Quick, easy and under $20 gifts!

<p>Hello my friends!! Now that December is upon us it’s time to start thinking about gifts. Some of you totally-on-it people have already finished your shopping and I bow down to you. This one is for those of us (uhhhh…me) who still need some ideas. </p> <p>As a part of the Better Homes and Gardens bloggers I’m sharing a couple ideas I came up with – both for under $20 total. I love both of these because they would work for that person that’s hard to buy for, or maybe someone you don’t know quite that well. (I was able to find all of the items online this time so I linked to each one for your convenience.)</p> <p>For teachers I always add in a gift card, but these would work well for anyone in your life that you want to thank this time of year. </p> <p>The first gift’s theme was easy – who doesn’t like hot chocolate in the winter? I picked up a couple tall <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-18-oz-Porcelain-Tall-Mug-White/25875601" rel="nofollow">white mugs</a> for less than $4 each: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3w1_Y_KLCwrZu8uvYPxmZGSAAVhABGA04JPc__JbLhf5YFT6qAcBs9AZmo1kf8s3XTnLU4BGn8vGSyTL6zPur32mmrC9iWpu7e9AIQxl2omygMZh2pLUKwqNtss3o_ueVGKemxzT2Ms/s1600-h/mug%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tall white mug" border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaujgIZ1Gp7k0cF02KPIDnBWjsG0hN2XC7SAL6we5W4GQMgfomJBFEe6dNC7YSi2yugG-SHCB9c4p-0gp0tVuHb9sYIeowUxwW8036NRnNs29dxMfcYxmU7aazQBCvnbTih8CjxM9aL_g/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="tall white mug" width="300" /></a> Then I added in some flavor – marshmallows (duh), a cutie little shaker for a buck with some cinnamon and my all time favorite this time of year…the peppermint kisses:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtKQjOeM7Z_AEtbChPQ544SuyhzibIDm_zh6Hk-fnkEPbI8MAKe666xjqTkXUrL0hUoipsj_10fJ23RC3M3a3L2q186iAncbPxX-RaiMtNUR92QPCCTWmfrnTK6MMpZIfZxbtpN5wUZU/s1600-h/IMG_0711%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hot chocolate" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-g4yyOnT1_pr4q6yzugdiq1EHOC8RqXz1FiNI691EAxJFUm6RSFtU_-k7p0UtmS8MxLQkV0wdNgxPYwioHugA0rbOTUPO6n-JozVTv-sIaqimm2TJgZ8ELqEu4uDd9Ww090oxs5bsc8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="hot chocolate" width="550" /></a></p> <p>I LOVE love love to drop one in my hot chocolate. I’m not even a big peppermint fan but I love a little hint of it in there. </p> <p>This <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Small-Chicken-Wire-Basket-Black/24534325" rel="nofollow">wire basket</a> is adorable and was the perfect way to pull everything together:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqho-FBZ_DLTI3Gsgu3lIqXTHPpKJ-kIBDdZ6oT0zkv9FJGeTOcGjnRzl8t5sNISZxcITDitSvmrU6N2ybxuSOiRZuJH6W-RChucF4KeuHuU-YMgpmmSjFESgLKoPUJ9gdn4oGYkI0Nbo/s1600-h/basket%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wire basket" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuo7vHi03Uqf6Ar4-3eFkmF7ndZLLhMatB7Gx1QfZsGQ1h88k171pnZqVFiothr3Euj2jj9F1SxXIx_i3tceVFiDemBTWL3af3iS7glRI-HR37f5kK6xlbvUL1bIHbqzX6rmZcSqv9Xo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wire basket" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Add in a couple hot cocoa packets and you have yourself a really stinkin’ cute gift:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-KB9myhR6JijyRR8arYsNZrlqnp8nmZJfpMV5hGGem2GTpMY4yC8yeA7LwFwzurYheC4_haS48bzMfnQ_cMchsahbi-N-VsXX9mvTDy8GX5y-KFKlttOofAq61z1dkF_wnBZHWH0wAM/s1600-h/IMG_0718%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="quick