An Empty Mantel

First, let me say this is the first time I've had a mantle to decorate in our house.

When we moved into our new house, it was the first week of November. Once the boxes were unpacked and I actually began to decorate, I decided it was easiest to go straight into Christmas mode.

So up went the Christmas decorations on our new mantle. Here's a look.

-->I didn't get any good photos, but you get the picture :-)

We did end up buying the clock at Kirkland's and I still love it. Not only is it a great decoration, but it's practical and Sadie is learning to tell time from it.

But then January came and all of the Christmas decorations were packed away.

And now I'm left with this. (Excuse the toys... I'm a mom.)

So I'm starting from scratch! I've been pinning like crazy and here is some inspiration I've found.



So far, I've purchased three things for the mantle. The small gold circle thing is from Home Goods.

I already had the two candle sticks, but I'm not sure I want to use those there.

And the two small topiaries are from Amazon.

I am on the search for the remaining items to hopefully have it finished next week.

More to come...


Share your ideas with me! I'd love to hear them!

Less than two weeks until closing!

Life in settling in for us here in San Antonio. We actually  got to take the kids to the Zoo this weekend which was a lot of fun.

We are less than two weeks away from closing on our house! I can't wait to start decorating! It's been SO long since I've seen our stuff, especially the things that have been in storage for 2+ years, that I'm scared to actually start buying anything until I see what I have exactly.

But I have been using an amazing tool, called Olioboard to help me with my vision. So far I've started with the living room and master bedroom and I love the way they are turning out.

My plan is to not actually buy anything until I have my vision board with me so that I KNOW it fits with what I am looking for. I'm horrible about buying pillows, taking them home and only liking them for a week.

I might not buy the exact objects on this board, but it will at least give me a feel for what I am looking for.

The media stand for the TV above is the one we already have. If it doesn't end up going with the theme of the living room, it will get moved to our loft room eventually. 

We are putting our Queen Bedroom Suite in the guest room and starting over with a King bed in the master. My parents gave me a dresser/mirror combo that is a beautiful wood passed down from my great grandmother. We will be refinishing it and I love the finish on the dresser above. 

I still have a lot of vision to create and even more to actually accomplish, but I know our house will be a home that we love eventually. 

Easy Bunny Craft

Today is the last day of March! I can't believe how fast it flew by! Easter is only a few short weeks away!

I saw an adorable Bunny craft on Pinterest by The Cards We Drew (it was actually a guest post by Emily at 52 Mantles.. check them both out!) Anyway, I had to give it a try. It came out adorable and it only cost me $2! Try it out!

Supplies:

$1 Bunny Silhouette from The Dollar Tree
Any type of wrapping paper
Any type of ribbon (I paid $1 for mine at Walmart, you might have some on hand)
Rubber Cement (You could probably even use stick glue)

Directions:

Start out with your cardboard bunny. This is what mine looks like from The Dollar Store:

Flip it over and you have this:

Cut out wrapping paper big enough to fit the bunny. 

Put rubber cement over the entire back of the bunny. Careful not to put it too thick. Then place the rubber cement side down onto the wrapping paper. Leave it for a few moments to dry. 

Cut out the wrapping paper around the outline of the bunny. This would probably work best with an X-acto knife; however, I only had scissors on hand and they did fine.

Tie a ribbon around the Bunny's neck. 

Place in a wreath. I used my burlap wreath which I switch out decor for each season. I also tied an Easter Egg bow onto the wreath with a blue ribbon wrapping around. 

Any other fun Easter projects you would recommend?

(Check out Abbey's page for her tutorial on how Emily did the project with vinyl!)

Spring Time Entry

I am so ready for Spring around here. By calendar definition, it is officially here. However, Virginia didn't get he memo and we have a few more cold days. But come this weekend, I'm hoping and wishing we are moving to spring and never looking back!

To get in the warm spirit, I decided to do a little decorating. We don't have a mantel in this house and I don't like buying much for here since we are renting and will only be here for a total of 6 months(2 down! 4 to go!). So instead, I decorated our cute little entry way table. I love how it turned out and it brightens my day when I walk into this room. I also spruced up my burlap wreath that I change up every season. I added fresh flowers around the house, but was not able with the flowers available so far! I can't wait until I can get my hands on some more Gerber Daises, Tulips, and Hydrangea!

Cross: Our Marriage Cross from our Wedding
Vase with Pink and Blue Eggs: Eggs from The Dollar Store
Bunny Picture: Found on Pinterest by the PaperCharm
Spring Sign: Found at Thrift store, cute isn't it? Sadie picked it out:-)
Pottery Barn inspired jar with yellow filler from The Dollar Store
Blue Bowl filled with Easter M&M's
Yellow bowl found on clearance at Target. We use this to drop our keys.

What have you done to start decorating for Spring?