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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tIJKKs3gX7pVgYdYYENMCX1IfbAmu0h5yK_zSGoe_yzIynZc_aslkS-fmGltUd2XWdP7fir0rXMvfPubDUqEdYkQsUYeTdJDWz8Lgb8cDcm_KPnIP99buzsscX7vIkSdRiZb38H91iu1/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71YnD5cQZ7voniZ5Ct06ne5i8TTiC7k2VG-t1KIRupD5uj6Dbe8vda7_BU9lRaFRb_vh_NBtCyiKTH1FCp8amVKPU0SbSxYWXSo51OLaykyJ0NietW6saN33S5iyZz4dOygNIoDqPUvDf/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXtrkPZc2V-MV3UV1bxbONNJNr74-H9EN2oFXDA98V7M7sTiAxlWg_OY_igwur9Hckid3wvAr4nAZ8t-aTpW3vNUg5eQeLqpT8BMbgw9JUZ7eHuA57uNkHEpWIN2ZUaRdSXDb7K9NRfk9/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihu3eBCuMDW4xyC7dV0n6aM98KjBsEzQv7dScqPjA817yvLSArruYe0XY_cXAULC8WZDAjtebjEBoyMKcXG_iT6HKtiZ_EfdRpQU8xiWnPxPfxgg5TIS35iHwPGiUxo8MjGRLC9irUpDU/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE3EiJTsu33b-0W5sxkiPgw4d5CVVKGPrkJNdiV2IxWz9Jha9FR5GFzp4ovVV61WZDWDUM_VRerL05o2K72fqkr8E8r6-TPDm4x7L6dMhyphenhyphenL1N2OcC32rWIBcpMKSkhebkRMV99aJVMcOr/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq7edZ2XIynPnGmVSVVXwoC4wgQF2yH6d8EPRmGSgKupCU4B6Haj9Ej9wjy6T0IYgEFCzeiTloPT9BmQmObumXhwXxJGewBGJLBQSo3ICJ5LCbBlwcgb-KzsL3WjTok7fmsPCpnAAEHEV/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hRHmrhU6GfTVXbsez5I-5hvFsFmPO46o13QasXBbrbMK1sTXHzpSGSwySpgJRtn0P4US6mawuirYF7O8b7tSKcVDelGhGibnOc6v9tyG5y4XLmKAaniJ5Ue53NLbOvzGPmVn_D0UDkEj/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7Z8VQq1WMNKSLN49b43QrxGL4XnClnQzIJNIIveqS-c3mnb1cpp3T_Okd7D6C1n9_u3HAZajchPBvKOlw3pIo_UnfUBhSeKuRXkuk8YWUhr4yx4-dSDuuD02Os-dmtHIUVHlQ3SSLnei/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcZGWIPpBcIEYseL8DqAxec8GttKmRqvVBlmcX2_B1FUvY1ztuFj2dME_ouKNv-xgCDpD04XiJIdOd5StfX7phU18ymxEdHtMItVMts5EbBRMYPMgSQdNz1Avd1Do9n1v6V9lOwS9RJUb/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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakOT0c_ttpuZZUouuRgVd3arqzXppTnbioWf8jE6hhalWAYYXwqNfe8Osx0Ryxik3Bq03o1InDNH7sRdZWJOENDIoy1k64zB06ltw-p-weAWCeonujjCUOk4ibC4DvYM_bE_QphxlkKI/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...

Read more »

Pfeffer HUH and I need HOW many cookies??

