'..A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn...' - O Holy Night
'..The hopes and fears of all the years, Are met in thee tonight...' - O Little Town of Bethlehem
Two of my favourite lines from two of my favourite carols! Merry Christmas to you all, I hope it's everything you hope for, and I pray you find the real meaning of Christmas this year. Love xx

image via Christmas is Happening

a wee bit 'o inspiration...

Although Jamie has been the perfect chef to steal recipes from for my Christmas Eve dinner feast (excitement levels are high!), nothing beats Donna (totally on a first name basis) for the styling. And seeing as how I have zilcho cloth-ery nor napkin-ery, I shall have to be creative! Which is lucky for me, as working in a flower shop I have access to loads of lovely big Blue Spruce branches (garlands), shiny berried holly (spread about the place in clusters of little glasses), a beautiful deep red Poinsettia sitting merrily on my kitchen table, and a teensy bunch of lovely mistletoe! Delightful! And as I work in a little crafty store as well, I have access to metres of lovely thick calico (tablecloth!), which will be covered with lots of brightly burning candles and a Christmas feast to delight the peepers and the tummy...brilliant!

The turkey has been ordered (I have my turkey reference number (!) in a safe place), the cranberry sauce recipe found, the big red bow tied onto the wreath, and the Christmas cake rested and tested (yummo!). Tonight we're of to the Christmas markets in Edinburgh to sample the delectable Christmas delights on offer, and try our tootsies with some skating. Then there's some more rocky road to be made, some fingers to be crossed for some snow fall (unlikely), and some final presents to be wrapped.

And I do believe tonight...there shall be mulled wine x

images via Donna Hay

looky here...

Sometimes I see things (stationery, flowers, books, socks...) that I MUST have! Unfortunately I am rather penniless right now, but these prints almost jumped of the wall into my hands (literally) and said 'take meeee!'. Found whilst wandering about the Christmas heaven that was the Country Living Fair, Chase and Wonder are spectacularly talented and lovely to boot, AND have a special deal on at the moment on their blog.

Why not pop over and order some lovely Christmas presies from these clever folks! And if you're not sure who to get one for, send one to me! I'll be forever grateful x

pics via Chase and Wonder

holiday snaps...

Myself and the husband shopping*.

*HA! If we tried this little manouver (even without the thick layer of ice inducing graceless falls at every turn), twould end with blood, let's just leave it at that. Actually 'tis from the Neiman Marcus Holiday Book. Obviously.

ps - only 9 days! x

gifts-a-plenty...

It has been 2 months since I've had the luxury of internet at home, and miracles of miracles, today we were connected to the outside world! *sigh of relief* And as I am currently in my sick bed being waited on hand and foot (almost), I thought I would get cracking on sharing the lovely bits and bobs I came across at the Country Living Christmas Fair in Glasgow. First up in this list of gorgeous Christmas ideas is the beautiful site Papa Stour. Selling a delightful range of the most beautiful Scottish gifts (I get points for this, surely), why not pop over, have a wee look-see and see what you can find! It's full of things I WISH I could make but most definitely can not. Enjoy!

all images via Papa Stour