Christmas decor ideas

Here is my birdcage that is part of the centerpiece.  I added Christmas greenery, battery lights and a cardinal.

I will also be using some grapevine cone trees.

I need to go work on my pillows and napkins.  I will show you those when I am finished.
http://tracys-trinkets-treasures.blogspot.com/2010/11/themed-christmas-table-pt-1-chair.htmlYou will love the post I will do when I get to see everyone’s tables.  They are always amazing.  

Neighborhood Photo Linky Party

Did you get out and take photos of the homes in your neighborhood?  I hope so.
The homes in my neighborhood were mostly built in the 70s.  I have 2 previous posts here and here showing you different tours.  I have also mentioned that I live where trees are hard to come by, but it is not as obvious in the older neighborhoods like mine.  My favorite street has an area that is tree lined and it has some of the biggest houses.  Of course there are other neighborhoods that have humungous homes, but these homes are big for the area I live in.
I will start off with one of my favorites.  This home is newer and built in the 90s in one of the last empty lots.  It is very custom and so pretty.

There is a cute little bridge on the left side of the house.

And a large beautiful fountain on the right side.


The door is gorgeous.


The gutters are made of copper and they all have the green patina on them.


Such a pretty home.  It is always decorated so nice for the different seasons.
The next house I will show you is across the street from house above.
During the summer of 2008, the family of this home had just completed an extensive remodel and had just moved everything back into the home when the house caught on fire.  The wiring for the security system  caught fire and gutted the home. The system caught fire the day it was being installed.  The windows were blown out and at least half of the roof was totally gone.  The family once again lived elsewhere while the house was renovated this time inside and out.  It doesn’t even look like the same home.  I had a really hard time photographing the house because it was 8:30 in the morning and the sun was right above the roof line.  I had to hide behind the shade of trees to get some of the photos I took.
Here’s the first shot with the intense sun.  I did get good sun flare, but I really didn’t want it.

Here are some other shots where I hid from the sun.
This is the left side of the home.  I love the flower beds and the rock accent on the columns.

The front.

More of the home on the right side.  I didn’t hide from the sun very well here.

And the entire house.

Look in the trees and you will see remnants of toilet paper.  I tried to get my photos on Saturday morning before everyone was out and about and this house had been toilet papered on Friday night so I had to go back on Sunday morning.  They missed a few pieces.  
So that’s my last neighborhood tour post.  Now it is time to see yours.  I am looking forward to seeing all the different types of design and architecture.    http://tracys-trinkets-treasures.blogspot.com/2011/07/neighborhood-photo-linky-party.html

Stocking Holders

RAZ Christmas collections offer whimsical stocking holders in

every collection.  Their fun designs look great on a Christmas mantel.

Not only can they hold all your families Christmas Stockings

but they can also be used to hang a Christmas garland.

Today we are featuring the four stocking holders from the

RAZ Santa Approved Collection. 

Flocked Present Stocking Holders 9 inches tall

Flocked Present Stocking Holders 11 inches tall

Matching Present ornaments from the Santa Approved Collection are also available.

http://razchristmas.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-07-19T12%3A11%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

Four flocked present ornaments in red and lime green.    

Stocking Holders ReVaMp

If you've never visited Shanty 2 Chic head over and partake of their fabulousness! I look forward to checking in everyday to see what new ideas they have. Thank you Shanty Sisters for sharing your talents with the rest of us.
Now for the revamp....
SO, I had these shiny gold "SANTA" stocking holders that I just loved when I bought them a few years back. WELL....they just aren't doin' it for me anymore. Quite SHANTY don't you think?


While I was studying up on my Pottery Barn Catalogs, I saw this picture. So beautiful, right? *CHING* on came the light!


This is what I did:

Took the fuzzy stuff off the bottom of the holder. It peels right off. I saved it so I could reuse it. Then I took out the little screw and removed the weight.
Under the weight it has little screws that hold the letter onto the holder. I removed those.
Then, I went on a hunt for some old frames I've been keeping. PERFECT!
I removed all the backs and glass from them.

Now for the fun part...I took the party outside and sprayed the hooks and frames all with RUSTOLEUM (Satin Classic, low-sheen finish) in a pretty red. LOVE IT!
Then once the frames dried I scuffed them up a bit with medium grit sandpaper.
I screwed the weight back into the bottom of the holders and stuck the fuzzy stuff back on. Then I got my GOOP glue and spread it on the top of the holder to attach the frame.
Since I don't own a pair of clamps (hint, hint, Santa!) I rubberbanded them together to hold until they were dry. (About 2-3 hrs.)

Next, I found some pictures of the little chicks and the hooks found their place on my mantle....DONE! The kids should be able to spot thier stocking on Christmas morning without a problem. Thanks again Shanty Sisters. You guys are great!

   http://cinnaberry-suite.blogspot.com/2009/12/stocking-holders-revamp.html