<div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">WARNING</span>: You will want cookies after reading this. Don't say I didn't warn you.<br /></div><div align="center">So my other new BFF, <a href="http://lorirad.blogspot.com/">Lori</a>, posted at the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/11/tell-us-few-of-your-favorite-things.html">Favorite Things party</a> about their love of pfeffernuesse cookies. HUH? What the? I had never heard of these things, but I was intrigued to say the least. They have spices in them, as well as peppermint, but they are cookies? I say it again...HUH? I guess you love them or hate them. Well, Lovely Lori sent me some...look how sweet:<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JFAdwfo74BEnqDgqU3goMHI45RAPFp4igCnCl7nUxKzcEHXZX8lgYVvZHwxqStZsatNWSPoXtGXJ519uuBX2RkAxZ2NGWQKiiwWLZA4cDmH0M68VfWeP8Vl4TYuHPz5vefi_d6eT3Jnj/s1600-h/DSC06831.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281342487282914626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JFAdwfo74BEnqDgqU3goMHI45RAPFp4igCnCl7nUxKzcEHXZX8lgYVvZHwxqStZsatNWSPoXtGXJ519uuBX2RkAxZ2NGWQKiiwWLZA4cDmH0M68VfWeP8Vl4TYuHPz5vefi_d6eT3Jnj/s400/DSC06831.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I stood there popping them in my mouth, trying to figure out if I liked them. After about 20 seconds I looked down and realized how many I had eaten:<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL9xExZsZnRowuyWd62IPwAmh8u9KT1EsBGPMb4kZlKhmuDQJg_MqP0eccGsRVr5Rz3Ief7C9I6L-8IkhXEiJ23l2T6DWyk-klNVj94IUeO2IYYLefaJF1HqJY-72rQvD0DMsuBRyPwxX/s1600-h/DSC06833.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281342275339028306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL9xExZsZnRowuyWd62IPwAmh8u9KT1EsBGPMb4kZlKhmuDQJg_MqP0eccGsRVr5Rz3Ief7C9I6L-8IkhXEiJ23l2T6DWyk-klNVj94IUeO2IYYLefaJF1HqJY-72rQvD0DMsuBRyPwxX/s400/DSC06833.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> And I decided I loved them. (Thanks Lori!!)</div><div align="center"><br />So my girlfriend has thrown a cookie exchange for a couple years now, and everyone votes on their favorite packaging at the end of the night. Last year, a few of us brought cookies, but one girlfriend and I said "What <em>HUH</em>, HOW many cookies am I supposed to bake?" And said forget <em>that</em>. But then we got there and realized how fun it was, how creative everybody was and decided this year, it was <em>ON BABY</em>!</div><br /><div align="center">So I was supposed to make like 30 dozen cookies this year. OK, not 30 dozen, but 12 dozen. Or something like that. I said, "What <em>HUH</em>?" And freaked out. But then remembered I had seen these in blogland a while back:<br /></div><p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281342241960189602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6X42U6XT-RiA4z0YJBgwWfK9TJ2pazRIOGWwdD9PwahFPC6hQp0ncQZCESP3nqJySjsJMREsPnAVpVq41odWX22RFV6GChth53JMM8dcdOxleyiui6F4bdkx72vAFS6denG25Rk-9Anu/s400/DSC06838.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></p><p align="center">Easy, cheap, quick. Right up my alley. You gather the following:</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqxOLRckMhrzDvuR6Ww-NOKfv-fuZAcB9lRJ4GPdPYaYuYAeu6pPRofqqaOuy6JGao75WyQwbYTakuEqfgQvAMAJnYds3cj6d5P0_CzKWw2yLjhc7ZTw0zxqeZKcRJuMAdUYUlBhnvdRN/s1600-h/DSC06835.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281342273168384946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqxOLRckMhrzDvuR6Ww-NOKfv-fuZAcB9lRJ4GPdPYaYuYAeu6pPRofqqaOuy6JGao75WyQwbYTakuEqfgQvAMAJnYds3cj6d5P0_CzKWw2yLjhc7ZTw0zxqeZKcRJuMAdUYUlBhnvdRN/s400/DSC06835.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Wait, I need some PfefferHuhs while I "bake":<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5u1xmySfN2wEkM79p1I0iw6PPPlG3RbQSyn6jPiVhkc67q4_TNPMkn7OaXCAeo9if6g5u3sXZ_YNfb595pv-hNvM3i0JrUo8mO3R-z5cgJo236jxyyefUAW7hiEcJq2nwnvOr6-QjduU/s1600-h/DSC06836.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281342251679698322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5u1xmySfN2wEkM79p1I0iw6PPPlG3RbQSyn6jPiVhkc67q4_TNPMkn7OaXCAeo9if6g5u3sXZ_YNfb595pv-hNvM3i0JrUo8mO3R-z5cgJo236jxyyefUAW7hiEcJq2nwnvOr6-QjduU/s400/DSC06836.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">The recipe I saw used regular kisses, but I had something else in mind. Of course I had to use my kisses of minty love instead. Just place the kiss on top of the pretzel, heat oven to 200 degrees and put them in for about three minutes, or just till they get soft. Then put M&Ms on while hot.<br /><br />It was after making about eight dozen that I realized something very important: </div><br /><div align="center">These are not cookies. They are <em>candy</em>. </div><br /><div align="center">Whatever, really. You going to argue with me?? So I had to go a little crazy with this "recipe" and used some peanut butter cups with red hots too. These were AWESOME:<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281350161397576178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtFoIe4hOQ2i2RcLL0oHWyysy8ivYqvugVKlQhjyiKPce3xJxUe2gOSZM5TundwgE3qN92Bhxe3UTc-RR7zad2mt2mPjNYw-mzOm1apZuN-othzVsmxeSfhDCPn1x4Lk_EVn8GjDF5vkT/s400/DSC06841.