i just have to share!

We had our son's pictures taken today and OMG! He got in front of that camera and owned it! He did all of the poses on his own!! My husband and I were SHOCKED! LOL! Jennifer Seward in Northbridge, MA is theeee best photographer! With vintage props in hand, we traveled to a train track/an old mill and her in-home studio. Her in-home studio had even more amazing vintage props!

annalee dolls bring back memories

My love for the Annalee doll began when I was young girl riding up to Lake Winnipesaukee. I knew I had arrived when I began to see the big billboards for all of the fun spots! One that I loved was for the Annalee doll shop and museum in Meredith, New Hampshire.

My sister and I used to call these "the Aunt June dolls" because their big wide smiles and cheeks looked just like our sweet Auntie June.
I bought my first Annalee doll the other day. My mom said I had some when I was younger, but I don't remember. Well, I can't believe that I waited  something years to do it seeing that I LOVE to shop! But, perhaps I was just waiting for that particular one to get me and it did!
With it's blonde hair swept off to the side, wide smile and little divil eyes peeking over to the side I saw my son and said, "This is the one!"
I told my sister the other day that I bought an Annalee doll and she said, "An Aunt June doll?" We both laughed ;).
Do you collect Annalee dolls? Visit www.annalee.com or go to the Annalee Outlet in Meredith, NH.

thankful and decor day

"There is nothing like a Fall winter blast of snow"

I've been thinking a lot of how thankful I am for everything...My health, loving family and friends, my tiny home on a backroad in the pines, my rewarding career and my husband's too, and of course my faith- cause ya gotta have it! As we all snuggled on the couch last night for movie night, dog included, with our home so cozy, candles lit, and afghans covering our toes it filled me up with such a feeling that this is what it's all about. Being together and enjoying the simple things. I wish all of you the same as you gather on Thanksgiving, as it's a time for quite reflection, not busting your buttons! (I think we're all guilty of that ;)

As it begins...

My sister and I are busy planning activities for all the cousins; Gingerbread house construction, baking dough ornaments, family holiday dinners and yes, christmas shopping! It's all so much fun!

New snow shoes have been purchased from L.L. Bean for my son for x-mas and the ski gear comes next. We are looking forward to winter days here, hiking through the woods with our snow shoes and hitting the slopes!

Decor Day:
Today, I will begin cleaning out a dry sink that I own. It's time to reorganize my dishes, switch plates and do some redesigning of some decor, which I LOVE to do! Getting ready for the holidays is so much fun! Here's to decorating! I'll share some pictures as I go... ;)

take the road less traveled

Today we drove up to New Hampshire for Thanksgiving Dinner #1 at my cousin's home. My hubby and I took the scenic route up, avoiding the highway on purpose.  We just enjoyed the dips and curves of the backroads in Massachusetts to New Hampshire.

We drove through covered bridges and I waved to all of the antique shoppes as we drove by to get to our destination! Seeing that we drive on the highway daily to commute we needed the break. I encourage you to take the "road less traveled."  

It's totally worth it!