Cheap gift tags (FREE!)

First of all, thanks for your kind words about my last post. I appreciate hearing from all of you and to know I'm not the only one who feels that way sometimes. I know it is a GOOD thing to be so grateful, but I should try not to worry so much too. :)<br /><br />So I have seen this idea a couple times in blogland and the first time I saw it, I knew this easy peasy project was just for me. Do you keep your old Christmas cards every year?? I do. Don't have a clue why -- I do the same thing with birthday cards, I can't let go of them.<br /><br /><br />Well it's like I've kept them all these years JUST for this! All you need is a puncher outer thingy:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmELHiICSI/AAAAAAAABdA/P_n7cVMBWfc/s1600-h/DSC07371.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285400964231596322" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmELHiICSI/AAAAAAAABdA/P_n7cVMBWfc/s400/DSC07371.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> (Ignore my banged-up coffee table. I like to call it "rustic" a la The Bub.)<br /><br /><br />Grab a card:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEKpbMDlI/AAAAAAAABc4/w6bBKI6Rhks/s1600-h/DSC07372.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285400956149435986" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEKpbMDlI/AAAAAAAABc4/w6bBKI6Rhks/s400/DSC07372.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />You may have to do some trimming to get it to fit in the puncher right. I turn mine upside down to see what I'm punching. I do it on the floor too -- much easier to punch. (These things are a work out!!):<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEKA6OgBI/AAAAAAAABcw/0OkgAshaJbU/s1600-h/DSC07373.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285400945273765906" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEKA6OgBI/AAAAAAAABcw/0OkgAshaJbU/s400/DSC07373.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Voila!! Instant tags for next year! I even cut out some of the messages inside the cards:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEJbeVHfI/AAAAAAAABco/xy-gA11Xx3s/s1600-h/DSC07360.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285400935224647154" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEJbeVHfI/AAAAAAAABco/xy-gA11Xx3s/s400/DSC07360.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />Aren't they just ADORABLE?? Caaaa<em>uuute</em> I say! I am dying to get my hands on more cards from this year. I'm trying to be patient and am keeping them up just a couple more days. Argh, I HATE delayed gratification!!</div><div></div><div><br />These were some of my favorites:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEJdB1mkI/AAAAAAAABcg/CYBFfX1hj8w/s1600-h/DSC07361.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285400935642012226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVmEJdB1mkI/AAAAAAAABcg/CYBFfX1hj8w/s400/DSC07361.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />The puncher was originally about $15, but I got it half off. Otherwise, this is F.R.E.E. chickees! Have fun!<br /></div><div></div><div>**Edited to add: YES the photo cards make this harder -- I know they are easier people, but come on...I need tags!! BUT I forgot to mention that I took the puncher thingy to some of the cardboard gift boxes that were torn up. (The one's with a design on top.) Those are adorable too!</div><div><br /><strong>ALERT!!</strong> The puncher thingys are half off at Hob Lob this week! Run, don't walk! </div><div> </div></div></div>

Cheap gift tags (FREE!)

First of all, thanks for your kind words about my last post. I appreciate hearing from all of you and to know I'm not the only one who f...

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Are you ever waiting?

For the other "shoe" to drop?<br /><br />I can't tell you how many times a week I have this exact thought in my head. Tonight I thought it again.<br /><br /><div align="center">How is it possible <em>I</em> could be SO blessed? So lucky? So fortunate? </div><br />I have a home I love. Friends that are always there when I need them and a family that loves me and puts up with me no matter what. Most of all: a beautiful, sweet stepdaughter, my incredibly patient and loving husband and my out-of-this-world, I-could-not-love-him-any-more-I-swear, son.<br /><br />I wonder, what did <em>I</em> do to deserve this? I try to live a good, honest life. I try to be a good friend. I try SO hard to be a good Mom and a good wife. I think I succeed for the most part. But is that enough to deserve this life? I hope so. I pray so.<br /><br />I have paid some dues. Years 16 through about 22 weren't very fun, to say the least. I was tested and I feel I came through stronger. Maybe I have earned some of this joy that is my life, but my happiness SO exceeds any pain I've ever felt. Can my dues that have been paid be nearly enough to make this all mine for good?<br /><br />Sorry to get all deep on you. Maybe it's the season, maybe it's the coming new year. Maybe it's that I got to go on a date with my husband tonight. Any time with him is treasured. I am thinking DEEP lately, and just had to get it out. :)<br /><br />Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy your blessed home and life this evening too.

