I Will Not Make a Mad Dash to the Mall

I really don't like the crazies of the holidays.

A mad dash to the mall + road rage + push and shove + 

grab and poke + long lines + exasperated customers and disgruntled employees

=

one crazy, unstable, extreme woman

This year I'm not going to do it. 

I'm buying on-line.

I'm shopping local during the middle of the day

when the crowd is away.

I want to get all of my decorating 

done before Thanksgiving.  

I know!  Don't shoot me down!

My daughter and her husband are coming 

and they won't be home for Christmas. 

Today I went to Hobby Lobby. 

This is my start.

The first thing I got out was my mama's candy dish. 

She kept kisses or peppermint candy all year round. 

This year I have both, candy cane kisses.

I found one of my Santa mugs pushed to the back of a cluttered shelf.

I got the brush tree today at Hobby Lobby.

Yes, I copied Pinterest!

I have wanted trees like this for years. 

Today was my day-all Christmas 1/2 at Hobby Lobby.

To Do:

1.  Spray paint the lantern red.

2.  Add more candies

3.  Add some red candle holders

4.  Add white candles and tie a red ribbon around them.

5.  Add some boxes or books for height.

I will not rush, I will not dash, I will not push, I will not shove, I will not have a break down.

To Be Continued...

Bonnie:)

Some Whites After Labor Day

Today was no different 

with no rain and high temps.

It's still summer and will be for awhile 

even after Labor Day.

Does the fashion rule still apply, 

no whites after Labor Day?

I think you'll agree to a few whites.

This Cinderella pumpkin could go in the pink room.

This is one of my favorite vignettes.

It could sit it on my kitchen faux mantle. 

I pinned it a couple of years ago,

enough color to be natural and white to be bright.

I think I will change the bow to be an ivory/natural color.

I will definitely add the cotton to my wreath

to complete the vignette. 

I could do this,

and this.

Simply Shabby Chiccy

I think this will be on my front porch soon!

So, what ya think?

White?

Have a Happy Labor Day Weekend.

I will miss my family so I'll try to just 

get some projects done to put in my booth.

Bonnie:)

Please Turn the Heat Off!

It's still steamy here!

Ughhh!

The beach doesn't even attract me.

I'm so over this heat. 

I tell you what!

Today, I was a substitute for the 8th grade classes.

The baddest bunch I have EVER taught, and I can't say, 

"A mean little girl without a daddy."

They were just B-A-D, BAD!

Yes, sirree!

Talk about being run over!

I'll admit it!

My bad, tough self!

They slap ran all over me and jumped 

and hooped and hollered and high-fived about it too.

I have NEVER, did you hear me????

NEEEEEEEEVER been so humiliated and shown

such disrespect. 

And get this, 

some kid turned the heat on.

Oh yeah, the heat was on, 

and I'm talking 80 degrees.

Seriously???

So I'm dreaming of Fall.

I'll show you some of my favorite pins. 

Last year I used whites. 

This year I may add color. 

The verdict is still out.

These I can do. 

Does anyone remember apple-bobbing?

I think this would look great 

as a centerpiece for a farm table. 

Don't you agree?

Oh how I wish I had a fireplace. 

Do you think "cozy" when you look at this?

This is cute and easy, but think about this with candy corn.

I can just smell the yummy.

Easy peasy!

A box or drawer, 

fall berries and pumpkins

and candles from the Dollar Tree

and less than $10.

I can do something like this with my white jars!

Yes, I can!

No, I didn't scream, 

"Please turn the heat off!"

I'm not ready for 50 degrees either

and they would show me two opposite extremes,

I'm sure. 

I told the teacher next door, 

"These kids are out of control."

She said, "Yes.  Now you know why we can't keep a substitute."

Yeah!!!!

Somebody's got to love them. 

But I think I'd rather love on 

the little ones. 

Can we turn the heat off?

Bonnie:)

Ball Jars and Chalkpaint

A couple of weeks ago, 

I bought a box of 9 Ball jars 

(clear, old, not new)

for $5.

I found this wire basket that I love!

So, you know what I've been doing.

I've been painting jars with chalk paint. 

I distressed them a bit like they do on Pinterest.

I found these dried whatevers for $2.

I photographed them on the vintage tablecloth

that I was told to "take and be blessed."

It's hard for me to receive so I gave her $1.  

