Tinsel & Trimmings

Well, maybe not tinsel…I’m too boring for that much fun.  But I did have a blast decorating our “new” abode for our first Christmas in this home!  As I unwrapped ornaments nestled in tissue paper and detangled strands of garland, nostalgic memories of the sweet people represented by each piece flooded my heart – presents from 8th grade students, a nativity scene gifted slowly over the years by my parents, treasures unearthed over a weekend in Shipshewana, an after-the-holidays sale extravaganza with my mom & sisters, a handmade sign from a friend, the German nativity from the family I nannied in college - mixed in with a smattering of other items from around our house.

In the past, I’ve wondered if decorating was a waste of time, since we spend several weeks (can’t wait!!) back in Indiana.  But having an inquisitive and eager 2 year old makes me all the more excited to deck the halls these days.  He’s been pretty helpful in the baking department too – although if he asks me for one more cookie, I might lose my mind…  : ) 

As we celebrate Advent – the coming of Immanuel – with nightly Scripture readings, a lighting of candles, occasionally a song, and the completely unspiritual Playmobile Advent calendar, we rejoice in the opportunity to teach Liam about the true meaning of Christmas.  How special it is to see him catching the Spirit of the season as his understanding grows!

DIY/Decorating Bucket List

Matt and I have recently been adding to our personal bucket list, and it’s got me thinking about a DIY/decorating bucket list.  Although some of these may be pie-in-the-sky dreams, as well as expensive, extravagant, and a loooong way off, I find that writing down my goals motivates me, so for what it’s worth, here’s the list (in no particular order), along with some eye candy. 

Board and batten

Chandelier in a bedroom

Built-ins

Logs in a fireplace (although I think I’d prefer a working fireplace, if given the choice)

Dark window panes

Mudroom

Stairway runner

World wall map

Bedroom wall sconces

Plank wall

Pergola

Outdoor string lights

Stain cement

Wallpaper

Crown molding

Finally, I would love to create a room using only second-hand items.  While I don’t have an extra space to decorate at the moment, I plan to do this at some point in the future.  It would basically involve scouring thrift stores, Craigslist, yard sales, and even our own basement storage.  I would be restricted to used items, but I’d be able to update them with paint.  Look at my rule-setting self.  : )  I’ve even wondered if it would be possible to sell this type of creation as a “set” on Craigslist, but I have a feeling that it wouldn’t work well, since Craigslisters tend to be looking for cheapo stuff.  Do you think it could work? 

I realized once I started writing this list that there are a bazillion more projects that I could add on both a big and small level, but I think this is a good place to start, as these things tend to ebb and flow.  I really don’t expect all of these to happen, but I’d be happy to work them into our living space, a friend’s, or even a house staging.  Or perhaps just a blog post.  : ) 

So what about you?  What are your DIY dreams and schemes? 

Into the New Year

We’re nearly to February, so I thought it might be a good time for a photo dump, since I just downloaded photos from December and January.  Yeesh!

Catchin’ up with the fam… I soooo wish I had taken more photos during Christmas.  Will I never learn?!

One sick kiddo… I’m thankful I was with my mom during Liam’s first bout with the flu.

A Midwest boy at heart… Playing with all the cool toys at Grandpa Feller’s store—definitely a highlight. 

LOVE this face…cracks me up every time.

A few photos from this afternoon.  I’m determined to learn how take better manual shots this year!

And just to mix it up, here are a few recent photos of our table décor.  I’m always a little stumped on how to decorate between the holidays and warmer weather, but I’m digging this simple arrangement—especially thanks to the cool wood serving board that my mother-in-law gifted me on my birthday. 

I’ll end with a few shots of Matt’s birthday cake.  Although we didn’t do a big shebang this year, I wanted to make a special cake for my mister.  He tends to like peanut butter and chocolate combos, so I slaved over whipped up this ditty.  Check out Annie’s Eats for the recipe.  By the way, Matt really enjoyed this cake, and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something decadent.  The fluffy peanut butter frosting is delicious and would be a great addition to your favorite chocolate cake recipe.  You can totally see the imperfections in the photos, but I was happy with the overall turnout.  Another goal…learn how to frost a cake!

How is your 2013 going so far?