Are you ever waiting?

For the other "shoe" to drop? I can't tell you how many times a week I have this exact thought in my head. Tonight I thought i...

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The Aftermath

First of all, YES! the tree is still standing!! Yahoo!! I usually leave it up through New Year's but wanted to take it down early this year. It is <em><strong>stressing me out</strong></em>. But Hubby thinks it will be fine so up it stays. I really do love it...as long as it stays put. :)<br /><br /><div>Secondly, before I show you how Christmas blew up in our house, check out the GORG wreath I got today at Tar-jay!<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs_5UNbUI/AAAAAAAABbw/zZDBQ0Iugis/s1600-h/DSC07343.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284319951506468162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs_5UNbUI/AAAAAAAABbw/zZDBQ0Iugis/s400/DSC07343.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div><br /><div>My girlfriend bought one this year and it was GORG on her door. I got it this morning for only $17! But I'm thrifty, so it took some convincing from Sister for me to get it. I am SO glad I did: </div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284319963269482402" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWtAlIux6I/AAAAAAAABb4/MkqI5OQ5DEU/s400/DSC07345.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Sheesh it's purdy. So did anyone get up before dawn this morning? I've only gotten up that early on purpose maybe four times since my son was born. Two of those times were from the two previous December 26ths! I have to do it though, I <strong>must</strong> be first to get the deals. BUT it was dead around here this morning -- I could have slept in, darn it!</div><br /><div></div><div>OK, now onto the PIT that has been our house for the past two days (you can't walk in this room and it looks worse now): </div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs_pwtDwI/AAAAAAAABbo/ZgNluHS2Gqc/s1600-h/DSC07315.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284319947331014402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs_pwtDwI/AAAAAAAABbo/ZgNluHS2Gqc/s400/DSC07315.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284321513913679042" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWua1vHfMI/AAAAAAAABcA/GskEAy5sf70/s400/DSC07317.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />(And much of it had already been thrown away!)</div><div></div><div><br />Let's just say we have a VERY lucky and happy two-year-old on our hands. My stepdaughter wanted small expensive things...he got HUGE monstrous toys, like TENTS:<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs_QU6NXI/AAAAAAAABbg/r3lqPMyyJwg/s1600-h/DSC07313.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284319940503549298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs_QU6NXI/AAAAAAAABbg/r3lqPMyyJwg/s400/DSC07313.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs-xaOZDI/AAAAAAAABbY/Dc5ChBHblEU/s1600-h/DSC07353.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284319932204344370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVWs-xaOZDI/AAAAAAAABbY/Dc5ChBHblEU/s400/DSC07353.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div><div>What the heck was I thinking? I was thinking fun-unfinished-basement-play-area. But failed to remember that is is freakin' freezing cold down there right now so not one of us will brave it. The heating company is coming this week because I can stand about <em>one more day</em> of this and then everything needs to find a home. :)</div><div></div><div><br />But we had a WONDERFUL few days, and I wouldn't change the mess, the toys, the pile of trash for the world. <em>We are blessed</em>. </div><div></div><div><br />Hope you had a great holiday! I'm going keep taking some time to check in with many of your sites and will be back soon. And I am ITCHIN' to get back to my molding projects -- I'm going through withdrawal! I have a few projects in mind I cannot <em>wait</em> to get started on. </div><div></div><div><br />Oh, and remember to keep in mind how you organize things in your home so you can share them with us on the 12th!! We are going to DECLUTTER and ORGANIZE ladies!!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/10/mission-declutter-and-organize.html"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://www.homespun-threads.com/images/Image1.png" width="190" /></a></div></div>

The Aftermath

First of all, YES! the tree is still standing!! Yahoo!! I usually leave it up through New Year's but wanted to take it down early this y...

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The tree that would not STAND UP.

