It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Now everyone knows what you mean when you say that phrase.

Christmas, it is the most wonderful time of the year. I love it but I think I have expressed that already. 

I love everything about Christmas but one my favorite traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. Growing up it was a big big deal to decorate the tree together as a family. We all had our own special ornaments and no one better put up MY ornaments. Looking back now I laugh, that wasn't the best holiday attitude to have but it was always really special. We would put the tree up, the ornaments, plug in the lights, turn off all other lights and just sit in the living room and enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling of our Christmas tree. 

Now, I don't live at home in Hawaii and don't have my own tree but I get to put up the tree with my sister and her family. My sister's tree has such a classic gorgeous look. It could be a display tree in a department store. Honestly it's so pretty and put together I don't really put a lot of the ornaments on. I feel like I don't have the eye for it. Anyway, the tree got put up the week before Thanksgiving and it's beautiful as always. 

If you can't tell someone was very excited about the tree and the star. 

Isn't it just gorgeous? I'm also excited I finally found the right setting so there isn't a crazy glare from the lights. Now if only I could remember what it was....

And of course the Instagram photo. :) Are you sick of my love of Instagram yet? It makes me feel professional. 

P.S. It was the first snow in Michigan today. Just a dusting that didn't last. First good snow I'm going to try for some pictures. We shall see. 

25 Days of Christmas Blog Share

I'm so excited about the opportunity give to me by Sonya at Parga's Junkyard to participate in a blog share for the entire month of December. She has given me and 23 other fabulous bloggers the chance to share our Christmas fun! Starting December 1rst be sure to check out my blog daily to see where each post will be. I get to be the 21rst and can't wait to share some of my favorite things about Christmas! 

The December Line Up

(Click the name to check each blog out!) 

1. Tots and Me 

2. Vodka and Motherhood 

3. Your Mama Said What 

4. Happy Go Lucky 

5. Bleak 2 Unique 

6. Parga's Junkyard 

7. By the Brook Designs 

8. Rad Crafter 

9. Pounds for Pennies 

10. Smitten by Abigail 

11. Empty Nest 

12. Tiaras and Bowties 

13. The Freshman Cook 

14. Rabbit Slippers 

15. My Simple Walk 

16. Clipper Girl's Saving Spot 

17. Musings from a Stay at Home Mom  

18. Larissa Hill 

19. Coupons for Wisconsin 

20. Allergy Free Vintage Cookery 

21. Liz Finding my Own Life 

22. La Familia Aissa 

23. Lee, Me, and the Girls 

24. My Crazy Bliss 

25. Golden Reflections 

Don't forget to check for the link to each post starting on December 1rst! Thanks again to Sonya for such a wonderful opportunity! I love Christmas and can't wait to see what everyone has to share! 

A little bit of Snowflake

I love Christmas. I love decorating for Christmas, the smells, the movies, the music. I love it all! But I don't really have any of my own Christmas decorations. Even if I did with only one room I wouldn't have much room to decorate. 

Well, I was at Target just browsing with Anne and I saw the most adorable little plates! 

Aren't they so fun? The snowflakes. So winter and Christmas. They are small enough that I figured I could turn them into decorations for my room. 

I also bought some white ribbon at Target for $3. It's definitely more than I need for this project but I figured I'll find another use for it. 

I cut a piece of ribbon that leaving the loop a couple inches above the top of the plate and then hot glued it on. 

Then it was a matter of finding a place to hang them on my wall. Which was hard until I remembered that I already had a nail in one spot so I just added a thumbtack. It's rather hard to put things in my wall. So this was the easiest and I like it. 

And of course the instagram version. 

Not bad for $4 decorations! Target always has plastic plates for most every season. Quick and easy decorations. 

Thanksgiving Highlights via Instagram

Taking a break from assisting the chef. 

My plate after we ate.

Dixie was exhausted by the entire day

So really not that many photos but it was a good day. The food was fabulous and I was so sad that I didn't have Friday off as well. But life goes on. :) Next year the plan to put the food on the table and take a pretty picture might work....possibly. 

P.S. 

Just so you know...I'm very thankful for you! 

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I can't even express the proper amount of gratitude. Don't forget that today isn't just about the turkey you get to eat, the wonderful side dishes, or the homemade pumpkin pie much later on tonight. The point of today is to be thankful. 

So think about it. 

I know I need to. 

