Holiday Speed Decorating with Cedar

My husband is laid up from surgery on his arm and was not able to trim a few 

pine  branches from our yard, so I took matters into my own 

hands and bought this garland at Costco for $15.99!

I used clippers, floral cutters and scissors to tear it apart. It was so well built.

I deconstructed it on our kitchen island, which was a mess but warmer and sweep-able (is that a word). I want to share with you the ways I used the one garland in and around my Christmas decor.

I started a few tins, both new and vintage, I had, added the cedar and in most

 all examples I added faux  or real flowers, berries, glass balls and pine cones.

These are two vintage scoops we collected and set on the hearth.

I added a few sprigs, here there and everywhere!

Here are two on top of an antique frame.

Some were used "as is" in garland form. 

I even added some to our old sled that holds wet boots!

Then I added the what was left to the porch.

We added a buggy seat to our old red wagon and put a few faux tress

 in the middle,  then added the cedar casually around it.

I think you will have fun with this simple project and a 

big plus is the fresh scent it imparts.

Happy Holidays,

Melin

xoxo

Valentine's Day Party ~ Make Your Own Pizza

Happy Valentine's Day!

I celebrated Valentine's Day with four great friends for lunch today.

We had a make your own pizza lunch. Everyone brought a few toppings to share

and I had www.traderjoes.com pizza dough and many cheeses.

 I used my pink dishes (http://www.justglass.com/documents/articles/inhouse/arcoroc.html) 

that I have been collecting, why not? See some of the bowl of toppings here. 

This is Charlene, isn't she cute?

We got quite creative and Benecia the veggie lover did fine!

So did Pat... a yummy pizza! I made mine with dried fig and gorgonzola.

Jbo (Jennifer) came up with a nice refreshing cocktail on the fly...Cava, cranberry juice

and an orange slice. It was deliciously perfect with the pizza! 

B and I tasting our fabulous creations with layers and layers of goodness.

Charlene and Jbo pose with their pizzas and drink.

Pat made us a trifle with angel food cake and berries...heavenly light!

Doesn't she show off the dishes like a cute pro?

We had a sweet bar for tasting and for taking home to share. You could put

 treats in a small plastic heart or in a wee bag. We had a few retro 

candies from our childhoods...red hots and convo hearts!

Our table was set with a mix of pinks, reds and white!

I have to show my french hutch dressed up for Valentine's Day!

The girls helped clean up, so it was easy, start to finish and I have

hung up my cheery cherry apron for today.

Wishing you lots of love, today and every day.

Melin

xoxo

New Antique Hutch

I spent this past weekend painting the inside of this French antique hutch

WE bought from a designer friend, shout out to Shelley McGinity

 of Kiski Design & Construction, Inc.

I am not a painter at all but it felt good to accomplish this easy task. 

It took many coats of Antique White to cover the Sky Blue!

My big reward came today, when I got to add a few pieces of collections, 

family favorites and a few touches of fall.

I started with Granny's Hall Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf mix. I love this because

Granny had it although I don't think any of this was actually her's.

I thrifted this gorgeous hand painted fall plate and the love the old 

Hallmark Thanksgiving turkey S&P, even if they are plastic.

This turkey platter was my Mommy's from the 50's. We ate every Thanksgiving turkey

off this platter. I am so grateful to have used this platter for my

family, as well, and it will go to my older daughter.  

So that is what I have been up to for fun! 

Please share you recent projects with us for inspiration.

Wishing you and yours a blessed

Thanksgiving.

Melin

xoxo

Fall Decorating With Thrift Finds

I enjoy sharing my love for thrifting and decorating for the season. These simple 

ideas use a base of a thrift store find or a new one that can be found

on the cheap. I used super-market gourds, faux leaves 

plus a few decorations from my store.

I used a pretty "silver" curved  platter that I found for $3 and added fall touches.

A long ago find of a wooden box with a serene fall landscape makes a 

great container for a touch of fall!

This centerpiece uses new items on a vintage yellow Fiestaware platter. I filled a new aqua

Ball jar with candy corn and added a "chalk" type topper. Aqua or turquoise 

are the latest way to add a fresh touch to fall colors. 

Old trucks may be easy to come by where you live but I searched high and low and

finally found this one on the way to the Farm Chicks Show. Add candy pumpkins

 to an old metal truck...an idea I stole from Serena Thompson.

One little pumpkin and leaf on a vintage Hall Jewel  saucer...small perfection!

Find an unusual real pumpkin or gourd and place them on a large

 cake plate with leaves and smaller gourds.

I have used this old picnic basket in many different ways but isn't it beautiful stuffed with 

as many fall colors as I could gather around the house and shop?

I hope you can use an idea or two in your fall decorating. See what you have around in your kitchen cupboards and add a few gourds and leaves. Keep your eyes open, as you thrift, for a

 few new pieces that you can use as next years bases. They look great all around

 the home. Add a touch of aqua for a fresh approach!

Happy fall decorating!

Melin

Farm Chicks here WE come!

I am packed up and ready for another fabulous Farm Chick adventure 2015!

I am heading to Washington state a week early, so I can check out all the vintage goodies 

closer to the coast with my bestie Teri. Then, WE will meet with our other 

grade school  bestie Nancy (she lives in Idaho), and head to Spokane for 

The Farm Chicks Show. Find out all about the show at 

http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/farmchicks/the-farm-chicks-antiquesshow.html. 

WE went in 2013 and had the greatest time. Farm Chicks is the greatest show on earth!

You must read about the founder, Serena Thompson. She is just the sweetest little

 gal and has quite a wonderful story. She is so warm and welcoming 

to all of us, who travel from 

near and far to join her Farm Chicks fun. 

I have packed a carry-on bag inside my big bag, so I can bring home goodies 

on the plane. Wow, is it ever heavy (exactly 50 lbs)!

I reviewed Ki Nassauer's tips on packing up the junk at 

http://kinassauerstyle.com/2014/10/how-to-pack-your-junking-treasures-for.html. 

She has a lot of great ideas and a lot of experience.

Wish me the luck of fabulous finds that WE can share with you.

Melin

Wren Elizabeth Gifts: Ornament Treasures

Wren Elizabeth Gifts: Ornament Treasures: I get so caught up in the holiday decorating that it seems there is no time to blog. I thought I would at least share a few more of my fa...

White Pitcher And Peonies

I was at Ikea and checked out the bargain bin. I found this white enamel pitcher for $4.00 and had to bring it home. We find the coolest things there, don't we?

I added some bright peonies from my garden...perfect. The tablecloth is a flea market find.

I love peonies and from what I see on Pinterest and other blogs, many of us do.

I am attracted to the hot pink color although all peonies are delightful.

Enjoy the sweetness of summer today.

Melin