for sure…and I love that fabric, too! Too bad it’s so tiny. Ha!
DeleteIt sounds like you had a great Christmas Kim. I love all of your gifts and the calendar made me laugh too. It's so fun to get gifts like that from your family. Wishing you a happy new year Kim.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to get those silly gifts, Julie. They really are the best! Happy New Year to you and your family. Stay safe in the snow tomorrow…brrrr!
DeleteOh my goodness, I almost spit my coffee all over my monitor! Oh please, I dare you to take your prototype and ask the question. Well I remember you saying you wanted to start a dollhouse project - if that isn't motivation I don't know what is! Kim, you know how much I LOVE your gift of the written word, I'd be first in line for that book. Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us in 2022. Note to self: don't drink coffee!
ReplyDeleteMarie, your comment just totally made my day!! Haha! I'm sorry that I almost made you spit on your coffee, but that's just how I felt on Christmas morning...hot water everywhere!! I'll keep you posted about the dollhouse too. You have a great memory!!
DeleteThat is one funny story! Love the apron too, as well as the butter dish.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks Brenda! That little handle on the top of the butter dish is so sweet, I can't stand it. Happy New Year!!
DeleteOh this is so very hilarious! Your family gives the best gift.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny! It really does make the holidays so much fun. Happy New Year!
DeleteOh Kim it sounds like you had a fantastic Christmas. We had one chuckle at Christmas also. My son in law who does not come from a decorating family...had watched my mother open her gifts. She had unwrapped a very old rusty tricycle, a very old worn out black Baby carriage, an antique butter churn, an old dough bowl and numerous other primitive items. My grandson who is 7 burst out laughing at the old tricycle and said hey who gave her garbage that thing is old....then my son in law said is this Christmas or an episode of Antique Road show.....of course we all got a good laugh out of it, because he was so serious. Anyway I'm glad you have found time to relax. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteDena, that's a GREAT story!! I love it. Not only did you make me laugh, but when I read to it the family, we all laughed! It sounds like you had your own share of fun this Christmas which is wonderful. I wish you a lovely New Year and ps...your mom's gifts sound awesome. Now that's my kind of gift giving!!
DeleteThe couch and those chairs are perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteAren’t they just darling! Now I need them in my size! Ha!! Stay warm today!
DeleteOh my goodness, what fabulous and perfect gifts! Your family sure knows you so well, and were extremely thoughtful in their gifts. The mini sofa and chairs set is absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty! It was a fun holiday and I do love that sofa set. Now to turn that little one into a big one! Happy New Year!
DeleteHappy New Year to you too, Kim and that calendar title is the best :D Too funny and how cute is that little sofa and the words in the card. Just brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI think the card is brilliant, too...it was my favorite gift of all!
Delete