Classic

Sorry to bring it up again...

but What??

Trusty fashion mags suggesting that

my beloved plaid is on it's way

OUT?!

I don't care.

I will continue to sport it

and love it

forever.

Charming Gift Ideas

Love these dining room measuring spoons!

Always a fan of fancy swizzle sticks

I am always drawn to the butter dish!?

Barky Turntable. Does Jordan need this?!

Early

Could not be happier it's the weekend-sweet-weekend!

Hoping to get a lot done in these two days.

We were up at the crack o'dawn, and I am just deciding

I better nix my usual slow wake up & coffee sipping routine

and get on the road.

Since we are fans of the hand-made gifties,

we are really trying to make most of our presents this year.

Much more personal and sweet-

and as I realized the other day in the shopping center parking lot--

even better that I don't have to feel the stress

which is

any store/line/sale/etc this season!

So I made a silent vow

(and told a few people) that day-

I stay out of stores, malls, Target and all the other zoos this season

to concentrate on what it really means... Not get swept into the madness.

Peace.

Intention.

Slow Gift Movement.

However, today is also my day to start the baking...

and I am also trying something new

in the kitchen.

Aaaand, I need a candy thermometer.

Sooo- here I go.

Off to the gym- then Williams-Sonoma- in the MALL.

argh.

So- I am hoping to get a jump start on it all.

Even though I know

every parent in the beach cities and surrounding areas

will be waiting for Santa with unhappy kids

because they got in line at 5am!

Here's to a productive day!

Wish me luck.

ps- I'm only kinda kidding. I DO love to shop!

Grateful...

On the coat tails of Thanksgiving,

the day we are supposed to count our blessings,

I have realized that sometimes it's the every day things

that make me catch my breath-

remind me of how much I am truly filled with gratitude for-

how fortunate and I really am.

Beyond thankful for my safe, happy, healthy family and friends-

the little things that are sometimes forgotten,

shuffled to the side,

in the big picture.

The last few mornings have been a little rough- not the smoothest sailing for me.

Little hitches in my giddy-up...

But, in reflection, it has taken those little sticks in my spokes

for me to focus on all the good and all I really do have. ....

Grateful:

-for the fact we can go buy another space heater to keep us warmer

-that a simple call to the gas company brought back the warm water

-that while we were waiting for the warm water, we were able to share a beautiful meal together

-that I have more oatmeal to try again this morning not to burn

-that Tilly has a little yard to explore in, even if it means finding and 'consuming' small animals

-that we have a vet right up the street to call if this 'condition' does not improve

-that we have hot coffee

-that we have each other

-that we have so many coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, warm socks and slippers to keep us warm

-that I have someone to keep me warm and to give me giant, cozy hugs goodbye in the morning

-that there's always today for the barista not to mess up my drink at Starbucks (kidding)

-for the wonderful friends I am blessed to also have as co-workers with whom I can laugh and chat away the rest of the day

-for this:

-Grateful that I have this sight to behold as I type...

(and I love that Jordan texted me as I was taking this picture

and it actually showed up in the photo!- it says:

"Plan on us and a Xmas walk with T tonight")

-Grateful that I have an Xmas walk with my two Number Ones to look forward to tonight)

I know these some of these things are silly

things to be grateful for- but as I always say "it's the little things".

They really make life sweet.

Santa's Workshop

Crafting and creating all afternoon here. Hoping to get some gifts checked off the "Nice List".

Mighty Oregon!

This was as close to rushing the field we actually got on Thursday-- but we were on the edge of our seats all night- even the pup in her green and gold. So excited the Duckies pulled out the win. Goin to the Rose Bowl! Goin to the Rose Bowl!

She's Crafty

Had so much fun last night craftin' with the ladies. My girlfriends Julie and Ali are so creative- it is always inspiring to be in the presence of their artistic energy. We spend all day in a creative environment, but it was nice to work on our own creations (and for a bit intimidating for a certain self-critical someone) Kudos to Julie for dreaming up this fun crafty time and both gals for the use of their artistic knowledge, shoulders to lean on, and fun supplies and goodies. Loved it!

It's So ON..

We are gearing up to cheer for our Ducks tomorrow- the fight is ON. Crossing our fingers and toes Oregon wins and comes to town for the Rose Bowl. I love the Ducks... and I just don't think I can stand to hear about the Beavers from the fam at Christmas if the unspeakable happens. Which it won't. GO DUCKS!

Magic

Ah, I could stare at this little bit of woodland beauty all decked out in our little living room allll day/night long. It's the most wonderful time of the year, indeed. We walked to the various Christmas tree lots around town, bartering and wagering until we found a true gem! We knew it had to be ours. We carried this lil baby through town- Jordan at the trunk and me at the top- and the rest is history. Here to stay for the next month, dressed up with many, many treasured memories... and I just adore it!