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />So onto the cookie contest. Check out our competition:<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMbEhG6vce_PKyB4iIGFhqS4xUs2JiwFLeJqZUFYor-4AqDUAg6utu8kbI-FoAL_0fw_sML1Rh0gd3sVknw7rXBm1KjqrJ7W6OkdfZ-AJkikdmiUO4PSIN3InClkgoFNqYb6YhgVO4LLA/s1600-h/DSC06857.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341808642624802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMbEhG6vce_PKyB4iIGFhqS4xUs2JiwFLeJqZUFYor-4AqDUAg6utu8kbI-FoAL_0fw_sML1Rh0gd3sVknw7rXBm1KjqrJ7W6OkdfZ-AJkikdmiUO4PSIN3InClkgoFNqYb6YhgVO4LLA/s400/DSC06857.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA9HFXpWM32KliRs0Dri7Sq7wfcsVzGROQ9I5EsxCWJYAsZxgYMGeZDzEYZuteXaGhyphenhyphenCWj5c5H4peGqoD96knCphM269H0NCiOg9PeOsFGP41sRimCWizH70-qoMdR2P1xEUUTVWlgAkk/s1600-h/DSC06858.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341800554658386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA9HFXpWM32KliRs0Dri7Sq7wfcsVzGROQ9I5EsxCWJYAsZxgYMGeZDzEYZuteXaGhyphenhyphenCWj5c5H4peGqoD96knCphM269H0NCiOg9PeOsFGP41sRimCWizH70-qoMdR2P1xEUUTVWlgAkk/s400/DSC06858.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlwBAioUHz5HYYPHLt8y30Q04e-37Vr2mLM98204bagoTcH00PtdxmGd77I85S0ZeHbqPQqt0G7RU5_CsP-DMZt-Z1trBJnRSRoNz3duJqJ9LRPCrQthGPKUglgT4aMBn65LD8qUy_Fy5/s1600-h/DSC06860.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341790330722514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlwBAioUHz5HYYPHLt8y30Q04e-37Vr2mLM98204bagoTcH00PtdxmGd77I85S0ZeHbqPQqt0G7RU5_CsP-DMZt-Z1trBJnRSRoNz3duJqJ9LRPCrQthGPKUglgT4aMBn65LD8qUy_Fy5/s400/DSC06860.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8JKTLlB5wwe274aiGPaS1MM9uX3zdiym9v4C_VRaoEj4v3XkDEh-vbPvxlHVg-SrMA0LcjLUDY4voUkEeNxRFVgkeeKYuzOrZAvLESZnA33-JM-WeMTA4EGXAs0d2ep7fpKfVC7XBj_B/s1600-h/DSC06861.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341786635281666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8JKTLlB5wwe274aiGPaS1MM9uX3zdiym9v4C_VRaoEj4v3XkDEh-vbPvxlHVg-SrMA0LcjLUDY4voUkEeNxRFVgkeeKYuzOrZAvLESZnA33-JM-WeMTA4EGXAs0d2ep7fpKfVC7XBj_B/s400/DSC06861.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5cQK3Xs9O3QgRCV1JvWmsJmbWOPcBRTrzqZmdjkQrnoVMTbVnQtDbra9qoZQ885v71eXqN5h8zEFlb1fMrOEFD6gru5AOrUOVk54JWQS6dO9RffMHuFj8PnjJoOsZFIv4AqwvQtYj0-m/s1600-h/DSC06862.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341290989237378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5cQK3Xs9O3QgRCV1JvWmsJmbWOPcBRTrzqZmdjkQrnoVMTbVnQtDbra9qoZQ885v71eXqN5h8zEFlb1fMrOEFD6gru5AOrUOVk54JWQS6dO9RffMHuFj8PnjJoOsZFIv4AqwvQtYj0-m/s400/DSC06862.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVabH-mfG7EGgm3wiBl9BiFwKjSee6DTW5SL-LNx2oVjnReo2-FW3qKKMFltsez1ffoX6q32jly8YkN2xWC4ienSofOalq1koib-yubteoJKrnfYWqgNPJV6OvMoJb_XV0tctpFwo5jG6X/s1600-h/DSC06864.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341289228787282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVabH-mfG7EGgm3wiBl9BiFwKjSee6DTW5SL-LNx2oVjnReo2-FW3qKKMFltsez1ffoX6q32jly8YkN2xWC4ienSofOalq1koib-yubteoJKrnfYWqgNPJV6OvMoJb_XV0tctpFwo5jG6X/s400/DSC06864.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341285719317906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3zZj6mpFv_XGYwmTZFpLUUliYU4YXuiqsWia_aVOGC4q1UX21FB4T4Kagu19oYQikElH_c-qPUogE1jcWAgoQUUJpmTbTiuL7_SxZDJYOtRgyIPYGLEh5eIExPZBA-qllpUz0dcG7ohr/s400/DSC06865.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> After standing there staring at these for about 2.4 seconds, Sister turns to us, gives us the Stink Eye and says, "Whoa, you two are <em>SO</em> not winning." </div><br /><div align="center">UH, DUH. And we thought ours were kind of cute, at least throwing-them-together-two-minutes-before-we-leave-cute:<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5zsw4_OVoNiArzSVmoUYzrZP9PIg0M7KGSsBYk5CAYdYosbZSbWTvvlJ_XRPiO7e1Y0sK7g39i4Tzx5M1EipbrIbzCExTi_836hE_qeMZcTfXVUgujJTgC4Jn5gZ9OA_GRZG6S2x70Us/s1600-h/DSC06866.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341281109908706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5zsw4_OVoNiArzSVmoUYzrZP9PIg0M7KGSsBYk5CAYdYosbZSbWTvvlJ_XRPiO7e1Y0sK7g39i4Tzx5M1EipbrIbzCExTi_836hE_qeMZcTfXVUgujJTgC4Jn5gZ9OA_GRZG6S2x70Us/s400/DSC06866.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxW1ZFCtdtg32WlEAPxUIzSK9Un0asPhJ8XJn30dfOtaIMH0urI4gt66dCe7dNvIPB-pwPglLbWxXPz5s8c6BnDKsPJONSgrQvtIFjPeS5jb2zdsEUup6S8siukF-bqJ32oiXOj5J-JKR/s1600-h/DSC06868.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281341273905095714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxW1ZFCtdtg32WlEAPxUIzSK9Un0asPhJ8XJn30dfOtaIMH0urI4gt66dCe7dNvIPB-pwPglLbWxXPz5s8c6BnDKsPJONSgrQvtIFjPeS5jb2zdsEUup6S8siukF-bqJ32oiXOj5J-JKR/s400/DSC06868.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />Gah. I KNOW I KNOW, they were pitiful. Just pitiful. They were NOT the worst there though. Just sayin'...</div><br /><div align="center">But we have decided, we are going to start planning in February, and next year<br /></div><div align="center"><strong>IT IS SO ON</strong>. </div><br /><div align="center">For reals. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have fun at your parties this weekend and I'll be back with some easy, cheap, last minute decorating ideas! </div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>

