Christmas is Coming

I don't have much to update you on, life has been hectic around here, what with Christmas coming up and fast approaching us. One holiday already passed. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family and love. Mine was wonderful. It was my first big Thanksgiving with extended family in years, usually it is just my parents, my brother and I and maybe one or two other people. It was nice to be surrounded by my extended family. My cousin's kids running around keeping everyone on their toes, a hearty meal served up with all of the Thanksgiving essentials, the turkey tryptophan sinking in making me desperately want to take a nap. Yet finally to my realization no nap would be in my future. The women then found themselves in the kitchen cleaning up the scraps, the dirty plates, the leftovers with a glass of wine in had. The only way to do things right. *grin* Of course I missed my parents and my brother, but I will be seeing them at Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas I cannot believe how fast it is approaching us. Christmas is my favorite time of the year and for once I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done with the exception of a few stocking stuffers. I am ready to go ice skating on the duck pond near my house but the weather here is warm for this time of year. It is upsetting to me because I haven't seen snow in about five years. I am ready for some snow fall, for there to be snow on the ground when I wake up. So far there has only been snow up in the Cleveland area. *sigh* 

However besides no snow my tree is up, there are presents under it, and my house is semi decorated. This year I am not putting up a lot decorations because I am constantly in and out of the house. Yet whenever I see Christmas lights while I'm out driving around I slow down and soak in the Christmas spirit.

I have a couple of Christmasy activities planned in the coming weeks that I hope to be blogging on so keep an eye out for those. But for now I am going to enjoy my life as best I can. I am still keeping up with my yoga and with my Pilates, loving both of them.

Let me know how you are doing.

xo

*Shine like Glitter*
Went to a rap concert last night.
That was interesting.
I am not into rap.
I do enjoy a few songs, but for the most part it is not my taste of music.
However one of my very good friend's brother was DJing for an artist.
I went along to support him.
It was a good time.
Very interesting.
His brother was amazing.
A very talented guy.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Only 20 more days until Christmas!
Namaste.

Finding Your Christmas Spirit

Donzell's brings back a lot of memories for me.
Around this time of year I get excited about visiting there.
Being in Florida however does not always make that possible.
However last year I was able to go because I was up in Ohio visiting.
This year I am living here.
So far I have not felt the Christmas Spirit.
I was having a hard time finding it.
This was weird for me, seeing as I usually start watching Christmas movies in September.
This year it seems I can't even make it through one.
It partly has to do with being away from my family.
I needed a boost of Christmas Spirit.

I found out last weekend was Donzell's Christmas Open house.
Now Donzell's does it all out for Christmas every year.
T, who went with me has never been to Donzell's for Christmas.
I was more excited for her than I was for myself.
One of the many things that makes me happy is sharing places close to my heart with other people.
I could not wait for her to experience the magic as I have for many years.

The weather was good.
A bit cloudy but with a chill in the air.
Which is perfect weather if you are looking to find that Christmas Spirit.
Walking up to the building I immediately got butterflies in my stomach.
I could see the brightly lit Christmas trees glowing in the window.
The smell of Christmas was in the air.
With hat and gloves on the warmth of the building was welcomed.
T and I browsed through the selection of artificial trees.
Some with twinkling lights, some bare waiting for you to add their glow.
Then we found our way into the rest of the building, where all of the ornaments and Christmas decor is located.

As usual we decided to browse around the store first, grab our doughnut and coffee, and then go back and pick out items. This was easier said than done. We took turns pushing a cart around and the store is packed; the isles are small already and then add a mass of people into the mix. We eventually made our way around the store checking out the different sections. It was not easy to look around at everything either. I am sure there are things that I had missed. Another trip will just have to be made.

This year Frozen even had it's own section.

Out in the garden center is where we found Fairy Land. And of course the doughnuts and hot apple cider.

I mean what a magical place to live. I wouldn't mind living there myself, escaping to a wonderful magical land.

There was lovely live music.

We even found our way out to the succulents. 

Donzell's is divided into sections, sections with different themes, some have to do with color and some have to do with animals. Yet all are very beautifully put together.

Get your Department 56 needs.

Polar Bears and Pretty Purples

I love Donzell's and it always puts me in the Christmas Spirit mood. It's a wonderful feeling being there. Although I do wish it was a bit colder here. I would definitely like a little bit of snow. 

I did not leave the store empty handed. I got items for some Christmas gifts as well as a couple of ornaments and a peacock mask for myself. I was pleased with my purchases and left Donzell's feeling satisfied. Although it was packed and hard to maneuver around in I had a pleasant trip. One that left me filled with a little bit of Christmas Spirit. T found some good items as well. A beautiful center piece for her Thanksgiving with her family was in her mix.

Christmas is fast approaching us.
Only 36 more days.
I am slowly getting excited.
I am excited to be giving gifts!
I am excited for the lights.
And the smells.
I am excited for the movies.
I am excited for the overall cheer the holiday brings.
Thanksgiving is first though and I am looking forward to the holiday.
To spend time with my extended family.
Making memories.
Family is a wonderful blessing.

I hope if you have been missing the Christmas Spirit you found a little in this blog post.
Visit my Facebook Christmas page for even more Christmas Cheer.

xo

*Shine like Glitter*
Don't get overwhelmed with Christmas and forget about Thanksgiving.
It's a wonderful time to spend with family and reflect on why we are thankful.
The people of Paris suffered a tremendous tragedy Friday night.
I am thankful for my life and those people overseas will be in my prayers.
#PrayforParis
Reflect on your life and the life you live.
Be thankful to be around your family.
Forget everything else that is going on.
Love.
Namaste.

My Christmas Decor

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year so when I say that it looks like Christmas threw up in my apartment I am not joking. There are quite a few photos so settle yourself into a nice cozy spot with a cup of hot coco and be prepared.

As soon as you walk into my apartment you are greeted with a warm glow of twinkling lights and the fresh smells of Christmas.

 

Once you take your shoes off you have a sit on the couch where you are greeted with more twinkling lights and a comfy place to sit and cuddle with a Christmas movie and a glass of mulled wine.

It is hard not to gaze at my glowing tree while you are seated on the couch. It will capture your attention for a few minutes, put you in sort of a trance of twinkling lights before you are snapped back to reality.

I put some lights up in my bedroom and hung some ornaments from my boards.

Now for the decor in the day light.

Doesn't the hanging ornament chandelier look great? 

 

Of course I have an Elf on the Shelf, his name is Neville.

My beautifully decorated kitchen table!

My stack of Christmas movies! Yes I know I have a lot and there are still a few more I'd like to get *wink*

 This nativity set was given to me by my great aunt. I know it is not a traditional one but I love it and I set it up every year. I have a traditional one, that my mother gave me, on top of the bookshelf in my living room.

  

I absolutely love my coffee table. 1. because it is stack of old suitcases and 2. it looks great in Christmas decor. 

Just look at it up close. The book A Special Christmas Blessing... Just for You. Is a very inspiring book. The author writes little poems of inspiration. Like the title says he shares blessings with you that he hopes will make your day, week, year much better; your Christmas better. 

 

My tree in the day time!!

 

My beautiful tree up close with penguins and Peter Pan ornaments galore.

If you haven't noticed I really like penguins.

 

I love this mini tree that my mother bought me at an antique shop. 

Well that is the end of my tour. I hope you have enjoyed and it brought you a little Christmas joy.

*Shine like Glitter*
My decor has been up since the first of December. I apologize it took me so long to get it posted.
Christmas is a time of joy and peace. Every time I walk into my apartment I am reminded of that joy and it brings me peace to be here.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!