Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Hope everyone has a great holiday and finished off all of their lists. If you haven't My Publisher is having a gift certificate sale. 40% off through Christmas. I know I'm picking one up to make my Christmas album with (not an endorsement just a heads up!). I'm taking a break to spend time with love ones but I will look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Cheers all!

Merry and Bright!

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I'm in full Christmas mode here with lots of chocolate making and food prep. I've checked a few things off my list though. Presents wrapped? Check! Gifts mailed? Check! Christmas Cards sent? Check! A day off work? Nope. I'm enjoying watching all of you out there on break getting things done though!

Cheers!

This Little Light of Mine

I know we changed out the fixture in the library once all ready but it just wasn't doing it for me. It was just too modern for our 1902 house. We kept our eyes open for something neat from the Re-Store but just couldn't find anything we truly loved. Finally luck was upon us. We were at Home Depot picking up a few other things when I randomly wandered down the lighting isle. This chandelier caught my eye but it wasn't until I looked up that I was truly in love.

Hampton Bay Estelle 3-Light 27 in. Semi-Flush Mount

It was perfect! I knew it would look great in our library and at $80 I was sold. 

Here's how it looks in its new home (ignore the offset look of the mount. Someone wallpapered the ceiling and then plastered over it after the last light was put in so it is going to be a huge project getting it off)

The color is a little more antique brass in person which I love. Nothing too shiny or 80's. The only thing I would change is the beads. I'd love to find some classic crystals instead. But look how pretty it is at night

The light shining through the metal work at the top casts this beautiful pattern along the top of the walls and the whole thing just glows. Love! I feel like my plans for the library are becoming more cohesive and unified. I'm still totally on the fence about painting but it will be a project for another time. 

Cheers!

To Start With

 While I twiddle my thumbs waiting to hear back about getting quotes to move our wall I thought I'd show you the plan I have going in my mind (keep in mind these are rough sketches I made with Ikea's Kitchen Builder). Right now our kitchen looks like this

 This is what it will look like if I can get our wall moved.

When we first moved in I was excited about having a breakfast nook. I love nooks, they are warm and cozy but as we lived in the house we realized we didn't really use it and it wasn't worth the loss of a larger kitchen. The other big problem with the nook is that it takes space away from the master (more on that later). The new design would give me added counter space and a more open floor plan. The only thing keeping me from my dream is how much it will cost to move that wall. Let's say I'm cautiously optimistic about the feasibility. If all else fails both of our parent's built their own houses so I can always call in a favor or two (or ten). I'm hoping I don't have to do that though. 

Anyone else have any experience with construction who would like an all expense paid vacation to Seattle? Not even joking here people, I'm game if you are! Just look where you could stay. 

Cheers!

Kitchen Dreaming

We had contractors in Friday to look at starting our kitchen remodel. No word yet on their estimates so for now I'm wasting time dreaming about what my kitchen could look like in the new year (all be it with quite a bit of blood, sweat, and tears most likely). So enjoy some eye candy. From my kitchen to yours!

via Mission Stone and Tile

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via The Lettered Cottage

Droolworthy no? Now I just have to convince Daniel that putting in a hood instead of an under cabinet vent is the best idea. Anyone know a good argument for why hoods are better? I'd love some help. Daniel and I are forgoing Christmas presents this year to launch this project so hopefully I'll have an update for you about time lines soon!

Cheers!

Holiday Mantle

My mantle has been mostly finished for weeks now but I was waiting for one last thing to arrive. My Christmas poster! A few weeks ago I was at Ikea and spotted this neat poster in the art section.

I thought it was really fun and graphic but it was way too big for putting on my mantle. Instead, I used Microsoft publisher and came up with this (let me know if you want the file. I'm happy to email it to anyone).

Instead of the random numbers that the Ikea poster had I used ones that meant something to our family. It has the date we were married, our birthdays, and the date we closed on the house. I used the Fedex online picture processing to have it printed out as a poster and used a 50% off coupon I found online. It ended up costing about $10. So not free but I wanted a non standard size. If you wanted an 8x10 you could just print it out from your computer which would be much cheaper. Here's how it looks on my now full mantle.

I went colorful this year and am loving it! All the bright ornaments popping out of the fresh greens just make me happy.

This glass Santa was a gift from a dear friend. Doesn't he look festive tucked in with my poinsettia?

Of course no holiday mantle is finished without stockings. Daniel and I made ourss a few years back (yes he actually sewed his own). Can you guess which one is mine?

I love my bright cheery mantle. It smells great with all the greenery and glows at night when the candles are lit. Definitely a winner! Now I just have to finish my Christmas shopping and all will be well.

Cheers!