Oh Christmas Tree: A Cute & Crooked One.

With the bathroom renovation going on, things are a little chaotic around here to say the least. Up until last weekend, we had a bathtub and a toilet in the living room. Undeterred, I shoved them into the corner, desperate to make room for a Christmas tree. I went out the tree lot with my family on a Saturday morning in search of a little Charlie Brown tree. I was so indecisive that I could have walked around for hours but ended up choosing one that is just a little bit Charlie Brown, in its own way.

The trunk is skinny and crooked, it's a bit of a shorty and there are a couple of good bare spots but it's otherwise perfect. Unbeknownst to my dad and I, my little tree fell out the the trailer on the way home from the lot. We flew in to a bit of a panic upon realizing but then found it, lying all alone in the middle of the road not too far away. We had a good giggle over that one. My poor tree.

Then, it came home and sat on the front porch for a few days. Once we got it inside, I strung some lights and there it sat. Eventually I got around to adding some garland and some decorations. So different from other years when I'd have it up and decorated in one evening, without blinking an eye. This year is just a little different that others.. we are a bit busy and distracted by that little thing we call: living without a bathroom!

I only used a third of my decorations since it is so much smaller than other years. Most of the filler balls were kept pack away and I used only my favorite ones. The ones given to me by family, friends and students and the ones that are just too pretty to keep packed away.

I also made a little pompom garland. I strung two different sizes of white pompoms on some white string. It literally took all of an hour while watching Homeland one night. I think it adds a touch of whimsy to the tree.

I used a lot of regular mini lights on the tree but I also added two strands of these globe string lights from Target. It's definitely a different look.. a little old school. It's fun to mix it up a bit!

To me, there is nothing better than a Christmas tree. I turn on the lights first thing in the morning and enjoy the glow with my morning coffee. Then, in the evening, it offers me a sense of calm amid the disaster that is currently our home. Perhaps dramatic but realistically, my pretty home accessories have been replaced with hack saw, drills, bits, screws and utility knives. I've accepted it, and I'm dealing but that doesn't mean I can't wait for it to get back to normal!

The Christmas tree has been my little source of peace and joy this holiday season. It might not be the prettiest or the biggest tree we've ever had.. but to me, it's perfect!

I may never take it down.

DIY Snow Globes and Christmas Tree Cars.

Last week I was decorating my mantel for the holidays and came across some vintage mason jars in the basement. I knew I wanted to include them in my decor so got out some supplies and created my own little "snow globes".

I'm obsessed with bottle brush trees. I had a whole bag of green ones that I picked up at Canadian Tire last year (I've also seen them at Michael's for an outrageous amount of money. Even with a 40% off coupon, it's robbery). I also had a couple of little white ones from Walmart. It was like a forest in my dining room and I couldn't resist taking a few photos.

I just used a little tape to stick the trees to the lids. You could use hot glue but I wanted to be able to reuse the jars. Then, I added some "snow" to the jars, screwed on the lids and flipped them over. Voila! Winter wonderland!

I had a few short mason jars and decided to have a little fun with some toy cars. Please ignore the fact that this one is a convertible.. in the winter.  How cute is the minty green!

Taking the tree home from the lot! Aren't they sweet. I had planned to do this as a Christmas craft with my class but not all the cars with fit in the jars properly. I'll have to get my thinking cap on for something else!

I think it's pretty sweet just on its own too. I might have to make some more. You should make some too. So easy!

Linking up to Hi Sugarplum! Link Party

Vintage Christmas Mantel.

I managed to clean up all the demolition dust and pull together a Christmas mantel today! Once I finished dusting the living room, I got motivated to get out some Christmas decorations and figured the mantel was the best place to start.

I've been craving a more traditional look this year with a bit more color. I've become obsessed with plaid! However... I have a lot of decorations. Too many really. Over the years, when everyone else was packing up their decorations, I was at the store buying out all the ones on super sale. I have some great stuff now so buying anything new really is unnecessary. I made myself a promise that I wouldn't buy any new ones this year. No exceptions.

So used what I had and went for a vintage look. Or as Steph would call it, a "not so Modern Jane" mantel. I used a mixture of bottle brush trees in varying heights, vintage mason jars, "snow", mercury glass ornaments and metal reindeer.

I discovered that Steph had been keeping nails and screws in these vintage mason jars on his work bench. Score! I quickly swapped them with some new mason jars. They could be put to much better use!

I've had these little mercury glass ornaments for a long time. This year I strung them on some twine and swooped them across the fireplace.

