2016 Goals not Resolutions!

Bring it on!  That is 2016 of course!

I am not sure why but for some reason I was really excited about the

New Year!  It feels so refreshing, almost like a clean slate starting

2016.  I don't really like the term "resolutions" I like to focus

on goals.  There is just something that is so rewarding when

you are working towards a goal and then when you get to your destination

how good it feels to be there!

 

So after taking a break in December from the blog I am

ready to hit it again for 2016.  What better way to start the year off with a list

of goals that I would like to achieve. 

 

Personal Goals for 2016:

 

Read 20 books this year - started the year with

"The Life Changing Magic of Tiding Up"

Will be back with a review on this one!

 

Save $1,000 by December 1, 2016

 

Go on a "Girls Getaway"

 

Eat Good 80% of the time

 

Run 1,000 miles - 2016 - off to a good start :)

 

Blog Post - 1 per week (at least)

 

De-clutter every room in my house

 

Loose that last 8 lbs!!

 

Run a 1/2 Marathon

 

Learn a 100 new words in Spanish - I was doing so good

with this last year but haven't practiced lately :(

 

Go see a new movie - every month (love going to the movies)

 

Try 10 new local restaurants

 

Donate 1 bag of "stuff" per month - January is done!

 

Find 5 New Customers at my Job - via Cold Calling!

* This one is pretty hard! *

 

Plan to see friends at least once a month!

 

Well I know this list is all over the place but it feels good to have

it wrote down and in front of me!  If I can see it I know what I need to work

on and take time to invest in myself and the goals I want to achieve in 2016!

 

So here's to a New Year and all of its possibilities!

I would love to hear if you have any goals for 2016!  Please share a

comment below.

 

Best Wishes!

Mrs. C



Merry Christmas Banner

 Back today with another Christmas decorating idea that will fit your budget!!

Banners are a great way to decorate any holiday or event without spending

a ton of money and can be re-used from year to year!

 

This option was a free printable from the blog

Shanty 2 Chic

They have such great projects and offer a lot of free printable items!

Here is the link to the one I used

Chalkboard Letters - Banner

 

Below is a picture of the letters after I cut them from the

8.5 X 11 sheets.  Very simple and pretty quick!

 

To give them a longer life and more shape I mounted the letters

on Scrapbooking cardstock.  This is where you could add some of

your own flair to the project!

 

Since the banner was going on our mantel I kept the color

scheme pretty simple so it would go with the rest of our décor.

Here is a before picture of the mantel.

 

 

The banner is attached to the mantel with some masking tape

and the letter are hung on the twine with mini clothes pins that I had

left over from a previous project.

 

Just a close up of the banner.

 

I really love the vintage feel of the banner with the book page wreath

above it.  This was another great project from last Christmas!

Check out the link to my previous post on how to make the book page wreath!

Book Page Wreath

 

So a banner may be a nice addition to your current holiday décor!

A fun inexpensive way to add Christmas Cheer!

 

23 days until Christmas!!

Mrs. C

 



Christmas Decorating on a Budget

With so many decorations available at Christmas it is hard not

to spend a fortune on all of the beautiful items available for this holiday!

Before you max out the card at Hobby Lobby look around your home

for items that you use everyday and see how you can alter them to

create Christmas themed projects!

 

Below you will see a bunch of boxes that I had laying around the

house that I almost threw into our recycling but decided to hold onto

them for a couple of weeks, just in case I needed to ship something. 

Well I am not shipping anything right now but I was able to use them for an

outside Christmas display!  Total Cost: $0.00 :)

I had all of the wrapping paper on hand and made the box from scraps.

 

Looks like a present I would want to open!

Here is the small display on my front porch.  This project

is possible to keep outside because my porch is covered. 

Sometimes and usually always - simple is best!

It has taken me some time to figure this one out:) 

Still working on it!

I had this little 3 ft whimsical tree left over and

thought what could I do with it!

At the top of our landing we have a little sitting area that I

thought a little Christmas Cheer might be a nice addition.

No lights or ornaments on the tree but some how it still looks

pretty and festive.  I added a ribbon to one of the doors and pinned

these two coffee filter wreaths to the ribbon for a little extra flair!

The wreaths were something I had made a couple of months back

and decided to move them from the dining room to this display.

 

I couldn't leave out this pic!  This is my Christmas Cheermister!

Tuck is our new addition to the family!  He is so darn cute

and seems to really love the holidays!  Ok he doesn't have a choice!

 

These are just a few things you can do on a budget.

I will be back later in the week with more Christmas Décor on a budget!

 

Happy Holidays!

Mrs. C



DIY Joy Sign

It's official- the holiday craze has begun!!  I love the Christmas holiday season

but I tend to get myself a little stressed out trying to make everything perfect:)  Like many

of you I am sure!  I am trying to be better this year and get things done

early since we will be traveling to see family this year!! 

I was able to get most of my decorating finished

this weekend!  I am really happy with how both the inside and outside of our home turned

out, I even had a little extra time to complete a "Christmas" themed project

to share with you!  Here I am in full holiday spirit:)

I usually don't take selfies but I was at Michael's on Black Friday

and they were only $3.50 with your extra 30% off coupon so I couldn't help myself!

