Nutcracker Mantel

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Greetings!  And, thank you all SO much for your thoughtful comments about my whimsical Christmas kitchen decor!  I really appreciate it ... your sweet notes are the reason why I blog.  Again, thank you!   </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since we're all in (or getting in or need to be in) the holiday spirit, and the blog Christmas par-tays are beginning, I thought I'd share my great room mantel today.  Like last year, I chose to embellish it with nutcrackers.  However, this year, I added a few more ornaments, snowflakes and beads:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9A_KjgtXr234m8VHU7GBiyRLKjYXGrJdByIFsaiKIM9NDzKRdGLWjduj08Qk881SGHihfQbwRdsuhJytHMwEk9oEyAkrIt8yZwKT1bd98Ztx8NFFxmGnI0NHdSwjF4oYTv2R6RTGCA/s1600/moverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9A_KjgtXr234m8VHU7GBiyRLKjYXGrJdByIFsaiKIM9NDzKRdGLWjduj08Qk881SGHihfQbwRdsuhJytHMwEk9oEyAkrIt8yZwKT1bd98Ztx8NFFxmGnI0NHdSwjF4oYTv2R6RTGCA/s400/moverall.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo2WQmx7UjiKMbW1jzyFFsV-KBDBUFzX7VAFV-fn5uYtMVLQjAsGfV2H_W7CjC0yX3HgAWRAEV1f7e_M8WXJLdsK5tieLECvy1el-Wkr68zlLPjcmem159oPMYIGUsv1FRqkfMK3EjQ/s1600/lmantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCo2WQmx7UjiKMbW1jzyFFsV-KBDBUFzX7VAFV-fn5uYtMVLQjAsGfV2H_W7CjC0yX3HgAWRAEV1f7e_M8WXJLdsK5tieLECvy1el-Wkr68zlLPjcmem159oPMYIGUsv1FRqkfMK3EjQ/s400/lmantel.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These pretty green, red and gold shatterproof ornaments are from Wal-Mart ($5 for a box of 18)!  Love.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhx9N1fVtE_OD9tXIXKNXFpx6m6SlgSUywCvnmyVtLAxU7HZVywJk07ZungjJ7Hh3KacaRf575dqr_JehMmdpOB51n_gasJVaBEWbF_wFNtPWOhLQfyxd5Zy6xdeGSGcja_6ks86TBA/s1600/mclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhx9N1fVtE_OD9tXIXKNXFpx6m6SlgSUywCvnmyVtLAxU7HZVywJk07ZungjJ7Hh3KacaRf575dqr_JehMmdpOB51n_gasJVaBEWbF_wFNtPWOhLQfyxd5Zy6xdeGSGcja_6ks86TBA/s400/mclose.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last year, I had one simple row of gold beads (from Old Time Pottery).  This year, I added more ... fun:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-RAoc-tb0R9c_OYfmzWBH7xB_kciFbvkCHq1ErEJkEqaFTA4mihsqC6_Z0dtmFR2hnDjrAsO-A-8Q1jrpxPoVSDjmEWxm3ZlusbYyxkOEMc0jrpSV5l7KzwzpTD41XRcNBN9vSY2sA/s1600/close3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-RAoc-tb0R9c_OYfmzWBH7xB_kciFbvkCHq1ErEJkEqaFTA4mihsqC6_Z0dtmFR2hnDjrAsO-A-8Q1jrpxPoVSDjmEWxm3ZlusbYyxkOEMc0jrpSV5l7KzwzpTD41XRcNBN9vSY2sA/s400/close3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I added the gold, glittery snowflakes this year, as well (from a local Christmas shop): </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6Y6CiqfvwO0Zy3qK_FhEMQyn1Kmxav7-CKPlsswbKvzVfmFdKW9K4v2cymSc7Yt2ipO9ibSnKQZwJSNHneQKPiChzto5AcbNSGraPU21_rxoXsBdrl4nh7e5u5ntII99VCRjnpKq4A/s1600/rmantle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6Y6CiqfvwO0Zy3qK_FhEMQyn1Kmxav7-CKPlsswbKvzVfmFdKW9K4v2cymSc7Yt2ipO9ibSnKQZwJSNHneQKPiChzto5AcbNSGraPU21_rxoXsBdrl4nh7e5u5ntII99VCRjnpKq4A/s400/rmantle.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also decided it might be fun to add a couple of canisters of the traditional Christmas nuts.  Of course, I just *had* to perch a mini nutcracker right on top.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitREJ5Ja4006x6ZSuWXd2Kkgbw1Bo-VttwiSSjrIHVIrvZjqGHX1A_D9IY7Zx5i_Y1DdmHjE84UFg3Qo5C3yhefBCk8ocfAQGkL0Thhmslw_Ml0n8YgdaBuP-hpHPoHuKN1Rsbc1fooA/s1600/nutcracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitREJ5Ja4006x6ZSuWXd2Kkgbw1Bo-VttwiSSjrIHVIrvZjqGHX1A_D9IY7Zx5i_Y1DdmHjE84UFg3Qo5C3yhefBCk8ocfAQGkL0Thhmslw_Ml0n8YgdaBuP-hpHPoHuKN1Rsbc1fooA/s400/nutcracker.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up above, the wreath is adorned with a few Christmas gold, red and green balls:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLoeHvBeEqnfmtQSBULhJdWtnwl5oOx3PngxxkHctmp4EsVw4WidphmTgyE_WeiJbKLsTh0lpb46kMx3hMp3OH_ZlwFRYaiyz04fEVj0aAfoxAHknmochvPBMmf2j1m3Y9MUfDSrHqg/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLoeHvBeEqnfmtQSBULhJdWtnwl5oOx3PngxxkHctmp4EsVw4WidphmTgyE_WeiJbKLsTh0lpb46kMx3hMp3OH_ZlwFRYaiyz04fEVj0aAfoxAHknmochvPBMmf2j1m3Y9MUfDSrHqg/s400/wreath.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, what fireplace would be complete without fresh cookies and cold milk waiting for Santa!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTdNFMf4s9lmjqcAG1X_HiRmx1LIm-mcoyhIznm4YnSQ3VQA2MSn3JMZ2HIPw1fBEwhEHkoZbf4xuMkqWrWSMYmVp5z0t0qZfIdA8sLsTveSUXoWcSYo_xrxJ-J-sS-fO-sLFRk2MJg/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTdNFMf4s9lmjqcAG1X_HiRmx1LIm-mcoyhIznm4YnSQ3VQA2MSn3JMZ2HIPw1fBEwhEHkoZbf4xuMkqWrWSMYmVp5z0t0qZfIdA8sLsTveSUXoWcSYo_xrxJ-J-sS-fO-sLFRk2MJg/s400/cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I leave you with a nighttime shot, with the mantel all aglow! </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpthYFYvfbP9JxgJ6c2RxNYD7ZofQtG6dVa-4OsAKgL4fHATdklGGIoAodg-2ssOcJ8PPR_36gAc9-SZp2TW5MFKOMuXy5oiWzy_KWB2dsrdFirjfipQ26wiYXOpkaVEih3sYdIiBtVQ/s1600/mnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpthYFYvfbP9JxgJ6c2RxNYD7ZofQtG6dVa-4OsAKgL4fHATdklGGIoAodg-2ssOcJ8PPR_36gAc9-SZp2TW5MFKOMuXy5oiWzy_KWB2dsrdFirjfipQ26wiYXOpkaVEih3sYdIiBtVQ/s400/mnight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by!  Come on over and visit the following blogs who are having fun gatherings:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/holiday-home-linky-party-our-christmas-mantel?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheLetteredCottage+%28The+Lettered+Cottage%29">The Lettered Cottage/Holiday Home Linky Party</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/traditional-red-and-green-boring-to.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Savvy Southern Style/Boring to Better Party</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/kitchen-vignettes-lime-and-red/">Southern Hospitality/Vignette Party</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/12/feathered-nest-holiday-time.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">French Country Cottage/Feathered Nest Friday</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/12/inspiration-friday-party-no-14.html">Southern in My Heart/Inspiration Friday</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/2010/12/creche-is-back.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bargain Hunting with Laurie/Favorite Things</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/2010/12/everyone-is-celebratingseasonal-sundays.html">The Tablescaper/Seasonal Sundays</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hugs,</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a>

