Happy New Year 2012

Well here we are, right at the doorstep of 2012.  It's time for New Years resolutions and to reflect on the past year.  I thought it might be fun in the chaos of the season to share some of my hopes, dreams, and resolutions for the upcoming year and show you some of my favorite inspirations for New Year Decor.  I  wish you a joyful, and love filled 2012!

I resolve to do more kissing and hugging this year.  I love to kiss and hug, it's the best (and least expensive) way I know to make you feel happier and more relaxed and the same time.

I resolve to go on more picnics. I live in a beautiful state and I would like to spend more time enjoying it.

 I resolve to become a better photographer this year.

I received a new camera for Christmas knowing this was something I really wanted to do this year.  God give me the wisdom to not only be a better photographer, but to appreciate the beauty and love around me.

I resolve to become a better and more creative cook.  I think I'm a better cook this year than I was last year, and I hope to be a better cook next year than I am this  year.  Cooking is one thing you can never be too good at :)

I would really like to make a cozy place in my garden where I can go to relax, to contemplate, and to pray, a place of peace and beauty.

I would really love to hear some of your goals and dreams for 2012.  I would also love to know if there's anything in particular that you would like to read in this blog :)

Make sure you come back next week since I will be posting a very fun give-away.  But most of all let's hope that this is one really great year, I wish you health, I wish you passion (for many things) I wish you hope,  I wish you faith, but most of all I wish you lots and lots of  LOVE!


                    HAPPY

                             

White Christmas Table-Scapes

If you're dreaming of a White Christmas, how about starting with your table-scape. I love, love, love the table above. Huge bouquets of white roses with a stuffed white peacock in the background. Talk about drama! When I first saw this table it was love at first sight, and I'm embarrassed to say that I've looked everywhere for a stuffed peacock that I can afford. This setting is just BEAUTIFUL!

If this doesn't take your breath away, you may want to check for a pulse :)  I love this White Christmas table-scape set in a winter wonderland.  Just make sure to serve some hot drinks and have space heaters available, your guest will appreciate it :)

You knew I'd love this table. The drama is in all the fresh flowers and the fresh pears. I love the softness of the green with the white.  The flower stems actually play that up. White tulips, white roses, and eucalyptus are lovely on this table.

This table-scape is a beautiful balance of textures, rustic wood with fine white linens and real silverware.  Weathered  branches and white roses. Leather chairs and crystal goblets.  There's so much contrast, but it's a beautiful table that makes you want to sit down and relax.

This table has fun, free hanging Christmas lights, and fancy, mercury glass candlesticks & vases. The white ironstone plates are accented with  silver round placemats instead of chargers, what a great idea. They've used rhinestone elastic bracelets for napkin rings to add  extra sparkle.

This table has used several fun Christmas ornaments to really  sparkle. Silver tree toppers,  A large white bottle brush tree, clear Christmas balls and silver crackers give this table-scape a vintage and romantic feeling.

Shabby Chic done right. layered white linens, one embroidered, one ruffled. White ironstone plates sitting on silver foil doilies. This is not a fussy table, but it's lovely in it's simplicity.

Another sweet & simple place setting made pretty with a gift taking center stage. The wide white satin ribbon is so classy. The white ornaments on the white pedestal dessert trays makes a beautiful centerpiece. This is white done right :)

An all white gingerbread forest takes this all white table-scape to a wonderful fantasy level. To say this table-scape has wow factor is a real understatement.

So here's wishing you a wonderful, white, Christmas.  Whether it's on the ground or on your table, there's something magical about white at Christmas time.

Twas The Nightgown Before Christmas, Victorian Classics, Give-Away

I am so thrilled to announce that Victorian Classics Nightgowns  will be giving one of my lucky followers one of their nightgowns, nightshirts, or pajamas.
http://www.victoriannightgowns.com/

This last year I made several trips to visit family and friends and I wanted a pretty, and cool nightshirt.  When I say cool, I mean, one of my trips was to the desert, and I wanted to be comfortable.

You all know that I love anything vintage, so when my google search listed a shop called Victorian Classics, I stopped on it with the sound of screeching rubber :)

I was delighted to find an online store that carried 100% cotton, Victorian style nightgowns, nightshirts, and pajama's.

I was very tempted by the nightgowns (still am) but I decided on the "Beth" nightshirt for $29.99, yes, you read that right, only $29.99.

This shop is perfect for those who have Champagne taste, but a box wine budget, or those who just love quality, but don't love to pay a high price for it.

The long nightgowns look like something out of a Jane Austen novel. You can just picture Elizabeth Bennett sitting by the fire, brushing her long curly hair in one of these nightgowns.
All the products in the shop are white (as any good Victorian nightgown should be) most have lovely touches like lace, pin-tucking, or ruffles.  My nightshirt is made with a lightweight, airy, cotton.  It has long button cuff sleeves (which I love), so I can roll them up if I want to, or wear them long. 

I  chose the Beth nightshirt because it has long pockets that run down the front of the shirt. While I don't use pockets that often while sleeping, they make for very nice modesty panels in just the right place.  Since I was visiting family, I knew there might be a chance of someone seeing me in the hall on the way to the powder room ( in the middle of the night:)

Now for the really fun surprise about my "Nightshirt". One of my visits was to San Diego, and I found that Beth makes a great cover up at the beach.  It's lightweight cotton was cool enough for a summer day, and kept my fair skin from getting burned.  My young nieces even commented on how pretty my shirt was :)

To make Beth even nicer, I found that I could wear her with jeans or slip a pretty lacy camisole and leggings on under her and hit the town.

I ordered the XL and I usually wear a size 14-16, I'm also full busted, so I was delighted that the nightshirt was so comfortable.  I do have to say that I hope Victorian Classics will someday carry larger sizes, because I have several plus size family & friends who would love their products.

If your looking for a beautiful, timeless, & unique gift for the woman in your life, I highly recommend Checking out Victorian Classics. http://www.victoriannightgowns.com/

 The photos you see are of my nightshirt.  It's 8 months old and been washed many times. I did press it for the shoot.

 On a completely different note, if you know someone who's going through menopause, or someone who sleeps warm, this  is the PERFECT gift for them, the airy cotton breathes so beautifully, that even in the desert, in the summer, I was very comfortable.

To  help us celebrate  Christmas (and start the new year off in a beautiful way) Victorian Classics is giving 1 very lucky reader a nightgown, nightshirt, or pajamas.

To qualify for the give away you need to

1). Be a follower of Shannon's Shanonigins (right column)

2). Like Shannon's Shanonigins on FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shannons-Shanonigins/135210736536443

3)."Like" Victorian Classics on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/#!/VictorianClassics?sk=wall

 4) . Go to Victorian Classics website

http://www.victoriannightgowns.com/ and tell us what your favorite item is.

For extra entries

5). Post this give-away on your FaceBook page

6). Twitter about this give-away

7). Post this give-away on your blog

8). Make sure you tell us here which of these you've done (so I can give you the extra entries).

Best of luck, I know whoever wins will be very happy.

The winner of this give-away is Jaime Carillo, Congratultionss Jaime and Merry Christmas