Its a relief to be feeling well again and back to getting ready for the holidays!
I am feeling all well now, thanks for all your kind thoughts and wishes!
My flueyness was gone and I was able to go to my cookie exchange party last night. The best part was that I got the dates wrong and made up fudge to take to it last week instead of this.
Which was great, because this week, I would have been sick and couldn’t have done it! 
The flu-germ-free fudge was made a week ago and frozen, ready to add tags to before the party.
My Aussie pal, Natasha had sent me some wonderful, old, textured wallpaper that I made simple tags out of, and added a snowflake sticker to and then tied to the dishes of fudge.
I like giving treats out in containers that people will use and keep and enjoy, a gift in a gift. For bake sales, I always put my goodies on vintage plates from garage sales, they are so cheap to find around here. As little as a nickle quite often.
I love living in the Midwest!!
Every year, I think I am going to go all out and wrap gifts so beautifully and they all will match and be breath taking. But, I never do. I wrapped all these yesterday and towards the end, the were lucky to get stuffed into a bag with a bit of tissue.
What’s my favorite thing in those bags and boxes? This sweet little dress for Sugarwings! Can’t you just picture her playing in the garden and getting all muddy in it this summer?
Maybe we can dress her in a long sleeve onsie and tights underneath it, so she can wear it this winter too. 
Our swap is full! And a great mix of artists, bloggers, friends and fun people are in it, we are so lucky to have them join. Thanks everyone!! 
Doesn’t Twinkle look like a sweet little angel? That girl thinks that her only job is to pose for the camera.
Well, that and CHEW things. My favorite chair!!!!!!! And now that she has had a taste of it, she won’t let it go. Any tips on stopping a dog from chewing your furniture??? I’ve never had a Dorkie as hard to handle as this one. She chews, she licks, she jumps, she hams it up every time I try to take a photo. She is one tiny,wriggling, bundle of desperate need for attention.
I am still feeling sentimental today. This table was one of my mom’s favorites and was made for her by a friend. No, actually, I think her friend made it, and her husband got it as payment for a poker debt at some bar. Oh well, what ever its origins, it is hand made and she loved it and now I do too!
The drawing was done by my great grandmother in 1906, and is another treasured possession of mine.
Notice the alarm clock?? I found a non-ugly, electric clock on Ebay, finally.
Then it quit working after about 6 weeks. So, I am back to looking, if anyone has any leads, I’d love to hear them.
People are still visiting our "What do you LOVE about your Holiday Home?" party and I am still adding links. Feel free to visit here for some holiday decor ideas and pretty things to see. I don’t even know how many sites I have linked, but I know there was a lot of beauty and warmth out there!
I want to thank Sara (Sadie Olive) for adding my latest magazine to the line up at the left. If you ever decide to have a blog redo, I have to tell you that she is so reasonable, helpful, talented, and easy to work with!
Sara is going to add my next few issues too. I have a collage kit shown in Somerset next month, and another in the next issue.
I am always surprised and thrilled when something gets published, since I am not a professional writer. All my articles have been just lucky strokes for me. A right place, right time, type thing. 
Oh, and thanks also to my friend, Gail, who always takes time to visit and comment, has entered my Sweet Treats and Roses swap, PLUS bought this desk from me!! Thanks, Gail!!!
In the few minutes that I have sat here at my computer writing my blog for the day before I go run holiday errands, this sweet angelic little dorkie of mine as done-
THIS.
Oh man, just that much more I need to clean up before I can turn this mess into a dining room for 3 big dinners, at Christmas.
I am having a Christmas Eve prime rib dinner for the immediate family, then have invited about 28 people for Christmas Day Brunch and will have about 18 for Christmas dinner that night. Do you think they will enjoy dining in Twinkle’s decor and my mess from the sale??? I really need to get to work………. but for now, I am going out to lunch and playing with Sugarwings!!
don’t forget every comment is an entry to my monthly giveaway!
