A Few of Our Favorite Things

Continuing on that theme of simplifying this year...

These are a few of our favorite things.

I envision our holiday table looking something like this. We like to use the china my grandmother gave us mixed with the few pieces of the place settings of Mikasa's Wedding Band that we were given when we were married in '95. 

Remembering the past and where we come from is also an important part of our holidays around here. You will see many sentimental, and familial pieces throughout our holiday decor. 

We also use a lot of natural materials. Nothing looks prettier than what Mother Nature so graciously provides for us.

And candlelight...

Day or night, I love the pretty flicker that only candles can provide. We like to take one evening over Winter Break and turn off everything that requires electricity, except the heat. We go about our evening in front of the fireplace and set the house aglow with candlelight. We take the time to connect with each other, play a game or two and enjoy the simplicity of life that has been lost among HDTVs, iPods and cell phones.

What are your little traditions that make the holidays yours?

Joining:

Centsational Girl

The Lettered Cottage

A Simple Christmas Morning

Do you ever feel like you are just trying too darned hard? I know I definitely have a tendency to fall into that trap. This year I have vowed to simplify a few things. Christmas morning was first on my list. No fancy breakfast that takes me half the morning to get on the table. Hopefully we will have fresh powder waiting for us. I want to hit that early lift and get some fresh tracks in. This is how I envision our Christmas morning table will look. 

An easy, casual set up that will invite a little morning conversation over coffee and a light breakfast before hitting the slopes for the day.

And a little inspiration at each place setting to remember that it is a day to believe and give cheer.

What does all of this have to do with a simple table setting? Nothing, except that I plan on displaying these little treasures in my kitchen. This is a small percentage of the projects the kids have brought home over the years on that glorious last day of school before the holidays. I usually line them up on my kitchen window sill, but that space has plans...or I have plans for it. Whatever. Either way, these small tokens of childhood are getting a new home. I will share what I have in mid for them soon.

Sharing at:

A Stroll Thru Life

The Lettered Cottage

It Begins

Tis the Season. We all know what that means! Lots of decorating opportunities. 

Here's a sneak peak of what I have been up to out in my courtyard. 

I have been wanting to theme that area as a reindeer pen for a few years now. I always run out of time, or maybe steam would be a more accurate description. So it has always gone undone. I throw a wreath up and call it good. All of my efforts are used indoors. I vowed this year would be different...

And so it begins...my decorating efforts are starting outdoors.

Best of all? Mr Shawn is getting our lights up on the house before it snows. For the first time EVER!!!!

You can see the rest here.

Joining:
Metamorphosis Monday
Savvy Southern Style

Give Thanks

This little chalk board was a summer time upcycle. I write our evening meal on it frequently, but the last few weeks have been so insanely busy that I chose to write a simple sentiment that would last all month long. A reminder to give thanks never hurts. One of my girls, not sure which, added the hearts and turkey. Its something they would have done when they were little, usually on the wall itself, which makes it all the more special. They are growing up so darned fast. Stop, please stop. I want to enjoy every moment along the way and I can't keep up!

So here we are. The official kickoff to the holiday season.

Miss H had the pleasure of performing for the City of Reno in the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

Where's Waldo? I'm sure he is in there somewhere...Miss H is on the far right with the turquoise scarf and blue hat. 

Today I am delivering pies, tomorrow we cook and eat, and the weekend? The Christmas decorating begins. I can't wait to share it with all of you. Lots of DIY ideas this year. Ornaments, signs, and special vignettes. I hope each of you enjoy your family and friends over this long holiday weekend. May you travels be safe, your meal be satisfying and your memories priceless. And remember to Give Thanks...and love your turkey. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reno Fire

This was taken at about 4:30 Friday morning. The winds were 35 and 40 miles an hour, sustained, with gusts far worse. That our fire fighters managed to save 4500 homes is amazing in conditions like that. Fortunately, the fire was on the other side of town from us, but we live in a similar urban-wild lands interface space. It could have just as easily been our neighborhood. In all, we lost 15 homes, another 40 are damaged to various extents and lost a few thousand acres, including some beautiful regional park acreage. Over 10,000 people were evacuated. Its mind boggling really. Through the Herculean efforts of our fire fighters, the fire is all but fully contained. We lost one elderly gentleman to a heart attack during the late night evacuation, but otherwise no lives were lost and injuries were few. They deserve our sincerest thanks for putting their lives at risk to save so many others'. One lesson we have definitely taken to heart is our desperate need for a plan in case of emergencies. Mr Shawn and I are putting together a semi formal plan that I will share with you when we get it all wrapped up. Hopefully it will inspire you to do the same.

