5 Days to Go: The Parade Tradition

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My brother might laugh if he reads this post, because when we were kids, I would pitch the biggest fit about having to watch the parade. In fact, I believe there were years that I flat out refused to watch the parade because I didn't "believe" a parade should ever be watched on TV, but instead only in person. My 6- and 7-year-old self was against the parade if I could not be live on the scene.

I really have no clue where this came from. I can only suspect that it's because most parades give out candy, and I'd assume that a TV-worthy parade would be giving out the mother of all candy. But, yet, I don't recall candy being in the thought process.

My brother, on the other hand, LOVED the parade. He and my mom would watch it together at the kitchen table while mom was preparing the meal and would both cry when Santa came. I don't remember when I jumped on that bandwagon, but I now do the same in my home (minus the TV in the kitchen...damn having to run to the LR while cooking!). Yes, the parade is about the cheesiest thing around--with all it's lip-syncing and what not, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. I also always call my brother during the parade so that we can still watch a little piece together.

One of my favorite "classic" balloons. Snoopy...I love you!

A newer goody!

Did I mention the cheese factor? Oh yeah, and throughout junior high and part of high school, I was convinced I was going to be a Rockette. Then I heard you had to be at least 5'9" At 5'7", I was 2 inches short of my dream. Now I wonder if that height requirement is for real.

Oh, Santa! Bring on the tears. I believe in you!

6 Days to Go: A Thanksgiving Baby

My friend and co-worker, Miss Camela, is pregnant with her second baby. In addition to her day job, she and her husband also have their own farm. The baby is due November 30. In honor of a Thanksgiving baby and to pay homage to a new addition to the farm, I knit up this little sweater complete with funny felt carrot and tomato. Come to think of it, neither of those veggies will be on my Thanksgiving table, but they were cuter (and easier to make) than green beans and corn.

Here is a link to the Mossy sweater pattern. I changed the sweater so that there is no zigzag pattern. I just wanted something plain to be able to add the felt cuties to. The yarn is Lions Brand Organic Cotton in Olive. It is SOOO soft and cushy!

7 Days to Go...Another Garland--MINE!

Well kids, we're down to the final week. How did that happen? Fall has been flying by a little too fast for my taste. I think time flies when you dedicate so much energry toward a puppy and painting. But despite those distractions, I buckled down and decided to make a garland of my very own instead of just talking about how much I would like one. It's nothing super fancy, but it helps to dress up the hearth.

Festive, right?

This is in the living room, which is now not going to get painted until December. This room is basically a holding area for furniture and excess decor, so it was nice to have a little nook to make prettier. You can see the fireplace from the dining room table, which will be nice on turkey day.

8 Days to Go: Turkey Hats

At Christmastime, people wear Santa hats. So I think it is only fitting that on Thanksgiving, people wear turkey hats!

Irina's pattern (for Ravelry members)

Loom Lore's pattern

goingcrafty's pattern

9 Days to Go...Giving Thanks Today

Thanksgiving is about being thankful. So today is decidated to Dexter. He brings Shane and me so much so much laughter and fun...and sometimes stress...but there isn't a day that doesn't go by that we're not super grateful to have him in our lives!

Naptime for Dex and me. Yes, we really were sleeping like this. He started out down by my legs and this is where he eventually wiggled up to and conked out.

Even the moments where we want to kill him, we love him.

10 Days to Go...Let's Talk Garlands

I've been pretty smitten with garlands lately. Maybe because I have a fireplace now to hang one on, or maybe it's just because they're so festive. Either way, I'd like one for my turkey day festivities...now it's just a matter of making one of my own. Why is there not more time? Why didn't I think about making a garland in the summer? Why do I wait until ten days before the big day to get great ideas?

prettyfickle's shop

bluemoonstudios's shop

craftysweetheart's shop

thebannersisters shop

bekehjenning's shop

mycreativesideKG's shop

cardsncandy's shop

11 Days to Go...Dreamy Dress

One of the reasons I love Thanksgiving at my house is that you can come to the table in your PJs, and it would be perfectly acceptable. However, as I was driving past Ann Taylor Loft the other day, I saw the Ruffle Shimmer Dress in the window and had daydreams of wearing this to a holiday meal. Kind of a chic version of the Norman Rockwell version of Thanksgiving...or Christmas. I think I love you, dress. But alas, I will resort to something more comfy and something that doesn't require taking the turkey out of the oven in heels. Still, a girl can dream.