deck the halls holiday sampler::

 Every year I say.. "less is more" and this year is no different then last. My little home is ready for Christmas.

 Vintage shiny brites, woodland props, papers, repros and vintage photographs adorn the fresh tree this year. Using vintage photographs to highlight the tree was my inspiration as a vintage photo of my mom as a child hangs from a tree branch (previous post- inspiration) A frayed quilt from the 1900's a hides the tree stand out of sight. Greenery mixed with dollar Store candles and clear vessels were perfect and affordable. I'll be using some of these also at the dinner table Christmas eve.

The gold guilded mirror gets a makeover too with a vintage fur collar (a flea market find) and a pine cone swag befitting the holiday's. Foraging for berries, branches and twigs this year was a fun outing. More greens were added to a large sap bucket I picked up from Country Living fair this year. Placed by the front door with vintage cameras and more lights add a glow. Ice skates were a yard sale find.. a steal at a buck this past summer. The kitchen hosts a candy cane theme and another floral arrangement with leftover greens and berries.

A Christmas message from a postcard reads: All Good Wishes For a Happy Christmas~ hung in a vintage leather purse for all to see. Have you decorated your home for the Holiday's? I hope this post inspires you to use what you have on hand may it be vintage or not. Mix and match the old with new finds and even forage in the woods for branches and berries like I did a week ago. Enjoy this fun time decking the halls. Leave me a comment with a website address so I can come see your home all fancy for the holiday season thanks! xo Liz

sneak peeks, hihohome, xmas::

I know, it's been awhile. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. What have you been up to? It's been busy for me these days starting with holiday hoopla, shopping and everything inbetween. I've been inspired by the outdoors this year so, with this in mind my xmas theme this year will carry hints of greens, antlers and of course some vintage. Can't have xmas without it you know right? Since, we're on the xmas topic I had a great opportunity to shoot for Gatherings Mag at HiHoHome Market in Gardiner, NY several weeks ago. A Family run shop filled with vintage treasures, new furnishings and textiles. Stop by Gatherings Magazine Blog tomorrow for the feature on HiHoHome Market. If you love Christmas you're going to enjoy this blog posting. Have a perfect week- Elizabeth

Does This Look Like A Tree To You?

   I started cleaning and prepping for Christmas on Friday evening. Being so tired, even over tired as the minutes passed. I began putting things away. Would you believe Fall decor. Yes, I still had Fall decorations out. I couldn't get it together this year. I don't know why other then, no Xmas spirit? Go, figure. Can you relate?
My Hubby laughed and said, "You should decorate your mannequin, she can be your tree." Tree? What? He laughed. You see, for two years now we have had an artificial tree. Long, were the days of cutting down a charlie brown tree. I miss this tradition most, around the Holiday's. Life here is certainly different. I quess this happens to most when our children grow to adulthood. Things change... Traditions change too.
  When it comes to decorating these days.I like to keep it simple. Certain boxes are designated for Christmas in the attic. I keep on telling myself every year. Next year, I'm going through them all to declutter. Yeah, next year silly.
  So, Saturday came and finally I started unpacking the many ornaments. The handmade stocking appeared. A gift from a dear Friend. My creative wheels started turning..
  Just maybe, my Hubby had a good idea after all? Does it look like a fraser fir to you? Be honest now..........
The pins came in handy. What do you think?

   I guess I decorated, MY Tree. OK, I'm laughing now. Yes, the artificial tree is standing with little tinsel in the living room. Everything else, is complete for now. From the looks of things, my Blogging buddies are way ahead of me. Am, I right?
I still have more pics to show you. Stop by when you get a chance. Same place, Same time... Same Vintage channel ;)

                                                                 xxx Liz

This Year Isn't Over Yet!

                You heard me right! This year isn't over yet and there is more to learn and do! I haven't been sleeping well at night. I think my wheels are working in overdrive. I signed up for a photo shop class and I'm excited to learn some new techniques in photography. I took a field trip to White Barn Farm.. What a shop located in New Paltz, New York.. I want to learn Felting. Also, brush up on knitting. I haven't since I was a little girl. Last but not least! I am collaborating with The Funky Junk Sisters at Junk Salvation for 12 Days of Giveaways.Starting December 1st. Yippee!
               There you Go! That's what I''ll be up to in the month of December. Add  Xmas activities,shopping, Xmas concert, Parties to the mix. Let's see, I hope I didn't miss anything. The tree!!!  How can I forget.
                It all sums up to work, work, work. But, I'm getting a good feeling. The month of December is going to be a good one.You see what I mean.... This year isn't over YET! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed already and December is just around the corner. See you in December my Friends!

www.whitebarnsheepandwool.com

                           

                                                               Hugs, Liz

Winter is Here and So Is Cath Kidston

Brr... It's getting cold outside. I was happily surprised when I came home from work today.

The new catalog from Cath Kidston was in my mailbox. Now you can shop in the USA girls. Yay, finally!
I've been waiting for this day to come along.  Xmas items are also in the catalog. Love the apron below!
               In the wks. to come, I'll be busy getting ready for the Holiday Craft fair. I started some projects
and now they need my attention. My Gallbladder has been giving me grief. I have been back and forth to the Dr.tests, tests and more tests. So, my Blogging or lack there of has been put on the back burner. Sorry Guys!

 To be continued, till I hear more from the Dr. Now, I'm on a low fat diet.Maybe, I'll loose a pound or two. That will be a miracle. No pain right now, thank you God. Bear with me, while I get my head on straight. Busy week ahead. See you on White Wednesday. :)

Very Vintage inspired, wouldn't you agree?

                                                                                               
                                                                   xxx Hugs, Liz