Farewell 2012

I must admit that I am glad to say goodbye to 2012

It's been a pretty rough year! 

I chose 'Change' as my word for the year...

Little did I know!

My brother has been very ill and while physically he has improved some his mental health has declined. We are trying to get him into a rehab program and hope that happens in 2013.

My Mom had heart failure in May and had emergency pacemaker surgery.  While she is doing much much better, it took a lot out of her and at age 82 I really worry.  I 'almost' had her moved here to Georgia but she got sick and decided she is not ready to leave her excellent health care and Doctors.  I can't say I disagree, just wish she was closer.  For now she is living in her house while I work on downsizing her and then we will re-visit her moving.  I will try to visit her frequently in 2013.

She has oxygen and reads and watches TV a lot.

She is happy and content she says.

I did get her one of those emergency buttons, now if she will just wear it!

There was some good changes in 2012 also! 

We added a new member to our family...Mr Toes!

  He is such a character and he and Charlie are finally tolerating each other! 

Tiger turned one and continues to be the light of my life!  This little guy has grown so much this year and it's been so great to be a part of it!

I look forward to what 2013 will bring!

My trip to Las Vegas was a highlight of the year.  Along with spending time with my daughter Ashleigh she gave me the surprise of my life, which I shared in this post!

I'll be planning and taking that trip to Paris in 2013

I seemed to spend a lot of time away from home in 2012 and while I see that continuing in 2013 I hope that the trips are less stressful!

Mr ALC and I endured a rainy World's Longest Yard Sale but still had fun!  We might take a year off from that sale this year and plan a trip somewhere else! 

A blogging highlight was joining 
The Sisterhood of The Traveling Apron

Between the magic of the apron and meeting new 'sisters' from all over the world, it remains a wonderful experience in 2012 and it will continue as the apron continues it journey in 2013!

The end of the year highlight was Sara & Blake purchasing their first home.

The sale of this adorable mid-century home was delayed until Dec 13th and then the rush was on to get it cleaned, painted and moved into before Christmas! 

It was done, but not without some stress and exhaustion for all of us!  Still it was such a wonderful Christmas as I was able to spend it with both my daughters, my SIL and my sweet Grandson Tiger! 

So as 2012 ends I'm ready to see what 2013 will bring!   I'll be sharing my new 'word' soon and also I've been giving thought to starting a new party...a Gratitude party once a month.  Anyone interested?

With all that has happened this year to so many I think a post to really share Gratitude would be such a positive thing!  

Wishing all of my friends a 

Very Happy New Year! 

Linda

Help Make A Bloggers Dream Come True

My friend Becky at www.beckypovich.blogspot.com has been writing for about 12 years and has stories published in various books such as “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and also in newspapers.

She has just completed her memoir and needs a little help in the financing of its publishing.

Her project is listed on Kickstarter.com If you're not familiar with this site, it's a very unique way for creative people to obtain backers to help them achieve their dream(s). Besides information about her book, there is also a 5 minute video of Becky talking about her journey. She also has advance praise for her memoir from four best-selling authors!

Just type in Becky Povich when you get to the main page, then click on the photo of Becky. Then you will see what pledge amounts and rewards are available. 

If you’re not familiar with Kickstarter, it’s an all-or-nothing system. If Becky doesn’t reach her funding goal by the deadline of January 6th, the project won’t be financed and your account will not be charged for your pledge. (And Becky will not receive any money.)

* Pledges start at only $5.00 * Please help Becky achieve her dream by her 60^th Birthday! *

My Top Viewed Posts

I finished my last Christmas celebration with my best friends Dennis and Terry over the weekend!  Lots of love, laughter and fun gifts!  

Today I'm checking out the top five viewed posts of 2012

#5 Pretty In Pink 

A fun tablescape I did for Valentine's

My daughter Sara said it was her favorite table I'd ever done!  

#4 Thrifty Pink Table  

Another Pink tablescape using vintage Vernonware dishes 

in the Tickled Pink pattern!

#3 Christmas In July

A Look back at Christmas tablescapes

#2 Decorating With Plates

This post was about how I change out my plate rack with plates for the season!

Pink again!

#1 Rodney Kent Hammered Aluminum

I guess the title got some hits from people looking for information about Hammered Aluminum.

This is the first time I've done a top viewed posts review.  It is interesting to see what came up.

I see that tablescaping posts get lots of views and I think it is because of the parties I join!

My favorite post of 2012 was

My Amazing Daughter Ashleigh

I shared with you my Mother's Day trip to Vegas and the Surprise Gift Ashleigh is giving me....

A trip to Paris, France! 

I'll be taking that trip in 2013

I hope you will join me on my journey!

I'll review my year in tomorrows post!

Joyeux,

Linda

It's Official....I'm A Princess!

It's true!  

You've all seen my Tiara

and my magic septor 

That goes 'bllllliing' when you move it!

But now I've got the real proof!

See.....I told you! 

What's that you say?  

What is this?

A Pink Princess Telephone!

Yes! 

Isn't it just the prettiest thing!

Mr ALC got this for my Christmas present and I LOVE it!

Under the tree in all it's pink princess glory

It works too!  Lights and all!

Yes, I am a Princess!

Check the post I did earlier to see Tiger's Christmas!

I'm joining

Vintage Thingy Thursday

Joyeux!

