Where Did January Go?

While flipping over my calendar pages to February yesterday, I thought to myself... where did January go??  It sure went by in a flash!  But then again, so do all of the months... especially the older more mature I get.  The month of hearts and love and mushy stuff is now upon us, but we are also still in the white of winter and actually getting some fresh snow here today.  I always feel like I'm in a tug of war when it comes to decorating my mantle this time of year... I'm never sure what route to go.

Until about a week ago, my poor mantle had sat pretty bare once the Christmas stuff came down.  Then I decided to try my hand at making one of those pom-pom garlands that you are seeing all over Blogland and Pinterest these days.  I was pleased with the end result, so I hung it up.  Earlier this week, I was looking at the sad, lonely garland hanging there all by itself, so I dug out my Valentine bin and got busy.

I've been thinking for a while now about moving the clock that I've had hanging over the mantle for the past 3 years, to somewhere else in the room.  I thought it would open up the space and give more area to work with when changing up the mantle.  That's the fun of decorating... you can always change it back... but for now I like the look.

I decided to go ahead and make the mantle a Valentine's Day/Winter combination, so I mixed in some white with the reds and pinks.  As you can see, I did get out my Nana's knitting needles like I talked about in my last post.  I have started ripping out knitting again, but we'll leave that post for another day :-)

There... all done until next month.  Then it will be time to replace the reds and pinks with the greens to celebrate all things Irish.  Until next time...

Tracey

After Christmas Sales!

Don't you just love 50% off sales? Especially on Christmas stuff? Well, on Dec. 27 our local flower/gift shop starts their annual half price sale on all of their Christmas decor. I saw this cute snowman banner hanging in their window in October and was so happy to see it was still there yesterday morning! I was going to be good and only buy that one thing, but upon entering the store I spotted this rustic red painted beauty. Everything about it screamed my name... especially the price, which to my surprise was $75.00! I couldn't believe I could have this wooden treasure for only $37.50!!

Needless to say, I walked out of that store a very happy camper with these 2 items in my hot little hands for only $56.00!! Best part is next year when I unpack my Christmas decorations (at which point I will have totally forgotten about these new things) it will be exciting all over again when I see them and exclaim, "I forgot about these!!" :^)

Well, I sure hope you bloggers out there also got lucky and picked up some fun goodies at your after Christmas sales! Happy shopping everyone!!

Tracey

More Christmas Decor?... Or Are You Bored?

It's a bit overwhelming, what with the myriad of decorations people are sharing this festive time of year. But if you know me... I can't get enough! I had a bit of quiet time (which is truly a rarity this close to the big day!) so I'd thought I'd share some of my pictures with you.

It is always fun and challenging the first time decorating a newly renovated room, especially at Christmas time. I have to admit though... I'm quite pleased with the results :^) A bonus too was the only new thing I bought this year was the blue ornaments on the tree. Everything thing else I already had!

 
Love these icy looking wreaths in the window. When they sun happens to peak out, they really sparkle!

 
The mantle turned out quite woodsy. Didn't really plan it that way...just kept adding stuff until I was happy with the look.


A closer look at the display shelf above the closet. Was up and down that ladder about a hundred times until I got it just right!

 
A couple of my favourite tin signs: the Magic Christmas was a gift from Bonnie last year, and the Joy (which was also my hubby's Mom's name) has cute little vintage Santas on it.

I hope everyone has had as much fun with your decorating as I did. From what I've seen on your blogs I think you have! I have even stolen an idea or two... do you think that means I will get a lump of coal in my stocking this year??

Tracey

A Sneak Peek

Well, I got my Christmas tree up and all decorated on the weekend. I still have to do the rest of the house, so here's just a sneak peek until the final reveal...

...from the outside looking in

...a close-up of some of the ornaments

Until next time...

Tracey