from my home to yours...

...wishing you all a very merry christmas.

i realized i hadn't shown you all my tree.

isn't it lovely? yes, it's very real, smells fresh and christmas-y, and was carried home from the nearest lot just like the past couple years. the ornaments are a combination of childhood ornaments, christopher radko's i have been gifted since i was young, newer ornaments i picked up from target, pottery barn, west elm, world market, etc., and candy canes. the needlepoint stocking w/ my name on it is another piece i've had since i was a child. my mom finally gave all of us ours to keep in our new homes. this is the first time it's actually hanging from a mantel. i love this little scene–complete with the sunburst mirror from layla grayce and paris ferris wheel print from the paris print shop–and i'll be cozying up here all weekend with my favorite christmas movies, some tea, and my pups... until monday when i'll be heading to the suburbs with danielle to celebrate christmas eve with my family.

i want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support, kindness, and patience this past year. i know my posting was sporadic to say the least. 2012 - the past month in particular - has brought about a lot of change in my life, a lot of which was beyond wonderful and more than i ever could have expected in my life. and recently, some very scary but exciting changes are on my horizon, all of which i will share with you after the holidays.

in the mean time, i hope you all have a peaceful, wonderful holiday with your friends, families, and loved ones. and please keep the families, victims, and all those affected by the tragedy in connecticut in your thoughts.

- alaina