and easy gifts under $20" border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgPjeZLA-d_xnTsCxevGhIehhqHSSNu6K0tfXR529id7WZbo5Z0ou8daR57OqrxvILp8Mz2XqK6YlcoguoW44GZWPupeVbz1nO_UhWt1CQDgSYDTvLlcgkYx7HK-VgGeX7fobXRpQhpE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="quick and easy gifts under $20" width="550" /></a></p> <p>I just filled it in with some greenery to make it more festive. If you don’t have any greenery, tissue paper would look great as well. </p> <p>Total cost was less than $20 – the basket is $7, the mugs were less than $8, the little shaker was $1 and the hot chocolate was $2:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPmS2scHzcKcISGB56xeK3N5dOVStXyknoMEe5GPcqgaXPhAIj_jrSuZVYCHmjnxoFL9SEXr5YO9ytS1Z6d-a9fV58ruZc7Jg65pVudTaxtIwEW9NW-1UW3-rkzDRA8OVN1v90mKGzK8/s1600-h/IMG_0722%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gifts under $20" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XVrolmPN1yvtqpFhmBrkhNMjPXKGtig8SxpbVGTHSDFfPxOPzQwy6NxYjisuvq0TgiZYMC2WHwbk3eOcIWaG80wfEKbkAu-usAQyTQB1QQQD-fCHsFg0teZF1ahXR7xy0vJE23F9gAw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="gifts under $20" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I had the marshmallows and chocolate on hand but those can be bought and split up into multiple gifts. ;)</p> <p>I mean, come on…who wouldn’t love getting that? I would. Hint.</p> <p>The next idea doesn’t inlude as many goodies but it makes up for that in the cuteness department. I found this <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Plugin-Happy-Snowman/29471279" rel="nofollow">plug in snowman</a> and could not leave without him: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcASfaMIvhuH86I5nRg84LEVaueyc52cHDTMbPEsIO-CFrSproAPxXg525hnqk0Kk9VWsk3pBnr46t8Lang0tkUwxmeabPr_4RXgzh6zA5B8x0mhkkVgIk5J8y62B1SJ8Ckr90QRSlvE/s1600-h/k2-_8e98fdd4-666e-4152-a392-936563d64639.v1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="snowman plug in" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeugE__gLmNFHoS1Ju0dWzNRxO21poNXCOfD38R8a-VcVZYJ9yaEDZEj3x_8X_rH2aSbN2_PsgsKez0OTWS_lUg5MXln_qJJqYBC4JjxGr1UMJKy3hyj7Xtq1TlbsxfvPraz7YecbBAeQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="snowman plug in" width="450" /></a> Oh my. Can you even handle it? </p> <p>I love that he would last well past Christmas. It was still snowing in April around here last year so he’d be perfectly acceptable till then. Or February…whatever Mother Nature feels like this year. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Value-Wax-Cubes-Vanilla-Cookie-Crunch/39097938" rel="nofollow">wax cubes</a> are only $2 (some are showing $4 online, not sure why):</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TwVQVRwk21ionRFlU_Hnbzakxl4uAmduMeVsn2N7qO3RH5J_yXWNRE_1KQ597B9cPM7k1jZJGs8QU-C_2ZL0XnPIcGTxEXORZK6IVukTqxydBrp2cECdWMdZ6HCZhpYdxokW27GpwWc/s1600-h/wax%252520cubes%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wax cubes" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGleyNoTrmAMDrUdy1xTMf5WCV9MQUk3mt71Xqm7O2OlwqsqGAyersG09RFnVKfnuy_sJeAeEz1ifg0xXo4aHQg6l36OduX0jt_eC4qK5ToHzYn5nyurJ8dqr312j-pdUtfG-2pAncE0A/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wax cubes" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I kept the same basket for this one – again the total was less than $20:  