On a more personal note, the little dinner gala of 350 that was scheduled for Friday night? It was postponed in consideration of the state of emergency that was declared and the impact the fire was having on the community. It was not a night to be celebrating and our Chairman, Brian Krolicki Lt Governor of Nevada, made the difficult decision that none of us wanted to make and informed us and our guests with grace, despite the chaos of the fire situation that he was in the midst of helping manage. So, we shall reschedule and the show will go on at a later date. The upside, all of the hard work is pretty much done. The programs and other print material I designed for the event will only need minimal updating. We kind of got a dress rehearsal of sorts, which will probably lead to some changes when we do finally get to put on the event. I was looking forward to sharing the culmination of everyone's amazing efforts. Instead, I will be getting back to doing some Christmas crafting and sharing our decor as we head into the holidays. 

My prayers are with the families that have lost their homes and some of my future efforts will go to aiding the various charities in Reno assist them in having the best holidays they possibly can, despite the tragedy of losing their homes. May we all remember to think of those less fortunate.

Scream!!!

Do you ever just want to scream? I mean, an at the top of your lungs, bloody murder scream?! 

Hello?...........Anybody there?

Oh, thank you. You DO understand. Sigh. I knew one person would.

So, why would I want to scream? Well, the fact that I haven't been here all week is part of it. I feel like a neglectful mom. Oh wait, I have been that too...

Still with me?

Do you remember that little event I said I was involved with? The Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition International Sports Hall of Fame Dinner Gala? Its a mouthful isn't it? The event is tomorrow and it has
g r o w n, oh my, has it grown. Which is great. It is, but it comes with a downside...

Last minute details. Those pesky little, or not so little, things that drive you nuts. I'm nuts. Its official. But its a fun kind of nuts, sorta...

I do want to show you what I have been doing though. So, without further ado.

And then there is a back page...that won't load.Whatever. That is how my week has gone. I do not have the energy to fight with it. I have also done all of the print media for the invitations, that went out weeks ago, the silent auction descriptions, bid sheets, brochures, and tickets.  

I realize you probably do not care. Its my thing and I get that. Tomorrow night's pics of the dignitaries and athletes should be amazing, not to mention me in formal wear. Ha, ha, ha. Did I mention that my wedding wasn't this formal? That I am probably one of the most casual, laid back personalities out there? This little event I have involved myself in is pushing my limits. Probably in a good way. We shall see. None the less, I am looking forward to tomorrow, but the details between now and 6pm tomorrow might push me off of the nearest ledge. Sigh.

HELP!

Various Assemblies

I assembled the starburst wreath thingy mabob up there last night. I had been trimming some shrubbery back and liked the texture of the sticks. A chore turned into a mini craft project. As you can glimpse thru my blinds, it was getting dark when I finished and snapped a quick pic. I will post a short tutorial later today. But first, I have to brag about the other part of the various assemblies...

How do you keep roughly 800 11 to 13 year olds enthralled and QUIET for an hour? You simply inform them that  they are in an assembly to honor our Veterans. Really?! Yep, they were reminded that this was a serious gathering and acted accordingly. These kids are awesome!

