Yesterday was one of those perfectly busy, only-during-the-Holidays-fun kind of days for me. Sara and I went to Atlanta to do a bit of Christmas shopping at the Anthropologie store and have lunch, etc. This was so wonderful, because as much as I love the convenience and options of doing loads of my shopping online, it is also a little sad to not take any real life Christmas shopping trips. And, hello, I got to go to the favorite store...the store where they do (almost) everything perfectly.
As I finished checking out, the sweet counter-girl threw a slew of these adorable yarn-balls (shown above) into my shopping bag...just because. They are these beautiful, chunky mini-skeins of yarn, wrapped around a little "surprise" (a chunky, wool felt snowflake)! Things like this are why, despite the sometimes absurd prices on plain jersey tops and the potential idea theft, I cannot have anything but utter love for Anthro. With them, we all know, the magic is all in the perfect, quirky little details. I'm happy to pay a bit more for those details. More than happy. *Sigh* Love.
This all sent me down a little trip on memory lane, to a time where my mom had this amazing stash of "suprise balls" that we might be lucky enough to get if we were sickies or just feeling blue. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? They are wrapped in kind of a crepe paper, and have little stickers, tiny toys, etc. nestled in each layer.
Anyway, so now I'm thinking I should make some little yarn suprise balls as little gifts for the little Christmas party I'm hosting on Monday night. I will let you know if this idea becomes reality.
After shopping yesterday, I drove home to help the fam decorate the tree at my Mama's house. I was so looking forward to this little tradition, and it was really fun. I love my family. At my little home, I've been steadily wrapping presents and Christmas-ifying things, in between filling orders. It occured to me that I never showed off my cute tree, and now that it isn't naked below the waist (aka has a good smattering of presents under it) I thought I might show her off.
Do you see that I indeed have a hand-knitted mitten posing a tree topper? I just couldn't find a star that wasn't tacky or an angel that struck my fancy. So, mitten it is. And the two types of hedgie ornaments? The beautiful glass one is from my aforementioned shopping buddy, and the little stuffed one is from the adorable Craftpaca (whose shop is pretty empty right now).
Before I go, I have to tell you about the turn-for-the-worst of Tuesday, when I happily blogged away about cupcakes, dresses, pink vintage slips, beautiful mail....blah blah blog. It was a mega shipping day, so I was preparing packages. And then I went to take out a huge box of trash that I couldn't really see over, and found myself... um falling down the stairs. It was very scary, but mostly because of two things that weren't really the injuries sustained to my legs from the accident. 1.) It is scary to live alone. Nobody knows if something bad happens to you. This had never occured to me. (and) 2.) I am a bit prone to fainting/blacking out. Which I did, twice immediately after the tumble. I know, how terribly Victorian of me...it is just perfect. (wink). So, my shins look...um...unfortunate to say the least, but I am fine. And I wear knee-socks every day, anyway, so their hideous state is hidden away. I'm a walking cautionary tale, but I was saved by the power of Holiday shopping and Christmas-tree-decorating.
Comments (28)
oh my gosh, we have the same color theme as far as gift wrap goes! ahh! just had to tell you. ;)
Jennifer · December 14, 2006 at 01:37 PM
Oooh, I can commiserate re: blacking out. I'm the queen of fainting at very terrible times. And even though I'm married, my husband is so used to things going crash around here (dogs, three year old boy) that I usually wake up (sprawled across the floor) before he takes his eyes off the World of Warcraft. Once, it took him a half hour to ask someone to check on me when I passed out in the bathroom of a cafe. I stayed so dizzy after fainting and waking that every time I tried to stand, I fell into the wall and slid back down.
Hmm, I was trying to tell you not to worry about something happening to you while living alone since I made it through without too much trouble for many years, but now I'm just worried about living with my husband. Funny, that. At least our little boy is always very concerned about where I am :)
maerlowe · December 14, 2006 at 01:59 PM
I too am pretty clumsy. I hate the feeling after almost falling down the stairs and thinking,"Oh...I almost died just then"... :)
Danielleorama · December 14, 2006 at 02:17 PM
Your tree is lovely! I love all the colors. The mitten on top is a creative idea. Cute presents, too!
Erika · December 14, 2006 at 02:22 PM
Surprise ball, like these?
http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/surpriseball.html
I've made a few, and love them. Have been having the hardest time finding flat crepe paper, though.
Love the little yarn balls! What a cute and quirky touch, and a cute way to wrap a little gift.
Melissa · December 14, 2006 at 02:53 PM
I'm glad that you didn't seriously injure yourself. It can be scary to live by yourself. Once, while eating dinner at home, I began to choke. And although I was able to clear my airway, I was terrified. I use to suffer fainting spells, too. I hate the feeling of loss of control and not knowing how long I was unconscious.
I hope that you are feeling much better!
Megan · December 14, 2006 at 03:01 PM
your packages look beautiful! and i love the mitten topper. i am so sad i missed the great hedgie ornament, too. wah!