Nutcracker Mantel

Greetings!  And, thank you all SO much for your thoughtful comments about my whimsical Christmas kitchen decor!  I really appreciate it ... your sweet notes are the reason why I blog.  Again, thank you!   Since we're all in (or getting in or need to be in) the holiday spirit, and the blog Christmas …

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Christmas in the Kitchen

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I had such a great time with my family and friends!  The last few days have been nothing but eating, laughing, shopping ... repeat ... eating, laughing, shopping ... repeat!  I was more than sad to say goodbye to everyone as they headed back to Virginia. :(</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Soooo, to take my mind off of missing my family, I kept busy adding a few last touches of Christmas around the house.  I thought I'd share a little bit of my kitchen, decked out for the holidays.  My goal was to keep it fun, festive and filled with whimsy.  Hope I succeeded! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As you enter through our mudroom, you're greeted by this whimsical tree, filled with cookies, candies, cookie cutters and other fun ornaments (click on pic to enlarge if you'd like):</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6FwsrpPLDUDNZLe5fu0UkWlSpBpyp1jZoQIFLhfE8KK0vimTsQly4gZ3qL-N3NqXG_ucPii0rm1AtOQu-JlERD6QZ5uCon1gaDz7raYP8hfxJ8qGU1HPp2shc2xeQ9yBp3U1IPoGkw/s1600/overalltree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6FwsrpPLDUDNZLe5fu0UkWlSpBpyp1jZoQIFLhfE8KK0vimTsQly4gZ3qL-N3NqXG_ucPii0rm1AtOQu-JlERD6QZ5uCon1gaDz7raYP8hfxJ8qGU1HPp2shc2xeQ9yBp3U1IPoGkw/s400/overalltree.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mr. and Mrs. Claus have fresh, gingerbread cookies all ready for you:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yiAhXlexac2iQwrMuKUXAZMWqsPzhNJ_ANEbH-3GqzysKNzZHcl8LCmdNcf2Qs3kdAnEIu4QbEwle0XkRGv1qzsVW8TPjFRh0Tj2KLyNvPm0R0z9zOJAMOyJdqi6flQ8_71-hS1Ddw/s1600/ksanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yiAhXlexac2iQwrMuKUXAZMWqsPzhNJ_ANEbH-3GqzysKNzZHcl8LCmdNcf2Qs3kdAnEIu4QbEwle0XkRGv1qzsVW8TPjFRh0Tj2KLyNvPm0R0z9zOJAMOyJdqi6flQ8_71-hS1Ddw/s400/ksanta.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLNNBnRgszRjsliq_9tHjsr0Y7McO7rqKPySjO960dwnLUvdhZDlC-YBF452tEG7Zb4MsyYun2AVag-zv9lbP_j4S9baGdNccK6fauPVZyUxHWQkWtoQUiQDVKyd-szRtvEBPDvhHXA/s1600/msanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLNNBnRgszRjsliq_9tHjsr0Y7McO7rqKPySjO960dwnLUvdhZDlC-YBF452tEG7Zb4MsyYun2AVag-zv9lbP_j4S9baGdNccK6fauPVZyUxHWQkWtoQUiQDVKyd-szRtvEBPDvhHXA/s400/msanta.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, for those of you who remember my love for these cute cards from KariCraft during the Fall, I loved adding a few to this tree, as well:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd8sOvuxxiSNkrZjw6QlqRNSFVP71_8BwuxG2I5ZxsPtrqGcc_poReFgm6LR9k8n77kp0SCC6PNz3QNzXj3QfUlVYee1VDOVZkgkijijgu6U_dnLHk7LBRnGmpYuIhFqHksCkv4K0zw/s1600/ktree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd8sOvuxxiSNkrZjw6QlqRNSFVP71_8BwuxG2I5ZxsPtrqGcc_poReFgm6LR9k8n77kp0SCC6PNz3QNzXj3QfUlVYee1VDOVZkgkijijgu6U_dnLHk7LBRnGmpYuIhFqHksCkv4K0zw/s400/ktree.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S9lSG7ySaJEwF1pEFj_IPo3HR9PHuex185O_46WJHWTfEeRCNy8tQYiqsK8BSajhNpGorQsitANlSlYvajoHl0Km10Rmp5HqPnzIYb4fw0ev9F2PGaFGUClUmX_WDWBvAKV4HhszBg/s1600/ktree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S9lSG7ySaJEwF1pEFj_IPo3HR9PHuex185O_46WJHWTfEeRCNy8tQYiqsK8BSajhNpGorQsitANlSlYvajoHl0Km10Rmp5HqPnzIYb4fw0ev9F2PGaFGUClUmX_WDWBvAKV4HhszBg/s400/ktree2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found these sweet, festive lollipops at Cracker Barrel ... thought they'd be fun tucked in the tree:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAY6kcQB9Pmy_Oo-4k-qrxasTzTVQvoop59JQpBRE1iWkj4oLShaa6GvuBfK2-4BcBeG6ET6JtjAVp8H7MJhQsRjf_K99Rllo-CW7-8_ZZJid3Iq207gFAuLZh5ZPWay0qJW4_U-zDw/s1600/ktree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAY6kcQB9Pmy_Oo-4k-qrxasTzTVQvoop59JQpBRE1iWkj4oLShaa6GvuBfK2-4BcBeG6ET6JtjAVp8H7MJhQsRjf_K99Rllo-CW7-8_ZZJid3Iq207gFAuLZh5ZPWay0qJW4_U-zDw/s320/ktree4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My wonderful elves are perched on top ... they are busy stringing gumdrops, which then cascade around the tree.  