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crazy

ok…please tell me that all of you are feeling as crazy as me.
i think a new rule should be
that all women are hormone-free for december.
it’s not fair that we have all these extras duties over the holidays
and then boom…PMS hits you too.
not fair.
who would i speak to about making this new hormone rule?
and we haven’t even been without power like so many i know.
i should just shut up and stop complaining.

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so this is the craft room as of yesterday.
it’s been this way for a few weeks now.
i am a messy crafter.
but i am loving my little surprises i am creating.

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fun bright fabrics…
the sewing machine is getting a workout.

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i wish i could say i was done but i am not.
so if you are looking for me…
i am in the craft room.
don’t tell annie.
she’s driving me nuts.
(but that’s probably the hormones)

jeanetta - omgosh me too this whole week has been horrid!
love the pompom fringe!

Jennifer Peterson - I second the vote for the hormone-free December. Way too many things to make you cry…and yell. Love to see the creativity in action! Be grateful you have a special room to hide it all away in :)!

danelle - You amaze me that you can be so stinkin’ creative. I’m envious of your creative genes. And yes..the hormones will level out just give it a few days.

danelle - I LOVE LOVE LOVE that polka dot material.

christine - crazy exhausted!!! I’ve been walking around all day thinking how are we supposed to get everything done? Everyday life is demanding so to try to have a happy and memorable Christmas is pressure. And who came up with the idea of having to send a family photo with Christmas cards?!!! I’m still making mine! All in all I love this time of year and try to keep it as happy and memorable for my husband and children as I can. Love ending the day with my nightly Chardonay! When God created two year olds he created wine! Have a Merry Christmas love your blog by the way!

kristin - um, yes, i am.

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sledding

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we got some snow.
the kids immediately wanted to go sledding.
this year i went…just for the pictures.
i haven’t gone for years.

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as soon as we got out the car
i remembered why i don’t go sledding.
i hate being cold.
oh my goodness it was cold.
but i got annie to the top of that hill and then she was hooked!

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after 15 minutes her little pink cheeks couldn’t take it anymore.
and i was right there with her.
i was done being cold.
we sat in the truck watching everyone go up and down again & again.
we were warm.
but i really needed some hot coffee.

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i am so glad we had snow.
it feels like christmas when it comes in december.
the bad part of snow….

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melissa @ the inspired room - I hope, I hope, I HOPE we get some snow for my son to sled this winter. What fun!
xo

Mom - Are you going to tell her that’s not your mud room! HA!
Looks like you got about the same amount of snow as we did. Had to cancel our Ashmore gathering again!

Jennifer Peterson - I don’t mind the cold, but cold with wind is the worst! Sure looks like they had fun though, and it made for some great pictures. Looks, too, like your mudroom comes in pretty handy!

traci - what a fun day!! we got the snow later in the day. my kids went sledding too, but at our house in involves a four wheeler, rope and sled (or whatever they can find to hook to the rope and sit on). they had fun, but i too stayed inside. i don’t like the cold either.

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vintage

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i found these at an antique store.
they are mini’s.
i love the boxes.
i almost didn’t hang them because i like the boxes so much.
but they found a spot on the tea party tree.
the tree is not old but looks like it could be.
the pea soup green is so christmas-y.

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i love the old cracked color on the glass.

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view from the top of the stair way.
that table is looking very bare…

did anyone who asked about the letters craft…
actually make the craft?

we got lots of snow last night.
we have gone sledding already.
i am off to take a nap…the perfect thing on a cold day.

Liz - This is all just lovely!

Jennifer Peterson - I tried to find the letters at the JoAnne’s nearby, but they were sold out of all the vowels. Maybe I can do a Happy New Year or something when they get some more in!
I love the color of your foyer. What a great green–it looks good with all seasonal colors. I don’t think your tabletop looks too bare. A little unused space is a nice place for the eyes to rest :). Hope you had a nice nap!