What are you thankful for beyond your normal health, family, and friends. I promise you really do have SO much to be thankful for. And if you feel like you don't just remember there are many families out there who are missing a loved one for this holiday. They have a soldier out fighting for your right to be thankful. Never forget that. 

Now, it's time for a quick breakfast and then the craziness to start at my house. Good food, lots of people in a tiny house, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

Sometimes it is about the traditions. 

Sometimes, These things Happen

Sometimes, there are things that just happen. 

Like accidentally getting your shirt stuck in the seat belt buckle in your car on your drive to work. 

Yes. One of those things happened to me this morning. After some slight panic it was really quite amusing. Shall I explain?

I'm one of those people that doesn't buckle their seat belt until after I've backed out of the driveway and turned whichever I'm going. Not the best I know. Especially since it causes you to do it one handed. Well, my shirt was a little longer than normal this morning and apparently was right over the buckle as I pushed in my seat belt, which would not go in. It took me a few minutes to actually realize that I was quite literally stuck. The first thought was "Seriously? I don't have time to go home!!" Then "And I really like this shirt!" After about 5 minutes of tugging with no success I called Anne. Who laughed when I told her why she might have to go get scissors. But after hanging up with her I gave one more yank and my shirt came free 5 minutes away from work. I was able to finally buckle my seat belt and make my car stop beeping at me. 

So my morning was a little rough but in the end was a funny story to tell at work. All in all I'm very glad that I have a day off this week! 

Quote of the day

Photo via Pinterest 

This is my life. Everyday. At home. At work. Out and about. Inanimate objects attack me. Does this happen to you?

No?

Really?

Well aren't you lucky! Can you tell me your secret please? 

No really I need to know cause I have this cabinet in my cubicle at work that jumps out and hits me everyday. 

And don't even get me started on the stairs at home. 

Happy Monday All! 

More than a Christmas Classic

There is one song that is most often sung at Christmas that is so much more than just a carol or classic song. I don't even have words for how it makes me feel or what it means to me. It brings tears to my eyes and goose bumps all over every time I hear it without fail. I've had the pleasure and honor to perform it with a choir before and that was just amazing. I hope and think you might have some idea what song I'm talking about. 

The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah 

It is one of the most beautiful and worshipful songs ever written. I can't even think of the words to describe it right now. This year I'm hoping I can hear it performed live. (Fingers crossed)  Last year around this time a video circulated Facebook of a flash mob performance of The Hallelujah Chorus in a mall. I found the video on YouTube and I am so excited to share it with you. If you don't hear the beauty, the worship, and get the goose bumps. I cannot even express how sorry I feel for you. 

Enjoy.

My "fake" Wish list

Do you have a "fake" wish list? Let me explain. A "fake" wish list is that list of things you see and love but know you will probably never get them. Things that are just too expensive for your piece of mind, just a picture on the Internet you will probably never really find, or just things that if you do eventually get it won't be for quite a few years. 

Well, if you don't have a list like this don't worry I do and I plan to share some of it today. Now mind you this isn't a complete list and honestly a lot of these things are new and via my pinterest addiction. So here it goes in no particular order! 

Photo via Shabby Apple

I love purses. I mean really love them. I would spend tons of money on them if my mother hadn't raised me to not spend too much money on just one item. Even with that I still spend more on a purse than she would ever dream of. Anyways, I think this is a totally fun and casual purse. It looks blue in this photo, which I'm really into light blue right now, but on the website they only offer olive and cream. For only $55 I would consider purchasing this purse if I could touch it first. I don't have photos but other purses on my list are from Coach or Dooney & Burke. Classic and fun. They make me drool...

Photo via piewakcetblog.com. 

I'm just now getting into shoes and heels. Growing up on an island where everyone is more on the short side you try not to add more to your own 5 feet 9 inches than there already is. But since I live in Michigan now I'm a normal size and it's rather fun! But back to shoes, I love these. Polka dots are so awesome and fun and the pop of green is fabulous. If I had them I don't know if I would ever find something to wear them with. I would try very hard but I feel it would be difficult. I couldn't find the exact post these shoes came from in the blog but I didn't do a word search. Sigh...they are so cute! 

Photo via moda.com. 

Isn't this the most gorgeous dress you have ever seen? Of course being on moda I will never truly find where it's from or who made it. But I can look at it and wish I was talented enough to make something like this. I'm not even sure if this would look good on me but I love it. I just imagine wearing it at a holiday party or too a wedding were people actually dress up. Or to a play. Even in any other color this dress would be just as gorgeous. If anyone is a whiz at sewing and wants to make this for me for cost of supplies and a minimal fee let me know!!!! 

