Mermaids in the Christmas tree

Good Monday morning!  All my Christmas decorating is finished.  Woohoo!  So, now it's time to share.  I've got so much to show and will try to keep sharing more as much as time permits.  Already we have celebrations coming up to prepare for...so...you know how that goes, and know what I mean right?

One thing you may not know about me is that I absolutely LOVE mermaids!  I am not sure when this actually started but I just adore them!  There is something so fun about the thought of them for me.  I like them so much I started a playful Mermaid theme on my screen porch that all started with a sign I found call The Mermaid Lounge.  That's where the idea began and it's grown ever since.

Let's start off with the topper!  Because my Christmas tree is on the screened porch (aka The Mermaid Lounge) I went with a nautical theme.  Since we are a nautical family this tree makes us really happy!  I found these blue balls on stems at Michaels a few years ago and knew they would make a perfect topper.  They look like bubbles to me.  I also found the silver and teal leafy stems that reminded me of seaweed and it all came together very easily after that.  

I have had so much fun creating this tree and continue to do so every year.  I started collecting more pieces on my summer vacations to add to this tree.  It's amazing how easy it is to come across nautical tree decor while on vacation.  Not to mention it's starting to be very enjoyable to look back at a few of the ornaments now and remember the vacation as well. 

I especially love that friends also enjoy my tree.   The sailboat in the bottle was given to me from a sweet friend last year.  Isn't it adorable, I just love it!!!

This ornament is new, added from our beach trip to Edisto this summer.  Edisto is one of those beaches we used to frequent quite a bit but haven't been back to in some time.  We had such a fun time there this year and I was tickled to death when I found this ornament with Mermaids no less.



This year I also added a few new items.  I came across these adorable fish from Carolina Pottery and added new jute ribbon that I got from Michaels at the after Christmas sales last year. It's a white jute with flecks of gold in it.  I felt like the ribbon had a ropey kind of look that fit the theme well.

As you can see I have lots of nautical ornaments I could highlight.  They are not always so easy to come by so when I do see them I tend to pick them right up.  For this post though, I decided to zoom in on the Mermaids for your enjoyment.  These are just a few more of my favorites also from previous beach trips to Pawleys Island and Litchfield.  

Last but not least, is my newest Mermaid purchased at the Atlanta Market this year while there with work.  She is a handmade ornament for Peru, complete with a precious pearl.  Isn't she beautiful!

I think she's delightful!

Thank you so much for popping in today!

 I still haven't shared the dining room with you yet.  

I'll try to get that one out real soon, okay?  Ok!

Have a great day friends!

Mary

July 4th Tablescape 2012

Hey Yall!  Are you ready for July 4th entertaining?  

I certainly hope so cause it's just around the corner now.  I am soooo ready!  Not only am I ready for the fourth of July but I've also been collecting a few goodies to share with you too.  I hope you enjoy!

I pulled together a few things I've collected over the last few years and added in a few new finds as well to create this setting.

I've had the red watering can for a few years now and decided it would be perfect with a patriotic bow.

The blue calico plates from Queens were a purchase from TJ Maxx two years ago.

I then topped them off with my Lenox salad plates.  Then I added melamine star plates found this year at Michaels.  So cute!!! 

The festive bowls I also found this year from Target on the $1.00 isle.  They were a must have item!  Can't you just imagine enjoying ice cream in these? 

My new flatware purchased from work, Stein Mart just sparkles!  Get it?  Sparkels!!!!

Speaking of sparkling, my iridescent blue goblets have a nice sparkle too!  They were a nice yard sale find a few years back.

The painted metal star napkin rings sure could use a touch up.  LOL!

These cute little pails were found at Target this year on the $1.00 aisle as well.  I filled them with corks and a candle to add a little ambiance.  

Salt and pepper shaker from Family Dollar last year for only $1.50.

And finally my flowers were purchased this year at Michaels on sale for only $1.00 a bunch.

Well that's how it all came together for me!

Looking forward to celebrating with family and friends this year when time permits.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful 4th too.

Please check out the following links for more fun festive dining ideas at;

Let's Dish

Tablescape Thursday

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!

Butterflies on the Baker Rack

Hi All!  Have you noticed how "in" butterflies are this year?  I certainly have!  They are on everything!  I have been completely attracted to them this year too!

In fact, I am so attracted to them this year I decided to dedicate the bakers rack to them.

I found these sweet adorable clip on butterflies from Michael's in the $1.00 bins when I was there picking up faux greenery.  I just love how they are nearly the size of real butterflies!

So, I decided to create several butterfly vignettes in my lanterns.

I also decided to clip them on the greenery outside of the lanterns too.

I also found the small tin birdhouse at Michael's as well.  They also were in the $1.00 bins.  The day I was shopping there was a half price sale going on so I really got quite a bargain.

I added butterflies in two different styles and sizes to my vignettes.

I just recently found this little SPRING block from a local consignment store.  The lady had been using it as a prop for years but was closing her booth so she agreed to sell it to me.  I want to give it a bit of an updated makeover when I have a little more time.  You'll have to check back for that one.

I still haven't done anything with the box on the bottom of this yet but will do so as soon as the pollen lets up.  So for now, this is how my bakers rack is decorated.  

I had quite a few more photos to share with you this morning of my progress on the porch and outside.  However, I am having trouble uploading my photos this morning.  I am not sure what is going on but Picasa uploaded these and then stopped and gave me an error message.  I've tried again several times but am running out of time. I need to get ready for work now.  I hope it will fix itself soon, so I can show you more later.

I hope you enjoyed your visit.  

Have a great day everyone!

Thanksgiving/Fall Wreath Part Three

Hi Ladies!  How are you?  I am doing great!  I am so excited to finally be able to show you part three of my fall wreath.  For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about let me fill you in.   I decided to create an interchangeable fall wreath this year.  It's quite simple really and includes a base,shown here, and two additional wreaths that simply hang over the base.  There is one for Halloween, shown here, and the one I made for Thanksgiving.

I actually created this Thanksgiving wreath long before I made the Halloween wreath.  It's been hanging around in my kitchen ever since.

It all started when I found the little checked wooden sign at Michael's earlier in August.  It was in the $1.00 bin and I just knew I had to make something with it.  Then after deciding to make 3 wreaths in one I knew this would be part of my Thanksgiving wreath. 

I already had this small straw wreath in my crafts box and the plaid fabric as well.  First I cut the fabric into long strips and wrapped it around the wreath securing them with pins.  Then I hot glued the Family sign on the wreath. 

Next, I added the fabric bow by simply wrapping it around the wreath and tying into a bow.  I did the same thing for the loop to hang it with using the plaid fabric to match and wedged in a small touch of fall greenery.

And now, I am ready to add it to my fall wreath on the door.

I love how well it fits right into the middle of the fall wreath!

There you have it!  The third and final part of my interchangeable fall wreath.  I am joining 

BNOTP for Metamorphosis Monday today

to share my project.

Thank you all so much for stopping by!

Have a great Monday and I hope each of you has a wonderful week too!