I figured you wouldn't believe it if I didn't show you...<br /><br /><p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180942087169218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGhE0k4JMI/AAAAAAAABbI/FFUvHLa8OOw/s400/DSC07238.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Notice anything different??<br /><br />No?? How about now?:</p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180935982867138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGhEd1f4sI/AAAAAAAABbA/KjCrNwIvjpA/s400/DSC07241.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />No, I'm not kidding, this tree is falling over again. I noticed it while I lounged on the couch out there the other night. Yeah...relaxing...imagine that. Later that night, I kind of wiggled it and it ALMOST FELL OVER AGAIN. Hubby was asleep, Sister was asleep, so there I was with my drill and drywall anchors at midnight, drilling holes in the wall to keep this <em>bleeping</em> thing up till Christmas!<br /><br />Whew. Hubby swears "It will be fine." I swear to <em>you</em>, if it falls again, I. Will. Lose. It.<br /><br />Anyhoo...I wanted to show you some of my favorite decorations that I hadn't shown you yet. There are more, but you'll just have to wait till next year. :) Warning: Picture overload!!<br /><br />My favorite Santa. He watches over the countdown. Can you even believe Christmas is here?!:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGhDDU06TI/AAAAAAAABaw/a4NZvrGGgeE/s1600-h/DSC07075.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180911686641970" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGhDDU06TI/AAAAAAAABaw/a4NZvrGGgeE/s400/DSC07075.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div><div>Of course I have to dress up the brass knobs. (ugh.) I made these years ago and it was so easy -- a few extra sprigs of garland, a few berries and an ornament twisted together:<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGhCxD_mPI/AAAAAAAABao/-QEFNviamoU/s1600-h/DSC07166.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180906784200946" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGhCxD_mPI/AAAAAAAABao/-QEFNviamoU/s400/DSC07166.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> More GORG magnolias:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGgb-x7MfI/AAAAAAAABag/MZVcDhRJQU0/s1600-h/DSC07156.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180240451613170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGgb-x7MfI/AAAAAAAABag/MZVcDhRJQU0/s400/DSC07156.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> My second cookie jar...this one was brand new at Goodwill for $5:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGgbS7aGnI/AAAAAAAABaQ/ohQVqFXF6MA/s1600-h/DSC07228.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180228680227442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGgbS7aGnI/AAAAAAAABaQ/ohQVqFXF6MA/s400/DSC07228.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Yippee! I love this boot! (Rebecca, do you recognize it?):<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfrZqOo_I/AAAAAAAABZ4/VnEF4hmaoGs/s1600-h/DSC07212.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283179405853500402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfrZqOo_I/AAAAAAAABZ4/VnEF4hmaoGs/s400/DSC07212.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 347px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Even the lamps don't escape me...buwuwahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!:<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfq8l973I/AAAAAAAABZw/Zn2Ew4uI0Lk/s1600-h/DSC07207.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283179398051000178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfq8l973I/AAAAAAAABZw/Zn2Ew4uI0Lk/s400/DSC07207.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I used rub on snowflakes for the mirror. $1.50 on sale, and I'll keep them up through the winter:</div><div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283184093277805282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGj8PrRWuI/AAAAAAAABbQ/gmYjLcPDLp4/s400/DSC07163.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The scrolly mirror holds our cards every year:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfqdhndRI/AAAAAAAABZo/dY4Qw3GkLIM/s1600-h/DSC07206.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283179389711250706" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfqdhndRI/AAAAAAAABZo/dY4Qw3GkLIM/s400/DSC07206.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Dollar store snowflakes that hang in the windows:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfqGirECI/AAAAAAAABZg/5eAjOkvUU6M/s1600-h/DSC07203.