These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things....

I know, it's not quite the same as when Oprah names her favorite things. But here are a few things that I have found lately that make me happy....

 These come out only at the holidays at Trader Joe's (my favorite, favorite grocery store... ever....) They are like Oreos but with a peppermint filling. I know Oreo does a mint version, but I prefer these. It's probably good they only come out once a year- generally once we open the box, our family devours the whole thing in one sitting. (Do you like the snowman table runner in the foreground? I made it about 8 or 9 years ago, and it still makes an appearance on our family room table every year. Another one of my favorite things.)

This is also from Trader Joe's. It's called a Spice Nog Cake and it smells heavenly. The label says "A spicy, moist cake with an egg-noggin', groggin' kick, topped with candied ginger." Need I say more?

Normally I wouldn't buy cookies AND cake in one trip to the store, but you know what they say about shopping on an empty stomach? It's true- don't do it! I was starved the day I went. We are currently in the process of completing the paperwork for our second mortgage, to pay off the grocery bill for that one little shopping trip.

And who doesn't love a cup of hot tea when the temperatures drop.... I got the Lemon Ginger tea in England this past summer. I found the Pumpkin Spice tea at Target. It has become my daughter's favorite.

I just realized that all of these things are food. So now you know a little more about me....

I have a special place in my heart for sheep.... real and otherwise...

 (Look at him smiling!)

(Sadly, I had the same perm in high school in the 80's.)

  I collect Santa's, this is just part of my collection:

 I know some people don't like Santa, because they think he symbolizes materialism. But for me, I think of the original St. Nicholas, the embodiment of generosity and giving.

 I also like the way embroidery looks when it's done with hand-dyed threads.

This is from a quilt I am working on for my upcoming book.


I like doing machine applique because it is fast and I am an impatient person.

I really like drawing and painting with watercolors.

Last, but certainly not least, these guys are my favorite Favorites: