Balsam Fir

We picked out our tree last week and I just found the time to decorate it. I strung the lights and my 8 year old hung the bulbs. I'm sure you could have guessed that since they are all hung in one spot!

flea market find

I found this wonderful picture at the Columbus Flea Market for only $2.00! It's a nice size, too. It's about 2-1/2 feet long by 2-1/2 feet wide. The colors are a perfect accent to my blue/brown holiday theme.

hello sunshine....

Good Morning from Mount Holly, New Jersey :)

Christmas color theme

Well, I've finally decided on this year's color theme for my Christmas home decor. I looked for months trying to find inspiration and I stumbled upon it when I was looking for new pots and pans. I just love Paula Deens signature cookware in Robin's Egg Blue. My first choice was the orange because it really pops and I prefer warm colors. But since I just painted all of my cabinets black, that would look too "halloween-ish." So blue it is and I'm going to warm it with brown. I found some great fabric at Jo-Ann's at 50% off over the weekend. I also found some beautiful blue lagoon dishes with brown trim at Walmart. And teal ornaments will bring it all together. I can't wait to decorate this week :)

Thanksgiving times two

Thanksgiving was at mom's this year. Usually, it's my home where everyone gathers. Since mom downsized from her house to an apartment 9 years ago, she hasn't made any holiday memories at her place. I figured this year we would change that. He apartment is much smaller than we are used to, but we made space. We moved the living room furniture against the walls and rented a round table and chairs to place in the middle of the room. Mom decorated it with her favorite china, crystal goblets and silverware that was passed down from her mother. All of the food was set up on the kitchen countertops and table. There was room for everything and everyone! Six adults, seven kids , full bellies and laughter gave mom some great memories this Thanksgiving. She's already planning Christmas dinner...

My idea of Thanksgiving is more simple and quiet. It was only my immediate family. Husband, sons and daughter. On Friday I woke up at 6:30am and started my turkey and everything else. By 2pm we set up at my wooden farmtable with paper plates in the Thanksgiving theme. We watched holiday shows on Hallmark Channel all day. Perfect!

Knit obsession

I took a knitting class a few months ago. I've stumbled upon such a wonderful way to let all the stress of my day fall away. I start a project and I'm in a zone.

If I'm hungry, I knit.

If I'm bored, I knit.

If I'm lonely, I knit.

If I'm angry or stressed, I knit ( a little faster and with more determination).

Time Flies...

I can't believe it's been over a year since I've written anything! One thing I've been meaning to change is not taking time out for myself everyday. Hopefully, this will start today :) Over the past year I've been cleaning out the clutter in my home. It's been a daunting task and it seems like I haven't made any progress although I know that I have. I've rented a storage unit, which I swore I wouldn't do. I've made monthly donations to the local Goodwill and I haven't bought a thing!
Now I plan to redecorate. Of course, the farmgirl in me has decorated my home in a country theme. Now the grownup in me wants a more sophisticated palette. I've painted everything a soothing green named "windchime." I'm going to accent everything in black. I found these gorgeous black silk curtains at Walmart. And I'm painting my kitchen cabinets in a black satin paint. I found sleek, satin nickel hardware at the Home Depot in a clearance bin. OMG they were only 5 cents for a pack of 6!!! My wonderful mother-in-law gave me 3 Thomas Kincaide prints that I can't wait to hang.