Snow Sightings in the South!

After all of the hoopla from the weatherman, my area of NC only saw the liquid version of precipitation.  (And I say this with the utmost empathy and respect for my friends, in northern parts, who experienced blizzard conditions.)  I just can’t help it - there is something about a little dusting of the crystalline white stuff which sends my heart aflutter at the holidays.

You can imagine, then, when I trekked a little further up I-77, to one of my favorite shopping spots and witnessed this vision as I walked to the front porch . . . . well, be still my heart . . . a snow sighting!!!

A photo taken outside of Farmhouse Gardeners, located in Statesville, NC.  They are really worth the visit - not only for garden items, but they have a lovely shop full of interior accents, antiques & gifts.  Fabulous customer care & my purchases were wrapped for me!

A friendly snowman even greeted my husband and me with open arms!

This was one of those last minute side trips.  I had to deliver some pillows and florals to a client, at Lake Norman, while we were also heading to visit with my husband’s family, in the same area.  As we got a little closer, I mentioned making the “loop” to this favorite shop.  Off we went, with our dachshunds in tow, presents packed up, and in a red Ford Explorer.  The furry bell collars, which our boys were tolerating so nicely, jingled in unison whenever we hit a bump in the road.  While I shopped for a few extra gifts, (and in peaceful surroundings, minus the mall madness), I enjoyed being in the present . . . a true gift to my husband and myself.

As we get closer to the New Year, I’m sure my topics will veer back to the world of interior design.  For now, I’m giving myself the gift of enjoying these moments and I hope, in some way, they will be a gift to you.

Merry Christmas to everyone and thank you for sharing your visits with me!  Wanda 

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Surcies – Part Two

In a previous post, I shared with you my love for Surcies, and so many of you enjoyed learning about this whimsical phrase for “an unexpected surprise”.  In fact, a few of you shared fun factoids about the origin of the word.  There is a thought it came from the French -  “un souci” – to worry or to care.  In other words, like the old Hallmark commercial, “You care enough to send the very best”.  Toss in a little southern accent, from the South Carolina low country, and you’ve got a phrase to share, along with a charmin’ anecdote!

As promised, I’m going to share a few more Surcies before the challenge of time has me off and running in further preparation for family Christmas visits.  I’ve got a few more of my own gifts to gather and wrap!

Even if the weather outside is frightful, these rain boots from Dylan’s Candy Bar, NYC, would make you want to tromp through rain, sleet and snow!

Are you thinking, “How on earth could ice cream be a Surcie wish list item?”  Take a closer look, it’s really a sugar scrub with extra goodies to soften tired winter skin.  Also from Dylan’s Candy Bar, NYC.

For the sophisticate in your life - From Etsy – JaLasChic – Pearly Petal Earrings.  (You won’t believe the price!)  Last day to order is the December 18th for Christmas delivery!

For the members of your coffee club – this ornament from Sur La Table would be the perfect exchange for a cup of espresso.

Even if the recipient of these measuring spoons isn’t a a huge fan of baking, they’ll be tempted to pull these out and channel their inner kitchen goddess.  Anthropologie

My favorite present of all?  True quality time with family and friends . . . all wrapped up in a big hug!

Sending special Surcie wishes your way! - Wanda

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Surcies – Part One

The first time I heard this term used, I was in the city of Charleston, South Carolina.  It’s hard to say the exact origin of the word, but loosely translated, it means:  “An unexpected gift or nice little treat.” 

Today, upon finishing up a client’s project with my friend and floral designer, Bryan, he said, “Before you go, I have a little surcie for you.”, and he produced a sweet bundle of large cinnamon sticks for me to place in my kitchen for the holidays.  Earlier in the week, I received a surprise package from my special Twitter friend, Leslie.  It is was a lovely book, filled with sumptuous photos of Christmas decorating!  In both cases, I had absolutely no idea or expectation of receiving either of these delightful treats.

  

(Even my surcie, from Leslie, was full of ideas for more surcies!)

As in all gifts, (surcies especially included), it truly is about the thought counting.  While these treasures were very pleasing to have and to hold, the idea of being remembered and the sweet caring, which was included, warmed my heart, added a smile and that’s what a surcie is all about!

