Starting At The Front Door...

Do you decorate your home for the holidays? I have always decorated for each holiday, and even though we are pretty much empty nesters now, I still enjoy celebrating and decorating for all of the different holidays, and I like to start at my front door. I think by decorating your front door and porch, it gives the impression that fun, creative, warm, inspiring, and welcoming people live inside...




Holiday decorating doesn't have to be expensive, time consuming, or extravagant either. I picked up these St. Patrick's Day shamrock decorations from Joann's last week for half price. The nice thing about Joann's is that they always put their holiday decorations and supplies on sale early, giving us plenty of time to enjoy them while getting them at a reasonable price. All I did was add some ribbon and tape it to the top of the doors. I found out the hard way that tape alone doesn't secure decorations to the doors very well. Now what I do is place a piece of tape on top of the door, push in a flat thumbtack, then place another piece of tape over the tack. It works great and with the piece of tape over the tack it doesn't scratch the door jams at all.


Would you believe that I've had a flag pole in the front of my home for over 20 years now too. I love changing out the flags for the different holidays and seasons. Years ago these decorative flags used to be expensive but they are so inexpensive now. I've even picked up brand new ones at thrift stores for $2-$3. Spending such a small amount of money on something that makes me so happy is completely worth it to me, and it's fun.

Decorating for the holidays just makes my heart happy, over and over again, year after year after year. Hopefully it warms the hearts of my family, friends, and the neighborhood too!

This post is linked to the following linky parties:
** Wednesday's Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
** Works For Me Wednesday @ We Are That Family
** Whassup Wednesday @ Elements Interiors
** Anything Goes Party @ Type A Decorating
** Thrifty Thursday @ Tales From Bloggeritaville
** Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions
** Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple

Is It Really Over!?!

I can't believe I'm actually saying this but I'm sad that Christmas is over. It was slow going at first but once I got into the Christmas groove, I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday season and hated seeing it come to an end. I've NEVER felt this way and truthfully I'm a little shocked at myself. I'm usually relieved (elated is more like it!) when it's all said and done.

I don't know why this year was so different, but it was, and I couldn't be happier about it. After all these years I've finally wised up and am learning to enjoy life and all that it has to offer. I have made a conscious effort over the last few years to slow down, calm down, enjoy more, participate more, listen more, give more, and to be all that I can be. I've spent way too many years being wound up too tight and it's exhausting! Life is so much more fun now!

One of the things that made me happy this Christmas was my little Santa tree that I put together. I decided last year that I wanted to put up a Christmas tree this year with just Santa ornaments on it. I already had some ornaments on hand but I started seriously collecting them throughout the year and then picked up a few recently. I was also able to find one of a kind Santa ornaments at thrift stores for next to nothing and ended up with quite a collection. I put the Santa tree in our bar area and every time I walked past this tree, it put a smile on my face...










What are some things that made you smile this holiday season?

Obsessions...I Have A Few!

I'd be deceiving myself if I didn't admit that I have a few obsessions in life. I freely admit to having a love affair with candles, plates, stationary, frames, pumpkins, dish towels, monograms, ribbon, and anything that has to do with holidays. Oh how I love holidays, especially Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!

I'm in complete heaven this time of year! I love the colors, smells, family time, ASU football, cooler weather, and seeing these each day...another obsession of mine...




What are a few of your obsessions?

Photo Resolution 2010 and Wordless Wednesday

21/52:


22/52:

Easter Wishes

Have a wonderful, blessed Easter! I hope you get all the chocolate eggs (or peeps) your heart desires!

Happy Easter!

Front Door Easter Decorations

Hello, my name is Linda and I am a self proclaimed holiday decorating junkie!!

I can't help myself, I love holiday decorations and I've got the storage containers to prove it!

I love wreaths and flags too!

I've always enjoyed hanging wreaths on my front doors for the holidays but I thought for Easter it would be fun to do something different.

Here is a picture of our front doors. We got these doors about 2-3 years ago and I had always envisioned solid black front doors but my husband was hesitant. He never trusts my decorating abilities until someone else mentions it and then he gives in. Our painter said "you should paint the new doors black" and that was all it took! Of course, now he loves them.


