Spreading the Christmas Spirit

Today I grabbed some extra decorations from home and decided to decorate my office.  My co-workers all loved my little setup, especially the tree.  Some even expressed getting the Christmas spirit and they were going home to put up a tree or do a little decorating.  Just call me Ms. Claus!

More Finds at the Dollar Store

I just cannot stay out of the dollar store.  I went in there hoping to find some cute little bows to add to one of my small Christmas trees.  Unfortunately they only had the red velvet ones, which I have plenty of.  Looks like I'm going to have to try Michael's or AC Moore for what I'm looking for.

Anywho...Although I didn't find the bows I did find other goodies.

You know those word plaques that are all over Pinterest?  Well I found one in Dollar Tree.  Yes! DOLLAR TREE!  And I have the perfect place for it.  (Couldn't pass up the Ho Ho Ho sign either)

Of course I found another headband.  When will I learn lol.

Everythings All Christmasy

Oh the weather outside is frightful. We've had snow for the past two weekends.  But everything inside is so delightful.

  

I made this wreath a few years ago with a grapevine wreath and ribbon bought from #DollarTree.  It usually hangs on the armoire but this year I decided to use it on the front door.

Bought this, this year at the dollar store.  Could not resist.  Isn't it cute?

Finally bought a new tree.  It's nice...tall, yet slender. 

Santa hat chair covers courtesy of #DollarTree.

This centerpiece is just a wreath that I wrapped with berry garland and a couple of pinecones.  Then I added a hurricane lantern in the center. 

Buffet in the dining room.

I just love my kitchen...98% of the decorations come from #DollarTree.

I think this is my favorite tree out of the ten I have.  #DollarTree

I had gingerbread ornaments left so I used them on this little tree which sits on top of the fridge.

Found this tree magnet set in the dollar store.  So cute I just had to get it.  The little gingerbread village and people were also from... you guessed it, the Dollar Tree.  

Guess what's hiding under this little dress?

LOL.  Not sure how long ago I bought this but it only cost me $1.  

This tree sits in the guest bedroom.  

This tree sits in the master bedroom.  I bought these ceramic ornaments from Dollar Tree about 8 or 9 years ago.  I had more than this but over the years many of them broke. 

I even have a tree in the bathroom.  The nutcracker was a gift from my neighbor.  They know how much I love the holidays. LOL

Now that my little palace is all decked out for the holidays, it's time for me to get moving on my annual Christmas Eve family dinner.

Christmas Cards

I love giving and receiving Christmas cards.  It's such a special treat for me to open my mailbox and find a pretty Christmas card from friends and family.  I use to have a spiral tree that I displayed all of my cards on but it finally fell apart after years of use.  I was thinking of getting another one but then came across a great idea on Pinterest.  Decorating a door with ribbon and attaching my Christmas cards to it. Since I have nice new doors throughout, I figure, why not.





This year I made some personalized Christmas cards for my closest, dearest friends. Inside each card will be a picture of us all taken in Ocean City Maryland during my birthday weekend.  I can't wait for them to receive them in the mail.  Last year I sent them all calendars with photos of all our wild times together throughout the year which was a great hit.

Still thinking of what type of cards I want to send to family though.  I was thinking photo cards, but I've done that before. Maybe for those who've never received one -- but for the rest I'm undecided.

Christmas Tree Idea

During my major decluttering I got rid of my pre-lit Christmas tree.  The tree was in great shape but the lights no longer worked. So I gave it to one of the contractors working in my apartment who said he could use it during hunting season. LOL.

Anyway I now have to buy a new Christmas tree.  I want another 7 ft, pre-lit tree but I want it to be a little narrow. I was looking at trees last year and I really like the ones that have those thick branches. They cost a little more than regular trees but they make less of a mess - as far as shedding goes.

Today while looking on the internet I saw this picture where they decorated around the base of the Christmas tree with poinsettias.

I really like it and may be using this idea.

Behind These Closet Doors

Is a massive amount of Christmas decorations. 

Over a period of 11 years (that's how long I've lived in my little palace), I have accumulated all of this stuff. 

So today I was thinking.  Since next Sunday is Rudy Day, what better way to celebrate than to invite my girlfriends over and let them have whatever they want (except for my trees).  I have a lot of ornaments that I won't be using this year because I'm getting new ones.  And I don't think I'll be hanging the lighted garland around the entire livingroom, diningroom and hall.  Why not let them take it.  A couple of them could really use the decorations as these economic times have been harder for them than for me.  Plus I know they will be used and my friends will really appreciate it.

So now I need to go through everything and seperate what I'm keeping and what I'm giving away.  But not today.  The sun is setting and I must start getting myself ready for work tomorrow.  I will do a little bit each day. 

Better send out some text messages. 

Christmas Is Coming

Know how I know?  I saw it with my own eyes.  Heehee.