Miss H performed with her Advanced choir back there under the balloon arch. To the right of them, seated, is the Golden Strings and to the left is Concert Band. These three groups comprise our top notch and talented group of advanced musicians at my daughter's school. Miss K also had the pleasure of going through this program. We chose where we were going to live in the Truckee Meadows based upon the school's performing arts programs.The performers' hard work paid off. They all performed flawlessly and with dignity for the 40 or so Vets seated in the middle. There was a guest speaker from the US Army, active duty, that commented how the choir had touched his heart and nearly made him cry with their performance of American Tears. What a compliment. Something else? He was describing the camaraderie of the military and asked the kids how many played sports. Nearly every hand was raised. We really are doing a wonderful job of keeping our kids involved. The camaraderie of their team mates in sports and their fellow musicians in music will last a life time. I love these kids and truly appreciate the benefits of living in this great country. I thank every man and woman that has given so much to keep our nation safe so that the next generation can benefit from the better world they create through their sacrifices. I also hope that all of these young men and women will see the honor of serving their country and continue to support past, present and future military veterans in their endeavors to continue to provide a safe home for the generations that will follow. 

We remember each of them, some with names and faces close to our hearts, others from afar having never known them. We honor them as individuals as well as units within the branches of their chosen Armed Force. We thank them with heartfelt admiration and compassion for not only their dedication but also the sacrifices of their loved ones left at home among us.

Weekend Project

Instead of working on my laundry room, I was coerced into continuing the ongoing project in Miss H's room. We have been redecorating in there since sometime this summer. It began with a $5 can of mistint paint at the Home Depot. A soft green, that presents more as white until you add more saturated colors nearby. That lead to new bedding that she bought with her birthday money and a few little recycling projects. Then school started again and we came to a stand still. Until this weekend. Her closet doors will not stay in place. They have a mind of their own. So Daddy suggested we remove them all together. Here is where we left off Saturday evening.

We decided a more saturated color was the way to go. The light and bright walls are great, but Miss H wanted more color. I wish I could tell you what color this is. The one downside to using mistint paints is the lack of labeling. The quart was a greenish teal that I added a pint of turquoise to. I can't believe how close this color is to her bedding.

Please ignore the mess that was Miss H's closet. Had to keep it real. Do you see her comforter there at the bottom? The colors are a lucky match. Here's the before...

Now to get a sheet of MDF for additional shelves. The left side will get a "shelf" at desk height to act as a vanity. I need to find a chair to rehab in a fun color and add the little mirror that currently hangs above her bed. A perfect place to get ready in the morning if I can find a way to light the space. No power outlet presents a bit of a problem. Hanging clothes will go on the right bottom. The little black dresser you spy the side of in the above photo will go on the shelf above that (after a coat of white paint) for sock and under clothes. Built into the remaining space next to the little dresser will be shelves for shoe storage. The rest of the space will be used for bin storage. You can't see it in the photos, but the closets in this house soar to the 10 foot ceiling height. There is a full length shelf above all of this that is begging for a collection of bins, but where to find them that won't break the bank? Any suggestions? The best price I have seen so far is Home Depot at $7 each. I'd love to find something under $5.

Waste Not, Want Not

I promised I would show you what I did with the rest of that little, worn out sweater that once belonged to Miss H.

I don't normally decorate with a lot of blue. I wear it all of the time, so its not that I dislike the color. Its just not seen in my home decor much. I couldn't let the rest of that sweater go to waste. Waste not, want not. Here's what I started with...

The pillow had been given to me years ago. Another thing being stored in my laundry room cabinets. Hmmm, Pinterest seems to be helping me clean those guys out. Hip, hip, hurray for small miracles. Maybe I can talk Mr. Shawn into redoing it this weekend?

Teresa! Hello, you are getting side tracked. Who me? Okay

The sleeves were used for these little guys.

You can see how I did that here.

I'm liking these little projects. My frugal side has been very pleased. Let's break it down, shall we?

Cozy candle holders = $0

Pillow makeover = $0

0+0= happy me :)

Pinspiration!

This was the easiest up cycle. And totally free. My favorite four letter word. Not that any other four letter words are ever used around here. Well, maybe sale and...never mind. Back to the word at hand. Free. This was free, see?

You can find the tutorial here and the

inspiration from Pinterest here, here, and here.

                                                                        Source: bystephanielynn.com via Teresa on Pinterest

Thank you to Katie, Ana, Erin, and Sherry for hosting this fun little challenge. Be sure to check out their amazing projects. So inspirational. I'm linking up to their parties.