Ok, so getting back to the decorating. Friday I found 4 adorable heavy duty decorative eggs that I thought would be fun, and different, for decorating the doors this year. I used 2 of the eggs and the other 2 I'll be giving away as Easter gifts. Luckily, they already had fasteners attached to the back so I just threaded ribbon through the fasteners and taped the ribbon to the top of the doors. I taped them down really good because if these eggs fall, they'll break into a thousand pieces, plus I'll be really sad!

Isn't this egg cute! I also took some additional ribbon and tulle, made bows, and tied them onto the hanging ribbon...


Here's what my front doors look like now. In addition to the door decorations, I added a plant to the black planter. I've gone through so many plants that I decided to get silk flowers this time. They look real and the arrangement was under $10. I'll end up saving time and money by buying this silk one.


So that's our front porch area before and after. Nothing fancy, just simple and I hope classy. I believe in the old saying "less is more."

I also wanted to mention that I attached adhesive protectors to the back of the eggs. The eggs are plaster and I wouldn't want them to scratch up the doors at all, especially the one door that we open and close all the time. I use protectors on alot of things around my home to avoid damage to furniture or walls. These are the protectors I use quite often...


Do you decorate your front door or porch area for the holidays? Are you a holiday decorating junkie too?

A Valentine's Day Craft

As much as I wish I was, I truly am not a crafty person. I'm pretty good at home decorating but lack creativity in the crafting department. I think it would be a whole different ball game if I had someone to craft with but unfortunately I don't. When we move later this year, my goal is to find some crafting friends...and also to join a book club!

Every now and then however, something will hit me and I get the urge to drag out the glue gun. One night last week was one of those times. I decided to make this for Valentine's Day...


It was easy, fun, and I think it turned out cute!

I bought one sheet of the red checkered scrapbook paper, cut it the size of my glass, sprayed it with adhesive then stuck it right on top of the glass. I had previously bought a package of the hearts at Michael's so I just picked out the 3 I wanted to use, sprayed them with adhesive also then placed them where I wanted them. There were about 12 hearts in the package. Red, red glitter, pink, and pink glitter. The only time consuming part was making the bow. I used 4 different ribbons, tied them all together, then hot glued the bow to the frame. That's it!

I'd like to make another one this week using pinks. One single pink heart in a 5x7 frame. This was an inexpensive craft to make and would be fun for kids and adults. If you decide to make one, let me know. I'd love to see your creations!

This post linked to:
DIY Day @ A Soft Place To Land
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

A Little Of This and A Little Of That...

It's a cloudy, dreary day here today and rain is in the forecast. As my friend Jill puts it, it's the type of day where you just want to "stay in the cozy!"

I went out yesterday looking for replacement items for my kitchen shelf. Do you remember my recent shelf disaster!? Well, we bought some very sturdy hooks and re-hung the shelf without difficulty. That baby is going nowhere now!

A few years back, I bought 6 of these beautiful green Bordallo Pinheiro plates, hoping that I would eventually have a shelf to display them on. They are the cabbage design...


I happened to find these plates when I was out of town and I got them on sale for some ridiculously low price. All of them broke when the shelf fell and wouldn't you know it, now I cant find a single one anywhere. I know Bordallo Pinheiro dishes have become popular and Ebay shows it. I thought about buying some on Ebay but they're much more expensive these days. Fortunately, we go out of town at least once a month so I'll just bide my time until I find more.

I had a green, white, blue, and silver theme going on for the shelving. I had more blue/white things at home plus I found a few things yesterday so I'm starting to decorate it again...


Just a funny story about this flower arrangement. I bought this a day or so before the disaster. It went well with my idea of white and the green in it matched the Bordallo plates nicely. Well, as you can see it got a little damaged in the fall...


What's so funny is that my husband told me I should just spray paint the styrofoam green. I told him he's thinking like a true blogger! Really, painting the styrofoam is a great idea! I'll go to Michael's this week and find a green paint that matches.

While I was out and about yesterday I noticed that the stores are in full Valentine's Day mode. I jumped on the bandwagon and picked up 4 cute burlap bags. They're just perfect for a Valentine's Day gift project I'll be working on soon. Aren't they cute!


Well, that's about the extent of the excitement around here! We did do a few little fun decorating projects last week that I hope to share with you soon.

