Hello from the Arctic Circle! ♥

Hello Lovely Friends and Happy February! ♥

I am so happy it's February because it means January is over and we are one month closer to spring! I have always loved winter my entire life, but to be completely honest with you, this winter has slowly been killing me.  It's so cold!!!!  It warmed up to a balmy 33 degrees today and I actually felt relief in the air.  We've been lingering in the teens for days. That's how cold it's been.  Now I know why snowbirds exist.  Why freeze to death when you can go to Florida in the winter?!

 Sadly, that's not me yet, but maybe someday.

Anyway, enough of my complaining! 

(that's a lie and I apologize in advance...this post is full of complaining :) 

I pinned this cute picture sometime in December and have been saving it to post in February.  I thought it was so cozy and cute and cheery and just we need right now in the dead of winter.  

Not only does February mean we are getting closer to spring (even though that dang groundhog saw his shadow :(  it also means Valentines Day is coming ...which means chocolate and hearts and a bunch of other things I love. 

 I'll try to focus on that during this thankfully short month (there I go again!). ♥

 

If you've been wondering where I've been, the answer is.... right here.  

Buried in snow ♥

We had a big storm last week that left us 20 inches deep.  The weather man said it's the biggest snow fall we've had in the Boston area in 4 years.  

I believe it and I kind of forgot what it was like.  

The worst part wasn't the storm, it's after that because it's been so cold that everything is frozen.  What you see here is rock solid.  

Today has been the first day we've seen sun and it's glorious ♥

The snow is starting to melt because every once in a while I hear big clumps sliding off the roof.  

I haven't seen a squirrel or bunny in days. They are smart and staying warm. In the early mornings I do hear the birds chirping.  I image they are also complaining about the cold and how they can't wait for spring. 

So that's pretty much all of January!  Just me under the frozen tundra! Drinking coffee, reading my book under a blanket, and trying to stay warm.  I'm a bit anxious with all the snow because this is also the first year of my life where I've had a teenage son who drives in it.  He's not the least bit concerned, which concerns me!  Moms, how did you do it?  If I have to say "drive slowly" one more time....Lord have mercy! 

However....there was a bight spot!  Last weekend we celebrated Rob's birthday which was really nice.  We went for a cozy breakfast at one of our favorite places with my in-laws.  We love going out to breakfast and for some reason it's extra nice in the winter. Anyway, it was yummy.  We ended up having dinner in (his request!). I made cheeseburgers and we ended the evening with a heart shaped chocolate cake. Of course, the best part ♥

So far February is off to a good start.  My Dad had two doctors' appointments this week. Both went extremely well, so I'm grateful for that. Yay 2026!  

We've had the house cleaned and is all ready for paint.  We're just waiting on our painter's availability, which hopefully will be soon.  I can't wait to get that done and over with.  Patience, I tell myself.  Patience. 

If you are reading this from a warm climate just know I am so jealous of you! If you are frozen like I am, we'll get though this!  Spring is coming!  Let's plan our gardens and summer vacations now.  It's always nice to have something to look forward to ♥

Stay cozy my friends!  Be back soon! xo 

Happy New Year! ♥

Hello my lovely friends and happy new year!!! ♥

Thank you for bearing with me as I quietly enjoy these early days of January.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are doing the same!  Even though Christmas was less than a month ago, doesn't it seem ages ago?! Not a trace of it remains around here : )  

We had such a nice holiday this year.  So much better than last year.  My Dad was healthy and in good spirits.  We all went to a beautiful Christmas eve mass and then to my brother in laws for dinner and games. On Christmas day we were home.  I cooked a roast beef dinner and apple pie for dessert.  We watched A Christmas Story (a few times!) and I was in my slippers all day! Our last few Christmases were plagued with people being sick or even in the hospital.  I was so relived and grateful not to have had that experience this year. Gratitude was what I felt the entire day. 

