It's That Time Again!

My Dears,
After a most delightful long Thanksgiving  weekend with my fella, I am now back to the normal hustle and bustle of the week..and dealing with an icky cold too! Granted, sounding like Lauren Bacall isn't such a shabby thing, but I'll be glad when I'm all better again!

Anyhow..Christmas decorating has begun at Harmonie House. I've quite a bit to go yet, but at least the tree and trimmings are up amongst other pretty greenery around the house and my honey put up the outside lights and decor. Once I feel better I can set up the Christmas villages and all the other sweet knick-knacks that add to the spirit of the holiday.

 Thomas Kincaid makes every Christmas seem magical.

Christmas tunes are playing as I type away and my heart is filled with cheer. Every year I plan to make Christmas time a most magical experience. This year shall be no different. The child in me still believes in Santa and I'm tickled by the sight of snow and the taste of marshmallows in my hot chocolate. Roasted chestnuts are a staple at Harmonie House and they taste even better when shared with a loved one. Cuddle time by the hearth is a must! A hug for an old friend who drops by adds to the joy of the season as does the warmth of mulled cider as it brings cheer to the soul in one single sip. The sweetness of Mr. Knightley snuggled contentedly between my fella and I as we share a warm cuppa while sitting across the tree simply creates a most blissful interlude. Yes indeed..there are many ways to bring the magic of the season into our lives. Just open your heart and see with the eyes of a child. We alone have the power to make our day to day life extra special!

I believe!

from here

I'll make sure to snap photos of Harmonie House in its Christmas finery. In the meantime...I wish you joy in all your preparations and celebrations!

Blissful Tidings...
xoxo
Miss Sandra

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...and then there is Christmas

Christmas at Harmonie House

My Dears..

The chill is in the air or should I say the frost? Need I also say that I'm ever so delighted? Tis the season and I am filled with the spirit of Christmas and of winter...for you know I am a snow bunny! There is no hiding from the low temps..no way! I await patiently for the first true snowfall of the season...followed by snow angel making in the back yard. Harmonie House is bedecked in all its Christmas splendor and the scents, sounds, and colors permeate each room. The wood is at hand for cozy evenings by the hearth and the chestnuts are ever ready to be roasted. As the song says...this is the "most wonderful time of the year!"

One of two Christmas village scenes.
This one is the shop and skating rink village.

Nook area looking all merry and bright.

Can you tell I've got a thing for nutcrackers?

This one says it all...

November came and went by like lightening! It was a wonderful month however, and my fella and I enjoyed some fancy footwork at the Armistice Ball followed by the after-the-ball Afterglow Party at Harmonie House. Twas a magical evening.

After the ball...

Before we knew it, Thanksgiving was upon us! Oh but what yummy food was to be had. Not only was there the traditional turkey fare..but also a deep-fried turkey! Mmmm...can we do that again please? *smiles* I had a most delightful time with my fella and his family! Many thanks again to that wonderful clan for a most warm and loving Thanksgiving!

Turkey just before it came out of the oven...yumm!

Naturally, when December rolls around it's time for my Annual Christmas tea. It was a lovely affair with all my Victorian/Edwardian friends in attendance and a table laden with scrumptious treats. The secret Santa session in the library/music room was filled with laughter and lots of contented sighs as the ladies received the most delightful gifts. It was quite a lovely afternoon topped off with caroling around the piano. *contented sigh*

Would you believe me if I told you we had to make room for more food?

Hamming it up with dear friends right before
the room became filled to the brim with the ladies.
The Secret Santa gifts were to be handed out thereafter.

Playing Santa and handing out presents.

Getting silly during caroling!

And truly, you didn't think I'd forget to post a couple of pictures of a most important member of Harmonie House? You know, he'd never let me forget it if I did that. *impish grin* Needless to say, he'd find a moment to take over my post and blog all about it.

Yes..Mr. Knightley enjoys Christmas!

Cozy and comfy under the tree...

By the way...did I mention that in this most wonderful, magical month I turned 40? Oh yes I did! I had what seemed like a week-long celebration which began with a surprise party (thanks to my honey) and concluded with a blissful day in NYC! There is nothing like Christmastime in NYC.

My 40th by the Rockefeller Center Tree
(picture not so clear due to the quaintness of my phone cam *sigh*)

I cannot believe that Christmas is just next week! I'm so not ready..but still, I'm a little girl excited by the magic of it all. Oh how I wish for a white Christmas!

May your stockings be filled with joy, good health, and loads of bliss for Christmas and everyday after. Make every moment count and count your every blessing. Life is a gift and each day a new canvas. Make sure to paint the most amazing life, for you know we have the ability to do so...simply because we can.

Blessings and love! xoxo
Miss Sandra

Holiday wishes!

pic source

Happy Halloween/Samhain to all!

May this day spark some magic in your life to last all through your days!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Magic Is In The Air...

Me thinks perhaps tis the Autumn underway...right around the corner.

The air is crackling with energy...sweet yet mysterious vibes. I feel it all around me. What exactly is surrounding me with such force that makes me smile in anticipation??
I bite my lip playfully as I look around me and wonder. What enchantment has nature put me under? For I know that the slightest hint of coolness in the air...the merest whisper of change in season casts a spell of splendor...
wistfulness...and contentment in all that surrounds me.

I light the scented candles. My kitchen smells of freshly baked oatmeal cookies (though I did bake brownies last night)...the rest of the house is scented in an aroma of crisp Autumn. It's tough to explain the essence. Let's just say that a whiff of it has you seeing colorful leaves in abundance, pumpkins on the steps, a stew on the stove, herbs harvested and hung to dry, and an apple pie freshly baked...piping hot.

This is the magical spirit permeating Harmonie House at this moment. This is my witch's brew for the season...this is the spell I'm casting for all who enter my abode. Enchantment is everywhere. Come visit...I'll have my cauldron on the fire. It'll be brewing a smile, warmth, a nice cup of tea, an afghan made by my own hands to keep you warm on chilly evenings, a book to take you away to other lands, laughter, soft music, a cat on the lap, and most of all...comfort to lull you to the land of nod when the lights go out.

*sigh*

Ahhh...sweet autumn. I await thee and welcome thee with open arms.
I am ready.

Though it is yet late summer....within these walls Fall has arrived.

Casting wonderful and warm thoughts of Autumn your way my dears.

xoxo
Miss Sandra