Elf Invasion

SmugMug Daily Link


I started putting away some of the Christmas decorations and collections today.  There was a tear or two.  I hate it when the holidays come to and end.

Each year, I gather all the elves for a group photo shoot.  Each year there are a few more including the ones that deliver the boys' presents on Christmas morning.

Each elf has a name and a story.  I can't remember all the names, but the boys can.

This collage shows all of the Annalee elves.  A few are new, but most came from eBay or thrift stores.  Starry, Jingles, Ginger to name a few.

SmugMug Link

We have a group of vintage elves we call swingset elves:-)

SmugMug Link

This is our very special Pillowtop Elf.

SmugMug Link

Here are the rest of the vintage elves.

SmugMug Link

There's also a group of elves the boys and I collected at Michael's Craft Store.  Ah...good memories there.  For several years they came out with new versions of this elf face, but no more...too bad.

SmugMug Link

I've had this elf since I was a kid.  I'm pretty sure it's the elf that started it all.  My grandmother Long used to have an elf on the chain of her kitchen table chandelier.  Although I can't find a picture to prove it, I'm pretty sure this is that elf.

SmugMug Link

Iridescent Snowflake

SmugMug Daily Link

These snowflakes are part of my January tablescape.  They are hanging over the table.  I inverted the shots and boosted the color a bit.

SmugMug Link

SmugMug Link

Snowman Plate and Snowball Candle

SmugMug Daily Link

A scene from my January tablescape.  I picked up the Sakura plate at Guardian Angel last year.  I decided it was high time to burn the snowball candle that I've had sitting in my candle stash for years.  I think they look pretty cool together.  The snowman doesn't seem worried he'll melt.

SmugMug Link

Last year the Sakura plates were the focal point of my December/January table.  This year, I just used one plate as an accent.  I had hoped to have enough snowflake pattern Correlle plates, but I did not.  Maybe I can collect enough by next year.  Oh, but I like these even better!  I used the blue circle pattern instead.

The big musical snowman snowglobe is another Guardian Angel find from years ago.  I think it makes a nice focal point for the table.  The tall candle holder, snowflake vase filled with ornaments, placemats, fabric napkins and rings, glasses, and coffee mugs are also GA finds.

I really am wishing for snow and hoping my snowflake theme helps bring some our way.

Tree Lights in the Bubbly

SmugMug Daily Link

We had some champagne to ring in the new year, and of course, I had to take some pictures.  Donnie says it's an upside down Christmas tree.  If it is, it needs a star;-)

SmugMug Link

SmugMug Link

Christmas Kitty

SmugMug Daily Link

This photo is in response to all the cute Christmas pet photos I saw on Facebook over the last week.  I was in PetSmart yesterday, and of course they had all their pet Christmas 'clothes' on sale.  I couldn't resist this little reindeer had for Kitty.  I set her up on the ottoman in front of the tree, and she kept purring and was easy to work with while I took a few pics.  That's not to say that she didn't toss it off the second I let her down;-)  I think I need to go back for the Santa and elf hat versions for next year!

SmugMug Link

Front Yard Waterfall

SmugMug Daily Link

This is how our front yard looked after the massive rain we had this week. Our rainfall for the month so far is 5.59 inches, and we had nearly 4" of it in one event.  Check out our weather station here.

Here's a snapshot of our weather history over the last year.

SmugMug Link

SmugMug Link