My Sweet Savannah

~deal of the day~

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me?

I was browsing Z Gallerie's site this morning and found these.

What?

Is there something wrong with buying curtain panels at 5:30 am, ones you've never seen in person, ones you don't know if you'll even like when they arrive, ones that you have no clue where you are going to put?

YES!

Why you ask? Because they are $9 a panel!

Darn sales get me every time!

I bought 4, and I bought the longest ones so I can hem them and make pillows with the leftover fabric.

Can you say ~~shopaholic~~ thrifty?

Thanks for all the tips on the lanterns.

I was at Pottery Barn yesterday and found this, might work.

I'm sure glad I have readers who are willing to share their tips and tricks with me!

Thanks for all the comments and emails!

xoxo

~lanterns on my mind~ {and a winner}

2012-01-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

Feel like helping a girl out?

I am in search of a lantern to hang over our dining table.

I've been looking for a while now, but have yet to find the perfect one.

{ To follow my lantern board on Pinterest, click here.}

Here's the scoop:

1~It needs to be large.

2~It needs to house candles,

as I don't have electricity in that area.

If I as my husband to do another project,

I may end up a lonely old lady.

3~The finish needs to match our pottery barn chandelier below, which has a dark finish.

{it's in the adjoining living room}

and last but not least....

4~It can't break the bank.

So, any tips?

I am up to painting anything, however, I'm not up to removing

wiring and completely getting in over my head on a project.

If you have any sources for me, or have any great ideas, please email me

{lakeliving4@msn.com}

or leave me a comment!

Now, the winner of the stencil giveaway is.....

The writer of the blog Dieringer Diaries!

Thanks y'all!

xoxo

~he likes to watch his daddy coming home from work~

2012-01-26T05:42:00.000-08:00

I moved this chair in the corner of the dining room for a bit while I did some cleaning.

Now I don't have the heart to move it back.

Harley has claimed it as his chair, and he jumps up everyday to watch

Chris pulling in from work out the window.

Pretty sweet.

How can I get mad at that face for jumping up on the furniture?

xoxo

~just listed~

2012-01-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

I have just listed this hand made wreath in my etsy shop.

{link at the top of this page}

If I can get my act together, I will be listing more items tonight and tomorrow

~stay tuned~

xoxo

~contrast~

2012-01-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

To follow this on

Pinterest

click

here.

xoxo

~etsy update~

2012-01-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

I just updated my etsy shop with lots of new goodies!

Click here to take you there!

And, don't forget to enter the giveaway below if you haven't done so already!

xoxo

~royal design studios giveaway~

2012-01-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

This weeks giveaway is brought to you by royal design studios.

They have a huge selection of stencils ranging from

modern to Moroccan, to allover and ceiling stencils.

Here is what you can win.....

$50 Shopping Spree on Royal Design Studio. { Free shipping within the
continental U.S.}

To enter simply visit royal design studios and leave me a comment here telling me which stencil you like the best.

For another entry, like royal design studios on facebook.

For a third entry, follow them on twitter.

And finally, for another chance to win, follow royal design studios on pinterest.

That's 4 chances to win! Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry, and pls. include your email address!

I will pick a winner on Friday!

If you are an etsy seller or company looking to promote your product and are interested in doing a giveaway on my sweet savannah, please email me at:

lakeliving4@msn.com

xoxo

~a canvas wall idea~

2012-01-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

I have loved the look of black and white canvas' for a long time now.

I saw this photo here, and I knew I had to do the same thing~somewhere!

If you look on my left hand sidebar there is a link to for a very special canvas deal for my sweet savannah readers. You too can have your own canvas wall without breaking the bank.

Click on my daughters photo to take you there!

{p.s. you don't have to have black and white photos, the link lets you convert them to either black and white or sepia. Hooray!}

xoxo

~hum......~

2012-01-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

Restoration Hardware chandelier

$2495.00

vs.

Home Depot Chandelier

$299.00

Thoughts?

xoxo

~s'mores cookies~ {and a winner}

2012-01-20T07:40:00.000-08:00

~s'mores cookies~

Source: The girl who ate everything

11 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 ½ cups flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
3 regular sized Hershey’s bars, broken into pieces
1-2 packages graham crackers, broken into squares

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking pans with parchment paper. I used one 11x17 pan and one 9x13 pan but you can really use any sized pans you want.

Lay out graham crackers side by side on the pans as close as possible (they should be touching). I used 16 graham cracker squares on one pan and 10 squares on another. You may have to add or remove graham crackers according to how much dough you have. If you want your cookies thicker you will use more dough and less graham crackers.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt and cinnamon to combine. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter with white and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixer and combine on low speed.

Fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour to overnight (I did one batch right away and another after chilling overnight and found there was no difference.)

Place tablespoons of dough on graham crackers about 1 – 1 ½ inches apart. I averaged about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per graham cracker square as seen in the picture above. Press down slightly with fingertips.

Bake for 5 minutes then remove from oven to press Hershey’s bar pieces on to the top. You can place as many pieces or as little as you want depending how much chocolate flavor you want.

Bake for 5 – 7 more minutes or until dough is beginning to turn golden brown at the edges. Remove to a wire rack to cool. For clean cutting make sure cookies are completely cool and cut with a sharp knife.

The winner of the elegant touch $50.00 etsy credit is......

Jill from Forever Cottage

Congratulations Jill!

~enjoy~

xoxo

~around the house~

2012-01-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots from around the house today.

I am having fun playing house since I am stranded at home due to all the snow!

I got this marble soap dish at an estate sale.

I love it with the big chunky soap in it.

This scale was a thrift store find.

I love it's patina.

This corbel has been kicking around forever.

I decided to add it to the white dishes on my dining room shelves and I love it there.

If this little bucket could talk I'm sure it would have many stories to tell.

His big brother is available in my etsy shop.

For now, I am going to store my silver flatware in it.

I have never seen such a simple tray.

That is what caught my eye when I saw this at a thrift shop.

It's simple, and petite and I love the history on it.

It was once used on a Pan Am airline.

Food was served to passengers on these.

Can you imagine getting your food served on a silver tray on an airline now days?

This last tray was a simple unfinished wood when I bought it.

