Christmas Decorations

I love to decorate for any time of the year, but Christmas is by far my favorite.  Here's a little tour of our decorations this year at Castle Allen

The tree with a little added glitter:

you can't see it in the above photo but around the tree on the window sill is a train.......

and speaking of trees, thank you Miss Kirsten for this beautiful handmade tree:

when you walk in the door this is the little vignette:

I did a little joozing on the white ikea tree that I used for thanksgiving and got these beautiful mercury glass ornaments from TJ Maxx to rock a vintagey look...plus, what you can't see is little tiny fairy lights amoungst the tinsel, which looks quite festive when you walk in

this is one of my most favorite things that Mr Big has gifted to me.  Its so perfectly my taste.  Every year we pack it will all kinds of goodies, though with the kids not here with us this year it wont be QUITE so exciting to open each door.

I'm a candle fan - but Im kind of a shocker for leaving them burning all the time AKA Firerisk.  In line with this I am embracing the flameless candles this year, they arent as lovely but not bad.  Target had a 3 pack for only $19 and the sparkly ornaments were a grand total of $1 from the same place

This is actually Mr Bigs doing...wasnt he so clever to think about ornaments in a vessel?

Tony was purchased from a vintage flea market and spruced up with a spray of my favorite color, pistachio and he was seasoned with a santa letter box (what better carrier than a green deer?) and acutremont..

I took all these pics on the I-Phone so they are a bit grainy, specially the following one... but isnt this pretty with the white supersized vases and the silver beads

 this is in the kitchen - its ironic in some ways because when you look out this window there are a bunch of old churches and little old houses that you see (just like on this shelf)

Mike and Tracey brought us a poinsetta.  They are such nice friends, they always purchase us a live plant.  Only problem is I am a plants worst nightmare and they always die at my hand.  Im a serial non-waterer.  Sigh.  Its not that I dont love plants - really, I do, plants are our friends, but I just forget they need water to survive.  Maybe I should be a cactus person instead?  Anyhoo, for now - look how pretty!

I came up this genuis idea of filling a cloche with stuff via one of my blog buds ... I cant remember which one so I can't lavish kudos on that personage but voila...the hilarious result was that someone thought this was a stack of truffles (rather than mini pinecones and acorns) fortunatly their eagle eye (Laura Olson) was operating and just as she was about to lift the lid (and send a bazillion cones rolling) she noticed that it was not the aforementioned.  Lucky break Olson, lucky break

As you might know, Im more of a classic and traditional style maven rather than being attracted to the silly more cartoony....but when I saw this two snowmaned dancing and singing and more amazingness some years ago, it joined our Christmas delights (and is relegated to the den because it dosent match)

 Merry Christmas to one and all!



Have a holly jolly christmas

Amongst the many millions of Christmas traditions the Allen's have one of my favorites (and most recent add on's) is going to have our photo taken with Santa as a family.  I know what you are thinking and you are right, this is sometime typically reserved for little kids - but its so goofy having pictures taken as adults we just simply cannot refuse it!  Everett Santa is our place du jour.  They are very nice there, its a local father and daughter operation and they change location every year depending on where is vacant.

So Saturday dawned, I bet 2/3 kids in being the first one at the tree to rip and tear - a feet I was quite proud of to be honest.  Presents were opened and then we got all gussied up for the photo shoot.  I was feeling quite sassy in my new aubergine jumper....right up till the moment I walked into Everett Santa and saw that the group preceding ours was Rishi's Belly Dancing Troupe.  Rishi happens to be the lady that taught one Miss Fiona Allen to jiggle what god gave....sadly I had to hang up my jingly belly dancing skirt when the realization dawned that I sucked as an Egyptian belly dancer.  As you might imagine when I saw Rishi (and the 8 or 9 size zero barbies glad in SKIN TIGHT gold lame), I wilted a little.... it was made worse when the photographer positioned me behind a Clydesdale horse AND THEN repositioned it's snout so it was covering my stomach. Sigh.  I guess its time to start another time honored tradition of promising myself to loose weight....

You're a 10

Thank you sir, you did us proud with matchy matchy lights, perfectly spaced and draped garland and nice tight ropes of lights. Come claim the prize you so richly deserve

Sorry kids, there's been an accident

As we were traveling the streets of bothell viewing and scoring exterior Christmas illuminations ( only one 10 so far ) we came across a sad view... SANTA DOWN!