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stockings

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i made these stockings a few years back.
i also made other stockings before that.
then my tastes changed and
i didn’t want the old ones anymore.
and to be honest…i made these for a friend’s booth at a craft fair.
she called me and said “i feel soooo bad. your stockings didn’t sell.”
i was so happy.
i said “oh GOOD! send them back please!!!”
i had enjoyed making them so much and was so sad to send them to her.
it was meant to be.

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the kids all want the leopard one.
the cuff has real mink from a sweater my great aunt gave me…
it was full of holes but it had a real mink collar!
it’s hard to see the detail in this photo – sorry.
and the white embroidered linen is from my high school graduation outfit
from Express.
it was very pretty…and tiny.
tiny enough that i would never ever dream of wearing it again.
from back when i was cool
and 99% of my clothes weren’t from wal-mart.
wait i guess i wasn’t cool…
it was just that my mom bought my clothes for me.

and the chenille stocking is from an old bedspread.
i loved that green silk with the pink dupioni.
and you can never go wrong with pom pom fringe.
that’s what i always say.

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the green toile…i really like.
it’s kind of a funny green.
and it’s a weird shaped stocking…
but i like it that way.

the polka dot is actually sheer material with dots (sewn over green)
from our old shower curtain.
i loved that shower curtain.
i put it in the dryer….duh…it was half it’s size.
so now a piece of it is on my mantel
and my sister’s mantel.
and that green silk i love.
i want a whole chair in that…or at least a pillow.

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but this one is my favorite.
it’s made from a rugby style shirt that i really liked.
it was from target…so maybe you had the same shirt.
and maybe you still do.
it had a white collar and i washed it with reds so the collar turned pink.
and i also put it in the dryer.
i know…it’s a problem i have.
i just have too much laundry to not ruin several things a year.
the cuff is from the same martha bedspread i used for my foyer curtains.

about my sewing…
i don’t know how to read patterns.
i just cut out the shape i want and start sewing.
i have to rip out and start over tons of stuff but for the most part…
it has worked for me.
so that’s why they are all different shapes and sizes.
they are free hand creations.
too much fun.

and by the way…
i love hearing from all you new visitors.
and old friends too.
thanks.
i am glad you are here.

Krissy - I know that this is a super old post, but i LOVE these! They’re beautiful!!

Chaos-Jamie - Oh, you were cool in high school. At least you had a cool wardrobe. When you weren’t wearing the cheerleading uniform. Which was NEVER.
Rule at my house goes something like this: doesn’t go in the dryer, doesn’t go in the house. (If it does, it better have been $1 at a garage sale so I can prove that it CAN go in the dryer.)

eryn - I love your stockings! I also love that you used things you already had…and I can relate to the mountains of laudry that is never ending. Your home is beee-utiful! It’s my first visit to your blog and I love it!

jeanetta - i love your stockings and the fact that you recycled so many thigs to create then is sooo awesome.
thanks for dropping by my blog. I am definately adding yours to my bloglines roll. merry christmas.

Gina - I LOVE that last stocking as well. Our stockings are no longer my taste either and I’m itching to sew new ones but I’m not sure what. I even have some old chenille that will be perfect for cuffs! Thanks for the inspiration.

Patricia - The stuckings were hung by the chimney with care…
Your stockings are beautiful! I’m in the process of making new stockings & I just love the look of yours. The green polka-dot one is my favorite! Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas! Patricia

Gabrielle - Your stocking are adorable. I think I like the one with pom poms too. I have been thinking I would like to make some new ones this year. My dd have one pink and one purple stocking with a fur color. they are rather on the small size and I think one has ripped. My Dh grandmother made some cute ones so I think I may use those this year but I have this idea to make some natural linen ones. I recently wore some very cute paisly pj bottoms with out underwear and for some reason when I sat down they ribboned a whole in the butt area. Well..I threw it in the material bin..and I think it would make a cute collar for my stockings. Its in the cutest pink/green paisly print with a lace edge. I keep thinking I need a pattern but hey I should take your lead and wing it.

traci - they are so great. i would have bought them if i had seen them. they are fun!!

