Friday, December 4, 2009

Merry and Bright...and a giveaway win!




Just in case I haven't said this enough already...I LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!


Out by the pasture fence
I love the celebration of our Saviors birth. I love the nativity displays, both live and in statue. I love the good will t'ward men.
I love the spirit of it all. I love the lights. I love the music. I love the movies. (heck ,I even love
the commercials)

I love the smiles. I love the hugs. I love the candy and the cookies. I love the parties. I love the decorating. I love the store fronts. I love the cards from friends and family. I love the mall Santa, the S.A .bell ringing Santa, the stuffed Santa and the real Santa.

A little table top in my living room
I love the holly. I love the pine boughs. I love to hear the bells ringing and the carolers singing. I love the sledding and the skating (when I was younger, of course) I love the Christmas pageants. I love the baking...and I LOVE the eating.

And lest you think I only decorate in white...here are some of my favorite mercury glass ornaments above a window in the family room. I like how they look with the lights reflecting off them.
These just say 'merry and bright' to me. I can't wait to get these out each year and add the sparkle around the room.

And you remember the cones?! Here they are dressed with greens. Some asked me if I made these...I wish...but no, I got them at a wonderful florist shop in Boise one year. If you want to find unique and beautiful Christmas decor, don't overlook garden centers and florist shops. I find my favorite things there. They also have the most beautiful displays found anywhere. I just went to Sun Valley Garden Center yesterday in Bellevue (used to be in Sun Valley) a town just a few miles from here and I just couldn't get enough of the beautiful trees and displays.

At the garden center I worked at for several years, we put up about ten trees just covered in ornaments for the customers to shop from. We also had many beautiful displays all over the store. Working there almost spoiled Christmas decorating at home for me however, because after tree trimming and doing displays since the first week of November, I no longer had the desire to do it at home too.

Now, for my giveaway win.

Look at these wonderful treasures I won from Melissa at Piney Rose!!! My camera did not want to take a photo of this little birdie that would do it justice. It just sparkles. It is covered with glitter and fits right in with all my white decor. It came with a pretty vintage doily and a little snowman cheese spreader, and a beautiful tag.

Just look at this amazing tag!!! Isn't it gorgeous! I love it all Melissa, and thank you for such a wonderful giveaway! I am lovin' all my Christmas treasures from your beautiful blog and home.

Oh, and just in case you all didn't hear me the first two hundred times...I LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!

70 comments:

Natasha in Oz said...

I am with you! This is truly the "most wonderful time of the year!"

Beautiful post!

Best wishes, Natasha.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear June,

First let me say I love Christmas too and I love all the beautiful things you have shared around your gorgeous home. It is a wonderful time of the year!
Congratulations on winning Melissa's giveaway ~ how exciting to have an early Christmas present.

Have a happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Julie Marie said...

Hello June, I so agree with every one of your reasons for loving Christmas! The photo of your pasture is beautiful! And your decorations are absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations on your giveaway win, the little sparkle bird is adorable! I too love to shop at our local garden center at Christmas time... I always come home with pretty bulbs in pretty pots to plant, and a live poinsettia... Happy decorating! Bisous... Julie Marie

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi June, everything DOES look so merry and bright. Love your red and green going on on the mantle. And oh how wonderful your bent twig settee is with the wreath. I'd love to see more outdoor shots of your horses and animals and pastures!
hugs and love,
Debra

Vicki said...

Hi, June,
I, too, love the wonderful Christmas season and it is really the simpler pleasures that you have talked about that makes this such a special time of the year. I love how you have splashed your Christmas bright colors in amongst your whites. Everything looks so pretty. I am going to be on the lookout for some cones like yours. I think they would be fun to have out all year and then just change them for each season by having them hold different things. Thank you for the kind comments you always leave for me. I highly value your opinion. Have a beautiful weekend. Can you believe we are actually having COLD weather here in Central Texas. I had to get my flannels out!! Vicki

Anonymous said...

I love the smiles you see on people's faces, the nip of the cold on my nose, the blinking lights on my tree...

not so much... sadie-mae & bugzy tag teaming for the presents... before christmas!
Hugs
Tammy :)

joanne said...

are you sayin' you LOVE everything about the season??? just checking! Love it here too..;p

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

You're not that keen on Christmas then, June !!!! Hehe. It is a wonderful time, isn't it ? I will start decorating my home in a couple of days (when we have got the tree !! Let's hope there are no mishaps this year !!) Yours look beautiful and, what a brilliant giveaway you have won. Enjoy your Christmas preparations, and have a great weekend. XXXX

Six divided by two..... said...

