Christmas comes too quickly for a heart some years.
But I keep it, I keep it.
Christmas comes too jolly for a heart some years.
But I take it in, I take it in.
Christmas comes too quiet for a heart some years.
But I listen, I listen.
As children, my parents made us sit in rapture at the top of the stairs awaiting an official start to Christmas morning. Until the ripe old age of thirteen, we weren’t allowed in the family room until beckoned. What I’m certain was merely a peacekeeping tactic on their end created a seemingly unbearable sense of anticipation for us. Our minds raced and hearts beat faster at the thought of unwrapping toys, feasting on cinnamon buns, and drinking our body weight in sparkling cider. That day was always uninhibited bliss.
As happens with many aspects of growing older, luster fades. Those enchanting sentiments dissolve into taxing responsibilities: A need to purchase the perfect gift, craft the most delectable meal, and host an unforgettable holiday party. Each year brings with it unique pressures or difficulties which dull our childlike enthusiasm.
I have loved a great many and a great depth And I have lost as much as I loved, if not more I picked up instead bad habits and excuses A little chip on my shoulder on the good days Ancient marble ruins on the bad With nothing and nowhere
We are in the throes of the magical holiday season, a time filled with family and friends and lots of opportunities for memory-making. It’s likely that you (or someone you love) is traveling to spend the holidays with family and time is condensed as you
'Tis the time to spread the love. And while we truly favor those gifts that can't be wrapped -- like time, connection, service & encouragement -- it never hurts to be prepared with a few ideas for the tangible, too. So scroll through our gallery and
Soft and slow Falls the quiet evening snow Setting my small world aglow The earth is freshly white tonight And all my soul is calm and right Music, drifting, taking flight Echoes now a sweet, sweet song We wait and wish for all year long: It’s quite simple really: we all belong So love
The holiday season will come and go as fast as its stress can mount. Here at Darling, we're big fans of finding spirited and intentional ways to slow down and enjoy each and every moment, no matter how simple it may be. That's why we've
The holidays have arrived and are here in full force. We all want this season to be a special one. We want the warm, fuzzy mood that Christmas evoked in our childhood. We want the comforting feeling of hot cocoa on a cold winter's day,
We all know what season it is, but how much greater would it also be to know that when gifting loved ones during the holidays you're doing more than just checking off a list -- you're actually supporting people, places and causes that matter? We agree, it'd be
Have you ever received an anonymous gift? One such surprise, a delightful arrangement of orange lilies, was delivered to my house with a simple note attached: “Just because you are special, from Anonymous.” From Anonymous! The mystery became all too much for the Nancy Drew
“Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go…” is the popular carol we would sing on the long snowy car trip to my Mother’s parents' house every December 24th as a child. It was a 4-hour journey that began very
Christmas is that time of year when, despite the joy in the air and the snowflakes falling on our eyelashes, everything tends to go ever so slightly wrong. We get caught up in the strange, horrible desire to synthesize the "perfect" holiday and I, for
Happy December! As many of you know, we are very excited (like, Christmas excited) to have Issue No. 2 of Darling Magazine officially done, printed and ready to send! With a lot of hope and heart, we were are printing an extra 1,000 copies this
Bonnie Forkner is a talented blogger who has a passion for “everything handmade and anything homegrown.” Her blog, Going Home to Roost, is a beautiful place where readers can go to find delicious recipes, creative projects, and all sorts of inspiration. Join us as Bonnie
1. Alphabet Animals Flashcards ($14.95) Illustrated flashcards will equally enhance the creativity and intellect of the little ones you read these to. 2. TOMS Red Youth Glitters ($42) To give a gift twice over, buy a pair of these shoes and know that another child will be
This is part of our 2012 Darling Gift Guide series. To view previous gift ideas, including For Her gifts by persona, please click here. 1. Timex Weekender Watch ($36.22) Classic and definitely a value buy—these watches have changeable bands so it can be continually updated and maintained
1. Wild Harvested Incense Sticks ($12) These sticks pleasantly surprise as they add a fragrance to the home that creates an atmosphere through scent not smoky haze that you want to escape. 2. Brass Bottle Opener ($40) Holiday parties provide opportunities to to have a sleek bottle opener
Today we're thrilled to share with you part one of our first-ever gift guide. We've picked our favorite gift items for each persona to help you find a gift that's just right for every different kind of friend (or sister or mother) in your life.
During December of 1994 our kitchen in North Chattanooga experienced an unparalleled disaster: my Mom and I made our first ever attempt at assembling and decorating a gingerbread house. We were unprepared, disorganized, and downright stupid. The gingerbread house collapsed halfway through decorating and
We are so excited to announce that Issue No. 2 of Darling Magazine is now available for pre-order! This Winter Issue of Darling will explore ways in which you can bring warmth and joy into this holiday season and into the New Year. In pre-ordering
Write a note to yourself and stash it away for next year. Make a list of things you are thankful for this year, and important lessons you have learned. Or perhaps write down a quote or scripture from the Bible that was especially significant to
This Christmas, while you listen to the familiar music of Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra, listen to the words a little closer. You will hear tales of the birth of Jesus, talk of angels, and a holy night. While some of the carols speak of
Say a prayer. Wherever you are at on your spiritual journey, God wants you to talk to Him. This Christmas Eve night, pray for direction in 2012, for your family or friends, and give thanks for all you have. From the series: 25 Days of Darling http://unwastedyouth.tumblr.com/
Be a servant. This Christmas we will all most likely be around family or friends who have taken us in for the holiday. Make it a point to serve them. Here are some ideas: Offer to vacuum, sweep or clean whatever is needed before the
You may be overwhelmed by the amount of holiday party tips you are receiving in every magazine you pick up, but remember, being a Hostess is an honor. Darling believes in all of you, that you can create an unforgettable night for your guests in
Talk to the person next to you on the airplane. As many of us will probably be on planes this season, let's take this challenge and actually engage someone new. Asking "tell me about yourself" is a great question. Instead of discussing the typical background
This singing duo of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel began as an unexpected collaboration in 2006. Now they have given us delightful Christmas cheer through their album A Very She & Him Christmas. These classic tunes harken to the past but keep us in the
Talk to someone at a party that is an "outsider." Some people are very shy and uncomfortable in social situations. Go out of your way to approach them and introduce yourself. Ask them questions about themselves and make them feel comfortable. Invite them into a
Are you taking the challenge to host a holiday get-together this year
In our previous article The Darling Holiday Guide, we discussed easy, fun food ideas for your holiday party. Now we are moving into dressing confidently for the evening. Every occasion should be celebrated with just the right ensemble. Finding that "just right" combination should be formulated
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