They are such wonderful helpers:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GEAwke1CG7Jcg8iV-bAAh097mJFv1eL69jhyP1x-pWfN0HGJyFSoOfIMHPGKVQFF3eCqb5BBklHKoyNYk3ZwqtZtYb9EG3W0-8DUcj0FAiJjIHQ0dH02E9mMScjbyFB_62Q9cPpvWA/s1600/ktopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GEAwke1CG7Jcg8iV-bAAh097mJFv1eL69jhyP1x-pWfN0HGJyFSoOfIMHPGKVQFF3eCqb5BBklHKoyNYk3ZwqtZtYb9EG3W0-8DUcj0FAiJjIHQ0dH02E9mMScjbyFB_62Q9cPpvWA/s400/ktopper.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I filled my kitchen canisters with calorie-filled yummies, except for the middle one, which I filled with fake snow, ivy and ornaments, topped with an elf:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBUSD_NNaNBd2VW-fIB-j83EHHvAfvAblHAAlFsXiSrkhXtIBQTC6GjmTWJ1OB2u31MfvsGofFf0uNi4_9esK54xjOM3_es2jeaF6nBsJGZSKBpYFoQOVaAGTmKoh2XiLj7ZvF-hSTg/s1600/elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBUSD_NNaNBd2VW-fIB-j83EHHvAfvAblHAAlFsXiSrkhXtIBQTC6GjmTWJ1OB2u31MfvsGofFf0uNi4_9esK54xjOM3_es2jeaF6nBsJGZSKBpYFoQOVaAGTmKoh2XiLj7ZvF-hSTg/s400/elf.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other counters have festive touches, as well.  A polka dot bowl of *faux* fresh bread:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jrGrbaoY-FyxsOubeObd1O0a7uUbMVDXhNkwKLnjK1_5LqdXMyrN6bD7m8Jt0ScTLO1Di1hgTBh94cfk155OHIs6v93wN0ATLNYT0nOgFCQXaCGptT-nHtVM9RY1v-MrO4h9-Rqwaw/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jrGrbaoY-FyxsOubeObd1O0a7uUbMVDXhNkwKLnjK1_5LqdXMyrN6bD7m8Jt0ScTLO1Di1hgTBh94cfk155OHIs6v93wN0ATLNYT0nOgFCQXaCGptT-nHtVM9RY1v-MrO4h9-Rqwaw/s400/bread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Christmas cookbook tempting you to make something yummy:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yeVXP-t94xQOAzext2hWnsLkD4Rizj07xs1Bo6Kq92qSAgCmcjRZ9QOnIX6b_Drj5w2VNG4palebd9JONWIJcjHzPfVBxp9G4nDZtJrYPEY00YWkG56TFiJMLFQqP1H2yXe6T_j7HQ/s1600/cookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yeVXP-t94xQOAzext2hWnsLkD4Rizj07xs1Bo6Kq92qSAgCmcjRZ9QOnIX6b_Drj5w2VNG4palebd9JONWIJcjHzPfVBxp9G4nDZtJrYPEY00YWkG56TFiJMLFQqP1H2yXe6T_j7HQ/s400/cookbook.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This little vignette has a tiered tray of *faux* goodies sitting next to the sweetest picture of my little fella taking his first walk with Santa a few years ago:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5N9mWdLAjODRHVncJdnyVeH9Cd0L61ZaE98Ccg_ikx5on8RcIMOavtn7JWVOa0lr1NivmlnUZK8DB5P5Fu_0-h7lMmXApPt41IlKd56uq-aQQ59XzEzwmawJUeHvox4seukh5dlRFg/s1600/kpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5N9mWdLAjODRHVncJdnyVeH9Cd0L61ZaE98Ccg_ikx5on8RcIMOavtn7JWVOa0lr1NivmlnUZK8DB5P5Fu_0-h7lMmXApPt41IlKd56uq-aQQ59XzEzwmawJUeHvox4seukh5dlRFg/s320/kpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, I topped my kitchen cabinets with garland, snowflakes and red and white ornaments.  Annnnd, I added a "Holly Jolly" note to my chalkboard:</span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-po27RpCGFQ1gdnyRF4fUi1Twy-y6mhcN8SPjerpkt2IiOEGFDEDGjJ0K8HwZZTbCs-2C1HxCIu0rTQD5owUiPADoVXWQ6-5h7HKi7VHuTezl8UgNhIqz2eUIQbyAbiQXau9Tuttn7A/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-po27RpCGFQ1gdnyRF4fUi1Twy-y6mhcN8SPjerpkt2IiOEGFDEDGjJ0K8HwZZTbCs-2C1HxCIu0rTQD5owUiPADoVXWQ6-5h7HKi7VHuTezl8UgNhIqz2eUIQbyAbiQXau9Tuttn7A/s400/chalkboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only thing missing from my kitchen is the smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven, which I hope Jax will help me with this weekend!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks so much for stopping by ... I'm off to see everyone else's touches of Christmas!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Be sure and stop by these truly wonderful blogs to join the fun!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Dittle Dattle for <a href="http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/2010/11/first-ever-linky-party-amaze-me-monday.html">Amaze Me Monday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">BTOTP for <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/fireplace-for-my-dream-library-welcome.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/kitchen-vignettes-lime-and-red/">Southern Hospitality/Vignette Party</a></span> <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hugs,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a></div>