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzxTksaOo_Rn58AvHOjskygEfleYdYZnRpioPQVUxgnIhj7cbhI_opZf9J1RixDFaBHA4DK_gcrGjhw-yplnlFMvIbK9274evo-4v6sn46gB0j1ZN3Pn937_12x6JXez1hBXiiwrrm9s/s1600-h/IMG_0729%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gifts $20 and under" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfKLnA9RAWrQqC5vw_xiXzruQ7SDXHtrjcygPE278e7_aMuG1SksVVnudbcAT84k6pJ7HGHicDzzWSx9tlnaiOd_Xpr5gxx33O6BuHSjl52Hnlbl5WYrlsyKFUgeoP8-Rmv2I-t8KWhY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="gifts $20 and under" width="550" /></a></p> <p>The warmer is $10, basket $7 and cubes are $2. </p> <p>I have to admit…the snowman is staying in my house. ;) I took him out to see him light up, then may have placed a wax cube on his head to see how he worked, then may have decided he was too cute to giveaway. He made my whole kitchen smell lovely!</p> <p>Here’s the best part for you all -- BHG is hosting a “12 Days of Gifting” Pinterest promotion starting today. Just pin your favorite BHG products to their <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bhglivebetter/12-days-of-giving/">Pinterest board</a> and they will randomly pick a winner of a $50 Walmart gift card <strong>each day</strong> and then a winner of $250 at the end of the promotion. Easy!! <img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tq58axf1S7M/VH3oCB-Z3XI/AAAAAAAAtL4/TyNo_fbCJeM/Network-Badge-300x298_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="300" /></p> <p>But you don’t even have to wait for that! Today I’m giving away a <strong>$100 gift card</strong> as well! You can use it on anything in the store but some fun stuff for your house is what I personally recommend. :) </p> <p><em><strong>This giveaway is now closed! </strong></em></p> <p>Whoot! I’ll be back tomorrow with the December before and after link up! </p> <p> </p> <p><em><font size="2">I received compensation from BHG at Walmart for my time and participation in the BHG Live Better Network. All experiences and opinions are my own. Follow BHG on </font></em><a href="https://twitter.com/BHGLiveBetter" rel="nofollow"><em><font size="2">Twitter</font></em></a><em><font size="2">, </font></em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BHGLiveBetter" rel="nofollow"><em><font size="2">Facebook</font></em></a><em><font size="2">, </font></em><a href="http://instagram.com/BHGLiveBetter_" rel="nofollow"><em><font size="2">Instagram</font></em></a><em><font size="2"> or </font></em><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bhglivebetter/" rel="nofollow"><em><font size="2">Pinterest</font></em></a><em><font size="2">.</font></em></p>

Quick, easy and under $20 gifts!

Hello my friends!! Now that December is upon us it’s time to start thinking about gifts. Some of you totally-on-it people have already finis...

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MANGO KIDS Y THE SOCIALITE FAMILY

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKBQ6Gd64M1onhxNy7s8m4KHklUJmxjkBvvI2Piz8MV2YtOaUTS3sdtZ2z73sbxiRp_FZ2DOyIw-Y_CcdObipFQdBZ_YmGHHUG9oqN03oUJ_Krox6fLPf5uXqc8_G3zcuSoIR5hzZT3Ig/s1600/she_magazine_11_2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKBQ6Gd64M1onhxNy7s8m4KHklUJmxjkBvvI2Piz8MV2YtOaUTS3sdtZ2z73sbxiRp_FZ2DOyIw-Y_CcdObipFQdBZ_YmGHHUG9oqN03oUJ_Krox6fLPf5uXqc8_G3zcuSoIR5hzZT3Ig/s1600/she_magazine_11_2014_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">El otro día me quedaba totalmente encantada al descubrir la entrar en APP (también está en la web) de la conocida firma de ropa <a href="http://shop.mango.com/iframe.faces?state=kids_001_ES">Mango</a> estas bonitas imágenes que realizadas por <a href="http://www.thesocialitefamily.com/">The Socialite Family</a>, donde podemos ver una acertada mezcla decoración al mas puro estilo <a href="http://www.thesocialitefamily.com/">The Socialite Family</a> y lo último de la colección de Otoño-Invierno de Mango.