St. Patrick’s photo: Jeff Hutton
St. Patrick’s photo: Corinne Cavallo
Photo: Paul Kolnik for the New York City Ballet
Sunday I was so tired in the afternoon I thought I’d lie down. Nearly three hours later, I woke up to my studio at night. I thought of all my favorite things on holiday evenings: walking in Manhattan with the smoky scent of burnt-roasted chestnuts, watching The Nutcracker, wrapping presents, Zuzu snuggled by the woodstove, my tree and its vintage ornaments, and the aroma of baking from my husband’s kitchen.
What do you love about evenings during the holidays?
Until next time, stay shabby!
I’ll be sharing this with:
White Wednesday at Faded Charm
Vintage Friday at Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Get in the holiday spirit with all the talented participants!

94 comments:
...oh dear Sandy ~
Surely THIS is what heaven is like...
soooo very ethereal, it makes my heart take pause and breath in the beauty...
simply stunning!!
Happiest Holidays dear friend!
xo, Rosemary
i think i just saw a glimpse of heaven...sigh...
Your sweet cottage is so inviting, it is truly heavenly! I just love your chandelier and all the fluffy ruffles! Christie
Sandy ~
Ohhhh my goodness your pictures are beautiful!!
I want to snuggle up in your cottage :)
Stunning pictures, like in a dream...or in snow- fairytale...
I have to agree with all three women! Those pictures definitely show my kind of heaven. It's absolutely amazing how beautiful your cabin is.. I can't wait to have my own space to create such a majestic getaway. Thank you for the pictures, you're so very talented.
Merry Christmas, Sandy!
Brie xoxo
Oh so pretty.Were the lights battery operated? Looked great.For our holiday season we think of hot days, swimming, bbq's and happy sunny days.But we still love to decorate! Best wishes, Fiona
I am DREAMING! Bellissimo. CHeerS
Rita mammabellarte
Dearest Sandy,
For me the holidays are about warmth. Feeling warm for having family and friends. Feeling warm for having food and a cozy place to sleep under a down duvet... Listening to heavenly music with the smell of candles. Reading a good book and watching a favorite movie together. What a JOY to be alive!
Thanks for letting us live your dream.
Merry Christmas to you too and yes, Silent Night!
Mariette's Back to Basics
Oh my word, that first photo is incandescent!
Gorgeous, simply gorgeous. :-)
XOXO,
Anne
Stunning, I'd never want to get out of bed!
Tracey
So beautiful, than you for sharing your piece of "heaven" with us.
Yes Sandy. Indeed, thankyou for letting us share your dream. Always a pleasure to visit you and the wonderful white whimsy that is your special haven. Thankyou so much for sharing your creative talent through such delightful photos! Wish I could just BE there...*wistful sigh*
What a magical and romantic space to wake up to, Sandy!
I love the poem you shared with us, too... thank you!
During the holidays, I enjoy spending the evenings with my family, including our little yorkie (Ellie), watching old Christmas movies.
Happy Holidays!
xoxo,
Jo :)
Such a cozy post! I'd love to do NYC with you! Needless to say a tour of your gingerbread house too! I just got some Rachel A. white sheets and pillows and a white quilt. I think I'll have to string up some twinkle lights and imagine I'm in a loft! Love seeing your space--Jacqueline
One word...STUNNING!
What a soft and dreamy bed. I can only imagine what it must be like waking up in it, even after a nap.
You pretty much summed up a wonderful winter evening. My man does most of the cooking and all of the baking. I'm a spoiled girl but he loves doing it. I wake up to warm cookies and muffins all the time.
soooooooooo stinkin' beautiful i cannot stand it.
a.d.o.r.e it.
soooo dreamy!!!!
It's looking like Christmas at the cottage. We have had a cold snap here in Orlando, so I am smelling something in the air that I usually never smell in December and that is the smoke from people burning their fireplaces, it is delightful!
Carol
OMG, I'm dying over here! I'd love to spend an evening in your place!!
You can see mine here:
http://sylviacook-inspirations.blogspot.com/2010/12/shiny-baubles.html
So pretty, Sandy!