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283179383541665826" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfqGirECI/AAAAAAAABZg/5eAjOkvUU6M/s400/DSC07203.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I adore these little birds!! So much so, I paid full price of $3 for them at Target!! I'm eyeing them for Friday -- but there's only a few left...I'll knock you out of the way if you go for 'em. Not kidding.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfp0rKVsI/AAAAAAAABZY/PE3AcWyNv-k/s1600-h/DSC07202.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283179378745431746" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGfp0rKVsI/AAAAAAAABZY/PE3AcWyNv-k/s400/DSC07202.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> ACK! Tell me these are not CAAA<em>UUUTE</em>!! They were $1.99 each at Kirkland's!:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGe3v_xaPI/AAAAAAAABZQ/o3GQK0nyxeY/s1600-h/DSC07200.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283178518496241906" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGe3v_xaPI/AAAAAAAABZQ/o3GQK0nyxeY/s400/DSC07200.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 328px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> More glass things for me to put stuff in...this is a cake stand and dome (yes it's a stand, weird how it looks like it's sitting on the island!) and I stuffed it with goodies:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGe0CabzXI/AAAAAAAABZA/xqTtgUKNFKo/s1600-h/DSC07193.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283178454720433522" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGe0CabzXI/AAAAAAAABZA/xqTtgUKNFKo/s400/DSC07193.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I also hang ornaments from the windows:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGez5H_0-I/AAAAAAAABY4/Xlm5l256tDQ/s1600-h/DSC07192.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283178452227183586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGez5H_0-I/AAAAAAAABY4/Xlm5l256tDQ/s400/DSC07192.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a></div><div>I took some advice from <a href="http://imperfectlybeautifulms.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a> and wrapped my candles with ribbon.<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGezjkC4kI/AAAAAAAABYw/acdV4nQn0Fk/s1600-h/DSC07188.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283178446439244354" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGezjkC4kI/AAAAAAAABYw/acdV4nQn0Fk/s400/DSC07188.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Guess where I got the ribbon? From Amanda!! I won her Dollar Tree trees and I love them!! Ahhh! And she made me a little notebook! Seriously, she rocks!! (Tag!) (By the way, I want a ton more. If any of you see them, let me know and I will pay you for them and shipping!!)</div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180919733533282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGhDhTWumI/AAAAAAAABa4/OuqDEcwuPig/s400/DSC07147.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />And finally, we are ready for Santa...just need to make the cookies. I searched for a Santa's cookie plate for almost two months. Found this at our state museum of all places, half off, last weekend!:<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180216548201938" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGgalu6FdI/AAAAAAAABaA/FK2EFYmPjCo/s400/DSC07223.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 342px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </div><div>The carafe was free from the cookie exchange. Enough said:<br /><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283180220669882738" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SVGga1Fl8XI/AAAAAAAABaI/yIF_U0uD2aU/s400/DSC07225.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I'm off to wrap a million presents!! I'm going to take a few days off to visit your sites and catch up. Like always, if you'd like me to visit and I haven't, let me know!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Merry, merry, merry Christmas to you!</span> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I hope you have a blessed holiday and a wonderful new year.</span> </div><div></div><div>I appreciate you all so very much.</div><div></div><div></div><div>P.S. Say a prayer for my tree. :)</div><div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">HO HO HO!!!</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