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sin duda todo un acierto!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4Knfa6GVH5-krljruJ9TEhXLgC0ZS8vR5tkoSHXK-rlJfwwNsn_gWUdZA28Bh1DXzPbskaLEJ6smhBt533kyQpqTl8DfysR11XXWwizYZCPrOlSVY4PvPsTuzr5Bd19S22Wyt1nBmtpQ/s1600/timthumb+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4Knfa6GVH5-krljruJ9TEhXLgC0ZS8vR5tkoSHXK-rlJfwwNsn_gWUdZA28Bh1DXzPbskaLEJ6smhBt533kyQpqTl8DfysR11XXWwizYZCPrOlSVY4PvPsTuzr5Bd19S22Wyt1nBmtpQ/s1600/timthumb+(1).jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaQK5zqjhNGrwwpsGJ4Y289ZNrh15T9a_l5ItolwzIJxauFxpfh62PGtRHSrDD6TZy7ozHEBkmxMxvz2cTGvtZvD_PnxvolKJlmeuUDfuRNgTEGEC5RwdUGlzgKMwqc39fdWvOgEqsMGb/s1600/timthumb+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaQK5zqjhNGrwwpsGJ4Y289ZNrh15T9a_l5ItolwzIJxauFxpfh62PGtRHSrDD6TZy7ozHEBkmxMxvz2cTGvtZvD_PnxvolKJlmeuUDfuRNgTEGEC5RwdUGlzgKMwqc39fdWvOgEqsMGb/s1600/timthumb+(3).jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJvHy9kVpF2eLsZiSROfMyDV_xSc4z-wCSyclmeWFQ8m-_l3Sr-Pea8AJ5za-DBPcHkog9YzNQduVLz_CGXOW1Tx7d_3diCOTJU6gtc6AsmLcboYGzfEqmE_SBgGswMVqXfLHuhD_OHmQ/s1600/she_magazine_11_2014_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJvHy9kVpF2eLsZiSROfMyDV_xSc4z-wCSyclmeWFQ8m-_l3Sr-Pea8AJ5za-DBPcHkog9YzNQduVLz_CGXOW1Tx7d_3diCOTJU6gtc6AsmLcboYGzfEqmE_SBgGswMVqXfLHuhD_OHmQ/s1600/she_magazine_11_2014_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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MANGO KIDS Y THE SOCIALITE FAMILY

El otro día me quedaba totalmente encantada al descubrir la entrar en APP (también está en la web) de la conocida firma de ropa Mango estas...

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Christmas in the kitchen

<p>Well HELLO there!! It’s good to be back! I hope your Thanksgiving week was wonderful – ours was so crazy busy but awesome. We spent four days in Disney World (our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-new-love.html">new favorite place</a>) and it was just so fun and magical. We were sad to leave but got back in time to host Thanksgiving for the family. Then a couple days later we hosted again to find out that my sister is having a baby GIRL!! If you’ve read along here for a while now you know her better as Stink Eye. ;) I can’t wait to have another niece and I’m so thrilled for my baby sis. </p> <p>Sooooo…after all that I was finally able to tackle some Christmas decorating! I feel so behind every. single. year. But I’m determined to just relax and enjoy the process. I’m joining Bee’s “<a href="http://www.windgatelane.com">Welcome to the Season</a>” blogging tour today – if you’re coming from my girl Cassie’s place at <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com">Hi Sugarplum</a>, hello! This tour of Christmas vignettes was a great chance to tackle a spot I’ve been excited to decorate. </p> <p>Many of you have commented on our newish étagère (so fancy!) in the kitchen. Here’s how it looked earlier on in our recent renovation, before the new doors, paint and trim:  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF8zP-djXCEdsdk1Fy_ihzRVTejY2Rm0P51uHFyWelM4RDfi0xMp14kQWWe_CUe0z5VSMtLy7JSnSABZfTuiOm6Wr_E1KXwsBtQB4fWQo6iS5_t7CG4SvWRD5gy5HdQL-oaOE2rqJo1o/s1600-h/IMG_9878_thumb%25255B14%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="unfinished