Photo via google 

English bulldogs are apparently the new thing or maybe I'm just only hearing about it now. Either way English bulldog puppies are just waaay too adorable. All the wrinkles and the littleness. MMMM!! Just makes me want to grab them in a big hug! Now this I want later but only if they are always this cute. Anyone know? 

Photo via facebook 

No seriously, that is what it said on pinterest. The photo is from facebook.com. I want one of these in my home. I want one now but then I would have no where for my clothes. This would be a great little away place to read and keep all your books. I would love to see kids in there reading. 

Photo via allsorts.typepad.com. 

And because I'm loving Christmas decorations right now I had to have a picture of the type of tree I might want someday. I love all the bright colors on this tree. Fun, bright, colorful, and full of Christmas cheer. You can't ask for more at Christmas. The only thing I can't see are the lights and I must have lights on my tree. 

And that are just a few things on my "fake" wish list. They are in no particular order. Just things I fancy right now. Hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to comment about something that might be on your own list!  

Cough Cough COUGH

This blogger is sick. Coughing and hacking is all I've been doing. I even stayed home from work today. The thought did cross my mind that hey, I could do some crafting or cleaning since I'm home. Nope, nada, I laid around and did nothing. I feel better but not amazing. Now I'm just laying around hoping this medicine will finally work and stop me from coughing and watching Eloise at Christmastime. 

I absolutely love this movie. Not the cartoon the one starring Julie Andrews and Sofia Vassilieva, it is just too cute even if she is a little terror.

Here's hoping no more coughing next time around! Until then bring on the holiday movies! 

Something Old into Something New

I was doing some crafting while I was stuck inside feeling miserable because of another cursed cold. My fabulous new desk looked like this....

I was/am making fabric flowers. And I was done with what you see on my desk and wanted to do something new. And I remembered I had these babies I needed to do SOMETHING with.

These nasties babies have seen better days. They were purchased 2 years ago from either TJ Max or Marshalls and they are Steve Madden flats. I wore them to death. Literally. They retired at the beginning of the year after I looked down one day at work and realized how sad they looked. My original plan was to find a pair of plain black ballet flats and hot glue the zipper rose's on them but I never see just plain flats. They always have a bow or something on them. Last night with flower pin frenzy I was inspired to turn the roses on my shoes into fun pins/brooches. So I got out some scissors and cut the roses from the shoes. 

That was fun. Now as I mentioned before these shoes were dying so the roses needed some cleaning.

Then I cut out some felt circles and hot glued them onto the back of the roses. Let me tell ya, I was the hot glue queen last night.

Then I hot glued the pins on....

And then they were done. I really need to work on my indoor picture taking skills. Cause these are horrid and somewhat embarrassing to post. 

But to make up for my other horrid pictures I have an instragam photo of my zipper rose brooch in use. I like it. Fun. Different. And totally unique. Do you have something old you can turn into something new? An old pair of shoes to refashion? Tear some old clothes apart to make a scarf? Start digging and remake something from your closet! 

Now what to do with the second one.....hmmmm. 




Pinterest Quotes of the Week

If you didn't already know I love quotes. I can't explain why I love them but there is nothing like a good quote. I know I do quote of the day sometimes but with the wonderful things Pinterest has to offer I have multiple quotes this week.

A Double Hitter of Awesomeness

I thought long and hard about what the title of this post should be and I think I finally got it. It's got a nice ring to it don't it. This past weekend I took some pictures for my friend and her family. It was fun. I am seriously in love with this park and will be going again. It had the most amazing bridge.... Anyways, meet Anne. 

I know I've mentioned her before but now you are officially hearing about her and she officially has her own blog post. I met Anne 2 years ago when I started working at the Credit Union. We hit it off almost immediately and it's straight up awesomeness since then. Anne has taught me to let go and laugh no matter what crazy thing is going on. She has taught that no matter what anyone says or what happens at the end of the day still say "Ya, I rock." or in our case it's always "We rock." (And really we do. trust me)  The best talks, the worst inside jokes, the laughter at inappropriate and inopportune times, eating each others feelings and so much more. It has always been interesting to say the least. We act like utter fools and know we completely rock that. The photo shoot was tons of fun. I got some great pictures of her family and her fiance even snapped a couple of us. 

Don't they look fabulous. That was taken on the bridge. Love the bridge. 

Then it was our mini photo shoot. First one is nice....

Then Anne had to ponder....we do ponder quite a bit.

