A Little Christmas Project Nostalgia

Hey Ya’ll!  We’re decorating the new pad for Christmas today and I’m totally stoked about it, too.   It’ll be a day full of decorating in our pajamas while watching Elf and eating cookies.  Living the dream, people.  Plus, the fact that we’re in our new house just MAKES IT for me.   I’ve always thought that this house would be great for the holidays and this was unexpectedly confirmed when my Aunt Terry walked into our living room for the first time and stated (with zero prompting) “This is a great Christmas house.”  BAM!  That’s right.  It’s not just me!!!

Anyways, being the nostalgic sap that I am, I decided to cruise through some of my Christmas posts from last year for inspiration.   Since this is a new house with different decor needs, looking back at old projects helps me visually inventory what I already own in one fell swoop (and provides me with ideas for new ways use these items in our new home).  So, in case these may benefit ya’ll as well, here are a few snippets…

Our Christmas trees.

For our larger tree, I stuck to a silver, burgundy and green theme last year.  Lots of glittery snowflakes, garland and wire ribbon.   In lieu of a tree skirt, I just used faux sheepskin rugs.  I love that look.  It’s like a little snow mound beneath the tree.

Our “Charlie Brown Tree” is a simple silver tree that I purchased on clearance from Walmart years ago (Humph… that cord makes me twitchy.  Just try to ignore it.  Or tell me you don’t see it to make me feel better.) …

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I stuck him in this painted basket for a bit of style, then added some stockings and wood ornaments with burlap bows for style.   These guys adorned our hallway nook in our last house, but need a new locale and look for this house.   Hmmm…. Wheels are turning…

Adding pizzaz with free Christmas Printables

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This was one of my favorites.  It was free, easy and added a touch of whimsy to our Christmas decor.   I ended up using four different printables throughout the house.  I still have them and will likely reuse them again.   See the other printables that I utilized here.

Christmas centerpiece ideas, PLUS, creating inexpensive snowflake window hangings...

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A few simple, cheapo purchases lead to a sophisticated “winter wonderland” feel.   The window hangings tied in perfectly to the trees and centerpiece and really were the icing on the cake!  At least I think so.  😉

Some quick, low-maintenance outdoor decor...

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I reused my DIY frame wreath and jazzed it up with a few simple tweaks.  Plus, I used a gorgeous live wreath in a non-traditional way to add a little Christmas spirit to the seating area on our covered porch.

And lastly, this isn’t Christmas decor necessarily, but since gift ideas are always a good thing, here’s how I created simple busts of Lucas on burlap for gifts.  We gave one to each of the grandparents last year…

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So, now that I’m officially in the Christmas spirit, I’m gonna go get my decorating on.   Ya’ll have a great weekend!!  Let’s start this holiday season off right!  🙂

TDC Before and After
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100 (‘er 101) posts in!

That’s right! As of today I’ve officially logged 101 posts!  Woo-hoo!  And I continue to love every minute of this bloggy experience!  Funny story… I actually meant to publish this as my 100th post, but I threw myself off when I added this extra post on Sunday.  Whoopsie!!  Go me!  That’s okay, though.  Better late than never.

So, in honor of  my 100th 101st post, I thought I’d reminisce by highlighting some of my favorites that you might have missed.  In no particular order, here we go….

Favorite actor in a leading role…  Larry the Table Guy in Say Hello to my Leetle friend (aka: Tutorial for how to spray-paint)

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Favorite Little Birdies… Eight Dollar Chairs, Part Deux (aka: Tutorial for recovering chair seats/Revamping craigslist chairs on the cheap!)

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Favorite Profile Pic… Gifts or Bust  (aka: Tutorial for creating a personalized bust on burlap)

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Favorite successful mission… Mission Toddler Drop-zone: Complete (aka: Tutorial for creating practical behind-the-door organization)

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Favorite admission of failureA Tale of Two Sofas (aka: How we learned to make the most of an odd space)

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Favorite (non) pick-up line‘Sup Cupcake (aka: Tutorial for easy, professional-looking cupcake decorating)

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Favorite use of alcoholic paraphernaliaSecond Vase (aka: Using non-traditional items for floral displays)

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Favorite pest-disposal… All-Natural DIY Gnat Trap (aka: Tutorial for creating a cheap, all- natural gnat trap THAT WORKS!)

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Favorite red carpet momentSuch(culent) fun!  (aka: Tutorial for creating industrial-looking succulent planters out of electrical boxes)

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Favorite sexy respirator face…  So, I painted tile this weekend (aka: Tutorial for how to paint tile)

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Favorite maintenance tip[Cutting] Board Games  (aka: Tutorial for maintaining a wood cutting board)

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Favorite glam revealBrightey Whiteys (aka: Tutorial for making over outdated cabinets)

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Favorite meaningful art… Art for Alex (aka: How I created meaningful art pieces to honor my hero)

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Favorite Ode to Vino… Wine Nook?? Yes PLEASE!!  (aka: How we created a DIY wine nook)

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This blog has been such a fun ride so far and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time out of your day to read my goofy posts!   So, let’s raise our virtual glasses and cheers to another hundred (and one) posts! 🙂

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Linked up to: Tatortots and Jello

Living The Domesticated Life
Put A Bird On It
TDC Before and After