Pfeffer HUH and I need HOW many cookies??

WARNING : You will want cookies after reading this. Don't say I didn't warn you. So my other new BFF, Lori , posted at the Favorite ...

Read more »

Goodwill is my BFF

<div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280604336055037746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlQHrOx5nbBkdS7zAR8I_pAaNvPpYC9uyWRzGjL_TXGffNr16jGLO3V2KaaPIwb4YYREGZLZXsTLrFQXFv0XCqoH3g_baYNG32KemDCmF6oT-GQHhoDKS34C9Uck8Sui3T5r89d68Qk7C/s400/DSC07090.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div align="center">Keep joining the Christmas Tree Party <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-christmas-tree-par-tay.html">here</a>! If I haven't visited you yet, I will!<br /></div><div align="center"><br />So I visit Goodwill (at various locations) more times a week than my best friend's houses. You know how they say you know a good friend when you can open their fridge and get what you want out without asking? Well, if Goodwill had a fridge, I'd be opening it to grab a Pepsi.<br /><br />We are TIGHT.<br /><br />I had to show you what I've found there this season! The first item isn't actually from Goodwill though, it's from my basement. It was F.R.E.E. and it is hands down my favorite new Christmas decoration:<br /><br />'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcaYxcmF-uPs-3YbZ3X7pwThO0dVhEWg1XbnyDe_EYCe3gZKCGG5MW1XABHHjDnwFo2EVT2JoGbYRc7-NAa73CawA7R9vbdTkJzMd7Vh_Dz-Mro0lKWFl6BAp-AsOobguAXqP0FroU_gp/s1600-h/DSC07016.JPG"></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280606170860742674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcaYxcmF-uPs-3YbZ3X7pwThO0dVhEWg1XbnyDe_EYCe3gZKCGG5MW1XABHHjDnwFo2EVT2JoGbYRc7-NAa73CawA7R9vbdTkJzMd7Vh_Dz-Mro0lKWFl6BAp-AsOobguAXqP0FroU_gp/s400/DSC07016.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div align="center">I got the vinyl lettering free for hosting an Uppercase Living party, and the mirror was one I've had for years. I don't have a place to hang it in this house, so I spray painted it gold and stuck the vinyl design on the mirror. Can you even believe how GORG it is?? <em>Seriously.</em><br /><br />OK, onto my best friend's stuff...<br /><br />$1.99 sled I had to barely touch up. I stuck greenery and pics of stuff I already had. (YES, that is the toilet.):<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4tf9DIoNMg-w3_Gr8WyoKOC4Yg9i6ZiQnrhn71-hiRS8rXLnk38SnR0Pry1b7YT4vP-w05LF7NxMZMO9L99VvHT_M21w_YqiAs0pgZP3SYWZ9dlq6goTaisJWun-9yDiBs-Y7xnopGJh/s1600-h/DSC07065.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280605856639958130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4tf9DIoNMg-w3_Gr8WyoKOC4Yg9i6ZiQnrhn71-hiRS8rXLnk38SnR0Pry1b7YT4vP-w05LF7NxMZMO9L99VvHT_M21w_YqiAs0pgZP3SYWZ9dlq6goTaisJWun-9yDiBs-Y7xnopGJh/s400/DSC07065.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br />I was looking for little Christmas plates to replace my normal ones by the kitchen window but everything was too expensive. I found these frames for $1.99 each:<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280604864058940466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92ePVNKzBZ2YJbdGnq4J_r_kLdMpWzlHFDJdfsbSQfi4jXBwrmPN0Xt6VCG4poqqtnXukfFpkQfftaXxxjXz-MlLulLC52wr2PQ9lP9zmrQbaCynsH7T3UAEzUZ6qkbqCQNV4BEKQAKJK/s400/DSC06514.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />In the blurry pic they look cute, but they were in sad shape. The snowflakes were pink and the paint was a mess. So I took off the easel on the back, spray painted them white and stuck some scrapbook paper in. One holds our picture from last year's card and the other three will be filled with each year after that...<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280604859634077490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyAGYFDzKZk08OvuJSUwEanf7OoXzslooZ55fTJ55IQ_fnC0ysjkcedYNIyHOHXCTn1g6LwWiAz6FKblNOmh91xI89xWFit87wyj_o50xiNh2eO5_Kt8NgZemLVQKlgTNP_cRAiJV5fo5/s400/DSC07080.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280604355505409138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1EKX7FxpD1ZBpe_aNt7e1CRisG1JXS3gwKyOH8CNJpU9xXKHo4hh3nar9BAwlyiP6ShKMhTHY9xqNRH7DtIy5LltIbpABeTbAsMEVBs6C4a6nDu4bLJZVhDYObQIyPCBonfRXYwjGDNq/s400/DSC07082.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </div><div align="center">See Biggest Loser on the TV? :)<br /></div><div align="center">This next one is my favorite find yet, probably just because it is greenery. :) I wanted to dress up the fireplace in our bedroom, but didn't want to buy more garland. (I wanted it thick!) The local Goodwill had a half off day a couple weeks ago and I found <em>40 feet</em> of greenery for $5. <strong>FIVE DOLLARS PEOPLE!!</strong> Woohoo!! AND -- the lights were .49!! Gah, I can't even believe it myself! The lights are $10 at Target right now, and I think the greenery is $20.<br /><br />To finish this spot off, I spent $3 on letters and used paint and ribbon I already had to spell out "JOY" on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/09/master-bedroom-is-done-pretty-much.html">artwork I made</a>. The whole project was $8.50 (I even had greenery leftover to use elsewhere!) and it's so simple and pretty -- I love it!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5PZ0tbZdKBEjNaNmrqXfzKY50uamIXR93u9ddDLWrshKkNJV_thnzkuRNbPUn-4R_DlaKGtskcLUEDf0cGs7OZYiuYHBCoDbmBrtY9KkSzDKjvSQ6xY_ewkzev254PNf-5o7vsUJare6/s1600-h/DSC07089.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280604341781162338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5PZ0tbZdKBEjNaNmrqXfzKY50uamIXR93u9ddDLWrshKkNJV_thnzkuRNbPUn-4R_DlaKGtskcLUEDf0cGs7OZYiuYHBCoDbmBrtY9KkSzDKjvSQ6xY_ewkzev254PNf-5o7vsUJare6/s400/DSC07089.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280604343713454050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5VjHY08i1x9C0ujVTwbIIyzDMspJwOU34234vry9ZyEa-IVDc_ms-WsHCznQo7-3HHd9vEhnAdymv1-Bj7YS-6Iai0-a35GJRILhUOa4GHrsNuD6yhU0C7GRWPlloL-CcasC9sRFdUwq/s400/DSC07087.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280604332854848418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T2eBb8Lp3CwCsaUDNGxSic9eyvMQfp6CWySqD1hVyxZ3ZrqaOF1NxVZBd0wpGYVBsn0SI1cy4CYH-c65HpOJIbFyM4Bwx3cC_BXFegvgm5L2D7xE6UhS1zLiiOaHO2Gald_7JemBzxv8/s400/DSC07091.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Have you found any goodies at the thrift store this year? </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">My "to do" list is dwindling and I'm SO happy. By this weekend I will be able to just totally relax, for real. :) Hope you and yours are hanging in there! </div>

Goodwill is my BFF

Keep joining the Christmas Tree Party here ! If I haven't visited you yet, I will! So I visit Goodwill (at various locations) more times...

Read more »

It's a Christmas tree par-tay!