Karla,
Am I first? yay! That dog makes me crack right up and she sits there like “What?” lol
I’m having 6 for dinner – ONE dinner and I’m busy. I cant imagine 2 in one day and double digits!
But knowing you , you will pull it off without a hitch at the last minute!
Have a good day.
Cheryl
Aw, how can you blame that innocent little face! It must have been the gremlins!
Check out this site for alarm clocks. Careful though, it has a lot of great old-fashioned stuff and you’ll want it all! Especially the candy and chocolate. Mmm
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=750
oh, I am laughing and laughing, she is so naughty but oh so cute:) She’s a supermodel dorkie. Does remind me of my boxer, when we look back at The Princess’s baby photos he’s in most of them!!!! So funny . . . Love that dress for Sugarwings. I remember you being early for something else, not like me, always late!!! Merry Christmas
I would love to have a little dog like yours. She’s a sweetie, however my three cats would not approve! They’re pretty good at making crafty messes as well.
Hi Karla! So glad you are feeling better now and able to get up and about and it looks like you have been very busy! Are you sure that Twinkles is the culprit? I don’t know if something so sweet looking could do all that much mischief! LOL! Love Sugarwings little dress! Which Somerset will you have the kit in? I think there is more than one type of issue by them.
Barbara
Southern Lady’s Vintage
Love reading your blog! Glad you are over the flu. There is a product called Bitter Apple that you can get at a pet store or online and spray your chair arm. It’s safe. Good luck!!
The little dress for Sugarwings is adorable. I also like all the decorating Twinkles did *very big grin*
Karen
Great news you are feeling better! Twinkle is such a sweetie ~ stop by and meet one of our little cuties!
xo
Mary
Karla,
I have a great idea. Send Twinks to me and you can get your house cleaned up.
Oh I love the little doggie! I really dont know what to tell ya to do on the whole chewing up thing! other then spank her or spray her with water everytime or roll up a newspaper and hit it on your leg to scare her when you catch her. I have a blue heeler and she is small but can do some damage she stopped chewing on stuff I just dont really remember what I did to make her stop I guess every pup is different! I hope your dinner goes great!!! Glad your feeling better!! Have a wonderful night!!
Toodles-
Sarah
You never cease to amaze me, what you can get done in a day! And having *3* dinners -may the force be with you!
p.s. that dress for Sugarwings is too cute!
You have so many pretty things, but I have to tell you that little girl and that little dog are just about the cutest ever!!!
Oh Karla you have to stop putting chocy things on, (as I reach for a tissue to wipe the drool from my mouth), you know I wish I could open the pc screen like a microwave and grab one of your fugde’s. LOL.
Also why not try using a water spray bottle on fine misted, so that everytime twinkle is naughty or goes to eat your fav chair you give a little spray of water in the face, and say no!, but you need to have the spray bottle near you, so twinkle knows you mean business, soon enough twinkle wont do it anymore. I hope this helps, I found this information on the tv show BetterHomes.
Kind regards
Kirstie.
I absolutely love your entry way to the studio, gorgeous. I particpated in Tracey’s Holiday virtual Tour (A Cottage Industry) and stumbled into your site..I am so glad I did…I look forward to visiting often…so inspirational! Theresa
So glad you’re feeling better! I had to comment on your great grandmother’s drawing…it’s gorgeous! And now we know where you inherited that artistic gene from.:) Also The paint color on the wall behind it sets off the drawing and your other pretties perfectly. Very good taste.
Samantha
P.S. Thank you for commenting back to me 🙂
I am glad that you are emerging from the flu. Very beautiful is painting of your great-grandmother. I have two little dog, I do not want to imagine what comes .
This is what I did when my boston terrier was chewing on the door frame. I took white pepper and rubbed it on the door frame where she chewed. She never chewed it again.
Love your blog!
Fran
I’m having a good ole chuckle at Twinkle! How cute is she, so funny!
Glad you were able to use the anaglyptic paper (guess what it was new and a repro, lol it came from the States! if you ever need a whole roll of it i can send you the right way).