kitchen table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Qnjx_vSjNE6D8xJ4UmrDrtIOb5baIjJDAW9VDWoEPbOWN0JTMOMhBMofEYxjgYEbyjbpdiQPU-9WH45HlKRdCnyBcVOwzlw06bNx5WHYt9p6hRqP1-uQ-F7bvl285Al7mveL3HMUf_4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="unfinished kitchen table" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I got that beauty from Joss and Main earlier this year and I LOVE it. The best part is I had some credits so I got it for $40! Whoot!! (I can’t find it on their site anymore but I did find it on Overstock <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Brooke-Ash-Grey-Etegere/8682155/product.html">here</a>.)</p> <p>I knew from the moment I got it that it would look adorable at Christmas, so I was excited to work on it. The thing is, like everything else in our house – it has to be functional for us as well as pretty. So I dressed up what was already there and then added some more Christmas touches. </p> <p>I was determined to use what I had on hand and I did pretty good. I only spent a few bucks. ;) I pulled out some of my scrapbook supplies that I don’t scrapbook with to make some cute tags: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTJbT5OQW2YcOWLNN3_jykjzGFrIos8ti5fQDK7b1Bn_CfoCZIV53pJ38bE5XVu3kvTsP5j5dqpe6SLgaOCY2I6Qx5hr4Sd7fvKpkgLv7N8oTC4Uoq_ad5qvatUzoUjb_WMlj8x7uYZM/s1600-h/IMG_0656%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="making tags with paper" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR7_l3aXkKd-ohT51y7HFnXSeMjZdCN7GeG6tqBfVY8sIs4Mgh08SbeUQ10Z_Inzp_nKqF6uISs2oq_ESv_kww7rHO-gMmJucDUkUURtB6OVnrkJx-O5ozut-8J6ZGPq5v0wjS4-FINk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="making tags with paper" width="500" /></a></p> <p>And hung them with my baker’s twine (last year at the Target dollar spot!) from our dog and cat food containers: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj3MegaGUCMYWUdO_-TDpeKMFUbeQ67FdSIpNmOkompOGjnGs8cwspA3r6f2gWu1fN94bEyNYQEfxR8M3CzRB6wZtSxzCx5m1HW8Zixxzx2Raow_iaV0yx9HXgJZoe2MFZx1a3wNRnlg/s1600-h/IMG_0654%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diy wood tags" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlZh00dxrBipReMEkguBUPlE5YT72yzOh7VyBglpEcvjUXGTB1X9MYbkYFqv2ew2xv63MqbpeLQaESPL949bcSUz3aWJvBIsWPRzlOviJyG7C1vsxFf_CD7B5tJAXQyIJ4dEwvjTlYw8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="diy wood tags" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Their food tray usually sits under the étagère so it’s nice to have the food so close by. :)</p> <p>I found this tree slice for a few bucks at a local thrift sale a few weeks ago and decided to give it a chalkboard treatment: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHF-4sCzzQdKEHkTQz5xBnHIxWXLyuwszkhZ28JvH6zDXtNdvTYjTnpAxr43nFgOZfaAr0087EeOcIX7_jxaLjQDq977gc0CihDbLXvsl_DHN43xGVSqZBXhtBAXFYgYNeq34W9OjW30/s1600-h/IMG_0655%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard tree slice" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW-pKnWBvnloTmjc7PfTH4HrOO-p0nm86rS2-PYhiazw6cV6FWI7O1vTK11NclSf8mTJwElVOKVnzd_JtNz3MFk6weBpgjAn8R0xZKJAd7lcx18V_x37rB6f2wl5RDNcn2lInnAxAyRQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="chalkboard tree slice" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I planned to write on it but then came up with a better idea. I hung one of my small boxwood wreaths from it, then drilled a hole in the back of an