A refurbished thrift store desk!

I have two desks (purchased at thrift stores)that I have painted/refurbished. I have placed marble on top of both, and move them all around the house. Here is a pic of one that I rolled into the family room (after Christmas) for a little change to the room.Will relax in this room tonight with candlelight and a glass of wine to ring in the new year. Happy New Year everyone!

 

Inspired by Candlelight Church Services!

On Christmas Eve our family went to candlelight church services. Passing a lighted candle to each other in celebration of the birth of Jesus is a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas. Was so inspired, I went a bit crazy putting out candles (after taking our tree down). Candles are easy to find at thrift stores. I am always on the lookout for  pastel colored candles. They are so pretty all lit up in the evening, and even lovely unlit during the day. 

Merry Christmas & many Blessings to all!

Merry Christmas everybody! Am feeling very blessed. Both my son and daughter (along with her fiance') will be with us for Christmas. My brother-in-law from LA will also be joining us. There is nothing in this world as important as family. We pray that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! God Bless you all! 

Ran out to Costco this morning to pick up fresh flowers for Christmas!

Have had Christmas music playing all day, but decided to put on a few LP's (found at thrift stores). The cover on this Strauss Waltz album is just so beautiful! 

A soft and pretty Christmas mantle!

We will all gather to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. A scandinavian family tradition!

Pretty pink (thrift store) wine goblets at the ready!

My Sister, My Angel.................

Though I love Christmas, the holidays are bittersweet for me. I lost my one and only beautiful sister Karen, to cancer in 2011. I miss her every day of my life! Karen was the kindest, sweetest sister a girl could ever dream of having. The year before she passed, she gave me this Christmas ornament that  hangs in my house all year long. "There is Joy in the presence of Angels". Guess she knew that she would be my forever angel. Love you dear sister! Have a heavenly Christmas................

I cherish this Christmas card from years past!

Me and my big sister Karen (Christmas 1960)

Love you sis!

Happy Day!

My "hooked on thrifting" daughter is flying home today from the east coast. Oh happy day! Can't wait to see her again. Have been busy getting her old room ready for her. Here are a few photos.

A shabby chic "haven" from the rigors of law school!

Some lovely vintage clothing (eye candy) hanging on racks to soothe her tired eyes!

Her pretty pink winter coat waiting for her!

An inspiration board in her room (to inspire)!

A good night's sleep after a  5 hour flight will be welcome!

A little electric candle night light for convenience while she is here!

Welcome back home beautiful daughter!!

Nutty for Needlepoint!

Sometimes you run across beautiful needlepoint items at thrift stores. I have 4 needlepoint pillows that I just love. They imbue warmness! In a house with a neutral palette like mine, you only need to include one or two such items in your decor to add lovely richness and texture.

My favorite flower: Peonies

Was surprised to see Peonies in the Safeway floral department on Saturday. I usually don't find peonies this time of year.  I passed them up however as they were a bit too expensive. Two single flowers were a whopping $8.99. For someone as thrifty as me, that just doesn't make sense. Guess I'll have to settle for a few flashback pics of Peonies from my photo archives. Here are a few!

Love the pink ones!

And of course pink roses are favorites too!

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Changed my tree around again. It is now behind the sofa. As we are getting more company on Christmas Eve, this will free up some space. See a few more pics below:

Our humble little silver tinsel tree!

Brown paper packages tied up in ribbon. One of my favorite things!

Vintage boxes (purchased at thrift store) add charm!

Bought a whole roll of Santa stickers in July at a thrift store for $1.00

A roll of piano sheet music tied with ribbon!

With Christmas music playing, it is fun to curl up on the sofa and just enjoy this room.  Though I don't do traditional Christmas colors, everything feels festive and just right!

Vintage Nightgown!

Love this vintage nightgown found at a flea market. It is the most beautiful blue. The color and the old lace make my heart do flip-flops. Just had to share these pics. Love!

A favorite vintage nightgown!

Lovely hanging on a pink satin hanger!

The bodice is so beautiful! Why don't they make pretty pieces like this anymore?

When you love a particular piece, hanging it randomly (almost anywhere)  allows you to enjoy it all the more!

Lace Panels for French Doors!

Have purchased all of the lace panels for the French doors in my house at thrift-stores. They are usually about $1.00 @ piece. One can save tons of money this way, and the result(s) are so pretty and romantic.

These are not lace panels, but privacy shades. Bought both of these privacy shades that pull down (at a thrift store) for the spare guest room at our vacation cottage.

A Knit Sweater Dress! (Catherine's fun holiday find in 2012)

Hope Catherine doesn't mind, but I just have to post this pretty holiday sweater dress that she purchased last year. It is just so festive. It looks so warm and toasty. Here is a pic of Catherine in the dress at Christmas time, along with her fiance' Chris.  Love the dress and love the pictures of this beautiful couple!