<p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://www.homespun-threads.com/otc.gif" width="175" /></a></p><br /><br />Whew, what a weekend! A Disney show, two holiday parties plus a birthday party for a two-year-old that was a hit. Do any of you have children born in December? It's tough...wouldn't change it for the world, but talk about adding one more thing to your list this time of year! Although with each year, I enjoy having the party this time of year more and more.<br /><br />I know I'm not the only one in blogland hosting a Christmas tree party, but the more the merrier, right? I couldn't resist! So share your tree(s), your ornaments, your themes, whatever!<br /><br />I have a total of five trees in our house. Before you have a conniption, the extra four aren't nearly as big as the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-beautiful-tree-take-two.html">Tree of 08 That Tumbled </a>(I gave it a name) but they are still fun. One is an itty bitty tree in our son's room, another is a kid's tree upstairs for the kid ornaments, one is another itty bitty tree in the kitchen, and the last is our family room tree.<br /><br /><br /><p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279841087730805538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s1s5WWfrXSp50gxvmDzPzr25aQIFGe8JCb552J1PX3uNrUIc2cy8BBj6ntydqsZttgDALNe1BSFQemFf6MsnQeUEEYJavb2gVSwmCD3tBKjkE3d-WMwBg6gUWPaL_e-i5EEKzpsq6oKK/s400/DSC06942.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />It's my silver and white tree and houses most of the ornaments that hold special memories for us:<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840178963894098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxXZP82pCpHlUQBVFRwo3cux_XqHAN1VTzhaIrsh44u3LQRqo6EnrmqKgEA3ecso1lDJ-dkglzMAe0mhpRkyrkkUgFdbtzIexyZ5-biMshAQqBbN-ro3ZTTWnDPgGmoH6eOcPtUmsbRX9/s400/DSC06949.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> These I got our first Christmas together: (Just say it, "Awwwww...")<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840189435324146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNU_IvE3n7DDyzhiMezAh1ioGnkld297Mq-ZtYsUkaOclVQDcYeKNBPhZNgYS4BOzeTbqpOsuR-cPk6-wBHguVrXwBluXOoHVRJAW7Qn2xxiq4RJ9hMWwKgaXaiBA14M5_F4Sii8UK-0T/s400/DSC06967.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </p><p>This one is from the December we got married in New York City. Talk about magical. NYC in December...sigh...<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840191993530930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnATvaQItVKdPz6xCXIayv3TrWJDucTKVxywOSFPRdaAwJeZsCZxRcdNmjDv9gT6BKae4Sujq6IxnGkY-YNycAS0CXIVnthAE1T8MZ3MEkB53LConLVKm0shlowipFUFvpQL1i6seEdIzh/s400/DSC06960.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9Ss6H1dSSBweR_tDAt6m9q0rEF-dHiSMq2-nkWJAKzDDvscJ6NXCk3S2VJTflr2OwGgFmfsbv-TuQTBezIBNaGXk-7EuwEVb5OSx1kiI4-XoCY7C3lmqbZ5Ui9BswQj56bhnmTgYm_34/s1600-h/DSC06976.JPG"></a><br />Plus all the pretties. I love every every single ornament on this tree...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HRLyrKNuyjasQvBLnpw18hCBISndAMbwboWDhP88PqPGynTI1Nj_H-3BRmslN5CppOSaqfIN2nZ8oFnD-MxVU8AJUnhEg_dtg7KNC9v7y3jAGbGZpqZXRT9-d2MdTzngPykZstHyiMHP/s1600-h/DSC06975.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840871426275634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HRLyrKNuyjasQvBLnpw18hCBISndAMbwboWDhP88PqPGynTI1Nj_H-3BRmslN5CppOSaqfIN2nZ8oFnD-MxVU8AJUnhEg_dtg7KNC9v7y3jAGbGZpqZXRT9-d2MdTzngPykZstHyiMHP/s400/DSC06975.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_5279845532565402274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB53zkIgcEEEbSSB-rd-bpq1XKJAmDg21xh5agqEITvbLvby79Dze_GhFhJyhSxwIZav0j8stv7ACfWJot5KTYqLY2RhDXTB1i9Hpj622UrYLZ-D-OrABWjReFB2lG8lC0sDkMthCk4Nh/s400/DSC06979.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279845522823096146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSjzA7t4HbcAWVQNdXu8KqoBzmzaXg2CQJ0pmPuWIJyLqcLFWhyphenhyphenoxmV-uRk4oJH7RW_MQBtVaFuV9mK3-pD-K9DEWLeOq5fovxs6nJzUo9bkokrSSZd-dcvKqB3GCP0HCd3a5uR0zM7wY/s400/DSC06977.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv63LenFLEb9ey9A5TRnne__niuLj2H3rcTqhD44Fkdrj1xYoIlB5cPVN_7YSEOKTZYyG6V6aL11O7HauUXu-nSyDvDqWXrA6g4PmhkxmiGy-K3QZyxBQERtM7OWuDVHdSQHxrEkmD2ey/s1600-h/DSC06974.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840864589493138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv63LenFLEb9ey9A5TRnne__niuLj2H3rcTqhD44Fkdrj1xYoIlB5cPVN_7YSEOKTZYyG6V6aL11O7HauUXu-nSyDvDqWXrA6g4PmhkxmiGy-K3QZyxBQERtM7OWuDVHdSQHxrEkmD2ey/s400/DSC06974.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SZesomWBCXKgkYYG19ANP69PMPEtNR6Vpx0_wsOn26bOAyPfKB7AFMI-eikQ57VTrB6500T2P50wkO0ALSQ-R425Jeom2aLebibhjuFXlgCyYZ4IUtkSVQmYVhapCA8q7IxNxWLVMhnF/s1600-h/DSC06968.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840852206017986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SZesomWBCXKgkYYG19ANP69PMPEtNR6Vpx0_wsOn26bOAyPfKB7AFMI-eikQ57VTrB6500T2P50wkO0ALSQ-R425Jeom2aLebibhjuFXlgCyYZ4IUtkSVQmYVhapCA8q7IxNxWLVMhnF/s400/DSC06968.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ4DLBH62T4kTQKcDDWaknmZG-XfDD50hWs2Oyc-snq0_AMJGKT4PoIGJoJmm7tIp8P7Gs3laTb1_ibjDxjXRaIiPH34WDL1DFlQ1HfRjgK9ol8jEGMKTwDlnKZkJ64rSNLEtmoAj7Br3/s1600-h/DSC06954.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840846689263810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ4DLBH62T4kTQKcDDWaknmZG-XfDD50hWs2Oyc-snq0_AMJGKT4PoIGJoJmm7tIp8P7Gs3laTb1_ibjDxjXRaIiPH34WDL1DFlQ1HfRjgK9ol8jEGMKTwDlnKZkJ64rSNLEtmoAj7Br3/s400/DSC06954.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHsfDe7A8yXXTWc9QC8wYCRKh9Djrw5qpc6bSJoSWcoy4IXBOEzuoUoZbbkwOR9ktM-5Hejn5vKRc64GJqE7p7hDcfi79rdV6XWvNrd0wmc85zMzrIfdhJYGvocTegEtNqeQntR1gRSiO/s1600-h/DSC06950.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840210425748722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHsfDe7A8yXXTWc9QC8wYCRKh9Djrw5qpc6bSJoSWcoy4IXBOEzuoUoZbbkwOR9ktM-5Hejn5vKRc64GJqE7p7hDcfi79rdV6XWvNrd0wmc85zMzrIfdhJYGvocTegEtNqeQntR1gRSiO/s400/DSC06950.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmx4k4s9ADYpRDnBqui46qoOBZtWS1vawnE-blkWEU20PmjQP7mIxy7GQ-32bD5c0-T4YMxLnr76iPZmFHTQ6sgNPjPVWIpmB87-yx3rnjRcjgH1xkNdv4tDQlRt93h0hmujH9oSbFOT3/s1600-h/DSC06944.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279840201251458690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmx4k4s9ADYpRDnBqui46qoOBZtWS1vawnE-blkWEU20PmjQP7mIxy7GQ-32bD5c0-T4YMxLnr76iPZmFHTQ6sgNPjPVWIpmB87-yx3rnjRcjgH1xkNdv4tDQlRt93h0hmujH9oSbFOT3/s400/DSC06944.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>This tree is a "thrifty" one. Translation = I was too cheap to buy one tall enough years ago, so I have to prop it up on an ornament box. I cover it with a snow blanket and tulle and make it a little ballerina tree. :) This year, the day after Christmas, my first purchase will be a tall, skinny tree for this spot. I'm on the lookout...<br />Sooo, now show us your trees! I want to see all the ornaments, the colors, the lights,<em> everything</em>!! Remember -- click on the title of your post, then put that html code into Mr. Linky.<br /><br /><div align="center">HAVE FUN! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><!