Pocketful of Blue

I'm so happy to report that we finally have a mantel on our family room fireplace.  It was one of those smaller jobs that just took us forever to get around to. This photo below shows what the fireplace looked like at the first showing we attended. Of course you can see that we removed the brass doors and painted the stone. You can also see the two little funky concrete shelves that needed to be removed but that left the problem of how to fill the holes that would remain. Well, hubby was able to remove the two shelves easily enough and I came up with the idea of using spray foam to fill the holes and then sort of sculpt it  to match the existing stone. I didn't take any pictures of that wonderfully messy process but I am actually shocked that it worked as well as it did. After painting my fake stones, I don't think anyone would ever know unless I told them ~ at least I hope so. So then hubby installed a basic mantel that w...

Last January, I found these words written by Paula Driesell of the blog Locksley Lane .   I think she's so right that we should make time to be alone with our thoughts, destress a little,  think about what is most important to us, and put things into perspective.   Just a few minutes a day can make a difference in many areas of our crazy lives. Here's what she had to say: "Let's face it, sometimes life is hard.   Life doesn't always go the way we plan it.   For most people, life is pretty chaotic and unfortunately - pretty stressful.   We lose the joy in life and lack the ability to find comfort in little things.   We are always looking for the next solution that will make our situation better.   We lack peace.  source  If we are constantly running, working and talking  we miss out on the small things in life.   We have to make time to be quiet and listen. ...

Do you like the artwork of Thomas Kinkade? I'll be honest and say that I never took much notice of it until recently. Hometown Christmas I happened upon this first painting online and I really loved it. As I looked at more of his artwork, I started noticing a certain feeling. Skater's Pond It's that feeling that I think many of us strive to have in our homes and lives. The Lights of Home That feeling of a lovely, warm and welcoming place to call home. Home for The Holidays The place where we feel most comfortable and safe. Blessings of Christmas I chose a few of his Christmas paintings to share with you today. These especially evoked that feeling within me. Of course there are many, many more. If you are not already familiar with his work, I promise you will find something that you love. take a look THOMAS KINKADE COMPANY "A home with warmly lit windows is a resting place for the heart.  It's a dream worth hold...

My favorite room to decorate for Christmas is the kitchen. I also love to see other cottage style kitchens and how they are decked out for the holidays. Here are some that I found that have that special something that makes them so welcoming, especially at this time of the year. source So cute how the ornaments (or cookies?) are hanging from a branch in the window. source Isn't this island wonderful? All it needs is a big wreath to say Christmas. source source source This kitchen has a lot going on ~ I love all of the red! source source I really love every one of these. I hope you all enjoy this last week leading up to Christmas. Christmas Eve is one week from today. Thanks so much for taking some time out to visit!               - joining - MY ROMANTIC HOME ~ SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH ~ MET MONDAY

Welcome to my home all ready for the holidays. I hope you enjoy my little tour ~ I have loved seeing so many homes decorated so beautifully for Christmas. ~ a view of the entryway ~ ~ kitchen and dining area ~ . . . love this little lambie guy . . .  . . . had to get this picture quick while there were still a few candy canes left . . . ~ living room ~ . . . Christmas duck watching over the tree . . . ~ mantel ~ Thank you so much for your visit ~ I hope your holiday season is merry and bright!                       - joining - SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE ~ WOW US WEDNESDAY NORTHERN NESTING ~ SHARE YOUR STYLE FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE ~ FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY THE NESTER ~ ANNUAL TOUR OF HOMES