Within the last few minutes, as the weatherman predicted, it's started raining. I love the rain and we need it here in CA.

Oh, and before I forget, Macey is back in the hospital again. We took dinner over to them on Wednesday night and Macey was complaining of a headache. They had the lights turned down low and we're trying to keep things very quiet for her. Yesterday she told her mom Robin that her left side was going numb, she had a bad headache, and her ears hurt. They called her doctor who was in San Francisco and he told them to bring her back to the Long Beach Hospital and he would fly home today. He fears she has an infection due to the flap recently being sewn back on her skull. Please keep Macey in your thoughts once again. Her time at home was short and she's scared, but she's clinging to her favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Happy Sunday And A Surprise!

Happy Sunday everyone! Only 5 more shopping days left until Christmas! Are you guys ready!?! I got lucky this year in that both kids were home so we were able to go out with them and get lots of things picked out. It's not easy buying gifts when your kids don't live close by anymore. You never know what they want or need. Plus, this year with me being on crutches, I just needed it to be hassle free.

For the 3rd time in the last 2 weeks, we're headed down south to Orange County today (3 hours away) to attend a Christmas party. These are camping club friends and it should be alot of fun. We go camping with the same group of friends once a month but we haven't been able to go for the past 3 months. It will be so nice to see everyone today. I'm really looking forward to it...with the exception of the drive to and fro.

I can hardly believe it but I just noticed that this is my 400th post! Incredible! I was so hesitant and scared when I first started blogging and thought I'd never have a thing to say but here I am 400 posts later. It's been a blast, thank you!

I think we need to celebrate with a 400th post GIVEAWAY don't you! I don't have a clue what the gift(s) will be but just leave me a comment and you'll be entered. Nice and easy, that's my motto! Little Sis (Courtney) is home from college so I'll have her draw a name(s) on Wednesday. Sounds like a plan!

Well I guess I'd better go get my party clothes on. It's time to head on out for some Christmas fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving with family, friends, and those you hold dear.

I'll be heading to Northern California for Thanksgiving and on Friday will once again visit the crap fair, I mean craft fair. The weather will be cool, crisp, and the holiday spirit will fill the air. I can already feel it!

Thanksgiving is a special time, a time for reflection, thankfulness, memories, and family.

Let the fun begin!

Monday Miscellany

It was wonderful seeing my friend Deanna yesterday. We met at Mimi's Cafe and stayed quite awhile. We had alot of catching up to do! I learned one thing though...don't bring your husband with you when you meet up with girlfriends! Granted, he's known Deanna for 30 years too but still. Let me just say he dominated the conversation! I don't know if it's because he's retired now or what but he talked, and talked, and talked. Usually it doesn't bother me but yesterday it got on my last nerve. Trust me, he's staying home next time!

This is a picture of my sweet friend Deanna and I yesterday at Mimi's. I sure wish I knew how to scan pictures so I could post them here. I'd show you one of us in high school, or a picture of us when we went to Hawaii together when we were 19! Like I mentioned earlier, we share alot of life history together. Sooo, does anyone want to give me some e-a-s-y instructions on the art of scanning!?


I'm on Day 4 of my Special K diet and all is well. I changed it up a bit this morning though. I had a South Beach diet breakfast bar for breakfast instead of cereal. Really the breakfast bar is like cereal anyways. It's like eating a rice crispy bar but without the marshmallows. I'll have cereal for lunch and then a sensible dinner. I haven't noticed much difference on the scale but I'm giving it time. I'm not snacking, haven't had the usual Pepsi, and am not eating any of the Halloween candy that's floating around. I made cupcakes for my coworkers on Friday and Saturday and didn't even eat one and from the remarks I got, they were absolutely delicious. So come to think of it, I'm doing really really good so far.

Today will be spent studying for me. As a nurse, I have to earn continuing education units, 30 units every 2 years. I have to get my test in the mail by Friday, preferably sooner, so I'll be holed up in the house today. It's a priority at this point!

During study breaks, I'll be getting my little Halloween goodie bags ready for work. I work with the most amazing people and I like to show them my appreciation every now and then. Dialysis technicians are extremely hard working people yet the pay isn't so hot. Good techs make my job easier and luckily I work with alot of experienced, knowledgeable techs. I like to show them that I appreciate their efforts and they are always so thankful and appreciative of anything that is done for them. I think it's the little things that count.

