Mini Trees for the Mini Me's - DIY

With the leftover branches I had after making our half Christmas tree, I was able to make two mini trees for my mini me and my husband's mini him. They each got to decorate their own trees however they wanted and proudly displayed them in their rooms.

All I did was take two branches and zip tied them together. I used three zip ties on each one; one each for the top, middle and bottom. I happened to have two baskets for the stands. I stood the tree in each one and wrapped old sheets and fabric around the base to secure them in place. Then I fluffed out the little branches.

Here is how they turned out.

Hers

Nightmare Before Christmas Tree

This year my family started the tradition of making a themed Christmas tree every year. This is year one and because we didn't do very much decorating for Halloween we decided to make our first tree a...

Nightmare Before Christmas Tree

click "read more" link to see how it turned out...

Alternative Space Saving Christmas Tree

Almost every year of my life, I've had a real Christmas Tree. Nothing compares to that fresh pine scent wafting through the house. Last year, was probably only the 3rd time in my 30+ years that I had a fake one. We got it for free, so we decided to give it a try. It was ok. It looked pretty after decorating it, but it was so big it nearly didn't fit in our living room. And, of course, it didn't deliver a wonderful fragrance. We were set on buying a real one this year and then we looked over our budget and our space and realized that it wouldn't be practical. We still had the fake tree from last year, so that saves at least thirty bucks on the purchase of a new one. Plus, I had an idea to make the tree fit in our space better.

Alternative, space-saving trees are plastered all over the internet. There is a growing trend of folks living in smaller spaces, so the subject of decorating for christmas without a giant tree has become very popular. There are also some people who just want a unique tree (or something else to take the place of a tree) regardless of space. I think my tree accomplishes both of these goals. It is unique and only takes up half the space of an actual tree.

Late Night Munchies Recipe - Breakfast Nachos

One late December eve, I was struck with a fierce case of the munchies. I skimmed through my fridge and cupboards to see what sort of ingredients I had. One jumbo bag of tortilla chips was screaming at me from it's shelf. I placed it on the counter. My first instinct was to grab some salsa, but to my dismay there was none, anywhere. "What else do I have that would be good on nachos?" I wondered aloud in my empty kitchen.
Cheese. Of course, cheese. I found the half block of cheddar right away and began to grate it. However, I knew that my hunger was too strong to be satisfied by only a measly plate of chips and cheese. I needed more sustenance on these beautiful, golden corn chips. I knew that I had no beef or beans in the kitchen, but I suddenly remembered the 1 pound of breakfast sausage that I had bought the day before and I realized what I must do next. "I must make breakfast nachos." I declared to myself in my empty kitchen. "And so shall it be."
I placed the tube of sausage on the counter along with a large yellow onion. I frantically searched again for some sign of beans that I could warm up, but I came up short. Diced tomatoes would have been great, too, but after a careful inspection, I didn't even have a can of spaghetti sauce, let alone a fresh tomato. With a defeated sigh, I forged ahead. I was determined to make "breakfast nachos" with what I had.

Retirement Community Sale and A Car Load Full of Stuff

I recently had the biggest thrift haul that I've ever had in my life! I think it was the first time that I literally stuffed my car full of yard sale finds all in the matter of a few hours. I'm talking stuffed, too! Every available spot in my car was filled to the brim and I couldn't even see out of my rearview mirror and only had a little peephole to see through my passenger side window. I guess you could say it got a little dangerous in that way.
I couldn't help myself. There is a large retirement community right around the corner from my house and they were having a neighborhood wide yard sale. Let me add, that these usually make for THE BEST yard sales. Not only are they conveniently all located close together, but they always have the oldest (true vintage) and most unique items ever. I hadn't even planned on thrifting that day, but when I saw their community wide sale, I had to go. And I'm so glad I did! Not only did I come away with a car full of great stuff for the shop, but I also met some really nice folks AND came home with a giant ocean painting for free.

-insert ocean painting here-

but i can't because i'm having technical difficulties uploading the photo.

damn.

I'll try again tomorrow.

But, I'll tell you, it's pretty great.

Picture a beautiful, blue and foamy white wave about to break, close to the shore, but no beach.

Just a few rocks in the foreground.

And a calm, blue sky with just a hint of clouds in the background.

Surrounded by a nice, golden stained wood frame.

Trust me, it's nice.

And big.

It's about 2 ft x 4 ft

And it looks nice in my bedroom.

MANIC MONDAY

Use coupon code MONDAY for 15% off of purchases $20 or greater. Offer is good until next Monday, December 9th.

Click the pic below to be directed to the shop.

Also, please enjoy this pic of Amy Poehler in high school, to make your Monday a little brighter.

Love her!