Jennifer Peterson - I can’t believe those stockings didn’t sell! She must have had them hidden behind something–or it really was meant to be. What character each one has! I love that you use recycled clothing–because good fabric is good fabric! I also LOVED your commentary on the clothes. I, too, was once cool. Every year I see moms taking their daughters back to school shopping, and I wish I could be taken too. I would have my mom take me to Ann Taylor. But now I’m all Wal Mart as well :)!

Jacky - Love those stockings, they are gorgeous!

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pretty

some shots from around the house.
the house seems so much prettier at christmas.

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something different this year.
craig said it looks “very narnia”
he’s right.
i was inspired by this.

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i showed this before…
but the first one was for someone else.
and mine is just the vintage paper and the letters – no color.
i love how it sparkles.

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ready for santa.

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these are my nativity mice…mary & the wisemen.
(the purple mouse had a gift but one of my kids was too curious)
my great aunt and her sewing group made these.
they are so precious.
the detail…tiny little beads and sequins.
pretty amazing for her 90+ years

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enjoying a cup of coffee…reading a magazine…
this is my favorite spot.

Jackie - I’m new to all but just wanted to comment on your beautiful pictures and home, tahnk you for sharing. Jackie

Liz - Your home looks just beautiful! I love the Narnia tree.

Rachael - It does looks so peaceful. Love the nativity mice:) Merry Christmas and Blessings – Rachael:)

Sweet Remembrance - I love your home & decor!
Simply elegant…
Happy Holidays,
Priscilla

Jennifer Peterson - Wow! 19 comments–you must have very inspiring Christmas decorations! Everything looks so pretty. The way everything is lit, and the all the silver glitter is lovely. The little mice have to be my favorite too. One of a kind!

Rebecca - Your home is absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing your photos with us. I thoroughly enjoyed.

Emily - You’ve done a fabulous job decorating for the holiday! I love how you used the branches!

Mary Alison - I have to say your house is one of my favorites from the tour. Simple and Elegant. Thanks.

Cindy Roberts - Beautiful! So serene and peaceful! Happy holidays!

Cindy Roberts - Beautiful! So serene and peaceful! Happy holidays!

Cindy Roberts - Beautiful! So serene and peaceful! Happy holidays!

traci - your house is absolutely beautiful!!! i love your decorations, so different from mine – but both so pretty!!!

Alison Gibbs - Love the tree on the table in the corner. Very serene.
Alison

Brittany - I love your “Narnia tree”!! And your little mice nativity is just adorable!!!
:)Brittany

Becky - Love the white tree branches in the urn. The nativity mice are so cute.

Becca - Those nativity mice are adorable!! The white nativity is beautiful too. Lovely home!!
🙂

Monicaa - Thanks for sharing your beautiful home! I agree it looks like it should be in a magazine for sure! Such wonderful vignettes!
Happy Holidays 🙂

Cindy - The mice nativity are darling. Love your stockings.

blog@theinspiredroom.com - Love that fireplace. Your house is my favorite, even without the decorations. My house wants to be your house when it grows up.

jessi nagy - everything is so fabulous!!!
gorgeous!

Susan at Black Eyed Susans Kitchen - The nativity mice are my new most favorite ornament. I have got to find a pattern to make them. Fabulous! Thank you. Susan

Jill - I love the twiggy tree! Everything looks wonderful.

Southern Heart - Very, very lovely…everything is so pretty and festive! Your urn in the window is stunning, and your fireplace is amazing. Thank you for sharing your home with all of us.
Happy Holidays,
Andrea

kkarla nathan - I’m linking you to the party right now, thanks for coming!

Mom - Looks beautiful honey! The naria tree reminds me of the Easter tree we used to make every year when you were little. Very nice.