A coat of black paint and a little stenciling brought it up to date.

Don't forget to enter the elegant touch giveaway here!

xoxo

~a look I love~

2012-01-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

Clean, simple, unfussy, comfortable, welcoming, homey, and classic.

This is a look I love.

Via Pinterest
p.s. I am adding new items to my etsy shop again today!
Link is at the top of this page!

xoxo

~snowed in~ {an etsy update}

2012-01-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

We have a good 8" of snow on the ground and are expected by tomorrow to get between 8-12 more.

So, while the kids are out playing, I'm updating my etsy shop!

If you click on the etsy shop link at the top of this page, you will be taken there to see all the vintage goodness! I plan on listing more over the next few days as well!

happy shopping!

xoxo

~tagged~

2012-01-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

My friend Tara from Between You and Me has tagged me in a post, so here I am, playing along!

11 facts about me:

1~ I am a total homebody. I'd rather stay home than go out on any given day.

2~ I am obsessed with mowing the lawn. I mow it even when it doesn't need to be mowed.

3~ I hate going in any water where I can't feel the bottom.

4~ I love to organize. Clean, not so much, but I will organize things daily.

5~ I love my doggies like they are my kids.

6~ My husband and I are high school sweethearts. I met him when I was 16.

7~ We never plan on moving. This is our first house, and our last.

8~ I have 2 sisters, my husband has 6 sisters.

9~ I love movie night with my husband and kids, we do it at least once a week.

10~ I have been room mom in both my kids classes since kindergarten.

11~ I could live in my pajamas

Now, I am supposed to answer these questions from Tara....

1-what is my favorite season?

Fall. I love it when the leaves change colors and I even love the rain. I love wind storms and power outages. Lighting candles in a dark house on a stormy night cuddling with my family is the best.

2-what is my favorite food?

Anything with sugar in it. I have a total sweet tooth, and my big butt does not thank me.

3-Name 3 things on my bucket list.

Go skydiving, run a marathon, and get in the best shape of my life.

4-my favorite quality about myself.

I do what makes me happy and be done with all the rest.

5-least favorite quality about myself.

This quote from Ernest Hemingway sums it up:

"Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try."

6-favorite thing to do on a lazy day.

Stay in my pajamas, clean the house, watch a little home and garden television, or catch up on a good book.

7-my favorite brainless tv show.

The bachelor.

8-favorite quality in a friend.

Being REAL. Life is too short to be someone you are not.

9-What are three things I love about my spouse?

His sense of humor, his willingness to help others, he's trustworthy and dependable.

{oops, that's 4}

10-What is the hardest part of parenting for me?

Letting go, letting them grow up! I wish they could stay babies forever!

This is a favorite saying I recently gave to both of my kids.

"I am not your friend, I am your parent.

I will flip out on you, stalk you, lecture, drive you insane.

Be your worst nightmare, and hunt you down when needed.

But it's because I love you.

When you understand that,

I will know you are a responsible adult.

You will NEVER find someone who loves,

prays, cares, and worries for you more than me."

11-Do you prefer dress up or casual? Stay in or go out?

I do like to dress up on a rare occasion but I am usually a casual kinda girl.

Stay in or go out?

Easy!

Stay in.

There you have it.

Nothing too exciting, but that's me, and I'm happy with it!

Have a fabulous day, whether you are dressing up to go out, or staying in!

You only live once, do whatever your heart desires!

xoxo

~elegant touch giveaway~

2012-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

I have a weakness for gorgeous fabrics and pillows.

If you do too, you are going to love this giveaway.

The Elegant Touch on etsy is offering you a $50.00 credit to their shop.

I own one of their pillows and I love it!

Please visit Elegant Touch on etsy and then come back here leaving me a comment telling me which pillow you like.

For an extra entry "like" their face book page.

For a final entry visit them on twitter and follow.

{elegantouch2010}

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

I will choose a random winner and post on Friday!

xoxo

~decorating with white dishes~

2012-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

After taking down my Christmas decor

{finally}

I wanted to give my dining room shelving a fresh clean look.

So, I opted for white dishes and a bit of green and black to keep it from looking too stark.

I added a simple photograph of a cow in a black frame with a white matte.

The dishes are a mix of old and new.

I have a lot of vintage white ironstone I have displayed, but it is also mixed in with dollar store plates and pottery barn white dishes.

The apples seem to liven things up a bit, and you know I love the color green!

If you are new to my blog, you might be interested to know that I made these shelves out of ripping an old door in half on a table saw. I simply attached them to brackets I bought at Home Depot, and painted them same color as the wall.

{Ralph Lauren Oatmeal}

I mixed cream and white.

I really think it's OK to do this, it adds interest and everyone knows there are many shades of white.

I still may hang a plate or two.

I have yet to find my plate hangers.....

My favorite dishes are the ones with the scalloped or ruffly edges.

I think come Valentines day it would be fun to throw a few pink flowers in here.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

xoxo

~green envy~

2012-01-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

There is something about the color green that makes me happy.

It reminds me of spring, freshly mowed lawns in the summer, it's my happy color.

To follow my pins on pinterest click here

xoxo

~a project for the new year~

2012-01-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

We have been going back and forth for some time now about re-doing

Cody's cowboy room.

While he loves it, he has had it since his nursery,

{the longest any room has stayed the same around here}

and he did just turn 9......

We haven't taken the plunge yet, for 2 reasons.

1~he is sentimental and loves his "bed" and "chair"

2~we can't agree on a design

If I could have things my way {ha-ha}

I'd create something like above.

1~layers of plaid bedding. Trunks stacked for night tables. Leather tufted headboard.

2~These lights {I believe circa lighting}

3~Some sort of fun artwork.

4 & 5~A few industrial elements

5~wall color

When it does come time, I'm sure there will be a lot of compromise, which is just fine.

Until then, I will be dreaming of plaid, leather, and industrial projects.........

xoxo

~magazine shoot~

2012-01-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

~ Wow~

Yesterday was soooo much fun!

The best and nicest photographers and stylists came out from

Meredith publishing

and made my home look so pretty!

I learned so much yesterday about photography.

Mainly, that I'll never be a photographer! :)

Man, those people have some mad skills, and lots and lots of equipment!

