Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas Tour of Homes


So, I've started following several blogs that I have realized lots of other people follow. I never knew blogging was so popular. How do you become so popular in the blog world anyway?? Anyway, I love to see all of these different ladies' blogs and all of their inspiring thoughts. I just love that God created us all so different, yet so much alike! 
Speaking of "blogging," Kelly's Korner and The Nester do a "Christmas Tour of Homes" every year and lots and lots of people blog about their Christmas decorations. Let me just say that I have loved looking through all of these different links---so many ideas!!! Each house is decorated so different, and it shows so many personalities. So, I decided to join the fun! ; D

This is my second year in my own place, so my decorations are building every year. Hobby Lobby and stores a-like are really my weakness, because I love to decorate! 


This is the small tree in the living room. I really don't have a large living room, and it's really not the ideal place for it because it blocks a view of the T.V. from one angle, but I didn't care because one of my favorite parts of Christmas is to turn the Christmas lights on while I watch T.V. And that wouldn't be possible if the tree wasn't in the living room! Anyway, I got the idea of the art mesh going vertical from Christmas Jubilee, and I think it turned out well! It's much easier to work with when you realize that it's not fragile! 


Okay, so I know this is a random picture, but I'm really obsessed with glass jars. Especially apothecary jars. I am always thinking of a new place that I can place a jar with some random objects in it. Pottery Barn has tons of gorgeous jars. 
This is the arrangement in my living room. I wouldn't call it an arrangement, because it's really a bunch of twigs shoved together. I'm not really happy with it, but it is what it is. I've taken it apart 3 times and tried to make it look like what I was trying to accomplish, and each time it looked worse. So, I've given up. I do love my lighted twigs from Kirklands. They stay in that vase year round (with different flowers, of course!). 


This is my second tree. I put it in the breakfast "nook" area. This thing is massive, and there are clearly not enough ornaments on it. I'm pretty sure I need a thousand more. However, it fits the space and it's really pretty when it's lit. That bow at the top is the result of a lot of frustration of trying to get that mesh wrapped around that fat tree. I kind of like the bow! I'm on the look-out for some gold/brown poinsettias to shove in the gaps. If I find some, I'll post an updated pic.


I love this snowman. I'm pretty sure this was my first Christmas decoration that I bought for the first Christmas in my apartment. It's like a silvery-gold glitter color. I love that color. The vase beside it has gold and brown tall twigs that go up really high but I really wanted to show this snow-man. This is in my kitchen.


And here is another jar. On the kitchen counter.  


This is my dining room table. I'm trying to find a table cloth that adds the perfect touch. (I'm aware that Christmas is next week, lol!) Anyway, I made this wreath this year and I thought it was too pretty to put outside where no-one would see it. So, here it is. This is right when you walk in my door, so it is the first thing people see. It's different, but I like it! 


And this is from my dining room going into my kitchen. This garland did NOT want to stay up on the hooks for the life of me. After I put it up, I realized that I had attached the mesh to the WRONG garland without the lights and I was quite irritated. However, I spent so much time begging for it to stay, that I didn't want to go through the whole process again with a heavier strand of garland. So, this is it. Sorry about the messy counter in the background! Ha! 
And that's it! There are a few more things floating around here, but those are the main decorations. 

Merry Christmas!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Bible Study Buddies

Over the past few months, I have been going through a Bible Study with some fabulous ladies. It has been such a wonderful study, and we have all learned so much. Not to mention a great excuse to eat cookies and drink flavored coffee! :) If you are looking for a great Bible Study to do with a group, or by yourself, I recommend this one:

Kelly Minter is a wonderful writer, and she has great insight into the Word of God. We have learned to clear out the things in our lives and in our hearts that we allow to "function" as a god. It doesn't stop with removing such things. It requires us to invite God in to occupy those areas of our lives. It's all about making room for Him!!  We have learned from each other and had a great time sharing what the Lord has done in us through this study.

The Lord has taught me so much, and I can't wait for the next study with my Bible Study Buddies! I'm on the lookout for the next study series. Any suggestions??