Jessica · December 14, 2006 at 04:05 PM
your house looks soo great! I too have made turquoise and pink a staple for christmas decor, but i gotta say....you do it quite well! looks beautiful. be careful and go ice those shins. :)
posy press · December 14, 2006 at 04:18 PM
oh dear, be careful!!
love the tree :)
hillary · December 14, 2006 at 04:45 PM
OMG, I remember those balls! Your mom used to do that for you? How sweet she sounds. And your tree is scrumptious dear, your world of color is so lovely.
I am so glad you're ok. I remember when I lived alone. So many things I love about it, but, yes, I had the same thoughts. So, please be careful little applet!
blair · December 14, 2006 at 05:13 PM
Oh my goodness. I am so glad you were not more severely injured. I always have trouble when my husband is away for the same reason.
Mama Urchin · December 14, 2006 at 05:50 PM
Your tree is very special and I am so glad to hear you are okay after you misunderstanding with the stairs.
Kelly · December 14, 2006 at 06:01 PM
Good heavens girlie...I am glad you are OK...Living alone sometimes has it's advantages, then again...sometimes not! The tree is super sweet too!
sadira · December 14, 2006 at 09:10 PM
i am so glad you are ok! your tree looks so sweet. . .i love those anthro gift tags yarn balls. . . i have to go back and get more!
xojanelle
janelle · December 14, 2006 at 09:49 PM
So glad you're OK. I always thought about that when I lived alone. I pictured myself slipping in the tub and lying there for days.
Love the cute button thumbtacks from yesterday. Great idea!
Heidi · December 14, 2006 at 09:57 PM
A few weeks ago while eating popcorn and watching TV, I started to laugh at something and nearly choked. Thus began my fears about choking, falling in the tub, or breaking something while all alone in my apartment. I mentioned this to my dad and brother, who thought I was completely morbid for ever thinking about that. However, the next day I saw an episode of 30 Rock where Tina Fey had the same exact fear. And after reading your post and the comments here, I guess my fears are not entirely unfounded.
I'm ridiculously prone to falling (I do it anywhere anytime), so I've taken to carrying my cell phone around with me. It makes me feel a little better.
Anyway, I'm glad you made it through the fall in one piece. Be safe and happy holidays!
Wendy · December 15, 2006 at 12:16 AM
The mitten is simply proof of your genius as it looks like it belongs there! I would stick my mitten on top of my tree but it's an Isotoner and I don't think it would have the same effect. So sorry you fell! I often imagine that I'll wipe out as I walk from the back of the minivan to the front (I'm prone to falling often) where my children will then be stuck inside since no one knows I'm at TJ Maxx. Then I take a Xanax.
Lotta · December 15, 2006 at 12:43 AM
Your present wrapping is divine! Must get mine finished! Ilove it when little extras get thrown in with purchases too!
tthe butterfly collector · December 15, 2006 at 01:47 AM
i'm glad you are alright. but it is acary at times to live alone...but my guess is that you have enough loved ones around that it wouldn't be long before someone figured out something was awry. if something was awry, which it won't be, so there isn't really any reason to worry!
i can't wait to go to anthro in new york. there is NOTHING like that here.
risa · December 15, 2006 at 08:25 AM
My mom lives alone and we have her call one of us everyday. Just so we know to check on her if she doesn't.
I participated in a "magic yarn ball" swap earlier in the year. So much fun. I am going to the dollar store tonight to get the stuff to make several for the people we only give small stuff to. sequins - beads - gum for the kids. All kinds of fun stuff. THe boys in my family (large and small) all want those expanding foam monsters so they will be at the center of theirs.
Glad you are ok.
teresa (maggiegracecreates) · December 15, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Your cute little photos are so very inspiring. They make me want to get out my fabric, yarn and paint brushes every time I look at them.
julianne · December 15, 2006 at 11:53 AM
Glad that you're okay. Please be careful; we don't want you to get hurt.
I love your christmas tree and all of your lovely ornaments! So pretty.
By the way, I adore the quilt you have in the first photo with all the little surprise balls on it (so cute!) - did you make that or was it a super-lucky thriftshop find?
Maritza · December 15, 2006 at 02:31 PM
look at the glorious wrapping of those gifts! I so want to be that type of present giver. One with darling ribbons and paper to pretty to tear....
Merry christmas!
London Southern Belle · December 15, 2006 at 03:49 PM
oh no! hope you're okay. and those yarn balls--yes.
eireann · December 15, 2006 at 04:59 PM
What a wonderful tree!!
Heather · December 17, 2006 at 11:06 AM
I for one adore the mitten tree topper :)
Alison · December 19, 2006 at 04:39 AM
Adore the tree--it's so fun and happy!! Love the little yarn balls from Anthro--I have a friend who makes the crepe-paper ones for her daughter's birthday every year as party favors. Hope to have more time soon to check out your blog and your art!
dianeinjapan · December 20, 2006 at 10:04 PM
Ohhhh your tree!! My goodness!!! I invision your lil dunce cap gals caroling around it at night!! So so fun!! and your gift wrap!..Love it to bits!! So sweet!!
So sorry to hear about your fall! my goodness!! Careful my dear!!
Hope you are enjoying the season!!
xoxo Jenny
jenny holiday · December 21, 2006 at 04:17 PM