Not your typical holiday lights ~

Here's a storage yard of lights - big ones! These portable lights are used on construction sites (think night time road work) and special events.

Miles of aisles of holiday flowers ~

It's hard to believe that a home improvement store can offer "one stop shopping" for Christmas decorating but here you go... buy your tree, your holiday lights (indoor and outdoor), lawn decorations (twinkling reindeer, illuminated polar bears) and save room in the cart for poinsettia in red, white, and pink. Happy shopping! Happy decorating!

Santa's Helper ~

Whether you have been naughty or nice, this cute candy cane striped dress is so fun! Flirty & festive. Happy holidays, Santa!

Hydra Leather & Moremaps.google.com
145 East Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701-1707
(520) 791-3711
Get directions

Nutcracker Santa? Nutcracker Elf? You decide!

So today I spotted this interesting nutcracker standing guard near the elevators of the old Pioneer Hotel (now an office building). A lot is going on ~ he holds a paint brush and a hobby horse toy which makes me think he's one of Santa's toy-making elves. But he is wearing that distinctive Santa hat and has that white beard... Maybe he is Santa doing quality control?

Christmas Cheer at the Checkout ~

Don't want to bother with setting up and decorating a big tree this year? You can have a mini lemon cypress tree that will fit perfectly on a tabletop for just $6.99. Or a cluster of poinsettia plants (red, pink, white) for just $7.99 each. Easy holiday decorating from the great Sunflower Market, one of Tucson's best supermarkets ~ organic foods, delicious prepared foods & more.

Sunflower Farmers Market
http://www.sfmarkets.com/
(520) 325-1320
Get directions

A Peek ~ Gorgeous Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain

The official grand opening of the Ritz Carlton/Dove Mountain resort hotel is next week but here is a glimpse inside of one of the private dining rooms. These stunning light fixtures feature hanging strands of minerals - quartz and amber - that positively glow as they move.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/
15000 N Secret Springs Drive
Marana, AZ 85658
(520) 572-3000

Music & Magic ~ Luminaria Nights in the Gardens

For the Tucson Botanical Gardens' Luminaria Nights not only were the grounds decorated with glowing candles and white lights, but also the night air was filled with live music. Local choral groups and musicians provided holiday tunes. Lots of Santa hats in evidence, too! Hot cider, cocoa, and cookies completed the evening. Yum!

www.tucsonbotanical.org