-- beginning of export. owner: thriftydecorchick, postid: 14Dec2008 --><table width="100%" border="0"><tr><td class="blenza-td" width="33%" align="left" valign="top">1. <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2008/12/14/hooked-on-holiday-house-tours-let-the-party-begin/" target="_blank">Julia @ Hooked on Houses</a><br/>2. <a href="http://thevictorianlady.blogspot.com/2008/12/watched-pot.html" target="_blank">Mere @ These Are the Days</a><br/>3. <a href="http://www.seasonsforallathome.com/2008/12/holiday-home-tours.html" target="_blank">Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home</a><br/>4. <a href="http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/12/love-me-some-parties.html" target="_blank">Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land</a><br/>5. <a href="http://dailymishmash.com/2008/my-christmas-home-tour/" target="_blank">Daily Mish Mash</a><br/>6. <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2008/12/its-time-to-share-your-tree.html" target="_blank">We are THAT family</a><br/>7. <a href="http://amberfilkins.blogspot.com/2008/12/o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Amber.Filkins</a><br/>8. <a href="http://decorating-ideas.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tours-warning-picture.html" target="_blank">Shannon@Silver Trappings</a><br/>9. <a href="http://cottagemagpie.com/featured/virtual-holiday-tour-2008/" target="_blank">Angela (Cottage Magpie)</a><br/>10. <a href="http://ergospeaking.blogspot.com/2008/12/putting-up-christmas-tree-always-starts.html" target="_blank">Gigi @ Lemonade House</a><br/>11. <a href="http://simplyblessedbliss.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-christmas-treeoh-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Lisa @ Simply Blessed Bliss</a><br/>12. <a href="http://waitingforlillyrae.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank">Cyndi</a><br/>13. <a href="http://ebogie.blogspot.com/2008/12/family-memories-tree.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a><br/>14. <a href="http://www.completely-coastal.com/2008/12/christmas-home-decorations-house-tours.html" target="_blank">Christmas Home <a href="mailto:Decorations@Completely">Decorations@Completely</a> Coastal </a><br/>15. <a href="http://whitneycarolinedesigns.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank">~ * WHITNEY CAROLINE * ~</a><br/>16. <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2008/12/2008-boomamas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank">Kelly's Korner</a><br/>17. <a href="http://windycornerusa.blogspot.com/2008/12/tropical-white-christmas.html" target="_blank">Holley@WindyCorner</a><br/>18. <a href="http://monroeice.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-our-home.html" target="_blank">Julie @ The Ice House</a><br/>19. <a href="http://diapersandstilettos.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank">Angela @ Diapers & Stilettos</a><br/>20. <a href="http://www.xanga.com/homeschoolingthem" target="_blank">Jamie Lea</a><br/>21. <a href="http://jennwa.blogspot.com/2008/12/boomama-is-hosting-christmas-tour-of.html" target="_blank">jennwa</a><br/>22. <a href="http://lovelycharmingwhimsical.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-sweet-little-sweet-tree.html" target="_blank">Cali Girl 1</a><br/>23. <a href="http://lovelycharmingwhimsical.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Cali Girl 2</a><br/>24. <a href="http://lovelycharmingwhimsical.blogspot.com/2008/12/splashes-of-christmas-around-my-home.html" target="_blank">Cali Girl 3</a><br/>25. <a href="http://lovelycharmingwhimsical.blogspot.com/2008/12/old-fashioned-candy-wreath.html" target="_blank">Cali Girl 4</a><br/>26. <a href="http://the4sullivans.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome.html" target="_blank">The 4 Sullivans</a><br/>27. <a href="http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-christmas-party.html" target="_blank">Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam</a><br/>28. <a href="http://samandnicolegraves.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Nicole @ The Graves' House</a><br/>29. <a href="http://simplysweethome.blogspot.com/2008/12/o-christmas-tree-o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Jerri (Simply Sweet Home)</a><br/>30. <a href="http://fabulousfluffstuff.blogspot.com/2008/12/tree.html" target="_blank">Lamp Tramp</a><br/>31. <a href="http://diane1876.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-open-house.html" target="_blank">Diane</a><br/>32. <a href="http://onebelovedsister.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank">One Beloved Sister</a><br/>33. <a href="http://flhomeblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/wanna-take-gander-at-our-tree.html" target="_blank">Natalie-FLHomeBlog</a></td><td class="blenza-td" width="33%" align="left" valign="top">34. <a href="http://kristensbloglife.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-came-early-for-me.html" target="_blank">Kristen@PajamaMama</a><br/>35. <a href="http://theundomesticatedwife.blogspot.com/2008/12/story-of-10-christmas-trees-starting.html" target="_blank">The Undomesticated Wife (part 1)</a><br/>36. <a href="http://theundomesticatedwife.blogspot.com/2008/12/story-of-10-christmas-trees-trees-4-10.html" target="_blank">The Undomesticated Wife (part 2)</a><br/>37. <a href="http://ordinarymiracles-coco.blogspot.com/2008/12/and-tour-begins.html" target="_blank">coco@ordinarymiracles</a><br/>38. <a href="http://www.ctcottageindustries.com/2008/12/my-holiday-house.html" target="_blank">Cottage Industries</a><br/>39. <a href="http://www.historical-home.com/2008/12/colonial-connecticut-christmas.html" target="_blank">Historical Home</a><br/>40. <a href="http://oikology101.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank">Carrie from Oikology101</a><br/>41. <a href="http://ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com/2008/12/gingerbread-tree.html" target="_blank">Deb@ribbonwood</a><br/>42. <a href="http://chezlacy.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-purple-christmas.html" target="_blank">Lacy's Purple Christmas</a><br/>43. <a href="http://homesweethome-hsingmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HSingMama</a><br/>44. <a href="http://southernseven.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-home-tours.html" target="_blank">Southernseven </a><br/>45. <a href="http://vivalawvegas.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like.html" target="_blank">Viva Law Vegas</a><br/>46. <a href="http://imnotyouraveragesoccermom.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-christmas-tree-oh-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">ImNotYourAverageSoccerMom</a><br/>47. <a href="http://tidymomof2.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-open-houses-halls-are-decked.html" target="_blank">Tidymom</a><br/>48. <a href="http://livelaughblog.com/2008/12/14/2008-christmas-tour-of-homes/" target="_blank">Jill @ Live Laugh Blog</a><br/>49. <a href="http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/12/tour-de-rental-christmas-version.html" target="_blank">The Nester @ Nesting Place</a><br/>50. <a href="http://rachelkuhtz.blogspot.com/2008/12/o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Rachel@ I'm Telling...</a><br/>51. <a href="http://thesouthernfamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/evergreen-extravaganza.html" target="_blank">SOUTHERN MAMA</a><br/>52. <a href="http://jamiescottage.blogspot.com/2008/12/o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Jamie {rose cottage}</a><br/>53. <a href="http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2008/12/14/holiday-farm-house-tour/" target="_blank">Laura Bruen @ Shoot Scoop</a><br/>54. <a href="http://alittlemorecrazythancool.com/2008/12/15/holiday-open-house/" target="_blank">A Little More Crazy Than Cool!