It's been a while since my last post. So busy doing not much of anything. I am going to show you some fun pictures of Christmas windows because that's one of my absolutely favorite things: admiring other people's decorations. And sometimes adopting those themes as my own.

I last posted when we were all getting ready for Thanksgiving. My dinner was a big success and we had great family and funny conversation so it was perfect. I brined  my turkey for the first time and I must say it made the turkey nice and moist. I had been worried it would make it taste salty but it didn't. Williams Sonoma carries the brine and you should put it on your shopping list for Thanksgiving next year. I had made sugar cookies for dessert because it had been my experience that not many people wanted dessert after such a big dinner. However, one of my guests brought a cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and we polished off the WHOLE thing. It was delish!

I have been taking part in Operation Santa. An enterprising young lady in Stamford, CT collects notes from needy children addressed to Santa's Helper. They are all from one public school. Each participant gets a letter from the child asking for something for Christmas. In addition to buying them a present it is asked that you buy a coat and boots for the child. Well, my little girl is wishing for a dollhouse. I found a great one on the website One Step Ahead. I bought it on sale before Thanksgiving and put it together in a couple of days. The instructions said assembly would take an hour but we know how that goes!  I found great little presents to stuff into the dollhouse! What fun this has been. I recommend this as a way to contribute to others at Christmas and you'll feel so excited knowing this child will have a great surprise on Christmas Day.

I've been working more at Williams Sonoma which can be a grueling experience this time of year. All I want to say to the long line of customers is how can you wait until NOW to shop? We've been open all year, Christmas comes at the same time each year and so you really do have plenty of time to get organized. Anyway I certainly do not say that to our customers. I just try to help them find some great presents.

I am so looking forward to Christmas. We'll spend it with family which is the best thing in the world.

Christmas crackers are so silly and so fun.

These guys look like they're about to jump in for a swim!