Thanks to some incredible friends, this very busy mom of 2, had breakfast handed to her this morning. Our friends gave gifts of homemade cakes, goodies, jellies and honey. Even the former owner of our new home stopped by ad blessed us with the most scrumptious home made short bread,  linzer  torte (a 'vintage' cake. for more on that; keep scrolling). She included very delicious treats, like lovely orange tea and honey from her friends personal bee hive farm.
Our entire breakfast take was made up of local harvested or crafted goodies or ones straight from Europe. I had a real 'homestead' New England morning. Even our eggnog was locally made and organic. 

Though I do not have Elizabeth's recipe. I thought I would share one I found online, in case you were curious about its ingredients. 
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TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + chilling Bake: 40 min. 
MAKES: 16 servings
Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups ground hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Dash ground cloves
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1-1/3 cups seedless raspberry jam
• Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and lemon peel; stir until mixture forms a ball. Divide into fourths. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until chilled. 
2. Remove two portions of dough from refrigerator; press each into an ungreased 9-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom. Spread 2/3 cup jam over each.
3. Between two sheets of lightly floured waxed paper, roll one portion of remaining dough into a 10-in. x 6-in. rectangle. Cut six 1-in.-wide strips; arrange in a lattice design over jam. Repeat with remaining dough (return dough to the refrigerator if needed). 
4. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and crust is browned. Cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.Yield: 2 tortes (8 servings each). 

Nutritional Facts1 serving (1 each) equals 343 calories, 18 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 57 mg cholesterol, 145 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein. 

from original author. 

My dear sweet darling always loves celebrating the holidays, there is not one part he dreads, Except for the moments when I insist he dress in formal wear. Considering he is most commonly found in and most comfortable in, a good solid pair of Ralph Lauren jeans and a heavy cotton T-shirt (usually Black Dog- go New Englander's), this is the guy who avoids a suit. Raised on the ocean front, a true born Cape Codder, who is most comfortable being comfortable. This year he has allowed (with a bit of coy and charming...and loads of begging and pleading) me to pick out his outfit. How nice! Know what's nicer - with even MORE begging and pleading, he will wear whatever you, our stylish fans, Vote for Him To Wear.

So comment below --- Wonderland Tie or Clip-On Bow Tie?

​MORE FUN!
To be fair to him the 1950's thin cotton collared shirt, both ties and vest are being listed for sale. If the voted outfit is bought, he gets to wear a T-shirt to the Christmas Holiday Play. He has been banned from buying any of these things himself, because he is also very clever indeed. So, that means, if you want to buy any of these items for your special man, just click the box with the items name in it. . ​​  

The influence of my children has made my pure white Christmases blend with reds and blues and whimsical toy ornaments. Fire trucks and police cars might not be the instinctual elegance I seek, but boy do I love seeing the expression of myself and my life in my decor. I love the nature, the story, the fairy tale and childish humor. 

I mixed red rose garland along side other garden influences like silk  magnolias, roses, and peony garlands. My christmas tree is a lot glass bulbs with pops pf boho chic hand made characters and animals. I love the woodland feel and all the bird ornaments. I always decorate in nature inspired decor, so the holidays are no different. They look excellent along side grandmas vintage inspired pieces and even 70's Santa ornaments. 

The hand blown glass Pug and vintage dolls add character to the beauty of 1940's, Japan Made, West Germany and a whole mixture of glass, mercury, and hand painted bulbs. Good News? We only broke 3 so far this year. Here si to Merry, Here is to Happy, Here is to Celebrating in the style that speaks to your personality. ​

Keep the library in its white and sea-shell influenced tone; we added a lot of authentic and live plants. The garland was assembled beautifully and costa a fraction of the remade plastic ones. Plus, the smell of all the wood book cases and natural pine, makes the room so cozy. We look forward to playing games and getting a cozy fire going. 

So I get asked often, the common question, 'Where do you get it?" Here are some of my top places to seek creative and fun Holiday Loves!

a- ​Antique Shops! All year these owners collect little trinkets to display for their shop and sell to you. Some rare and lovely pieces can be gathered up, all while you support your local community. 

b- Mixing old and new. Purchasing from Home Goods is a great way to mix it up and add some charm. The saving are wonderful and there is something for everyone's style. If you don't have one near you, you can also try big company stores for a few common pieces too tag along your more unique finds. 

c- Family - Grab those heirlooms you remember seeing when you grew up 

d- Stop in at High end Estate Sales in the summer - you just might score crystal Waterford for a steal. 
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e- Local Nurseries. Garland, tress, and accessories bring so much elegance when they are real -- spoiler alert: often they costs less than plastic and usually they price is reduced when purchasing a few items or as a retuning customer!