It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas......

I could hardly believe it when Thanksgiving was quickly approaching. I had just picked out costumes for Halloween with the boys, and now we were talking turkey and stuffing! How time flies. It's pretty much common knowledge with busy families, that once Halloween comes and goes, with a couple of blinks of the eye, the Christmas season is upon us.

I've always prided myself on staying organized and being "ahead of schedule." This year, it was simply not the case. I had very good intentions, don't misunderstand. There were lists made, shopping was done ahead of time, but as the family schedules increased in activities, one day slipped into the next, and then pretty soon a few weeks had passed. Thanksgiving was a whirl of gratefulness, gladness and wonderful memories! We have so many blessings to be grateful for. I found myself wishing for a slower pace, though, I won't lie. It's the little things that we don't seem to have time for any more.

So, for this holiday season, we have promised, as a family, to make time for the small stuff! We are slowing down, enjoying the company of family and friends, limiting our commitments, and being so ever grateful for the love and kindness that surrounds us. 

We began last weekend, with decorating the house. My dear hubby strung what we are assuming is close to 15,000 lights on the house. We hung boughs of holly, unpacked loads of snowmen, reindeer and miniature houses, and decorated the tree. Here is just a little preview of what we've done.....

Back to decorating, baking and enjoying the small stuff!

All the best,

Michelle

Do I See Fall Peeking Through the Window?

It's no lie, I tend to "push" things along in our home! I'm the first to drag out the boxes for fall, the first to start thinking about holiday shopping and baking. I have no regrets, though. I simply love the holidays. With lower temperatures just around the corner (hopefully), I couldn't wait any longer. My husband questioned me not too many days ago? "What's wrong? I don't see any pumpkins yet?" So, lo and behold, I just dove right in. 

Notice anything different? Yes, the fireplace received a "makeover" - thank you Annie Sloan. I must say, I've been very pleased with the touches of old white in my home. And I do believe that my cozy living room looks a bit brighter AND bigger. It's amazing what a little paint can do for a girl!

The old sideboard also got a makeover. I am still in the process of dressing this area, but had to show off my little scarecrow people. So cute!

I might have to go find some friends for them!

A gift from my mother .... these had a home on the mantel, but have since been relocated to the bookcase in the living room. Thanks to my Cricut, the monogramming was very easy!

Stay tuned for more  

Michelle

Remembering Our Heroes...........

Last weekend, much of America solemnly remembered the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. Neighborhoods were filled with flags, children were dressed in red, white and blue, pastors asked for a moment of silence in church, all to remember and honor and cherish. My family took a trip to visit Healing Fields on Sunday...to say that I was moved is an understatement. One flag flown for every life lost......

My boys walked the fields, read the tags and took a few moments to take it all in......

 Boots were placed at the foot of the flags dedicated to firefighters and military.

This morning, I was forwarded an email titled "Retrieved," which honored the rescue dogs of 9/11 ~ this I found very touching.....

 

The book "Retrieved" was released last Friday.

 

God Bless!

Is it Fall Yet?

As much as I enjoy summer days, staying up late and sleeping in; road trips and buying treats from the ice-cream truck, I really LOVE Fall. I always have. I consider myself a midwest girl. I feel displaced here sometimes, without the changing leaves. Dear, sweet husband laughs when I yank out the boxes labeled (you know they are all labeled) Fall Decs. He knows what's coming. It may still be over 100 degrees out there, but inside, I'm trying to convince myself that my most beloved season of all, is approaching! In the spirit of sharing, here are some gorgeous photos I came across ~

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you soak in all those lovely colors, take a look at these inspirational ideas!

It just says COZY to me!

And while we're looking, how about a little bit of Halloween fun!!

Someone stole my boots!

Even the spooky residents have to has some bling in the house!

Some perfect accessories for my new black and white living room! Oh, I didn't mention that? Yes, the chalk paint has "landed" there, too! Reveal day is coming soon!

Have a great week!

Michelle

The Letter S

My husband is starting to feel like I think everyone has the inability to recall the letters of the alphabet, and what certain objects are - as I'm labeling everything! He joked the other day (actually, I think he was serious), about how he was so glad I put the sign on the laundry room door, as he'd forgotten what room that was! I should clarify that this is the room that he passes through each and every day on the way out the door in the morning and on the way in the door in the evening, from the garage. So, I was on to him - I knew he was poking some fun at me! Still, having the very coveted Cricut machine in my possession makes me "itchy" to label, label, and label some more! 

