paperwhites

They're on the way! Forced bulbs are one of my favourite things about January and February. I never manage to get them started in time to bloom for Christmas. So I wait until after Christmas, and buy the bulbs for half price. (Tip: never buy boxed bulbs without opening the box and checking them out first to make sure that they're not shriveled or moldy, and that they look full and healthy.) I have a fantastic amaryllis coming, too, which I'm sure you'll see more pictures of very soon. It's a great way to get through the dark winter days with a little bit of springy brightness.

superior

You may (or more likely, may not) remember our woodbox. It's a gorgeous antique trunk that I found at a yard sale for $5. $5! So when I saw this crate from a long-defunct local dairy at a local antiques shop, I knew that it would be the perfect place to house our newspapers for starting fires.

So far, 2012 is shaping up to be a good year. We're feeling motivated, intentional, focused and tidy! Adam took the boys out for the afternoon a couple of days ago so I could do some serious cleaning / purging / tidying. It was amazing - for a couple of hours, all of the pieces of all of the toys were together, the floor was clear, the beds didn't have anything hiding under them... and on the whole, things are still pretty neat. I love it.

It was back to work for me today, and it really is nice to get into a routine. Phillip was very happy to get back to school, but I think that Thomas was a little bit lonely for us. I hope that your year is off to a good start, too. Happy Tuesday!

gifts

How are you doing in this limbo week between calendar years? It's always felt kind of like non-time to me. Which I am loving right now, since I have little planned and lots I'd like to do around the house before I go back to work next week. I went through the boys' clothes today, which is always very satisfying. The toys are next on my list; I'm planning on tackling those tonight and tomorrow. Ah, I love cleaning and purging!

Above are a couple of the little gifts that we gave to friends and family this year. Phillip helped me decorate the vanilla jar. I think he did a great job! Have you made vanilla before? It's just about the easiest (and most delicious) thing possible; all it takes is a little bit of time. And you can buy organic vanilla beans on eBay for waaaaay less than at the grocery store. And I made the beeswax candles, which smell heavenly, too.

We don't have any grand plans for New Year's, but I do have some double-cream Brie, pecans, and maple syrup. Sounds like a party to me! I hope that you have a great time ringing in 2012. Happy New Year!

two more

I couldn't resist posting a couple more pictures from our lovely Christmas together. The tree was beautiful but short-lived this year; the stand cracked on Christmas Eve, releasing its water on the gifts. Only a couple got really wet, and they weren't valuable or special, so it was okay. We have family here for a few days, which is super fun. Speaking of which (whom), supper is waiting. (Supper which was made by someone else while I've been puttering around - nice!) Happy Tuesday!