Haute Dog Holiday Collar

Here's the fancy 2009 Holiday Collar! Miss Matilda has been sporting it around town and it has been quite the hit! The envy of all dogs at the beach. But don't fret- you could have one too! Please email me if you have a special pup that is needing some holiday style. stefbenz@yahoo.com

Country Love

We had so much fun hanging out with our nephew Bodhi. He had a blast accessorizing with our stuff... We hadn't seen him in about six months, and it is always amazing how fast and how much kids change. He and Uncle Jordan just couldn't get enough of reading, and he even pulled out some 'tricks' for us- like learning to jump and amusing both himself and us for hours.

Roadside Beauty

The drive from the bay area to Los Angeles is pretty dang beautiful... we had such a perfect trip north on Thanksgiving morning-day. There was hardly any traffic and the sights were beautiful- a lil' bit country and a lil' beach/bay action. I dare say the drive was about perfect. Even Tilly settled in and was mellow the whole trip.

The drive home was a different story- a true unexpected adventure!

Feelin' the Flow, Baby

Cute Lil Dude

I won lotsa "really cool" loot!

The Man of the Hour

The other "Star of the Show", Dutchie the {Adorable Orange} DoDo Bird

We had lots of fun at the Designer [Toy] Convention in Pasadena last weekend. I have to say, my husband was really a hit! Everyone lo-o-o-ved his creations- super impressed with his 'artism' (ha) and style. I do believe it got the flow of good energy goin' for Jordan's toy and his artistic life. You should have seen the jaws drop when artists, toy-makers, sculptors, everyone saw Dutchie. I think the connections made will be valuable in Jordan's artistic pursuits. I already knew he was good- but I think it helps to be able to show others and see their resoundingly great responses. Sometimes the busy daily grind gets in the way of taking time to be creative. It was also really fun for our friends to come check it out. It was really fun to see everyone and share this experience with them. More to come on this, I am sure.

We Love the Urth (and our BFFs)

Nothing like an evening with sweets and our best friends to make me feel better. After canceling our dinner plans, uncanceling, canceling again- we settled on swinging by their crib armed with some irresistible treats and caffeine from across the street. Both so good for the soul. We honestly do not know what we would do with out Nicki and Nate. What a remarkable pair! Jordan and I talk a lot about the fact we really lucked out with these two! It makes life so much sweeter to have a couple we adore in our lives. Time always flies between our 'meetings' and 'weeklies' and we always wish we could see each other more- but any thing we do is so much fun. Even when we sit around and pick on each other's imperfections!

We are spoiled and grateful to call these two our BFFs.

Break in the Rhythm...

The past four days have once again brought me to a place of sheer gratitude- grateful to be on the 'road to recovery'. Grateful for my health and for that of those I love. For a furry, four-legged best friend to sit, lay, walk, cry, just "be" by me in my best and in my worst moments. For a two-legged, auburn-haired best friend who brings me lip balm, soup, grilled cheese, tea, and hugs to warm me inside and out, who tidies the kitchen in the dark of the wee hours of morning before embarking on his own long day- and who loves me just as I am, no matter how much of a mess-- and who works his tail off for lil' ole us here at the home front. For a family who is there to listen to me, hacking and all, while I can hear the honest love in their voices through the phone lines, and feel it in their texts. For a work family who graciously covers and works my missed shifts. For friends who send their love and hours of blogs to keep me busy.

This season has brought me to a place of focusing on what I have- and how wonderful it all really is. The break in my healthy, care-free, usual, day-to-day rhythm has been a rough one. I can not remember being this sick in many, many (maybe ever?) years. My days have consisted of the cozy bed and not a whole lot else - not even an egg nog latte in sight! Now that I am starting to peek around the corner to the other side- I am reminded that even a break in the rhythm is good once in a while. (Albeit doesn't always come in the form of illness).. But recharge, rest, recoup, give myself an daily agenda that consists of literally nothing more than making it through the day, feeling a little better at the end... I may have had to miss out on some stuff these past few days, but checking out and into my bed has helped me to appreciate the blessings in my life.

Laguna

Before the take-down of this nasty bug going 'round, Jordan and I bolted down to Laguna Beach on a quick Sunday date evening. We have been wanting to see the Jeremy Fish exhibit at the Laguna Beach Museum of Art, and knew we would have to just squeeze it in when we could in this busy busy time of year.

We love the trees in Laguna.

My attempt at 'stealing a photo'.

There's always one that makes you wonder, usually plenty.

Watercolor by teenager- pretty cool.

On Fire for Fall

Love the bouquet left for me by Jordan this afternoon... The label on the flower wrapping titled them, "On Fire for Fall" ha- We certainly are. So much so, we brunched on pumpkin pancakes and tuned into football.