Merry Christmas

I swear I'll be back soon with Germany trip stories and pictures but until then I'll share pictures of my home all decked out for the holidays.  As you may recall we had just moved into this home when the holidays rolled around last year so I elected not to decorate.  This year with the trip I seriously considered skipping it again but in the end I just wanted to do it!  So I sucked it up and spent some long days/evenings unpacking my stuff and can I just say......how does someone that has purged like I have still have 20 totes of Christmas décor?  I might just be a hoarder....nope it's official I am a hoarder!  I did scale back and only did the tv room in the basement and not the guest bedroom/bath, Mark's office, ect  
Clarice is loving the fact we put up the big tree for the first time in 4 years and nothing has changed because she likes the view from inside the tree the best!

Come on in

Kitchen

My favorite display on the island-holly from bushes in front yard nestled in stacked fluted cake pans

Snowmen

The view from kitchen out the dining room windows just gets me every time

Hallway

Kitchen tree and antique spoon rack

Hallway

Laundry Room-We Suds Santa's Duds

Guest Bathrooom

Master Bedroom

My winter quilt from J C Penney

My favorite spot in the whole house

Favorite cross stitch finish ever!

Coat closet

 Woolie tree on staircase

Santas on stairs

 Basement fireplace

Basement tree

 Christmas Blessings abound here at the Harris' household this year!

Fun times

Mark's back in Germany for a couple of weeks so Clarice and I have been living the high life....yea right.  Well it actually has been quiet around here but I have filled the time with learning needle punch, reading a lot, visiting with my friend Rhonda, shopping antique stores and attending auctions.  I have picked up some new treasures which of course triggers whole days of "playing house" to find just the perfect spots for everything.

Rhonda and I went to NanBrook Farm which has been on my bucket list for years.  I had no idea that I was only 1 1/2 hours away now after my move to Asheville.  It was just amazing!!!!!  I foolishly didn't call to verify they were open before we headed over there and guess what?  they were closed for a couple of weeks getting ready for the Christmas open house.  Oh no!  But there was a great guy there at the farm and he called Amy who gave permission for him to let us shop but he even went above and beyond.....he turned on all the lights, started the music and lit candles then allowed us to shop and wander the store without making us feel like the intruders we were that day.  The store is just beyond my wildest dreams, the setting is gorgeous and I can't wait to go back again and again and again.  Below is my haul and what an amazing haul it is!  Fall goodies, yellowware crock, stone fruit....oh my and did I mention they also had little kittens?  It was a dream trip for sure for me.

I attended a couple of auctions recently and here is my first Bee Sting crock that I picked up.  I was so excited plus I picked up the small spinning wheel for $10 (yes I said $10) and the cute little sewing cabinet complete with thread still in it.

And here's the new arrangement over the dresser in the master bedroom.

And I found another local auction house and picked up this great lot of tine ware of both antique/vintage and reproductions.  You'll have to wait to see where I put everything 'cause I haven't made any decisions yet.

And I mentioned that Rhonda and I did a little antique shopping while she was visiting so here are my treasures from those adventures.  Just fell in love with this stacked set of cake pans so couldn't resist.  I also had a thought of putting my stone fruit pear on top and  filling with fresh greens for Christmas. What do ya think? 

This huge pressed board santa scene which will look great in the entrance hall or front porch plus the price was just too good to pass up.

I picked up some other smalls but haven't found the right spots yet so those pics will show up later.  The weather has been so warm that I'm still wearing shorts and summer shirts but one day while Mark was gone we had a cold, rainy fall day.  I want more of those days soon and so does Clarice.  That one day she stayed in bed all day and wouldn't let me make the bed either.  We all need a lazy day every now and then so I didn't begrudge her. 

Ok enough for now because I've got to get my Halloween stuff put away and fall stuff out today. 

Do something today that makes you happy!

October is flying by!

I have just now caught my breath after a much needed and longed for trip home to Arkansas to see the family and partake in the annual girl's trip with my buddies!  I also took place in Amy from Bumble Bee Lane Fall Swap and attended the Merry Mountain Hookers Hookin since I last blogged....whew now you see why I'm so very tired.  Oh and I turned another year older while I was away.

First off the swap was amazing as usual!  Amy has this swapping down to a science and I always get paired up with the greatest partners so this year was no different.  As everyone knows "Fall is My Time Of Year"  and there is nothing I like any better than Halloween and Fall décor which is evidenced by the fact I know have to decorate in Sept/Oct for Halloween and switch to Fall for November and Thanksgiving because I have too much stuff to possibly even put out at once.  Gee hoard much Donna?  I have purged, sorted and sold at least half of my collection but still have way to much but I can't help myself.  Anyhoo,  I was paired with two lovely ladies this time which was an extra special treat for me.....twice as much shopping, crafting and goodies which is just right up my alley.  First I swapped with Becky from Ginger Crème Hollow and this gal is mighty talented.  She just wowed me with all these goodies.  I had a phone issue the day I got my box and lost the pictures but thankfully Becky posted one so I grabbed it.  I'll show you in a minute where I put things because you know those kitties went out right away. Becky sent these great magnets made with vintage style designs which I put on my Halloween tree in the living room.  They are so cute.

Secondly, I swapped with Francine from Primitive Stars and we've paired together a few times so she has my number down pat.  Just look at all this goodness and that's not even a great picture.  My first hooked mat and it's awesome!  And of course those black kitties stole my heart right away.

Now here's how I displayed all my goodies right away. 

And I still have more goodies to put out for next month so my fall swap just keeps on giving.  Thank you so much Becky and Francine for the wonderful swap along with your friendship. 

I promise a longer post later this week about my visit home, girl's trip, hooking and all other things that keep popping into my wee, little, tired brain.