One more Chandelier Dressed for SANTA!

Happy Sunday everyone... Hope you all had a relaxing day.. finished off all the left overs, kitchens are cleaned up, and everyone is unloading the attic for Christmas treasures!

Today I worked on a few small Christmas decor items on my check list! (and checkin' it twice!!)

I picked up this box of Christmas holley stained glass pieces at a garage sale in the summer for $2!! I could not wait to drag them out today.



This is my outdoor chandelier hanging on the patio. Each arm of the chandelier has a different colored bobeche. The different colors allow me to decorate and work with different colors year round.



I strung silver garland and then tied the holley on to the arms for a festive twist.

And then .. my favorite birdhouse .. gave it a touch of Christmas decor as well.



Back in the office tomorrow... sure many of you are back to the grind as well. Have a great Monday & safe travels.

Jingle Bells to ya!
Valarie

Chandeliers have on their Christmas Best!

Today, I sassed up 4 of my favorite chandeliers just waiting for Santa!

If you are close to a Dollar Tree you should go and make a haul. All of the silver glitter balls, Prancer (my favorite!), snowflakes with the prism are all from Dollar Tree. I bought the silver garland at Dollar General.

This chandelier hangs over my dining room table. I love, love the glitter balls, and Prancer. DO you love the snowflakes with the prism at the bottom? Loved that! Matched all my other prism's on the chandelier. Also, silver garland is such a big bang for a buck! I tied the ornaments with red organza on the arms to pull in the red from my table runners , chargers etc..That will be set soon..


This chandelier hangs over the bar... Have to tell you that these glitter balls were 5 in a tube for a BUCK! You love the glittery, sassy Prancer? (HAVE YOU SEEN THE CHRISTMAS MOVIE PRANCER?)


This little jewel hangs over my kitchen sink and makes me smile daily! I mixed in some red garland on this one to bring out the red in my shade over the sink -- also added the silver garland. The little glass bulbs that have flowers in them ... are too cute... have had them for years.. will dress them out for Christmas with berries.. (these are left over from Thanksgiving)



This chandlier hangs in the guest room better known as my mom's room when she comes to visit. I did not hang garland on this one .. I thought the crystal ornaments were just enough to make a difference! These also were at the Dollar Tree 3 to a card! I just looped them over the arms for a bit of sweet sass!


THEN FINALLY....

Dressed up my jars of Christmas candy with ribbons and balls.. have 2 done, have about 10 more to go!! I will decorate these in each room .. Kids love CANDY!



So ... that was it for today.. Hope you are bringing out all the things that make your Christmas special!

Cheers to ya!
Valarie

Christmas Decor Fever

Ok... I have to admit I did eat the very last piece of hershey pie! AND many pieces of honey baked ham today!

Instead of shopping today, I thought best if I stayed home and started creating Christmas decor.

I am so PROUD OF MYSELF (pat on back please!) over this front door garland. I spotted a similar one at a Decorator Warehouse for $350! Granted it may have a few more goodies on it.. but very close to this I put together for $50! I bought the pre-lit garland on sale @Michaels, all the ribbon and sugar berry springs from Garden Ridge. I thought it turned out very good.. first time I went all out on front door garland.. I love it... AND my adorable husband really loves the $$ savings!

Working on some other things .. will share tomorrow.

I hope this blog finds you in the Christmas Spirit and dragging out all the goodies from the attic!

SmILeS!!

Valarie

WHAT A BLESSING! BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

Good evening all....

What an amazing day we had with all the family! There are no words to sum it all up.. other than BLESSING!

It's late and I am sure not everyone wants to hear me ramble on and on about baby Jack and how wonderful my Thanksgiving table decor was .. (lol) so.. tonight just sharing photo's of the day.

Thanks for reading my crazy life blog.. and have a great pm.. Enjoy Black Friday! I hope you all find the bargains of your dreams!

Blessings to ya!
Valarie

BABY JACK ARRIVED TODAY!!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BABY JACK (22 MINUTES OLD HERE)


WESLEY GIVING BABY JACK HIS FIRST KISS!


WOW!!

As you all know, I have anxiously been awaiting the arrival of my 2nd grandson Jack. He came today @12:19, a healthy 9 lbs, 13 1/2 oz, 21 inches long .. A FULL BUNDLE OF JOY!!

My daughter Ash and baby are fine and resting well. I should have known the 2 of them wanted to make a grand entrance tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

I am hosting the family gathering this year, everyone will be here at 1! Hope I have everything ready to go ... and can stay away from the hospital in the am...

What a wonderful blessing the day before Thanksgiving! Thank you Ashley for delivering this beautiful child!

Enjoy the snapshot of Baby Jack!

BIG OL' Grins!

