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The Best Gift is Time Spent with Loved Ones

Is your home ready for the holidays? We seriously downsized our Christmas decorating this year, because for the first time we will be spending the holiday at our son’s house instead. Our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree is already as crisp as potato chips, so it’ll need to go out soon after the 25th, for safety reasons. But, my holiday spirit is high because my best present arrived at the airport yesterday!Ā 

My daughter flew in for the week! Fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog for women over 50Living in different countries means I don’t see her nearly enough. She just finished her MBA program while working full time,Ā and we couldn’t be more proud of her. She is ready for down time!

Fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog for women over 50

We headed to Chevy’s first thing for her favorite fajitas. Not gourmet fareĀ by any means, but I’m hooked on their chips and salsa:)

This blouse I’m wearing is a change of pace for me. I seldom choose overly feminine shapes or fabric but loved this one the moment I saw it. Its sheer silk is covered with silver dots for a festive feel. It has a raw edged ruffled collar and comes with a matching cami. I’m surprised how often I have reached for it this season so will be exploring more feminine shapes and fabric going forward.

Wearing- Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blog for women over 50

After a quick stop home to say hi to her Dad, she and I hit the bookstore for some last minuteĀ gifts. I love to give and receiveĀ books, don’t you?

Beatrix Potter book for my grandsonI couldn’t resist this classic by Beatrix Potter for my grandson. I have a soft spot for Peter rabbit and have been reading it to him from day one. He can now recite most of the book by heart and “pretend” to read it to me! This one should be fun because it’s full of rhymes and has the original illustrations.

Knitting with my daughter

Shopping complete, we relaxed by the Christmas Tree and a roaring fire (that explains the crisp tree:) enjoying a glass of wine while she frantically started knitting a baby hat for a girlfriend who is due any minute.

Wearing- Silk Blouse and CamiĀ (on sale) // Tallulah Jacket // Eileen Fisher pants (on sale) //

We are off for more shopping and dinner at a dear friends house tonight. It’s going to be a busy time the next few days and I am really looking forward to it.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday, shared with your friends and loved ones! This time of year can be difficult for many, so offer a kind word and smile to everyone you meet.

This post may containĀ affiliate links which generate income for AWSL. Please see my complete disclosure statement here.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Soft Surroundings for sponsoring this post.

40 Comments

  1. I enjoy your posts very much. I ordered the blouse and cami from Soft Surroundings but chose the peach version because my coloring is very different from yours. Thanks for keeping us grannies looking good!

    1. I like that color combo too, Gail! “Granny” style is what makes us feeling confident!

  2. Merry Christmas! The smile on your face says all there is to say about the joy you feel being with your daughter!

    1. Merry Christmas, Barbara! My smile does tell the whole story.

  3. Merry Christmas Jennifer! All the best to you and yours!

    1. Merry Christmas, Lisa! Your daughter is a beauty

  4. I really enjoy your posts and your style tips. Have a Merry Christmas and wishing you a healthy and happy 2017.

    1. Merry Christmas, Yvonne! Thanks for commenting and being part of our community. Wishing you a wonderful New Year xo

  5. I was wondering about the crisp tree. We get that problem, but we also have very hot Christmasses. It is due to be 38 C this Christmas with 40 degrees C on Boxing Day. We water the tree diligently twice a day but it is pitiful and shedding needles everywhere by the twelfth night.
    I love the Beatrix Potter poetry book. Did you know that Peter Rabbit turned 150 this year!
    Have a wonderful Christmas with your lovely family. You are so right, time spent with them is the very best Christmas gift.

    1. Wow, that’s a scorcher Melissa. No wonder your tree is crisp! I think we will go with an artificial tree next year and not have to worry about the fire hazard any more. I did not know Peter was 150. That’s awesome. The magic of the classics. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!

  6. LOADS OF PHOTOS OF THAT BOY PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    HO HO HO……….
    Grocery shopping is DONE!I start cooking tomorrow!
    FEELING PRETTY GOOD ABOUT IT…………..
    ENJOY YOUR DAUGHTER……….what FUN…….I so NEED A GIRL IN MY LIFE!
    YES!
    I ADORE TO RECEIVE BOOKS!
    XX

    1. Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your loved ones. xoxo

  7. Angela Grafe says:

    Dear Jennifer – merry christmas to you and all of your family! Hope for a peaceful new year.
    Our son just arrived from mississauga / working for a german company/ and we are happy to spend time with him.

    All the best from germany
    Yours Angela

    1. That’s wonderful, Angela. I’m so happy for you. Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your family.

  8. Metry Christmas. I enjoy reading your posts and look forward to your outfits!

    1. Thanks so much. Merry Christmas, Joi!

  9. Happy Holidays Jennifer. I agree the best present is being with your loved ones.

    1. Have a fabulous holiday Sandra!! Let me know when you’re up my way again!

  10. Congratulations to your daughter! Not an easy feat to attend university while working full time.
    Have a wonderful Christmas!

    1. She’s a very hard worker. Merry Christmas, Joanna!

  11. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

    1. Thank you, Susan. Merry Christmas to you too!!

  12. Lianne MacGregor says:

    Looks like your daughter brought you some Canadian maple syrup … ? Doesn’t get better than that!

    1. It’s actually a maple scented candle in the tin. It smells amazing. I remember when I was a little girl our syrup came in these tins.

  13. Amy L Robertson-Smith says:

    Jennifer,
    Thanks for sharing, I can’t often post, but I enjoy your blog. Enjoy your adorable family and the Christmas Season. I love the reminder to be kind and smile to others, these last 3 days are so hard for those that work retail & service, what a nice reminder to everyone. Merry Christmas, Amy

    1. Merry, Merry Christmas Amy!! Thank for reading I’m so appreciative you’re here.

  14. This is a nice look for you. I had to laugh when you said how your grandson memorizes a book that you read with him. My daughter did the same thing before we realized she had also memorized it. We thought we had a (genious)! LOL. She is still smart though and became a nurse.
    Enjoy the visit with your daughter and family!

    1. That’s hilarious Gloria!! Wishing you a fabulous holiday celebration.

  15. Diane Caird says:

    I love your posts ! You are just a lovely person, I can tell. I feel like I know you via your heart-felt posts ! And, yes, thank you for commenting about holidays can be hard for those of us who have broken families. Wishing you a wonderful season and continued success in 2017 !

    1. Thank you so much, Diane. You’re so kind. Sending you love and joy this holiday season. xo

  16. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
    Your blouse is so soft and feminine, I can see why you purchased it for the festive season…that little bit of sparkle adds a lot!
    I am busy today in the kitchen preparing for the family feast…
    and congratulations to your daughter on getting her MBA.

    1. Your feast will be amazing!! I love all your recipes. Wish you the Merriest of Christmas’ Leslie!

  17. retro-roost says:

    Your daughter is so pretty!
    Merry, Merry Christmas!!

    1. She is more beautiful inside than out! I’m so blessed. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! xo

  18. Gorgeous shirt! Looks like you’re having a wonderful holiday!

    1. For a low key holiday we’ve really been having a fun one. Wish you a fabulous holiday Beth!!

  19. marlene alves says:

    I so enjoy your posts, Jennifer, as they are about real life…keep them coming!

    1. Thank you for being here, Marlene!! I really appreciate you. Have a wonderful holiday.

  20. Atonia Walpole says:

    I love the blouse. It’s feminine without being too, too. It still has an edge that I think we need as we age. Enjoy the season and your lovely family.

    1. That’s what I thought too! Have a wonderful holiday season, Antonia and thanks for being here!

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