Christmas Carolers

I spent yesterday decorating my front porch.  Still haven't  finished but  I did get   the carolers in place. My friend found these in a craft shop in Elkins, West Virginia, several years ago. Originally, they were a flat board with the face painted on it.  I dressed and made hair for them.  Throughout the year, I'm always looking for new clothes at yard sales.

                                             

Hallmark Rocking Horse Ornaments

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is my wreath displaying my Hallmark rocking horse ornaments.  I use it on the inside of my front door.

I started collecting Hallmark ornaments in 1977 and each year I bought two the day after Christmas when they were reduced.  My plan was that my daughters would divide them some day for their trees.   My girls are 33 and 36 and so far haven't shown much interested in them.  Maybe my granddaughters would like to use them when they are older.

Dollhouse Christmas Tree

I love decorating my dollhouses for the holidays!  Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time redoing this Christmas tree.  I found a regular Christmas tree garland at Garden Ridge that has hundreds of tiny icicles on it.   The garland was only about $3 and I have enough mini icicles to last a lifetime.  I've also used them to hang on the porch roof of some of my shops. 

Tomorrow I must get back to decorating my real house.  It's just not as much fun!

Black Friday

I almost missed posting today but had to tell you about my trip to Williamsburg to  shop with my two daughters.  We had a wonderful time inspite of the horrendous crowds.  We waited in line quite a while at the Coach outlet and finally got in.  Being used to making my own purses, I was somewhat surprised at the prices even at the outlet store.  The purses were very pretty and my girls each got one.  We all  had a 20 per cent off coupon but I just couldn't justify buying a Coach purse to wear with my jeans or my pajamas.

Things I'm Thankful For Today

                               

Among the  things I'm thankful for today, are the many new friends I've made since I started writing my blog.  I love hearing from my new friend in West Virginia, Angela.  She has the most beautiful blog, West Viriginia Treasures.   I can't forget, Laura, at Wildenblue Farm Journal, who was so patient with me and helped me set up my blog.  I've even made some international friends.  I can't mention them all in one post, but it's amazing how many nice people cross your path, especially when the word corgi enters the conversation, or you mention minatures or gardens.

Then there's my dear friends who don't have blogs but just support me in this endeavor because they are dear friends.  Thank you! 

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Birdhouse Fence

Several years ago my friend helped me build this fence out of old wood slabs from a local sawmill.  We decorated it with antique door knobs and miscellaneous old hardware.  In the summer I have a daylily garden in front of it that's very pretty.  However, this past summer the morning glories took over my lily garden and it was a mess.  Hope I can get control of them next year.  I don't use any chemicals on my yard or in my flowers because of my furgirls, so pulling them up is my only defense.

This fence has brought me so much pleasure.  It always makes me smile!

Susan Paley Chirstmas Salt and Pepper Shakers

Kay and Cara

I bought this set this past summer and I'm so excited that I now get to use them.  They are so pretty and the colors are so festive.



Every day I keep thinking I'm going to start my Chirstmas decorating and it just hasn't happened.  I'm hoping that today is the day!

Glass Ball Ornament Wreath

I have seen several of these wreaths for sale this year and they are  expensive.  After a little research, I found these instructions online.

Take a wire coat hanger and bend it into a circle.  You will need about 80 round ornaments in varying sizes to make the wreath.  To secure the metal cap to ball, dab a little hot glue and press to insure that the cap will remain attached as the ornaments are strung.  Untwist the end of the hanger, then string one ornament at a time.  Make sure you alternate placement and colors.  Use smaller sizes to fill gaps.

Let me know if you try this.  It sounds so easy!

Bar Harbor, Maine

In 2005, my friend and I spent two nights at Seacroft Inn in Bar Harbor, Maine.  It was a beautiful turn of the century cottage. 

Bar Harbor is near Acadia National Park.

The flower boxes  that summer were unbelievable!

We took a large ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia, Canada.  I won't forget that part of the trip, I got very seasick!

 

Embroidered Towel

I wanted to share with you this cute little gingerbread girl I embroidered on a hand towel for my Etsy shop.  She has a mischievous smile and looks like she might jump off the towel any minute.

Also, my friend and I were in a  small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains yesterday and I saw this gigantic watering can.  I left my camera home so I borrowed this picture from their website, just in case you're wondering why tulips are blooming in the picture.

Cranberry Salad

I've used this fresh cranberry salad recipe for many years and it's wonderful!  Try it with your Thanksgiving dinner.

Coming up in about two weeks I will be posting my 100th blog and I think it's time I have a giveaway.  The first person to comment on that day or become a follower will get a personalized gift.  Can't tell you the exact date but it will be December.  What fun!

CorgiAid Auction

The CorgiAid Auction starts this Saturday.  If you click on the link provided at the bottom left of my blog and follow the sketch of the corgi auctioneer, you will find pages and pages of donated corgi items that are being auctioned. 

The proceeds from this auction go to help rescued corgis throughout the year.  You can  read some of the rescue stories on the homepage of the CorgiAid site.

Miniature Christmas Shelves

I listed a few miniature Christmas shelves in my Etsy shop last night.  I use wax to attach these to the wall in my dollhouse and then I can take them down after the holidays.  I made the tiny shelves and collected the  accessories to go on them all year.

The link to my Etsy shop (MyThreeCorgis) is at the bottom left of my blog page.

Hope you'll take a look!

This Week's Flea Market Find

I didn't find much at the flea market this past Saturday, just this beautiful bear for $3.  She is in new condition, very soft and quality made.  On the bottom on her foot,  the initials TS are embroidered  and the tag on her side seam says "Snowflake 2003".  Don't have any info about the manufacturer and couldn't find anything online.  Any bear collectors reading my blog?  Does anyone recognize her cute little face?

A Beautiful Fall Afternoon in Williamsburg, VA

Sunday I spent the day in Williamsburg which is  about 45 minutes from my home.  I love  Williamsburg and go there often.  The trees were still beautiful with their fall foliage and the temperature was in the 60s.  It was an absolutely perfect day!

The Governor's Palace

Bruton Parish Church

The Barber Shop

For Colored Girls (the movie)

My friend and I saw For Colored Girls this week.  Although some parts of it are sad and a bit shocking, the acting is outstanding.  Janet Jackson is especially beautiful and talented in this movie!   The story was originally a Broadway play that was based on a series of  poems, so some of the dialog in the movie is poetry which makes it very interesting! 

Darcy in His Towel

A few weeks ago, I showed you some towels that I embroidered for my friend in North Carolina who has a new baby boy.  Well, with mom's permission, I just had to share this picture with you.  Isn't he adorable?

His mom worked with me a several years back. She moved to NC and met her husband soon after.   She is such a beautiful girl and I'm so glad she's my friend!

VETERANS' DAY

Let us all remember today, the men and women all over the world who have fought for their country and what they believe.   We must never take our freedom for granted and and think about what a sacrifice our veterans have made for us.

If a military family passes by your window of life today, take a minute to say "thank you".