</a><br/>55. <a href="http://violetposy.co.uk/2008/12/15/christmas-decorations-and-mini-tour/" target="_blank">Liz@Violet Posy</a><br/>56. <a href="http://missprisstx.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas%20Decorating%20Time" target="_blank">Miss Priss</a><br/>57. <a href="http://iseehope.blogspot.com/2008/12/decorationsmost-of-them-anyway.html" target="_blank">Gin, Good Morning World!</a><br/>58. <a href="http://lifeinperfectharmony.blogspot.com/2008/12/virtual-holiday-home-tour.html" target="_blank">Brittany</a><br/>59. <a href="http://springshomeblog.com/tour-of-my-home-christmas-edition/" target="_blank">Carrie in Colorado Springs</a><br/>60. <a href="http://bunchofscrap.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank">Em @ Bunch of Scrap</a><br/>61. <a href="http://meandmyinsanity.blogspot.com/2008/12/o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Kendra@My Insanity</a><br/>62. <a href="http://girlystuffin.blogspot.com/2008/12/rockin-christmas-tour-2008.html" target="_blank">Girly Stuff</a><br/>63. <a href="http://frugalfrontporch.blogspot.com/2008/12/tour-of-decor.html" target="_blank">Jennifer on the Front Porch (Tour of Decor)</a><br/>64. <a href="http://veryverycherry.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes-2008.html" target="_blank">VeryVeryCherry</a><br/>65. <a href="http://hillcountryheaven.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-in-amarillo.html" target="_blank">Canyon Wren Cottage</a><br/>66. <a href="http://rubylanes.blogspot.com/2008/12/let-christmas-decorating-begin.html" target="_blank">Beca @ Ruby Lane</a></td><td class="blenza-td" width="33%" align="left" valign="top">67. <a href="http://junkmammas.blogspot.com/2008/12/tree.html" target="_blank">Junk Mammas</a><br/>68. <a href="http://www.the7msnranch.com/2008/12/chopping-down-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">7MSN Ranch, New Mexico</a><br/>69. <a href="http://eiselefamilynews.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-our-holiday-home.html" target="_blank">Meredith @Eisele Family News</a><br/>70. <a href="http://blueladybugpam.blogspot.com/2008/12/in-christmas-mood.html" target="_blank">Blueladybugpam</a><br/>71. <a href="http://txtanya.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes-2008.html" target="_blank">Tanya</a><br/>72. <a href="http://amberfilkins.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-my-home.html" target="_blank">Amber.Filkins</a><br/>73. <a href="http://spiffyspotlights.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-apato-tour.html" target="_blank">Satsuki - Christmas Apato Tour</a><br/>74. <a href="http://amberfilkins.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-my-home.html" target="_blank">Amber.Filkins--Home Tour</a><br/>75. <a href="http://robinsblessednest.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-christmas-2008.html" target="_blank">Robin</a><br/>76. <a href="http://imperfectlybeautifulms.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-party-palooza.html" target="_blank">amanda@imperfectlybeautiful</a><br/>77. <a href="http://bibsandcribs.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-decor.html" target="_blank">Amanda @ Bibs & Cribs</a><br/>78. <a href="http://dearestwifeydessert.blogspot.com/2008/12/if-tree-alone-in-house-falls-does-it.html" target="_blank">Cupcake - - A wife of Asperger's</a><br/>79. <a href="http://lovelycharmingwhimsical.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tradition.html" target="_blank">Cali Girl 6</a><br/>80. <a href="http://abeachcottage.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/festive-tuesday-tablescape.html" target="_blank">Sarah @ A Beach Cottage</a><br/>81. <a href="http://calamityanne.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes-2008.html" target="_blank">Calamity Anne</a><br/>82. <a href="http://repurposed.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/holiday-house-tour/" target="_blank">Vivian @ Repurposed </a><br/>83. <a href="http://ourserenity.blogspot.com/2008/12/it-isnt-actually-about-tree-though.html" target="_blank">Mama Lou</a><br/>84. <a href="http://cottagemagpie.com/featured/virtual-holiday-tour-2-2008/" target="_blank">Angela (Cottage Magpie) - Tour Part 2</a><br/>85. <a href="http://bella1104.blogspot.com/2008/12/rockin-around-christmas-tree-party.html" target="_blank">Bella Casa</a><br/>86. <a href="http://thecharmhouse.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-2008.html" target="_blank">The Charm House Christmas Tour 2008</a><br/>87. <a href="http://lilianril.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-decorations.html" target="_blank">Charlotte</a><br/>88. <a href="http://idofaces.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-december.html" target="_blank">Tasia</a><br/>89. <a href="http://agirlwhosjustpassingthrough.blogspot.com/2008/12/ho-ho-holiday-tour.html" target="_blank">Dana @ Just Passing Through</a><br/>90. <a href="http://melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com/2008/11/trim-tree-thursday.html" target="_blank">Melissa Miller</a><br/>91. <a href="http://judysturman.typepad.com/in_his_grip/2008/12/my-holiday-home.html" target="_blank">Judy@In His Grip</a><br/>92. <a href="http://melissaburford.typepad.com/burford_designs/2008/12/o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Melissa Burford</a><br/>93. <a href="http://thegreenhousediaries.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-christmas-tree-time.html" target="_blank">Tamara</a><br/>94. <a href="http://acatinmylap.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-christmas-tree-oh-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">A Cat in My Lap</a><br/>95. <a href="http://cornelison.blogspot.com/2008/12/o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">Dorese</a><br/>96. <a href="http://bkmurphy.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-house-tour.html" target="_blank">Kirsten of B&K</a><br/>97. <a href="http://messesandmudpies.blogspot.com/2008/12/letting-go-and-refelecting.html" target="_blank">kerri</a><br/>98. <a href="http://vintagesquirrel.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-decor-better-late-than-never.html" target="_blank">Vintagesquirrel</a></td></tr></table><p style="border: 2px solid #000000; text-align: center; padding: 4px; color: #000000;"><br /><br />Oh, Oh! Go over to <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2008/12/14/hooked-on-holiday-house-tours-let-the-party-begin/">Julia's</a> for more holiday fun this week!</div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279855589567782146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1GdXotYdwo4xpSmeBOdMwOXj3eS5yygh6WCtMQ3K3zw34jyVyZTSr2yTP6ch-tNPeSUgvRNI57OCTRs9UvA90Q-4DSpTK_AEzPMMamC5-23BxIJNPHTJnve6oFB-LwxNyPNGP1KNPu7z/s400/hooked-on-holiday-house-tours3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><p align="center">Ohh...and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-christmas-tree-par-tay.html">Kimba</a> is having party too!</p><p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279865569553403698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB8sLsRXDX1JthyphenhyphenukKUjfYfWtJbR3dmqkkIADsgV6_0OC0UlOtciXW-v15AkU5jfP29_HfsX_P-R-fAaLLktQwcIRt-objTC2wbbW9yVHetgx1suVd18XjpPZMjfDdQj9CamWwDiK-8WQ/s400/HolidayWhite.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></p>