I guess that is why they call it, " the most wonderful time of the year.." I love it too. Your decorations are beautiful!!

Rebecca Nelson said...

Oh JunieGirl...Your posts always make me smile BIG! Love every single one of your pretties...and I love all that you love, too!

xoRebecca

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Oh June, you are so dear!! Your enthusiasm is contagious!! I love your cones and your decorations are marvelous!! The wicker loveseat is so neat!!Bless you friend, Sharon
I love Christmas...I love Christmas!!!

Carolyn said...

Hi June,
I love your enthusiasm! your colored mercury glass is so pretty and I love those white cones too.
Enjoy your weekend,
Carolyn

Sandi said...

Just beautiful June! I need to get to some florists now. I do love to go to their open houses at Christmas time , but haven't been to any this year.
Blessings~

Sandi said...

PS I forgot to tell you congratulations on your win!! YAY FOR YOU!!

susan said...

June-Your decorations are gorgeous--I am partial to white myself, but love those ornaments in the window

Connie said...

How beautiful it looks on your side of Idaho, sweetpea! Nothing here yet. Waiting for the white stuff! LOL
xoxo,
Connie

Sandra said...

Hello! I became a follower to your blog recently and I love your decor! Christmas is my favorite holiday as well. I love everything about it. :) I hope you visit my blog.
Blessings,
Sandra

Cynthia K. said...

Hi June ~ This is just a gorgeous post! I've studied every picture for all the delightful details. Your decorations are beautiful. You really have a decorator's touch.

Yay!! I'm so glad you won the lovely giveaway. It is all so sweet and is'nt getting a package in the mail just the most fun?!!

Cynthia K.

Diane said...

Your enthusiasm is contagious, June. You have such beautiful things that I'm sure you just love getting them out every year. I know what you mean about working at a garden store. I worked for a flower shop/greenhouse for 7 years some time ago and you just don't have the energy when you get home. However, you learn so much about design and beautiful things that you can never go back to before.

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hello June, thanks for comeing to visit. I love your murcury glass and I love people who are excited for Christmas. I've got to go look at your last blogspot, white christmas. I had to withdraw from white wednesday because I wasn't getting any sewing done. I miss it.

I really wish I was there with you to go to your special places.

cindy@stitches

A Fanciful Life said...

Oh, June, more beautiful photos! It's all so lovely and I always loved Christmas. Unfortunately, I don't decorate too much anymore as I feel constrained by time and I don't have too much company but I think you just inspired me!
Hugs,
Sharon :-)

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear June, I love the christmas season, too. It´s the most wonderful time in the year!
Congratulation for your win!
Have a nice second advent!
Hugs, Yvonne

koralee said...

I love your Christmas home my friend. So so pretty! Your giveaway win is lovely as well...your giveaway from me should be in your mailbox soon...I posted it a few weeks ago. xoxoxoo

jade said...

My dear June,
everything looks so wonderful in your christmas-house and i can see, that you love this time soooo much!!! Have a very fine weekend and please send my lovely greetings also to your loughing angel - i think he loves christmas too!!!!!

Hugs Jade

Laura said...

Hi Miss June-

Your home looks lovely and I AGREE!

I love everything about Christmas.

have a great weekend,

Laura

My name is Riet said...

What a wonderful Christmashome you have June and like you I love love love the Christmas season.

Muggensteekjes said...

Hello June,
love it all,and you will have a white christmas seeing the first photo. Next week we start to decorate to and buy a lovely christmas tree.Tonight is our 'sinterklaas'evening with lots of presents and lovely food.The children in the Netherlands are very! excited today.
Love your decorations and what a beautiful give-away presents.
Hugs, Ingrid.

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

CONGRATULATIONS JUNE! YOU'VE WON SOME BEAUTIFUL THINGS.
AGAIN, YOU'RE PHOTOS ARE STUNNING.
HUGS AND WISHES FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL HOLIDAY EVER, JUDY

Lori said...

June, you are so sweet:) your posts always make me smile...too funny what you said "lest you think i only decorate in white"...because that was the first thing i thought of when i saw all the color...it was a pleasant surprise...your decor for the season is gorgeous!!!

Deb said...

Such a gorgeous view you have! Everything looks beautiful June & I feel the same way about the Holiday Season ~ I love it all too ♥

KeKe said...

June, that first picture is just breath-taking. I would love to have a view like that from my yard..no houses or building in the way...ahhh...heavenly!!