Valarie

R E L A X !! Who me?

Hello everyone...

I wanted to wish everyone in advance a very Happy Thanksgiving!

With all the hustle and bustle with the holidays.. I thought it best to retreat in my bathroom tonight, take a nice hot bath, enjoy my surroundings and get ready for the next 35 days!! And remember what RELAX means!!

My bathroom is my haven of retreat and relaxation. Hope you enjoy the photo! (If you read Creative Home, look for our home featured in the Spring edition)

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving... and remember to relax with the one's you love!

Valarie

Speaking of Junky Finds! Fabric -Ribbon Lampshades?

Hello all....

This weekend was a blur.... trying to get ready for the family Thanksgiving and putting the finishing touches on my junky finds.

I had bought this not so attractive lamp table, couple coats of black paint does wonders! I had this old vintage shade (see in photo). With the help of a friend who taught me the tricks of knot tying and cutting 2 inch strips.. a fabric-ribbon lampshade was in the making.

These fabric-ribbon lamp shades sell here locally in a antique store in my hometown for about $100! Use your imagination and fine tune to accommodate your color scheme! Oh yeah.. and of course had to add a few strands of beads!

Hope your weekend was kicking fun!!

Valarie

MIMI THURSDAY??

Well here we are again at Mimi Thursday!!

Tonight Cici's Pizza first choice, followed by video games, then just one more video game, followed by hot chocolate at the house with all the cool whip and sprinkles on top!! and just a bit more of cool whip please!!

As I mentioned in my profile Wesley is expecting a baby brother due between this second and Dec 1.

Wesley will have a bit of adjusting to do when Baby Jack arrives...

Wesley is the first born grandson on both sides of the families, he has ALWAYS been front and center of all attention, the world has pretty much revolved around him for the last 8 years, aunts and uncles goo over him, he has a fabulous great grandmother, great aunt and uncle, tons of playmates!

We have all been his cheering fan club.... He has played every sport to mankind and does well (for an 8 year old).. His jersey numbers have always been #1! I asked him tonight did you realize you were #1 in baseball, #1 in soccer, #1 in outdoor soccer? He said so matter of fact.. I will always be #1, Baby Jack will be #2.

As I said ... few minor tweeks and adjustments are coming his way.... MORE TO FOLLOW on how that goes!

Enjoy my photo's of #1!! He rocks my WORLD!!

Big smiles from Texas!!

I AM A CHANDELIER JUNKIE!!

Thought I would share some of my junky finds!!

I love, love chandeliers.. actually quiet obessed with them. I took a few snaps of my favorites! When I found these .. they were in horrible shape, I painted them, my wonderful husband rewired most of them.

They make you smile when you enter the room! Wonder what kind of stories they could tell!

If you love chandeliers .. share what you have done with yours!

Cheers!

Valarie

Dreaming!

Please tell me I am dreaming and this is really Friday!! What a wild 2 days!

Thought this snapshot summed up---think I will daydream a bit, and turn it in for a good night's rest and more dreaming! Or opt out for an adult beverage and DREAM my life away!

I have attached a glimpse of my dream room, guest room, (well not really...My mom's room when she visits! Sorry Mom!)

If you enjoy the photo's and love to dream as well holla back!

Valarie

SIMPLY SAID! BLESSED!

Hope you all had a Blessed Sunday!

Have a great week!
Valarie

3RD WEEK-END FLEA MARKETS ARE THE BEST!!

Happy Friday to all,

Doesn't get much better than stopping by a flea market on the way home from the office to find a couple little items to make your day!

I have become obsessed with these little gold or silver jewelry boxes! I have been collecting them for a arrangement on my dresser. (so stinkin cute!) They are very inexpensive to pick up at garage sales, thrift stores, and bring just the perfect little "WOW"! I have beads in one, pennies in another, old charms in another with the lids half open.. just makes you want to peek inside!!

Found the perfect little bouquet of pink and blue ornaments AND a silver creamer. So of course they had to end up in the shabby chic room.. will share photo's soon.

Found a 'K' intial .. representing my last name HAD to have that!

Found a little condiment set .. Must have for the upcoming Thanksgiving gala.. need to silver leaf tomorrow.

Spent $20!! and had a fab time!

Thought I would share ...

Have a great weekend.. and I hope you find a diamond in the rough!

O Happy Days!
Valarie

Mimi Thursday!

Hello all, as you all know today is Mimi Thursday!

Instead of the nightly ritual we normally do... I stepped on out there and offered to go spend the day with Wesley and 45 of his closest friends for a field trip, followed by a Thanksgiving lunch at the school in lieu of the Thursday night Mimi Sleepover!

