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Saturday, December 31, 2011

looking back & looking ahead

It's hard to believe 2011 is already coming to a close. It was last Christmas that I decided I really wanted to start blogging and the fact that I've kept up with this blog for a whole year is a big accomplishment for me. It's been really fun and has become something I truly enjoy doing and that's thanks to all of you.

So, let's look back at some of the highlights from this year:

January: We welcomed a new addition to our little family - Baxter, our pound puppy.
We couldn't imagine life without him now.

February: We built a 12-person farmhouse table in our basement. It was the perfect solution to an eat-in kitchen with no additional dining space. 
(This post also received a few features on other great blogs!)

March: We refinished a hutch that we had in our mudroom to be a companion for the new table.

April: My love for finding old things and giving them new life flourished. Starting with this upcycled old rake.

May: I added some flair to our entryway in the form of this diy wooden hello sign.

June: We went on vacation to celebrate our 3 year anniversary! I shared how we saved money while on vacation and how I captured pretty pictures.


July: We added gallery shelving to our living room that makes quite the statement.


August: I hosted a shower and helped decorate a room for a very special baby.




September: I opened an etsy shop! It has truly exceeded my expectations! Shout out to all my readers who also became loyal customers. :)


October: I took my sewing to a new level and tried my hand at tailoring clothing and adding embellishments.




November: I embraced fall & Thanksgiving with this diy felt pinecone and implementing a thankful branch.




December: I worked on making homemade gifts and made a fun advent calendar.




All in all, it's been a great and productive year! Thanks for following along!
Looking ahead to 2012, I have lots of great projects in store and lots of awesome items to add to the shop! I have a feeling 2012 is going to be the best year yet!

See you in 2012!!

Friday, December 30, 2011

winter window boxes

If you're like me and you have window boxes, it irks you to see them empty in the winter.
It had been bugging me for a few weeks before Christmas, until I saw this photo via martha stewart.


Inspiring. And lucky for us, we had accessible evergreen sprigs.


It feels so good not to see them empty when I pull in the driveway.

It would look even better if we could get a little snow! Just a little. Come on, Virginia.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

the lovely package exchange

Well, my package went and one came, and here's what went down.

My swap partner told me she liked reading, photography, vintage, animals, and cooking. So I got her a little something from each of these categories.





As for the packaging, I opted for classic brown paper with pretty embellishments.


I made the flower using cut out fabric circles and burnt the edges. I made a pom-pom center using embroidery thread. 

For gift tags this year, I had Josh cut up a branch so that they could double as ornaments.


My package came simply and beautifully wrapped. I almost didn't want to open it.

It came in a super fun vintage box.

Inside was a ceramic farmer's market crate from anthro I'd been eyeing. How did she know?!

Under the fabric and ornament was vintage thread spools!

Needless to say, it was a successful swap and fun to send a gift to someone across the country!


p.s. The shop is open again with new items on sale and LOTS of new items coming soon!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

interruptions & vacation


Things have been kind of quiet around here - the holidays, sickness, and a crashed hard drive will do that.
 I'm headed to see my family for Christmas vacation, so things may continue to be quieter than normal. Hoping to pop in with a post or two though!
Just wanted to be sure to wish you all the Merriest of Christmases!

May the closeness of friends and family, the comfort of home, and the joy of our Savior renew your spirits this holiday season. May the blessings of Christmas be with you today and always - Merry Christmas from me to you!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas decorating

I don't know about you guys, but I just feel like my house is so much more homey when it's decorated for Christmas. It just seems cozy. I think I need white lights, glitter and fresh pine all year long.

So here are the elements that made our house a Christmasy home this year:

A spruced up chalkboard


Candle cozies made from sweater sleeves


A vintage nativity set


A festive kitchen table






Fresh pine




Sweater pillows


Glittery coffee tables


Stocking hung on the mantle




A festive reminder


Homemade snowglobes






Vintage holiday items


Favorite ornaments




Plaid bows


White lights


And a house that just feels cozy.



And this is why I drag my feet to take it all down...


Linked up at The Nester