ornament: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMmboH9pZ7r5FrX03LNveIkicQKe85HNh38lZar9Z2lIrjNG7MYFXLiXSbBkS7GvPwc3hqxjBGDiqRaCOhk1bykONdJ5hYG4DWw9Z2rK9OJI3soGJS0pA_KR9-XGSpCVdPLB-PeiRqQQ/s1600-h/IMG_0657%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="reindeer ornament" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuqCZaqikYCatC6NqTD5ZQ0-Q5zsNqCBiMjbbm6r8F0dSpeusdH7IdcBevpLYdkt5lGLqM9Cillnas4XzS0N0mWGQWNTDwy6BMmQ63N0pnSpF4dwZbdBrkjNTMaESquPL0MepoxKtCtg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="reindeer ornament" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I got the ornament at Hobby Lobby back in August when the Christmas was already out. ;) I think it was maybe $4 (on sale). </p> <p>I hung the reindeer head inside the wreath and hello…cuteness!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgMYCjTYRLIUjwGTnKcVJjRwcwe6fuTerKHmWXnVjQdPIQaDYfRMIKXjUTO0txqnS3V33DHWRHbKENuW5XteIZ8UZKVQauVO9JcTRd_WTIvTLKDpxJggLBoRbkRW3oTKlMEVOxChHTf4/s1600-h/IMG_0691%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tree slice art Christmas" border="0" height="721" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOobHj6S8Ewd0hgVwANAn164zM_sGNZ1M0OI_aCnzNyzOIfswH4adfq-3kSCTtuM_DS0d4Ku2ITXvyGjxr1eOLQxAZTu2CoUFmy40LZ1LT8mwFwC1sccE2XjlYhlw2b6ELTIaPP9Oxeqs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="tree slice art Christmas" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I love it!! </p> <p>I filled the basket on the top shelf with faux greenery and some birch logs:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0fEwg_V7yXtyPj840FaDT4UEatG3IdzwZgM8b2ISuwlHHxp3uKqO_vnqiaPfuP_mQlHMrdArjDoidRDlXEh8RUeeSy_ZrR82DHDdvXilWcmrB4FAYIGyHrWNAvElNqqD_FraYkRfPGA/s1600-h/IMG_0662%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basket with birch logs" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTsugXF7BWA5UOuE9qYBehTDWhrqA9Mpj4WLjXThULWp_Xo5PQVuIQkPiiMhS8TXLpeKMrRkWde5emXn7TNsEnDU9KsITfdUFCJhYDUaA7CGJm0KKy4X9bVQn2sWFbfRE7Lrk7WqdFCU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basket with birch logs" width="550" /></a></p> <p>The only money I spent on this display was for that little garland on the basket. Those are little decorative tags ($4 and I have a ton more) I picked up at Target last night – I just strung them on my baker’s twine. :)</p> <p>I love my vintage pitchers: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxlvfKCESEmp-AvTCXi_Cdjrtz19EcQp2BzFGy00nW9fpgUPr2CFvKY0jkWL06OmwqG_YGR6Zh2umZvxGDbJKH2CiGZABB-cuTCoE15JNIVfY7uzxcN38_WO4IaLDT2GNcjwbz6cRENc/s1600-h/IMG_0657%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fresh greenery " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fd3ld9siZitlh7itm1htCsDZ7AFMEpsab01cFzK23sHNwQcXPoyYH6uUHD9-qK7aYCZFpIgcpiCnOH8OfBvSeEI_dgAcOlortahkvbb0YRIyLCbY3AbUhi8g6RnI-m0CpPZy_UvbzeU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fresh greenery " width="550" /></a></p> <p>I filled them with cuttings from our trees outside. I use a ton of real cuttings this time of year. If you don’t have evergreens I bet someone you know does! They add so much life and color to Christmas displays and they are FREE. </p> <p>I did have three of these pitchers…till last night when our obnoxious cat knocked the large one off the table. I don’t get upset when he breaks other stuff (and it happens a lot), but this one killed me. <em>Killed.