The Kid's Tree

From kindergarten through fifth grade my girls made Christmas ornaments at school. I love them all. Someday when they have homes and family’s of their own I’ll think about letting them have their ornaments.  Until then they are mine and will be displayed each year on what I call the Kid’s Tree.

It’s a 3” artificial tree that I purchased several years ago.  I use LED white lights and it gets the honor of holding these precious handmade ornaments.

  Adorable items made by my little ladies.

Reindeer 

Gingerbread Men

Stars

 

 Photo Ornaments

  Kudos to all the teachers over the years - they had some great ideas!   

It’s a very special tree to me, I think I prefer it to the big family tree; it must be the mom in me. 

Craft Stick Snowflake

I saw a great project on Pinterest the other day using craft sticks to make a snowflake.  I thought to myself “I can do this”.  And I did.

 

I started by cutting 24 craft sticks in half and then glued them together to make an approximate 90 degree angle – nothing exact going on here. 

Then I took a quarter – I couldn’t find the washers out in the garage and I don’t have any wooden discs on hand – and started gluing. 

Then I glued some more. 

I had one tiny freak out moment when the photographer (my eldest daughter) informed me that I had hot glued my rings.  Emeralds and hot glue are not a good mix. 

Then I glued a little more until I got the balanced look I desired. 

I was going to paint and glitter it up but I decided it looked good “natural” against my blue living room wall.  

 

Black Friday 2012

It’s Black Friday – anyone want to guess what I did today?   Shopping?  No freaking way – I have zero desire to fight the crowds for “bargains” in the middle of the night or early morning.  This lady enjoys sleeping at night and getting to sleep past 6:30 a.m. on a Friday is pure luxury.  So instead of shopping I started Christmas decorating. I decided that this year less is more.  Simple and uncluttered.  I think I used about one-third of the decorations we own.

I decided to go with a Christmas tree theme this year.  Trees I’ve collected, trees we’ve made, funky trees, traditional trees.  Some made of glass, others of paper, some covered with ribbon and others with glitter.

I also went with a few pine cones I picked up at Marshall’s in early November during a half price sale.  I mixed them up with some ornaments in a couple of antiques boxes.  I love the look. 

I also changed out the pillows in the living room.  

And put together a quick centerpiece for the dining room table. 

Our oldest daughter wrapped gifts for her friends.  

I can hardly wait until we go pick our tree this weekend!

Bracelets for Me!

I love the trend of layering bracelets.   I can't go too overboard though because I type a lot at my day job and too many bracelets just don't work.   Bangles don't cut it either - they are too noisy and don't stay put.  I started looking online - department stores, Etsy and lots of other sites and I found several I liked.  The problem was the price and how long it would take to get some of the Etsy products to me - up to 3 weeks in some cases. Therefore I decided to make my own.  

I got my inspiration from several sites online and was able to duplicate several of them almost exactly.  I don't like the sliding knot type bracelets so all of mine have lobster claw closures.  I found the charms, dangles and slides at craft stores and some came from my stash.  The single and double strand bracelets were super easy - the multi strand and I had issues. 

 

 The three below I wear as single, double or all three one once.

 

This one is my favorite - a doubles stranded brown cord with sterling textured slides. 

This one is my least favorite - I had issued with it and it turned out a bit bulky and I wish there was a bit more bling to it.

October Flea Market Finds

The first Friday of October, my mom, sister and I took off for flea markets in the West Bottoms in KcMo.  Lots of walking, stair climbing and shops!  If you are in the KC area the first full weekend of the month and you enjoy browsing the flea markets and shops - head to the West Bottoms.   Be prepared for some great finds and a lot of people. 

Here's a little gem I picked up during our October visit.  This wonderful little tool box - metal with a little rust and great character.

The perfect size to go in front of the TV in our living room. Short enough so it doesn't block any of the screen plus the length doesn't cover the receiver part for the remote control. I  added  popcorn, candles and pumpkins for a great fall look. 

It's also nice to find things close to home. I found these great vintage bobbins at a local shop just this weekend.  Seven of them with great old thread - blues, creams, browns and burgundy.  

I've got the perfect spot for them.

sharing with:  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/2012/10/welcome-to-94th-masterpiece-monday.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:
http://www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/  http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com/
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/  http://www.thethriftyhome.com/

Fall is in the Air

Highs in the 60's - Lows in the 40's.  We're getting closer to the season I love best - WINTER!  But for now I'm just waiting for the first good freeze, as fall allergy season is in full swing.   I put away some of my summer decor over the weekend and purchased some pumpkins and gourds to place around the house. 

I made another mini pumpkin wreath like I did last year.  I like this year's much better.

I also got out a large candle holder and some popcorn for the dining room table.  A large plastic charger plate from the dollar store and some gourds and I ended up with a nice center piece without breaking the bank.  

I did a new project from some $1 wine bottle coolers I got from Hobby Lobby.  Some construction paper and my Silhouette and I ended up with something cute.  The mini pumpkin on the candle holder just adds a bit more fall to the room.  I need to add a little more to this, but I just don't know what to add. 

I also took the remaining mini pumpkins and gourds and placed them in a granite ware berry bucket.  So very easy and it will last until Thanksgiving.  

Sharing with:  http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/10/wow-us-wednesdays-87.html
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2012/10/158th-penny-pinching-party.html
http://twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com/2012/09/thirty-days-of-pumpkins.html

Sunday Afternoon

Sunday afternoons here at our house are usually clean the house day and laundry day.  Today was a little different.  We spent about 2 1/2 hours in the ER.

 Skateboard 1 - Jorie zero. 

She broke for sure one bone in her foot and the doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if the radiologist comes back and says she's broken more.  We were sent home in a splint and with a script for some good pain meds.  Monday we call the doctor to schedule her actual cast.  

Wish us luck, it's going to be along six weeks.