This simple bouquet sitting on the edge of my bathroom vanity makes me smile every time I see it. White carnations (inexpensive) and pine (free from my yard) are a lovely combo for a winter bouquet.

Our predicted temps this weekend are decidedly winter-like. Hope you’re warm wherever you are!

On New Year’s Eve, when I went to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute things I needed for a dinner party we were throwing that night, I also bought myself a bouquet of flowers. The inspiration came from my friend Beverly (you can follow her on Instagram) when she told me she always buys flowers on December 31st to remind herself to bloom in the new year. I think that’s a lovely idea so I’m sharing it with all of you.

You know what else is lovely? The first weekend of the new year! Make it a good one!

Nothing says Christmas to me like Spritz shaped like trees and sprinkled with green sugar. My Swedish grandmother made Spritz cookies year round but she only made tree shaped ones at Christmas time.

Here’s her recipe if you’d like to give them a go:

Spritz

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp almond flavoring

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolk, flavoring and flour. Blend well. Place dough in cookie press and press shapes onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake @ 375° for 10 min.

Happy Swedish Christmas!

Aside from my own house my favorite place to be is at my dear friend Doreen’s house. It’s beautiful, cozy, and inviting. And it comes with Doreen and her husband, Mark, too!

I hope you get to spend some time this weekend at you favorite place, wherever it may be!

This week’s Eye Candy Friday is Black & White Cookies to celebrate the return of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I didn’t make them myself, I got them at Costco, but I must admit I’m intrigued by the idea of making my own. After Christmas, of course.

Happy Weekend, friends!