Thanksgiving & A Little Catch-Up

Good afternoon my dears, 

This year, we've stayed home, stayed safe, worn a mask, and socially distanced ourselves on the rare occasion we are out in public. There are many reasons as a family we have chosen to do this; in particular because at the beginning of the pandemic I was pregnant, we had a newborn with no immunity, for our elders, and for cancer patients (like my dad was) who are immunocompromised. Pediatric cancer has especially been on my heart lately, and I have shed many a tear because innocent newborns, babies, infants, and toddlers have died because their immune systems have been compromised. I couldn't ever live with the thought that I could've in any way contributed to their demise. 

- Thanksgiving - 

For that reason, we decided to forgo our annual tradition of going to The Biltmore for Thanksgiving. Instead we celebrated, just the 3 of us, at home. It was the most prefect day - the weather, the food, and getting to see Drew in his cute Thanksgiving outfits.

We have been ordering our groceries through the instacart app most of this year. A few days before Thanksgiving the food was delivered to our front door, I rolled up my sleeves, and I spent 9 hours in the kitchen, yes, you read that right...nine hours, preparing our Thanksgiving dinner. 

Menu 

Turkey, ham, popovers, sweet potato casserole, au gratin, roasted brussel sprouts, roasted carrots, and cranberry jello. For dessert, we had pear and apple pies and pumpkin spice choc-chip bundt cake. 

The floral arrangement was delivered a few days before. 

Drew and Daddy 

Drew and Mama

- Virtual Tea Parties - 

One way I've been entertaining myself while staying at home, is with virtual tea parties. I had one with my dear friend, Sherry, from the blog Our Love Story and one with author, Susan Branch, along with 1,000 of her other fans. I sipped on Earl Grey tea with honey and nibbled on homemade sugar cookies. 

My Susan Branch Christmas books. Her latest, Home For Christmas, is about her 1956 childhood Christmas. 

- Granny and Grandpa- 

Before I say goodbye to you, I wanted to share a picture of my Granny Smith. Growing up, we would often call her Granny Apples because she always had curtains with appliqued apples on them in her kitchen. 

My Granny's life events all happened in December. She was born on December 27th, 1938 in Kudowa-Zdrój. During the second world war she was sent on a cattle train to West Germany to work on a farm because she was from Lower Silesia  - German, but not German enough, I guess. She married my Grandpa on December 12th, in Yorkshire, England and followed his career in the British Army all around the world. She gave my Dad and Auntie Di an idyllic childhood in the 50's, 60's and 70's and and was an involved Granny during the 80's, 90's, and 00's. Sadly, she passed away suddenly on December 8th, 2010. 

This year was 10 years. Yet it still feels like yesterday. She loved Christmastime and was one of those Christmas in July shoppers, so preparing and having a happy Christmas is how she'd want all of us to celebrate her, and her life. This year I finished converting her 8mm film reels into digital videos. She was a keeper of memories, a storyteller, and loved by her children and grandchildren - the best legacy of all. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2021. 

Stay safe at home, 

Kiki Nakita 

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4th Annual Thanksgiving at Biltmore

Good afternoon my dears,

We celebrated our 4th Annual Thanksgiving at the Biltmore. It was a perfect autumn/fall weather day as we had a delicious luncheon at The Deerpark Restaurant, strolled through the house and shops, looked at the spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and looked at the twinkle lights near the campfire at Antler Village. 

I'm so thankful for many things, the list is endless, but I'm most thankful for my hubby and the life we have created together. I'm also thankful for all of you who take the time to stop by and catch up with me. 

- Video -

- Thanksgivings of Years Past - 
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 with family, 2016 with family, 2017 

Thanksgiving blessings to you, 

-Kiki Nakita-

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3rd annual Thanksgiving at Biltmore

Good afternoon my dears.

Maybe its just me, but the weeks up to Christmas somehow seem faster. When I sit with my cup of coffee and a teeny piece of Cadbury's chocolate to upload our pictures and video footage, it makes me grateful that I can be anywhere (with internet connection) and recollect previous memories.

I think it is something you have to be intentional to do - to capture, and then preserve. Sometimes, I feel bad if I haven't put together a newsworthy post within 72 hours of the event, but then I see social media posts that make my heart skip a beat; 

"I lost all the first 2 years of -'s baby pictures off of my phone." 

&

"Another years gone by and we haven't been anywhere again."

My heart brakes for them. I hope they'll learn from this years mistakes and try to be more intentional for next year.

 Our 3rd annual Thanksgiving at Biltmore.

One of our favorite places on the Biltmore Estate to eat - especially during the holidays - is the Deerpark Restaurant. The restaurant has a large food hall, which serves up traditional southern style food.

Afterwards, we went to see the Christmas decorations inside the Biltmore.

The decorations - blue and silver - were to showcase the needlepoint tapestries. My pictures don't do it justice. It was simply magical with Christmas music being played on the organ and watching little children walk into the room and exclaim "wow".

Later that evening we went to the Inn on Biltmore. Its a good place to people-watch, as usually the more affluent of guests stay here. But for us its a warm and cozy spot, to sit by the fire, and listen to the pianist play Christmas songs. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

Psalm 107:1

There's an abundance of things I'm thankful for, but my darling hubby, is who I'm most thankful for. 

Thank you. To any of you who take the time to read my blog, or watch my vlogs. I enjoy seeing how other people live - and we all have one thing in common, we like to remember these little moments, because maybe, just maybe the little moments are what matter the most. 

Kiki Nakita

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Girls Day Out

Good afternoon my dears,

I have a few more pictures from when my mum and sister came to visit. It's been almost two months, so I've enjoyed looking back and reminiscing about the time we shared together.

Monday, November 28th

One of our favorite pastimes is going "antiquing," or "picking" as some would say. While my mother and sister were here I took them to The Depot at Gibson Mill, the largest antique mall in the South.

For a hundred years, the historic plant produced fine American-made bedding until manufacturing went overseas to China and India, and the once proud plant was closed. Today, it has over 600 antique vendors, each with a varying style. Like this Chip and Jojo farmhouse style:

Or this pioneer, or prairie style:

Some vendors also sell vintage dresses, hats, gloves and purses:

Tuesday, November 29th

Every time my mum and sister come we always venture to the South Park Mall. It's fun shopping with my hubby, but you notice things from a different perspective when you shop with your mum and sister. We always like to browse Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Sur La Table, Anthropology, The Container Store, and The American Girl Doll Store.

We stopped for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, and my mum was surprised shocked at how large the slice of cheesecake was.

Wednesday, November 30th

On the morning before my mum and sister left we reminisced over breakfast before saying,

BON VOYAGE.

Kiki Nakita

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