Christmas 2011

I actually didn't take 1000 pictures this year, I kind of just lived in the moment and didn't have a free hand with all the fudge and shhnacks I've been munching on. But I did get a new Cannon Rebel for Christmas so hopefully with this new toy I can take a lot more pictures in 2012 to make up for skipping it this year, yes?

Anyway.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas..Happy Everything..And a Wonderful New Year. Let's make this one the year, shall we?

Christmas giving ideas..numero....Three!

How about some more Christmas ideas for those lovies in your life. I have a nice little list of things I know that the people in your life would enjoy.

I recently went to a craft show and met so many fun women who own their own shops. I love that! I'm a big supporter of buying handmade, not only do you get something made with love but you're probably helping a mom follow her dreams and pay the bills. Bonus..and Bonus!

First up, Joy Sparks Designs.

If my camera weren't dead I'd take a photo but I bought the cutest typewriter ring from her. It says 1/2 1/4 which.. 2 & 4 are special dates to me as it's my kids birthdays! How cool huh? Once I got home and browsed her shop I saw these.

SUCH a cute idea for that man in your life. Unique and fun. She's got lots of other goodies in her shop and if you join her on facebook you can get 10% off your order. There's still time to order for Christmas ya'll JUMP on it.

Whimzie is another shop I recently fell in love with. Her shop doesn't have a lot in it because of the recent craft show but I promise you, she's a shop to look out for when it comes to headbands and bows. I purchased some for my girls and they adore them.

Tons of feathers.. Tons of flowers.. so dainty and pretty. I'm excited for her to get new items in, because you'll love them! She's got a facebook too if you want to check her out more!

One more Michigan shop :) Remember my facebook post about these lovely finds?

They're from Two Charming and it was really hard to stop at just two things! Her shop is so fun! Look at her booth photos! Big fan..Big big fan! It'd be really easy to find something for a secret Santa gift from her!

With love Marie
I just bought these the other day and I'm itching to get them in the mail! My oldest wants feathers so bad and these were a good price and they had really good reviews.

If you've got a little fashionista on your hands like me check it out. Plus right now she had a special going on where you get a free gift. Whoop whoop. Great stocking stuffer!

I love that these are gifts that you know they aren't going to get from someone else, you'll be the cool friend who knows where to buy all the awesome finds. ;)

Please note I wasn't compensated at all for this post. I bought all these gifts with my own moolah and I just wanted to share a few shops that I'm really happy with and thought you might be too! Merry Christmas! 

Christmas tour of homes 2011

Why hello there! It's that time again, time for the Christmas tour of homes 2011 with The Nester! I'm so excited this year, I know I say it every year but this one is really my favorite.

Until next year I'm sure.. ;)

But for now, I'm so in love with it! I decided yesterday that it was my absolute LAST day I was going to spend decorating anything, I could tweak and perfect forever so it was time to put a stop to it and sit back and actually ENJOY the last 12 days until Christmas.

Things like sitting around the Christmas tree with hot chocolate and watching Elf for the 200th time? Bliss.

So I worked my tail off, finished some projects, cleaned like a maniac (Because lawd knows my house is never this clean, trust.) and anything that I didn't get to do? Well, that's just okay. It's time to be present in my families life. Even if it means being present cuddling in front of the t.v ;) Just kidding.

Less talking more pictures right?

Thar she blows!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night :)

If you're still in the Christmas mood and want to browse around a bit how about some fun links to check out?

Christmas 2010 decor

Christmas tablescapes 2011

Christmas tablescapes 2010

My wreath that is getting massive pinterest love

My post popular project to date (Crazy since it was years ago and my photography is cringe-worthy)

Handmade gift ideas part one.. two.. three

Christmas tree o' Christmas tree

Well, I got my cozy red and gray theme goin' on.

And

I.LOVE.IT.

 Basket o' Christmas books :)

It's so warm and fun and not the usual gold and white I've rocked in the past.

 2010 White, Gold, Sheet music garland and chalkboard ornaments

How about 100 pictures just because? :) Enjoy!

I'll be back with the mantel and a tour of the whole house tomorrow! :) It's official.. 

12 days of Christmas ya'll. Can't wait! 

ho ho ho

Want to see the rest of the house decked out for the holidays?

Linking up with The Inspired Room's Christmas tour, ThriftyDecorChick's Christmas tree party & Nester's tour of homes!
and
"I am sharing my holiday home decor and cleaning tips for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls and Great Cleaners." 

Christmas Ornament making

When it came to my Christmas decor this year I wanted something a little different than my usual gold scheme. I tried my hardest to rock the blue/green/peacock combo but I just couldn't love it. And, if mama don't love it, she can't deal with it in her face for a month. It just wasn't cozy enough for me, but it shore was purdy.

On to something else though.

Red, because it screams cozy to me. But with a twist, some gray. Which could feel really cold and the opposite of warm and cozy but, I think with the right color gray and with the soft textures it works really well.

First up, some yarn ornaments. These aren't new to the blog world at all so I'll spare you a how to. It's easy, hot glue a bit then wrap. Over and over and over it can feel like forever. I also only glued the ornament and didn't add any more on once it was all covered because as you wrap the yarn holds itself. Easy. No mess. Non-breakable. Yes please.

Next up. Faux mercury glass ornaments.

Now, a few things.

They aren't exactly mercury glass looking, almost like old foggy glass mirrors? Spooky looking windows? This is because I couldn't find any mirror spary paint at Michaels the other day. Clearly everyone else wanted to make these ornaments too when I thought I was on to something new and awesome. ;) I also wasn't going to drive all the way across town to HL.. Oh well.

I used Chrome instead. Chrome works, I like how it looks.

First I did a super light coat on the ornaments and then I used a spray bottle filled with water and spritzed the ornaments pretty heavily. Then I sprayed the chrome once again and let it dry.

Once they were fully dry I wiped them off with a paper towel, you could take a light sander to it, which is what Katie did on her mirrors but I didn't have one on me and it was coming off really easily anyway.

Cue the Ohhhh and ahhhs Aren't they pretty? I love them! They're not reflective like mercury glass but they're so.. lovely! See through and splotchy but good splotchy! And, where the chrome was more heavily applied it's more shiny. All around good, okay. All. around. good.

 The tree looks so cute now! I can't wait to show you. :) Let's all cross our fingers and say a prayer that we get some nice weather in Michigan so I can take some pictures of it!

Until then.. me being artsy.. with one heck of an awkward pose going on.

Linking up to Centsational Girl's holiday party!