We toured a historic mock old town area in our city, complete with the old schoolhouse, church, hotel, general store. It was fabulous and the kids loved it.

We then proceeded to the oldest cemetery in our town, dating back to 1845. The students had researched many of the oldest families around, our mission was to locate the family that we were assigned. Need I say more abut 45 - 3rd graders running through a cemetery? Yes, we did give rules but they were suddenly out the door as soon as we stepped off the bus.

The kids did math calculations on life span of many of the deceased... at one point my darling grandson advised the average age was 50 and I probably didn't have much more time!!! I had to laugh out loud!!

The photo's above were taken at the cemetery. They were so pretty! Wanted to share. The picture does not do justice!

Needless to say.. I need a glass of wine and a little James Taylor to unwind.

Holla back if you want to LAUGH WITH ME! What a day and a sweet one at that!

Valarie

PS.. Overnight stay is still on... cause Mimi didn't make it clear that it was the field trip, or sleepover! (I can't say no why?)

NO BLOG TONIGHT -- PULLING FOR KELLIE! I love CMA'S!

Hope you all are enjoying the evening! I LOVE THE CMA'S AND HAVE TO WATCH LIL MS PICKLER...



hugs from TeXas!!

JUNKIN' @GOODWILL TONIGHT!!

Check out the $3 mirror find!! Thought it added a funky twist to my dining table.. I added a crystal decanter , few glasses, and champagne glasses. Will add in the next few days (yes, will share!) silver candlesticks, orange and red roses in rose bowl to warm it up for Thanksgiving Day festivities. I am hosting the family so this table needs to be a WOW.. MORE TO COME..

There you have it.. my funky tip for the day.

Cheers!

Can I get an Amen on MY ROOSTER?

Ever to stop and think about the things that make you smile when you enter your home?

Wanted to share my happy rooster that I wake to everyday!

Smiles!
Valarie

AND I WANTED TO KNOW THIS WHY??

Happy Monday all, we all need a good laugh on Monday... Giving you all fair warning... Some of this is me.. some isn't! Could be a tad of denial going on! Enjoy a great Monday!

Click on the link at the bottom of this email to find out What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Hugs,
Valarie



What Valarie Means



You are very hyper. You never slow down, even when it's killing you.

You're the type of person who can be a workaholic during the day... and still have the energy to party all night.

Your energy is definitely a magnet for those around you. People are addicted to your vibe.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic “Type A” personality.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Good bye Summer -- Hello Fall!!

Before I say good bye to summer here in Texas and salute Fall... I wanted to share a few of my favorites from my garden!

Happy Digging!
Valarie

What do you love about Saturday?

What a great day... I have to post why I love Saturday!

Waking up to the love of my life! with no alarm clock!

No hour commute!

Casual is the attire for the day... NO corporate america attire!

Thrift store shopping! AND... Finding a vintage piece before anyone else discovered it was really VINTAGE!

Lunch with friends at an old diner!

Reconnecting with my downtown square and seeing friends..

Enjoying my home.

Today was great... how was your day??

With that said... Life is short .. eat dessert first!!

Smiles!!

Valarie

MIMI THURSDAY??

Today is Mimi's on Thursday. In case you all are wondering what this entails.. It is a bright blue eyed 8 year grandson that spends the night with Mimi and .. pretty much rules the roost for the night!! His overnight stay includes his choice of the evening meal (thank gOOdness tonight for chili cheese dogs with tater tots!)and choice of activity for the evening. We started this overnight event when he was 2, to give his Mom a break once a week. This has turned into such a memorable event for the both of us.  

We have in the past .. watched the sun go down, counted the stars, made cookies, made messes, cried over rules, pitched many baseballs, kicked the soccer ball, attended fun movies, blown bubbles, rode our bikes, discussed the family tree in detail .. and the most fun of all that we do at least once a month .. watch the video of his birth & go through his scrapbook to read all about him!   

Not sure how many of you are Mimi'S .. if you are blessed with grandchildren, enjoy the talks, enjoy the laughs and most of all enjoy the memories of a grandchild.. till tomorrow ... HUGS TO ALL! 

ONE QUESTION.... ARE YOU A PART OF AMERICAN HISTORY?

Another birthday in Texas!

Hello all...  

Ashley turned 27 today!! Ash is expecting Baby Jack any day!!  Can't believe she is 27 and expecting baby #2!! I can't wait to be a MIMI again..  the celebration was at our favorite restaurant -- big steak med well please.... Her gift maternity series shoot. . (stay tuned for those photo's!) 

Anyone needing photo's for heirloom gifts .. go to this gal .. she is amazing! 

www.nataliekphotography.com 

More tomorrow.. Happy Birthday Ashley ... (my first born!) 

Hugs to all ...