For the holiday evenings: I just love being cozy w/my hubby & animals... well, not "just". It's my everything and I wouldn't have a thing (love most importantly) if it wasn't for them.
xo
How heavenly your studio looks!! I would never be able to leave it!!
Happy HoLiDaYs!!
Suzann
Oh what a great idea! It looks so dreamy. I can just imagine how wonderful it is to lay there and dream of the stars! Just gorgeous.
Debbie
Oooooh Sandy, your post is absolutly heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loooooooooooooove the pictures full of romance und the lovely poem!!!!!!! Have a wonderful Christmas time,
Hugs Jade
Dreamland!
really an eye opener for me.
- Robson
Just dropping by from All Things Merry & Bright - and giving you a follow. Your blog is gorgeous!
Merry Christmas to you from
http://SallyLeeByTheSea.com
WOW! It's beautiful!!!! I love it!
xoxo
Eva
Wowwwwwwwwwwww.....so beautiful post Sandy !!!.......in the evening......doing nothing......relax drinking wine and listen to the music.......reading...talking.....blogging.........o yes !! but first we must do a lot of work before that !! hahaha!! .......much people in our shop..........happy time...enjoy it....love love Ria...
WOW!! This bed is fit for a princess! Just beautiful!
Oh Sandy!
I just want to climb right into the photo and snuggle into that gorgeous little bed nook and dream the most beautiful dreams.
Simply heavenly,
hugs
Cath
Thank you for such beautiful links as well as beautiful images!
I am having a giveaway at my blog - a gift card sponsored by CSN Stores. please do come over
There's no doubt about it, the magical, colorful Christmas lights at night turn me into a child again. I love your blog and your perfect little house in the woods. Thank you for your kind generosity in sharing it with us. Blessings & Happy Holidays to you!! xoxo
Oh my goodness, your post is just so... perfectly dreamy! Wow, I can't wait to see the rest of your blog after I get some work done. I'm going to follow your blog. I found you via White Wednesdays and hope you'll stop by mine and maybe follow me too if you like it ;)
Michelle
Okay, after looking at more of your blog - I had to add you to my list of favorite blogs on my blog (I don't do that for everyone)... it's just breathtaking - I love NY State by the way...
Michelle
So beautiful and dreamy! Theresa xoxo
Glad you got some rest. You are going 110% all the time I bet.
The loft is so dreamy and peaceful who wouldn't want a nice nap?
Have a fun holiday season!
This is such a dreamlike setting Sandy, its enchanting. I love your bedding and how pretty your loft looks with the strung up lights and crocheted snowflakes.
i really believe you fell a sleep in there its heaven on earth!!
Gorgeous! Seeing this has made my day! Beautiful!
Sandy, I wish you were my next door neighbor. hugs tami
BEAUTIFULL
Hi Sandy! It's just ridiculous how beautiful it looks! The tree is just breathtaking!
Lots of love! Have a lovely Christmas :)
~Angela Harris
I am at a loss for words for the beauty that I see here. It is simply unbelieveable. I can hear that song in my mind from the Charlie Brown show. You are amazing.
Just soooo beautiful. What a wonderful place to escape and fall into dreamland. Love your pup with the angel wings! Have a wonderful week!
xo,
Debra
It doesn't matter how many times I look at and how many different pics I see of your studio.... I'm enamored with it each and EVERY time!
So very peaceful and serene! What a pretty blog you have! One of my favorite evening activities has been to peruse the many Christmas blogs. Very enjoyable! Bess
Sandy,
Simply beautiful! This Christmas for us in all about enjoying the true meaning of CHRISTmas with our kids and each other. December is always such a whirlwind for our family that it's over before we know it. We're trying very hard this year to soak the moments in, not just rush on to the next one. The girls dance performances, family and school parties, etc. That poem you added is to appropriate, if we could make a point to appreciate these blessings all year!
May you and your Husband have a very blessed CHRISTmas together!
Missy
A ir-real fairy place!!!
Soooo stunning!
Thank you so much for share a little piece of symple true beauty!
Darling Sandy I remember you I've made my first Giveaway!!! Don't forget to enter it!!