I can't share with you any photos they took, these are a couple I took, that will not be in the magazine.

All I can say is I am really looking forward to

Christmas Ideas magazine

to come out in 2012!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go take

all my Christmas decorations down before Valentines day comes!

xoxo

~restoration hardware gift card giveaway anyone?~

2012-01-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

How would you like to win a $50.00 Restoration Hardware gift certificate??
Do I have your attention? Good! The lovely folks over at app smitten
have contacted me about being a contributor on their website. If you go here
before 5 pm eastern time on Friday 1/13, sign up with app smitten you will be entered to win a $50.00 Restoration Hardware gift card! Just think of all the things you could buy!

There are so many great apps for your i-phone or android and finding them couldn't be easier with app smitten. Get the apps you love delivered right to you inbox!

To enter this giveaway, you do not need to leave a comment here. Instead head on over to app smitten!

They will pick a winner on or around Friday 1/13.

Good luck!

xoxo

~now, that's what I'm talkin about!~

2012-01-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

This morning while browsing through my favorite blogs,

I found this home on Greige, the interiors design ideas blog.

You can see the home in it's entirety here.

I just about fell off my ~~rocker~~ chair!

I think this home is one of the best I have seen in a long time!

I could get very comfortable here.

I love all the neutrals with the touches of green, my favorite color.

All the patterns and textures keep it from becoming too boring and dull.

Black drapes~who would've thought?

Green jar envy,

Pantry envy.

Lantern envy.

Care to add to the list?

Cozy, cozy, cozy.

Um, check out that view.

It's like a tree house!

I might never wake up if I went to bed in this bedroom.

That fabric has me drooling.

And that floor!

And those lanterns!

Ok, you got it, I love this house!

I am off for a day of antiquing with my mom and sisters.

I can hardly wait!

xoxo

~winner!~

2012-01-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

The winner of the windows by melissa giveaway is....

JoLynn!

You are the winner of a pair of yellow chevron curtain panels!

Be sure to check out windows by melissa on etsy, the curtain above is one of my favorites!

xoxo

~new purchases for the new year~

2012-01-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share with you a few online purchases I have made recently.

I will be anxiously awaiting the UPS man over the next week or so!

I ordered 2 of these bath mats above from Urban Outfitters to replace

our old worn ones in the master bath.

From Ballard designs, I ordered 3 European sized pillows that will go

on our living room couch, in this chocolate check.

And I also ordered this wicker tree skirt.

Isn't it cool?

More than likely I will spray it a darker wood tone.

I've never seen anything like it!

Can't wait to use it next year!

xoxo

~decorating with vintage bottles~

2012-01-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

I saw this idea on Pinterest.

How cute is that!?

I always just used old bottles as display on shelves, or as vases, but to add photos to them?

Adorable!

I have just listed a bunch of cool old bottles in my etsy shop.

There are clear ones, blue ones, green ones, amber ones, and some with really neat old labels!

Head on over and check out the selection!

xoxo

~a kitchen I keep going back to time and time again~

2012-01-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

This kitchen from House Beautiful has so many things I love.

I love all the white but with the bright pops of color brought in with the fruit and the flowers.

I also love the use of the dark wood against all the white.

The unexpected use of this framed photo on the shelving with all the dishes is great.

I have also added a few new items to my etsy shop.
More to come!
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below.
xoxo

~windows by Melissa~{a give-away}

2012-01-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Melissa, of Windows By Melissa on etsy.

You can win a set of two lined yellow and white chevron stripe curtains which measure 50" x 84"

Aren't these great! ?

Here are the rules for entry:

Please leave a comment on this post for each one.

1~visit Melissa on Facebook, and "like" her page. She has wonderful giveaways on there as well, so be sure to check it often!

2~visit her etsy shop and tell me what else you see that you like!

That is it! I will pick a random winner on Friday!

xoxo

~amazing before and afters~

2012-01-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

You have got to see these before and afters here!

Best before and afters I have ever seen, you will find it hard to believe!

xoxo

~changes in 2012~

2012-01-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sadly I am saying goodbye to my space at Ruffles and Rust Square.

It was a hard decision to make, but ultimately, the right one for me.

It is a wonderful store that I will continue to shop at and visit with the friends there.

However, it was too much for me to keep up with all of the happenings going on here with the kids, etc.

The good news is, I will be actively adding new items to my etsy store shortly, and hoping that it will be a good place for me to sell some of my treasures, while staying at home more with the family.

On January 10th, some photographers will be here to shoot our home for a magazine!

I am really excited to see what they do!

More on that to come.

2012 is going to be a great year, just like 2011 was.

I can't wait to share all my experiences with you!

Thanks for reading and supporting me through thick and thin.

xoxo

~birthday boy~

2011-12-31T07:57:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to the sweetest, craziest, most wonderful boy I know!

I love you so much!

Happy 9th birthday Cody!

xoxo

~the best of 2011~

2011-12-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

2011 was a great year.

I thought I'd take you month by month of some of my favorite posts of 2011, starting with January.

Above I showed you how to disguise a ugly cooler in a large Ikea basket.

This is great for parties and large gatherings.

You can view the post here.

In February I took apart a old trunk that was passed on to us when my husbands sister suddenly passed away. After sitting in our yard for years it was starting to deteriorate.

I salvaged some of the wood and made this sign.

The saying is appropriate for how we feel about Debbie.

View the post here.

In March I teamed up with The Polished Pebble to create

inexpensive wall art out of old botanicals.

View the post here.

In April I found this fabulous ship painting at a thrift store.

One of my best scores!

You can see the post here.

In May I was honored to be able to help with the interiors on a house that was rebuilt after the previous one burnt to the ground after a horrific murder took place.

You can read the tear jerking story here.

In June I showed you a quick 5 minute makeover on our hallway.

Click here to read the post.

In July I made a whole bunch of picture frames using reclaimed wood.

To see them all, click here.

Using reclaimed barn wood and old sign letters, I made this great big huge sign in August.

It's one of my favorites.

Click here to see the post.

In September we welcomed a new puppy to our family!

Click here to meet baby Harley.

These DIY key hooks were fun!

To learn how to make your own using baby blocks, click here.

Our Thanksgiving table scape.

