a bit rustic 'round my house, too.

My earlier post about RUSTIC CHRISTMAS has me looking differently at some of my own Christmas decor that I've sort of collected and added to over the years. I'm glad that I'm starting to think of defining my own style, a bit. It helps me, and maybe it will help you, to make, purchase, refine your own home to reflect your own style.  I think my own style is eclectic (a little bit of this, a little bit of everything)...but I thought I'd share these pictures of my own love for rustic design.

The barrel above has pine branches and sticks pretty much just shoved into it, with tags (my kids initials) dangling from the branches. 

Skis above my picture wall in our family room.

 The giant angel wings (about 4 feet in height)  come out and take center stage in a main room at Christmas.

A few objects on my mantle...simple candlestick, mason jar with pinecones, spool with ribbon and box wood garland. 

Have fun adding little touches here and there. Even if you're not entertaining in the next few days...the little things can add so much to the warmth and happiness of your home.

XXXOOO.

Freebie Friday: Printable mini-loaf labels

I love giving baked goods as a gift and usually keep the wrapping or tag simple.  Today on Tater tots and Jello, they have free, downloadable mini-loaf pan printables in several colors to choose from!



To read Jen from Tater tots' entire post which includes a yummy pumpkin cheesecake bread recipe, hop over here.

Have fun baking!
XXXOOO.

Rustic Christmas

How do you define your style? Here are some 'stand out' examples of what I'd call RUSTIC CHRISTMAS.
Rustic, to me, is defined by use of natural elements, found and re-purposed elements that are sort of a minimalist approach to what was called 'country' decorating about 10+ years ago. The current RUSTIC trend is country refined and simplified, focusing more on the use of 2 or 3 elements and minimal colors and textures. I've always loved Rustic elements in a room. Although I've never lived in a home that I thought could support an entire RUSTIC look, I have always had rustic pieces scattered here and there in my home...especially around Christmas for some reason. The simplicity of the rustic looks seems to marry well with classic Christmas motifs. Not to mention, that if you have a live Christmas tree, you could say that you have the most essential element  to RUSTIC CHRISTMAS decor.  Here are my favs.

The Look: RUSTIC CHRISTMAS











































{ Come back tomorrow for my favorite MODERN, CONTEMPORARY and STREAMLINED CHRISTMAS favorites!}
XXXOOO.

Freebie Friday: Christmas Crossword puzzle (I am using this as gift wrap)!

My husband LOVES crosswords. He can't spell though, but that's a whole other discussion. But did I say HE LOVES crossword puzzles? I stumbled upon this little pic on Pinterest as a wrapping idea.  How cute is that, to wrap a gift in a crossword? You could always give the puzzle as a gift itself though, so here is today's freebie...Christmas Crossword puzzles.  You can use them as wrapping paper, gift tags, stocking stuffers or as something for the kids to do on Christmas Eve when you need a time filler.

Or maybe even better yet, a link to make your own customized crossword puzzle.  That would be really fun to make a special custom crossword (all the things you do with your family at Christmas time)... or maybe some memorable Christmas gifts past.....or in my case, all of the places we've spent Christmas around the world.  Your creativity is the limit on this one! 

Download these free puzzles by clicking on the pictures. 

Re-Downloads.com

Winter Wonderland Crossword

Holiday kids crossword

Teachers pay Teachers.com

And if you have about 10-20 minutes (or less depending on how in-depth you're going to get) you can MAKE YOUR OWN, CUSTOM CROSSWORD PUZZLE here!

Hope your Christmas prep is full of fun.
XXXOOO.

Little Holiday Vignettes

 I had the pleasure of having photographer Jami Leavitt {for the love studio} visit my house a couple of weeks ago. She is so talented, gorgeous and a creative inspiration. She took several shots of my home decorated for the Holidays.  

My favorites were these little vignettes that I thought I'd share with you.

Happy Holidays!

XXXOOO.

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

Ashley Mills, over at The Handmade Home (one of my favorite blogs) has helped to send out this call from the Connecticut PTA. They're calling for Snowflakes.
They are trying to fill the new school that the Sandy Hook students will be attending with snowflakes in order to make it a Winter Wonderland for their returning students.  This makes me weep.
This will be at the top of my "to do" list for tomorrow morning for me and my kids. Its an opportunity to contribute in a small way, to show these children that other children, across the country care for them.  Or maybe they'll just see something of beauty in this world from one child to another.

The Handmade Home

Make and send snowflakes to Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT  06514, by January 12, 2013.

To read Ashley's lovely post click here.
To go directly to the CT PTA web request click here, where you will find mailing addresses.

Little hands sending love to those who need to feel it right now.
XXXOOO.

Decorating with books for Christmas

I've mentioned before that I am  a book lover.  (Remember this post)?  
I stumbled upon a few of these pics and wanted to share these little decorating gems with you.

Grab a stack and make it your own style!!

 

{same idea}

 

This last picture below, is a very formal, traditional display, using one book, but it is a lovely music book.  I love this idea and have Christmas books out and open like this throughout my house.  My husband's Grandfather's scriptures are open in our living room to remind us what Christmas is really about.  Again, it doesn't matter what your style is, you can even use a special children's book and leave them open. I put my Christmas books in an old tin box underneath the Christmas tree up until Christmas morning (we don't put gifts out until the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve). The kids love going to look under the tree and to pic out a special book to read each night before bed.