Dear 2010,

Dear 2010,


I have to say we got off to a very rocky start. The first couple months were tough, but we hung in there. We stayed positive and hopeful and didn’t give up and by the end I am actually a little sad to see you go. You have given me and my family so much. And given us so much promise heading into the new year. You taught me not to give up. You taught me it’s ok to be happy. You have shown me that although there are many bumps in the road they are there to teach us so much. I am comfortable with who I am, I’m in love and I am so grateful for endless possibilities. I am excited about meeting 2011 with a smile and a positive outlook. I am ready for the adventure and I am so happy I get to go on it with everyone I love!

Happy New Year!!!

Random Vintage Thingies from 2010 ...

Here are a few random vintage thingies from 2010! Happy New Year!!!

(ps. If you are in the mood for some more fabulous vintage items stop over and visit Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingie Thursday!)

I spotted this adorable orange bus in the American History Museum in Washington.

This is one of my favorite pictures from my family's antique photo album. I wish I knew who these ancestors were.

Here are a few more pictures from the album. They include my grandfather, great aunt, and my great great grandmother with a turkey. I love that picture.

These mica putz houses were one of my favorite vintage finds this year.

This is a vintage street decoration from a little town near my home. I love the old decorations so much better than the silly holiday flags most towns put up now.

A pretty vintage ball on my silver tree.

Two vintage angels, a gold Merry Christmas tag, and a vase with plastic poinsettias.

This is my favorite vintage Halloween decoration.

Lastly, my small tree in the kitchen decorated with many fabulous vintage ornaments.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Rednesday, Holiday Red ...

Today I am linking up with It's A Cherry World for Rednesday. Here are a few of my holiday Reds from around the house.

Poinsettias!

Horse and Bird Ornaments!

Vintage Christmas Balls!

Snowman Candle!



Vintage Skier Ornament!

Shiny Brite Box!

Santa Candle!

Santa Ball!

Plastic Santas!

Handmade Christmas Gift …

Every year I make a few handmade presents for my family. I especially love making presents for my sister and her husband. The first year they were married I bought them a beautiful antique frame and painted a picture of my sister's wedding boutique. The first Christmas they were in their adorable new house I made them a clay ornament that looked like their new home. This year I used their cute house as my muse and made them a replica of their home out of recycled materials for their mantel.

The materials I used to make the house was a cardboard boot box, a piece of scrap plywood, a brown paper bag, glue, tracing paper, and glitter. It was a lot of fun to create and I was very happy with how it turned out.

I was so excited to see them open it Christmas Eve, I love creating gifts for the people I love!

Merry Christmas ...

Paperwhites and a Fabulous Vintage Angel

I think paperwhites are beautiful, but I never tried to grow them before. So, a couple of weeks ago I picked up several bulbs at a local gardening shop and thought I would give them a try. They are very easy to grow; all you need is water, glass jars, and a bright spot to set them. I was so excited yesterday my first paperwhite started to bloom. The flowers are so delicate and pretty. They are going to make a beautiful holiday centerpiece.

After admiring my blooming paperwhite this morning I was able to escape the house alone and get some Christmas shopping done. I ended up at my favorite antique and farmers market. I found some unique gifts for a few special people and a little vintage present for myself. She was only five dollars and I think she was worth every penny. She is fabulous. Her cute little face and crazy blonde hair reminds me of an angel my parents put on our family tree when I was a kid. She fits on top of our little tree in the kitchen perfectly.

Vintage Christmas Balls ...

I love vintage Christmas balls. The elegant ones, the bright ones, the weathered ones, and the tacky ones. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas balls from around the house. Oh, and if you are in the mood to see some more fabulous vintage decorations stop over at Coloradolady, for Vintage Thingie Thursday.

If you want to quickly get to coloradolady go to my right coloumn and scroll down to her button. I was unable to paste her link to my post. Have a great Thursday!!!

Oh Tannenbaum ...

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a beautiful tree. Here are a few of my favorite trees from around the house.

This is our families Christmas tree. I love real trees. When we bring it home from the tree farm we decorate it with lights and tinsel. We don't put our ornaments on until Christmas Eve. It's a tradition we started after Abbey was born. It makes Christmas Eve even more special.


I always decorate my little silver tree with some of my most delicate vintage ornaments.

I have two matching tree candles. I keep at least one out all year long.

I love Shiny Brite Christmas ball boxes.

This is my favorite Christmas ball.

Our little tree in the kitchen is always decorated with colored lights and some of my favorite vintage ornaments.

This is the fun tree.

A little tree in a colander.

I painted this little tree to decorate the front porch.

I love how it shimmers when the lights hit it.

Have a great Wednesday, Stay Warm!!!