Click here to see this post.

And finally, in December I showed you how to make this DIY paper leaf garland.

Click here to read more.

~the evolution of a wall~

2011-12-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

This post is a bit embarrassing.

I was on pinterest last night and clicked on the words

"my sweet savannah"

A few photos came up of our home and I had to laugh at all the

different ways our living room wall has changed!

I seem to not be able to sit still.

The photo above was taken right after I painted the cedar walls.

I was going for a simple clean lake side beach look.

Then came fall and I changed out the books in the wire basket for pumpkins and gourds.

I added pillows to the couch with a bit more color, and had pops of color in mums and dahlias.

I must have taken down the oar because it was a bit too beachy for fall.

Then came the collage look.

I loved this, don't know why I changed it actually!

The photo above shows a sunburst mirror in the center.

I liked it for all of about a week and then thought it looked a bit too blingy.

So, I made these signs instead.

I thought it fit in perfect with all of our family photos.

Then I went to this place called Restoration Hardware {ever heard of it?}

and got sucked in.

BIG TIME.

I walked out with a new mirror and 2 new sconces.

I guess I was going for a little bit of a natural/rustic look here.

Now we have a current photo.

There's a place in my brain that shouts symmetry and order ~~and other crazy things~~

which brought me to this wall display.

I REALLY love this one!

I blogged about it before, how I got my hands on old Crystal Lake photos,

{our neighborhood}

from the early 1900's, and copied them and framed them in Ikea Ribba frames.

So, heres my question to you.

Am I the only one that does this?

Please say I am not alone!

xoxo

~my favorite gifts to give and receive~

2011-12-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

My family knows me so well!

I thought I'd share with you some gifts I received this Christmas.

Above is the Juicy Couture angel cable knit robe.

It is so pretty that I honestly think I might wear it out as a sweater as well!

I also got this Juicy Couture thermal striped nighty in grey.

{no, this is not me~ I wish!}

Super comfy and will be great year round.

This candle smells A-mazing!

It's very fragrant and fills our whole house with a smell other than pine needles, which I'm kinda digging right now!

You can get it at Anthropologie.

{let me know if anyone knows where else to buy it}

These towels are one of my favorites!

From Anthropologie as well, I believe they are called the perpetual blooms in light grey.

Check out the other colors too~gorgeous!

Since I am at Starbucks once, sometimes twice a day, I was really excited to get this gift card for Christmas!

Now, here are a couple of things we "gave"

My parents got a Keurig, no more wasted cold coffee.

We have one of these and I love it!

If you don't have one and are a coffee drinker, I highly recommend it!

You can also make spiced apple cider and hot chocolate.

I gave my older sister the Brimfield growth chart from seller "kims sister" on etsy.

I think this is the best product I have found in 2011, seriously!

Affordable, stylish, and practical!

I will say my favorite gifts of all were the home made ones from the kids.

Savannah made me a book all about me.

I cried so hard I couldn't breathe.

Cody made us 2012 calendars in computer class at school, so sweet.

It's been a wonderful 2011, I am thankful for so many things!

Can't wait to see what 2012 brings.

xoxo

~me and my sissy~

2011-12-27T14:30:00.000-08:00

My older sister was away this Christmas.

She was in California with her husbands side of the family, so this year it was just me and my little sister!

Did you all know I have a sister who is adopted from Korea?

She's 10 years younger than me, which I like to think keeps me hip because she picks out my clothes for me most of the time :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Things have yet to calm down here even a little.

But things are good and I have some exciting news to share with you soon!

{no, I am not pregnant!}

xoxo

~more later~

2011-12-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

still recovering, be back shortly!

xoxo

~a festive table and a winner~

2011-12-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

The table is set.

We are ready for a feast.

I used things I already had around the house, with the exception of these new napkins from

Lemonade Makin Mama.

Leftover cedar garland, myrtle topiaries, and lots of candles.

I had all the dishes, stemware, and silver cutlery, as well as the silver candle sticks.

It looks very pretty at night with all the candles lit.

And now, for the winner of the Farm Chicks holiday book!

I cannot believe how many comments I had on this one!

The lucky winner is.......

Allison!

Allison said:

"When I was little...we would gather in my parents bedroom and dad would run in to the living room and put on the "Christmas Organ and Chimes" album before we could come in and see our presents! It was a magical time!

Allison Farrell"

I loved seeing all your favorite memories! I am especially surprised to see how many people get new jammies on Christmas eve!

Merry Christmas everyone!

xoxo

~December in pictures~

2011-12-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.

{click on picture to enlarge}
so excited to be featured here!

xoxo

~a chair make over {under} and a new sign~

2011-12-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

This is my new chair that I sit in while blogging.

I purchased it from a friend recently, and just had it re-upholstered by my friend Angie at A and D upholstery.

{Everett Washington}

She worked her magic on this beauty with double welting and all.

I love how the fabric goes with my brown transfer ware platter hanging on the wall.

I painted the frame with Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.

I didn't do any distressing to this piece.

I simply rubbed their dark wax in spots to highlight all the detail.

I love the arms!

Around the corner from my desk area

{which is in my kitchen}

is my new sign from Between You And Me.

Andy and Tara were so fun to work with.

They made this custom sign for me that has everything to do with our neighborhood and our life here on the lake.

This hallway leads to all the bedrooms in our home and so I pass by this sign

several ~~hundred~~ times a day.

It always makes me smile!

To order one of your own, be sure to click on the between you and me wording above.

I love the rustic nature of it and the faded colors.

Want a peek at what my chair looked like before?

A dramatic difference I'd say!

xoxo

~a home tour~{Stephanie's house}

2011-12-20T06:40:00.000-08:00

My friend Stephanie has the most gorgeous home and she has decorated it from top to bottom.

Since mine isn't done yet, I thought I'd show you a tour of hers

{thank you Stephanie!}

I will let the pictures speak for themselves!

{those were my ottomans, miss them, but love them in her home}

What do you think?

I think it's

F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S

Thanks again Stephanie for letting us take a tour of your home!

xoxo

~don't forget to enter the giveaway below for The Farm Chicks Christmas book~

~giveaway day!~

2011-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

It's the week of Christmas!!!

Are you all ready?

