Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Home for Holidays

“When I speak of ‘home’, I speak of the place, where for want of a better description, a place where those I love are gathered; and if that place were a gypsy’s tent, or a barn, I should call it by the same good name notwithstanding.” Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby

Had the most amazing visit with family and friends in Ontario, White Christmas musical, lunch at Arcadian Court, Christmas window displays, shopping in the main street of St Jacob’s village complete with Mennonites in horse & buggies. Thank you everyone for making it special.

Karla’s Cottage is hosting a blog party on the theme of What I love about my holiday home and 2 peas is hosting a month long challenge on what makes the holidays special at your place.

Do check out the 100 links Karla has collected of people from around the globe all celebrating in their local custom or own special way. Posting some photos over the next few days of our holiday adventures and will keep adding on the way to our holiday destination of the white sandy beach.



Lunch at the Arcadian Court is a special event any time of year with its beautiful Art Deco décor and fantastic food. The room is so pretty; it was hard to take just one photo that captured everything, we tried this one for a fractured mirror view of the huge crystal chandeliers and grand architecture. Shrunk to fit for dial up bloggers some of the details are lost – you will just have to use your imagination



For anyone who loves their Swarovski crystals, this tree is a sparkling attraction at the Eaton Centre. We took a photo up close so you could see how it is simply covered in crystal decorations at from a distance twinkles with a million lights.



The Bay windows decorated for Christmas are a special tradition shared by many other big stores in cities around the world. We tried hard to take photos at an angle that did not include reflections of people walking by but then realised that it was part of the flavour of the day and decided to have fun working with the street scape instead for a layered effect reminiscent of altered art.










16 comments:

Shirley Fyfe said...

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! Such a lovely photo too!

Shirley
http://shirleyfyfe.typepad.com

Lori said...

your trip sounds just magical, i can't wait to see your pics:)

Anonymous said...

what a great tradition! I bet yall have a lot of wonderful memories! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Southern Heart said...

The photos today are beautiful...I hope that you have a wonderful time!

xo, Andrea

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Great pictures..you must be having a wonderful time. Susan

Brittany said...

Great photos!! Sounds wonderful! Happy Holidays!
Brittany

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Such beautiful photos! You must be having a marvelous time! (Thank you for the link to my shop in your earlier post!) =)

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

I love window displays at Christmas! Thanks for sharing!
Please stop by our holiday home!
:)

Tracy said...

Fabulous! Glad you had such a wonderful time...Happy Holidays ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Hi Mandy, sounds like you had a wonderful time with beautiful memories. Beautiful photos too, and we look forward to some more :) Jenn and Jacqui

kari and kijsa said...

Such fun photos...thanks for the visit...sounds like a wonderful time!

Have a blessed day!

smiles, kari and kijsa

roseroomnz.com said...

Wonderful! Merry Christmas and Blessings - Rachael:)

Kingswood Food and Craft Market said...

Absolutely stunning photos ! it all looks too good to be true.

Thankyou so much for visiting my blog. Oh you asked if i made the Advent Santa on my blog...nope i cant take credit for that. He's lovely but isnt he!

Have a wonderful christmas.
Shannon :)

Natasha Burns said...

Hi Mandy,
I think I'd love that crystal covered tree!!! Sounds like you're having a ball!!!

Sugar Bear said...

So pretty! I definitely feel the holiday magic.
Karla

Linda Manning Findley said...

love the photo's and know that it's so wonderful to be able to be home for the holidays .... have a safe and merry one ..... Linda F