</em> I loved that set! </p> <p>FREE CAT. </p> <p>Anyway, onto the next shelf. My cheese dome turned cloche just has some greenery inside, and my deer head above looks cute with our favorite Christmas mugs from my Grandma: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVMlXUzPEB8vzFhyYmVP6edfOgswap59irxqCI1dU15GmLwJRwiZFARLTSS5e3l9d1lP29SeSqKOUim6LMs3XO1G2J7o9ZgOi4chIsHUJ8E8ew_GAacH2eh17iGjboK8voTSJpDeL2d8/s1600-h/IMG_0667%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Christmas kitchen shelves" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfpX9oz3bwkRNJCeeHXr6iaWI690ci7BmpdMiU-GTGtEDNX6OnXmKHuS3xqpwH89Fsj48OWTPfO6OuVysT4TfQF964_USFa4niT5SnSa1QAcTRxMAvAqxI580NuJpidurtJJjnYev3No/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas kitchen shelves" width="550" /></a></p> <p>The bottom half is the most functional for us – the copper bowl was from a thrift store and it holds the dogs sweaters and leash and other little things like pencils and erasers for homework: <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6EkW34WT9kBsk7sUigW5iTLpAssG_iBbRnuTyX8lj1_FyhX98N37zbLL3ShANH7-pPlYfroUsR579GIGt_IigophNcOhCQK5aE9QNhJ3W6jb6OKqR-ArvrxzER9XkcsVcCLmR7eH4xI/s1600-h/IMG_0672%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storage for kitchen " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZWlgbtsz6WswJ4Xc-VluHbs2vKL4YDGh1j2c_gdp16Z8ILwDPPNwJwmzW_Ry-jXHVpF9S8RNiBP_Qf3pJBbkOC_loeViUHIcGsj9I-3PAF9h-1kN9BJt828UOgzhDQqOr6K3x4bCAfc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="storage for kitchen " width="500" /></a></p> <p>The white tray is a Goodwill find I spray painted years ago and the basket holds our mail and papers. I go through it every few <strike>months</strike> weeks. </p> <p>I absolutely LOVE how it all came together!! It’s just precious: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBqjcbmqtFeNOEmT8gQOqhrDbAl8efrI9WCW-qdNo5Wfq4pGxjjrmjsdsugupuXcbDHF5SevtSL1Z-MoawGXbHVC7oYc4cKFTNg4jkMqjodYdAhLgre3otBAgY4YygYOr9TTq3tmInz0/s1600-h/IMG_0651%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="kitchen etagere" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaUPLF34P2c2bv9S9vSgRWB7mBHwTWyIsCyP40tB4EbUy2cNWuhiEZ66xrsd03no0Nm-HoD4wggUIt4G09YvRQXXnRu1EQzDlXi_vMIvmSDKJxuYMlnv16rK1vb0sPO6USWxBiYlbCDI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="kitchen etagere" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This piece is the perfect thing for that spot. The finish on the metal isn’t quite black and the shelves are all gray. It goes great with the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/family-room-reveal.html">new family room</a> and fireplace next door. :)</p> <p>And I love having a pretty spot for things that we grab everyday: </p> <p align="center">  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ogi0MzSQntXdBacF21vBpeb0ct6SzeHuuhI1gyjwI3UfQVscRcybHa6mc4aWA1Zi1XB_1B_CnD_7NwybQF3HaUjmCU6c1-9IusHoUsXnd2yY5pLkICk13heZBApTEq-W8wDfxR9txk/s1600-h/IMG_0652%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="metal bookshelves " border="0" height="754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lKdpSoNx2Ph4i7ff_-_zj4NVVdLtQVPxHIt5XZIufHDQMKKR76jwD5SKv4pQse9y45qw8f6F5hyphenhyphenF3ADc8D9ovUSHg5FPMixBmxmLRRo2pHdVyBw7yFPIaaKVnhC-4XrkRsb3Pz7j2Jc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="metal bookshelves " width="500" /></a>     </p> <p>Pay no attention to the wonky baseboards or the crown that needs to be finished, umkay? I didn’t finish the base there because it will eventually just run straight across the window seat. :)</p> <p>Here’s what this area looked like a few months ago, before the new doors, paint and