It's as clear as the nose on your face...

Well it was clear to me when I saw this silly little guy on the shelf at

 my local thrift store - he had to come home with me 

and join my other kitchen gadgets.

Seriously ...cute....

A Pinocchino Funnel!

With his darling smile and his rosie cheeks...

I just could not pass him up.

 “Now, remember, Pinocchio, be a good boy. 

And always let your conscience (or your nose) be your guide.”

Stay Cozy, 

Carrie

Pretty in Pink...

I picked up this perfectly beautiful pinecone on my walk this morning. 

Isn't it gorgeous?  It truly needs nothing else but its natural beauty....

What shall I do with it?

Perhaps make a succulent garden?

That would be beautiful...but I am not sure it would work for this type of pinecone.

So how about a Valentine Pinecone?

What do you think?

Pretty in Pink and ready to decorate.

Pinecones aren't just for the Christmas holiday season...

Voila - some easy pink touches!

Stay Cozy, 

Carrie

I'm a Basket Case...

Baskets can be difficult to store.

There are so many shapes and sizes...

I keep a variety of baskets on hand to use for

 gift baskets I put together for friends and clients,

to transport baked goods to and from places

or to hold supplies I need to carry somewhere.

But where do you keep them???

I strung this chain across the wall in front of my

craftroom window and use hooks to store my baskets

up and out of the way!

My baskets are right there, in plain sight, where I can

choose and grab the one I need. 

How about you? Any ideas for "basket storage"?

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

Sliver Slippers...

I am rocking in my New Year by wearing these silver sneakers!

When I saw them on the shelf at the store - I just couldn't resist!

They called out to me.

As soon as I put them on I knew I made the right decision.

Instantly they put a skip in my step, a bounce to my walk and a smile on my face!

Every time I looked down and spotted the glittery glow from the shiny silver I felt just a little bit lighter....a little bit brighter...and a little bit happier.

Oh I know - they are just shoes you say?

Well just think what Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers did for her...and how about Cinderella's Glass Pumps? In literature a great pair of shoes can take on magical powers for the women who wear them... shoes are often transformative not just because they're made of glass or rubies: they’re a symbolic means through which women find grounding in the world, and have their lives changed, for better or worse.

I already have my prince and there really is no place like home...but trying something new,

even a little something like sporting a pair of silver sneakers can be a bit transforming

and could actually lead to a new discovery about yourself!

Go ahead - give somethig new a try.

Perhaps tromorrow I will have ice cream for breakfast  :)

Stay Cozy, 

Carrie

Is it over?

Christmas has come and gone - ever so quickly! 

 The stockings were hung and eventually filled and emptied!

A new handcarved Santa was received with open arms -

and is now safely tucked away with the others for next year.

The tree was of course erected and then...

...beautifully decorated and adorned with shiny ornaments and gifts!

 The mantel was strewn with garland and tinsel...

... and delicious gifts arrived from near and far.

It can seem a bit melancholy to have it end...the day after Christmas can

 hang in the air with anticipation unfulfilled...

But looking back over the days before Christmas and the special day itself...

all the preparations and the list making, the shopping and gift wrapping,

 the card sending and food baking....what I cherished most was the time...

the time stamped with love and spent with friends and family...

attending Christmas Eve Candlelight Service where we worshiped together with songs and praises, dropping by a friend's house and surprising him with some Christmas company, sipping a Mimosa while I watched my grown up kids laugh and smile as they played with a silly toy....and seeing the joy on my husband's face while his eyes filled with pride and gratitude to see how his children have become real blessings to us and to the world. 

There is no need to be heavyhearted...

Christmas is not just on December 25th...

Christmas is celebrating the Love that came into the world through the birth of our Savior and being grateful for the sacrifice He made for us - every day can be Christmas - if we remember to show that same love to those around us by spending time with those we love and reaching out to those we don't love so much, surprising someone who needs a little boost, sharing a smile with a stranger and remembering to be grateful for what we have been given today and always!

Merry Christmas Today and Every Day,

Carrie