To be honest I don't think Sean and I laughed so hard taking pictures of us with the dogs!!!

Well worth the $3.50!

 

Now onto the project!  Sorry the pictures are not great I was

working in the upstairs of our garage and thought I better take a before and

after photo!  I used an old piece of wood that I had painted

a long time ago for this project- nothing fancy!

 

Below are the supplies I used.  The wreath I picked up at Michael's

on Black Friday.  They were only a $1.99 and then an additional 30% off!

The candy cane are a little faded but I liked the vintage feel they had!

 

 

I have always loved the signs that everyone makes out of

wreaths and thought I would give it a shot with this old piece

of wood and some paint!  I penciled on the letters "J" and "Y"

before starting in with the red paint!

For the wood not being top quality, I think it turned out pretty!

It kind of has that old vintage-whimpsical feel that I love!

 

See not all Christmas décor has to come from a store!

Get creative with items you have laying around the house!

Did you create anything over the weekend?  I would love for you to share!

 

Happy Holidays!

Mrs.C



Pretty Fit Product Review: November Protein Pack

Can you believe that we are less than a week away

from Thanksgiving?  It has really snuck up on me! 

I usually don't talk too much about diet, exercise or my

personal fitness because I am not an expert by any means!! 

Just a girl who enjoys working out and always looking for healthy

alternatives!  I have recently signed up to receive the Pretty Fit Box

and have to say that I have been really impressed by the quality

of the products I have received.

Below is a picture of everything I received in my November box.

This box highlighted Protein rich products.

I love the box because they do include full size samples of

most of the products.

 

I absolutely love the Complete Cookie!  These are my absolute favorite!

I don't believe I have had a flavor I didn't like.

The package came with a bunch of protein packed baked

goods which was perfect for my sweet tooth without all of the guilt!

Below is a picture of the white chocolate peanut butter that was included

with 11 grams of protein per serving it is a nice topper for my

English muffins for breakfast.  The only product I wasn't really

crazy about was the flapJacked Protein Pancake mix.  They were

not terrible just not appealing to my test buds:)  I think I would rather

do a mashed banana or sweet potato pancake and just have the

extra carbs that day:)

 

So if you would like to try different health related products

on a monthly basis the Pretty Fit Package membership

may be perfect for you! 

Check out the site to learn more!!

http://blog.imprettyfit.com/

 

Happy Saturday!

Mrs. C



Scrapbook Frame Upcycle!

Well as much as I love to scrapbook and display my favorite pictures

on layouts I am always looking for other ways to display photos.

The other day when I was at the Goodwill I came across a few frames

that were in great shape and thought I would use them for something

so away we went!  My best friend and husband were visiting from PA

over this past weekend and wanted to have a little display with a

few pictures from our recent girls weekend trip and I thought I would

do a scrapbook themed frame!

I painted the frame with some chalkboard paint I had left over from

another project so this is what I started with.

 

Next I added some craft twine that I had in my stash with

a hot glue gun.  It didn't have to be too industrial since it was

only going to hold a couple of pictures.

 

Now the fun and pretty part - The Pictures!

I stayed pretty simple with pictures and just cut out some banner

tags to give it a fun vintage/scrapbook feel.

Whenever we have guest come to stay with us

I want them to feel welcome and thought the display

was a nice addition to their goodie basket and little gift!

So don't be afraid to take your scrapbooking projects

off the page!  I have to admit I am pretty excited with

some new items that I got over the weekend at Michael's to

scrapbook with!  Now I just have to find the time:)

 

Happy Monday!

Mrs. C



Gallery Wall Display Ideas



To say I love Gallery Walls is a little bit of an understatement!

I believe the correct term to use is obsessed!!

The versatility to mix and match is so appealing to me, not

to mention all of the beautiful sayings that can be incorporated

into the display!  When I was at Hobby Lobby the other day

I noticed that they were selling books of gallery wall prints.

There are so many different options and all are very affordable!

Now the expensive part is buying all of the frames!

After looking around and getting a general idea of how much it would

have cost to frame a whole wall using the Hobby Lobby frames I decided to

head down to the Goodwill to see if I could find some diamonds

in the rough:)  Below are a few of the frames that made it

home with me!  I was able to do two different displays for

under $20.00!  Not too bad considering most 11 X 14 frames are

that just for one!  Now you have to keep an open mind and

remember a little paint could fix it right up!

 

Some of the frames below were even new and for about $1.25 - $1.50 each

you can't beat that!



The display below is on top of my desk hutch in my office.
I just mixed and matched and even added in a couple of frames
with no glass or picture to give it a fun layering element.

 

Here is a close up of the shelf that is in my desk hutch.
I love mixing personal photos and sentimental items in with the frames.
To me it makes the personal photos  tell a story!  The picture in this
photo is of me and my Mom and I think it goes together nicely with the
feminine layout I have arranged.

 

Below is a view of the hutch with the two layouts together.

I like how many photos and prints that I was able to use without making feel too busy!

