Christmas Tree Ideas

WE decorated many trees for our 2018 Open House and I thought I'd feature

a few of them here for some ideas of what to do with our 

fabulous collection of holiday ornaments.

WE are obsessed with black and white checks this year! 

The ribbon was purchased at Hobby Lobby, 

https://www.hobbylobby.com/search/?text=Black+%26+White+check+ribbon.

 WE tied a big bow at the top using one of our ornaments as a tree topper.

 Then cut lengths to go down the tree in tendrils. The wired ribbon

 makes this so easy!

 Then WE added some red, silver, white and black ornaments to complete this look.

WE did our vintage look metallic brown tree (actually dark green) in all silvers and golds.

 WE chose ornaments with sweet vintage flair. Every tree needs a few

matte finish ornaments with all the shiny delights! 

"Make new friends but keep the old, one is Silver and the other Gold."

WE have always decorated a tree in all Santas and this year 

WE continued the tradition.

WE have Santa and Belsnickel ornaments in many forms and price points. Always a fun

 tree and great with red or white lights (or both). Start a collection for a 

friend or loved one by gifting them with a new one each year.

WE know it is early for Christmas decor but dreaming and 

planning or a fabulous holiday is half the fun.

Enjoy each moment!

Melin

xoxo

Inspirational Memory Board

 

We know these have been popular for the past decade or so. I wanted to create one in for my

home, to make me smile, but I wanted to find just the right piece for me. I was really

looking (and looking) for something cool and vintage.

 

I was at a friend's home, around the corner, for her yard sale and found a piece that I love.

 It is a newer, but vintage inspired, decorative white metal piece. I think she let me have it for

 a mere $5! It looks perfect in our blue and white bedroom hung over an antique table.

 

 

 I have very s-l-o-w-l-y added some things of meaning or that delight me. As I take a quick

glance, I see flowers, birdies, pink and cards from loved ones...all treasures!

 

 

 The angel was a gift from Aimee, when I sat on her Soroptimist Board. The birdie card was

from my Missy Birdie and the hand print is my grand-baby, Will Bug's. In the bottom center,

of the photo below, is a felt flower, beautifully handmade by my first born, Mia.  

 

 

I have seen very special boards created from vintage gates, bedsprings, small fencing,

trellis', shutters, you name it. For more inspiration, take a look at Pinterest or Google images.

What will inspire you and what will your board say about you?

Melin

 



Write a Fan letter.

How many times have you wanted to write a letter, email or note to someone who's work you  have admired? I have many times throughout my life and a few times actually did it. We all

 enjoy feedback when we have done a good job or inspired someone in any small way.

 

Yesterday, I emailed an author and artist that I have admired most of my life, Joan Walsh Anglund.

I was super and pleasantly surprised that she wrote back. Wow, that she would take the time

 to respond to little ol' me really made me feel as special as I hoped my email would do

for her. Email makes this process easier, so give it a try and make two people's day. 

 

Above is a photo of a few of my JWA collection. I remember the feel and beauty of her calendars that I received yearly from my Momma. They were heavier weight that what we get today. I kept them

for years for her illustrations and color but only their memory remains. You can see more of

her art, books and learn about her at her website http://joanwalshanglund.com. Email her

too, if she has touched your life in any way. Below is our exchange from yesterday.

"A friend is someone who likes you"  Joan Walsh Anglund

Melin

 

PS ~ Yesterday was my Momma's birthday and I know she was smiling.

 



Dearest Joan,

I just wanted to thank you for all your beautiful creativity! My Mom and I have enjoyed your works most all my life. She has been gone for 28 years now but I cherish our memories over the love and illustrations in your books. I still have many books, a few dolls and memories of calendars and so much more.

You have been an inspiration in my life and I thank you most sincerely,

Melin

A friend is not living in close proximity, it is finding a matching heart that understands.

Dear Melinda,

It made me so happy when I read your loving message to me, to know how much you have enjoyed my books over the years. I feel we have been friends for a long, long time, and now to be in personal touch is a special joy I never expected. Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me. It means more than you can guess.

With warmest love always,

Joan Walsh Anglund

What is your collecting style?

Some collectors start with one item that just appeals to them, in a happy way, and they buy it on the spot. If they just have to have more of the same, they slowly gather the knowledge about their collection over time. Others are more cautious collectors and they study the items to learn

all they can about their history and values, so they don't make many mistakes along the way.

 And others start with a gifted or purchased collection that someone else collected and passed on.

 There are a lot of psychological explanations of why we collect but, wow, that's too heavy

 for this collector. I think "to each, his own". Seems to me everyone collects, whether

 it is a 100 year or older antique, a childhood collectible or new shoes or ties.

 

 

What interests you? That is the best place to start a collection. I've changed my collections over the years as my interests and resources have changed. Do you like sports and it's memorabilia,

 cooking and all things kitchen, travel, places you have loved and want to bring it's essence into

your home decor? How does your Grandma's china inspire you or your Grandpa's plaid thermos?

Holidays have always brought me great joy, the decorations, china, family and even gifts.

They stir warm nostalgic feelings deep in my spirit and I love to collect those kind

of things.  Most of my collections are built around fabulous memories.

 

 

Whatever makes you feel that thrill of the find, long after you leave the shop

or flea market, go forward and collect!

Happy Holidays,

Melin

Five Personal Favorites for $5.00 (or less)!

 

Today I want to share a few of my all time favorite cheapo things with you! These products

make my life more joy-filled. I hope a few will do the same for you.

 

Let's start with The Vaseline Intensive Care Moisturizing Bath Beads. They are only

 $2.27 at Walmart. My favorite scents are the Botanical Garden and Gentle Breeze.

But I have to share how I use it because it makes them even more special. I fill the tub full of water that is super hot. I get in and sprinkle the beads all around me. They fizz as they mix into the water, filling your tub with the scent and relaxing champagne bubble effect...heaven!

 

The Olay Foaming Face Wash in "Gentle" is a great twice a day wash for only $4.99 at walgreens.com. It is easy and gentle, who can ask for more at this price?

 

The Bath & Body Works room sprays are wonderful! I use the Sweet Pea scent in our bedroom. This is an older style bottle and they do change the look from time to time but with the same great value.

They make scents for every room in your home. These are $5 regular price but watch for sales.

 

 

I LOVE the scent of Lemon Verbena! This triple milled soap, made in France from Trader Joes, is the best and for only $3.29 (no kidding)! I immediately unwrap the bars and put one in-between my towels and one in my lingerie drawer. The scent is perfect and you can use the soap when it fades.

 

I talk a lot (shocker) and use a lot of lip products. Some might say I have a chap-stick addiction. My all day every day favorite is Avon's Care Deeply Lip Balm with Aloe. I have to buy 20-30 of them at a time. They are only $.99 each at avon.com. While you are there, try the Avon Glimmersticks

Lip Liner. It is listed at $7.00 but I have never paid more than $4.00. My fave is the Mystery

Mauve. Seems to go with everything. I apply a balm layer, followed by lining my lips with

this and either add lipstick or move right on to my gloss.

 

Last, but not least, is my lip gloss. I have used it for years. It is wetnwild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Chrystal Clear (561A). I apply it over my pencil or on top of my lipstick. After the first few uses,

it takes on the color of my lipstick but it doesn't make a difference at all. It is shiny and doesn't

 have the nasty taste that so many other glosses have. It is still just $1.99 at most drug stores. 

I have found it at Rite-Aid and  Walgreen's. Check at your local drug store or search it online. 

I hope you will try one of these great products and maybe it will become one of

your all time favorites. They bring joy to me each and every day!

 

Melin