Pocketful of Blue

I have always loved the phrase "Home for the Holidays". Even though we are taking a short trip right before Christmas, we will be back in time to enjoy Christmas at home. Of course, home can be wherever the people I love will be. That's the most important thing and the most necessary ingredient. But I don't mind if it also includes a cute little reindeer. And a decorated mantel. A Christmas tree, of course. Pretty packages. And a cozy kitchen with little bits of Christmas sprinkled around. Christmas also includes our cute kitty with visions of sugarplums dancing in his little head . . . or kitty treats, whichever. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. I know there are so many beautiful homes to visit right now. Hope your Christmas is Merry and Bright! JoAnne - joining - NESTING PLACE ~ CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES 2016

Uh-Oh! It's almost here. Are you all scrambling to be ready for the big day like I am? It will all get done - at least good enough, right? That's what I keep telling myself. We're actually going on a short ski trip right before Christmas. I'm not sure who's crazy idea that was! With our oldest being in college now, it's more difficult to find  a time when we can do things as a family. So my deadline is very near. I need to have everything ready before we leave. But don't worry (just in case you would) - I won't be skiing. You can find me in the lodge by the fire with a warm drink. Sounds very relaxing about right now. I hope you enjoyed these pictures of our simple dining nook as I rambled on and I hope to share a little more of Christmas at our house before we leave on our trip. Have a wonderful and productive week with hopefully a little bit of relaxation and enjoyment of the season mixed in.

Hi Everyone, I recently saw THIS POST about a Christmas tree made with old toolboxes and crates.  I thought it was soooo cute and thought I could make something similar with some of my old boxes and baskets. Here is what I came up with. I think it turned out kind of cute. I placed it in this formerly plain and boring corner near our back sliding doors. I love how quick and easy it was too. The basket I used as one of the layers did give me fits though since it is not completely flat so it was making the "tree" lean to one side. A little bit of maneuvering and I finally got it to stand up straight. I topped it with a mini tree. I found this jingly bell star at Joann's the other day and attached it to the (unruly) basket. It fits in well with the rustic look. So there you have it. A quick and (mostly) easy tree made from boxes and baskets. And don't you love when you can use things you already have? T