 

 

 Now outside of my office I have started a small gallery wall with our wedding
photos and a few signs.  The bench below was such and awesome Goodwill find!
The seat actually lifts up for extra storage and for $12 how could you
let that little guy behind!  I think he is about to get a coat of paint:)

 

This is the other side of the hallway as you enter my office.

I love clocks and felt like this small display flowed nicely in this area. 

 

Do you have any Gallery Walls in your house?

If so what do they display, I would love to hear!

 

Don't forget to use your 40% off coupon the next timer

you are at Hobby Lobby on a book of their prints!  I believe

with my coupon the book of prints and saying came down to

about $9.00!

 

Happy Monday!

Mrs. C

This is how I spend my Friday Nights: Chalkboard Art

 

Wild and Crazy nights are pretty much the norm around our house:)

Okay believe that one and I will tell you a few more!  The other Friday night

I was feeling a little stressed out from work, etc.  Nothing too stressful but I could

tell I was being "fussy"  as Sean says:)  He was right, I was fussy! 

So he went in his office and started to play on his guitar and I decided

I would start doodling on our chalkboard that is in our dining room:)  I have

to admit it was pretty relaxing!  The dining room is directly across

from his office so it was nice to listen to him play while I doodled!

Now I can see why the adult coloring books are so popular right now!

 

Just another view of the chalkboard as you enter the dining room.

My next project for this room is to add on to this space above the chalkboard.

It feels a little blah with just the "C"

Any ideas:)  I have a few things in mind, just need to put them in motion!

 

Well I am to get things ready to go to the Goodwill and maybe

look for a few things while I am there!!

 

Have a great and creative weekend!

Mrs. C

Going Global!

 Oh Becky, look at her Globes!! :)

Sorry I couldn't help myself!  How many times can you reference Sir Mix-A-Lot

in a home décor blog post!!  Okay I am little obsessed with finding and purchasing globes.

My current collection is only 5 but half of the fun of collecting something

is looking for it!!  I love vintage booth displays and thought I would try to

incorporate some of the ideas into my home office.

One of my favorite purchases and more "expensive" one was my "Vintage"

sign.  I love the industrial feel mixed in with the feminine touches in this room.

This poor little space has changed about 10 times in the last two and a half years!

It is not a huge space so decorating it can be a bit of a challenge.  In the past it

has served as a scrapbook room, workout space, and dressing room. 

I think "home office" is going to be its final destination :)  Think is the key word

in that sentence!  I know Sean will agree with that statement:)

 Just a few close ups of the display.  I hope to grow my globe collection

to fill in the space.

 You have to love the versatility of the Ikea Expedit unit.  This piece

of furniture is definitely one of my favorites in the house.  It gives

you so many options for storage and display.  What better way to hind

your junk and display your items than with an Ikea unit.  Oh and they are

priced well, BONUS!! :)

 

 I spy a "Goodwill" find!!

The yellow wire basket was an awesome find this past

weekend at my local Goodwill.  Tucked back in with a sticker on it

that said $17.94??  Really at the Goodwill, I don't think so!  I trucked

right up to the counter and asked if the price was correct because it

wasn't one of their normal stickers- yes I am there a lot:)

They were happy to re-price it to $4.94 that is much better!

Oh did I find another good deal while I was there,

 but that will have to come later. 

Check back soon to see my next Goodwill transformation!

 

Well there you have it my Globe display and half an office tour.

I have a few more projects for this room so as soon as it is close to

completion I will do a home office tour.

 

Now let's talk about you!

What do you collect or something that you are always on the hunt for?

 

Any Goodwill or frugal finds lately?  I love to see and hear about

hidden treasures that are found and brought back to life so please comment

and share so I may take a look!

I will be linking up with the following AWESOME link parties!!

 

 

Link Party!!  

Happy Hunting!

Mrs. C

 

Country Living Outfit

I don't know about you but I love the Fall!  Boots and jeans

what could be better than that? :)  Fall in Georgia is very pleasant and probably

my favorite season out of the year here.  However dressing for the weather

can be a challenge sometimes because in the morning it is pretty chilly but by the

time mid-morning rolls around it gets pretty warm.  The other week

my friend and I headed up to Stone Mountain for the Country Living Fair and

I was trying to figure out what would be comfy for being outside and doing some

serious shopping!  Boot and comfy jeans!  What else? :)

One of my favorite tops that I have purchased over the years is the one in

the picture below.  A treasure that I found at a local consignment store!  It was

brand new with the tags still on it for only $9!!  I am a little spoiled by how

many amazing consignment stores we have here! 

 

 

 



The hair was not working for me down, so up it went!

Not much to the style really, just a side messy bun but

I did "try" to fancy it up a bit with curling the front strands and

twisting them back and then pinning them into the bun.

Sean calls this my "Taylor Swift" up do :)

 

Just to spice it up for a Monday I thought I would do an outfit post!

It was about time I put some of those Pinterest Outfits in motion!

Don't lie you have a ton of boards with outfit ideas on it that you haven't tried yet either:)

 

Happy Monday!

Mrs. C