Love the little dress for Sugarwings!
Oh and that swag on your door is so beautiful!
Oh- everything just looks yummy! Glad you are feeling better! Twinkles looks adorable! And we just loved the drawing by your grandmother- what an heirloom!!
Merry Christmas blessings,
kari & kijsa
There’s something for you on my blog! xo
Twinkle is a little sweetie but a bit devilish. How old is she?
Little Miss Coco (my 2 year old poodle) caused mischief when she was a puppy and on up until she was about 1 1/2 years old but she rarely chews or gets in anything anymore. I bought tons of rawhide chews and toys for her to play with and everytime she got into my “THINGS” I took it away and threw her one of her “TOYS” and she learned that she has her toys and I have mine.
I like the idea of the white pepper on the arms of the chair to keep her from chewing.
She really is a darling doggie.
Also, before I forget…..
I am having a CHRISTMAS HOOPLA GIVEAWAY at Bren’s Little Cottage, please sign up..
Also, Help me spread the word.
🙂 Bren
http://benzy55.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Holy smokes, I can’t believe you’re doing all that cooking on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Where do you get the energy?
I love the swag around your door. It’s so beautiful in it’s simplicity.
Your grandmother’s drawing is quite a treasure. Very Victorian. Now, we can see from whom you inherited your talent.
That dress is adorable. I can’t wait to see a picture of Sugarwings wearing it. It will be so appropriate for a hot Kansas summer.
What’s the story on that pink baby bassinet?
It’s really sweet.
Oh my, that last picture! What a little stinker! If she weren’t so danged cute, you could really be mad. LOL
~elaine~
There’s something you can put on your nails to stop chewing on them that tastes vile here in Sweden. I’m sure you have it there as well. How about putting some of that on your chair. I bet she won’t chew on it for long after that …
What a nice garland around the doorstep! Sugarwings will be a little fairyprincess in the dress. Lovely pictures as always. Wish you a Merry Christmas!! /linnea-maria
Karla I am so glad you are feeling better and your house looks wonderful. I am so glad you got a good response and your swap is full. I am sure it will be soo fun xoxoxo Clarice
Hi Karla, thanks for sharing your homes on the Holiday Tour. I’m on the tour today too. Stop by.
I have a Yorkie too. I love him dearly. He’s a very good boy NOW and doesn’t get into much trouble ANYMORE. Your little Twinkle is wanting attention from you. That’s why she is behaving that way. Good attention, or bad attention, it’s still attention to her. She is adorable. I had that chewing problem for a little bit with our Sr. Winston Churchill. Try hot sauce on the chair arm and she will not like the taste and that will be the end of that chewing. Yorkies are a picky little breed. This is our second. Our first we got 27 years ago when we first married. He was way more spoiled. No children then and he NEEDED and GOT ALL the attention from me.
Have a Merry “Christ”mas. Stop by and visit me.
Blessings,
Sher
Beautiful home and decorations! Thanks for the tour!
Thanks for the tour of your beautiful home. Isn’t this fun? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I’ll be back to see your blog again!
I’m visiting on Cotage Industry’s Virtual Holiday Home Tour, and Oh, Karla, your home is lovely!
I just LOVE that white tree of yours! We are on the same wavelength, girl – I’ve got one this year, too! Check it out at my blog http://hummadeedledee.blogspot.com
Ha ha! You always make me laugh with your Dorkie stories!!! I’m supposed to be shopping and finishing for Sat. but here I am reading your post! I’d much rather visit than shop. I love that first photo of your entryway… I want to do that here at my house next year!!! And I don’t know WHY you are surprised when you’re featured in magazines… you’re like the role model for everyone!!!
You are so sweet! Your blog is the highlight of my day! I love seeing everything you’ve decorated, or painted. And I love the pictures of your family and your dogs. Leandra will look adorable in her sundress and it would look super cute with a longsleeve turtleneck and tights!
