Merry Christmas

Wishing you a beautiful day as you celebrate Christmas...and a new year filled with Peace.
xxoo JEn

Annual Parade of Trees

I seem to lack self-control when it comes to any kind of decorating...This year we topped out at 12 trees.

...yep, 2 live, 10 artificial, 6 of them are over 6 feet...I know this seems a bit extreme to some, but it's my collecting (and my kids' collecting) that seem to get the better of me each season...and there always seems room for one more tree...

My fave this year...it's the live one in my bedroom, it's the best night light ever...


And here's the guest room tree...


...and then hubby's faves, the white and wintry twins that flank the fireplace...


...and then there's the "tree" of all my collected vintage goodies-- many from my childhood...

We've also got the boys' "Star Wars Tree", "The Disney Tree" in Charlotte's room, the tree of all the kids handmade goodies (most treasured item on this tree is the little snowman doll Hayley made for her Uncle Micah at aged 5 -- she's now 16!)

...and then the "real" tree...that's the one that Santa puts the presents under, of course!



Thanks to my decorating crew: Allie & Charlotte for making this parade possible. I love seeing all our baubles hang from the many branches...

Now putting them away, well, that's another story! But it's all worth it...each room helps us make merry and celebrate the season.

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Hudson Escape

Amidst the oodles of holiday orders and endless shipping -- along with the wrapping, the baking and all those holiday chores...me and Kathy decided to give ourselves a much needed and merry break. We went on a little jaunt, an oh so festive morning out, antiquing and browsing the shops in Hudson, NY with our friends, painter Jennifer Lanne and Stephanie Lloyd, design diva...

We've been talking about getting up the The Hudson Supermarket for months and well, today was the day. It's a 7,000 square foot former grocery store laden with vintage and artful finds, featuring showcases from 12 designers and dealers...yes, antiques, but also some cool body products, groovy contemp finds and a wonderful cafe called "taste".

Our Gal Pals Stephanie Lloyd and Jacqueline Flansburg Diehl have wonderful displays and offerings (we know these gals from Bournebrook Antiques Center in Troy, NY too!).

This is Stephanie's booth...her personal style and aesthetic send me...
Here are some clsoeup shots of her offerings...ohhh ahhh...



Here I am with Jackie among her treaures...(for those of you that follow this blog, my big sis Roseanna found my 3 matching metal and wood kitchen stools in Jackie's booth at Bournebrook...). Jackie's Mom, Ida was with us too but too dark in her booth for pics and no tripod...boo hoo...


We noshed and shopped and exchanged some small and handmade gifts (love that honey cinnamon butter!)


...and then, me and Kathy made the mad dash back to Warwick to fetch the kids from school -- with yes, a big green hat makers cabinet -- soon to be a dresser -- loaded in the back of the pick up! We're both surely making up the chores lost to the time we spent adventuring but happy to have had a merry escape...

Stephanie -- thanks for our wonderful lunch with Ken, Aidan and Ida too! You had a fab little, impromptu party...the best kind...and that food...ohhh ahhh I am already pining for more of that poblano soup and guacamole...

This is one really cool town, with oodles of fun and funky shops....not that you can walk around much when it's 25 degrees, but we have promised ourselves a visit in the spring. (To All: It's well worth the trip if you are in the area or you can always grab the AMTRAK from Manhattan.)

And here are my fave shots of the day...


...my adventure pals watching Stephanie's hubby, Ken, unload new things for their booth.

So glad we took time out to play girls...I might be up all night with work and elf-like chores, but it was soooo worth it!
xxooo Jen
Earth Angels

Dinner at Debbee's

Debbee Thibault is not only one of the single most talented artists creating today, she is also a fabulous cook and hostess! How lucky we were to dine at her home when we were in L.A. last week. Being among good friends and holiday cheer really launched this merry season for me...

And...Debbee is such a passionate lover of Christmas and its traditions, her home was beautifully adorned for the season.
Here are some of my very favorite spots in her house and the gals who shared the evening...I only wish I took more pictures...I was just so overwhelmed touring about and enjoying her lovelies and the supper...

Debbee, many thanks for a wonderful evening I will always treasure.
And just let me know when you are ready for me to drive to CA to pick up that dollhouse!

xoxox Jen
Earth Angels

LAST CALL for the SALE

...this is the last call for the ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE.

Merry, merry and happy HO HO HOpe you can take advantage of the bargains...NOW through 12/14...

You can call 8-8 NY time to order (845) 986-8720...it's any 3 picks from the WEBsite at 30% off..I can email details.

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Fave Felt and Fab Fabric Finds

I am smitten...with the new felt and fabric loot from Valerie Weberpal and Nicole Bowen...

Look at this new work from Nicole Bowen...her "Necessary Excess" creations are just wonderful in every way and fit for the season's celebrations. I adore the new bracelets and the cuddly characters are the tops. Her illustrated and assembled necklaces are something new and wonderful.



And oohh ahh, Valerie Weberpal and her "Harvest Moon" designs have slayed me! I adore her goodies made from re-purposed and recycled tecitels...purses...mittens...scarves and critters to wear around your neck or deck the tree.


Thanks gals for raising the season's inspiration quotient...and for making my shopping oh so easy...

I want all of your treasures for myself, but I will just have to console myself with giving some of the best gifts ever to some special gal pals and nieces on my list -- they will be getting the treasures I want to keep!

xxoxox Jen
Earth Angels