Christmas in the Kitchen

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I had such a great time with my family and friends!  The last few days have been nothing but eating, laughing, shopping ... repeat ... eating, laughing, shopping ... repeat!  I was more than sad to say goodbye to everyone as they headed back to Virginia…

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My Two Minutes of Fame ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or less than that, if you're a quick reader!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, folks, my sincere apologies as I'm starting my week off with a shameless shout out ...  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week, a local magazine, Coastal Carolina Home & Lifestyle, did a  big ol' spread on the homes that were on the "Christmas Tour of Homes" last year ... our humble abode being one of them.  They included several pictures and an article for each house.  *Thare* she is, in all her Christmas glory (feel free to click on pics to enlarge):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgculiasFO3kzeToXgsCf6RCjgBn_-zWecQPRC7JyfRTKUql4bgahCB3up_gsg1JqmCp3syUd0Wb8qVN_VxtnAXpuKPL6t8J_4fA7_7_Gzp0ZEhr2Aye_g2cZ4gsRLkx2GLq16YQsps9w/s1600/article1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgculiasFO3kzeToXgsCf6RCjgBn_-zWecQPRC7JyfRTKUql4bgahCB3up_gsg1JqmCp3syUd0Wb8qVN_VxtnAXpuKPL6t8J_4fA7_7_Gzp0ZEhr2Aye_g2cZ4gsRLkx2GLq16YQsps9w/s400/article1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love how the writer *outed* me right off the bat by referring to my self-prescribed "ADD" (Attention Decorating Disorder)!  LOL.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStk9nH8Jtvb5blu7uEQ4upzpFhnVAP1VvL8Sul4xYxV8s0vmp7Hykx6Q-srbliKiczPw-ei9Iz7o3QJh31O26-kOHmuvKuyooT4e-Y46MhX00O1Ck5nvPRxwExB5rCkLbeS6S-tuz3Q/s1600/article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStk9nH8Jtvb5blu7uEQ4upzpFhnVAP1VvL8Sul4xYxV8s0vmp7Hykx6Q-srbliKiczPw-ei9Iz7o3QJh31O26-kOHmuvKuyooT4e-Y46MhX00O1Ck5nvPRxwExB5rCkLbeS6S-tuz3Q/s400/article.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It truly was an honor to have been asked to be part of the tour, as proceeds from the ticket sales benefited many organizations. (And, okay, to see your home in a magazine is pretty neat, too)! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, speaking of Christmas ... I was really super flattered and humbled to have been hired by a local business, Marine Service Center, to decorate their store for Christmas.  It's a super fun place (owned by a great couple, Mickey and Kayla Thompson) that sells all kinds of boats in every size you can imagine and other outdoor fun "toys."  (If you're ever near Longs, SC, you should pay them a visit!)</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">While I don't have a picture of what it looked like last year, it was done in a nautical look with red, blue and gold ornaments.  The owners wanted it to still coastal/nautical feel as it did last year, but to change it up a bit.  Sooo, I traded out their gold ornaments for silver ... added more blue and red and white ornaments and hoped for the best:</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloSZ8CO4oQPdi_1ZhQqXAJlzaJjHUjYviGD3tTn91_g_ZMPfx7OQlOeNQOjxiy_Nz_2N3xHYf1rI_Yby936z32bqvbnVR0rB4Rnwa5fz-9tX96GjvsIIdUZcWwjSaghmAIpYpCXlmyg/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloSZ8CO4oQPdi_1ZhQqXAJlzaJjHUjYviGD3tTn91_g_ZMPfx7OQlOeNQOjxiy_Nz_2N3xHYf1rI_Yby936z32bqvbnVR0rB4Rnwa5fz-9tX96GjvsIIdUZcWwjSaghmAIpYpCXlmyg/s400/tree.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To keep it not so "froo froo" (since mostly men frequent this store), I decided to add nautical rope and burlap as garland (adding the red ribbon for a fun pop of color).  I carried that to the top, as well, by adding two large bows made from burlap, red ribbon and a white (with silver) ribbon.  Too, considering that there are mounted deer heads all around (who watched my every move ... scary), I thought the brown burlap might tie in with the mounted creatures.  