Cupcake Liners!!!

I was asked to decorate for a woman's conference at church. So I decide to make lots of garlands to fill space. 

Cupcake liners and ribbon from Walmart turned out to be my best friends!

They are really so easy. 

Don't be afraid to mix colors and textures. 

The more the merrier

Patriotic Inspiration & Ideas

i LOVE the fourth of July and all the patriotic inspiration.
here is some of my faves!


(photo source unknown)

(country living)

(photo source. some talented blogger that i can't remember)

(family fun)

(family fun)

(country living)

(photo source, unknown)

have a fantastic week!!!

The Making of a Kids Room - The School House

shawn did an AWESOME job on the school house!



(taped and ready to go)



(Nolan LOVED painting)



(the best red color EVER!)



(framing complete)



(siding...check)



(minus some touch-ups, all done!)



complete with a working light and door that will eventually
open to a cupboard space for all kinds of fun treasures.

seriously! with carrie's ideas and shawn's know how...
the possibilities are endless!

The Making of a Kids Room

i have a VERY talented friend who gave me a great idea for nolan and evyn's room.

here are some sneak peeks at some of the projects...



let me just say that the ORIGINAL plan looked NOTHING like the photo above. it was SUPPOSE to be a simple painted project that i could complete on my own. um. yeah. shawn took over my project. but with that said, it will be FAR better than my mediocre attempt.

funny nolan story...
today i painted the space in this last picture. when nolan finally noticed it he came running to me telling me that i needed to "come quick". i couldn't quite understand his story. something about "not liking the pluggers". what the heck are pluggers?! in any case i needed to come to his room quick because he "DID NOT like the pluggers". they are ugly and he didn't like the colors and he was "mad".

yep, the outlet is now called the "pluggers". lucky for him, i can fix the ugly pluggers.

Decorating tips...

after scanning sheryl's home photos over and over for ideas, it finally hit me...

i'm missing greenery!

but...finding the right greenery was much harder than i expected. i did finally find topiaries at pier one, ikea and walmart (in case your lookin')

i really couldn't believe the difference one simple plant would make.

where have i been?

(before topiary)

(after topiary...again, hello.)

something that i have known for a long time is how a simple quilt can make a huge difference. my friends (who don't quilt) have no idea why i feel the need to make so many quilts, but they are far more useful than simply keeping you warm.

(before quilt and sprig of greenery)

(after quilt and greenery)

SO, lesson learned (thanks sheryl!)

if you are having a decorating dilema, add a bit of green and a quilt and you'll be amazed by the outcome!

I'm feeling alittle SPRINGY!

let me just start by saying that if you live in a part of the country that has been taken over by that cold white stuff i'm sorry. i know that, most of us, who live in california don't have a clue what winter is like..

and with that said, and the rain clouds no where in site (at least they say so...)

i'm starting to feel an itch for some spring cleaning/decorating...

tracey over at a cottage industry, inspired me with the cute picture above.

i'm looking forward to some time when i can work in the yard and get my patio back to this state.

and my sister's yard is starting to bloom and i love it! i can see spring!!!

have a GREAT day!

Yeah!!!

for a talented sister who loves me!!!

tonight my sister brought me a little valentine goody that she made. i love it.it's a garland made from vintage valentine images.

i quickly went to work to create a perect place for my garland. i love valentine decorations, there just isn't enough of them.
thanks suz!!! i love you!

A Holiday Open House

hi and welcome...

for those of you who toured my home during the home tour,

i've added some more pictures for

graciously hosted by Kimba at A Soft Place to Land.

and a

wonderfully hosted by Tracey from Notes From a Country Cottage.

enjoy...

welcome in...

i hope i didn't keep you waiting... it's chilly tonight.

don't worry about removing your shoes, i'll mop after everyone leaves...
no i'm not baking, it's a candle (they're my favorite).

come and sit down and i'll start the fire.
if your cold, go ahead and grab a quilt.

in the corner there are a few of my favorite things.

quilts, candy canes, old spools and a pillow that i found here.

and you have to check out the advent box, i bought it a while back and have treasured it ever since. i believe you can still buy them here.

this figure by august moon, has special meaning to me. it was given to me 2 years ago when i had 3 children...now i have 4, i wonder if i can add to it.

don't you just love the holidays. hot chocolate, fires, candles and a peaceful feeling.

my dad restored the hoosier when i was a child

and now it has permanent residence in my home.

these are a couple of my favorite things...

a small quilt made by a friend who past away last year

and this old toy that was a gift many years ago.

i love garlands and snowmen.

i love these figures, this one is called "snow queenie", quite suiting for the queen herself.

this is our tree. the kids decorate it.

this is my favorite ornament.

come into the kitchen and i'll make some hot chocolate.

i keep my small christmas plates in this vintage dish rack.

have a seat and don't worry about spilling on the quilt, the kids do all the time...

yes, that's the candle i was talking about. this one is called mrs. klaus's kitchen.

i love candles...candles, candles, candles...

come with me, and i'll show you my room, i'd show you the other bedrooms, but i'm quite sure it would ruin your virtual experience.

my dear friend jill made the framed dresden plate. LOVE it, and i made the snowman candle holder years ago. it's still a favorite.


oh, and you must see some of "bob's" handiwork. he updated the bathroom not too long ago.

we love him.

well, that's it. thanks for coming by. this time next year we may be in a different house (keep your fingers crossed) and i am so glad you were able to share these memories with me. have a merry christmas and remember...
represent Him well...