And then we had to crack up at what she was pondering. Best picture ever. Especially since we were laughing about sucking in our stomachs. 

Then one last self picture before we left the park I'm in love with.

To go to a baseball field, which Anne loves, hence the double hitter title. 

All in all...it is good times when we hang out. If nothing else we can laugh at ourselves.

Peace out!!! 

DIY Pallet Bed

Remember a few weeks ago where I said I wanted to make a pallet bed and showed you my inspiration? Well, if you don't remember check it out here. If you do remember keep reading because baby, it's finished, fabulous, and I'm so glad it's done! 

I don't know why I act like it took so long because honestly all together it didn't take up much time. It just made me busy every night, no one could park in the garage because of all my pallets, I sanded 5 pallets to find out I needed different ones, it took an hour to get paint at Walmart, and I bought the wrong clear coating so I only did one coat. But really it went great. :) 

Here are my original pallets. They had character and I was soo excited! And then my dad visited and wanted to help me do something and discovered that my pallets were different widths and couldn't be used together. After slight panic more pallets the size we wanted were found. The last day my dad was here he spent it cutting, drilling holes, nailing, and making a puzzle out of pallets for my pallet bed. 

That is what he came up with. There are some gaps, some pieces didn't completely touch but it is still awesome. The top layer you see in the pictures ended up being on the bottom since the bottom layer in the picture fit together a little better. Ya follow? No? It's okay I was really confused for awhile too. 

Then I sanded all the pallets. I had an electric sander which helped immensely and I did some hard to reach places by hand. 

Freshly sanded pallets, next to some pallet rejects. There were still some splintery areas but most of those are in the middle of the pallets and not anywhere my feet would be once in my room. I mainly focused on the edges being smooth. 

The bottom layer that ended up on top getting sanded. You can see that my pallets aren't perfect. If you end up doing this if you can be more patient than me and find some freakishly awesome pallets I highly  suggest waiting. But I don't like waiting and decided this MUST happen before winter so we found the next best thing and I still love it. 

The wood on the pallets was nice, fun, and different. BUT I have wood floors, tan walls, wood furniture, and therefore decided the plain wood wouldn't work for me. I decided to paint them black to have a neutral color against my marvelous duvet. I just used a flat black paint from Walmart and did 2-3 coats. I also only focused on the edges that I thought were going to show. I figure the only time all the pallets are going to show was when I moved the bed so it didn't matter. After the paint dried I put one coat of a clear coat cover to set it. Honestly, I don't know why I did the clear coat. I think my dad said to and was like ok, why not. It's recommended to do 2-3 coats but once again I was impatient so I did 1. If it bites me in the butt I'll let you know. 

 

I also bough some wood from Home Depot and had it cut to size to fit inside the openings of the pallets to make shelves. You can see that in the above picture along with my plain walls, black curtains, and horrid wax job on my wood floors.  

Here are the pallets set up waiting for my bed to get put on. Huge huge thank you to Anne and Colleen who came and helped me move around my room, listened to me talk about how I wanted it too look, and still helped even when I had totally thought things through. The original plan was to put the bed in the corner but it just did not work at all and they helped me find the perfect spot. You guys ROCK!

Here it is mostly put together! I painted the wrong sides so I have some unpainted spots showing. I might go and touch that up but it kinda adds a rustic look so maybe it will stay. I don't know for sure yet but I did know it wasn't happening that same night. I wanted my bed to be high so I still put my box spring on, I covered it with the gray fitted sheet to hide it's ugliness. 

All put together! I had the bright pillow from a different decorating plan so I threw it on just to add some color. I will be adding color to my bed soon! Promise! 

I added my books after everyone left. I love it! You can't add a ton but I think it's just so fun. 

 

Another view of the books. I only have 3 shelves in at the moment. I have extra wood, still in the trunk of my car actually, and will add more when I can get someone to help me cut them to the exact sizes needed. (Trust me, you don't want me using a saw alone.) 

And of course, no post will ever be completed without an Instagram photo. Don't you see the rusticness (I've decided this is a word)  of the unpainted parts? 

That, ladies and gentleman, is my pallet bed. I LOVE it. I'm so glad we my dad cut it do be the exact size. I love how unique it is and how it compliments my duvet. Now I just need to get my headboard started and made to have it totally finished. Too bad I changed my mind about the fabric I have! 

Linked up with I heart naptime, Finding Fabulous, Finger Prints on the Fridge, Remodelaholic.