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgprLEL_8R4HcaPPvdLpfF3ofXSUDyoC6MO-AZQoFJfwaxGOKhZCZvOkis-rhYMBWE_IXhLKy9V5hWLddGXbk9a84j7AROJTMYq3JU_3jvpqXIzqpeqLxlA6vgH-PvgNbjH1UEVes5A/s1600/tree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgprLEL_8R4HcaPPvdLpfF3ofXSUDyoC6MO-AZQoFJfwaxGOKhZCZvOkis-rhYMBWE_IXhLKy9V5hWLddGXbk9a84j7AROJTMYq3JU_3jvpqXIzqpeqLxlA6vgH-PvgNbjH1UEVes5A/s320/tree4.jpg" width="304" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8kFxWYxIfJPyqLxMXn0mns8zzB6upT55sUWZXClgEnaEcproZyKaOnYKcJg6khO3r6851_zEaij-HXJXlEDJLnxsOboPi-zcmEgtsa0ThZDlOn6KmluPhGMyEcjQJ7-0GT6f7YJD2Q/s1600/tree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8kFxWYxIfJPyqLxMXn0mns8zzB6upT55sUWZXClgEnaEcproZyKaOnYKcJg6khO3r6851_zEaij-HXJXlEDJLnxsOboPi-zcmEgtsa0ThZDlOn6KmluPhGMyEcjQJ7-0GT6f7YJD2Q/s400/tree3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wrapped the presents in coordinating blue background paper and chose burlap for the ribbon/bows, adding a snowflake on a few packages to tie in with the tree.  I also added plain white boxes (with red ribbon) as well for contrast:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuVrUKnrSAzXOADnZb9Fdls85CsFGp0LGOL163KY-oTSuuAOi9nLnHEwCs9qVVDWCm81_GdTi1hcuevJDH6NrKAHNbHA9M3Ps27dfkTKko88iZ2ryoX94uIAVTMbXhqGtGmA0CJMoJA/s1600/presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuVrUKnrSAzXOADnZb9Fdls85CsFGp0LGOL163KY-oTSuuAOi9nLnHEwCs9qVVDWCm81_GdTi1hcuevJDH6NrKAHNbHA9M3Ps27dfkTKko88iZ2ryoX94uIAVTMbXhqGtGmA0CJMoJA/s400/presents.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, as for those mounted deer ... well, of course they needed some Christmas cheer, too!  </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">HowEVER, I've never come close (by choice) to a mounted deer head.  It was a funny (no, make that pa-THETIC) sight to see me tossing the garland around their necks to form a wreath, praying every.step.of.the.way that: a) the deer head didn't fall on me; b) it didn't all of sudden yell "boo," sending me to the floor; or 10) I didn't have a panic attack.  Seriously, folks, I was sweating!  When it was time to add the Santa hats ... well, forget it!  I couldn't do it ... I couldn't get *that* close.  Thankfully, Kayla and her receptionist, Melissa, did that for me.  I'm so ashamed!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ34iED0xadb-_uP6Sahyrtbi8bqCaik-Vs_PwCpliKszFZsq5qImy28frk64HrKGXk_vvMo3mWQHAu1QmH176-sA2e67LnhdRa3JxRg5MolX5aUkU43-xMZm_9GOjBPGI9jI9jOlL2g/s1600/deer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ34iED0xadb-_uP6Sahyrtbi8bqCaik-Vs_PwCpliKszFZsq5qImy28frk64HrKGXk_vvMo3mWQHAu1QmH176-sA2e67LnhdRa3JxRg5MolX5aUkU43-xMZm_9GOjBPGI9jI9jOlL2g/s400/deer1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">After I was done, I decided to have some fun on the toys.  I think I can get to Home Goods SUPER fast on either one of these!  Watch out, here I come! Vrrrrrroooooommmm!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB3lr9Dvfbt0TGNJYkuLitB7-tyUqrxF3S5Wrb9v4EbnF2tawfqtPc6SfYQhzSb2l-P5GLk_2YU7HlWAZrCuXhFd_MSZx4x8f9Y27OERn2NXiLGZqYUtUKbiRKWTa7bmSsak3_x9GiQ/s1600/atv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB3lr9Dvfbt0TGNJYkuLitB7-tyUqrxF3S5Wrb9v4EbnF2tawfqtPc6SfYQhzSb2l-P5GLk_2YU7HlWAZrCuXhFd_MSZx4x8f9Y27OERn2NXiLGZqYUtUKbiRKWTa7bmSsak3_x9GiQ/s400/atv.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeN-g4NTku05F9FAlRP9Ug62YXxDbHY8TU4rNyB_YwaXmK1R4klAw9UfNwuwuJ8DnF1oX6qfZeYj9dl-Irt5dQ4EjBN2uXDws2UoQ9PZCosqnq9VMcA858ROEZYRGeu7wksDZD6OhFw/s1600/atv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeN-g4NTku05F9FAlRP9Ug62YXxDbHY8TU4rNyB_YwaXmK1R4klAw9UfNwuwuJ8DnF1oX6qfZeYj9dl-Irt5dQ4EjBN2uXDws2UoQ9PZCosqnq9VMcA858ROEZYRGeu7wksDZD6OhFw/s400/atv1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, I'm off to tackle more Christmas!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by and humoring me, today!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm  linking up with some fun par-tays ... come join the fun at these awesome blogs:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/11/glitter-globe-pedestals-and-diy-show.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FpuSM+%28The+DIY+Show+Off%29">DIY Show Off</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-3rd-boring-to-better-party.html">Boring to Better at Savvy Southern Style</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/11/inspiration-friday-party-no-13.html">Southern in My Heart for Inspiration Friday</a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

My Two Minutes of Fame ...

or less than that, if you're a quick reader!  Yes, folks, my sincere apologies as I'm starting my week off with a shameless shout out ...  Last week, a local magazine, Coastal Carolina Home & Lifestyle, did a  big ol' spread on the homes that were on the "Christmas Tour of Homes" last year ... our h…

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Buh bye, Mr. Pumpkin ...

