Love the "Tree"

I am LOVING the textures and shapes
2 Bucks!!

Dollar Tree that is! I picked up these 2 bags of FABULOUS potpourri shapes, pieces, not sure what to call them?! Thankfully they are scent-free and I can add my own aroma with oils, but they will surely be a nice addition to a tabletop display in the BLEAK month of January. They may even make an appearance in the foyer if I get my painted table project done...

Yay ~ something to look forward to in January (if you haven't already figured it out, I'm not a fan of January...)

Teacher Gifts

It's a thrifty year for us, so in lieu of gift cards or Bath & Body Works or something else to that effect, I found this little project online. I filled glass jars with m&m's, will decorate with festive ribbon and attach this sweet little note. Thank goodness for teacher resource websites!

Green is for the inspiration you gave to me each day,

Blue is for your patience in showing me the way,

Orange is for your warmth and your caring style,

Yellow is for the way you could always make me smile,

Red is for my life that you touched this year,

You’re a very special teacher, like this jar-that’s clear!

Thank you so much…
Love, Brennan & Collin

My Christmas Wish List

This new ensemble for my Ballard "Terrific" table...
Honeybee lace panels from Country Curtains (and a room to put them in, they are a tad too dainty for my boys)

The David Yurman Confetti Ice topaz necklace to match my ring...

and perhaps the cuff?

The Gucci Positano tote. I have wanted this bag for years...I don't even think it's made anymore...

Hubster and I are on a strict budget this year and probably from here on out (!), it IS all about the kids, but it can be fun to dream! I think I did fabulous for him on our $20~ish budget and he will be pleased....and if he picked up on my hints, I too will be happy with mine. The above are my d~r~e~a~m gifts...some attainable and some off the charts.

~2010 Christmas Tree~

Our tree is a hodge podge of ornaments collected throughout the years. When I was about 20, I discovered Pier 1 Imports and started my bachelorette collection...all pinks, purples, turquoise and white glittered ornaments. As time went on and Bill and the kids came into my life, we just started collecting what moved us...terra cotta santas & silver stars from mexico, canoeing & fishing ornaments from the outer banks, angels of all types from craft shows, flip-flops from key west, snowmen of ALL varieties and of course the most special...babies first Christmases. Our tree topper that I LOVE is a gold and glass star from...Rite-Aid! No matter how your tree is decorated, fancy or simple, when you light it for the first time and step back...it's Magical...

oops

What's wrong with this picture(besides the nasty industrial flooring)? That's right, that is how this girl came to work today. I am in the beginning stages of holiday frazzle....decorating, countless christmas parties, Collins Christmas play, breakfast with Santa, the hubsters birthday and his jingle bells 5k, shopping, wrapping and cooking...have I forgotten anything? Oh yes, my breakfast today and Brennans spoon for his fruit @ daycare....

I love it all though...it's what makes this time of year special ;-)

Snippets from our space ~ Part two

Our banister...

Wooden & metal ornaments...

Courtesy of dollar stores (gotta love a thrifty display that looks more "custom")

Simple mini boxwood wreaths and electric candles...gosh that sofa needs some color! The pillows are ticking stripe, hard to tell. I had to hide my PB pillows that used to be on it from baby drool!

Newel post angels...putting stars atop their trees...(please excuse the hideous border that I inherited with the house!)

I am linking up with Rhoda from Southern Hospitality for her Christmas Vignettes Linky Party. Thank you for stopping by!

Snippets from our space ~ Part one

Actually looks kinda ok there with my grandmothers compote and my Tracy Porter pieces?!

Love this sign!

Our elf on the shelf is Herbie....he has magical powers and reports to Santa every nite!

Some kid stuff....and husbands leg lamp.