Sneak Peek

It is well into January. And I'm still trying to catch up on posting some of last year's year end blog posts. I fell by the wayside during the month of December because I was too busy being rather than too busy writing. A little, or a lot, had to do with these. My handmade Christmas cards.

I'm juggling and balancing at the same time. Trying to use a part of New Year to tie off the ends of the last. Posting up some overdue blog entries. Meanwhile, tweaking my resolutions list. And balancing life by trying to pull myself away from these electronics when I can.

This year, I spent a whole lot of time making Christmas cards. I finished 25 cards, which was the number I intended to make. Each and every one is different, and specifically unique to the person I gave them to. I was more excited about giving out Christmas cards than presents.

Anyway, while I continue to organize my everything, here is a sneak peak to some of the cards I made.

It's Comin' Down

Christmas tree comes down today. Every time it comes down, I'm always a little sad to see it go...

Spending a little R&R at home today. Packing away each decorations into their original boxes. Sipping on a cup of tea. Listening to Clara C. (Check out her playlist if you haven't done so). Just another wonderful winter day. After this, on to making plans for the year...

2012! What is there in store for me?

The Eve

I haven't yet really had the chance to stop and look back at 2011, but to feel it from memory, I gotta say that 2011 was one year of learning and growing. And I love it.

I didn't take any new classes or travel any place new - as I normally would do one, the other or both. I haven't changed a lot in my life to prove any lessons learned. No great big milestones (aside from turning 30 and becoming the "next category" in some age check box lists). But, this may be by far one of the greatest year of learning in the past little while.

It's not something that's easily explained. But it certainly has a lot to do with life experiences, building character and creating layers. But most importantly through it all, life is about perspective. It is much to do with how you see it from inside you. This blog has given not just you, but me, the snippets of what I choose to slow down and see and enjoy. And that was my one secret resolution at the beginning of the year. To learn to enjoy whatever it is thrown at me. No matter good or bad. Big or small. Enjoy it.


It sounds almost silly to be asked to enjoy hardships and trials in our days. But it is those days where it is even more important to do so. On a cloudy, stormy day... enjoy the coziness of indoors and snuggle with a book. When your friend confides in you with horrible news, sit with them in quiet and listen. When family are going through troubles, take an afternoon and walk out for a cup of coffee and forget the rest. What you will realize is, through the grey, bad, and uglies... what you  feel and remember and enjoy, is that good book, the quality quiet time you spent with your friend, and that amazing cup of coffee. There is a lot in enjoying the small things. You just gotta choose your perspective.

This post is vague, and I was going to apologize for it but I'm not gonna. Maybe I'll explain it all in the new year, and maybe I won't. But if you've read this far... you might as well keep sticking around.

I'd love to write so much more, but I've got one more morning shift to work this year, and then a countdown party that's guranteed to last till midnight. So, to all who's been tuning in... I wish you all a very happy new year!

Welcome, 2012!

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Wow, I cannot believe it. I started this blog one year ago - on January 1, 2011... and it's still trucking along. There's a consistent influx of readers a day... which has recently switched from mostly Canadian readers to Americans. The only importance of that is, y'mean my readers aren't majority my friends at home? One year and close to 13,000 views later, I'm ready to make this blog even better next year. I keep clicking on the "Mosaic" format and scrolling up and down to see my year in a nutshell. It's been a fun ride!

Merry Christmas, Everyone

Merry Christmas! Now that I'm finally caught up on life, I'm going to catch up on my blogging. So, so, so much to update on.

I've been completely spoiled rotten this Christmas. I feel so blessed to have the people that I do in my life. Carrying on traditions since childhood, gobbling up all the turkey and roasts we can get at Auntie Irene's, playing our annual games, and family and friends all under one roof... my heart is swollen with love.

Until I sift through all else that I wanted to update on...

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Christmas day with your friends and family. May your new year be filled with many more wonderful memories to be made. Above all, wishing you all health, joy, and happiness :)

Homemade Goodies

These were both baked from the same muffin tins. The first one is a decadent chocolate fudge cupcake. The second is Christmas stuffing.

I went over to Wendy and Sam's to drop off a lil somethin' for Christmas. In return, I got homebaked goodies. Mmm.... Wendy baked the cupcake (which was dessert for their family Christmas dinner), and Sam baked the stuffing (which was also leftovers from their Christmas dinner). That is just so you know why the strange combination...

I have to admit, Sam is still the better cook. That stuffing was so good... completed with bits of apple that added a something sweet to it. But, not to say the cupcake wasn't also decadent. Wendy, you definitely got style. Look at the presentation of that cupcake! Beauuuuutiful.

(Yes Wendy, your cupcake is now officially on my blog!).

The first house was one of the first houses I saw with lights this season. If only this was in video, you'd you the lights hanging from the trimings twinkling down like lights on icicles.

As much as I am pro energy saving, when it comes to Christmas lights, I still am in love with the colourful yellowy kind. This is one of the many reasons why I love December. Christmas lights. It brings a magical spark inside me... nothing overwhelming, just a tiny, little fire. Igniting the memories of childhood excitement come this time of year. And, they're pretty. Very pretty.

Honolulu Cookie Company

If you haven't tried these, you gotta fly yourself to Hawaii and get yourself a box right now. 

Honolulu Cookie Company. They are so good. They have that perfect kind of crunch. I love them. There are many different varieties, and Bran and Dan, you're right... the chocolate-dipped kind are the best. The pink one? That's passionfruit flavoured. Mmm... 

Thanks for thinking about me! (Even on your honeymoon. haha...)