My PB inspired garland!

Everyone has seen this sweet home in the Pottery Barn catalogue!  It is shaped like my front porch and last year, I thought I could do this myself.  Time got away from me, but after seeing Susan do it at BNOTP, I knew I was going to do it this year!

18 feet done... 16 more to go!!!

What I didn't realize is that the majority of my ornaments are glass.  Can you say I am kicking myself in the tail right now.  Well... all I can say is... GOOD LUCK TO ME!   I am not doing it over! 

 We will see how it holds up!!!

Stay tuned!!!! 

My Mantle... Finally!!!

I finally got it where I like it!!!  I am joining Layla at her Mantle Party at The Lettered Cottage.  I was very unhappy with my mantle last year and knew I wanted to change it up.  I collect the Southern Living Christmas books every year and pour through them beginning in November.  I am always drawn to the mantles with heaps and heaps of lush greenery so I tried to incorporate that on mine.  I also went through just about every mantle on Layla's blog and was so inspired!  I especially love Richella's at Imparting Grace.  So I went about and gathered what I thought I might need.  I used a lit garland as a base.  Then I used some fresh pine garland to line the front.  I added the candlesticks, hurricanes (which I totally stole from Bonnie at Creative Decorating on a Budget)! and our stockings.  I also went into the backyard and cut pine sprigs to tuck in to give it some more fullness.  I have discovered that my mantle is too darn narrow!  I have a project in mind for the hubby to help me out with that!  I really am enjoying my mantle this year!  I hope you like it too!

I bought the candlesticks from Costco last year after Christmas. I got three of them for $8!

I think I am going to add some fresh pine above the picture!  I also have my eye on some big red flameless pillar candles at Big Lots!

These are the hurricanes I made with help from Bonnie!  I bought two vases and two candlesticks from the Dollar Tree.  I also bought 3 boxes of ornaments.  Total cost for these babies...$7!!

A view from my foyer

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

Thanksgiving 2010

We got home last night from our Thanksgiving trip to Tennessee with my family!  I love being on our farm and just being home.  The food is nothing to laugh at either!  My stepmom knows how to cook and cook she does!  We have friend chicken, ham, and turkey!  When I called my BFFL to say Happy Thanksgiving, I told her about all this food.  She said, "What is this?  A meat lover's Thanksgiving?!?"  Ha!  What a spread!  Not only is her food fantastic, but she bakes pies... lots of pies.  We had two fudge, two pecan, once cheerio cheesecake, and one pecan caramel cheesecake (excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard!).  Let me just say that we did not go hungry!  I got to visit with my sweet niece, Amber, who is now 22!  How did that happen?  Wonderful family, fantastic food, and beautiful sunsets on the farm.  I am thankful for such a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 He who rules the grandparents house!

She who rules our house... o.k.  she is second in command!

Nothing like a rousing game of High Ho Cherry-o!  Thanks Aunt Lisa!

The grandparents

My niece, Amber, and her boyfriend, Todd, whom Jemma adores!

She takes dress up clothes to make Todd dress up!  They got her the sweet tutu, headband, gloves and necklace for Christmas!

There is no place like home for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our little Indian princess to you and yours... Happy Thanksgiving!

May yours be blessed and safe!  I am thankful for all of you!!!

My first photo shoot that isn't Jemma!

Well, I did it. Not only one, but two!   I conned the neighbors into bringing their babies down for me to take their pictures.  I am taking another class and feeling like I am growing so much as a photographer.  I had so much fun with these sweet babies!  I would love your feedback!  Be honest... brutally honest!

How come rolls like that don't look so precious on me????

A Girl and her Bear

Need I say more?

Hope you are having a great weekend!