I know, I know, I ripped her off. 

I kinda like them in the white room.

I think I'll stack some pretty white linen in the basket.

What do you think?

Keep or sell?

I hope your Sunday has been filled with love, peace and joy.

Mine sure has been. 

Bonnie:)

We're In Italy!

We're On Our Way to Italy

Linda at Simply Linda called and said, "Hey, want to go to Italy."  I was like, "What??? You have got to be kidding.  I was just thinking about that. I'm soooo having a Calgon moment and ready to get away from it all."  

So I hopped on a plane from Atlanta and met her in New York.

This was the view from my window.

So, here we are!

Did you know that Italy in one of the top European destinations. 

Our first stop was Verona.What a villa we have!  

The mountains on one side and the sea on the other.  

I once worked with a guy who had lived half of his life in Italy so I know a little about what to expect.  He called me something and did the kissy-finger-thingy (no, not that finger!).  I said, "What did you say?"  He said, "It means you are a little stout lady."  I was livid.  What????  He said, " In Italy that is a compliment and I meant it as a compliment."  I said, "We're not in Italy."  

But now I am, so I think I'll fit in just fine. I'm a Signora Bella for now.

Now I know that Italy has a reputation for being expensive and you pay big bucks for the wine, but Linda and I found the neatest little eateries on the back streets of Venice.

Gotta keep her away from the wine

or I'll be carrying her on my back.

I forgot to show you the inside of our villa.

Linda has the bed. 

It's only fair since she planned most of the itinerary.

I just love the cobblestone paths

of Taormina.

The countryside, the small towns, oh and the 

Piazzas!

The sights, tastes, smells-ahhhhhh.

Eat, drink and be merry!

I eat, she drinks and we both are merry!

(I'm teasing, Linda.  What goes on in Italy, stays in Italy.  I'm not telling a thing!)

I sure hope I get to take a Gondola ride on 

the back canals of Venice.

Linda's trying to keep me away from the 

Italian men!

Oh my goodness!

Mama Mia!

Delish!

We're in Rome now.

This is a collage that I made of the city.

Shops for days, food for hours, 

and cobblestone gardens that 

I'd like to bring home with me. 

Linda says there's more to see so

you'll want to drop by her place and see 

the second leg of our journey.

Wish You Were Here, 

Bonnie:)

So, just so you know.
This was a "virtual" vacation.
Linda is not a wine-o, and
I am still lusting after Italian men.

It's been fun!

Where is Your "Be Still" Place?

I was encouraged today by Debby's blog

My Favorite Things

http://debbysfavoritethings.blogspot.com/.

God keeps reminding me to, "Be Still and Know."

My place to be still is often in my living room, 

with my Bible open and a good cup of coffee.

However, sometimes I need time away from the 

daily hub of living.

Your "Be Still" place may simply be
a chair by the pool, 

 a cabin in the woods,

or a mountain stream.

Any place that provides 

comfort, rest and quiet
whispers from the Father,
can be your "Be Still" place.

I'm going to take a virtual vacation

and give you a tour of my place my dream.

My cottage would look like this,

It would have a porch for the kiddos to do what kiddos do

and adults too.

The girls would have their own comfy room upstairs 

to share secrets, laughs and pillow fights.

The chest would be full of beach things that they can enjoy

year after year.

The boys would have their own wave to ride.

This would be our room with a view of the ocean.

Another bedroom for our children,

and another bedroom for the other children.

I could take my afternoon nap right here 

and with open windows, enjoy the sound of the sea. 

We would shower in the outside shower

before going in for a sandwich.

A simple little nook with an island/bar 

will be fine for my cottage kitchen.

A mix of these colors will be my inspiration.

I can relax just thinking about it. 

Where is your "Be Still" place?

Bonnie:)

Gray and Red Idea for Bedroom

http://www.gratitudejournalblog.com/decor/a-room-for-a-boy/#comment-11464

I found this idea on pinterest for my gray and red bedroom.
Today I am buying some red paint to paint my star and lamp.
I am going to do a frame collage in red and gray and maybe a red letter.
I'm crazy about stars and letters.
I'll get pillows and a throw when I find the ones that pop out at me.

Thanks all for your suggestions.

Thank you Shelly at www.gratitudejournal.blog.com for letting me pin your photo.

Bonnie:)