The tree that would not STAND UP.

I figured you wouldn't believe it if I didn't show you... Notice anything different?? No?? How about now?: No, I'm not kidding, ...

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Make your home glow with Christmas

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU7-ps-dIfI/AAAAAAAABXA/1CA7Hr8kweg/s1600-h/DSC07178.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282439405353378290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU7-ps-dIfI/AAAAAAAABXA/1CA7Hr8kweg/s400/DSC07178.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div align="center">I'm running out of time to show you some fun stuff, so this post will be a slew of pictures, bam, bam BAM!!! Ahhhhh!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />First of all, I had to show you another Goodwill project. (Don't worry, I still have MORE.) I got these little square boards for .49 each, got the letters on sale, had the paper and glitter, so this was waaaay less than $10. I. LOVE. IT. </div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282439410963283794" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU7-qB39f1I/AAAAAAAABXI/RXUQQbH2R_E/s400/DSC07183.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />So here we go, a tour of our home and the way it glows at Christmas... </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">If you have a bell jar or cloche, stick Christmasy type things in with some lights, and there. you. go. (This thing is way cool -- wish this pic did it justice.)</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU7-paQFI3I/AAAAAAAABW4/2MrFY8LLAYg/s1600-h/DSC07151.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282439400327029618" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU7-paQFI3I/AAAAAAAABW4/2MrFY8LLAYg/s400/DSC07151.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />Again, with the flash, this does not really show the GORGeousness. I throw my extra poinsettias in here with some garland and lights. </div><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282430460736582258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU72hDroMnI/AAAAAAAABVo/fcO66w-ab7c/s400/vase.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">The candles from the mantle are now nestled in some snow to make the TV look Christmasyier. Word? Huh. OK.<br /><br /></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU74Mczp6xI/AAAAAAAABWw/Z9Hw4abxHP8/s1600-h/DSC07073.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282432305727138578" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU74Mczp6xI/AAAAAAAABWw/Z9Hw4abxHP8/s400/DSC07073.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div align="center">This scrolly iron thingy I can't get looking how I want any other time of the year...but with some greenery and pics, just love it:</div><br /><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282431890409748738" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU730RoReQI/AAAAAAAABWQ/xcDso1BXapw/s400/DSC07054.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />Long ago I spray painted my pears with gold and then a light coat of gold glitter spray. It always does the trick.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU74MIOmq8I/AAAAAAAABWo/FRaDZ3YT_Uk/s1600-h/DSC07062.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282432300203027394" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU74MIOmq8I/AAAAAAAABWo/FRaDZ3YT_Uk/s400/DSC07062.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU74LUXmluI/AAAAAAAABWg/ezkOER7rZfQ/s1600-h/DSC07060.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282432286282127074" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU74LUXmluI/AAAAAAAABWg/ezkOER7rZfQ/s400/DSC07060.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU7309SDbXI/AAAAAAAABWY/CARPCdfuK1w/s1600-h/DSC07058.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282431902127713650" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU7309SDbXI/AAAAAAAABWY/CARPCdfuK1w/s400/DSC07058.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />Do you know what I am SOOOO over? My blinds. Would you like to know how much we spent on them when we moved in?? (Well, really, it wasn't that bad because I got them for 40 percent off at Penney's, but STILL.) Now I want more of the wooden roman shades everywhere instead. GREAT. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />We got these candles as a gift for our wedding, and I absolutely adore them. They are so fun to dress up for the holidays. I use little styrofoam balls, some ribbon and a few berry pics and they are ready for Christmas!<br /><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282431881743486770" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU73zxWEzzI/AAAAAAAABWA/R7MN0S3tYi0/s400/DSC07033.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div></div><div align="center">Do you light your candles? I don't, not the "holiday" ones anyway. I've found PERFECT candles to go with my decor and they are only lit for pictures. :) Plus, we have fat kitties with big fluffy tails. Not a good combo. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU730EMqNdI/AAAAAAAABWI/Xs0W49HhFvQ/s1600-h/DSC07035.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282431886804268498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU730EMqNdI/AAAAAAAABWI/Xs0W49HhFvQ/s400/DSC07035.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU73zpUHkOI/AAAAAAAABV4/G9xMVk-yw5U/s1600-h/DSC07020.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282431879587795170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU73zpUHkOI/AAAAAAAABV4/G9xMVk-yw5U/s400/DSC07020.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I got this church to remember the year we got married (today is our anniversary!! MUWAH MY LOVE!!):<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282430454238592946" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU72greYv7I/AAAAAAAABVY/gb-_XtpEFbw/s400/DSC07000.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div align="center">Wanna know how the greenery doesn't go POOF from the candles? </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU72g0nyw_I/AAAAAAAABVg/t217j2NuaZ8/s1600-h/DSC07001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282430456693965810" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SU72g0nyw_I/AAAAAAAABVg/t217j2NuaZ8/s400/DSC07001.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />Awww yeah baby, LED candles. Get some!! They even flicker.<br /><br /><div><div>I'll be back at least one more time before Christmas. Are you done wrapping? </div><div></div><div>HAHAHAHAHA. I haven't even STARTED. </div><div></div><div>But I actually enjoy wrapping, and after tomorrow, I'll be completely done shopping and can wrap to my heart's content in the evenings. I look forward to it. </div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Make your home glow with Christmas

I'm running out of time to show you some fun stuff, so this post will be a slew of pictures, bam, bam BAM!!! Ahhhhh!! First of all, I ha...

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Fun. Easy. Cheap Christmas decor.