Mullet Man

I think everyone knows how handsome Mr Big is, but check him out with a Jon Bon Jovi style mullet AKA Eddie Bauer trapper hat. Quite fetching don't you think?

So true!

I was trawling through some random blogs and came upon Ally's Corner and this wonderful quote which I resonated with

I am aware that I am less that some people prefer me to be,

but most people are unaware that I am so much more

than what they see

It's carpet cleaning time

Once a year Pemco gets the office carpets clearned, ya know, so we can go into the new year clean.  This morning we came into the annual email announcing that and reminding us that everything needs to be off the floor before we go home for the evening.

My neighbor Carrie (you've met her before) reads the email and shouts out "oh yeeeerrrrrrr carpet cleaning time!!!  Guess I better pick up my giant bag of potting mix off the ground" Huh? Potting mix? Was this some kind of code for something else?  She couldnt possibly MEAN actual potting mix....

Wreath Making!

Yesssss - its wreath making time!!!!!  About this time of year the Forest Theatre in Fall City opens the gate, trims branches off the trees and sets up for friends and family to make their wreaths.  The Theatre is in a beautiful setting along the river amoungst a grove of trees.  In the summertime they open this area up and put on outdoor musicals (last year was the wizard of oz) and in the winter they do this little fundraiser with the wreaths - $10 gets you everything you need to make 2 wreaths - one you get to keep, the other you leave with them to sell.  As you can see they have a fire pit roaring, hot cider and cookies to warm you (its always artic up there)....

and loads of bits and pieces to put together your masterpiece,  even the tools:

and before we knew it - we had a beautiful wreath - sadly the pictures didnt turn out but I will take another later tonight.  Believe me, its wonderous.

Christmas Party

I'm disgusted with myself.  I'm obsessed with taking photos of every part of our lives to preserve the memories ya know?  Yet despite this - our annual Christmas Party is void of all cameras.  This year Mr Big and I vowed that it would be different and yet...it wasn't.  The only picture I had time to take was of Miss Lois's handbag and innards.  But before we talk about lovely Lois let me say that this was the best party so far.  Mr Big and I worked like home depot pickup guys that hadn't seen work for several weeks - rising at 8.30am and basically not sitting till 3.30am.  But everyone seemed to have fun so it was all worth it.

Highlights included:
The beverages

• Peartini which was Pear Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Apple Juice, Vermouth
• Orange Currant Fizz which was Orange Liqueur, Cassis and German Sparkling Wine
• and the star of the show "Blitzen" which was Silver Tequila, Red Grapefruit Juice, Grenadine, Lime Juice

The surprise guests

• Ryan, John's partner came.  This may seem like a non-interesting point to most of you -  but when you understand I've known John for 5 years and this only the second time I've met him.  He's a complete delight and I called him my Christmas miracle.
• 2nd - I got to meet unnamed friends unnamed boyfriend
• 3rd - Keisha dear Keisha was there with her lovely new man

The surprise yoga lesson
Thanks Caitlin, I've always wanted to see "the bow" in action.  You are a flexible lady!!

We are so so blessed with all the lovely people we have in our life.  Thank you all for your friendship and for all you add to our lives on a daily basis.  WE LOVE YOU!

So back to photos - I present to you ....Lois and her brown carry all

its amazing how much us gals can pack in our bags - and just how much is necessary to carry with us, just look at my pal Lois - a. never knew you were a pen collector friend, I will know who to turn to next time if I need one :-) b. a women after my own heart - she travels with all the local players cards for the casinos!  Ready to gamble at a moments notice (I've been known to enjoy a flutter myself)

Thanks for sharing Lois.



Figgy Pudding

Seattle is a funny complex little city - its full of all kinds of wonderment, not least of which is one of Mr Big and mine most favoritst things.....the Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition downtown.

Its just so darn Christmassy - plus people dress up and wear their Christmas hats, its fabulous as you walk around listening to all the groups singing. We are always full of smiles and good cheer unlike the three people who were INTENSELY gritting their teeth while enjoying the wonderment of Christmas......

