just for amber...

my friend Amber has an eye for all things creative. she is one of the GREATEST encouragers of my creative endeavors and never fails to make me feel like i've actually got "skills" i SO appreciate her pushing me to recognize my potential...anyways...she has been asking to see pictures of my house decorated for the holidays - and since i only have a point and shoot - and some pretty awful lighting - these aren't the BEST photos, but hopefully they provide the GENERAL idea...i didn't spend any money on decor - so it was definitely a "work with what you've got year"...this was the first thing i accomplished...i stuck a few poinsetta's into this brown branch wreath and hung it up...it immediately helped...then i moved on...i borrowed apothecary jars from shalina (we used them in the candy bar @ her wedding) and filled them with ornaments...they didn't photograph well - but they really do look cute! i switched out the prints in my entryway to be a bit more festive...it really is FUN to have the skills to make simple changes like that - it didn't take me long at ALL to do it - and it helps a TON (especially since we don't have a tree...every smidge of decor helps!)i changed the scarf and added some mittens to make it a bit warmer...the dining room table is also adorned by an apothecary filled with ornaments (sequin ornaments to be exact) and a couple sparkly candles... a friend gave me the glass candlestick holder and my mom gave me the candle! i can't find a lighter so we haven't actually enjoyed any candlelight...

ps can we all be in agreement that a bow fixes ALMOST anything (that statement is NOT entirely true and cannot be used as a guarantee for fabulous decor!)there are snowmen all over the house - I have more snowman stuff than anything else...but they're cute...and friendly...and feel like christmas... and finally i hung the 2011 wall calendar that i created MONTHS ago. it doesn't look quite right with the holiday decor - but it will be PERFECT for our everyday stuff...and we'll never have to wonder what day it is again...oh wait...let's be honest...no one will EVER actually USE that calendar...it's for looks ONLY! :)

and THAT is my house in a nutshell...there are a few other decor items - a candleabra including more ornaments, a snowman platter on display, a few more poinsettas, etc. but basically, you get the picture...