Top posts of 2012

As I have looked back at my posts from 2012 I have so many great memories. I did tons of projects and all of you, my friends, were right there with me.  Thank you for your support and kindness!

Here are my top posts of 2012.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Red and Aqua Christmas tree




I decided to go a little non traditional with our Christmas tree colors and decor this year.  Red is my most favorite color so I always incorporate it.  And since my living room has some blues in it, I decided to go with a red and aqua Christmas tree.





Here is our tree!!  There is nothing better then a tree all lit up for Christmas!!




For ornaments I used felt snow flakes and handmade (idea from my friend Emily) aqua yarn balls. 




I made some paper ornaments (I think they are called lollies)  from dictionary paper with a punched circle and snowflake from cardstock. 




We also have some homemade ornaments which are always a favorite!!




And every year we have a tradition to choose a new ornament- so we always add them to our family tree!




For garlands I used chevron ribbon, red mesh...




and I made a white pom pom garland just by hot gluing white pom poms to string.




Here is the tree in the day time.  Our tree skirt is made from red felt.  Every year I trace my kids hands and sew (or hot glue) a new set of hand prints onto the skirt with the year.



more views of our tree




Merry Christmas to you!


linking up to:  Primp

My Favorite Things 2012

I love this time of year--lights, parties, music, treats (have you tried the white chocolate peppermint m&m's?  DELISH), and yes even the cold weather!  But sometimes the hustle and bustle can get to me.  I have so much to get done and not ever enough time to do it!  So that is when I rely on my go to items to give me the boost I need.


I say this all the time, but having a nice smelling house is important to me!  I have candle melty thingy's, plug ins, candles and room sprays all over our home. This year I found this room spray (at Walmart) and it is the BEST!!   It's the scent of Christmas in a spray!   Just a spritz here and there and I forget how busy and grumpy I am and start singing Christmas carols!! 


Ok, this may seem silly but I love these Cover Ups!  I found them at the dollar store.  They are like shower caps for your bowls.  I have so many bowls without lids so when they need to be covered I had to try to use foil or plastic wrap.  Now I just pop and little elastic shower cap on the bowl and it's good to go.  I seriously LOVE them!!


Are you a big water drinker?  Well, you are way better then me because I'm not!  But these Mio water additives make drinking it so much easier.  My kids even drink water now because they like using a variety of  flavors.  There is something everyone in my family likes and that is a miracle!




Every year I anxiously await the holiday scents from Bath and Body works.  This Holly Berry Wreath is one of my favorites scents ever!  I find myself washing my hands all the time just to smell it!


And my most favorite thing is the notepad on my iPhone.  I have to write everything down- from grocery lists to funny things my kids say.  It's so handy to quickly jot a note!  

What are some of your favorite things?


linking up to:  320 Sycamore The Nester

Christmas Home Tour 2012


Welcome to our home this Christmas!  Come on in!


our living room



our Christmas tree (post coming soon)




our dining area






And our favorite Advent Calendar


 And finally a view of the window in the kitchen   

I hope you and yours are having a wonderfully Magic Holiday Season!!

Please excuse the less than stellar photos.  It's been really dark and cloudy.  And I'm using my husband's laptop since my computer got fried (hopefully not permanently) in a power outage in last night's storms.

linking up to




My Christmas Mantle 2012

It's about time I posted, especially something Christmasy huh?  I've been busily working on all things Christmas- gifts, decor, tree, outside stuff and a big honking church party.  Today I finally have my mantle ready to show.


I kept things pretty simple this year.


I used my fave mercury glass owl and the paper mache' letters I used in our mantle last year.


I started a collection of bottle brush trees last year, but found a few more this year and grouped them all together.  I'd like to tell you they are vintage and I've picked them up here and there.  Um no... I bought them at Walmart.  :)  Whatever.  I still love how they look all lined up!


I included my glitter tree from last years mantle too.  


And of course I had to include some glass Christmas balls in an apothecary jar.  I love them so much!!  The Santa free printable is from Heidi Swapp.  


And there it is, my Christmas mantel for 2012!!