To make a day.

To make a day takes a morning and an evening.

During the holidays it takes much more than that.

There's card writing, gift wrapping, tree trimming, cookie baking, party giving and much, much more.

Perhaps these are the ingredients for your day too.

This is about the time when I begin to droop as my list of holiday "should do's" becomes longer, not shorter

You bet it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas because we are busy doing it! Yes, we are, performing miracles, and making dreams come true, all in a day!

Wouldn't the real miracle of Christmas be if we slowed down so that our holiday traditions & celebrations became authentic, meaningful, and memorable for all the right reasons?

Mother Nature has a way of taking care of that!

Look at your list. Choose to let only what you love best about the holidays remain. Cross out a couple of "should do's" and realize that you can't do everything.  Not all at once. Not in a day.

Now there's time for play and making snowballs with the first snow.

Now there's time for more comfort & joy!

I do hope your lists get shorter and you have time to enjoy these days among all the rush & pitter-patter!
A few of you have inquired about what cookbook I was looking through that morning. It's
  Delicious Flavors by Victoria Amory and it's a go-to cookbook for recipes that please both guests and family every time.

If you love snow days as much as I do and would like my Orange Glazed Cinnamon Rolls recipe, head over to Nest where author Tamara Stephenson (who loves snow days too) shared my recipe!
Also, join me and other hosts & hostesses at Tablescape Thursday @
 Between Naps On The Porch!
All photos: Lisa Porter

Splendid Straw

There is nothing that says summer like straw. Especially when it comes to hats!

I love straw hats & I live in them all summer long. It's so easy to grab a hat & scarf as I head out the door.

We always have an assortment on hand to choose from.  I just like how they look all lined up together like these. That must be the favorite on the bench.

How "beachy".  She likes her straw hats so much, they have their own sunny spot.

Many have long lives and wonderful stories to tell.

This hat must belong to an artist or writer. Someone who enjoys long leisurely walks on the beach or through the garden.

How romantic. This beauty seems to be flirting with the breeze.

In case you haven't noticed I am a hat kind of girl.  Straw for beach and garden, a cap for tennis & little league. And I love big sturdy hooks!  I have these all over my house. Found one at Restoration Hardware, and the rest at Home Goods!  Have you been to Home Goods lately?

This wonderful assortment appears to belong to the adventurous couple. 

Simple & fresh. Perfect for the farmer's market.

Crisp & casual, probably a designers place at the beach. She certainly likes her slipcovers, sisal & straw. Reminds me of someone...in Texas.

When Victoria Amory entertains at home by the pool, she provides her guests in the sun with beautiful hats that compliment her table setting.  I love that Victoria!

To me, there is nothing better than sitting on the beach, toes buried in the sand, hat pulled down low, a good book in hand.

For more splendid straw, join my good friend cotyfarquhar by the sea....

A little cleaning tip for light or white straw hats. 1 glass of water and juice of 1 lemon.

Combine water & lemon in a spray bottle.  Spray or lightly brush your hat, inside & out.

Leave to take effect for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.

Leave to dry in the open air.

highlight photos for sources