 That weekend I cleaned and put almost everything away.  I really do enjoy that process because the house feels so much more open once all the Christmas decor is packed away.  I can breathe again. It's like a whole new house! LOL  

New years eve was quiet, but I like it that way.  And now we are almost 2 weeks into the new year already!  I've had a bit of a cold but thankfully nothing too terrible.  Just a sniffle and an annoying tickle in my throat that won't go away, but if that's the worst thing than I'm ok with it.  Nothing a little hot tea with honey can't solve.  

The weather here has been cold so we've been hunkered down, staying inside watching movies and I've been doing a lot of reading.  This is why I love January.  There is no guilt spending the day on the couch reading a book because what else is there to do?!  At least that's what I tell myself, anyway!  

Like most of us my mind has been racing with a list of things to do in the new year.  Oh, I have so many ideas.  Most of the time, none of them leave the couch!  However, one thing that I'm very excited for is that we decided to paint our kitchen and living room!!!  This is something that's been needed for a very long time.  We were thinking of doing it in the spring, but with all the dust and soot from our woodburning stove building up, we decided not to order any more wood for the season and instead, clean and paint!  I'm so happyyyyyy!  There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten up a room.  Honestly, between you, me, and the lamp post, I didn't think this was on our "priority list" for a long time so I want to hurry up and get it done before all parties involved change their minds! LOL

We spent last Saturday morning a Lowes picking out colors and getting samples.  The final verdict is going to be a sage green with white trim. I'm thinking of doing yellow accents (think lemons).  The cabinets are oak, and I think those colors will feel warm and inviting. The kitchen is still very 90's but I do love it and don't want to change it too much.  I'm hoping by Valentines Day (which is not that far away!) all this will be done.  As you know, I hate to disrupt my boring routine with any kind of chaos (even good chaos) so hoping this process is quick and painless. 

Fingers crossed! ♥

At with that I enter 2026.  I'm not putting any pressure on myself these days.  Who knows what this year will bring.  I just say my prayers we all stay healthy, safe, happy, and of course, cozy!!!

Have a wonderful day, friends! ♥

I'm grateful to be entering another year of us sharing our lives together on this little online space! 

XO   

Merry Christmas! 🎄

  Hello Dear Friends and happy Christmas week! ♥

Tomorrow night is Christmas eve. Wow, that came fast. It's the point in the season where all that's left for me is to go to mass and enjoy a nice meal with my family... and I'm very happy about that.  We are all home on Christmas day to enjoy each other's company, watch movies, eat, tell stories about my mom, and be at peace.  I want to wish you all the happiest of holidays!  

The week between Christmas and New Years is my favorite week of the year.  It's a time for us all to finally relax from the RUSH and enjoy the winter stillness (well, as much as we can anyway!).  Some of us (not naming names...but ME) will probably be cleaning, putting away Christmas decorations. and eating up all the leftovers until the fridge is empty again and I have to go back to the grocery store. 

Today I'm sitting by the cracking fire finishing up some work that will take me through the Christmas break.  My friend Deb mentioned in her blog the other day "whether it's Christmas or not we all have real life issued to deal with," and that's so true. So, I'll take a deep breath and carry on with my day filled with work, laundry, appointments, chores, etc..  Who said being an adult was fun? 

It certainly wasn't me : ) 

Merry Christmas everyone! I am so deeply grateful we all get to be a part of not only each other's🎄 holidays, but daily life.  It means the world to me!

I hope Santa is good to you all! I'm sure he will be! Xx 

10 Days to go...♥

Hello Lovely Friends! ♥ 

 It's exactly 10 day until Christmas! It's coming fast!  As far as preparations go, I'm in pretty good shape.  How about you? 

This weekend I finished up all my wrapping, wrote out a few cards, and started to plan our Christmas dinner menu.  It's going to be simple this year.  I just love simple.  

And the older I get, I love it more and more ♥

 On Sunday we had our first snow.  

I woke up to everything being covered in white.  

It snowed off and on all day.  Not really amounting to much, but just enough to give everything and icy dusting.  

