Our Christmas Home

It Finally Looks Like Christmas at Our Home

I had been dragging my feet not wanting to pull out ALL the Christmas totes & decorate, but I finally did and now it's all done.

With the exception of this year, I am usually anxious and start decorating the day after Thanksgiving.  As we all know fresh Christmas trees just don't last 2 months so about 5 years ago I finally broke down and bought a fake flocked tree. Even though I swore I would always have a fresh tree.

A Peek into our little Christmas Home

I have been asked did I buy my tree decorated? Nope.... I designed & decorated it myself

This is a little vignette in the Kitchen

                              

                  

Lastly our Living room entryway, as you will notice this is the new antique piece that I recently picked up.  It will be staying with us through the holidays.

Thanks for stopping by

Happy Holidays to you & your family

Thankful

I am thankful for the man, and I don't even know his name.

On Halloween we set up out front, with a popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, bowls of candy and some fun decorations for all the kids to enjoy.  I was outside about 3:00 getting things set up while a friend of mine was in the house getting the popcorn started.  I had pretty much all but the front doors open as I was going in & out.  I was out front setting the tables up & a car I didn't recognize stopped and I just assumed it was someone that had been to our house previous years.  He rolled down the window and said is that your "blfhlaf" I could not make out what he was saying, I said pardon me and he said is that your bulldog around the corner down the street?  Instantly my heart started racing, my dog is my baby and he is not street smart and we live on the corner of a  busy main street.  I dropped everything in my hands and ran around the corner to see where he was.  Since you guys don't know my dog, he is such a big lover, but for anyone with a bulldog you know they can be so STUBBORN and just completely ignore you. 

I yelled to him in a cheery voice, Boris what are you doing buddy & he turned around and came charging back home. Which was such a relief because the one other time he snuck out he ignored me and kept on going. Once he was home I had to laugh because he was walking and sniffing along the same route that we walk him every night. He was like, mom I was bored and took myself for a walk.  At least that is what I told myself he was thinking hahaha.  Brett & I often wonder if he got out would he just walk his route and then turn around and come back home.

I am thankful for the man who stopped to ask me if that was my dog, because I didn't even know that he had snuck for a self guided walk.

I thanked him probably 50 times in less than a minute, he said no problem.  I know I have seen you out with him in the yard before but he is usually on a rope.

So again I have been reminded that there are good people left in this world.  Because honestly this guy was just driving down the street, not even my street, took the time to turn around and ask me if he was mine.

So thank you again to the man without a name for saving me and my dog.

Christmas Sleigh

Since we bought our house 6 years ago, every Christmas I talk about wanting a sleigh to put our decorated tree in.  Well our house is just not quite big enough to hold a full size sleigh, bummer. I was cruising through craigslist one night and came across this sleigh for sale and got SO excited.  I emailed the guy right away but it took him 3 days to respond that it was sold. Pet Peeve of mine, delete your listing when it's sold please.

It all worked out for the best though as Brett says to me I can make you a sled.

So with 3 sheets of plywood and some 2x4's the construction began

He designed and built it all by sight, no plan or design in mind

She is looking good, & I am so excited watching her come to life. Once it was built it was my turn to paint & decorate her

I wish the nighttime pictures would have come out clearer

And here is the brother to our other reindeer.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look

Happy Holidays



White & Aqua Dresser

She Is Finally Done

With the heat & then winds it took awhile to finish but
 she is done & ready for a new home

This was my first attempt at painting what I call a "messy look", meaning it's not painted solid white, the paint is heavier is some spots than others. I know there is probably a correct name for this look but I am not too sure what it is lol..

The color is Magnolia by La Craie paint (purchased at Fox Hollow Cottage) & Annie Sloan clear wax.  The Aqua is a mixture of a few colors I had on hand. 

I just love the fact that I do not have to sand, strip or prime the furniture prior to painting when using the La Craie chalk paint.  Saves me soooo much time ;)

Please be kind with your words, I am still new to refinishing furniture & learning as I go.  Constructive Critisism welcome.  Mean words are not ;(

La Craie paint can be purchased at

Fox Hollow Cottage

Thanks for Looking

Nicole

Table Makeover

Beginner Painter Here

I have found that I really enjoy refinishing furniture, but I am new at this and learning as I go, so it takes me awhile.  Thank goodness for all the helpful blogs full of information out there. 

This is a table & chairs that I just finished for someone.

 It was actually in pretty good shape before redoing it. But she wanted it to match her kitchen.

I was nervous as I had never done a custom piece for anyone, I usually just finish them as I like them and then pop them up for sale.  I will be delivering it Thursday & I hope she likes it....

For this piece I just used some Lowe's paint that I had on hand & added the plaster of paris to give it the chalk look.   I had ordered some La Craie chalk paint but it had not arrived by the time I started.

I distressed the table and then I finished it off with La Craie Dark Wax, (by time I finished painting the table my order arrived) which I am just in love with. The wax is so user friendly, which is great because I was a little hesitant since I really didn't know what I was doing.  I did take a piece of wood and practice a bit before putting it on the table. Which I recommend for any beginners

So there you have it.  If I can makeover a table, anyone can do it ;)

La Craie Paints & Wax can be purchased from

Fox Hollow Cottage

Thanks for stopping by ~ Nicole

Romantic Tent

Like many of you, I too am addicted to Pinterest…. who is the genius that came up with that?  I was cruising thru all kinds of stuff recently and came across this cute little tent.  Hmmm I thought, what could I possibly do with this cute little thing??  Turns out they were for sale saa~weet!

 Unfortunately they are charging $ 250.00 bummer.. just not in my budget for a tent.  SO…… the wheels in my head start turning fast lol….

Here was my Inspiration, cute huh?

(doesn’t include any accessories)

original design by Monk & Honey

This was my creation

~Glamorous Camping~ aka Glamping

     It measures 6′ tall 7′ deep (it was 7′ tall but I had to cut it down a foot so I could easily move it alone)

It was a hit, I surprised my man & we had a romantic evening, hooked up a little TV and watched a movie under the stars

~DIY Tutorial To be Posted Soon~
It's just been too hot to go outside and shoot a tutorial ;/

~Nicole~


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