It's a Christmas tree par-tay!

Whew, what a weekend! A Disney show, two holiday parties plus a birthday party for a two-year-old that was a hit. Do any of you have childre...

Read more »

An advent calendar done. (12 days late!)

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278761475604864194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivq6gXdqgKzF27E-SEOl_vjDjpW_tZCwjYQbUnDGGue-Je9dURbwsJK3NyfNfVktZHQKZYctnj0fKQGtFYt294910s-fDCOUXGK3X09j6pW7NNzW1hVZqAexdvRvj1UwR5_jYeAk4ibxgM/s400/DSC06707.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><br /><div>So what if it's supposed to be for the <em><strong>24</strong></em> days before Christmas? The Bub is two and he doesn't really understand why there's only been an advent box every few days or so, with the wrong days on them. (Yesterday was "22." Yeah.)<br /><div><br /><div><div>But now, we'll be good to go for the 12 days before Christmas. I get some credit for that, right? :)</div><br /><div>I showed you the start of these <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/11/countdowns-for-kiddies.html">here</a>, but I just couldn't get back to them, what with all the fluffing and glittering and greenery-puking and ten-foot trees falling...(no, the stain never came out, $100 later. Pout.) </div><br /><div></div><div>I am IN. LOVE. with these little boxes of caa-<em>uteness</em>. I hope my son gets giddy at the sight of them for many years to come, just like I do right now when I look at them. Here they are all fresh and clean:</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278761458789067426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_ACV52JAApa0njjSzoBlGN4xLx882LbnGFKEMwujGkyxgoxNSxj2cA9Ona1CrlVdT8nb9OQp2BW2_4DE3eYqtMFX-6AB7pHdHvsyTbMJUWtVcw-3N2Ygj8GRaEiIIveYXjm4e_WNQaw2/s400/DSC06703.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div>You all had GREAT ideas of going and using a die-cut machine (or whatever it's called) to cut out the numbers. One of my girlfriends is a teacher and I almost went to her school to hold that thing hostage for an hour or so, but instead just bought regular foam and used my cardboard numbers as a template. I cut out around them with the x-acto knife and it was SO much easier than the glittery paper. Then I glittered up the numbers:<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9_4QJoCe8B9as2Yu48IFTMkhQY5Rus_A-0OvZi1ykReITr7sU_MXLiUg2OUV4wN26XFcqUz2RR8EgqNuPnjxXgIHWJb_pz_ZbNwloZeo_7i61tL5lM-r8SYAJcwesmNvxzSMDtDydfqw/s1600-h/DSC06704.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278761468502172594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9_4QJoCe8B9as2Yu48IFTMkhQY5Rus_A-0OvZi1ykReITr7sU_MXLiUg2OUV4wN26XFcqUz2RR8EgqNuPnjxXgIHWJb_pz_ZbNwloZeo_7i61tL5lM-r8SYAJcwesmNvxzSMDtDydfqw/s400/DSC06704.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div><br /><div>This project really wouldn't take so long if I didn't bling these up (there I go again) so much. I put brads, stickers, little dots, foam stickers, all kinds of stuff on there:<br /><br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278761481452442322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3GKUhHaFsCrKl3Aky3BuSju1SxxDqL8-LSYKgqcLsdf97q3VT3iz3a8QUDN6wxZHD5mwRlAVtbGIT7OT3Ij66u9z4ePviD2mAS5xR6k0VofrALgYlKTaf9YfDmlxNNBDrj5zMduMiUws/s400/DSC06708.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </div><div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278762001558121090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHMR0BNgSuZ8sy9RwWvVj5SxZjTjMrUAF5dlPGpLEYKgbLX8jpQuPzki0chhgxViBRTFmxGmvUoMk7ic2LkTmFiaCPHpql9J4ngaBC0sNhQe5iHRvvtvSulvLVGNSDhQxMr-1_cWmZlAP/s400/DSC06709.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278762007176430370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKzu2BIO3xWnfpSQ6bDkKzWNBHVXcrqrKUXRQNwNFJ5kgDHEfut9cnzdX3OOORqDEwrd3F911sfxsObiku5wLJxSOqHtRqTDXhuFFqf4mXUC56MC6owe9Jp6aW3FX0wP7XJVHbK9JkW5q/s400/DSC06710.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278762009765509938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rtuNK6S5DsOYa_F5XmdeXGpwAOlkwNeJu24R8_8Ese_oygvMi9at9K8bRyFizQcqMY1jJAHSd9ShSS4fnNfCnCEjcPyTZNG6GNX2TntMQGBQxv2scnf1rnUEklenxfkx6E-82Bpy8xqy/s400/DSC06715.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />Sigh. I love these things. (You should be able to enlarge this one.)</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK_u53_J4CHofX7_7o-etXFFlh-bd2-cqrzupAQOXuxL76OMVQ46FE7WTya6MCDukntXJ2DobxqO5lxZcvQpPHhTkp7WHr1D2fAXkeHq5qxGokc9uX5WkFpItU7PEE37ibCRLQgck8RvP/s1600-h/DSC06706.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278766082189840162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK_u53_J4CHofX7_7o-etXFFlh-bd2-cqrzupAQOXuxL76OMVQ46FE7WTya6MCDukntXJ2DobxqO5lxZcvQpPHhTkp7WHr1D2fAXkeHq5qxGokc9uX5WkFpItU7PEE37ibCRLQgck8RvP/s400/DSC06706.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br />Check out Carrie's version <a href="http://buzzingsofaqueenbee.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-christmas-advent-calendar.html">here</a> -- love how she hung them all together! I may have to do that next year. If you watch for these little boxes to go on sale, the price for all 24 is $12. The extras only cost me about six bucks. I think it's worth the $18 considering we'll use these for years. </div><div></div><div>Hope you enjoy it! Back with more soon!<br /><div></div><br /><div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />**Edited to add: I'm going ahead with the Christmas tree party! Here's the blinky:</div><div> </div><div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://www.homespun-threads.com/otc.gif" width="175" /></a></p></div><div> </div><div>I'll kick this off on Monday. Have fun!!</div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>

An advent calendar done. (12 days late!)

So what if it's supposed to be for the 24 days before Christmas? The Bub is two and he doesn't really understand why there's on...

Read more »