New Years Eve and more...

New Year's Eve is a special day in its own right, but in our family there's additional significance. December 31st is my daughters' birthday. Last year, on her birthday, she gave birth to our first grandchild. That's right, mommy and son share the same birthday. But it doesn't stop there, New Year's Eve was also my maternal grandfathers birthday and is the birthday of one of my nephews. Four family members with a New Years Eve birthday...what a special day!

Wishing you and yours a blessed and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

I'll be without computer access for a bit, but wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Blessings of the season!

I need a silent night!...

...maybe you do too! If so, listen to this wonderful Christmas song by Amy Grant when you have a few minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci95b7Or0mk&feature=related

Christmas memories...

If you're like I am, certain Christmas decorations hold special significance of past holidays and loved ones. Though scaling back on Christmas decorating this year, I managed to scatter a few of my "special" decorations throughout my home...

         

These are two of my favorites...a nativity candlebox handcrafted by my father-in-law (shown below in blue and gold backlight)...

...and a VERY old lighted church that belonged to my maternal grandparents. My grandparents lived by very modest means, the little church is one of the few Christmas decorations they had. As a child, I  gazed at it for hours, thinking it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen (I still do!)

I'm so thankful to have these pieces, but more importantly, I'm thankful for the people whose memories they bring to mind. 

Flip flopping...

I took a break from holiday tasks today to try my hand at a new project. A visiting, out-of-state,  family member has a side business of adorable infant and toddler clothing, accessories and embellished ladies flip flops. She was kind enough to share her flip flop tips and pointers...here's my first attempt...

The possibilities are endless!!! I can't wait to refine my skills and become a "flip flop" making machine!!!

Lighted garland...

I was inspired to try a project I saw on Pinterest. I used Kiwi and White tulle on a strand of clear LED lights. The muted glow of each tiny little light creates a soft and dreamy appearance atop my sideboard...

So many possibilities for use...these garlands would be lovely for special events such as weddings and little "diva" parties as well.

A break in tradition...

Gosh, time has literally slipped by since my last post! Hope this finds everyone out there embracing the joys of this special Christmas season.

My husband and I opted NOT to put up a tree this year for reasons I will share later. This is a big break in tradition for us as we've ALWAYS had a tree. I can remember our first Christmas together as a married couple, money was tight, but we splurged on a beautiful blue spruce tree...what a wonderful memory! However, not having a tree does NOT mean no hint of Christmas in the household! Here's a few photos of Christmas touches in our home...

Blessings of the season to you and yours!

Thanksgiving Eve...

Out of the kitchen by 12:30 pm Thanksgiving Eve...not bad!!! The most difficult task for me this year has been remembering to make smaller portions as only four of us will be gathering together. My kiddos' adult obligations (work) and/or geographics will keep us apart this Thanksgiving. Though they'll be missed at our house, I'm thankful that both my daughter and son have friends and loved ones to spend the day with. Here on our homefront, my husband and I will host his parents. Our deployed son-in-law will miss celebrating his infant sons' first Thanksgiving...a poignant reminder of the many sacrifices made for us all by our military and their families. When you give thanks, please remember the military and their families!

On a lighter note...my hubby hung curtain rods in our kitchen a few days ago so I was FINALLY able to hang the new curtains. We installed outdoor solar screens this summer which make the interior of our home considerably darker, the new curtains literally brighten things up a bit.

Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving...for those traveling, be safe! I hope you enjoy fellowship of family, friends, wonderful food, and above all, I hope you'll pause and give thanks to the Creator for all gifts and blessings!

Freshening the Loo...

If you're like I am, your bathroom often is not as "primped" as other parts of your home. I put a few fresh touches to our guest bathroom and thought I'd share...

I made the tissue cover and door hanger from unfinished wood forms a few months ago using Mod Podge image transfer...

Switched out framed ceramic tiles with these framed ephemera floral prints...

Over the shower, I switched out metal tiles and replaced with this vinyl transfer (application is always a little more involved than the directions would lead you to believe, but all ends well!).

It always amazes me how a few simple changes can uplift the spirits. Hope this finds you well and your spirits soaring! Until next time...take care, Along the way!

Happy Birthday Marines...

RIP Mr. Rooney...

"The closing of a door can bring blessed privacy and comfort - the opening, terror. Conversely, the closing of a door can be a sad and final thing - the opening a wonderfully joyous moment."

-- Andy Rooney

This `n That...

Haven't posted recently, with the exception of a quick Wednesday wisdom. The days slip by for me post retirement...not sure how I ever got myself up and ready for work on time all those years!

I completed a few craft projects recently, decoupaging metal stars proved to be a quick and relatively easy project (I like QUICK!).

I packed up the Halloween decorations yesterday and Thanksgiving decor is now in place (tweaking is inevitable). Is it just me or is it  a lot more work taking decorations down than putting them up?

I've ordered lace curtains in a rooster motif for my kitchen...anxious to get them in place...change is GOOD! Speaking of change...I've picked up a few new items and placed throughout the house...

Vino Tealights
(I purchased this as inspiration for repurposing used
wine bottles...that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

Travel themed Chests
(inspiration provided by my daughter's purchase
of  the "Fly the World" chest last year )

Collage Wall Art
(set of three, I've hung them horizontally over a window bank)

Wood gavel...quirky and fun!
(purchased from my favorite local resale shop)

Loved this lantern...
(picked it up for a steal at my local grocery store of all places)

Wine themed wall art, new to my kitchen

And with fall in the air, I can't seem to get enough of baking all things, nutty, apple and pumpkin...

Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
(minus a slice...I had to sample to insure it was edible)

Hope all's well in your little corner of the world...until next time, take care 

"Along the Way"...