MAKING THE MOST OF THE WINTER HOLIDAYS

I woke up this morning to wet sidewalks and drizzle in the air.  It seems winter has decided to show up in Southern California after all, at least for a few days anyway.  As much as I have been complaining about our lack of cool weather, I'm not at all sure I am loving it as I crawl out bed and reach for my warm, fuzzy robe in the morning.

I have been busy preparing Lemon Lane Cottage for Valentines Day.  I don't do much but I like to

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF THE DINING ROOM

I can't believe the first week of December is already behind us.  Please tell me it's not just because I'm getting older but isn't time just flying by?   I finally finished decorating our cottage and am so excited to start sharing it with you. 

I really went with a happy cottage vibe this year and color is definitely front and center.  I have tried

THE FUN OF HALLOWEEN DECOR

I haven't always embraced Halloween.   There was a time when I was careful to go the "cute" route with happy pumpkins and bales of hay (not that there is anything wrong with that) sticking to what would naturally occur in my decor.

Maybe it's having grand boys around or maybe it's just not really caring as much what my house

A TOUR OF THE DINING ROOM - Cottage Fiesta Style

On Thursday my mom and sister came out for an early dinner and I had a chance to treat them to a fiesta afternoon complete with Mexican food and festive decor.  Despite the fact that we all ate way too much, we had such a nice time.

I can't stress enough how much the little touches you add to a gathering lets people know you care.