Monday, December 27, 2010

New Love

Before the holidays I made several trips to Steinmart and every time I looked at this beverage dispenser with the strongest desire to purchase it. I had a party coming up and I could just think I soooooooo many ways to use it. THEN, I am invited to a party and guess what? There it was AGAIN! I knew then that it was a sign, I have to have it!! I just worried that I would not use it enough to justify the $70 purchase. But, when I went to get it I got 20% off! I am also hosting my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary in June and knew it would come in handy. It has dual spouts that enables you to serve two different types of liquids. Each side holds at least a gallon in each side.




The bottom section can be filled with decorative items for whatever occasion.

Also, I LOVE, LOVE these flameless candles I found at Kroger, they were $9.99 a set.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I am looking forward to a great new year!

Linking to Between Naps on the Front Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Christmas Craft, Recipe, and Tradition Party

In November an idea just popped in my head to have a craft/recipe/tradition party. When I mentioned it at work many thought it was a great idea . I asked each guest to bring one of these : Christmas craft idea, recipe, or a tradition that she enjoys. I have to say, in the past I have had some pretty "sad" parties that are not even worth mentioning but we. had. a. BLAST!!! The everyones' ideas were so awesome. This is Martha sharing how to make her wonderful Cream Cheese Cookies. She brought each of us a sample of them wrapped in the cutest bags! They tasted wonderful!Melissa told us about how she and her sister(one of my principals) make cookies and candies for the holidays. She brought peanut butter and crackers dipped in almond bark. They were great.

Monica shared with us how to make one of her beautiful bows. Many people pay good money to have bows tied for them.
Carla, one of our art teachers, shared jingle bells ornaments.
Laura( one of our assistant principals) brought a tin with a "Fireside Drink Mix" inside with chocolate covered spoons for stirring.

I did tell my coworkers that they were more than welcomed to come and "steal" ideas. They were not required to share if they did not want. Freda, the comedian of the bunch, shared a picture of a hospital bed. Her husband said that it has become a tradition for them to go to the hospital every Christmas with one of their parents! She is such a hoot!

Ira showed us how to take a painted bucket , fill it with garland, and tie a bell etc. on the side. It turned out beautiful. Sorry that I do not have a picture of the finished product.
This is just a sample of the ideas. Many other recipes were brought and sampled. I highly recommend hosting a party such as this. I was totally blown away by the amount of participation and fun we had.
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tour of Homes

Every year for the last 15 years or so in our small town the ladies' club sponsors a tour of homes. This year there were two homes and a church on the tour. I was only able to get pictures of one home. It was so beautiful and decorated with such class.
This is the front of the home. The bottom floor is for storage.
The lake in front of the home.

The largest closet I have every been in. The window is the laundry room which I thought it was so clever to have it next to the closet. The laundry room even had a beautiful view of the lake.

Loved this wreath in the masterbath.


This my friend Suzanne and my youngest daughter, Regan. I wish that I had gotten more pictures but I did not know how the homeowners REALLY felt about my taking pictures.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

The Reason For the Season

I love walking in my front door and being instantly reminded of "The Reason for the Season", our Savior, Christ the Lord.







An arrangement at the foot of the stairs. My friend Monica helped me to put this together. I have red and golds but this year I added lime green and I am really loving it.








These are lighted branches that I bought from an interior decorator friend of mine. I filled a hurricane vase with coffee beans.


Our tree in the daylight.

At night:)


I am not finished with my decorating but will add as I complete different rooms.
Merry Christmas!



Centerpiece made from glassware at Dollar Tree, Walmart ornaments, battery powered lights, and natural greenery.



Our tree in the master bedroom. I used the bronze and green ornaments. Hope to add to this.


Front door wreath


Breakfast room



Living room

Balcony("catwalk")




Linking to:


The DIY Show Off


Thrifty Decor Chick's Before and After Party