Today it's freezing cold and it's all frozen over ♥

Winter is here! Brrrrr.......♥

Rob and I were up and out early for 7:30 mass and then we went for a cozy breakfast at a local spot.  7:30 (am!) mass on a Sunday morning is not always easy (I'm being honest) but I'm always happy once I'm there.  It's such a nice way to start the day - and the week.  

Once home I did some cleaning and lit a new candle that I picked up on whim from CVS!  

I thought it was so cute and smells divine! :)

I wanted something sweet, so I made a quick batch of Toll House chocolate chip cookies! ♥

Yes, premade dough in a tube and I don't regret it.  It's the best! 

(...and such a time and mess saver- you don't even need a bowl! :)

I spent the afternoon wrapping gifts like one of Santa's elves while snowflakes blew by the windows, stopping only for a hot chocolate to go with my cookies.  

While the rest of the family was watching football and napping, I was determined to get it all done...and I did! 

YAY ♥

I often think about what it was like when John was little.  So many packages to wrap.  Lots of toys with batteries, cars, trains (tons of trains!), and action figures. Visits to see Santa, Christmas shows, rides in our PJ's to see lights, baking cookies for Santa, the elf on the shelf....every night! How did I find the energy to do it all?! I loved every minute of it!  However, I'm so happy and content with where we are now and Christmas's are just as fun and joyous as they ever were.  Go figure! Yes it's different.  But different doesn't mean bad.  It's actually very good.  And I get to sleep in! (so there's a bright side to everything!) 

I hope all your preparations are going well! Try to enjoy these next 10 days. It's OK if everything doesn't get done.  It's ok if you're house isn't fully decorated or if you don't get to the post office in time.  People understand.  And that's not what Christmas is supposed to be anyway.

I think the next 10 days are the most exciting of the entire season and the best way to spend them is sitting around the tree doing absolutely nothing...well, you know what I mean! 

Have a lovely, festive day! ♥

Stay cozy!!! xo 

Dear Santa...♥

 Dear Santa... ♥

because...♥

...if only ♥

That is all. 

Thank you. Love you.  Merry Christmas! ♥

Love,

Danielle xo 

Christmas time is here! ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Monday! ♥

I don't know about you, but I find nothing more peaceful than drinking my morning coffee in front of the Christmas tree. Especially on a Monday!  This was me this morning. I wish I could have stayed there all day : ) 

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  Mine was good.  I took Friday off and was able to get some Christmas shopping done. Yay!  

But before I tell you about that, let's take a peek outside...

We haven't had any substantial snow yet, but it sure is cold.  

The back river was frozen. 

It was like this all weekend. 

 

It will slowly thaw as the day goes on, but the mornings are very frigid! 

Ok....back inside! 

Mr. & Mrs. Santa have arrived to their spot on the kitchen table!

I got these little salt & pepper shakers years ago and they are seriously my favorite thing ever! 

They are so darling! ♥

And my little caroler family of three! ♥

A gift from my mother-in-law.  They remind me of me, Rob, and John!  

Except Rob doesn't have a mustache and would never wear that outfit, but I like to kid him anyway! LOL

So anyway....♥

Friday I did a marathon day of Christmas shopping.  I had a list and one by one, checked things off. Yahoo!

In between malls and chains, I was able to stop by the most adorable craft fair! It was in a garden center and practically everything was handmade.  I was in heaven! 

My mother would have LOVED this ♥

I picked up a few gifts (and a few things for myself too!) and it was the highlight of my day. 

After that it was hot coffee and soup by a fire at the cutest restaurant called The Yellow Deli in Plymouth, MA. 

It was so cozy!! ♥

 

And the soup came with warm bread and butter! 

YUMMMMM

One of the treats I picked up for myself at the craft fair were two vintage christmas postcards.  The woman said they are actual postcards that someone donated.  She embellishes them and sells them as ornaments.  

Look how pretty...♥

 

But the best part is the writing on the back.  

This one is postmarked 1909! ♥

Edna is wishing her Grandmom and Grandpop in Philadelphia a Merry Christmas! 

