Spinning

{via}

Why does a simple life seem so magical?  Here's a few things that come to mind when thinking of simple living (it's different for every person):

• cooking from scratch
• eating fresh fruits/vegetables/unprocessed food
• letting go of materialism
• limiting tv, internet, mobile usage..does anyone write letters these days? :)
• gardening
• learning new skills (new language, sewing, DIY projects)
• meaningful relationships

Alcove bed

                                                          {via}

I want to grab a book and cuppa tea and hop into this picture.

Saint Lucia Day

Happy Saint Lucia Day! (Art by Carl Larrson)

Little House on the Prairie interior

{via}

I have always dreamed of living in a log cabin, isn't this perfect?  Whoever painted the Trompe l'oeil did a wonderful job. 

Easy Holiday Gift Idea #1 - Hot Chocolate

This is a great gift for someone who loves hot chocolate, if I do say so myself.  I bought this tin at Sam's Club (I forget the price but it was around $9.99-$12.99).  Around this time of year you will see lots of holiday gift baskets for sale.  I saw several hot chocolate type baskets at Marshall's (some made by Starbucks and some generic label).  Usually these will include mugs / single or double serving of hot cocoa / bag of marshmallows and fancy wrapping.

Now I think everyone already has their own mug...and the best thing about this tin is that it contains 56 servings!! Yes, that means you will be making hot cocoa for a long long time.  I used to make my cocoa from the recipe on the back of the Hershey's cocoa powder box and then a few months ago happened to see this at the store.  I love it!  Yum! 

(p.s. I do not have any sponsors and this is my personal opinion)