My seriously talented friend Serena is generously giving one of you lucky my sweet savannah readers a copy of her Country Living Farm Chicks Christmas book!

This book is chalk full of the sweetest pictures, great ideas, and tons of eye candy!

All you have to do is leave me a comment here letting me know your favorite holiday tradition.

I will pick a random winner on Friday.

Just a reminder that you don't need a blog to enter.

However, please leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Happy start to this Christmas week!

xoxo

~you say it's your birthday, it's my birthday too!~

2011-12-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

That's right, I am 37 today!

I am looking forward to a fun day with friends and family and and even funner date night with my hubby!

I just wanted to share with you real quick a shot of our living room.

As you can see, there are no lights or ornaments on the bottom of the tree.

That would be thanks to the new puppy.

He pulled down the tree 2 times before I got smart and left the bottom un~decorated!

Also because of puppy, I have filled our tree entirely out of ornaments from the dollar store~no joke :)

I also wanted to share with you these stocking holders I made for each of the kids.

I covered a wood frame with scrap booking paper and added their initials and the year they were born to the center of each one.

{courtesy of wedding chicks}

I attached the frames to a chunk of distressed white wood with "L" brackets on the back.

A old piece of window hardware holds the stockings.

And speaking of stockings, aren't these grain sack stockings fabulous?!

I am so excited about these! They add just the right amount of red and are so cute!

You can purchase them here.

Wishing you a weekend filled with fun!

xoxo

~I've gone crazy and a winner~

2011-12-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

I was on this blog

{great blog I found by the way!}

this morning and saw her mannequin.

Since I am on this paper craze I thought I'd make one.

So, all morning I've been rolling papers, gluing, and decoupaging.

It's almost 1 pm, I'm still in my pj's and I have a paper and glue mess in my kitchen.

I rolled and I rolled.

Then I rolled some more.

And, some more.

Do you think I'm nuts?

It's OK, I don't blame you.

In my defense, I was planning on staying home and wrapping presents all day.

However, my sister agreed to come over and do that all for me, so while she wrapped,
I rolled and glued.

I put a satin cream bow around her waist and added a piece of a old pottery barn garland.

Her dress top is coffee filters.

Some feathery angel wings are simply tied to the top.

Then I added a pearl necklace to dress her up!

I have one more paper idea I am wanting to try.

I think my family is gonna check me into the loony bin.

Anyway, the winner of the chic shelf paper giveaway is......

white whispers to you.

Congrats!

xoxo

Please, please, take a moment to go here
and vote.
It could mean our local schools could win $100,000.
Something that would be incredible for our community!

~in keeping with the paper theme....~

2011-12-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

It wasn't intentional, but this year I am using a whole lot of books and sheet music in my holiday decorating. I posted before about the garland I made above for our staircase.

Yesterday I made this wreath that is supposed to look like angel wings.

I saw it on pinterest and thought I'd give it a try.

It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.

I cut out the wings from cardboard.

I googled wing images and then just free handed it onto the cardboard box and cut it out.

Then I made a whole lotta cones from a old book of French sheet music I just scored at an estate sale for a whopping 50 cents.

I cut each page into 6" squares, then rolled them and taped the back.

Then I just began randomly hot gluing them on until it was covered.

I made the center out of another piece of cardboard cut into an oval.

I printed out the word BLESSINGS onto creamy card stock and glued that to the cardboard.

I added a black paper ruffle and finished it off with some trim.

I have it hanging in our dining room with all the other neutral Christmas decorations.

Don't ya just love trying out new projects and actually liking the way they turn out? :)

I will be back tomorrow to announce the winner of the chic shelf paper giveaway!

xoxo

~a 2 year olds birthday party~

2011-12-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

Our friends Julie and Greg just celebrated their sons 2nd birthday.

I posted about his first birthday here if you want to look back.

This year they did a golf theme, and Freelight Photography was kind enough to share photos with us!

The guests decorated visors and took golf cart rides!

And played a little golf in the basement on a mini course.

The food included sand traps, PAR-faits, boagie hogies, hole in one donuts, and peanut PUTTER sandwiches.

The sipped on sweet TEE.

Click on any of the photos to make them bigger.

Check out that cake!

I don't think it could have got any cuter!

And for all you design freaks like me, the ottoman in the first photo is from West Elm, you can purchase it here.

My birthday is in 3 days, care to plan my party Julie?

Happy birthday sweet 2 year old!

We love you!

xoxo

~chic shelf paper giveaway~

2011-12-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Who knew that shelf paper could be so beautiful!

Even our drawers get to be pretty~I love this!

Chic shelf paper

is offering one of you a roll of vinyl shelf paper in your choice of pattern.

Of course, I like to think outside of the box.

Picture using this as wallpaper in a powder room.

Or, covering the front of dresser drawers?

So many possibilities!

There are contemporary designs, floral patterns, damask, and so much more!

How about lining the inside of a small closet?

Don't you just love these bees?

All you have to do to enter is check out

chic shelf paper

and come back here leaving me a comment telling me which one you would choose!

For another entry, you can blog about this or post it to your twitter or face book!

I will pick a random winner on Friday!

Good luck, and happy Monday!

xoxo

~well, hello there!~

2011-12-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Just popping in to say hi!

{yes, that is me, I have a little bit of a wild side}

I wanted to show you my friend Jill's home.

Her blog is forever cottage, I'm sure you all have heard of it.....

Jill commissioned me to make her this sign.

It's huge and it fits perfectly in it's new home on the mantel in forever cottage!

I love all the fresh greenery and the way she displays everything.

Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi!

I'm sure you will leave very inspired.

xoxo

~gorgeous kitchen~

2011-12-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

xoxo

~my letter to santa~

2011-12-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

~our Christmas cards and a simple ornament project~

2011-12-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

This year I ordered our Christmas cards through Minted.

This is the design we all agreed upon.

I had never ordered through Minted, but I have to say, I will be ordering from them again next year!

The shipping was speedy, the quality of the cards superb.

We are so happy with how they turned out!

The only hard part was narrowing down with design to choose, as they have so many good ones!

I also wanted to show all you new followers a project Cody, my son, and I made together last year.

Scrabble tile ornaments.

