Christmas spirit!

It's December - Christmas is coming! And even though we are having unseasonably warm weather, I have been getting into the Christmas spirit.

My neighbor, Peg, held a class for several of us to make door swags - so fun! She had many types of fresh greenery, and lots of trims and ribbons. We (5 of us) just brought work gloves and sturdy trimmers, and gathered around her (huge) kitchen island, which she had covered with brown craft paper.  Peg helped us choose our greens, and then we started decorating.  We could also bring anything of our own to add to our creation - I brought the straw Swedish (dala) horse.  My front door is protected by a large overhand on my porch, so the horse won't get rain or snow on it.  I am happy with how it turned out!

A humble tree for my work cubicle! The lights quit working this week, so I plan to replace them soon. Cute family photos to warm my heart!

This shows a special event we participate in each year.  Almost Home Kids is a wonderful facility to help children with medical needs.  This wonderful place is for children who have been discharged from the hospital, but are still not ready to go home, because they require constant care.  These children stay at Almost Home Kids, in a homelike setting, and receive care while their family learns how to take care of them.  Eventually, they can be released to live at home, under their family's care.  It is such a special and deserving charity.  My family performs at their Christmas party every year.  It is our privilege. Look at that sweet girl looking up at Santa! So sweet!

Then we had fun decorating my daughter, Hannah's, little rental house with garlands and lights.  This is my other daughter, Genevieve.

Hannah adding garland to her front steps railing.  See? No coat, hat or mittens, on December 5th! Amazing!

Ok - so, some of us wore coats! Genevieve having fun with the lights.

Sorry this is blurry - but my family decorated our tree last night, isn't it lovely?

Hannah's Cute House Styling

My daughter, Hannah, has developed into an amazing interior decorator.  She and her bf Danny are renting an adorable 100-year-old farmhouse, and she has done a great job making it into a warm and attractive home. 

She finds great pieces here and there at flea markets and antique stores.

I love how she puts things together into artful arrangements.

She's also not afraid to try making things - how cute is this bathroom accessory? A piece of old wood (from a pallet, I think), some metal clamps, and canning jars = cute storage!

Nice beverage station!

She found this old window at a flea market, for only $5! It pays to stay at the sale until the end of the day, when prices are slashed.  Their landlord offered the use of this nice dining table and vintage chairs - instant dining set!

Another find at the flea market - the vintage shutters were also $5 each, and the comfy couch, by a famous quality maker was a great find on craigslist.

I think this coffee table is her greatest project to date.  The table (another craiglist find) is nice and sturdy, with nice storage, but it had that orange-y oak finish all over it.  Totally not her style.  So, she sanded it all down, and stripped the top.  She added a nice gray stain to the top, and white chalk paint to the bottom.  A quick sealer to all, and she had a stylish centerpiece to her living room.  Nice job, Hannah!