*b* list of holiday inspiration

i think one of the things that is most appealing to me about blogging and the whole concept of being online, is all the inspiration. i think the internet has had far, far more positive effects on my life than negative. i like to focus on the positive : ) even though the majority (by far) of my time is spent on my computer editing photos, not perusing all the inspiration….i do manage to find a few things that just make my heart sing. i have friends who are brilliant at finding all the great stuff, so that saves me a lot of time. today i want to share some personal stuff as well as some things i’ve seen online that make me want to get creative or refresh.

*b* list of Christmas ideas and inspiration

• diy make your own wreath tutorial on {frolic!}’s blog i searched for a square boxwood wreath this year and never found one that i liked AND could afford. so i am going to refer to this tutorial next year and make my own! lovely. can i just say that i really appreciate when others are willing to share their ideas too.
• gap ads.  they are so fun and fresh and make me want to go outside in the snow and photograph my grandchildren all bundled up!
• vintage santa gear. i’ve been collecting it for years. there’s something about the less commercial looking cotton hats with sad little cotton pompom balls. i have passed on full sets of santa gear and regret it. someday i will find the perfect set and use them as a sweet vignette on a vintage white chair.

vintage santa hats make a fun, whimsical tree topper for a less serious, casual tree.

• garlands and paper chains. i see them all over online and i love them! i made a garland last year that hangs above our fireplace. so simple to make.  this year, i want to make my own version of paper chains, but haven’t gotten that done yet. if i don’t get to it this year, i’ll file it away in my head for next year. if my paper chain vision happens, you know i’ll share it! i also really, really love cari kraft’s holiday garlands….this one is my favorite! cari is awesome! and this garland tutorial from 100layercake is lovely too.
• advent ideas. i’ve already shared my framed advent project….but there are so many other advent ideas that i think are brilliant. especially this one. it’s too late this year, but it’s always good to have ideas stored away.
• don’t forget to check out the discount stores. i bought this gorgeous poinsettia at walmart for $10. it is huge…like a shrub. with my history of killing indoor plants, it would be silly to spend a lot on a poinsettia, but i do love them.

i’ve had way too much fun putting this together and looking around at all the great websites and blogs for ideas!

i finally took photos of my dining room chandelier (which is still cluttery!)…which i adore!

so much more fitting with my decor!

my computer has decided it is done posting photos for the day. so i guess this is it.

God bless you!