Here's to 2011 ...

Happy New Year to my Family, Friends, and fellow bloggers.

Looking forward to more crafting, decorating, and blogging fun.

"Something GREAT is going to happen in 2011 ...

I can't wait to see what it is !!!

Oh Christmas Tree

One last look before the tree comes down.

I loved my tree this year ... I added lots of oversided items along with my traditional ones. I didn't add bows this year but used raffia streamers instead. Lots of lights - love lots of lights!!! And lots of glittery things ....

The large glitter christmas light bulbs are from the .99 cent store ... 3 for .99 cents. So cute!!

My Favorite Nativity:2010

Over the years I have collected many Nativity sets. I love to display them every Christmas time. This year, this simple and easy Nativity display has taken center stage. It's placed right as you walk in my front door.

Sitting on a cute little black chair that is in my entry way ... Is a glass Nativity set from the Dollar Tree displayed on a gold charger plate.

To the back of the chair I tied a lighted wicker star. I found this star at the Salvation Army ... back in July. I loved it and was so excited when I got it home and the lights actually worked!! It works so well with this Nativity. It's so simple yet so pretty.

I have linked this post up to the blog Cramp I've Made: 2010 Nativity Parade. Take a few minutes to check out this site. There are some lovely Nativity sets on display.

New Love ....

These funny little wrist warmers are my new love !!!!

I first saw on these on Megan's Brassy Apple website. (Click here for Megan's tutorial.) I made some for my Secret Santa exchange ... but she didn't ever received them because I put them on and can't take them off ...LOL. I have worn them to work, shopping, at home.... LOVE!!!

These are the easiest things in the world to make - and would be a great last minute gift. I purchased the socks at the .99 cent store. (I have three different pair now!) Don't put them on your own wrists ... I promise you will have a hard time giving them up !!!

Shhh... It's a Secret!!

Last week was Secret Santa days at my work. We had a $10.00 dollar limit to spend on fun things to be delivered over 3 days. Thanks to the .99 cent Store ... and my stash of craft supplies, I had fabulously cute gifts to give away and stay in budget.

7Up Shot Glass: One bottle of 7Up and cute peppermint candy shot glass. COST: $2.00

Knit Scarf w/Flower Pin: I found this fabulous knit scarf at the 99 cent store - added a flower pin that I made with an old torn table cloth that I had in my bag of lace. I already had the hardware and jewel in my craft box. COST: $1.00

Cute Cake Plate - "Believe" Plate and glass candle holder - I already had the ribbon and jingle bell. COST: $2.00 - I also added a blueberry muffin to the plate on the day gift was delivered - soo cute and yummy! TOTAL COST: $5.00

GRAND TOTAL for Super Cute Secret Santa gifts .... $8.00

What I'm Wearing Wednesday ... Wardrobe Fun Blog

I found a fun blog titled The Pleated Poppy. On Wednesday visitors are encouraged to link up a "What I am Wearing Wednesday" photo. Here is my first attempts at taking photos of myself and then posting/linking them. This is the only full length mirror that I have ... I definitely need to learn how to take pictures of myself. Check out the Pleated Poppy Blog and links. I have gotten lots of ideas on how to change up my wardrobe :-)

Aqua Sweater with long sleeve white blouse (cuffs rolled up) and jeans. I picked up this sweater at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. I love the big buttons, the texture, and the aqua color ... you would not believe how many compliments I get when wearing this sweater ... LOL

I added a large brown flower pin that I made ... I loved how I looked in this casual outfit on Wednesday. Check out my sandals below ... LUV!!! It's hard to tell from the photo what is on my feet - my fave Bling Flip Flops.

So Sweet Doily Fireplace Swag

I saw a darling fireplace swag on another blog (can't remember which one ... sorry) and knew I wanted to create something similar for my fireplace. Using twine, doilies, and handkerchiefs I came up this this. I absolutely love it ... it turned out so cute and was so easy. I just hung the twine then randomly draped the doilies and hankies over it.

Best part about it is the items I used. Most of the doilies and all of the handkerchiefs came from my mother. They originally belonged to her, my Grandma Frantz, or my Grandma Prescott. Thank you Mom for these precious items.

I love my doily/hanky collection and use them all the time as part of the decor in my little apartment. Here are a few examples ...

Is this not the cutest thing ever ... It's like a little clothes line - wooden clothespins included!! I got the idea from daughter Michelle when I visited this past summer. It hangs on the wall in my bedroom. The quilt square was given to me by my mother - pieced together by my Grandma Frantz. My Grandma Prescott made the gold and white pot holder. The picture you seeing is my Grand-Daughter Kaitlin. It is her Baptism Announcement. I just love all the fabulous things hanging from my little clothes line.