'Tis the Season!

I'm joining Tam for her Three or More Tuesdays! It's a great place to see amazing collections. Be sure to stop by for a visit!

I'm so happy to be joining in today to share a few of my favorite collections. We'll begin with my nativity sets.

This set was given to me by my sister...it fits perfectly with my antique lamp.

This set was a gift from my parents on a trip to Italy.

And this set was also a gift from my parents from their trip to Bethlehem.

Another collection I have is tiny little wooden musical angels.

{I know, too many adjectives.}

Aren't these just precious! They are only about two inches tall. My cousin, who lives in Germany, sends one for Christmas each year. I just LOVE them!

A third collection I wanted to share are my nutcrackers.

Here is just a sample.

My husband gave me a nutcraker for our first Christmas {the one on the left} and the collection began.

I just love these too!

And finally, I thought you'd enjoy these little guys...tumbling Santas!

Too cute!

Thanks for visiting...

I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I'm joining in all the festivities with Susan's Tablescape Thursdays! It's one of my favorite parties to join. Be sure to stop by for amazing tables and loads of inspiration!

Santa came by for a visit...

and he brought a few of his friends.

The table is set...

Cookies for Santa are a must!

{Sugar cookies are one of my favorites!}

Packages are ready to open.

Merry Christmas!

Chargers: Marshalls

Dinner Plates: Lenox

Flatware: Oneida ~ Michelangelo

Stemware: Dollare Store

Vase: Ross

Cookie Platter, Santa: gifts

Birds: Hobby Lobby

Candleholders: Goodwill

A few guys...

I'm joining Litte Red House for Mosaic Monday. It's so neat to see what everyone is taking pictures of, especially at Christmas time.

I have been collecting Nutcrackers for about 25 years. My husband gave me my first one all those years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Below is a mosaic of my collection. The tallest ones are 24 inches high, the smallest {which are ornaments} are only 2 inches high.

The smallest ones don't have the friendliest faces {I guess they're tired of their work} but the larger ones are quite handsome!

...different views...
and perhaps friendlier faces ...

I'm also linking with Tam's The Gypsy Corner for her Three or More Tuesday. It's also a great place to visit to see everyone's collections!

Thanks for visiting...

Enjoy your day!

Things that inspire...

I've read several posts on things that inspire. That made me think of things that inspire me. I think this would also include, "Things that catch my eye" and "Things that make me happy".

I've been traveling that past few days and with my camera always with me, I took a few shots.

I have always loved clocks. This little park had one predominently displayed.

White painted churches always looks so crisp and clean...just friendly.

Doesn't this gazebo just say, "strike up the band?"

Love these quiet little spots...just a place to "be".

I know these aren't the prettiest birds but I enjoyed watching them wash off the day's dust in their little makeshift pool.

I love visiting neat restaurants...

...with simple lighting.

{I love diamond and square shapes.}

... all flowers...

...and pretty little votive candle holders.

I tend to gravitate towards things that are balanced, predictable...

... with patterns...

...great textures...and buttons too!

Something about neon signs...they are blasts from the past...

and of course, American flags day or night.

Who can resist Christmas lights...any time of year...

...crystal pieces with all their glory...

...and vintage items made with loving hands.

I just love these things.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are having a wonderful day, one filled with friends and family.

As you are relaxing I also hope you have a minute to stop by Susan's Between Naps of the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

Thanksgiving is such a special time of the year... family and friends are near, the weather is crisp and cool... it's a wonderful day to slow things down  and reflect on blessings.

Blessings to you!

Candle centerpieces and chargers - Hobby Lobby

Dishes - Westerly Basket - Bed Bath Beyond

Small brown vase, creamer, vintage doornobs - maternal grandmother

Stemware - Lenox

Flatware, linen napkins - eBay

Incense "smoker" - Germany

Nature...

It's November 21. Here in Houston, it's a typical fall day. The weather is crisp and cool...only about 68 degrees. The sun is out, warming the earth. It's a lovely day.

To practice with my new camera...I thought I'd look to nature.

This plant is called Hen and Chick...I think the larger is the Hen... the smaller shoot is the chick.

The veins in the leaves are just amazing.

 New growth...

Look at the little circles around the perimeter of the leaves of this fern.

The center of this flower looks like it could just burst!

The detail is just beautiful!

 Don't these look like blueberries! They are actually from Indian Hawthornes.

Nature...awesome.

I'm linking with Outdoor Wednesday. Be sure to stop by for gorgeous shots!