Fireplace Upgrade

Good Afternoon!

Have you ever tried to finish some last minute renovations before the Holidays? 

Well, that's what happened to me.  I couldn't live with this fireplace for another 4yrs.

 The fireplace surround and hearth was a green marble.  We tore that out when we first moved in.  It would be perfect now that Pantone named Emerald the color of 2013.  Oh, well!

Some people..I won't name names actually came to the house saying how much they loved the gray around the fireplace and what stone that was. Too funny! (yes, they were serious)

We enlisted our friend to help with this renovation.

The floor underneath was extremely uneven.  I wanted a concrete hearth.  I personally don't like tile pieces for the hearth but I love one solid piece be whatever it is made of.

 First step done..

 Coming back for final coat..

We used left over tile from when we put in our woodstove in our family room.

Then bad news..hearth was really weird!

Way too much troweling which caused it all to become uneven..so, here we go again.

 Tear parts of it out.

and now an even floor.

Here it is stained.

 I am so happy with it.

Now ready for Christmas decor : )

Unconventional Christmas Trees

Good Afternoon!

Christmas is just around the corner and I can't wait to go to our local tree farm and get our Christmas tree.

(us last year)

Not everyone likes real Christmas trees or fake ones.

There are those "Artsy" people who always think outside the box and inspire us to think beyond the traditional.

Here are some that have caught my eye..

Source: catascraft.com via Laura of Lovely Wren on Pinterest

Would be great for a library.

Whirly Candleholder Christmas Tree

Great idea and when the season is done make them into terrariums : )

(Via)

Love how the logs are cut to size.  Gorgeous!

Here is one that was inspired by CB2

My daughter drew this for my laundry room.

There is our Unconventional (artsy) Tree.

I will have a lot more to share with you in upcoming posts : )

Have you done something in your Holiday decorating that is different than "normal"?  Would love to hear about it.

A Themed Christmas

Good Morning!

Here at my house we have begun the

Holiday decorating. This is my favorite time of year.. Listening to Christmas music and doing our yearly Christmas crafts. It just brings so much joy in being together as a family.

Recently we went to a place that does Christmas themed rooms . I have a ton of inspiration pics to show you.

Happy Decorating : )

Thoughtful Giving

How was everyone's Christmas?

This one for me was a doozy.  I think Santa thought I was a bad girl this year because on Christmas Eve I was visited by the stomach flu.

It got better when I saw a package from my sister come in the mail.  She always gives me the most thoughtful gifts and I wanted to share it with you.

She took these pics when she came and visited me this summer.  She's a great photographer.  

I think her goal was to make me cry..well, she succeeded.

I won't be back on here until the New Year so I wish you all the best 2012 has to offer.

(via Pinterest)

That's a Big Candle

 Happy Friday!

Not too long ago we took a trip ...

 My kids were so exhausted.

We thought it would be a treat to stop half way at the place with the Big Candle : )

That really is a mighty big candle!

 This place is amazing

 It's like stepping into Holiday Paradise : )

They have hundreds of candles that you can only get from this store and the scents are amazing!

Holiday decor for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 I fell in love with this.  

Here is how they got the grain sack to stand up..

  chicken wire.

 This place is massive.  They told me they are going to double the square footage of this store in the very near future.

 Jellies and Sauces

 I love that they put a little restaurant in the store.. it gives you more time to think about what you want to buy and doesn't disturb your shopping groove : )

Their food is all made from scratch

My son waiting for his chili and was it worth the wait!

The bathrooms are amazing!  Yes, I did take pics in the bathroom..heehee

My new favorite saying..

In the men's bathroom

No, I didn't take the pic my husband did.  LOL

This store is a must to go visit.

Check out the websites

http://outletstore.warmglow.com/

or

http://warmglow.com/