TOP 12 PROJECTS OF 2012

How on earth  can 2012 be nearing an end?  This year has truly flown by.  Looking back, I wanted to share my favorite projects from this year with you. Stump Side Tables- easy, rustic, full of texture, super handy, and practically free! Painted Built-Ins -painting over the stained wood was one of the best decisions we've made to update the living room. Laser Level to Cut Straight Fabric -a great tip if you work with wide fabric often. Botanical Gallery Wall -still love it! Houndstooth Drapes -the first piece completed for my new dining room plan The Office- which really includes two other favorite projects too: DIY Drum Shade & Hand Painted Lattice Wall Colorful Chair-Reupholstered with a Hot Glue Gun! -a chair that I've had forever that I upgraded for my daughter's room Log Filled Fireplace -this was probably my all time favorite project but alas, was short lived (let's just say the wood brought in too many unwa...

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IF YOU MISSED IT-EXTRA EDITION! {NOVEMBER & DECEMBER REVIEW}

Well, December flew by without a November wrap-up, so today I'm doubling up.  Here are the highlights from the last few months in case you missed anything. November Real Life at Our House Reindeer Turned Deer Head Thanksgiving Tablescape Upholstered Dining Host Chairs Crockpot Candied Almonds Framed Initial Art December Kitchen Chalkboard Wall Christmas Mantle New Kitchen Rugs Our House at Christmas- Part 1 , Part 2 , and Part 3 Scrabble Letter Tile Ornaments Southwestern Ham and Turkey Sandwiches See you tomorrow with my favorite projects from 2012! ...

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From our family to yours... Happiest of Holidays! Always remembering the reason for this season- Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:10-12, 14 ...

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SOUTHWESTERN HAM & TURKEY SANDWICHES

With the holidays just around the corner, today I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes with you. The first time I had these sandwiches I was at a friend's house for the first play date for our then-3 year and 5 year old kids.  Time has passed and these friends have become very dear to us, and she graciously shared this recipe with me! These sandwiches are a perfect savory lunch, addition to a soup or salad for a quick dinner, or even a tasty party appetizer.  Please forgive the lighting in the photographs, this was a spur of the moment decision for a post as I fixed them after church the other night.   Don't judge the recipe on the photo quality! :) Southwestern Ham & Turkey Sandwiches Ingredients: 1 pkg. King's Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (must be the sweet-don't get another kind) Sliced Deli Ham and Turkey  2 c. shredded cojac cheese Sauce: 1/2 tsp. chili powder               1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. salt                       ...

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NEW RUGS AND A BIT OF BLOG HOUSEKEEPING

Hey everyone!  I hope you had a good weekend, but I know in light of Friday's tragedy in Connecticut we are all still feeling sick in the pit of our stomachs.  I pray that the families of those who lost loved ones will feel comfort and know that an entire nation is grieving with, thinking of, and praying for them. On a much lighter note, when I posted about my new chalkboard wall in the kitchen, I totally forgot that I was going to show you a few shots of my new rugs!  Way back at the beginning of November, I showed you the options I was trying to decide between, and this is the one I chose. Many of you liked the black quatrefoil-type patterned one, and I really did too.  However,  I wanted something to blend in a little bit more with the jute rug under the table rather than having such a stark contrast.  Also, I've always got my eye out for a new large area rug for the living room, and have in mind something like the black rug for that room. I am so pleas...

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CHRISTMAS AT THE GRIFFIN'S {2012-PART 3}

Welcome to the third and final installment of our Christmas Home Tour!  Thank you so much for all of your kind comments and sweet words about our home. The urns filled with tall branches and cut cedar branches have been a staple for the past few years, but I added a few new things to the front porch. I kept the front door simple and classic, covering a faux evergreen wreath with sprigs of fresh cedar branches.  Last Christmas I showed you via video how I make bows like this if you want to check it out. I've had this photo from the Pottery Barn catalog ripped out for years and have always wanted to do a similar look with the large hanging ornaments.   The mirrored ball and red polka dot (shatterproof) ornaments are from Hobby Lobby, and the gold balls are from Garden Ridge (years ago).  I hope to add one or two more during the after Christmas sales.  This side of the house is fairly protected from the wind, so they don't move around too much. ...

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CHRISTMAS AT THE GRIFFIN'S {2012-PART 2)

Welcome back for part two of our little holiday tour.  Come on in, and I'll show you around the living room.   The sofa table holds sparkly trees, a wooden sleigh, and apothecary jars filled with vintage ornaments. I asked my kids to dig whatever animals looked winter-y out of their stash, and we came up with an elk and a deer. You had a sneak peek of this tray and the $3 plastic bear sprayed gold here. Our Christmas Pyramid sitting on a mirror-turned display stand. Our Nativity from Bethlehem, made out of olive wood was a treasured gift from my husband's parents after they visited the Holy Land. The built-ins house several other nativities, including a few made by the kids, as well as some fresh greenery and photos from past Christmases. An oversized glass ornament, inverted in a little mirrored box. Little Deer got a holiday necklace- If you missed it, you can see more details on the Mantel...

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