It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

I'm definitely feeling the Christmas spirit earlier this year than last. The tree is up, decorations placed, lights hung outside, and gifts are wrapped (well, almost). I wanted to have everything done by December 1 so I could relax a little and enjoy the month a bit more. I'm sure there will still be plenty to do, but right now I'm feeling good! Here's a glimpse of our Christmas house so far, and yes, I'm showing you the living room before it's completion, but what the heck-

Oh, and speaking of Christmas, I cut down a lot on my Christmas decor, so check the sale- there may be something calling your name!

Here We Go Again...

I've been in a cleaning, organizing mood lately (well, I always am, but even more now). I guess with all the business and stress that comes with the holidays I want my home to be calm, peaceful, and under control. I realize I haven't even gotten to showing you the updated kids rooms, and my living room isn't complete yet, but Derek decided to give up his office and let me do what I want in there. I don't want him to change his mind, so I'm jumping right in! His office that is now this:

will get moved into here:

and will hopefully resemble these once I'm finished:

My things will be moved into the former office, and it will still be an office, but we're going to make it our guest room as well since the girls took over what used to be the guest room. I think everything will flow so much better and with Derek's new office being in the back of the house instead of right by the front door, he can spread out and I won't have to nag him about keeping the clutter to a minimum. And what I have in mind for the new office/guest room fits the style of the rest of the house better. I'm thinking something along these lines:

Definitely girly, but with a little industrial flair. I'll keep you posted!

Leftovers

Just because it didn't sell doesn't mean it isn't great! Did you get all that? We still have some neat stuff left that we'll be posting on the sale this week, so take a look! (Lots of markdowns have been made too!)

More Preview Pics

Just in case the other pictures weren't enough, here are a few more:

Sale Preview

This is only a small portion of the goodies that will be at the sale!

HUGE SALE!!!

This is going to be the biggest and best sale by far. With 10 different vendors there's sure to be something for everyone! (Stay tuned for preview pics)

Friday Finds

I hadn't planned to go to any sales this week, but an estate sale in Phoenix popped up and I knew it would be too good to pass up! It was reminiscent of the sale from a few weeks ago, only tons more stuff! Even with the hundred or more people there loading their arms with stuff, it didn't make a dent in emptying the house. I may just have to go back for half off day. :)

Terrariums

I have quite the collection of glass bottles and jars, but I have a hard time figuring out how to use them. These terrariums might just be the answer! I wouldn't have considered it with my black thumb, but supposedly they are very low maintenance and even the blackest of thumbs can keep them alive. I'll keep you posted. For the how-to, go here.

Happy November!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

{images from here and here}

Vintage Suitcases

I did a Google search for vintage collections to get ideas for displaying some of my recent finds. I've collected quite a few bottles and jars, frames, and trunks and suitcases. In my search I saw some of the most creative ideas for old suitcases! Here are just a few:

Of course just stacking them up makes a great statement too!

Friday Finds

This weeks' finds are from 2 church rummage sales, one of them being Velda Rose which happens twice a year and I've never left empty-handed! It was a good week for old books because besides this pile I have more that I've already ripped the covers off of and tied together. I bought the pair of suitcases with the intention of re-selling, but I may have to rethink it after seeing some very creative ways to put them to use. I'll show you Monday!

Before and After: Kitchen

I decided it's high time I post about at least one of the rooms I've redone. Because I ended up redoing multiple rooms at once, there are still a lot of little things that need to be finished, but I can't say when they'll be 100% done, so I'll show you now. First up is the kitchen. Keep in mind there's some backsplash missing (I'd eventually like to do subway tiles and get stainless steel appliances).

Before:

I loved the green while it was up, but I thought going with a color similar to the cabinets would open the space up and I was right!

After:

The color I went with is Behr- Creamy White. I didn't want it too stark or hospital feeling, and this was a great choice. I don't miss the green a bit! I tend to think that every wall or empty space needs to be filled, but I'm really loving the clean, uncluttered look. It's bright, open and airy- just what I wanted!

The other change is the addition of the "island". I've always wanted an island in here, but didn't think it was a possibility because the kitchen is small as it is. But I was flipping through some Costco coupons and saw this stainless steel work table for a great price and the dimensions were perfect! I thought it would take some getting used to and that I'd be running into it all the time, but it hasn't been a problem at all. I love the little bit of extra counter space it gives, and the shelf underneath is perfect for storing aprons, tablecloths, and dishtowels.

Up next, Clay's room!