Linda

Christmas 2012

It has been a crazy Christmas here at 

A La Carte

The tree was lit (almost no ornaments) and there were presents!  But we were all together even if we were exhausted and stressed!

Why???

It rained for 3 days and so they only got partially moved into the house.  They need to be out of their old place so the next tenants can move in.

Still we had Christmas!

Tiger always gives me 'the look' when I aim my camera at him! 

Tiger enjoyed the race track rug and trucks I got him from IKEA.  He also got a wood train set from Mommy & Daddy and it was a big hit!  Books and other great toys were opened and played with.  We all had a great time watching him. 

I'm home and slowly catching up!  I'll be sharing Christmas for a few more days and then be ready to move on to 2013!

I had a great time with my daughters, SIL and Tiger! 

Joyeux!

Linda

Christmas With A T

It's been a crazy few days!

Rain and then high winds and cold temps but the move is still taking place.  The new homeowners spent their first night in their home while I slept in the old house one last time....it was quiet! 

I think my favorite thing this Christmas has been the Tiger Tree! 

While shopping at Kohl's the other day I found their Christmas ornaments deeply discounted and found two items I had to buy!

This cute little stocking with a T for Tiger

and

This precious bear with a T for Tiger!

I also found some Eiffel Tower ornaments I'll share another time. 

I'm joining 

Thrifty Things Friday

and 

A Favorite Thing

Joyeux Noel!

Linda

A Christmas Brunch!

Life has been crazy here at A La Carte

I leave again tomorrow to help my daughter and family move into their new home!  I am so excited!

Today I also realized I have not done a single tablescape for Christmas...

no time it seems.

I decided to share a tablescape I did last year and I hope you enjoy seeing it again! 

In the midst of all the shopping, decorating and baking, it's good to take time to stop and have a simple meal with a friend or loved one!

Here is my simple brunch table for two!

The candle plates are vintage Harmony House and are snack set plates.  I do not have the matching cups so added a Sandwich glass bowl for fruit or grits.  

I love the bold colors of these Poinsettia napkins I found in a thrift.  I also used white handled flatware also found in a thrift store.

A red plate as a charger and juice glasses matching the pitcher and a glass mug for coffee or tea complete the place setting

A simple centerpiece

An Angel on a cake plate with red, green and gold ornaments and a touch of greenery

Vintage juice pitcher, creamer & sugar bowls and cardinal salt & pepper shakers complete this table.

I hope you take some time this season to enjoy a easy and fun meal and spend some time with someone you love! 

I'm linking up with 

Rednesday

and

Let's Dish

Wishing you Joy,

Linda

A Day Of Support

Some blogs were silent yesterday and some today...

In support of Sandy Hook Elementary School and all those lost in Newton I offer this...

Gratitude!

Linda

 You're Gonna Love It

Painting The New House!

I am home for a few days to finish my Christmas shopping and wrap presents.  I'll be going back to help Sara & Blake move into the new house the end of the week.  Sara is still working this week so the final move will be next weekend.

Lots of painting was done and I thought I would share some pics 

of the house in progress!

This is Tiger's room!  I love this color that they are calling "Frankenstein Green"

Tiger's bedding is space ships in Green and Dark Blue 

and will look wonderful in this room!

 The master bedroom has this wall of gorgeous blue and the other walls are a lovely cream color!

Tiger getting to know that this is Mommy and Daddy's room!

The spare room aka music room, office and craft space....is this lovely shade of blue which did not photograph well at all.

This is the living room!  The huge window will make this a bright room.  The red wall is awesome and the other walls will be white!  Mid century modern furniture is their hope for the future! 

This is a view from the dining room into the kitchen.  They will remodel this at some point in the future.  A new washer/dryer was delivered.

It takes up a lot of room but is a necessity!

They are so excited!! Rain has slowed down some of the painting but it will be done before the weekend move in.

I'll share more photos!

Of course I have to share some Christmas decorations here at home with you!

I decided to put my copycat suitcase vignette on top of my hutch

I have my vintage Shiny Brites in a glass vase up here in a safe place also!

So much to do in the next few days!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Joyeux Noel,

Linda

**There are many ways to honor the memory of those lost in CT ....I will be joining in the day of blog silence on Tuesday**

Update!

The closing on the house went smoothly and Sara and Blake and Tiger have a new home!  We celebrated with a dinner at a Japanese steak house and Tiger loved the 'fire' they do on the grill. 

Today was full of errands for the new house.

Tonight as I'm holding my sweet Tiger and rocking him I hear about the terrible tragedy that happened in CT today....there are no words to express my grief for those who lost loved one's and especially the children.  It is unbelievable.  

My prayers are joining all of yours.

I still wanted to share with you a Favorite Thing.   I received this from my friend Judy at  20 North Ora....she makes the best pillows and many other crafty things which she sells on Etsy.

Isn't this the sweetest pillow made from a vintage Christmas Hankie!  I love it!  So cute and just perfect on my couch covered with a Christmas quilt.

I would never have thought to use the hankies in this way but I love it! 

I also want to share another favorite pillow that I bought 

at a craft show many years ago

Made from a chenille bedspread with an appliqued face,

this snowman makes me smile! 

I'm sharing these at 

Thrifty Things Friday

and 

A Favorite Thing

Hug your loved one's!

Linda