Go here to see the full post!

Have a happy day!

xoxo

~DIY paper garland~

2011-12-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

I made this garland for my staircase yesterday.

It was very easy, just time consuming.

I thought I'd do a step by step for you in case you want to make one.

I printed out this leaf template on card stock and cut it out.

{you can enlarge it to your desired size in a word document}

Then trace the outline onto old book pages, sheet music, etc.

Mix this up a bit.

It looks good to use sheet music and book pages and all with different ages so the pages aren't exactly the same.

Cut out.

After you have traced and cut the leaves, you will also need to cut out a bunch of random sized circles.

These will be your flowers.

Gather your materials.

At this point you should have a lot of circles in varying sizes and a gazillion leaves.

You will need a hot glue gun as well with lots of glue sticks.

Start by gluing 3 leaves together.

Mix up the pages a bit and glue them as shown, not stacked, but fanned out a little.

To make the flowers gather your paper circles by pinching the center bottom and twisting and folding.

Depending on how full you want your flowers to be, you can use one circle, or more.

Cut a tiny slit below your glue line in the leaves.

Be careful because the old paper tears easily.

Insert your flower by the base through the slit.

You can add a bit of hot glue before you do this if you want.

Then I turned the whole thing over and gobbed on the hot glue to ensure that the flower would stay adhered to the leaves.

I probably went a little overboard, but I didn't want them to start falling off.

Let dry.

Repeat this process about 1,800 more times.

Then, all I did was attach a old faux garland I had to my staircase railing with ribbon.

I hot glued on some large pine cones and added white twinkle lights.

Then I got out my extension cord and started gluing on the paper flowers and leaves.

They are very easy to manipulate.

You can fold them, twist them, make them go every which way.

I had enough so that I was able to hide all the twinkle light cords and ribbon I used to attach the garland.

Keep going, your almost done!

The fuller the better.

Just for fun I also made a few rosette flowers out of paper.

I made about 8, then gave up.

They are very time consuming and I burnt my fingers way too many times making them.

This is one of the "circle" flowers.

I'm not sure this will make it through a year of storage, or even last through me taking it down this year after Christmas, but I think I'd do it again.

It's different and it adds a ton of texture to the plain boring staircase!

If I left anything out, or if you just have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section!

xoxo

~favorite appetizer link party~

2011-12-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

I am linking up with my friend Edie to share my favorite holiday appetizer.

~crab and cream cheese wontons~

{recipe and photo from here}

I suggest dipping them in plum sauce, but you can eat them as is.

Ingredients:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 green onions, minced
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/4 pound lump dungeness crab meat
kosher salt, to taste
20 wonton wrappers
2 cups canola oil (for frying)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, use a sturdy spoon to mix cream cheese, onions, fresh ginger, crab meat and salt.

2. Assemble the wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a work surface. Dip your finger in a bowl of water and then rub edges of the wonton wrapper to dampen. Place a heaping teaspoonful of the crab mixure into the center of the wonton wrapper. Fold the bottom corner of the wonton wrapper over the filling to meet the opposite corner (you'll end up with a triangle). Press the edges lightly to seal. Bring the left and right corners up to the center and seal those together. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue with remaining wonton wrappers- an assembly line of doing 3 or 4 at a time works well.

3. Heat oil in a medium to large saucepan over medium-high heat. Oil is hot enough when a drop of water flicked into the oil creates a crackling sound. Fry wontons in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Serve immediately.

Happy Monday!

xoxo

~chalkboards aren't just for kids~

2011-12-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get inspired by the strangest things.

The other day at Starbucks while eating my ~~fattening~~ low fat low cal cranberry bliss bar

{ha-ha}

I saw the cutest little nutcracker on the pastry bag.

I thought to myself, "that would be so cute enlarged on my chalkboard wall in our kitchen!"

So, I set out to buy colored chalk, only to find out the red was more pink on the wall.

So then I found at my local craft store, chalk pens in "earthy" hues.

I set to work yesterday to re-create this cute little guy on my wall.

I enlarged the guy off the bag 700% at my local copy center and then cut out the image, taped it to my wall, and traced around it.

Then I filled in all the details.

This was the same wall last year around this time.

See, chalkboards aren't just for kids!

xoxo

~sneak peek~

2011-12-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

Let the Christmas decorating begin!

Here is a sneak peek of the dining room, the only thing I have gotten to so far in the house!

Harley watched me decorate from the sofa.

He is now big enough to jump up on it and hang out, and sleep, and chew on pillows, but how can I possibly get mad at that little face?

Here's to a happy weekend!

xoxo

~free monogram printable & a winner~

2011-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

I found this on Pinterest the other day.

You can customize your monogram in any letter and color combination!

I think this would be so fun printed on card stock and framed as is.

Or, print out mini versions and use at personalized tags on your Christmas gifts

{I'm so doing this!}

You could even make your own note cards!

Go here to make your own.

I also wanted to announce the winner for the mad cutter necklace.

Bonnie from City Home/Country home!

Congratulations, and happy Friday friends!

xoxo

~oh deer~

2011-12-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

It's December, yay!

24 days till Christmas, my most favorite holiday of all!

16 days till my birthday!

30 days till my sons birthday!

I just love December!

Today I thought I'd share with you some fun diy crafts with deer.

I love using deer in my Christmas decorating and these are really fun projects!

Above photo from here.

glittered deer from the dollar store

Deer head tutorial

Anthropologie inspired deer head pillow

framed button artwork

happy crafting!

xoxo

~these are a few of my favorite {smelly} things~

2011-11-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

The Nester is doing a linky party for favorite things under $30.00.

I started adding some of my favorite things and realized they are all very fragrant!

First up!

Lavender Downy~3 sheets per load, because I am anal like that.

I am a little partial to this candle because it is called the Savannah.

However, the scent is AMAZING!

I've bought these time and time again.

I always have a candle burning in my house, always.

Pureology shampoo and conditioner.

Love it, love the scent, love the way it makes my hair look.

End of story.

And finally, Mrs. Meyers cleaning products, detergent, lotions, bubble bath, you name it, in the

baby blossom scent.

I find mine at whole foods but from time to time see it at TJ Maxx.