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Sunday.  Brrr, it's cold outside!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, considering I've had my Fall decor up since the latter part of August, I've decided it's time to start adding Christmas! I spent most of yesterday taking all of the leaves and pumpkins down (and confusing my 4 year old son who asked why I'm putting Christmas up when it's not even Thanskgiving yet ... he'll learn, right?  lol)!  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the meantime, Beth over at her fabulous blog, <a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2010/11/last-years-christmas-mantle-mantel.html">The Stories of A to Z</a>, is having a last year's Christmas Mantel linky party to get everyone in the mood for Christmas decor.  So, I thought I'd join the fun and share just a couple of pics of my mantel back then, which was dressed with a big ol' garland ... glittery nutcrackers and festive finials. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhYZZXnU6TXSs9_vN_QTeJUDl4O9CJlqi-0RwtuGekbb4b12XddsCpwNItNg2pQgCQzWFleGPXmhDjNPn60EqzqYmIT67lv_FwzXBMa7XRv9vpmKhM-D3UHHiXW13bXM3GG9i91QgVg/s1600/mantleblog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhYZZXnU6TXSs9_vN_QTeJUDl4O9CJlqi-0RwtuGekbb4b12XddsCpwNItNg2pQgCQzWFleGPXmhDjNPn60EqzqYmIT67lv_FwzXBMa7XRv9vpmKhM-D3UHHiXW13bXM3GG9i91QgVg/s400/mantleblog2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A closer look (my apologies for the poor photo quality):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK29J5mWf3G7VlIXy7Z3Xh8HJVcdSSu-uI1VKB5B8wnsDxrX9sApm_qjL2VMFTqudIZBjLuXcg5DefuM7HyC6CeDGH8YyLX8PKDTPwOH3iSUsZMK9bu7QyaPsdsPlz1chvVb0wsXJ45Q/s1600/mantleblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK29J5mWf3G7VlIXy7Z3Xh8HJVcdSSu-uI1VKB5B8wnsDxrX9sApm_qjL2VMFTqudIZBjLuXcg5DefuM7HyC6CeDGH8YyLX8PKDTPwOH3iSUsZMK9bu7QyaPsdsPlz1chvVb0wsXJ45Q/s400/mantleblog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the nutcrackers ... and will probably be placing them on my mantle again this year.  However, I'd love to switch it up a bit, so we'll see.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, since there is no way I will be *over*decking the halls like I did last year (when our home was on the local Christmas Tour of Homes Parade), I thought I'd share a link to my home from last year.  Just click here: <a href="http://adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com/2009/12/welcome-to-my-holiday-home-tour.html">Part 1 of my holiday home tour from last year</a> if you feel like seeing Christmas on overload!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by,</span> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a>

Buh bye, Mr. Pumpkin ...

Happy Sunday.  Brrr, it's cold outside!Well, considering I've had my Fall decor up since the latter part of August, I've decided it's time to start adding Christmas! I spent most of yesterday taking all of the leaves and pumpkins down (and confusing my 4 year old son who asked why I'm putting Christ…

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The Monkeys Have Been Set Free ....