Cozy Candles

We have snow! I always enjoy the first snow of the year. It inspires me to bake goodies, light the candles and generally cozy up the house. Why not cozy up the candles? Thank you Pinterest!

Aren't they cute?! It was an easy, 10 minute project that cost absolutely nothing. FREE I tell you, free...my favorite four letter word. Here's how it went.

I began with one of Miss H's favorite sweaters. She wore the heck out of it for the last couple of years and it finally gave up in the dryer a couple of months ago. She was so bummed she couldn't wear it with a hole. I told her not to worry, that I would do something fun with it. And then it sat in my laundry room cupboards...until I saw another blogger do this cute candle and vase display.

I decided to take advantage of a leftover jar and a lonely candle holder that had also been sitting in my cupboards taking up valuable space waiting for their purpose in life. Well, they need not wait any longer. I cut off the sleeves and slipped one over the jar.

See that cute little button? I always liked that detail and I wanted to highlight it. Front and center it goes. The sleeve wasn't quite long enough in one spot to pull the top edge to cover the mouth of the jar. Instead, I hot glued it just below and decided to cover the rest with ribbon or twine, whatever I could scrape up in my craft drawer.

That left the bottom edge to glue and trim. Nothing to it!

I think I like the companion piece even better. The button detail is more front and center as is the texture of the sweater. So, what did I do with the rest of that poor little sweater? I'll show you my next Pinterest inspired piece soon. I promise.

Doing a little Show and Tell at Romantic Home, My Simple Home Life, Whipper Berry, Joyful Stamper, 

House in Roses and Between Naps on the Porch.

Christmas Inspiration

My tree decor is in need of some love. Throughout the years various ornaments have not survived the annual trek from their boxes, to the tree, and back again. Poorly planned storage, children, and pets are all to blame. Heck, one year, our towering 12 foot tree fell. Gasp...That was ugly. I don't care to recall the gory details. Needless to say, I have some ornament shopping and crafting to do.

In that vain, I have been surfing the net and pinning my heart away. I'm fairly new to Pinterest. Its safe to say I am in love. What a wonderful tool. So much better than saving the sites of what catches my eye to my tool bar, or worse the pic to my computer. Here are a few of my favorites so far.

Source: wisteria.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I love the rustic and polished contrast. The question is...What would I put inside?

Source: todolwen.blogspot.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I'm not sure if I would do these as ornaments on the tree or decor else where.

Source: bhg.com via Teresa on Pinterest

I see these with a white and grey paper, silver glitter and pearls. How would you put your spin on it?

For more, check me out on Pinterest.

Onward to Christmas

Now that Halloween is officially over and everything is packed away until next year, we get to look forward. Thanksgiving would normally be the holiday that would be getting my attention, but I don't have to host this year. I'm actually looking forward to it. I get to be a guest. 

My in-laws are hosting their own, my mom is going to my brother and his new girlfriend's house with her family, so that leaves me footloose and fancy free. So, we will be spending our day giving thanks for good southern food and the family we choose to hold close. These are the same people we shared our love of Disney with. The same family that I am Mom Number 2 to. Our girls have been growing up together. I helped potty train the youngest of my adopted daughters when her mom was frustrated with her 12 hour shifts at the hospital. They really are the family we choose to have. Its sad to say, but sometimes your genetic family can make the holidays less joyous than they should be. I am relieved that they are each finding a way to celebrate that makes them happy and I get to do the same. I love each of them in a way I could never describe, but I think the break may be good. Best of all? I will get to help cook. No loss of my big meal fix.

At any rate...I get to focus my energies a little further forward. Onward to Christmas. 

Christmas Eve is my night and I enjoy bringing out the joyousness of the season. We host a friends and family buffet dinner along with a Bingo gift exchange. Our rules are simple. Each person is supposed to bring five gifts that cost a dollar or less. I think I may add that dollar store shopping is out this year. It means you have to try a little harder. This means I have a hunt ahead of me. I relish the idea and will share my finds.

A special thank you to my top referring sites this month!

320 Sycamore Blog

The Lettered Cottage

The Stumbling Tongues

I love each of these blogs. I strive to be as inspirational as they are.

