Vacation Brain

I'm having a hard time recovering from the food, chocolate and gift coma. Christmas was more wonderful than I could have imagined. Boyfriend and I received so many thoughtful and unexpected gifts. I couldn't be more thankful for all that our families do for us. I wish I could share photos from our Holiday weekend but I'm afraid none of them are really blog worthy.

Whomp. Whomp.

I was able to scrounge this one up. A little bit out of focus - but we look better that way anyway.

It's been great having some time off to spend with friends and family.. however, not having my regular schedule has thrown my brain and body for a bit of a loop. It reminds me of when I would be on break from school. You wake up in the morning and have no idea what day it is and then eat fudge for lunch, or maybe even for breakfast.. if you're awake by then. I'm thankful for this free time to catch up with life but will be happy when my days are back to normal.

Some of my students and I are performing on New Years Eve which I am very thrilled about. Saturday is turning out to be pretty low-key and full of dance! Just the way I like it.

our home: decorated!

In case you didn't notice the date above.. it's December 1st. Which means it's acceptable to share our wonderfully decorated, (and mostly DIY) Holiday Home. Technically we put the tree up in November, but it seems like we aren't the only ones decorating before December. I saw an awful lot of trees being carried home over the weekend and lots of homes dressed in bright lights, so I don't feel too terrible about rushing into the Christmas season.

This is our first Christmas in the new home. We thought long and hard about where to put our tree and whether we were going to get a real one or a fake one. Our living room is a little awkward, so it was hard for us to picture where we could fit a real tree without it being in the way. My entire life I have always had a real Christmas tree, so I was a little reluctant to go the fake route. However, we have a wonderful bay window that just screams, "put a little Christmas tree here!" And as for the Christmas tree smell that boyfriend and I love so much -- evergreen candle to the rescue! And plus.. no clean up or watering for us!

 

The runner and the stockings were my DIY projects for the week. I was so proud of myself. My mom has bins and bins full of fabric, so I was thrilled to find some Christmas prints buried in the piles. I helped myself and viola! I'm thinking about adding some lace on the edges of the runners to give it a little more pizazz.

And of course, you probably noticed the disco balls on our tree. Silly I know, but I had to do it for my lovely DJ boyfriend. That way he'll let me put ballerina ornaments on the tree! Have you put up decorations yet? Some people think it's too early. But clearly, I don't. Happy December!

"As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is."

 A weekend of Christmas celebrations, food, music, dance, family & quality time with the kitty.

No complaints here.

 

Last night was Northampton School of Dance's Holiday Party. It was so wonderful to see all the little munchkins running around in their red and green garland. Even though some of my kiddos didn't dance and just stood on stage looking completely miserable.. I'd say it went pretty well. The food was yummy and everyone was on a sugar high by 8pm which I'm sure the parents we're thrilled about. I made cake balls [recipe and photos coming soon - great for Holidays].

Happy 7th Day till Christmas!

Help us Western Mass folks and pray for some snow.. would ya?!

Lovely little moments

Don't you just love the bits of happiness and comfort that slip into our busy lives? Cause I do. Some from yesterday include..  

Opening a lovely gift from Orlando FL.. I know it's not Christmas yet.. but I just couldn't wait. Thank you Dear, yours is on it's waaaay : )  

Smiling to myself while preparing holiday gifts, knowing hoping that the receiver enjoys it as much as I do. 

Having Amber kitty nuzzle her way under the blanket so she can cuddle in the nook of my arm.

Seeing my wonderful boyfriend enjoy what he does.

Making lists to organize e v e r y t h i n g which always makes me feel as though I've accomplished something.. even when I haven't really.

Having tiny spurts of faith. In decisions. In my family. In my life.

Being a dance teacher and seeing how excited and ready my students are to learn.

Using these colors : )

Maybe it's the Holiday Season which has perked up my ability to sense and embrace these moments which are usually and subconsciously overlooked.

 

 [from]

Hope your having a wonderful Wednesday. NINE more days until wonderful food, lovely family and warm homes!