What are you waiting for?

Did you have a lovely Christmas? We did. Christmas Eve we headed down to Riverbank to spend the day with my cousins, aunt and uncle, mom, sister, dad and all the rest. It was nice to do that once again. Kids of course had a blast and the food was yummy.



We came home opened one present (our jammies) and read the night before Christmas.


The kids headed for bed and hubby and I took a short nap. Hubby was up before me and I got up around midnight. I finished up wrapping, stuffing, cleaning and preparing and hit the bed about 330 am. I thought for sure I would get to sleep till 9 ish...Ha! It use to be I had to wake the kids up but not anymore! I made them stay in their room till about 545 and let them get up. The unwrapping commenced and all was right with the world.


My bike was my very fav Christmas pressie. Kids got pretty much everything they asked for from Santa.



Now the day has gone already and we have a whole nother year to wait for it again. I always feel sad once its over. Seems to go so fast.

We also made gingerbread houses, went caroling and made a few ornaments.



This month was VERY stressful. At one point wasn't sure where or how Christmas was going to work out. I left it in gods hands and I have to say he provided. I love my family and even if there wasn't one present under our tree I would've been thankful we were all together, safe, happy, and healthy. They are my everything (husband and kids) and I am truly blessed.

I have Christmas decorations to put away, totes to organize, deadlines to meet and my girl cave is a huge mess! I have a whole week to do it in (not to mention I am sick). Do you think I can do it? I hope so.

I also have SF pics to share, Christmas shopping, and thrift store finds. Till then.

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I'm telling you why....

Santa is coming to town & fast! I have been working hard (not really) on my Christmas decor. I just am not really happy with it. Boo. Oh well I am done smooshing and moving and taking down and making. It will just have to be. I found some BEAUTIFULLY amazing blogs lately with so much inspiration. When I grow up I wanna have beautiful homes like them!

Anyway back to the point. On one of these said blogs there was a link to a mantel Christmas party. How fun is that?!? I am joining in on the party. There are so beautiful ones up and if you need some Christmas shove to get your butt in gear then go check them out.

Here is my Christmas mantel.


I was really inspired by elf. I love how elegant he decorated the store and it was using a lot of paper and other stuff. I had to make my own version of that. Plus as you all know I have to do this on the cheap.



Tinsel wreath I made. 3.50 to make. I love it.



I have yet to see a wreath with a banner. So I would like to think it was my idea and mine alone.


I made this little paper house.






I cut out little snow man and put them inside so when u look thru the windows you see them peaking out. When I was a kid I loved little things like this.


Mercury glass ornament balls and tea light holders.



I got a whole box of them (ornaments) for .50 at the flea market last weekend! SCORE!


Vintage Christmas card I printed off the Internet. One really huge ornament I picked up a long while ago. Not sure where or when but I know I have had it a while. The little snowflake was also a flea market find. Vintage tin ornament .10 ♥.


Another vintage Christmas card I printed off the Internet. Little vintage mercury glass bird that I adore.


I made the Christmas trees at the top of the candle holders. Martha has a tutorial on how to do it but it is very confusing. If you want to know how to make them leave me a comment and I will do a video tutorial. I love how they turned out. I think they need glitter tho. Another pic from the internet and another tin ornament from the flea market.


Last but not least my sweet little vintage deer. I don't know where he came from. I love him tho. I thought he would be cute a top this pine cone.

Thank you so much for visiting my mantel. I have more Christmas decor to come and some Christmas ornament ideas. Make sure to check back often!




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