I hope you have a great day today. This week will be lots of fun, yay for Halloween week!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Do you pick a "word for the year" to live by each year?

I never have done this in year's past but I feel that it's something I definitely want to do this year. I need to do this to hold myself accountable.

I've alluded to the fact that this year has been the pits. And.I.Mean.The.Pits. This year those closest to me must have felt like it was their duty to hurt me...and hurt me they did. I remember years ago my mother-in-law telling me that those you love the most hurt you the most because they know you're not going anywhere. Well, my family's lucky because there were times this year that I felt like running in the opposite direction.

F O R G I V E N E S S

That's my word for the new year. I will forgive and move on. I think I'll even get a necklace with my word on it and wear it each day as a reminder. I don't know about you but forgiveness can be so hard for me at times.

When I haven't felt like forgiving, I've tried to remind myself about how Jesus forgives me over and over again...even though I don't deserve any of his forgiveness. How can I not forgive someone else when I'm being forgiven daily. This seems to just put it all into perspective for me.

Happy New Year

We had such an enjoyable New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. We were invited to spend the evening with friends. It was low key, just the 8 of us. We had finger foods galore and yummy cheesecake for dessert. Even though we're pretty much an over the hill group, we still like to have a fun time...and we always do when were together. In fact, you can count on it! (We even stayed up until 1:30!)



My husband sums this group up perfectly. He says we all get along so well and love each other because we're all "givers." I think he's right.

Since we were out of town, we booked a room at a nearby hotel which made everything so convenient. We all met at one of our favorite deli's for lunch today then parted ways. We went on to see our son and spend a little time with him after lunch today too before heading home. It was great seeing him. I didn't want to let go of him!

Do any of you pick a word for the year each year? I never have but plan of picking one this year. I'll share my word with you tomorrow.

2009!

This has been a long, difficult year for many and personally, I'm eager to say goodbye to 2008. I hope 2009 brings happiness and prosperity to us all.

I wish you a healthy, safe New Year!

Highly Recommended

After my pajama day on Saturday, I was eager to get out of the house yesterday, and there's nothing better than going to the movies during the holidays. The place was packed.

There were a few movies we wanted to see but we chose The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was the perfect choice. It's a long movie but worth seeing. I highly recommend it.

(Brad and Cate have got to be two of the most beautiful people on this planet. They're truly stunning.)

Thanksgiving Wishes...

Today I'll be busy getting two Christmas swap packages ready, cleaning up the house a bit, and preparing to leave on our trip tomorrow. Alot to do, yet I sit here feeling emotional today. For various reasons, this has been a terrible year for me, and for the rest of the world as well. Things have happened this year that have turned my life upside down and have not been caused by me, but I'm still thankful.

I have alot to be thankful for!

I'm thankful this year for being introduced to blogging and for the friends that I have made through it. Friends that I genuinely care about and for the true friendships that have been lovingly nurtured along the way. Friends, I am so thankful for you!

I truly hope that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and an enjoyable weekend with your loved ones. If any of you are traveling like I am, I pray that traveling mercies be upon you. So until next time, be safe, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Each and everyday I see more and more incredible ideas for Fall and Halloween decorating ideas. There are so many creative and fun ideas floating around in blogland that I'm finding it hard to tear myself away from the computer!

I've seen so many great creations that what I have done so far has included none of my normal decorations. I haven't brought out any of my old decorations yet, everything I've done to date has been the result of talented, creative bloggers!

Here are 3 of my favorite things I've done so far...


One of the first things I made this fall was this ribbon swag. It was so easy to do and I just love it. I can't wait to make one for Christmas.


These BOO signs have been all over blogland. I'm on the lookout now for more frames so that I can make up a few more of these to give to some girlfriends and family members this Halloween.


I just finished my "spooky" tree yesterday (I'm sorry it's blurry). I brought these branches home with me from our recent trip to the mountains. I forget what type of bush they come from but I know your not allowed to cut any of the branches off of these bushes. I picked up these fallen branches while on our hike down the mountain. I spray painted them black and viola!

So for our Friday question I'm wondering what ideas you've seen in blogland that you've tried out for yourself this Halloween season? I'd love to see and hear about them!