Venice doorknobs

During my stay in Venice (Italy) last week I noticed that many front doors have elaborate doorknobs or door knockers. Here is a small selection:

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Cozy phone

Look, what my cutie pie little sister made for me! A felt cozy for my iPhone. She even stitched a little phone on top. I love it!!!

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Mamma mia and Nikolaus

My Mom decorated the house beautifully. Very inspiring, warm and welcoming. This is how the table looked when I arrived from the airport. Warm apple strudel, cappuccino liqueur with whipped cream and fragrant coffee. Ahhh... felt like home right away!

And I even received gifts from Nikolaus without leaving my shoe out.  

Nikolaus is celebrated in Germany on Dec. 6th. Children put a boot called "Nikolaus-Stiefel" outside the front door on the night of December 5 to December 6. Nikolaus fills the boot with gifts and sweets, and at the same time checks up on the children to see if they were good, polite and helpful the last year. If they were not, they will have a tree branch (rute) in their boots instead. Apparently I was good! ;-)

And here is what Nikolaus left for me:

A beautiful shawl, felted slippers and a cashmere covered hot water bottle. Thank you!

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Some German Christmas spirit

I am back in the US after a beautiful week in Europe. For the first time since we moved to California I went to Europe all by myself. Traveling is so much easier without kids, I tell you! It already starts with the packing: Only one suitcase... But I must confess - miraculously I had two on my way back. *smile* I watched two full movies, finished my book (great but disturbing read: "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan) and even slept for a couple of hours.

First I went to my hometown Oldenburg in Germany to meet my family and then to Venice, Italy for 5 days to celebrate my parents wedding anniversary.

The one night I spent in Germany I absolutely had to go to the Christmas Fair and drink some Gluehwein (mulled wine) and Feuerzangenbowle and just take in the atmosphere that brings back so many nice memories.

The front of Oldenburg's lovely little castle has been transformed into an Ueber-Aventcalendar. Can you spy the numbers in the windows?

I wish my girls could have been there to take a ride on this beautiful antique merry-go-around. 

The gingerbread hearts are much too pretty for eating. This one says "I love you".

Look at all the different candy canes. I wish you could smell the candied roasted almonds and the anise candy. 

Life size nativity scene.

Rudolph also made an appearance.

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Advent, Advent...

The Advent calendars are hanging and my daughters were thrilled. It was hard to keep the little one from opening all of the little pouches today. Probably I'll have to hang it up a little higher.

And here is my version of the Advent candles. I made the numbers with silver wire and added some glass beads.

Have a great first December week.

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Our little town

We had a crafty afternoon yesterday and here is the result. 

I want to live in the last one.

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Advent mood

I have to share with you this very cute idea. In Germany we have the custom of an "Adventskranz" (Advent wreath) with four candles. We light one more candle every Advent (the 4 Sundays before Christmas day). This is a very cute and simple alternative, isn't it?

Happy Thanksgiving!

seen at Shabby Homestyles

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