That swag over the door is absolutely stunning. I came by today to say Hi and sign up for the rose recipe swap but you are all filled up so if someone finds they have to drop out I would love to be added. So glad you are feeling better now. And I do appreciate that you added me to the Tour late. Thank you for your hard work as the sponsor. Have a super great day. ~ Lynn
The desk is beautiful! Love the art work. Congrats on your Romantic Country article.I jusr picked it up and it’s great. You’re going to have to tell me your secret for getting published! I do have to ask you one thing.. where do you find the time???
Jen R
Merry Christmas! I have so wanted to make a prime rib dinner, but I’ve never done it before. Is it easy?
Your entrance is very welcoming. I love the idea of giving baked treats in a lovely dish, makes it all the more special. You did all of that amazing baked fudgies… so so clever. Well i’m glad you are feeling better… chat soon
regards,Adla
Just started laughing when I saw that last shot! Twinkle is cutie, but she doesn’t like sharing you with the computer does she?
And oh my .. all that fudge! You were one busy baker! Looks delicious!!
Twinkle is so cute!
Nan
Karla, everything looks beautiful! I’m glad that you’re feeling better, and I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas!
xo, Andrea
Mmmmm….fudge….
Okay, I’m back–sorry, got a little distracted there by the fudge.
Mmmmm….fudge….
🙂 I’m here on the tour and I just love your blog and I’ve got you on my list now so I can visit often!
~Angela 🙂
Congrats congrats on your publications…I always get excited when I see the blogs I follow in print! I think it’s been a year now that I have treid to push myself to enter an article to Sommerset- you give me hope and inspiration!
Happiest of holidays to you!
Karla you really expect me to believe that angelic dog made that mess????
Sugarwings’ dress is sooo cute! She will probably get tea on it…not mud 🙂
I love that first photo…what you did over the door…so pretty!
You are truely of boundless energy!! Have a wonderful Christmas. I hope Santa leaves something that your heart desires under your tree. Susan
3 dinners! oh my! it’s hard for me to get thru one.You must have lots and lots of energy.What’s your secret?
Happy Holidays Karla and everyone!
I just found your blog today. I LOVE it. Wow..what an inspiration you are. Merry Christmas.
Beautiful journal.
Blessings at Christmas and always.
Love Jeanne
Karla, good luck with the dining room/dorkie/dinners! Can’t wait to read how it goes!
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and the best New Year yet!
Oh, naughty doggy!! Beautiful decorations 🙂
Oh Karla! I take comfort knowing your furbaby chews up your precious items too lol! My husbands puppy (I’m not claiming her, she was HIS idea) has chewed up our window sill trim and a window box he built, not to mention my measley holiday decor. And tons more, I could go on and on. Can’t wait to get out of “puppy” stage. Anyway, find time to enjoy the holidays!
Lovely, lovely things. Looks like your dog may be in for some lumps of coal!
Best wishes~
cathy
Karla, Just wrote a looong email to you and looked up something and thought I saved it and it was gone. Just learning the computer. I love your website! I just took a lot of pictures of my home for christmas and would love to show you them. Also did three party demos this summer, fall and winter and would love to send you the small booklet that went along with it. I hate that my long email got lost in space!
I have the same type of thoughts that you write down but thought I was the only one wo thought such things. Like spending 20-30 mintures arranging a simple table top that is only 2 foot long! Anyway, wish we were neighbors. I have a lot of collections and use all my fancy stuff for entertaining. I’m in three bunko groups (12 different girls each), a craft club (eight girls) and a county extension program-about 14 members in our little town now but 140 in the whole county. I am lucky too that I have wonderful fun friends.Enjoy your site so much and would love to send you my pictures. I know very little about the computer-just got one as a surprise christmas gift, along with a printer, scanner and diginal camera from my grand daughter one year ago yesterday. I spend the entire year of 2006 working on her ‘winter wonderland wedding’. It turned out magical! I did so many things times 300!-LABOR OF LOVE! Well, hope to hear from you. Greetings from Texas! Sharon