Everyday | Cindy Rice Designs

December was a pretty painless month weather wise for us in northern Illinois. The temperature stayed right around freezing, not very cold for us. So, no weather excuses for not getting the Christmas shopping done. Well, it’s a new year and new weather. This morning we woke to a winter wonderland. It’s still snowing mid morning with more coming tomorrow. After that it will get very cold. Winter is finally here!

A snowy view out my bay window in the kitchen…

…and out the front door…

…and out my sewing room window.

Sugar (Fairyland Pukipuki) has never felt snow. I know, it’s my fault. She hasn’t had proper winter clothing. However, last week I knit her a bulky wool sweater which will keep her nice and warm. She’s got some waterproof boots and leggings too. She donned her winter gear and begged me to take her out on the sled. She needed a few extra pieces so I found some scrap yarn to wrap around her neck as a scarf and dug out her little pixie hat to keep her ears warm. I think she’s ready to experience snow.

“Please, please, please…”, begged little Sugar.

Like all little ones, Sugar LOVED playing in the snow with her puppy!

Do you see the snowflake in Sugar’s hair?

One thing that I love about winter evenings is how cozy it is to be indoors where it is warm and toasty and the light is warm and comforting while it is dark outside. Our homes are never more welcoming than when it is blustery, cold, and dark outside.

My daughter received the cutest little teapot and warmer for Christmas from her aunt, uncle, and cousins. It is so beautiful in it’s simplicity that it makes the tea drinking experience extra special. During the evening on New Year’s Day, we enjoyed a pot of Hibiscus tea together. We used the last two tea bags from the box so I will have to get more. It is very good iced as well as hot. Thanks to my sister-in-law, Heather, for introducing me to this new flavor of herbal tea.