Bottle brush trees are my favorite. I have them in white, silver and I had a huge bag of green ones in varying size. Some of those made an appearance here and some were used in a simple diy project that I'll share next week.

So that's it! I did a little more decorating around the house that I'll try to capture and share with you soon. Really hoping to get our tree up this weekend!

*Linking up to Ten June and Our Fifth House *

Using Fresh Greenery.

I can hardly believe that Christmas day is only a week away. It doesn't look like Christmas around here at all. I woke up to the the most beautiful snowy morning out my bedroom window a couple of days ago and thought - Finally! That's what I want to see! Unfortunately, it didn't stick around and the forecast doesn't offer much hope. However, I did spend after school today, wrapping gifts for our Christmas families with my staff. The generosity of our school community is heartwarming to say the least. It certainly was my first holiday nostalgic moment this season.

I didn't decorate my home as much this year for Christmas, aside from the tree. But the last few days I've added a few more things, since we are having an open house party this weekend for all our friends. I am so excited to have everyone and it gave me a kick in the pants to add a few more things. 

I love using fresh greenery and I've been sticking it everywhere I can find a spot. I've filled vases with spruce, pine and boxwood. I also fill my artificial garlands and wreathes with springs of greenery to make them fuller and more natural looking. A tip, I recommend, is to spritz it with water to keep it fresh.

I put up a garland with lights on the windowsill over the sink. I'm going to stuff it with real greenery but I was tired out.. enough for one evening!

I have more to share but taking photos has been challenging. It's already dark when I get home from work, which is not ideal for taking photos. I'll try to get some and share more this week. Hope all your holiday preparations are going well. It will be here before we know it! E-x-c-i-t-i-n-g!

This Year's Christmas Mantel.

I went white with a little bit of silver for my Christmas decor on the mantel. Quite similar to last year. I love the monochromatic look with the little bit of shimmer and shine. I plan to add some fresh greenery and lights but not just yet, as I want the greenery to stay fresh and I find if I put it out too soon, it's dry and brittle by Christmas.

 
The white feather trees that I picked up at Superstore a few years ago are still a holiday favorite of mine. They find a spot on the mantel each year, usually with the little reindeer and a few Christmas balls.

I picked up this T bar for displaying ornaments at Ikea this Fall. A steal of a deal at $2.99. I dangled a few mercury glass ornaments from it. Isn't the reflection of the Christmas lights pretty in the mirror?

This crazy wiry wreath makes a huge mess of sparkles everywhere when I put it out but I can't resists its whimsy each year.

I finished off the other side with some bottle brush trees, another sparkly reindeer and some branches in a large white vase. It all feels very wintery and fresh :)

Thank you for your kind comments about my Little Gram. Spent the last few days cherishing the memories of the remarkable generosity and love she had for her 14 children, 58 grandchildren, 75 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Not to mention anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting her. She was so dear to me and I will miss her terribly, however I am grateful for her 99 years on Earth and her peaceful passing. 

My Favorite Gift!

I don't want to play favorites, because I got some wonderful things this year, but I'm really loving this gift! Stephane built me a built-in bookshelf for the TV and my collection of books and accessories.
There was an awkward little alcove beside the fireplace and I've wanted a bookcase in there since the day I moved in. Finally, this Christmas, I got it!

Here is a photo. As you can tell, there is some trim missing at the top and bottom, plus there will be six more shelves added to the sides. The holidays are so busy that he ran out of time!

Finished or not, I couldn't resist adding a few decor elements. Here is a peek of my Esther Bayer print displayed on one of the shelves.

It seems ridiculous to love something built out of wood so so much. Truly though... I am completely in love with it! Thanks so much Stephane! You're the best:)

Happy Holidays!

Shopping is done, presents are wrapped, baking is finished and other than a quick trip to the grocery store this morning, I am all set. 

Time to twiddle my thumbs and wait for my sister to arrive. It's not Christmas until she gets here!

Here's a couple of shots of Stephane, Beaufort and I in our ugly Christmas sweaters. 

It's fairly obvious in the first photo that he is not loving it -at all. The next shot was literally 2 seconds later. Oh well...we tried! :)

This one is better ahhhh sweater free! :)

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm signing off for a couple of days to enjoy time with family and friends. 

See you soon! 

Christmas Home Tour.

I snapped a few more shots around the house of our Christmas decor. It's more simple than last year but definitely feels festive! I intended to do a bit more but the holiday snuck up on me and we are still in the mist of a few projects. It was best to keep it simple! I thought I'd take you on a quick little tour.

Come on in...

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a beautiful print by the talented Esther Bayer!