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween !!  We had a weekend full of fun festivities.  And, yes, we decided to "rock" the Snooki/The Situation look (from MTV's Jersey Shore).  Yo!  Actually, it was fun to wear a wig that is my natural hair color (almost makes me miss being a dark, dark brunette).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQ3FE6bx6GAYALDpYMiSsBxsJsRGoBoyK4EqUVweIN_J5P8aaZB-IubEj4Bmod4NHBHwXeS53UeAZ1By_Ud9KCes5ZqfgIUHDraV_6i_kgL-7F1hEO4Aq0hXgUxeAAS0UmUMtSoOKIg/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQ3FE6bx6GAYALDpYMiSsBxsJsRGoBoyK4EqUVweIN_J5P8aaZB-IubEj4Bmod4NHBHwXeS53UeAZ1By_Ud9KCes5ZqfgIUHDraV_6i_kgL-7F1hEO4Aq0hXgUxeAAS0UmUMtSoOKIg/s400/IMG_0558.JPG" width="337" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Annn-eeee-way ... so, recently, I decided it was time to free the monkeys from our mudroom so that they could go back into their natural habitat (lol).  </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong>  I really did love the red monkey wallpaper that was in there for about 4 years, but, honestly, it always made the room appear a bit dark, and it really limited me in my decorative accessories.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNPsI3W73KDM0IrgzrVheysUjzfFMk8ClSFEsoqrRohvro2jasbDo_rIRURuHtArUyx57QmniZE2GNT7mqIRXCb4fUc8ic3g_Drlgo1-BKVPsvG2lAq7cicEpnjv4rzRdQVx-tbszLw/s1600/050%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNPsI3W73KDM0IrgzrVheysUjzfFMk8ClSFEsoqrRohvro2jasbDo_rIRURuHtArUyx57QmniZE2GNT7mqIRXCb4fUc8ic3g_Drlgo1-BKVPsvG2lAq7cicEpnjv4rzRdQVx-tbszLw/s400/050%5B1%5D.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was greatly inspired by incredibly talented Kim at <a href="http://www.twiceremembered.blogspot.com/">The Twice Remembered Cottage</a> ... she added beadboard to her dining room (fabulous), and I knew that this was the look I wanted in our mudroom.   And, as many of you know I've been on a lighten and brighten kick lately, so you shouldn't be surprised that I "attacked" this room and turned it into this:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQV4ljqo-qmyuce4UdC2gkVocD2l9TaT0ZbupQsa672FWifs3peqlzJEV1Sueiw6mC0kRHpDl1qbX5eI1o0SBn3CCSiVaAnxlq1Kz7R6TBTu5nxORKgeCv-Jy5C88_yq8FL2RZRgMyQ/s1600/mudoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQV4ljqo-qmyuce4UdC2gkVocD2l9TaT0ZbupQsa672FWifs3peqlzJEV1Sueiw6mC0kRHpDl1qbX5eI1o0SBn3CCSiVaAnxlq1Kz7R6TBTu5nxORKgeCv-Jy5C88_yq8FL2RZRgMyQ/s400/mudoverall.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We (meaning our neighbor) added beadboard and 4" wide pine molding (both chair and base) to mimick more of a "farmhouse" look.  I then painted  the walls SW Antique White.  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:  </strong>Monkey and palms ev.er.ree.where!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ09KoQKKEMQJoNtwH5zXfahcczmibYbfhK77kH6WyGIdjabQm1oO5UOBO3AKh2bs6LCC4dITrFN5y2ORvk08JHwA7c43hnNubnfi2YgjBsUkhqVoa5ZdMgfmjwbUOzf2tgtbA8fQzw/s1600/068%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ09KoQKKEMQJoNtwH5zXfahcczmibYbfhK77kH6WyGIdjabQm1oO5UOBO3AKh2bs6LCC4dITrFN5y2ORvk08JHwA7c43hnNubnfi2YgjBsUkhqVoa5ZdMgfmjwbUOzf2tgtbA8fQzw/s400/068%5B2%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>AFTER:</strong>  Yay(!), lighter and brighter:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5rBxCDNDUK7xNowspnLJzmQqMA0HoNiCvKMwEpXHA-IyCPuI-jJn8FuNatqoSU_0kynuehg3hOEddeCRJMCmhysHvCZGIeM7sybSuZ1nwWawLTPvDIpxEQ0RvztzXtpI2vJy5Akg5g/s1600/mudoverall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5rBxCDNDUK7xNowspnLJzmQqMA0HoNiCvKMwEpXHA-IyCPuI-jJn8FuNatqoSU_0kynuehg3hOEddeCRJMCmhysHvCZGIeM7sybSuZ1nwWawLTPvDIpxEQ0RvztzXtpI2vJy5Akg5g/s400/mudoverall2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In keeping with the farmhouse feel I was going for, our friend removed the basic door casings and added the wider 4" pine molding ... love it:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTkSHvwO2uu17DpW-gtVD9hterkYzHifRyqazGnl2TwYpvTBkegVuvljdWH4GCsOF9GQ65-GXQNvMmBr7MM9M1dfTldgB7KphAPCuT7KqGWSbS67vu3vDrLkwIFCCfpc5iY5KQ2S9xA/s400/door.jpg" width="266" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found this fun vintage sign at Michaels and placed a plain black frame around it.  I am waiting on a few oversized, metal wall laundry pins from Ballard's to go on this wall, too.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj759tjUmIXD6LGcPpeqPIt_ngDF2u3gv8DpZXcxeY1J85H4a4xRP0ODfNmBbymVSabxwz5AVyFylU7Y_ZeyyGL1blAnUQO7ZIs090xZVDBpp6kGg99tHIZa-6m5sdt2l3aKpy-qj4jgw/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj759tjUmIXD6LGcPpeqPIt_ngDF2u3gv8DpZXcxeY1J85H4a4xRP0ODfNmBbymVSabxwz5AVyFylU7Y_ZeyyGL1blAnUQO7ZIs090xZVDBpp6kGg99tHIZa-6m5sdt2l3aKpy-qj4jgw/s320/sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The area beside my washer/dryer remains my little grand central station, as far as calendar, invites, etc., goes.  