The Haven

The decorations are up, the gifts are bought, wrapped and under the tree.  All that's left to do is plan the meal and clean.  I can't believe I'm almost done!  This time last week, the tree wasn't even decorated yet.  Well, I have had help from the family so I can't take the credit.  Every day when I got home from work more decorating had been done, what a nice surprise! We are fast approaching crunch time, only 9 days left!  Less than that if you have company coming to stay!!  You can find my original crunch time post  here , but if you've got company staying with you, there are a few extra things to be done. Sleeping Arrangements - Where are you going to put those guests?  If you happen to have a guest room, this step is already done!  If not, you can always make a place in any extra room you may have (think den, office, craft room, etc.).  If at all possible, provide a bit of privacy for your guests, then just clear some spac...

Today I succumbed to my girlie side and went thrifting at a few local consignment shops.  I found some beautiful pieces but my favorite looks something like this... image found at arhdecor.com It is all white, more shabby/vintage than this one, with less glass and the top shelf is open.  I couldn't find a photo of the actual piece.  But alas, it is out of my price range.  Such a shame, wouldn't that be perfect for displaying seasonal decorations?  I figured I didn't really have a place to put it anyway.  That is until I came home and realized I have the perfect wall for it. *sigh*  Even though I didn't come home with this wonderfully perfect piece, I had so much fun looking through all the beautiful things and getting great ideas.  Definitely not a wasted trip! And after feasting my eyes and daydreaming, I just had to re-watch the new Alice in Wonderland!  If you happen to have Netflix, they've finally added it to the instant streaming....

I don't know what it is, maybe it's simply the promise of Spring, but I'm ready for a complete refreshing of everything.  You know, clean the house, organize closets and drawers, update the wardrobe, buy new beauty products, get a hair cut, start a container garden...the whole shebang!  Is anyone else out there feeling like this? You know, they say that every seven years your body completely renews itself on a cellular level.  Now I don't know if that's true (or who "they" are), but it is a 7th year for me this summer so maybe that has something to do with it.  Or maybe I'm just waking up from my hibernation and itching for Spring to finally arrive.  Either way, I see a cleaning frenzy and a shopping spree in my near future! Have a wonderful weekend! ~ Heathen

That's right it's crunch time, only one week left!  This time next week we'll be in the thick of it so, if you aren't done and ready (and I know I'm not), here's what to do this week... Shopping List- If you buy your gifts, get them now.  If you make your gifts and still have some to go, get those remaining supplies you need.  This will give you time to wrap them and you don't want to get to the store only to find the item you wanted is gone for the season!  Don't forget, make sure you have all the food, paper goods, and wrapping supplies you're going to need. Decorating -  Take a good look around, make sure you put out all the decorations you wanted to, and put the boxes/bins away.  That's it, no more this year.  Step away from the Christmas bin! Baking - Okay, I don't do this part beyond Toll House cookies.  But if you do, the time is now.  If your family has a tendency to eat all the Christmas goodies BEFORE Christmas (like mine do...

So yesterday I spent a couple hours wandering the aisles of my local Michael's store and the Holidays have definitely arrived!  I could have easily maxed out the credit card on all the wonderful things they have, but I was good.  Instead I just picked up a few Holiday craft supplies and of course a lot of inspiration!  For the next month I'll be spending my weekends and most of my free time crafting and decorating...and I'm so excited!  I didn't think I was ready for it, but after wandering through a veritable winter wonderland listening to Christmas music I realize I'm more than ready to get things started.  The decorations won't go up until Thanksgiving weekend, but the crafting has already begun.  I should have some pics for you in a couple of days. Until then, head on over to your local craft store and soak up some good Holiday cheer!  Hope you're having a great weekend! ~ Heathen