DelaneyGates.com

Cozy + Festive

 
I'm looking very much forward to the cozy and festive week we have planned here at the Gates house. It will be filled with handmade gift creating, family candy making, and Christmas light looking. I wish you a cozy and festive week, as well!

A Private Tour of Our Christmas Village

Each Christmas season, one of our favorite family traditions is putting together our little Christmas village. Each year, we add several new pieces and my, how it has grown! I'm thankful for this happy memory that my son will have when he's grown up. Many times, I've walked into the room to find him arranging the little people and shrubs. Isn't that sweet?

My favorite piece is one we found this year: Essex Manor. When the switch is flipped, happy couples slowly spin, dancing around the ballroom to Christmas music. Can you find it?

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into one of our family traditions! Have a wonderful day! 

Cozy Extra-Long Handknit Fringed Scarves

 

Recently, I taught myself how to knit. (I know, like I need another hobby, right?) There's just something about creating a piece that's functional with my two hands that feels wonderful, you know?  I've wanted a scarf like this for forever and I've never been able to find juuust the right one. So I made one. To me, this scarf design is the perfect width, the perfect length and has just the right amount of fringe on the ends. (It's approx. 78 inches long, including fringe.)

I'm thinking about offering them for sale, as well. Would you like one? Let me know in the comments section or @ me on Twitter (@delaneygates) and I'll create one especially for you! Right now, the colors are tweed grey (pictured), raspberry (pictured), tweed cocoa, black, and winter white. (More colors coming soon!) Your scarf will most likely be handknit with a latte, a classic movie from the 1950's and an adorable husband close by and I'm selling them for $38 plus Priority shipping. Payment may be made via Paypal, money order, check, or well-concealed cash. I'll give you the details after I hear from you! Literally, every single time I've worn this scarf out in public, I've received compliments on it, and you will too!

Have a cozy day!

 

 

 
 
 
 

National Cupcake Day

 

Happy National Cupcake Day! Today is the day in which one may indulge in a guilt-free cupcake. Make it count! Set your cupcake on an elegant dessert plate, use something other than a plastic fork for heaven's sake, and sit down to savor each and every bite. 

May your day be filled with sweetness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking in Memphis: UFC 107

 

 

 

 
 
This past weekend, Jason and I took a five hour road trip to Memphis to attend UFC 107. We had an AMAZING time and both agreed that our trip was even better than we imagined it would be!

The rain fell on us the entire way there, but we remained cozy and dry, each drinking our 'usual' from Starbucks. When we arrived in Memphis, we had enough time to partake in a couple of beverages on Beale Street and had an awesome dinner in a bustling little cafe. Authentic Memphis. We loved it. Then, arm in arm, we made our way back down Beale street to the FedEx Forum. When we found our seats, we were astounded at just how well we could see the octagon from our vantage point!

Once the fights began, electricity saturated the air. It was so intense! We were on our feet, yelling at the top of our lungs, each totally into it! (And this is coming from the most ladylike, girly-girl on earth!) I had no idea I would enjoy it as much as I did. The highlight of the night, for me, was watching Dana White put the belt around BJ Penn's waist, for sure.  Of course, it was a blast seeing Dana, Bruce Buffer and Joe Rogan (and of course Chuck and the other fighters on the card!) in person! Jason was in heaven. How will I top this gift next Christmas?! Ha!

A few points of interest:

* The "fighters section" was virtually empty at the beginning of the night, and they trickled in as time ticked closer to the main event.

* Chuck Liddell was on the edge of his seat the entire evening- even for the early fights. This made me smile. He's a fighter and a true fan of his sport.

* Chuck Liddell and Dana White are pretty buddy-buddy. They talked on and off throughout the evening. Perhaps about next season's Ultimate Fighter, as Chuck is one of the coaches?

* All of the guys in the fighters section were taking photos with each other. How fun is that?

Thankfully, we are fully rested and recouperated from the weekend and are now setting our sites on planning our anniversary trip. Hard Rock Hotel, here we come. :)