Kitchen Update

Whenever people see my house for the first time, the room that gets the most comments is the kitchen. Plus it has the most hits here on the blog, so I thought it was time to give a bit of an update. Not much has changed in the kitchen, but I did rearrange a few of the accessories a couple of weeks ago, so it's time to show you all some new photos. For those of you who haven't read about the renovation, click here. :)

One of the new additions is my retro KitchenAid mixer. My gma found it for my aunt at a garage sale, so I traded my white one out. Plus I got the cool glass bowl for Christmas.

One of my favorite things about my kitchen is the open shelving under the bar.  

My bowling lane counter tops. Best decisions ever. They've lasted 2 years now without any oiling, re-finishing, or other up keep.

And a few more accessory shots....

:j

Post Cards

A Christmas Centerpiece

Am I the only one who dreams all through November about the amazing Christmas decor I'm going to whip out come Thanksgiving? I comb through Pinterest and Better Homes & Gardens and blogs for inspiration. I tell myself that my Christmas decor is going to be epic this year with wreaths, greenery, crafts, ornaments, ribbon, tinsel, candles, and glitter. Lots of glitter. 

Then come the fourth Friday in November, I drag out tote after tote of red and green. Then I look at all the boxes piled in my kitchen and get a bit overwhelmed. And I cry. No I don't really cry, but I kind of wish I could just show guests my pretty Holiday board on Pinterest when they visit. I'd say, "Oh, no, I didn't put up a Christmas tree this year, but I pinned 8 of them. All different themes. And I pinned 14 DIY wreaths. That's right, 14. How many do you have?"

Eventually I get over my despair, and I call Momma, and get to decorating. I find myself enjoying the memories each piece brings as I unwrap it and give it a home for the season. My decor may not end up being as epic as planned, and that's okay. My house looks like Christmas, which makes me happy. And the thing that makes me most happy right now (besides the sign I showed you yesterday) is my centerpiece. I like how simple and sweet it is. Who doesn't love Bell jars and empty picture frames? Well, I'm sure those people are out there, but they are not friends of mine, and I don't ever plan to be friends with those people. 

This post has been linked to: The Lettered Cottage Tablescapes for Christmas

:j

My Christmas Craft

Sometimes I get ideas for projects, and I think through it, and then I decide that I should wait until a more opportune time to paint my table or rearrange my guest room. Then there are other times that I decide I should paint a door to use for Christmas decor instead of clean my house, go grocery shopping, or work on photos. 

This is that door.

Yes, I should have used a level. Yes, I should have planned it out a little bit before just free handing the lettering. But I still love it.

In case you can't read it, it says...

In this home,

Christmas

is about

our Savior

laughing together

singing around the piano

Praising God

giving generously

showing compassion

sharing our joy

celebrating His birth

kissing under the mistletoe

blessing others

loving others

being kind to others

the manger

peace and hope

Family Time

Jesus.

:j