Jane said...

I love everything about Christmas too and I LOVED your post. Lots of beautiful pictures and lots to remember about why we all love this time of year!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Jane

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi June,
I just love your home, it looks so pretty and the wreath on that bench outside~love it!!Congrats on your win, I almost bought one of those birds yesterday, now I really wish I would have (; Everything looks beautiful, I'm going back for a second look around!
Hugs~Kelly

Pondside said...

What a treat to find your blog again, after some time. I too love Christmas - everthing about it. Today we are going to start our decorating, so your post was a happy bit of inspiration.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

And I love every single image and thought that you shared with us today! Congrats on winning the giveaway. Beautiful gifts you received. :) Blessings to you and yours, Tammy

Andrea said...

I love christmas too!All your displays are just lovely!

Barbara said...

And I love reading your blog!

BELLE BLANC said...

My dearest Jane, indeed Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. We are celebrating our Savior's birth and this is of course the main thing. But I would be a liar not to confess that I love the decorations, the Christmas cookies, the candles the lights, the music and all the other gorgeous things. And you have snow, wonderful white snow... I envy you for that. Wish you a perfect second Advent (if you know what that is - I think it is no tradition in the USA) Hugs & Kisses, Mira!

maryboys said...

i love so many of the things you mentioned...especially anything that looks or feels or just is "cozy"...warm winter wishes to you:)

mary

a Bohemian Market said...

Greetings June:
I love that you are soooooooooooooo
loving!!! That is you find Joy and love in all things says so much for your and your life!!!
I too love everything associated with Christmas!!! I think the smell of pine needles, cinnamon (reminds me of my Mom letting us awaken to freshly baked cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning), the wrapping paper strewn everywhere, the tinsel falling off the tree, and the plain old fashion good will one finds in their hearts is what cheers me on : )
Your posts are always soooooooooo
refreshing!!!
Peace & love to you
carole

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

So glad you like them, June! I love the little bird too - fits right in with white decor. I love your Christmas preparations, especially the red and green mantel decoration. Hugs to you!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

I just adore your joyous post June and share your enthusiasm for the Christmas season - its such a special time and made all the better for sharing with loved ones. Congratulation on winning Piney Rose's giveaway - the little bird is gorgeous.

Jeanne x

Anne Lorys said...

Hi Sweet June!
What a beautiful little bird, and you're right, the tag is simply gorgeous. Your love of the season and of life just shines through!
You are a joy to read!
Anne

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Good Morning June!!!
Your Christmas decorations look sooo lovely. I'm sure it's so warm and cozy in your little farmhouse!!! What's NOT to love??? {I'm totally feeling your love for the Christmas season just in case you think that we didn't "get" it! haha}
I love those white cones BUT I really love that red velvet cone in the background of the fifth photo. Victorian Trading Co.??? ;)
Oh we have SO much in common girl!
Love your mercury glass too!!!!
Sit back and enjoy the season and all what it has to offer you. This the is biggest birthday celebration of the year!!!!!
:)
everything vintage

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Just beautiful !! Ohhhh I love love your pictures ~ they are gorgeous and totally get me in the Christmas spirit ~
Hugs to you,
Lori

maría cecilia said...

Dear June, I love everything you feel about christmas (even the commercials), I love everything you do for christmas, I love your decor, love your giveaways, love your pictures, love your outside views snowy but cheered up with the lovely wreath in the big pasture, and I love to learn from you that christmas can be lived with LOVE.
Also I love you!!!!!!!!
Maria Cecilia

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

I am speechless! my friend, love it all. Your Christmas spirit is going to help me a lot this coming week. Ciao Rita

blushing rose said...

G'morn, June ~ As always you take my breath away with your decor, so vibrant, warm & inviting.

I love the beauty of Christmas, all things you mentioned I share ... but most of all the celebration of Christ's birth.

TY for sharing a part of yourself, once again. Hugs, Marydon

Ginger said...

I just love all your Christmas decor and the white is to die for. Really enjoyed looking at your blog. Please visit me too.

Ginger

Janean said...

your photos are so beautiful and you've done a wonderful job decorating. thank you for sharing your excitement and talent! hope your weekend was filled with joy.

Unknown said...