Here are some Christmas Surcie ideas for you to share:

This little beeswax spiral candle, from Plow and Hearth, burns for up to 80 hours.  (That’s longer than my new cell phone holds its charge!)

A cup of Christmas cheer can arrive from the folks at Tea Forte.

I am a huge fan of Ree Drummond – aka – The Pioneer Woman. Her blogs are full of home-spun humor, even though she is a city girl who married a rancher.  Aside from being a “super-blogger”, she has some great recipes and I have to say, this would be a “superior surcie” to receive.  (Not hinting too much, am I?) 

All you have to do is close your eyes and this Thymes candle will transport you.  Can you hear the rustling of the tree branches as the scent of fir wafts by?

To be continued . . . .

Cheer-filled wishes for life’s little surprises!  Wanda

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . .

I had really promised myself I would slow down and let each holiday be given its own due.  Halloween? That was pretty easy.  The pumpkins, gourds, and harvest accents were properly placed and enjoyed, as the month of September rolled into October.  November?  Well, that’s a different story.  Christmas Carols are already playing on several radio stations - and non-stop, I might add.  It goes without saying the stores have been decked out. In Charlotte, we are also in the midst of the Southern Christmas Show. 

I looked at the calendar and calculated the days before my Wyoming in-laws will be in town, for Thanksgiving week, and then the number of weeks, in between, when my folks will be arriving for Christmas.  Okay, I give up!  I guess it’s just time to crank up the music and warm up the wassail.  It IS beginning to look at lot like Christmas and I’ll share with you some sights to help you get in the spirit, too!  

Give your guests a sneak preview as to what to expect, inside.  This is the entry to a client’s home and we honored her mountain-inspired retreat with cones and long-leaf pine – a tree indigenous to North Carolina. 

I love white ironstone for its versatility.  (And, I can’t help it, I still love clocks!  See my previous post on the subject.)

I’m a fan of Carolyne Roehm and her Christmas Canine wreath is so “bow-wow-tiful”!  (A good sense of humor goes a long way towards maintaining the holiday spirit, don’t you think?)

This Colonial Candle display certainly gets the message across regarding what they are all about.  What happy color combinations and you’ll always be prepared for a power outage! 

There’s something about a farmhouse table, laden with goodies, graced with topiaries and crowned with a chandelier.  Red is definitely one of my favorite colors . . . Like a moth to a flame, is a pretty accurate description, for me!

The decorations, on this mantel, are a lovely extension of the wintery scene.  Couldn’t you just get lost for hours, here?

A contrast of textures, to the previous mantel photo.  The asymmetrical groupings of potted conifers and obelisks compliment the rustic fireplace.  A comfy, casual spot!

A gathering of pinecones, accented by either a pile of apples and magnolia leaves, or placed around a planted amaryllis, are a quick and easy way to add an earthy touch to your seasonal greens and flowers.

What?  Never heard of the Christmas Bunny?  If your storage space is limited or you can’t bear to put your favorite everyday decorations away – go ahead, break the rules.  I “triple dog dare you”! 

I always say, the holidays are like the Bermuda Triangle of sweets.  Who could resist saying no to this? 

Speaking of treats, I do enjoy spreading the seasonal joy to the kitchen.  This is not a case for “less is more”.

For those of you who prefer an option to the traditional reds and greens, Carolyne Roehme offers up her version of a blue and white Christmas.  So wintery and magical! 

How about a “green” Christmas?  I can see this room being an homage to an eco-friendly holiday.  Recycled floors and stone from an old farmstead.  The antique coffee table, had a previous life as a kitchen table.  Organic linen slipcovers placed on the sofa and chairs made of soy foam and renewable frame materials.  Even the tree is sustainable as it is a live version, to be planted later!

 Finishing touches can be created from a bit of this and a bit of that!

 

While this post may be longer than the Twelve Days of Christmas, I hope you’ll enjoy my gift to you and will take away something to inspire you for a season, merry and bright!

“It is not our things which make us happy, but rather the people with whom we share them.”  Wanda Horton

(Thanks to:  House Beautiful, Home and Garden, Traditional Homes, Colonial Candles, Veranda and Interior Concepts by Wanda for the photo sources.)

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Happy Halloween Wishes!