Slowly getting ready for the holidays

Slowly, but surely, I am getting back my energy and doing projects around the house.

I don't usually decorate much for Thanksgiving, but this year we invited JP's future in-laws for Thanksgiving dinner so I wanted to make the house festive.

Some dried flowers from Michael's, a chalkboard tag and a burlap bag dress up the front door.

The weather was cool today and our Dutch door was closed  - this view gives a different perspective on the colors in our house.

Finally, I finished decorating the mantel.

I took a lazy approach to the banner by using pages torn from a book, stickers for the letters and just folding the paper over the twine.

Today, I had time to play a little in the garden.

The bench beneath the dining room window was looking a little sad

so I added some ivy that I hope will start twisting and turning around the bench.

For the holidays, I will swap the wooden balls for Christmas ornaments and hang decorations from the ivy.

The one thing I have been doing a lot of lately is embroidery and crocheting.

When I get tired and have to rest, I grab my sewing basket and keep my fingers busy.

I am using up leftover fabric and tracing the designs on with pencil.

This project will be a table runner for Christmas

and this is one of 8 napkins I am embroidering for our Thanksgiving table.

via

I will be working on the napkins in the car on Thursday as we drive the coast of California to Carmel for a stay in this beautiful spot.

I leave you with a collage of my day on Saturday when my sweet daughter treated me to a spa day at the Ojai Valley Inn - mine are the feet on the right.

Fluffing With Flowers

Last weekend I planted flowers to spruce up the front yard

and after seeing the difference that the flowers made, 

I decided flowers were just what I needed to liven up the house.

I made a Trader Joe's run this morning and then had fun arranging the flowers.

Trader Joe's was selling Cinnamon Brooms for just $3.99.

KC stopped by this evening to play with Lulu and she immediately asked what smelled so good.

A mixed bouquet provides color in the living room 

and you can see from the open windows that we are still enjoying warm weather.

A mini rose bush found a home in an old butter cookie tin

and it will stay in place until I begin decorating for Christmas.

I went with a simple display for this week on the dining room table 

until I come up with a Thanksgiving centerpiece.

The last few flowers ended up on the front porch.

 inside my grandpa's old watering can - I don't think he would mind that I painted it yellow.

It doesn't take much - a few flowers and a little bit of time - to give me a sense of accomplishment.

Thank You

I begin this post with a great big

In my last post, I didn't want to complain and write about my health issues, but I did want people to understand why I wasn't dropping by to visit, posting anything new on my blog or answering emails.

What I did not expect was the outpouring of loving thoughts and prayers OR the great suggestions on what might be wrong with me.

I heeded your suggestions and told my doctor to look at my symptoms from a different perspective - and we got to the bottom of the problem - severe anemia.

By listening to my blog friends, especially Kris of Junk Chic Cottage, I received a blood transfusion, am taking iron pills and slowly (very slowly) returning to normal.

For this hyperactive lady, resting is very difficult, but I managed to find things to do.

I finished my mantel for Halloween

and changed the entry way display to fall.

I printed out some embroidery patterns

traced one onto fabric to make a little napkin.

I really like how the napkin turned out, but I know it will get stained by use, so I think I will do the next embroidery project on pillowcases.

I haven't found a home for the cute little banner Connie of Crafty Home Cottage 

made me, but at least you can see how cute it is.

I created a picture each day to post on Instagram.

And then I shopped - don't you just love that today we can shop any time of day right in the comfort of our living room while wearing pj's?

I absolutely LOVE all things Maileg and have wanted a Christmas elf for ages.

I found this one on Amazon for half the usual price and grabbed it.

I did not expect him to be so BIG - I think he might sit on this chair all through the holiday season.

Last Christmas I missed out on the great deals at H & M on Christmas decor because I discovered the website too late, but I have been stalking it weekly.

I am expecting the pillow and 2 sets of the napkins to arrive today.

I found this Etsy shop on Instagram and ordered a Christmas towel and one other towel that

 I can't show because it is a Christmas gift.

 I set up an assembly line on the dining room table and made some treats for my volleyball team.

I won't be able to coach the game this week, but I am sending them my love in the form of Halloween candy boxes.

I am feeling so much better today and I have 2 big motivations to reach 100%.

Three weeks from tomorrow, we are headed to Fort Bragg for a kayaking adventure

with my family to celebrate my Aunt Kay's 90th birthday - she looks fantastic here at 89.

I also have to get ready for ski season (assuming there will be snow) because Steve and I just purchased our season passes for June Mountain.

And now, I am headed to the garden to rest because I am exhausted - I know by my next post I will be at 100%.