What gorgeous decor! I love all of the vintage bits and the mantle looks fantastic. The table with the white and red is lovely.
Christmas has a very special place in my heart, as well. Santa used to tell my children to remember to sing Happy Birthday around the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. So sweet.
Love your blog and your horses!
Have a lovely week.
Tammy

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

I'm with you! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this wonderful Christmas Season!!! And your decorating is wonderful too.
~Debra
Blog: The Capers of the Vintage Vixens

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your sweet comment about my home! Wanted to tell you my Mom(June) will be here this week and I can't wait to see her,she lives in NC, I've been busy around here trying to get everything Christmasy before she gets here! Your house looks so pretty (;
Hugs~Kelly

Seawashed said...

That gate is so dreamy. The sparkly red holly and baubles in sheer netting is heavenly. You really know how to decorate! And your joy of the season is contageous.

Maison Beldecor said...

Oh June, I so agree with you in reasons for loving Christmas! This is such the one of the most beautiful times of year... not only to recive gifts but I think the spirit of it all is the most wonderful thing. You are a really lucky one, Christmas with snow have to be sooo wonderful. Many hugs and a lovely week...
Bine

Peonies & Magnolias said...

Congrats on your win. Everything looks so beautiful. I love your your chair by the pasture fence and wreath. Perfect.

Sandy

Unknown said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Everything is stunning June!! I could just look at these pictures all day... I love the pops of color! And those cones are stunning, I love the way you did them!! Congratulations on the gorgeous giveaway win, it is perfect for you!!
Hugs,
Amy

cathleen said...

June, I love this post...it's just beautiful! Your enthusiasm is quite contagious! We need lovely people like you in this world to spread the joy!!!! Thank you!!!!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Your cute...so much excitement,its nice to hear,and I agree with you all the way!! I love all your photos,but those cones are stunning I must say...all the best,Chrissy

Ana said...

I love Christmas too June. And I love all your beautiful pictures...amazing as always. My favorite has to be the bench that's by the pasture fence...plus there's snow. How awesome is that? Beautiful! Congratulations on your giveaway gifts. They are very sweet. Thanks for sharing.

Much love to you,
♥Ana

Andrea & Co said...

Dearest June,
your enthusiasm is infectious, I have been feeling so low about Christmas, money worries and such but your post today made me smile and think, uh huh I feel like that too!!

So from a little village in Dorset, on a rainy Monday in December I wish to say THANK YOU from my heart for my smile today!
Andrea x

My Feathered Nest said...

Your pictures are all so lovely. I especially love the mercury glass. Thanks for inspiring me!

The Victorian Parlor said...

Hmmm...I kinda get the feeling that you like the Christmas season-lol:). I too love everything about the Christmas season-the music, the movies, the decorations, everything! Your decorations are beautiful. I have not done much decorating this year due to time constraints and having had strep throat twice now in three weeks:). However, I am enjoying looking at all of the lovely decorating on everyone's blogs!

Blessings,

Kim

Rita said...

Hi dear June,
your post has put a big smile on my face... I'm so much with you in the reasons for loving Christmas, though I'd be much happier if i didn't like eating so much those yummy Christmas cakes we have over here.
great post and gorgeous decorations.
You have such a great taste for decor. I'm s bit jealous as you seem to turn all you touch into a marvel.
happy decorating
Rita

Karen Valentine said...

Hi June! Thanks for coming over and leaving another of your sweet comments. I agree with you. I LOVE Christmas, but I think my sweet husband is an even bigger fan. I hope your Christmas season is filled with all the wonderful goodies you enjoy!

Karen
My Desert Cottage

Unknown said...

And I love your blog June! And I love the festive way you describe all of the things you love about the Christmas season!! Our lists have many of the same things...

Your home is truly beautiful!!!

:) T

Rebecca said...

Hi June
I love it all too - even the crowds and the hustle and bustle. Your post said it all! Love your pictures and that darling tag at the end. Have a wonderful week
Blessings
Rebecca

GwendolynKay said...

Me too! I love all things Christmas. Lovely mercury balls. Blessings!
Gwen

LiLi M. said...

Hi June, I just had to shut down my computer for a few days, otherwise nothing would have happened here, but I am still not in the mood for Christmas, as my daughter celebrates her sweet 16 this weekend, so we have that priority and after that I can get loose too. Your post is soooo beautiful! Great inspiration! You won lovely prizes too, those gifts from friends truly contribute to the Christmas spirit don't you think? Enoy this most wonderful time of the year, but I don't think you need much encouragement! Love, LiLi

Sherry Williams said...

Everything looks so beautiful, June! I love the the tabletop with the touch of red peeking through the white! Congratulations for winning the pretty treasures, too...they are just perfect for you & your beautiful home.
love,
Sherry