Revealing the rest of Jack

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me! (off key, of coarse) Finally getting around to finishing up my series on making Jack.

Another inspiration pic...

Yeah, you can buy them. If you don't mind being set back about $400! Not in this life. Jack needs to be bringing in a paycheck in order for that to happen. So, we aimed for this...

Here's is a rough idea of what we started with.

Working with what we could find. Add a little paint and apply a little sand paper and this is what you get. I wish they were softer, more wrinkly, but beggars, can't be choosers.

And the final effect? Here is Mr. Shawn all dolled up.

He has a jacket too, but I didn't manage to get any pictures of him in it. Major bummer!

 Mr Shawn really was a rock star. Not so much at Disneyland; I think people are too used to seeing good costumes. But over this last weekend he was a HUGE hit. He had ladies asking the bartender to have him come over to their table, people stopped him and asked for photos, kids were just mesmerized. The compliments were non stop. But you know what really made it? Mr Shawn hammed it up. He practiced his lines, got into character, did the silly walk. It all makes a difference. Whatever you choose to dress up as in the years to come, be sure you ACT the part.

Busy Bees

One week down and one to go in the craziness we call life around here! Will you allow me a little time to brag?

All last week, Miss K had been at school from 7:10 every morning until 7, 8, or 9 at night depending on the night! She is one exhausted baby. All I want to do is cuddle her up in her blanket and tuck her in, but I can't. She had one last performance last night and tonight they break down the set. Being one of only a couple of freshman to make the play has been quite the experience. Balance has been a tough thing to find for her lately. She was Julia in Macbeth at the Midnight Carnival. Nothing like a little Shakespeare mixed in with Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes to get the blood pumping on Halloween Night. Oh, how our world has changed from the days of dressing up in a Winnie the Pooh costume with her footie jammies underneath, trick or treating in the snow. 

Miss H got hit with the double wammy over these two weeks. We missed Miss K's opening night because Miss H had her own performance. She also had daily after school rehearsals leading up to her October Overture, fortunately she got to come home at 5 or so. A little down time is an absolute necessity for this child. Anywho, we support both of our girls, but the middle school and its choir director hold a special place in our volunteer hearts. So, we were there, right along with Miss H, doing what we do. LIGHTS! I love playing with our color LED's and GLEE lends itself all too well to a little lighting fun. This week she is performing in one of our local show rooms with the County's Honor Choir. That means every afternoon is devoted to rehearsal, again...Sadly, we don't get to play techies for this one. We have to be content just watching the performance. Have I ever described how this family is NOT known for sitting on the sidelines watching life go by? Its tough to just watch. 

And the weekend? Well, it should have meant a little time to catch up on things, but noooooo. Instead, our family that we choose (aka our best friends) invited us to a movie on Friday. Oh yeah, we didn't have school on Friday. We got that day off to celebrate Nevada joining the union...Forgot that part. So, we went to see the new Three Musketeers. We loved it. Great, classic swashbuckler movie with a modern twist. Very us. KWIM? Then Saturday, we had a wedding to attend that we had only learned of earlier in the week. Not only was it short notice, but we had to arrive in costume. Good thing we had all our pirate gear in order. I spent the day working on a personalized gift, while the girls attempted to catch up on home work, and off we went to witness our friends tie the not...along with half of the Truckee Meadows. You see, they chose to be married downtown, along the river front. Beautiful setting. And the weather could not have been more perfect. But, being Halloween weekend meant that there was a trick or treat crawl for the kiddies. I'm so glad we decided to leave early and enjoy a glass of wine before the ceremony. The costumes were fantastic and Mr Shawn was a huge hit as Jack Sparrow. Rock star for a day! And Sunday? Well we watched football with some friends and then took the girls to their first haunted house experience. Miss H chickened out. The girl walking around before we bought tickets was enough of a deterrent for her.

 Miss K has never been so scared in her life. Daddy had to practically drag her thru one section. I think its safe to say she won't want to do that ever again.

I can't wait to get back to fluffing up the house for fall. Its finally cooled off for the year. I thoroughly enjoyed our Indian summer, but now its time to bring on the cozy...