Open it!

Few things make me more mental than trying to get toys out of their packaging on Christmas morning. Why do they have to make it so freaking difficult?
This tool is at the top of my stocking stuffer wish list!
It slices & cuts through anything...and even has a screwdriver & box cutter.
You listening, Santa?

The Tree

This year my children are finally at the age when all I had to do was has hang the lights & garland and they did the rest.







A llama from Brazil.


Capiz shell star garland. I love this.

Tree Chopping

Yesterday was our 3rd annual *Tree Trimming* Party. We call it a Tree Trimming because originally we planned on going to cut down our own tree with some close friends & family. Then return back to our house for some spiked cider & grub...where we would decorate the tree.
But, so far that has not happened. We barely managed to get the tree in the stand last night...Let alone decorate it.
So, as of next year, it's a *Tree Chopping* Party!

We go to Maple Row Tree Farm, in Easton, CT.
We lucked out with snow this year!














Tree Chopping over &

Party Time!

Return Address Stamps

I have one of these & love it!! I am especially thrilled to own one now that I am addressing Christmas cards! The site has links to online retailers that carry them...along with really cute gift certificates.
A great holiday gift.

Cherry & Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

The holiday cookie craziness is beginning. I always make a few hundred, or maybe thousand cookies every December for friends, neighbors, and teachers. I will be trying out some new recipes this year. This is the first one. I found it in Cuisine at Home magazine. The recipe makes 2 dozen cookies, but can easily be doubled.