A Change of Scenery

Normally at this time, our house would be dressed to the nines in Christmas greenery, twinkling lights, flickering candles, and glistening ornaments. Instead, the walls are stripped of all decorations and everything is being carefully packed into boxes because...

We're moving!

I'm very excited to be able to say that. We've been searching for a new place for some time now and I think we have finally found the perfect home. Thanks to my aunt Viola and the good Lord above, we found a house for rent just 3 miles north of where we live now. I have a few pictures on my phone but for some reason it's not cooperating, so I suppose pictures will have to wait! But I can tell you that it has lots of great things our duplex didn't have... 3 acres, a pond, a big updated kitchen, central air conditioning, a dishwasher, wood ceilings throughout, and the list goes on and on.

The moving begins tomorrow. Rain, snow, or sun... it's happening. And I can't wait!

Because of my currently Christmas-less home, I've been really ooh-ing and ahh-ing at everything Christmas. I miss it!

A Little Rearranging Goes a Long Way!

Rearranging furniture is probably my favorite decorating fix. It's easy, quick, and doesn't cost me a penny. I tend to get bored with a room if it stays looking the same for a long time, so I find myself rearranging and changing up accessories a lot. (I once even dreamt all night about rearranging my furniture. Strange, yes.) You wouldn't wear the same outfit day after day, so why should your home have to look the same day after day, month after month, year after year?

I spent a little time this morning and went "shopping" in my own house to see what I could find. I decided to switch out my old bedside table (which you can read about here) for this chippy white desk.



Remember when I bought it back in April, intending to use it in our spare bedroom/office? (Go here!) Well, we rarely ever use that room so it sat in there lonesome and neglected and let's face it, it's just too darn cute for that! I'm loving the change- the extra table space on my side of the bed is very nice.

I also bought a rug for that unused room (way back when) and it, as well, went unused. So I brought that into the bedroom too.



Ahh, our feet will be so happy now!

So where did the old nightstand go you ask? Follow me!



It's now happily serving us as a small entryway table! I used to come home everyday, walk in the door, and have nowhere to plop my purse, keys, sunglasses, mail, etc. Problem solved!

So our spare bedroom/office is pretty much empty now, but that's just fine. My husband has sort of claimed it as his man cave, so he can do with it what he wants. :)

Give Thanks

My most recent chalkboard scribble is a reminder to be thankful. Always a good way to start the day!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."
Psalm 136:1

Christmas Time's A-Coming!

Ok, so it isn't coming for another month and a half, but I just can't help myself. I've caught the Christmas bug. The stores are already decked out for the upcoming holiday and it's getting me very excited to deck my own halls. I do, however, have some self control and will force myself to keep the twinkling lights and greenery boxed away until Thanksgiving is over. Maybe. :)

Wreaths just might be my favorite Christmas decoration. They can be put almost anywhere (doors, windows, walls, backs of chairs, tabletops, etc.) and best of all, you don't have to put them away when Christmas is over. I like to keep mine displayed throughout the winter months.

I love boxwood wreaths, especially these mini ones from Ballard Designs- 4 for only $24!


Also from Ballard Designs, how cool is this pinecone wreath? I wonder if I could make something like this myself. Hmm...


Maybe Ballard Designs' monogram wreath is a little too much, but I like it. :)


We've never done stockings before, mostly because we don't have a fireplace, thus we don't have a mantel, thus nowhere to hang stockings. But if we did, I would want these. $34 from Ballard Designs. (If you haven't figured it out already, Ballard Designs has lots of great Christmas decor!)


This I LOVE. The prettiest wrapping paper I've ever seen. From where other than Ballard Designs. :)


I'm really big on mercury glass ornaments. I have a bunch for our tree this year. You can find them at Wisteria and Pottery Barn, among other places.

And as if I haven't overdosed you on Christmas already, here's some pretty pictures. :)


via Min Lilla Veranda


source unknown


via Country Living
Because we don't have a mantel, I could hang stockings from the footboard. If we had a footboard...


via Martha Stewart


via Country Living


via Country Living


via Country Living
I just love myself a big tree in a galvanized bucket!

Ok, I think I got it out of my system. No more Christmas until after Thanksgiving. :)