I rounded up all the ingredients for the hot chocolate and Mr. Blue Eyed Yonder turned on some Christmas tunes. It was instantly cozier.

With hot chocolates in hand, we sat down to look at the inspiration photos I had gathered for this year’s Christmas decor. I know, corny huh? This year I have lots of exciting inspiration photos. I like to compile these photos as kind of a sneak peek for Mr. BEY. It helps him “see” my vision so he doesn’t think I am a nut job when I start talking about paper frames and cardboard deer.

Once I finished showing him the photos he literally jumped up and ran away.

As a matter of fact, he’s still running. If anyone sees a man in red pajama pants running down the road in the rain, please return him to me. Remind him I have hot cocoa with fat marshmallows.

Needless to say, my ideas for this year’s decor are a little bit whimsical and imaginative… and well, a little bit ambitious. I’m sure I won’t have time to bring all of this inspiration to life, but nonetheless, this Christmas is sure to be filled with tons of winter whimsy.

Crisp, lush lettuce from the Saturday Street Market in Arles, France. One of the most beautiful markets, and by far one of my favorite memories of France. Every time I look at these photos, I want to reach in and touch the lettuce again. Feel the rubbery, knobby texture. Pinch it and hear the gentle crisp.

Photos by: KHJ

The Arles market was so lovely, I could’ve just danced down the aisles. So lovely in fact, the market alone is almost reason enough to pack up and move across the Atlantic.

So munch on this lettuce my dearies. I know it will come as a welcoming “cleanse” to all the rich dishes we devoured this weekend.

I am not sure I have ever packed so much into one year. Tons of recipes..

Whew! It’s been quite a year that’s for sure and I can’t have a bloggy birthday without thanking all of my readers. Your comments, emails and sweet words are always so uplifting. Thanks for always bringing a smile to my face.

In celebration of one year of blogging, let me know…

Did you have a favorite post? a favorite photo? or just a reason for continuing to be a fan of Blue Eyed Yonder? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know how this blog speaks to you.

We’ve been busy little elves…

Lots of fun {little kitchens} will be making their way to my Blue Eyed Yonder Etsy Shop. We are only making a few before Christmas, so if you would like to reserve one just let me know. Feel free to email me at blueeyedyonder{at}gmail{dot}com.

What could look better under your tree on Christmas morning?

On a complete side note, have I told you my husband is the sweetest thing ever? Why? Because he does little things like this:

Yes, he sneaks into my blog drafts and hides little messages. He is gonna laugh when he sees that I let you guys in on his little game.

And that, my friends, was the beginning of long friendship with macarons.  We neatly tucked the rest of the macarons in our bag and enjoyed them later that evening, around 7:00, which happens to be the official “sit in the bed and eat macarons” hour in Paris. Ok, so I don’t know how “official” that is, but sitting in the bed looking out over this view…

I’d be happy to make this an official part of everyday.