Just a little more Christmas!

Our computer went out of action a couple of days before Christmas so I never got to show you the country dollhouse decorated for the season. As I had actually made an effort to decorate it this year I thought I'd give you a quick look now.
I bought myself this beautiful new decoration and made a mini version of it for the dollhouse.

I don't have a mini turkey so the kids are having Debbie's burgers and chips for Christmas dinner (I'm sure they'll be happier with that anyway!) and the adults are having Susanna's beautiful meals.

I was lucky enough to receive this wonderful little advent calendar from Maia who I sent my Christmas swap gift to.

My sister made this baby in a manger from fimo over 20 years ago when she was about 12!

Here's the 1:1 tree. I promise to be more organised next year (yeah, right!) and show you more of the decorations, most of them are very special!

And here was one VERY excited Liberty on Christmas Eve hanging her stocking by the chimney with care! As you can see from the clock it was very late. We went to her grandparents house to see their Christmas lights but as it is summer here it doesn't get dark until after 9pm.

Mercedes

Party and Presents!

Thank you to ALL of you for your birthday wishes! This has to be one of the best birthday's I have ever had!

This stunning roombox is the gift I received from Sylvia and Sabiha. I keep thinking I'm dreaming every time I look at it!

Every tiny detail is just perfect! But what makes it so very special is that is was made by two of the best friends I could ever have.

I also received a surprise birthday present from Caterina, my Christmas Swap partner!

Caterina made this absolutely gorgeous paper towel holder (complete with tear off strip!) and hand stitched the most exquisite pot mitt and pot holder.

Caterina also made a matching tea towel and that beautiful apron and those perfect tiny gingham coathangers (I love gingham!).

Just a little while ago Liberty came running in from the mailbox waving an envelope and excitedly saying, "I think you got some dollhouse mail mum!" When I said it was from Singapore she said, "Oh! Susan". (Liberty remembers where everyone lives!) Sans sent me 100 roses!! How wonderful!

And especially for MiniKat here are a few pics from the birthday barbecue in the sun! Every birthday I have hubby says he'll invite everyone around for a barbecue and then I end up spending the day in the kitchen preparing for it...so this year I suggested a lunchtime barbecue, that way I only had to work hard for a morning.

Here's an unusual sight, hubby in the kitchen, lol! Nah, just kidding, he's VERY good at cleaning up!

Grandad and the girls.

And how beautiful is that smile! The kids got the water bombs out and Liberty loves any excuse to get into her swimming togs!

Yes, it was a great day and I almost didn't mind being another year older!

Thank you ALL!

Mercedes

December 28 - Birthday Girl!

That's me at 6 months! Today is my birthday and I am...older.

Liberty was at my bedside waiting for me to open my presents at 6am this morning. I'll take some pics of my gifts later but let's just say I already feel like the luckiest girl alive and it's not even 8am!

This pic was taken at 17 months. I still have that dress! Liberty wore it a couple of times when she was a baby.

And here's my family on Christmas Day. The weather here in New Zealand has been glorious and it looks like another great day for my birthday barbecue this afternoon!

And Happy Birthday to Eva who shares the same birthday as me on the other side of the world!

I hope you're all having a wonderful time too!

Mercedes

Last days of the Advent Calendar & Christmas Swap

Here are the last few days of gifts I received from my Advent calendar swap with Susanna.
Snowballs!

Yay! Now I can make some baskets!

A cute little dog and a jar of doggy treats!

A beautifully woven basket.

The cutest cabinet, a gorgeous candle wreath and Christmas books.

Thank you Susanna for making this the most fun December ever! It was very odd not waking up to open something on boxing day, Liberty misses it too!

And this beautiful angel is the gift I received from Caterina as part of the Christmas swap arranged by Rosanna.

Thank you Caterina!

Mercedes

A Shabby Little Christmas

There's not much time to spare for 'playing' these days but I've managed to add a little bit of Christmas to the shabby house.

Hope all your preparations are going well. I'm off to the shops shortly...don't want to have to go out on Christmas Eve.

Mercedes

More advent calendar swap

Not long to go now! Things are crazy busy here this week! Here's a few more of the minis Susanna sent me in our Advent Calendar swap.

Bread, cheese and grapes.

Notice board.

Beautiful plant.

Dinner! How good does that look?! Susanna's mini food is quite spectactular!

Christmas decorations!! Yippeeee!! The lounge of the big dollhouse may just get decorated in time for Christmas after all!

Mercedes