Some of the teams that compete come year after year - and many of them dress up all seasonally (which I love!) - look at these elves

the other thing I love about going to this is all the amazing window displays, there were so many incredibly creative ones but by far my fav was the windows at Tiffany's

I dont know if you can see in these little vignettes that they are bedazzled with Tiffany jewels - so wonderful!

also figgy pudding is right close to Pike Place Market which always looks so beautious at this time of the year.  Luckily for me I am married to the greatest man alive and he stopped traffic to allow this awesome photo at just the right angle - I love that they have the veggies all lit up!

I also surprised Gary with a little something - he deserves it

and check out the tree at the base of the space needle.  Sooo sparkly

Miss Caitlin

My other neighbor is a dazzling individual, our very own Caitlin.  Caitlin wasnt feeling her usual saucy self this morning so we dont have a photo of her lovely face for you...but here is her baggie (drumroll please).

Lucky Brand Suede Hobo purchased at Macys for a huge undisclosed amount of money - but worth it for the perfect fall to winter handbag

Her wallet was purchased at Urban Outfitters - a deena and ozzy brand.  She loves this wallet and its big (no comment) and the bits that she can shove things into (still no comment).  There is a groovy headband in this mix, its crocheted with a little flower and a red center - this thing is tres chic and was purchased at Pike Place Market on an excursion recently.  Im noticing that white stick in the picture - no clue what this is but im guessing its the left over from a sucker??  I love that her bag has gloves as well, and that she has cute ones with sparkles.  Ohhhh - note the healthy sleep aid, melatonin - endorsed by one Samantha Jones of Sex in the City so how can it be wrong?   Thanks Caitlin for sharing !

CarrieBag

You've met Carrie in the past.  I am fortunate enough to have her as my neighbor and she entertains me all day - thanks Carrie!  You might expect an entertainers handbag and its contents to be tres exciting and as you will see - Carrie DID NOT disappoint....

As you can see, she is being a wee tiger for the camera here as she displays her fantastic DSW Bags bargain Poppi Jones cross body floral handbag (an unexpected bonus is to see dear wee Olly as her screen saver.  Olly is the most handsomest wee man ever.

Inside said handbag there are some interesting items - Olly's birth certificate (irony....this was in the same pocket as her birth control hahaha), gloves for the chilly weather, a seperate purse from her main one for punch cards and the like, a 20% babies are us coupon, TWO sets of keys (thats intriguing) and just to top it off if you look at the bottom right New Zealand coins !!!!!!  How does a yankie doodle dandy have kiwi shrilla you might ask?  Well, its a souvienier that her beloved Timmy brought back when he travelled there before they married. 

Thanks Carrie. You, your bag and your bags contents are orsome

Murderers

In our modern world one thing we all know is that TREES are our friends, Trees are important.  They are valuable and necessary to our very existence - Let's face it, we could not exist as we do if there were no trees. One mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year. Forests acts as a giant filter that cleans the air we breath. We all know this right? THEN WHY are people STILL MURDERING TREES for decoration????

Every year I am horrified when I travel around and see the following

This picture is a snippet of the forest that they had cut down for decoration.  The tree's were in front of Rite Aid (which added to the already depressing nature of this place).  Yes a "live tree" smells good, yes, its some peoples traditions to go "hunt" a tree but friends....if you typically are the family that has a live tree, please reconsider, and remember, TREES are our friends.

My Bag

YOU KNOW ME, I have a somewhat strange and some may say obsessive compulsion of handbags.  I especially love oggling other girlies handbags - Mr Big finds this to be quite amusing because he will see a bag trot by and know that within nano seconds I will have a glazed look in my eye and be treeing the bag...followed by the cursory "thats a nice bag" comment.

So...I know some of you might find this weird, but...I've embarking on a new thing to blog about for you all.  And I'm starting with me - and I will be working on you next so be prepared :-)...what's in your handbag?

Guess shopping tote ala Feebee.  I was attracted to the dove grey and the buttery goodness of the leather PLUS (double whammy) the shiny silver

The interior:

Its winter so super soft mittens are a must, I don't know why I carry the brush - I never use it, but a girl never knows when she might need it, the same goes for floss.  Esprit sunglasses - they were $4.99 at Ross and they are most lovely comfy glasses.  Friends and family discount card from Macy - sorry fam, I'm using both discount vouchers.  USPS Package containing a Christmas giftypoo for Mr Big (top secret), ear buds for the i-pod (note the crystal sparklies on them...so cute!), I don't know why I have 6 lipsticks in my little clinique makeup bag but I do...and the weird shaped thing is called a go-between (possibly the greatest dental hygiene tool of all time, it resembles a bottle brush and you use it in place of floss). 

Unnamed friend spied me updating bloggy and agreed to having her stuff graphed, thanks Unknown Friend!!  Sadly your picture refused to turn about no matter what I did, so youre sideways.  For this I am sorry - but you definitely can still see your beautiful B Markowsky bag in pale green.  For those of you not familiar with B Markowsky leather you have no idea what you are missing out on.  Imagine the softest leather you have even felt and then multiple the softness factor by...lets see....A BAZILLION and you got yourself B Markowsky leather goods.  Plus they always have beautiful (not shown in photograph) linings.  This beauty has leopard silk.  Nice.

Inside unnamed friends bag is some interesting bits and pieces including one of her favs in multiple...fruity gum.  Ms unnamed always has fruit gum.  Also oggle at the B Markowsky wallet - tres cute with studs dont you think?  Visine...no comment, intriguing little blue wallet thing may possibly be for on the spot manicures, the necessary winter items, Burts Bees lip shimmer (love you Burts Bees), Curel handcreme, receipts (probably included in there is the receipt for the new handbag?) lady items wrapped in a joyfilled color reminiscent of sunshine.  Arent they clever those tampon manufacturers?  I love how they take your mind off the worst part of the month with color.

This was fun - cant wait to stalk someone Else's bag tomorrow.  Who knows who I shall pray on....

Beautiful World

I was reading one of my bloggy friends posts this morning and she reminded me about one of the most delectable things - thanks Mighty Girl !

Lookie here at one of the world's most mystical and beautiful things - a sea dragon.  When Mr Big and I were at last in Chicago we had a few hours and ended up at the aquarium - and I was so enchanted by these creatures....I hope they make your day, like they did mine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Kl5_viGFY

Holy Christmas Party time

Seriously.  As many of you dozens of faithful readers (and Im sure, fans dare I say) know, I am a hopeless lover of the season.  I always ALWAYS plan way too much stuff for our family to do, trying to squeeze the joy out of every possible thing that even hints to be Christmas...but even I cant believe - its almost here.  Where has this year gone?

Anyhoo, I somehow find myself at that blessed time of the year.  The Christmas Party.  I do love me a good partee.  I love to hostess, to make everything look impossibly pretty and fill everyone up on goodies (edible and liquid), but for some unknown reason this time round you know what I was finding totally difficult?  Cocktails.  I know what you are thinking but its true - I was stumped.  Well good news - after weeks of looking for the perfect 2 cocktails to make, I've settled on a prickly pear tini - which I need to think up a clever name for *calling for suggestions please) - its basically absolut pear vodka, cranberry, apple and lime juice, grenadine, simple syrup ...all shaken to within an inch of its life and served in a frosty glass.  The second is my own invention ALSO NEEDS A SEASON NAME PLEASE - cassis and orange liquer with champagne.  Course we will have wine and a little bar but these will hopefully be the well received stars.

Mr Big is currently in St Louis (actually to be acurate he is making his way home as we speak) so he is yet to give the nod of approval for the tails, but Im sure he will agree that they are the winners.  I didnt want to make anything too creamy this year.

Food is all sorted - only 2 hot things YAY -- so no stress about keeping things to temperature.  I know - you are as relieved as I am right!  Good.  That makes two of us.  Mr Big is of course insisting on one of his favorites to be in the line up ..... meatballs.  Dont worry yourself that we have white carpet and that the meatballs will be in a swedish brown gravy HA - HA - HA, our friends will hardly drink at all and will keep a sphere shapped object perfectly balanced on their party plates while supping there beverages and chatting with friends....right?  Arggghhhh - meatballs, delicious as you are, you really have no business being at a standing cocktail party - you are here at the bidding of my beloved, so do stay on the plates...umkay?

Off to pick up Mr Big for a beautiful reunion.