Have a good day
Silvia
Ohhhh my wrapped in fluffiness and dancing in crystals...you have hit the Shabby nail on the head!!!! Excellent staging, pictures and dreamy romance! I love it all! Thank you for sharing!
Hugs,
Olivia
hi. lovely picture her.
big hug from norway
sylvia
If that was my bedroom, I would never,ever,never leave it ever,ever again!
So dreamy Sandy!
Merry Christmas doll !
Sandy,
This is GORGEOUS! I love all of it!
Have a Merry Christmas!
Mandy
Sandy, Only you! It is beautiful!
Beautiful photos and eye candy, Sandy! I love the lighting at Christmas...
Beautiful!
Your decor is delightful!
Theresa
aka:tot
Oh how magical!
At the holidays I love how my kids remember things special to them when they were little and thank me for the memories!
Hey Sweet Sandy! :0) Thanks for stopping in and commenting..I always look forward to seeing you on my blog. :)
Your cottage is so sweet all lit up with twinkle lights...just dreamy!
My favorite thing about CHRISTmas nights is the soft glow of the white lights, Christmas music playing in the background, the fireplace roaring and hearing the giggles of my children in the background...all while sipping on hot chocolate with marshmallow fluff. A perfect night. sigh...wish every night could be so perfect. :)
Hope you have a VERY merry Christmas my dear!
Hey, by the way, do you ever sleep in your little cottage? I would have a hard time going back to my regular bedroom after sleeping up there. :)
Love ya!
Missy
Oh Sandy, Truly Breathtaking...
Oh my! Etheral! Your cottage is a whole other world. Divine. Simply divine.
Do you/have you ever spent the night there? And personally...um..
. how can I say this tactfully? I wouldn't want my husband to stay with me! It's too...too fabulous, too...well- I think most women know what I mean!
Thank you for being such an inspiration. Happy, Happy Holidays to you and your darling.
Barbara
Oh, how wonderful to wake up surrounded by such enchantment. I like to take in every nook in your photos...breathtaking!
I was so honored you visited my new blog, Sandy. Your studio is a dream for so many of us!
Thank you for sharing your incredible talent.
- susan
Hi Sandy,
Your cottage looks magical with the lights on. I love it.
Happy Holidays,
Carey
Oh, everything is so beautiful! Looks like a perfect White Christmas! How about relaxing by the fire with a homemade snickerdoodle cookie (my fav which my hubs bakes) and a cup of hot cocoa with a candy cane? Just love all the little Christmas memories. We spent last December in New York; and every year we took our daughters to The Nutcracker. Merry Christmas!
~ Julie
When can I move in??? You are so, so talented Sandy. An inspiration to those who love all things shabby! Merry Christmas to you and your poochies. Jacqueline xx
I just love it!!!!! Its so dreamy and beautiful! I have added you on my sidebar and am looking forward to your next post.
Wishing you a lovely weekend,
rozmeen
Sandy,
So beautiful! I assume you have heat. Was wondering if you closed the studio for the winter months. It is great that you can relax during this crazy time.Enjoy! Merry Christmas. Hugs, Liz
I bet I also would fall fast asleep in that bed - it looks wonderful :-)
During Christmas I love to spend time with my family, and to slow down and relax :-D
Have a nice day - hugs Siv
~*~*Breathtakingly Beautiful Sandy!~*~* Hugs~ Rachel :)~*~*~*
*French Farmhouse 425*
These are gorgeous shots of your studio. Amazing decorating skills! Can't wait to see your Valentine's day! Merry Christmas Sandy!
Caroline
Hi Sandy, Pure magic! Your photos are amazing!!
Wishing you the best Christmas and an even better new year (can you top this year?, I'll bet you can!!)
Bella
Oh my goodness... *sigh* absolutely incredible and I just love it...love it, love it, l.o.v.e. i.t.! Thanks so much for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday!
Happy Holidays!
Beautiful. I love candlelight and the sparkles from the tree and the lighted garlands and, of course, glitter.
Have a great weekend,
Judy
Firstly Sandy... OMG!*!*! Just Stunning - Over-The-Top-Gorgeous - Fluffy - Dreamy Angelic White-Out!!! AND as for "Holiday Evenings"... We pull out the old record player & listen to nostalgic tunes by a crackling fire...
