The adventures of Topper, Our Elf on a Shelf.

                                Topper's journeys are coming to an end.

 He brought a lot of joy into this house. The children were very surprised when he showed up with this red and white Mail box. How did he know that Lucie has wanted one for years?!!

 And, a mail box that delivers chocolate on a daily basis...oh my. Momma wants one too!

 He definitely has a wild side. Here, he somehow talked Madeline into a late night party.

                                    Momma could not believe the mess!

               Snow graffiti? Really topper? Like we didn't know you were here.

 Topper always has a way of making up for his messes....like the morning he covered the whole tree with colorful candy canes! Thank you, Topper!

                                  A little ride in Central Park Hallway....

 Lucie thought this was cute....especially his new hat and scarf. Personally, I felt bad for Madeline!

                                        Umm....that's not snow Topper.

 Like I said, you can't stay mad for long....look at this cute vintage tea set for children....how sweet topper. What a cute surprise.

 It's been worth every minute....the kids just loved him. I have to say Stan enjoyed it too and had some great ideas. This morning I woke up and thought, "No!" we hadn't done a thing with Topper last night.  But, when I went to quickly move him, he was gone. Stan remembered to help him out. Good job, Monsieur Stany!!

                   And of course, you probably remember his first appearance...

Two more evenings and than he will hide away until next year. Tomorrow he may just be hiding on a shelf or somewhere silly, but according to the children; they just know he'll be our tree topper on Christmas! Great idea kids....sounds easy!

Bisous,

Karen

Fill In Fridays and Sweet Packages!

Fill in Fridays

1. Ahhhh, I am officially finished with my long term 7 Th grade English gig.
2. Finished  preparing lesson plans and ready for quality time with my family!
3. Creating a feast for Christmas Eve has begun.
4. 17 days of pure relaxation.
5. Kick start Christmas.
6. " What? End of the world," Lucie said, "but it's "Pyjama Day" at school."
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Christmas movies with the kids, tomorrow my plans include our annual family gift exchange party and Sunday, I want to have everything ready for Christmas Eve!

Can you believe I won all of these handmade primitive dolls from Dulaney Woods Treasures? Wonderful blog and beautiful Etsy shop!!

 What an amazing package to receive. My best Christmas present so far!!

 Beautiful craftsmanship...I just love Santa's face. He is very Special....Look at that sweet reindeer!! Thank you Theresa for the very special package! You are amazing!

 I also received this beautiful necklace  Diane at Lavender Dreams too. I just love her. She was giving away one of Shanti J's beautiful pieces of jewelry. I also recieved several pretty cards and Christmas gift tags from Diane....I have used them all. They were so sweet:

Thanks Diane!!

I also had a lot of fun with Heatherly Loves' fun Christmas Mug Swap!

April from April's Country Life Completely spoiled me...

She went far above "Mug" swap. She included the sweetest card with all my treasures that read:

The Santa to grace your tree and another little book for your collection, a little batch of cookies for a sweet little treat and a red towel to clean up after baking.

Isn't that the sweetest???

I have met so many wonderful people blogging.......Merry Christmas to all of you!

Karen


I am linky up with:

Christmas Eve Dinner

This Christmas, I am looking for warmth and comfort at my table. A vintage feel of long ago. A marriage of red and white, mismatched patterns and different decades all coming together with hints of candle light and greenery.

 

 Mismatched plates and decades alike work together to set the mood...

                               Victorian crackers giving us a Dickens feel...

A different transferware-inspired entree plate tops off the Antique Rose, Churchill. Bringing together a sense of unison.

Pretty etched wine glasses are coupled with the old style Champagne Coupes.

 In the background, sits my little tree in the vintage coal bucket. This was a present from Lucie. She's such a generous girl.

               Rogers, Magestic 1928 silver-plated flatware adorns each plate.

My centerpiece is simple and low. A pine garland with vintage sheet music holly and pine cones. I love the look of all things over the top, but find myself all too practical, thinking....how will they see each other? Where will they place the food? They will surely remove the centerpiece before dining, right? I catch myself and laugh...I am just too practical aren't I? Someday, I will try to do over the top. I promise.

This year I am hosting on Christmas Eve. I'll be serving traditional turkey, stuffing with chestnuts, mashed potatoes, baked squash, brussel sprouts, rolls, and pumpkin pie.

Only three more days of my long term 7 Th grade English class. There could be no better Christmas present....

I am linking up with:

Happy Rednesday!

Silence and Support

Fondly,
Karen

Christmas After Dinner Drinks; Coffee and Tea

 That feeling after Christmas dinner. Sluggish and full...

 The table is cleared and ready for some coffee or tea.

 That's why it's lovely to have an early dinner...

 You might not have room just yet for pie...

 Maybe a candied Chestnut or bit of chocolate with some nice warm coffee or tea?

 This is the time of year to bring on the sparkle and glitz. Even your sugar should be special.

 It's a moment of the cook to take a break, relax with guests and recharge.

 I found this great dessert set at a garage sale. Eight large mugs and eight pretty plates for a total of $6. All in new condition. Two years later found the teapot at Goodwill. It's currently in my Etsy shop...I think I need to keep it. Looks great with this dessert set!

 Plan ahead my friends and have everything ready on a sidebar, buffet or on trays ready to bring out to the table.

I love my pretty sugar cubes From France. I chose my silver-plate 1980 DEUT flatware from Oneida. I felt these plates needed a modern flair.

For some, coffee and tea just won't do...We have that covered here as well. Nothing like a little digestive after a large meal...a little "Hors-d’age" (over twenty years old) Armagnac should do the trick. What ever your choice, Ching ching and Merry Christmas!

Bisous,
I am linking up with: Karen

Brown Paper Packages....

Bright pretty packages from Mamy and Papy in France!!

 Arriving home from school this week, the postman pulls up in front of the house

I always get wonderful treats including gorgeous decorative sugar cubes on left. The red boxes are my candied chestnuts wrapped up in gold. A sweet box of artisan chocolates and more.

 Our presents from France have arrived!! Look at my gourmet goodies....

 Waiting until Christmas is tough.....but dreaming for now.

 What? The postman had even more!!! Mommy won two wonderful giveaways!!

 I love my sign From Castle and Cottage!

 My pillow from Judy is so so cute! See her fantastic shop here!!!

Another day of Christmas joy!!!!!!!

Only 7 more days and 130 essays to grade on my last long term job!!!

Karen