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christmas tree

this year we got an artificial tree.
our first one.
we bought it from our neighbors when they moved.
and it’s nice…but it’s not real and there’s no doubt.
it doesn’t really matter right?
i have to keep telling myself that.
but…if better homes and gardens calls…
(a girl can dream)
that tree is out of here.

i know, know…
it’s what’s on the tree that matters.
and the tradition of decorating it.

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this is our star for the top.
we’ve had it a long time.
then a few years ago…i was tired of it’s plain silver paint
so i got out the glue gun and the box of sparkly stuff.
it’s crazy looking but i like it that way.
the tree is for the kids and i think this screams “kids”

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this is my favorite ornament on our tree.
my great aunt (who is now 97 years old) made it when i was little.
she made many different ones.
she still sews handmade felt crafts with her sewing group.
but i am always drawn to this cat and the pink ice cream cone below.

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we cut big snowflakes and hung them all over.
the kids’ handmade ornaments are always so sweet.
pipe cleaner snowflakes…beaded candy canes…foam gingerbread men
i miss our illinois church’s christmas craft day.
every room in the church was set up with different craft ornaments
for kids to make…all provided and ready.
our tree would be bare without it.

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and who doesn’t love sock monkeys?

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even though the tree is fake…
it looks beautiful with this little darling in front of it,
waiting to go to her christmas program.

kristin - okay, looking at your star has me know you will like the ornament eliza made tonight…was supposed to be for her nana, but this one she said “for my annie.”
: )

Cre8Tiva - i heart the ornaments…how big is that tree…it look gigantic with your beautiful girl in front…blessings, rebecca

traci - i love the hand made ornaments on your tree. so cute. the sock monkey is adorable – never seen one on a christmas tree. we have a fake tree too. they are all beautiful when we decorate them with our favorite stuff, and that includes a beautiful little girl in front of it. have a great day!

M&Co - What a fun, briht and festive tree! With such decorations, who needs a real one ;-)!

M&Co - What a fun, briht and festive tree! With such decorations, who needs a real one ;-)!

amy d - I think your tree used to be my tree that I sold to Neva cause it was way to big for our house….it was left by the previous owners when we moved in. It always needed a bigger space to be appreciated. 🙂

Jennifer Peterson - the tree looks great! Sock monkey is my favorite. I love that all your kids ornaments have a place. This is our first year going fake too. I had to get a pine smelling plug-in air freshner. Not quite the same, but I am enjoying not watering and sweeping up needles daily.

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girl’s night

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oh what fun we had….
glittery craft supplies
yummy snacks
and apple-tini’s.
it was a good time.

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i love an excuse to go shopping for crafts.
and to get the house pretty.
and to make apple-tini’s.

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i found this craft here.
i was so excited that our Joann’s Fabrics actually had these letters.
(except i had PEACE because they only had 5 Y’s)
i hit the scrapbook store for the papers.
it was a great shopping day.

all of our banners were different and each so cute.
we had fun making them…
but it was never about the craft.

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you can’t beat some quality girl time.
i’m already excited for the next one.

Rachel - I just found your blog from our stats page and your girls’ night looks so ooo fun!!! They turned out sooooo good.
Merry Christmas.
Rachel

michelle - fun, fun and inspiring! Your mint goodies below look yummy too!
Have a great day!

Blanca - How lovely both the banners and crafty friends.
Blanca

meg duerksen - jodi…
they come individually. they had had all 26 letters but i took all the Y’s and R’s. they also had gold. and they don’t have a name? sorry. they are made by Joann’s but i couldn’t find them online. good luck.

Jennifer Peterson - hmmm…I just read it again and see that you got them at Joanne’s. Guess I need to pay a little better attention :). Still very cute!

jodi - Hi Meg
Can you tell me what the letters are called? Did you buy them individually? That is SO cute!!!!
Jodi
(Chad’s mom-in-law)

Jennifer Peterson - Those glittery letters are so gorgeous! Where did you get them? (Hopefully you don’t say Hobby Lobby because we don’t have one here :(! ).

traci - what a wonderful way to spend an evening. cute banners!!!

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