Thankful

What an interestingly weird  time it has been over the last few weeks.  We've had so much stuff worling around:

1. The dreaded stair project - STILL GOING ON

2. The unexpected (yet welcome) early snow

3. The difficult time getting to work in said snow

4. The car's water pipe freezing and the car overheating

5. The need to buy new cars (yes, not just CAR, Carzzzzzz)

6. The Christmas hub-bub

So altogether now - lets join hands and take a deep cleansing breath....breathe in ****** and breathe out haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

K - thats better.

I have lists aplenty whirling around, thank GOODNESS for my new BFF  they are all safetly in one hand place

I heart you i-phone.

DAVE

Yesterday something wonderful happened  - I blogged a little bit about it but we got home so late there wasnt time to post pictures and rail on longer about it.  Dave. Was. Here. And....Dave was free and playing in the mall.  While intially that sentance bothered me (Dave is really too good for the mall) I quickly put that to one side and squeeled with delight that Mr Big weaved his magic and made this happen on our anniversary.

With favorite friend in tow we high-tailed it to Bellevue Square to join a bazillion other fans

Did I mention this was a surprise concert? He announced it only a couple of hours prior to it actually happening - its incredible the power of a Dave fanbase - look at them all!!  Course, Dave's-soon-to-be-new-BFF's are waayyyyy over here

HI DAVE!!

Being that it was Mr Big and my anny, Mr Big pre-arranged the perfect song, neigh - our song - "You and Me" for Dave to include in the set list. 

Thank you honey, I love that song, I love you, and I love Dave.

And now I give you....shaka laka boom boom.........DAVE AND ME IN A PHOTO

ok, I should have pre-empted this by saying, no matter how I try (and OH HOW I TRY) to take a self portrait that looks like a normal person I always, always look like a crazy woman on crack.  DO NOT FEAR me Dave.  I am normal and quite charming (no matter what Mrs Nguyen said about me)...

You played for an hour and it was a wonderful way to celebrate our anny.  Love you Mr Big!!

Christmas in the Northwest

I'm waiting.  Patiently.  Now with only a scant few sleeps till Christmas I'm so proud to announce that Mr Big is finally on the crazy train with me and was the FIRST ONE to purchase a new Christmas ornament this year.  Thats right - HE was the first one.  Oh plus, PLUS  - he was the first one to put one up.  Uh huh!  He de-falled the giant vase and filled it to shimmering glory with SILVER BALLS. Ha!  In the immortal words of one Mr Bro Bee - You. Are. Awesome!!!

While it isnt quite dancy dance time, it is "that time of the year" and what better way to kick off that to visit a while with Wights Nursery in Lynnwood.  Me, Mr Big, Genever and Dot....of course before any of the reel Christmas stuff started we needed to have the girls walk the walk.  What walk you ask?  The cray cray walk - with DOUBLE KALEIDOSCOPES.  Dot was first

and Gen went second

Look how gosh darn happy she is.  I know what you are thinking and you are right.  We awesome parents (I graciously accept your air high five, thank you). Once this was ably completed by the gals there was nothing left to do but head directly into the heart of the matter.  The Nativity scene.

I was appreciative of Dot's reverence for Baby J

Gen had seemed quite adoring of the camel - and Dot really liked hanging out with Donkey - but then Mr Big's mad super power kicked in and we all drew a sharp breath when he pointed out a camel toe.  Fashion faux pas Nativity scene makers - FASHION FAUX PAUS.

As we were all aghast at this we continued to walk through the different nativity scenes one could purch and I noticed a key member of 99.9% of the scenes was missing.  One Baby J.  Dorothy noticed this first and asked where he was.  I tactfully suggested perhaps all the other members (wise men, donkeys, camels, Mother Mary etc) were just waiting for him to arrive.  A Wight's staff member overheard our ackward discussion and offered the truth.  Sadly Baby J's are always stolen every year from their store and they have to hold him (..or "them" as the case may be) in a secret location within the store so that he is not captured.  The lil guy we paparazzi'd...actually was left out in error.  What a sad world we live in - and PS baby j stealers....karma.  Im just sayin.

The trees were ... ok this year - but not as wonderful as most years, but we definatly were in the Christmas spirit of things when we left