Thrifty Decor

You know me well enough to know that some of my "new" Christmas decorations were purchased at the thrift store. Let's play a little show and tell.
See these gigantic faux poinsettia plants? Gorgeous, aren't they? Yep, I found them at the thrift store. They originally came from a very nice boutique. The $99.99 price tag was still on them. I was so excited when I found them and I didn't even have to race to grab them! Why? Because I purchased them in the summer, when few people have Christmas decorations on their mind. I always keep an eye out for holiday decorations, no matter the time of year. A perfect time to stock up on decorations from the thrift store is right after any holiday because people give things away that they don't want to store.
I found this big, beautiful glass vessel a few months ago. It's very similar to ones you would find in the PB catalog. I love it and I didn't want to hide it away when I brought out my decorations. I figured since it was a Christmas color I could make it work. So I added a little tree charm, paired it with a mercury glass finial, and the combination makes me smile. It really doesn't take much to turn something ordinary into a decoration; usually just the addition of a little ribbon trim or a shiny bauble can brighten the ordinary into Christmas extraordinary.
One of my favorite thrift store discoveries this year is this deer. I think that he may be made with real leather, at least he looks like it. I added the wreath to his neck so that he would look like one of Santa's reindeer. I found him in the toy aisle of the thrift store, which is a reminder to look in the unexpected places when you shop. Often times great things can be found in the oddest of places in the thrift store, so it's wise to keep your eyes open.
I added a little thrift store garland to the mix and I have a fancy boutique display for an unbelievably low price.

That's the beauty of thrift store shopping!

Glitz Galore

I began my mercury glass collection
last Christmas with a few items that were on sale. After Christmas my collection expanded.
Who can resist 90% off?!?

This year I wanted to display my collection on my huge mantle/shelf in the dining room. I needed a beautiful backdrop.
I thought about using mirrors, but I used that design concept last year. So the gears in my little mind started to turn and I came up with this idea.

I pulled a pretty copper colored frame from my stash. Then I pulled out the heavy-duty foil from my pantry and started cutting out squares of foil. I wanted to achieve a look of
"silver-leaf collides
with antique mirror",
without the expense. I sprayed each sheet with adhesive and stuck them onto the picture,
in a random pattern, dull side up. I was doing the happy dance because I got the look I desired!All that was left was to glitz it up
with my mercury glass collection. I added a few sparkly items from dollar stores
(mirrored trees, big silver ornaments, and shiny garland).
And metallic leaves found at the thrift store.I am thrilled with my
glitzy-almost-over-the-top mantle/shelf
and the couldn't-be-a-more-perfect-backdrop frame.

Wreaths Galore

While sorting through my decorations I was amazed at how

many wreaths
I've gathered over the years.
I thought that I'd
have a little fun
and try to display as many as possible.
After all, wreaths are an important Christmas decoration---
coming second only to the Christmas tree.

I hung them everywhere!
On doors, of course.
And cupboards too.
In frames.
On a wire reindeer.
On hooks.
On lampshades.Just to name a few.

More Jolly Decor

You know that I just can't stop with decorating a few trees.
I must have
Christmas pretties
on almost every surface. . .
if just a bead garland, or a ribbon, or an evergreen sprig.
Here's a few more photos of
Christmas decorations in our family room.

Finally

I did promise a post yesterday, but we had a doctor appointment to remove stitches from the surgery on #3's femur (he had a titanium rod placed in his leg). We received news that he won't be leaving for a few weeks---for his own safety. We were disappointed, but we know it's for the best. And then, with all the chaos that has been our life, I misplaced my camera cord. It's been found. Now, finally, I think I'm able to get back to you. Thanks again for being so patient.

One of the delights of the season for me is to walk into each room in the early hours of dawn and flick the switch to
light up the Christmas tree.
There is something so magical about bringing
the light of Christmas into a room, especially at that time of day.
I go from room to room lighting each tree.

The Living Room Tree

The Computer Room Tree

The Family Room Tree

The Tree in our Master Bedroom
I have a supply of these little helpers.
( Found in most stores where extension cords are sold).You simply plug them into the outlet and then plug the Christmas lights into the switched plug. It's so handy to simply use a switch instead of plugging and unplugging every morning and night.
It really is fun to control the lighting magic with
just the flick of a switch.

It's Personal

Two weeks ago last night we sat in a hospital anxiously awaiting news of Son #3 's surgery. He had two broken legs and the surgeon was concerned that there could also be some internal bleeding. It was a very emotional evening.

Last night we sat in a theater happily laughing as we watched Son #3, along with Son #2, perform in their improv. group. #3 was able to perform with only the aid of a cane. It too was a very emotional evening.

We were witnesses of a miracle.

As you know, I rarely share details of my personal and family life here. But tonight I feel inclined. You may have noticed that I am a member of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In November, Son #3 was called to serve a church mission in New Zealand, teaching the gospel in Mandarin Chinese. His leave date is December 16th. Yes, this young man broke both of his legs a mere two and a half weeks before he is due to leave to serve the Lord full-time.

I know with assurance that he was healed because of faith, priesthood blessings, and many, many prayers. And because the Lord needs this wonderful, faithful, strong, big-hearted son to serve the people of New Zealand for the next two years.

Several of you wrote to tell me that you would add your prayers to ours. THANK YOU! I appreciate your love, concern, thoughts and prayers in our behalf. It is so heartwarming to know that even though you really don't "know" my family, you still prayed for us. We are indebted to you and are very grateful for your faith.

You are a part of our miracle!

Son #3 is back on his own two feet,
a little wobbly, but he is back.

Thank you for being so understanding and patient with me while I was tending to my family's needs. I will be back sometime Monday with lots of goodies to share.