We had the black granite (that once sat on our kitchen island) cut down and placed here instead:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6cKQ48dy8UtIs6ccXNjbM8dq4HGtN6xS1SBpVIpgZFY7MDRAClQGdwaqych94GSwwYcUK8UaSn05KTLnil2ivP2csfvKF6-GJfRQOeM8lndOKZsLrw7vpU9PhIrFHfqLMClsXCc3kQ/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6cKQ48dy8UtIs6ccXNjbM8dq4HGtN6xS1SBpVIpgZFY7MDRAClQGdwaqych94GSwwYcUK8UaSn05KTLnil2ivP2csfvKF6-GJfRQOeM8lndOKZsLrw7vpU9PhIrFHfqLMClsXCc3kQ/s400/desk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vwHiDfVMMGwK7cQnBsYpgO2_hgbvdY-Dey0cTmp_j4FEUC4tVJXtFA1HO6dmPokstJwNjUBeo1qp1G-4EOyoT4xUx-g1ZPu2AkG0gA9mfFTfx3VUo6KOW5Z5oKUryq8y6GX5ADwuGw/s1600/desk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vwHiDfVMMGwK7cQnBsYpgO2_hgbvdY-Dey0cTmp_j4FEUC4tVJXtFA1HO6dmPokstJwNjUBeo1qp1G-4EOyoT4xUx-g1ZPu2AkG0gA9mfFTfx3VUo6KOW5Z5oKUryq8y6GX5ADwuGw/s400/desk2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Above the cabinets, I placed a few fall pretties:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XGtAa_4OyuEDDdhqugmxA6MRfKyySh6o7gDtJ_ymvEuOpy5tdDGlpb9IcuooPq0S_Tp35LkjhSeKuSZy3LlRpTxdK5_Mo1nCLWPH_XknBtdiX5NJKqOsou08TmirJ4qIZiLvNCm2LA/s1600/soffit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XGtAa_4OyuEDDdhqugmxA6MRfKyySh6o7gDtJ_ymvEuOpy5tdDGlpb9IcuooPq0S_Tp35LkjhSeKuSZy3LlRpTxdK5_Mo1nCLWPH_XknBtdiX5NJKqOsou08TmirJ4qIZiLvNCm2LA/s400/soffit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the wall by the door leading to the garage, I placed this fun chalkboard (from Home Goods) that has cute little knobs ... love how rustic it is.  And, of course, I couldn't wait to break out my chalk paint markers:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRBWagaAo1nvLcWdy2Mj4_Tnk5HmRihqiZMJCDKW1q1XT2gkJT3ns7r-bRKa8ZHiqa8TYFbBj0h5mvnC0bZQ9mak2jlEP60LyhBvok8BIbuYKSZrG3mCggageiAaq2ZHL-kyQonjLPw/s1600/mud2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRBWagaAo1nvLcWdy2Mj4_Tnk5HmRihqiZMJCDKW1q1XT2gkJT3ns7r-bRKa8ZHiqa8TYFbBj0h5mvnC0bZQ9mak2jlEP60LyhBvok8BIbuYKSZrG3mCggageiAaq2ZHL-kyQonjLPw/s400/mud2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the wall opposite the washer/dryer, I added a coat rack (from Lowes), a picture ledge from Home Goods (that I painted white), along with some fun black picture frames!  Actually, I found the frames as part of a boxed set at Belk's (50% off ... score)!  They are super lightweight, and you simply hang them on the wall with Command Post Strips (that were also included):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutWUrPu6S-m7MafGXDqivvdBjewdF2ck7bpq5FmXA85Ol1Q1dTREghx9S89OvEmM-LZZ0HCXMZK6sst9sbRvl9C3JiFAbxdsDWdU6ZJcdJuuTI44AGPraCmEiOPyEB84XY8P44alSow/s1600/mud3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutWUrPu6S-m7MafGXDqivvdBjewdF2ck7bpq5FmXA85Ol1Q1dTREghx9S89OvEmM-LZZ0HCXMZK6sst9sbRvl9C3JiFAbxdsDWdU6ZJcdJuuTI44AGPraCmEiOPyEB84XY8P44alSow/s400/mud3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I opted to place a few frames on the picture ledge since I love the layered look:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9FHjRV7gnNMkhr6TfYPJ43Vhp9M5UAY2CSZ2E2PM9LiLHFMI3dEOuRPPem6yU41RUm2OmImmAuf7jc0NnTsDOlyL83vMSf_xjoPp5_33hbJIK6tDzWrERvAQfh9GdryLxqNiJUOzNQ/s1600/pictureledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9FHjRV7gnNMkhr6TfYPJ43Vhp9M5UAY2CSZ2E2PM9LiLHFMI3dEOuRPPem6yU41RUm2OmImmAuf7jc0NnTsDOlyL83vMSf_xjoPp5_33hbJIK6tDzWrERvAQfh9GdryLxqNiJUOzNQ/s320/pictureledge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A coupla "Fall" pillows sit on the black bench below, which also serves as perfect storage for stinky shoes (lol):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq6nof6cZ98uoe4Jyu6KrABhxnx9H8y2LCo6enQ7iIrI03VVXeOUmBPBdqeUhTGA0XNU2U_wApzbjDuBn3vAXfvXQwP1-zt4p0T1yGaBu7tuyPAebKW1QVwOsEJYqPN9YRRvpnei8cg/s1600/pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq6nof6cZ98uoe4Jyu6KrABhxnx9H8y2LCo6enQ7iIrI03VVXeOUmBPBdqeUhTGA0XNU2U_wApzbjDuBn3vAXfvXQwP1-zt4p0T1yGaBu7tuyPAebKW1QVwOsEJYqPN9YRRvpnei8cg/s320/pillows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, lastly, no mudroom is complete without a clothes bin embellished with a little chalkboard (which I couldn't help but to add a goofy title to ... yes, I'm a doof), along with some ca-ute Spiderman pj's hanging out:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZt2QDpxpLDWhyRA4pwv-ioYmFu3P0cFgeaHzG8W_umlmNOWHLt3NtBJ27sqDWiM_vVECO8ruCQkiTaSAbCWgwGyv2wfmqNKjGoayGj9LThZWv82mLK7_gat36cnHK5YokOLrAp_XWw/s1600/mud1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZt2QDpxpLDWhyRA4pwv-ioYmFu3P0cFgeaHzG8W_umlmNOWHLt3NtBJ27sqDWiM_vVECO8ruCQkiTaSAbCWgwGyv2wfmqNKjGoayGj9LThZWv82mLK7_gat36cnHK5YokOLrAp_XWw/s400/mud1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're still tweaking this room.  I really am enjoying the change!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm joining a few fun gatherings ... please stop by and visit the following amazing bloggers and their great parties:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/before-and-after-party-private-pantry.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-first-party.html">Savvy Southern Style/Before and After Party</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/11/master-bedroom-bliss.html">Shabby Chic Cottage/Transformation Thursdays</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/11/friday-vignettes-friday.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Color Outside the Lines/Vignettes Friday</span></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/11/inspiration-friday-party-no-11-and.html">Southern in my Heart/Inspiration Friday</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/11/sns-55-brings-you-stickstwigsbranches.html">Funky Junk/Saturday Night Special</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/11/sunday-showcase-party-w-three-scoops-of.html">Under the Table and Dreaming/Sunday Showcase</a></span></div>

The Monkeys Have Been Set Free ....

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween !!  We had a weekend full of fun festivities.  And, yes, we decided to "rock" the Snooki/The Situation look (from MTV's Jersey Shore).  Yo!  Actually, it was fun to wear a wig that is my natural hair color (almost makes me miss being a dark, dark brunette).Annn-ee…

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