How did I not know about this.....

How did I go so long without knowing that Christmas stocking stands existed? I've been hanging our stockings on the back of our bar stools/chairs. Not the most attractive way, but it was my only option. After browsing several sites, I came across this wonderful invention. After doing some price checking etc, I settled on this one from HSN.com. Too cute!


*NOTE: This item was priced at 15.99 - I paid $21 after shipping and handling. It will arrive on or before Dec. 9. I did check out the ones at WalMart.com. They were about the same price, however not as classy. BUT, if you want one in a hurry or don't want to deal with shipping etc., I'd suggest picking one up from WalMart. Another option is stocking hooks. They're really cute- but would still have to be hung from a counter etc. Target.com had a nice selection of stocking hooks, unfortunately they didn't have any stocking stands.

Newest Finds

I'm an addict when it comes to Bed Bath and Beyond. I LOVE this store! I'm not positive, but I'd be willing to bet money that it was a WOMAN who began the franchise! Last month I completely redecorated our guest bathroom- today I went and did the same for our master bathroom. Here are some fabulous finds I fell in love with!

I fell in love with this wall decor! I ended up putting it over the toilet in our master bathroom.

I also fell for these face towel stands! A unique way of displaying them! I found them much more attractive than the rings/bars that screw into the wall. I bought one brushed stainless steel last month for the guest BR. Today, I got the venetian bronze for our MB.


This is perhaps my favorite! I LOVE these toilet paper caddies! You store extra rolls in the canister. Once again, much more attractive to me than screwing the bar thingy into the wall. The GB has the brushed stainless while the MB has the venetian bronze. Too cute!


I thought this cute waste basket went well with my other buys!


After picking out more candles, clocks, and other decor, both bathrooms are officially redecorated! I'll post pictures later this evening!

On another note, I was finally able to pick up our armoire today! I couldn't be more pleased with it! It adds that finishing touch to the room! I'm just amazed that someone could build something like that! All of the details are hand done- to me that adds more character to the piece. I'm definitely going to post pics tonight (I've got to hang a few last minute sconces, etc.) I'll also blog about the adventure my brother and I went on to get the piece!

It's been a great day filled with shopping, eating, and best of all- DECORATING!

My love affair with a trash can

For months and months I've been looking for a new trash can. I had specifics that I wanted: stainless steel, fingerprint/smudge proof, large size, and a flip top. Well, the one I found had everything I wanted except the flip top. It's the kind with the foot pedal (ugh..). It's supposed to be child friendly in that the lid closes very slowly to avoid smashing kid's fingers. Okay, I haven't any kids so I'm not sure why that idea is so appealing to me. After doing my homework as far as features and pricing, I found this one at Lowes and I'm in love!

Simplicity

Today I decided to go ahead and change my blog. I was originally planning on using one of my Christmas designs. (See previous blog). However, I drastically changed my mind! For a while now I've had big, showy blogs. For the first time ever I opted on a simple blog. Surprisingly, it's my favorite design of all! After all, it's not the look that makes a blog great- it's the content! I was a bit apprehensive about saving my changes and showing it off. I've updated just about everything- so take a look around and tell me what you think!

It's no surprise that this week's Quote of the Week revolves around simplicity.

“Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.”
Frederic Chopin

Rain, Rain don't go away......

...because I want to wear my new rain boots to work tomorrow!

After standing in the rain, getting splashed by puddles as cars drove by, and having my pants soaking wet around my ankles during car duty this afternoon, I headed out in search of some cute rain boots! Found these at my favorite shoe store! I can't wait to wear them for my kindergarten kidddies tomorrow! Please, please, please let it rain!

From our nest to yours.....

I've been doing a bit of blog designing for the holidays and here's what I've come up with....







I won't decorate my blog for Christmas just yet....but it's on my mind! I love these and can't wait to change my blog for the holidays! Hmmm...but which one will I use? What do you think?

I can't believe it's over....

My six month reading affair with an Old Order Amish girl, Hannah Lapp, has come to an end. Okay..... before you jump to crazy conclusions, let me explain!


Back in May I began reading the first book of the 'Sister's of the Quilt' book, When The Heart Cries, by Cindy Woodsmall. It was awesome! I ended up reading books one and two in three days! I couldn't put it down (which is my criteria for whether a book is good or not)! I was heartbroken to find that I would have to wait from May until the end of October to read the last and final book. Well, I finished book three with tears spilling down my cheeks a few minutes ago. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend you read this series! This series is what got me so hooked on Christian Fiction about the Amish! I've read dozens of Amish series since this summer- can't get enough! See my previous blog on this subject!


The story ended very well- I hate getting attached to good characters and then having the story end badly! It's one of those books where you think about the characters and miss them once you've finished the book! Well, I'm definately going to miss Hannah, Paul, Luke, Mary, Matthew, and all the other people from the story.

So, go and pick up all three books and read them! Or, visit this link to learn more about it!

Over the weekend I picked up my next book on the list to devour. I fell in love with the author, Francine Rivers, a few years ago when I read her story Redeeming Love. This was actually one of the books I did for our Merry Heart's Book Club at church. Redeeming Love is my all time favorite! So, I picked up her book 'Atonement Child' and will start on it this evening! Click on this link to learn more about it and the author!

Here's to all who share my love of good books and finding friends in characters! Happy Reading!

A fortelling of what's to come?

Today my kindergarten class held a mock election. We made super cute banners with streamers as we discussed what election day means. As I was hanging them in the hallway I asked each student who they wanted to vote for. The results...... Obama 15 and McCain 4 - Obama wins! While my kids were excited about Obama winning and we had a good time, I sure hope the real election doesn't turn out that way! So, who has my vote?