I know, I should say inexpensive...<strong>not</strong> cheap. Cheap sounds so...well...<em>CHEAP</em>. <div><div><div><br /><div>I have seen SO many creative, <em>inexpensive</em>, beautiful Christmas decorating ideas around blogland recently and just had to share them with you! I love them all!! Go check these ladies out for more info on all of these goodies. (I linked to the post where these can be found.)<br /><br />Using ribbon to decorate for the holidays from Amanda @ <a href="http://imperfectlybeautifulms.blogspot.com/2008/12/kick-it-up-notchwith-ribbon-and.html">Imperfectly Beautiful</a>:</div><div><div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281690016787586690" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUxVFjBZ3oI/AAAAAAAABUQ/sE5hUkjGfLI/s400/ribbon+candles" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div>And Ashley @ <a href="http://domestic-fashionista.blogspot.com/2008/12/making-things-merry-and-bright-when.html">Domestic Fashionista</a>:<br /><br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281690863686933282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUxV2198WyI/AAAAAAAABUY/OK3dDQkWstc/s400/ribbon+tree" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Ummm... can you say...EASY. CHEAP. (Sorry.) And FAST??</div><div></div><div><br />Christmas Silhouette from Nikki @ <a href="http://projectdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2008/11/christmas-project.html">Project Domestic Bliss</a>:</div><div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281691412638093330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUxWWy-GUBI/AAAAAAAABUg/xpVDhh5iM7s/s400/xmas+sil.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />Oh how I love Ballard. (Salivate...) This looks amazing and she did it for a fraction of the price of the Ballard version. I dare you to tell which one's which! I'm SO doing this next year.<br /><br /><div>Gingerbread cookie tray from Debbie @ <a href="http://ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com/2008/12/lovin-that-gingerbread-decor-and-little.html">Ribbonwood Cottage</a>: </div><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281692657199306226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUxXfPUnVfI/AAAAAAAABUo/Osx4BLTT_B4/s400/gingerbread.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />You could use a cookie tray you already have for these! Don't have any gingerbread men? Make the gingerbread "cookies" found at <a href="http://buzzingsofaqueenbee.blogspot.com/2008/12/homemade-cinnamon-christmas-ornaments.html">Buzzings of a Queen Bee</a>:<br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281693475000543826" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUxYO13n6lI/AAAAAAAABUw/A60LiWc-1Qg/s400/cookies" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />All you need is powdered cinnamon, applesauce and glue!<br /></div><br /><div>Erin @ <a href="http://shadesofcolorpoci.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-christmas-tree-and-candy-canes.html">Shades of Color</a> had two things I had to show you! These adorable candy canes and swirls she painted herself:</div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281731444375884130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUx6w80JEWI/AAAAAAAABU4/-0pNf8WcVUU/s400/candy+canes" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div>And I adore her <a href="http://shadesofcolorpoci.blogspot.com/2008/11/some-great-finds-and-quick-christmas.html">ornaments</a>:</div><br /><div></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281731446649590898" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUx6xFSPFHI/AAAAAAAABVA/EDI5Lx2HL7M/s400/ribbon+ornaments" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div>I made these too but I think hers are just adorable. You need glass ornaments, and any kind of festive scrapbook paper. She finished them off with rub-ons. Love it!</div><div></div><div><br />For cheap artwork Fawn e-mailed me this idea:</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281687394882362114" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUxSs7qfGwI/AAAAAAAABUA/mw0tu9YLKws/s400/presents.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div><br />She covered canvases with wrapping paper. Brilliant! You could do this with just about ANYTHING -- artwork you already have, frames, etc. I actually have wrapping paper I bought just to do this in my home, but I'm not sure if I'll tackle it this year or not. I have my own spin in mind...we'll see!<br /><br /></div><p>Tree skirt from Leigh @ <a href="http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html">Tales of Bloggeritaville</a>:</p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281689347932817554" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUxUenWACJI/AAAAAAAABUI/Ad-RxDR4cn4/s400/skirt.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />Would you believe this is an actual skirt -- a ladies skirt? She went to a thrift store and found it. It's stunning! Speaking of tree skirts...I made my own with fabric from Joann's:<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281731751067419618" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/SUx7CzVGg-I/AAAAAAAABVI/Thjk9s3yceo/s400/DSC06624.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />I use a few yards of a red faux silk and then top it with a red organza fabric. I love that it's so fluffy. And I can easily throw it in the wash if needed. Best part -- it's a fraction of the cost of a "real" skirt.</div><div></div><div><br />If you have any fun ideas you want me to share, e-mail me!! </div><div></div><div><br />I still have so much I want to show you, ACK!! And I know haven't gotten to all of you from the Christmas tree party but I WILL! Pinky swear.<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Fun. Easy. Cheap Christmas decor.

I know, I should say inexpensive... not cheap. Cheap sounds so...well... CHEAP . I have seen SO many creative, inexpensive , beautiful Chri...

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