Saturday, December 31, 2011

~ Reflections ~

Like bubbles in a glass our lives can change just as quickly.

2011 has been a roller coaster ride for us along with many of you. It has brought many changes, coping on a daily basis is challenging to say the least. Through out the year I've thought of putting the blog to rest, to let it sleep and dream of happy times when the blog began. However, if I do that there wouldn't be a journal of my passion for decorating. I've always tried to keep the blog a happy place, not dwelling on everyday issues. Living those most days is not easy, the hard stuff is written in my daily journal. I know the New Year is going to bring even more challenges, my goal is to meet each and every one one of those as graciously as I can.
I want to thank all of you for your support through out the year with your visits and wonderful comments as well as emails. They truly mean the world. The blog has allowed me to make new friends and grow existing friendships over this past year.
So.... for 2012 I'll continue to share my passion for decorating on the blog, I hope you'll come along in the New Year to see what we'll be up to.

May all your dreams come true in 2012
Happy New Year!

Friday, December 30, 2011

~ A Hint of Things to Come ~

With all the Christmas inside and out put away, I've been making a few changes. They've been in the works for a while now. There are still a couple of things I've got to put together before the big reveal. I wanted to share a couple of hints to wet your appetite. :-))





I hope you had a fabulous Christmas and are enjoying the week. We've had incredibly warm temperatures for this time of the year. A few walks with the dogs have been quite pleasant even with the winds howling at our backs. The reveal to happen soon.....

Saturday, December 24, 2011

~ Merry Christmas ~

This past year has been quite the ride for us. Your support through out the year has meant so much. Visiting each of your blogs meeting new friends is the high light of our day. From our home to yours we 
Wish You a Very Merry Christmas.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

~ Random Christmas ~

The clouds have been around it seems like forever. A drizzle falls outside and temps are dropping, are we going to get the snow they're predicting? Just in case I've got the sled out and ready to go.
I've wanted a pair of ice skates for the longest time, I found these on Etsy, in my size almost like new blades polished and ready to go. OK, we know better my ankles couldn't take ice skating, but in my mind I'm sailing across the ice.
A cast iron plant stand holds pine cones Mr. P and I gathered over 30 years ago in a park in Atlanta, Georgia.

The top of the antique ice box holds the small aluminum tree courted by the vintage snowman. Adding a bit of bling the silver tray holds red ornaments.

It's been so cloudy getting good shots has been difficult. This guy sits inside a lantern, holding his broom ready to shovel the snow.
Let's turn on some light... On either side of the table I hung wreaths with black and cream bows.

This is the last of the trees around our home. I started this tree 11 years ago right after Bailey was born, it's taken on a lot of different looks over the years. After putting up the tree this year I got to looking around and have decided the tree is too small for the size of the room. I'll take it apart this year, and look for something a tad bit larger for next year, anyway that's the game plan..
Mr. Santa was a gift from a friend about 18 years ago, I haven't used him in years for one reason or another. This year the base of the tree called out for both the sled and Santa.







 From our home to yours we wish you the Safest and Joyous of Holidays.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

~ The Christmas Table ~

Early last fall I was shopping in the city and ran across these beautiful set of dishes. Goodness only knows I did not "need" another set of Christmas dishes. I was looking for something a bit more grown up. lol
For the centerpiece I gathered the Mercury glass candlesticks. To add some texture I added the greenery and a few pine cones.
The red stemware was purchased at Walmart many years ago. the darling glass with the sleigh came from the Dollar General.
Outside the snow is falling...
It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you...

Royal Stafford mixed with the solid red dessert plate breaks up the black

The antlers were given to me this last weekend. I felt as though I had won the lottery. You see we had a set in the barn, I went to get them and they "disappeared". We've asked everyone that comes and goes around here if they had seen them, anyway, long story short; this guy happen to have 2 sets he was willing to share with me.



Red cardinal salt and pepper shakers I believe came from Target.
Silver P monogrammed napkins topped with flatware from Target.

From our home to yours Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

~ Vintage Ornaments ~

The count down is on, Christmas is just around the corner, I have a couple more vignettes to share with you, then before you know we'll all be sharing Valentine vignettes. I'm sure many of you are already planning ahead for those.
I've had this glass "flower" stand for many years, once green I sprayed it black last summer. I've envisioned all summer  seeing it filled with vintage ornaments. I thought I might get lucky and find a few in the antique store I try to visit occasionally, no such luck. So..about a month ago I was checking on Etsy and found some I could afford. I would like to add just a few more,  but for now I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

I remember seeing these as a child on my Grandma's tree, oh how I wish I had some of those. I would give anything to know what happened to them.

Makes me smile...

This little cutie reminds me of the old kaleidoscope we played with as children. Did you have one as a child or still have it? I know you can find them in stores now, they just don't have the same effect for me as they did when I was small. :-)) It was more of a magical world then.
I placed a felt runner with a Snowman down to add some color to the cream colored coffee table top. ( I forgot to take pictures of the darling Snowman on the runner) you'll have to trust me he is cute. :-))
I've had the Apple Creek Cider bowl for a few years, the boy and girl statues were finds this year at Walmart on clearance. The little guy is holding a bunny and the girl a puppy..

Iced picks and red berries with a bit of greenery fill the bowl.
Topped off with a large pine cone.
To finish off the vignette the grandson added the red ornaments. I love the shiny and satin patina against the silver.
Thank you for stopping in, until next time....