trim:</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Qnjx_vSjNE6D8xJ4UmrDrtIOb5baIjJDAW9VDWoEPbOWN0JTMOMhBMofEYxjgYEbyjbpdiQPU-9WH45HlKRdCnyBcVOwzlw06bNx5WHYt9p6hRqP1-uQ-F7bvl285Al7mveL3HMUf_4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></p> <p>And here’s what it looks like now: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9meSUro-H3_oiLvP_sjpWOY_K9MJ02L4oSxRGyfZ-gYhEtbY5uM01E22VxVG22gbT3zlkgzOWgDfrLjC4v5QyGuNdghysq9aRJfMVcGNY46jAYS_nZ7cwuY4uWDmChRE7jTnxjc3-vw/s1600-h/IMG_0649%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="metal shelving in kitchen" border="0" height="737" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcbAywHLHTW-Z9BN8PibxJ3SSQ8vnZP4wJWKVuGejvC_BM3tkA210Tdsbm4JyVO58m-2MkXARY4K5tdmOeoRzV0Osi3swazwy6-5E6uFBJfyEytwgmSNzLohrFvhc38lhNYfNN_VQDSE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="metal shelving in kitchen" width="491" /></a></p> <p>Still more work to do but it’s almost there!! I LOVE how this whole space is coming together! </p> <p>And I love that our home is starting to look a little like Christmas: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-Xi6XuLbUFTcluwLV7SZ2A5jxSHuPLH5DOcTOBd-MKUP9Ku25sxkwvaPvYX0Y8FbLtExj3QH6kqeCLW4BcWczFynQ2v7BHJX8z-61iL6PwmZ5gQahxACZLWOPiDjGRRkWRFT833QrHs/s1600-h/IMG_0680%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="kitchen shelves decorating" border="0" height="756" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSdQLiLoTUdqglT9JBRmISAxRHhmt97dnk3-AH4SY22DU4gMvOoahbBN5vd8dtAJgIfdymW-5EM9rqKpnxe3mOsPclSttQFqFKuUi_n9ZClV6_KLqmbHccFc2VmagXJbNwu7WIuc1U2g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="kitchen shelves decorating" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Be sure to check out the other holiday vignettes along the tour – our host Bee from Wingate Lane is next!:</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HXRwveJvmCk/VHyPzRxlElI/AAAAAAAAtIw/mU0wtK1617I/s1600-h/Windgate%252520Lane%252520tour%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Windgate Lane tour" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zWOmWNa5Z6U/VHyP0KnYuTI/AAAAAAAAtI4/50cXCRnQ7s0/Windgate%252520Lane%252520tour_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Windgate Lane tour" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.windgatelane.com/2014/12/welcome-season-holiday-decor-tour/">Windgate Lane</a> <br /><a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/2014/12/holiday-decor-our-christmas-tree.html">Honey We’re Home</a> <br /><a href="http://ciburbanity.com/">Ciburbanity</a> <br /><a href="http://heartsandsharts.com/">Hearts and Sharts</a> <br /><a href="http://www.desertdomicile.com/">Desert Domicile</a> <br /><a href="http://athomewiththebarkers.com/">At Home with the Barkers</a> <br /><a href="http://gourleygirlandguy.com/">Gourley Girl and Guy</a> <br /><a href="http://www.oursouthernhomesc.com/">Our Southern Home</a> <br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/">Hi Sugarplum</a></p> <p>Have you started decorating for Christmas? Every year I say I’ll have it done by the first and that NEVER happens – especially after a week like last week! It will all get done though and I’m enjoying it. :)  </p> <p>Oh, and the monthly before and after party will be held on Wednesday this week! So be sure to link up or check out the projects then! </p>

Christmas in the kitchen

Well HELLO there!! It’s good to be back! I hope your Thanksgiving week was wonderful – ours was so crazy busy but awesome. We spent four day...

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