i've got spirit, how 'bout you?

I have some serious holiday spirit going on. So much so I can't wait until thanksgiving is over so I can officially decorate for Christmas. don't get me wrong, I love Turkey Day and the fact that we are spending it with my fiance's fabulous family, but I just can't wait to start decorating for Christmas. 

I am especially obsessed with our mantel. My mantel dilemma's have been well chronicled on My Life By Design, so they idea of giving it a fresh new look is really appealing. I've found lots of inspiration online that has gotten my creative juices flowing...

From Crate and Barrel: My favorite of the bunch. I already found similar reindeer for a fraction of the price at Marshall's!

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I just love the cozy feeling this one evokes. 

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Love the symmetry of this one

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How cute are all of the stockings?

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I like the contrast of the red against the stark white. 

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While I think these candles are just beautiful, I would never leave the house
all season because I would be too afraid I left one on! 

I just can't wait to get started. And to top it all off, a Michael's just opened in the city. I am in heaven!! 

wherever you are, you are loved...

I'm back from my trip to Cali. The work conference went well, but the best part was visiting with my sister.  We only get to see each other a few times a year and the visit is never long enough. I can't imagine what it's like living thousands of miles away from family like she does, and not be able to just jump in the car and see relatives in a matter of hours.

So on my last trip out there, I made her a gift to remind her that no matter how far away she is, she has a family that loves her. 

I gathered old photos of every member of our extended family, pictures of us as kids, and our parent's and both sets of grandparents' wedding photos. I then decoupaged them onto a canvas along with some graphic red shapes to add a punch of color since her home is decorated in black, white and red. I also included beautiful quote that says, "You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you as you are to them."

It was a fairly easy project to do. If I ever do it again, I will make sure I print the pictures on a thicker stock because once these got wet with the modge pdoge, they rolled and bubbled up and it made it much harder to apply. 

But all in all I think it turned out well and I hope it reminds my sister that even though she is far away, she is never far from our hearts.