I had Columbus day off so I decided to do some Christmas shopping.  I started my day at 5:00 a.m. First I took my boyfriend to work (his car is in the shop), then headed to the 24-hour Super Walmart. I love shopping in Walmart in the wee hours of the morning. So quiet and peaceful. You can take your time and really look around. Also it's when the workers are stocking the shelves with all the new goodies. I was in there for hours.  I was looking for Christmas decorations but nothing has been put up yet. They do have boxes of Christmas trees stacked on high shelves in the garden center section, but that's all. I was also hunting for the new holiday scented candles by Air Wick. No such luck on that either.

After leaving Walmart I stopped in Kmart and what should mine eyes see?....  An assortment of Christmas trees.  Not just trees - outdoor decorations, gift wrap, lights, ornaments, pretty bows, Santas and snowmen.  Tableware..... Oh I could just go on and on. 

I was scared to take more pictures.  I didn't want the people thinking I was a competitor from another store.  (wink)

A Cozy Home

Well here we are. It's a new year.  The holidays are behind us. The decorations have been put away and now the house looks a little empty.  What to do?   The ladies at MHH have some really neat ideas for cozying up the home.

My kitchen is the one area that looks really bare.  When I took up my kitchen rugs back in November to decorate for the holidays I threw them hope forcing me to buy new one (which I have yet to do). Plus the kitchen could use a new coat of paint.

To make my home feel cozy I have soft and thick throws everywhere. There's a faux mink throw I keep on my bed.  When I'm sitting at the computer I cover myself with my Baltimore Raven's fleece throw. In the living room there's chenille throws to snuggle under while watching tv, listening to music or taking a siesta.

I've hung heavy velour curtains at the windows to help keep out the cold.  Not only do they make a room feel cozy but they add color as I live in an apartment and all the walls are white.  Another big must have for me, candles.  I love candles (some scented, some unscented) and have them everywhere. I love the soft glow they give to a room.  On the dining-room chandelier I added shades which cuts down on the sharp brightness of the lights. Makes dinner for two very romantic.  Having a soft area rug under-foot is another great way to make a home cozy. 

Other things I do to make my home more cozy during the winter months:

display lots of family photos
use fabric on tables
display large pieces of wall art
display colorful floral centerpieces or fill bowls with twig balls, pinecones and such
 

After you've gotten your home nice and cozy it's time to relax. Take a load off.  You need the rest after such a busy month of December.  I for one have been just enjoying the idea of coming home, kicking off my shoes, maybe have a glass of Sutter Home's Moscato (sp?)  and just enjoy the peace and tranquility. Aahhh! Life is good!

More of Dollar Tree

I'm sitting at my desk searching my favorite web sites, looking at everything Christmas.  The boss is off today and so is the other lady I work with so it's a peaceful, relaxing day.  This weekend my cousin and I are going to do some holiday shopping.  I still haven't finish gift shopping.    We plan to visit several stores - Walmart, KMart, AC Moore, Michaels, Dollar Tree, Big Lots, and Target.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, Dollar Tree is my all time favorite store to shop in. I have turned so many friends, family and co-workers on to this store til it's not funny.  You can find so many stocking stuffers there. There's also gift wrap supplies and decorations for people like me who don't have a lot of money to spend.  Almost all of my holiday decorations were bought at Dollar Tree.  Several years ago I found these beautiful porcelain ornaments which I used to decorate the tree in the master bedroom last year. When I first bought them I had them on the main Christmas tree in the livingroom.  In other stores they'd probably cost a fortune. And these little Christmas village pieces are also Dollar Tree finds. Plus they light up!  Everything on this tree  (including lighted star tree topper, ribbon and tree skirt) in the guest bedroom are all Dollar Tree finds.  Even these wall plaques are from my favorite store.  I made this wreath with items purchased at Dollar Tree (including the grapevine wreath and wreath hanger).

If there is a Dollar Tree near where you live, you've got to check them out.  Where I live, we have them everywhere and believe me I have been to every one in Baltimore and the immediate surrounding counties.  I even make it my business to stop at the one we pass on our way to Ocean City.  Sometimes you can come across something in on store that the other store doesn't have.

Finds at Dollar Tree

Well I did it. I did what I said I wasn't going to do - buy more Christmas decorations. 

I couldn't help it. I went to Dollar Tree to buy a few aluminum pans. As soon as I stepped through the door, Christmas stuff was everywhere.  I was immediately drawn over to see what they had. I saw the most pretty purple ornaments. I mean they were georgeous. 

In my defense, I really needed these ornaments. This year's tree in my office will be a bird theme.  I already have red birds that I bought from $ Tree last year (or the year before). I wanted to add more ornaments to the tree and when I saw them I just couldn't pass them up.

I bought two of each shape (star, heart, wreath, sock).  They will look lovely on my tree.

These are the birds I will be using.

I wonder if that will be enough? Maybe I'll buy two more of each.  Also on the tree will be berry garland and regular glass ornaments. It would be cool if I had ornaments with birds painted on them. 

Plans for the Foyer

I have a small foyer and it too gets decorated. Just behind the front door there's a full length mirror with two topiary plants on either side. When the holidays arrive I wrap the plants with a strand of clear lights. Sometimes I like to add mini faux berries for a bit of color. From the mirror I hang a large bow. The coat closet gets decorated with a pair of these cute knitted socks.