What are some of your favorite finds for under $30.00?

xoxo

~thanksgiving back track~

2011-11-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

How did you spend your Thanksgiving?

xoxo

~monday giveaway day~

2011-11-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

Today's giveaway is brought to you by the mad cutter on etsy.

These fun Heart Pendants are cut from recycled tin pieces and stitched to an up cycled denim back. They come on a antique brass ball chain that measures 24 inches long and have a cute bead dangle at the tip.

Will come nicely packaged to savor for yourself or give as a gift.

Winner can choose any design from her etsy shop.

I will choose a winner on Friday!

xoxo

*this is the last day to get 30% off in my etsy shop

{link at the top of this page}

just enter

SAVANNAH

at checkout!

~a barrel and a tree~

2011-11-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

Green is my favorite color.

Especially the green that I like to call vintage green......

I spotted this large barrel under a tarp at an estate sale last week and immediately knew what I was going to do with it.

It's the perfect Christmas green.

I brought it home and drilled holes in the bottom.

Then I planted a blue spruce in it and strung it with white lights.

I kinda like the "Charlie Brown" look the tree has.

{if you've been following my blog awhile, you will be excited to

see the house stain color that is finally up!}

Isn't that color gorgeous?

To make the top not look so "naked"

I added a bunch of Spanish moss and lots of pine cones.

It's right near the front door and I think it will look really welcoming at night when the lights are really sparkling.

I may just leave it up year round!

xoxo

~Christmas inspiration~

2011-11-26T06:39:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon designer Lisa Luby Ryan a few days ago and just about fell off my rocker.

I think these have to be the most gorgeous decorated rooms on the planet!

Tell me these rooms aren't fab?

Also, I am extending my 30% off in my etsy shop through Monday!

Just enter code

SAVANNAH

at checkout to receive the discount!

xoxo

~black Friday sale in my etsy shop 30% off~

2011-11-25T06:12:00.000-08:00

I have decided to run a black Friday sale myself in my

etsy shop.

Everything is 30% off with coupon code:

SAVANNAH

Use this code at checkout to receive the discount.

Click here to take you to my shop!

xoxo

~a special discount from silhouette america~ {and a winner}

2011-11-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

I've talked about this amazing machine before.

The cameo from silhouette america is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. It connects to your computer just like a printer, but instead of printing designs it cuts them with a small blade. With the machine connected to your computer, you'll get access to all of the fonts on your PC plus the thousands of cuttable designs found on the Silhouette Online Store.

Today, black Friday, everything will be 30% off on their website.

{all shapes will be 50 % off}

The CAMEO will not be found in the regular online store but only on our ‘secret’ Black Friday page: click here to purchase.
It will be marked down to $249! That's $50.00 off!

Silhouette America is giving my sweet savannah readers an extra discount that will run through November 28th~40% off!

Just enter

SAVANNAH

at checkout for your discount!

And now, the winner of the covered porch linked monogram stationary is.......

Alecia Shannon!

Please email me at:

lakeliving4@msn.com

with your address!

Thank you!!!

xoxo

~Happy Thanksgiving~ {the kids table}

2011-11-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

In between the live turkey hunt

{more on that to come}

and baking, I thought I'd quick show you some photos of the kids table.

Everything on it, including the table is pint sized.

Even the table legs were cut down to be at the appropriate height.

The kids even get real silver, dessert forks and spoons, no knives. :)

Little tangerines add a splash of color to the table and are something I know the kids will like to eat.
The plates are dessert plates, and the napkins are cocktail napkins, only about 6" square.

Even the stemware is pint sized!

The bowl the oranges are in is from Target, it's melamine, and I love the pattern.

So, there you have it.

I couldn't leave the kids out.

After all, they are one of the things I am most thankful for.

xoxo

~our thanksgiving table~

2011-11-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I am using what I have.

I didn't buy a thing to create this table setting.

I pulled out some artichokes to hold my place cards.

You can find them here if you would like to print some too.

The napkins I bought a few weeks ago on sale at Pottery Barn.

I used silver trays as chargers, and I mixed and matched inexpensive white dishes with vintage white ironstone.

The centerpiece is a large round wicker tray filled with candles, antlers

extra silverware, and a cast iron pot filled with a beautiful purple orchid.

The purple in the orchid is also picked up in the artichokes.

Not intentional, but they look great together.

I have collected over the years many pieces of silverware.

I polished them all up and each place setting has a mixed matched set.

I filled little French clay pots with succulents.

You can find them here.

Wishing you a happy and memorable Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

xoxo

~souvenir holiday issue is out~

2011-11-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

Did you get it?

If not, sign up here.

Your free copy will be delivered to your inbox!

In this issue I show you all how to make a simple kissing ball.

When I say simple, I mean simple.

I know not all of us are super crafty, so for this issue I wanted to do a project that everyone can do.

There is also tons of other neat holiday ideas in this fun filled issue!

Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway below.

xoxo

~the covered porch giveaway~

2011-11-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce you all to my newest sponsor,

The Covered Porch.

Check out this wonderful custom stationary!

I LOVE monograms,

{speaking of, check out this, I just ordered one myself!}

and I'm really into color right now!

These are the perfect combination!

Besides stationary,

The Covered Porch also has

upcycled pillow covers

Check out their current inventory here.

Below is a custom stationary set I received.

I chose the pink and black design with my initials.

Love it!

This is the linked monogram collection.

You can find it here.

Would you like the chance to win a set of custom linked monogram stationary?

Here's what you need to do!

1~leave me a comment on this post

2~join Jenn's email list here http://www.thecoveredporchdesigns.com/thecoveredporchblog

3~post about this giveaway on twitter, facebook, or your blog, linking back to The Covered Porch website.

That's it! Please leave a separate comment on each one!

I also wanted to tell you about a sale coming this black Friday to Silhouette America.

Not only will they be having special savings, but they are making a special promo code for all My Sweet Savannah readers! Stay tuned for more info on that!

Have you seen the new Cameo machine?

It's a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

And, finally, I won a giveaway of my own!

I won a $200 visa card from one of my favorite blogs, Matthew Mead!