To calm my husband's nerves a bit, I decided I'd switch things up a bit - and put away the Cricut (for a little while), pack up my chalkboard labels and work with something new - not sure if it'll work! I have seen many times before, large letters covered in moss or vines, draped in ribbons, and flowers and just plain beautiful in my mind. So, I decided I needed one! I purchased the letter S from Hobby Lobby, searched the aisles for moss and my other favorite - Eileen's Tacky Spray, and off to create I went!

Had I known how "sticky" this project was going to be, I would have certainly picked up some rubber gloves in my outing! Nevertheless, I forged forward. Here's how I started.....

Next time, I will cover the letter in florist tape, so there's a bit of green there to begin with. 

I sprayed the letter with the Tacky Spray and starting spreading the moss on top. I used a bit of both packages as it gave a little dimension. After peeling the glue from my fingers, I set the letter in the sun to dry.

The finalized product just needed to be "dressed" a bit. Next time, I think the letter should be the larger size. 

Have a great weekend!

Michelle

To chalk or not to chalk?

My new obsession is chalk paint! My paintbrush wants to "touch" everything in my house with this incredible paint. Thanks to my fellow blogger, Becca at Adventures in Decorating, I discovered Annie Sloan Chalk paint. And the rest is history!

Our tired bar stools needed a facelift, so this was my first project .....

From this.....

To this.......

Here's a close up of the graphics, courtesy of The Graphics Fairy, that my sons chose to adorn their seats!

It was so easy! A coat of paint (no sanding, of course, beforehand), a little clear wax on the legs, a little bit of sanding to "distress" the edges and corners, and then a coat of wax on the seat. Perfect! Now, I'm off to paint something else!

Have a wonderful, creative day!

Michelle

Back to School

It's official...it's Back to School time. It may still feel like summer outside, but the school supplies are purchased, backpacks are all packed up, and we're off and running! 

We did just a few things different this year, still trying to stay on top of all the paperwork that will come up, varying schedules, and extra curricular activities. While searching the web for ideas to save us from becoming disorganized, I ran across countless ideas, too many to mention all, but here are a few......

For the teacher.... 

Found at www.andersruff.com, this was too cute to pass up.

We came up with a cute idea for the First Day of School.......

Here's what we put inside. Just a notions box from the craft store, filled with little items to help in an "emergency."

I'm also a huge fan of adding a little something cute in lunchboxes, so when I saw these at www.allfortheboys.com, I had to have some.

 I'm certain that we're not the only household that loads the car up with the kids, starts off and realizes that the sunscreen, hat, or in our case, the sunglasses have been forgotten. I solved that - one small pail from Hobby Lobby and an address label.

And the other thing, we always seem to misplace in the house....the school lunch menu.....no more!

Have a great day!

Off to Market....

So, today was the first day of school, and I found myself with some time on my hands. I started with the Market sign I began quite some time ago - it needed finishing.

I began with a scrap of wood from my daddy's workshop.....

I used my favorite "Heirloom White" paint, and a bit of sanding. I really love that hand held power sander - what a useful tool for someone who loves to "age" the furniture. Not that my rowdy boys aren't doing enough of that on their own. Then I used some stencils and outlined the letters in a rustic, muddy brown. I thought I was going to do black at first, but then the muddy color seemed to "age" well under the trusty sander.

 Here's a close up of the letter stencils I used.....

Finally, I attached some hooks, and hung the sign. The little metal buckets are perfect for holding plants, ivy, etc. I'm sure it will change seasonally, but I like this look for now.

Tomorrow, I plan to tackle some other projects around the house. I feel like I've been bitten by the "redo" bug again. Oh, and I am planning to purchase Annie Sloan paint soon. Stay tuned ........

Cool Summer Breezes

So, I'll admit, I do not live in a "four season" locale. We have hot, hot, hot summers here and I'm dreaming of a breezy, cool, comfy bedroom to relax in. A girl can dream can't she???

Love the look of white mixed with a touch of other colors.....

A little bit of blue.....

A splash here and there of taupe....

The girly girl in me LOVES the little doses of pink

A little bit of French inspiration ~ have to admit, I love this bed!

A fluffy bed, touches of gold, and lots of shoes ~ what more can a girl dream for?

And if I can't have a bed of white, maybe a little nook somewhere for my chaise?

So, I can curl up and have a few treats!

I could even hang around outside, that is ~ in a few months!

I might even be inspired to finish my book ~ after my nap!

Sweet dreams!!