Next to the front door stands a small side table stationed under a group of family photos. Each year the nativity usually sits on the table, but this year I will display my Christmas village. The village use to sit in a curio in the dining room. I got rid of the curio to make room for a new large buffet/side-table I am getting. From the ceiling I hang pre-lighted garland from the foyer and down the hall but I don't think I will do that this year. I plan to sparingly place tealight candles around the village to give it a nice glow.

Well that's it for the foyer. Up next...

More Decorating - Bathroom

For the past 5 years I have decorated my bathroom with a poinsettia theme. I thought I had pictures that I could show you of my bathroom from last year but I can't find them on my computerThis year will be no different. However I am making some slight changes.


I have a small 12" white tree that I sit on top of the storage cabinet. I usually decorate it with faux berries and poinsettia garland. This year I am replacing the berries with red miniature glass ornaments. The garland will be dressed up a little by spraying gold glitter on the flowers.


The bath linen stays the same, large red towels with green and red novelty towels that spell "NOEL". The rugs are red and plush. So is the lid cover. I made my lid cover more festive by hotgluing poinsettias to it. This was also done on one of my red bath towels.

On the front of the bathroom door I hang a poinsettia wreath. I want to glam that up too by spraying gold glitter on the flowers.

I have a heavy duty red plastic shower curtain which is hung with homemade poinsettia curtain hooks. I cut poinsettias from a floral bush and hot glued them to plain white hooks. I love this curtain, I can wash it in the machine and let it drip dry before putting it away at the end of the holidays. This year though I want to change up with a different curtain...something soft. Although I said I wouldn't be buying anymore decorations this year I really want new curtains in the bathroom. As of yet I'm not sure what I want but I'll know when I see it.

Curtains are one of the easiest things to make. You can use any type of fabric. Just fold over the top edge to make an opening for the shower pole and sew. I'm no seamstress, but I can do that (hahaha). I've even made curtains from bed sheets. I don't like many of the shower curtains I see in stores so if I don't make my own I will buy window curtains/panels.

I'm getting off topic so I'll stop here. .

Decor Plans - Balcony

While sitting on the boardwalk in Atlantic City Saturday I got to thinking about decorating my balcony for the holidays. Every year I hang clear lights mixed with garland along the rail with a small wreath in the center. Then along the rooftop I hang clear icicle lights. Last year I switched to multi-color lights and I loved it and plan to use them again this year. It's a nice change as I've been using the clear lights for the last eight years. I'm sure I'll go back to the clear lights again when I'm ready to revert.

Earlier this year I decorated this 43" wreath for the balcony. It will replace the smaller one I had been using which to be honest has seen better days.

The wreath was on clearance for $8 at Michaels. The ornaments (by Martha Stewart - also clearance), I bought at KMart dirt cheap. The ribbon and picks were also bought at Michaels. In all the total project was $18.

As for the rest of the area. I will have a small tree sitting in a corner on top of a small table. The decorations are similar to the new wreath with glittered deer and pine cone ornaments added. I like to hang two very large red velvet bows at the windows on either side of the patio doors. I also have clear lights framing the patio windows. My little bistro table is covered with a vinyl Christmas tablecloth. I like it to look festive out their for my guests who like to take smoke breaks.

More to come.

Decorating - Front Door Area

I live in an apartment but that doesn't stop me from decorating outside my front door. (Hahaha). I always cover my door with metallic wrapping paper made especially for doors. I get them at KMart. Unfortunately they only come in gold, green, or red. One roll covers the entire door. Last year was the first time I covered the door with the green paper and I think it's the color I'll use from now on (I usually use red). I really loved how the wreath looked against the green. For my wreath I took a pre-lit wreath I got on clearance at Big Lots and added red birds and a few ornaments. For an added touch I'm adding a nice red plaid bow to it.

I usually just drape lights around the door with some holly, but this year it will be several types of garland. On clearance last year at Michael's and AC Moore I bought pine garland, berry garland, pine cone garland and gold twig picks and put them altogether to make it really thick and luscious.

Instead of the 4ft lighted wire tree sitting outside my door I am going to sit my little red rocking chair out there and fill it with a few Christmas bears holding a Happy Holidays! sign or a book. I usually dress up the stair bannister too with lights and holly...will be adding garland to that.

More to come so stay tune.

Happy July 6th - CIJ

I have been so busy, I haven't had a chance to post.

Since my last post I have been spending a lot of time updating my holiday planner. Here's a few things I've been working on.

1. Planning Room by Room decorations. So far I only have my kitchen, the livingroom, the outside of my apartment and the bathroom planned. I'm hoping to get a new dining table before Thanksgiving so the diningroom will be the last area to sort out. There's still the bedrooms, hallway and balcony to cover.

2. Printed out new lists. Christmas Eve dinner menu, gift list, shopping list, gift closet list, budget, craft list.

3. Watched holiday movies.

Progress so far is looking good. Will give more detail in next post.