Head on over there now, because they are having another giveaway where 2 winners will win a $100 visa gift card just in time for the holidays!

xoxo

~quote of the day~

2011-11-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

xoxo

~our Thanksgiving table {last year}~

2011-11-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

Before I show you this years table, I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane.

You can read about the table scape I did last year, right here.

I used a lot of browns and natural elements, like feathers, acorn, and pine cones.

I think you know by now that I love mixing and matching dishes, and that was just what I did.

I used silver trays as chargers for the many layers of plates.

These little squirrel place card holders were from Pottery Barn.

Stay tuned to see what I am creating for this years Thanksgiving table!

xoxo

~brimfield growth chart winner~

2011-11-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

If you are the writer of the blog

hobbies of a homemaker,

you are the lucky winner!

Pls. email me with your address and I will get this right out to you!

Thanks everyone for participating!

xoxo

~yum~

2011-11-17T05:38:00.000-08:00

We make a lot of cookies at our house.

These are by far our favorite, and we hope you like them too!

xoxo

~organization 101~

2011-11-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

Today I am staying home to get organized.

I'm cleaning out, throwing away, and adding items to my etsy shop!

Feeling the need to de~clutter!

~all images via Pinterest~

{you can follow me here}

xoxo

~nothing more than a great kitchen photo~

2011-11-15T06:53:00.001-08:00

xoxo

~brimfield growth chart giveaway~

2011-11-14T05:57:00.000-08:00

I recently posted about a etsy purchase that I made.

This wonderful growth chart fashioned after a old black and white wooden ruler.

I was so excited about it

{trust me when I say they are even better in person}

that I contacted the creator of these and asked if she'd be willing to do a give away.

Lucky you, she enthusiastically said yes!

Visit Kims sister here on etsy to see all her growth charts.

Leave me a comment on this post to be entered for a chance to win.

For another chance, blog about this give away, or facebook it, or tweet it.

Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry.

I will pick a random winner on Friday.

xoxo

p.s. I will be listing new items in my etsy shop all day today, click on the etsy link at the top of this page to take you to my shop!

~well hello there deer~

2011-11-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

We went out for a walk this morning to take photos for our Christmas cards.

Just as I started snapping pictures Cody shouted,

"look!"

and pointed to a "reindeer" running by!

The biggest one I've seen around here in a long time.

It seemed so funny that he would happen by right then.

If he only would have posed with the kids for our Christmas card.

Darn.

Thanks for the visit Bob

{Cody named him}

Come back tomorrow, I have a giveaway I KNOW you are going to love!

xoxo

~I might have to do this~

2011-11-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

How genius is this?

via

xoxo

~winner~

2011-11-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Rosie Posie Designs platter giveaway is.....

Amber from

The Dowling Family!

Congratulations!

xoxo

~brown transferware~

2011-11-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

xoxo

~one three~

2011-11-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby turns 13 today!

She's a TEENAGER.....

Happy birthday to the sweetest most beautiful and kind 13 year old I know.

Your daddy and I are so proud of everything you have become.

xoxo

~it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas~

2011-11-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Ruffles & Rust square has been closed for 3 days as we all prepare for Christmas.

I finished just about an hour ago and wanted to share a few photos of my space.

I was lucky enough to find this great fireplace that plugs in.

It actually produces heat and I think it makes a great focal point for my area.

On either side of the fireplace are two matching twin beds that are gorgeous!

I wish I had a need for them.

I will try to get a better picture of those and post soon.

The store is filled with fresh greenery and it smells amazing!

I used a little in my space as well.

Speaking of amazing holiday smells, I am in love with Glade "spruce it up" rooms spray.

I think I've gone through 2 can already.

You can get it at Target or your grocery store, which is where I got mine.

Ok,

focus, focus....

I made a few more stocking holders.

Every nook and cranny is filled with Christmas goodies.

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I just had to share!

xoxo

~reduce, reuse, and recycle this Christmas~

2011-11-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

I have been doing some Christmas crafting these past few days for the store.

One thing I made is these Christmas trees made out of scrap wood I had leftover from other projects.

I love the chippy wood, and I love the way they turned out.

I will be keeping a couple of these for myself for sure!

I also made some more wreaths from recycled materials as well.

I used old scholastic books from the 1930's

{these have a great brown tint to them}

and embellished the centers with flowers I made from music sheets.

The center of each flower has a vintage piece of jewelry, mostly rhinestones.

And finally, I framed a old map I had and added the letters to spell out

"Joy to the world"

It's in a pretty silver beaded large frame.

If you'd like to see a project I did last year with recycled materials, click here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below!

xoxo

~Monday giveaway day~

2011-11-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

Rosie Posie Designs is an etsy shop that specializes in custom melamine platters,

plates, and cell phone covers.

Personally, I love any thing that can be customized with a name or monogram.

And the fact that they are melamine and we have 2 kids, a dog, and a puppy, well, all the better because I know it won't be breaking!

Do you like the platter I picked out above?

There are so many different style to choose from and a ton of color options!

Wouldn't these make great hostess gifts too?

Or teacher gifts?

Would you like to win one?

Just check out Ashley's etsy shop and come back here and tell me which ones are your favorite.

Then for an extra entry, follow Ashley on her blog.

That's it!

Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry!

I will pick a random winner on Friday!

xoxo

~free printables~

2011-11-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share with you a few free printables I found.

I love that you can print these from home.

The chevron invitations are my favorite.

I printed out a bunch, don't have an occasion yet, but they will be ready when something comes up!

And the honey "dew" list.

I actually have used this. :)

Trust me, it's worth printing!

The chore chart is another one I use with my kids.

I love the bright colors.

My "nest" project....

don't we all have one of those?

Remember these are for personal use only.

Please read the conditions on each page before printing.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

~my etsy shop has been updated~

2011-11-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have just added a few vintage goodies to my etsy shop like this old wood rolling pin with gorgeous jadite green handles.

A wire basket for pretty much anything.

A fabulous cast iron vintage floral door stop, and this tape measure.

I love anything chippy and rusty, can't you tell?

I also made a couple of picture frames that I just LOVE!

The pictures don't do them justice!

Some are embellished with bits of glitter and all have a ton of detail.

And, I managed to squeeze a sign in there too!

Enjoy!

xoxo

~quote of the day~

2011-11-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

via

xoxo