Back for the holidays--with some decorating ideas!!

So, here's the thing.....

I miss blogging.

Has it really been over two months since my last post???

It's been a good break (as far as writing goes), and I've had much more time to catch up on my favorite blogs. I was also getting some "weirdo comments" that were starting to annoy me. With a few comment-setting moderation's...I think we've fixed that!

But seriously, I NEED the outlet. I am amazed at how much I need to {1} share boring "mom-stories" and other emotions that go along with being a wife and mother {2} have a creative outlet in both decorating and crafting, and {3} feel encouragement and support from the [few] comments left by faithful readers who remind me that "I am not alone".

So, with that...I'm back!

And what a great time to re-enter the blogging world than right during the holidays! So here is some Christmas cheer from our house to yours. I just LOVE decorating for Christmas! But I love to reuse, re-purpose, and recreate whenever possible.

Sweater covered jars filled with Christmas lights: this is one of my favorite decorating ideas I heard from an interior decorator who spoke in our area...she emphasized keeping it cheap, and this is a great bargain buster!

tin bucket with dried hydrangeas: $12 from a local "Not So Shabby" store--I keep them up year-round

Live, Laugh, Love sign: gift from a couple years ago, also left up year-round

Blue tinted mason jars of different sizes: acquired over time at thrift stores/ garage sales--I use these ALL over my house depending on the season.

knock-off sweater look: I simply used an old hat and scarf I never wear anymore. The jar on the far right is the hat slipped on from the bottom up. The other 3 jars are covered by one scarf--I just wrapped them around the jars and hid the connecting part with the sign. No cutting OR sewing!!

I love this built-in. It's the perfect place to showcase my favorite things.

And it is constantly changing!

white plates on the wall: TJ Maxx clearance

white distressed iron decoration (on top): Hobby Lobby

fabric skirt: I sewed with fabric used around the house in order to cover shelves below

electronics organizer: Pottery Barn (had a gift card--otherwise NEVER shop there...just borrow their ideas)

distressed sleigh (behind): Hobby Lobby from last year on sale

ceramic sleigh (front): Christmas gift a couple years ago

Both filled with random greenery and ornaments I already had

3 snowmen: one of the few things I spent too much money on this year (from a downtown boutique) but, aren't these snowmen adorable?? And the perfect color green if I might add.

glass bowl: hand-me-down from my mom

ornaments: bought the first year we were married

vintage books: thrift store for $2

restoration hardware lantern: thrift store $2

topiary: made a few months ago here

frame: hand-me-down from my mom (untouched from the basement!)

nativity set: received as gifts over the past few Christmas's

star ornament: keepsake from Slovenia

twine: have a HUGE spool from Hobby Lobby--used a bunch here to look like hay and add some texture

Stay tuned for more ideas coming soon...including the entryway, mantel, and front porch!