Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Finishing Touches...

As the holidays fast approach, I'm finishing the final touches on my decorating before the kids arrive from college. Below are some slackers basking in the sun while I do all the work.

I used my wonderful old suitcase as a little vignette in my entry way.


I draped my old skates and scarf over it as if someone is on there way to a wonderful country trip in the snow.


This little pillow was also purchased at G-Dub when I bought the suitcase. It was perfect. I love plaid. Especially, at Christmas!



In my formal living room, I used my vintage wine crate, added a beautiful poinsettia and some fresh pine. I love the way it looks from the inside as well as the outside!







Happy decorating!



Mareen

Friday, December 9, 2011

G-Dub, I love you....

I was recently at G-Dub with a good friend, scoping out every single aisle and item as usual when I came upon my new love. It was beaming in a ray of light, I swear straight from heaven. I walked, no ran into the light.....grabbed it by the handle and hugged it. Yes, I hugged it. I had been searching for over a year now for the perfect one and I had found it. It was a 1940 vintage OSHKOSH suitcase with the famous "chief" stripes! Below, is an original ad I found on the web the describes my little lovely....












oooohhhh the red and gold......



The handle and piping are all leather....




It was even monogrammed in gold by the original owner! The keys and luggage tag still attached and the garment bag and original hangers inside. Be still my heart! I'm going to make a fun display in my entry with it for the holidays and then who knows! The sky is the limit!






Thanks for visiting!








Mareen








Thursday, December 1, 2011

Advent Box

Hi everyone!

Every year, for years, I have looked at the beautiful but large wooden advent calendars in the shapes of houses, sleighs, snowmen, etc. While I love them they are far too large to store. Mr. Santa says I have reached maximum capacity on my Christmas decorations. I have searched thousands of blogs and pintrest in hopes of finding one that I liked to make. I always end up getting the cheap, cardboard, less then delectable chocolate filled ones. He has always loved these and has never complained. However, since my son is twelve and this will be the last year I do this for him, I'm determined to make it a great one.

Here's my idea. It's still ridiculously cheap but more fun for mom...and boy, I hope.

I got this cute little snowman box....

Slapped a sticky note on it and wrote the number of days left till Christmas which I will do every day until then...


I put in a yummy chocolate cupcake for him. Then I stood back and said, "there" with complete satisfaction.


Each day I plan to put something small, different and holiday related in the box. Who knows? I may get ultra creative and turn it into a small hide and seek game with a clue each day.



I can use the little box next year for a gift or to deliver some yummy cookies in.



How's that for one last year of advent goodness?




Mareen

Fa la la la la.....

Hello!

Just a sneak Christmas tour of our home this year...






























This sits on top of our wine cabinet...I love it. I tried to get creative with my vintage wooden cheese mold.



Admittedly, I've never been a fan of non-traditional Christmas colors. However, I have recently redecorated our family room and the new area rug has a bit of blue in it. So, I decided to try adding a little something different this year. I put this together for my kitchen window.




Here is my breakfast table centerpiece. I have a vintage industrial loaf pan that my Mr. Santa got for me (I begged just a little because I had a vision). I added pine, candles and a little bling and it looks wonderful in the evening with the candles!






This was my latest project. I bought this big wooden tray at a garage sale for $1.00. I spray painted it in oil rubbed bronze, dry brushed it in gold (that is hard to detect in the picture but looks amazing) and had the mirror custom cut to fit. EVERYTHING looks fabulous on it. I added the wonderful votives and some more bling and Wa la! Beautiful for my coffee table for the holidays!



I have a few more good ideas coming soon! Happy decorating!




Mareen