And this one I had to have...♥

1922! Are you kidding me?!

 

Ruth is wishing Mabel in Middleboro, MA a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  

I couldn't resist it.  I just love stuff like this.  Merry Christmas to me : ) 

On Saturday Rob, John, and I went out again to pick up a few things I missed on Friday.  One Amazon cart later and I'm pretty much done with the shopping.  Fa la la la.....! 

Today I'm working by the fire and the light of the Christmas tree.  That should keep the stress levels down a bit! I've got laundry going downstairs and coffee brewing in the kitchen behind me.  I think it will be a pajama all day, kind of day.  

Have a happy Monday, friends - and great start to your week! ♥

Merry Merry!! xx 

Happy December 1st! ♥

Hello Friends! Happy December 1st! ♥

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving weekend! My preparations started on Wednesday. I was a busy bee in the kitchen all day, doing everything I could ahead of time. I put on my mother's apron, put an old movie on, and did my thing. I enjoyed the process, nice and slow - with Carey Grant & Loretta Young in the background (The Bishop's Wife - one of my favorites!) keeping me company.  That lead to White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life after that.  I was truly feeling the old timey spirit by that point! 

 

The table was set the night before - I used my mother's china and nothing too fancy elsewhere. For me, it was perfect. 

The morning of I concentrated on the getting the turkey in the oven, mashing the potatoes (which I did with a ricer for the first time - LOVE), and making the appetizers.  

♥

Once everything was ready, there was nothing else left to do but eat and enjoy the day.  

Which we did! ♥

Isn't it the best feeling when all the work is done?  

It's out of your hands now and all you can do is relax ♥

Rob poured the drinks, my brother-in-law carved the turkey, my Dad said grace, and John was in charge of music. 

It's so weird to me when I think about all the Thanksgivings of my childhood where my mom prepared everything...and now...I'm the mom! At 51 that still amazes me ♥

My sister-in-law brought the pies (which I forgot to photograph).  

They were delicious!  ♥

We played some games after that and John even treated us to some live music.

I was happy and grateful my Dad was feeling well everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  All dishes were done before the end of the night (thanks to Rob :).  

I was able to take a walk around the neighborhood by myself to digest and decompress after everyone left.  I was happily in bed by 10.  

Another Thanksgiving in the books! ♥

(I promise you there's turkey in there somewhere! )

Side note: I was very glad I put up my parent's tree early so we could all enjoy it Thanksgiving eve. 

There is something very special about pie and coffee with the glow of the Christmas tree in the background.  What a nice way to kick off the (official) Christmas season!

We have arrived! ♥

I haven't done one stitch of shopping yet, and that's OK.  

I'm noticing as the years go on, my list of priorities is getting smaller.  Smaller and more meaningful, if that makes sense.  I no longer do things "just to do them." I only do things that are important to me.  I only buy meaningful gifts for people I love, and I do make sure I prioritize myself, so I don't get sick and run down (like in the past).  Once I accepted these things, I felt a huge weight lifted from the holiday stress.  It doesn't have to be stressful.  And it won't be. The house doesn't have to perfect, and neither do I. 

Thank God!! ♥

 

And now here we are ♥

December 1st.  It was very cold and bare out there this morning.  Most of the leaves have fallen and I can smell winter in air.  We are expecting snow tomorrow! 

Yesterday I put up my tree upstairs. 

I love this tree ♥

It has all my favorite ornaments on it. 

I smile every time I look at it :) 

So now off we go friends! Christmas movies and cozy nights by the fire.  Crowed stores and Amazon deliveries.  Wrapping, baking, visiting, writing cards, and reminiscing about holidays gone by.  Celebrations and delicious food we only see once a year! : ) 

We have 25 days to celebrate! 

Let's enjoy it and never forget the real meanings of this glorious season ⛪

Have a wonderful day my friends!  Are you still eating leftovers? We are! :) 

I'll be checking in with you all soon! xx 

Stay cozy!! ♥