HaPPy HoLIdaYs ~ YOU'VE Had A FaBuLouS Year!*!*!
Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!
I'm nearly speechless. The photos are divine and your decorating is beyond belief!!!!
I felt I was in a dream...a wonderful wonderful dream.
xo
Robin
All Things Heart and Home
(pls come back Wednesday and link up more of your goodness!!)
Simply heavenly - serene, pure, dreamy. Oh that I would be awakened in that sleeping place.
Deborah in NC
In it something is. I agree with you, thanks for an explanation. As always all ingenious is simple.
Beautiful photos as always! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Stay warm & I'll see you in the New Year. HUGS!
Charlene
Like a snugly peace of heaven... your little cottage looks so peaceful and seren! There are too many things I love about this time of year... one of my absolut fav's freshly fallen virgin white snow...
Dear Sandy, wish you a merry & white christmas, xoxo Mira!
What a beautiful post Sandy!! So warm and cozy!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Hugs!! xoxox
Sonia
Creating Vintage Charm
WOW... the most fantastic little house I have every seen. Charming I want one in my garden!!
Merry Christmas from snowy Sweden
Mari
So beautiful, Sandy!!! I hope you have a lovely Christmas!
Hugs,
Zuzu
Hi Sandy
Your photos are Beautiful!Thank you for sharing. Have a Wonderful Christmas. Blessings
Sandy
I just found your blog...lovely, and I have to tell you your studio is amazingly beautiful! I am so happy you got to be on the Nate show, which I just watched!
Also, I have a shed in my back yard we just built, and you have given me so much inspiration. It is not done due to the cold weather, but I'd love for you to take a peak and tell me what you think!
Cindy
xo
Wow!! It's stunning. Like a Dream!! Happy New Year!!
I am just spellbound by your visually-mesmerizing blog. In fact, I got in such a zone over it, I left my comment on a previous thread instead of this one, scrolling back and forth, not knowing what to drink in first. Thank goodness I found your site from the comment you left on Rachel Ashwell's blog. I've spent a good amount of time this late evening going back through all 12 glorious months of your posts and, I must tell you, your agent needs a splash of that cold, clear stream water to help her/him wake up to what would be an amazing book by you that I would buy in a heartbeat! I mean, look at how many comments you have, just right here. And you've already got national exposure from Nate's syndicated show, the magazine spread, etc. There are lots of books out there and many authors trying to get published. I know people who have self-published, and they can only get so far on the radar. What you need is good exposure, as in follow-up features with the magazine(s) and a second visit to Nate's show to promote your book (and maybe your second cottage). It's already a perfect shoe-in for a sequel to your introduction. I personally buy books that I hear about or read about, not so much anymore from walking through a bookstore (although I miss that). Anyway, to me, your potential to expand your horizons is right on the money (not to make a pun). Best of sparkly, shabby luck! And thank you for sharing your little piece of heaven with the rest of us. You know, I just read an article on my homepage, maybe 3 days ago, all about the tiny houses. And I've read recently, seems maybe in Sunset magazine(?), that people are getting very creative about how to turn sheds into small backyard retreats...so, truly, what you're doing and sharing couldn't be more timely.
Sandy, Home to me is Albany, NY so your romantic studio has always touched my heart. So beautiful. But these Christmas pictures are just breathtaking. Ethereal! Also I went backward from your current post, lol, you and all your family wishing us Happy New Year on your porch of the cottage surrounded by the snow makes me cry...I so miss the snow. Snow and your beautiful studio together, a match made in heaven.
Oh my gosh, This is so beautiful. What a place to rest. Can you tell me what size your little bit of heaven is.
I know I'm late on this, but these pictures are just gorgeous!! LOVE all of the twinkling lights.
xox Lexi
Glitter & Pearls
wow...its really, really pretty here...so happy to have discovered your streamside studio!!!
xoxo Eden
Hello Sandy, I found your blog through Weheartit, and I just love it. I'm from Sweden and I guess you are too. I got sooo inspired from your christmas trees and like. I will certainly follow your blog and also add your blogg in mine. Take care och God Jul på dig. En stor Shabby Chic kram från mig. Lena
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