We found the most luscious velvet for Mycala's formal gown. It was priced at $16 a yard and since we need 5 yards, we were hesitant. But I noticed a sale price on a fabric from the same manufacturer and when I asked, they gave it to us for the sale price! Can hardly wait to begin sewing! She wants a full length wrap dress similar to this. 

The day after Christmas, Zippy and I piled into the car and headed to Mycenea's to celebrate our Christmas. Mycenea, Nigel, a new kitten, and Colt, their Golden Retriever, greeted us at the door. We had a scrumptious dinner when Ross came home, then exchanged gifts. This is my mermaid tail! It is even warmer than it looks and perfect for snuggling in when I journal and read!  The bitter cold days it has been especially welcome!
The next day we went vintage shopping in Carlisle and both come home with a few more treasures  There are so many shops with unusual and creatively displayed items,. She wore the Issey Miyake coat I made her last year for Christmas and looked fabulous! She got compliments every where we went. She has such style and flair!

I've been making Dobochtorte for Christmas every year since living in Germany. It wouldn't be Christmas with out it! It always brings back memories of past Christmases and wonderful events with friends and family.
​Mycala asked me to make one for her office party yesterday evening and her supervisor graciously invited me to join them. It is one more wonderful event to associate with the torte. 

Cinnamon scented pine comes, white pine garland, peacock ornaments and silver snowflake garland give fragrance and color to the staircase. 

Last evening Mayor Catherine Pugh welcomed the Sweet Silver Bells at City Hall to be part of Baltimore's tree lighting celebration. But as you can see in the news broadcast below, the evening was about much more than lighting a Christmas tree. 

As I was journaling this morning it occurred to me that if you don't have an attic, or even if you do, creative storage for seasonal decorations is an alternative to adding more boxes to an attic, basement or garage that are over flowing with clutter. hese are a few examples of how some of my decorations are stored. They are attractive all year long and easily accessible when I need them. 

When I was in eighth grade my friend Jan and I started two holiday traditions. One was to make a Croquembouche, a French cream puff tree. We made our first in her mom's kitchen for a party for our French class and the tradition continued.  Another was to make jeweled Christmas balls. Sadly, Jan died years ago, but I think of her every Christmas. Over the years we made hundred of the balls. Many were given away as gifts. 

For most of the year, these ornaments are stored in a china cabinet, but during the holiday season they are placed on the tree and the bowl is perfect for my grandmother's snow ball cookies - a future post. 

Other decorations are stored in hat boxes prominently displayed all year  They are a lovely way to store seasonal treasures while brightening an otherwise unnoticed corner.

If you have followed my blog, you know I am obsessed with bulletin boards..I have six - two over sized and three small cork, and one French.. Some of my favorite ornaments are displayed and enjoyed year round. 

What a find - 10 yards of faux leopard fur . . . , if the backing wasn't obviously fabric I'd be certain it was real. My mind is racing with ideas - a coat, cape, jacket, bed spread, bolsters So many ideas and only two weeks until Christmas! 

The Holiday Season doesn't officially begin without a day in Hamden! Bryan's Finds and Designs has always been my favorite and this year I found a few more I don't ever want to miss again!
​

We were greeted by a the giant flamingo at the Cafe Hon where we split a Ruben followed by homemade cherry-blueberry pie for dessert. 

One of my favorite Baltimore memories - the Ding Dongs at the lighting of the Washington Monument . This year we will be singing at an official tree lighting event at City Hall with the mayor! We have been requested to sing under the name Sweet Silver Bells instead of Ding Dongs - guess that name was just too tacky! Ha! Regardless, the harmonies will be fabulous and the costumes will range from elegant to outrageous! You just never know what to expect from a Ding Dong!