Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012.

I spend way too much time dreaming of projects I'd like to do, and too little time actually doing those projects.  Or so I thought until I did an inventory of my 2011 posts.  Now I don't feel so bad.  When I put it all together in one post, I feel as though I've accomplished quite a lot. 

I published my first book! ( created from my Five Little Monkeys post )

I brought 5 new sock monkeys to life.

Created some blog inspired decor.



I even did a few tutorials.





And just try to name a blogger who doesn't Love a good Before & After!

An inexpensive ReStore window....

becomes a mirror with spray paint.

A cute baby wardrobe........

gets personalized for Finley's nursery.

I even got featured!

Children's kitchen cupboard redo.

Some good advice that I just didn't take.

And a little light hearted humor.

I started some big projects.......to be finished in 2012.  I hope.

And shared some quick-fix tips......

with help from the  IKEA Supermaze..... 

  which I completely forgot about until a little rug rat found it.  :@

I took you in my kayak.

I dedicated a few posts.  My Baba who I will mention from time to time.....

and my sister-in-law Debbie who I remember every October for National Breast Cancer Awareness.

I featured some very special guests.

Finley.

Mack.

I hosted two blog giveaways.

I won a contest at The DIY Club and received a truckload of prizes!

I also won 2 random prize giveaways.  Artful Blogging Magazine from Anne at Fiona and Twig and Dog Trots Globe to Paris & Provence from Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict.  Thank you ladies!!!! 

I bought a new SLR camera that I've yet to change out of the automatic mode.

I've shared countless vintage finds. 

But mostly I've made some wonderful blog friends that are truly kindred spirits and share my passions of creating, collecting, and storytelling.

xxoo,

Vickie

 

Linked to:

French Country Cottage Feathered Nest Friday

Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday

The Charm of Home Home Sweet Home



Baby It's Cold Outside!

What do you do when the temperature is a chilly 16 degrees on the last Saturday before Christmas?  I've discovered that it's the perfect time to attend an estate sale!

Estate sales during the winter months up north are few and far between, and a sale that starts on a Saturday (when I'm not working) is even more rare. This sale was being held on a Saturday and Sunday, so I planned to be one of the first in line.  Also, the house is a twin to ours, so I wanted to snoop around the house a bit, too.  I got up before the sun and was parked outside the house by 7:00 for numbers at 8:00.  I was number 2!!!

An hour later, they opened the doors and there were less than 20 people in line, so everybody got in anyway.  I could have slept another 3 hours!  Live and learn.

I don't know about you, but I never know where to go first.  Basement?  Main floor?  Upstairs bedrooms?  I hit the basement last and that's where I found my purchases of the day.

This thermos in a nice Christmas plaid is perfect next to my ski boots.

  For $2.00, I'm thinking gift bag.

An older gentleman said $3.00 was waaay to high for this folding ruler.

Now this is not your ordinary vintage potato masher, it's child size!  It was in with the tools.

50 cents and I'd already removed all the pink and silver balls to add to the wreath I made!

Very heavy old mirror.  The owner removed the art and replaced it with a lovely page from a 1960's House Beautiful.  I'll probably paint the frame and I found a few ideas at The Graphics Fairy that I could add instead of the current photo.

For a powder room........

or a child's bedroom.  Future project.

I still had room in the plaid picnic bag, so for 75 cents, why not? 

The Find of the day!!!

56 inches of architectural beauty!

I completely forgot my manners as I shoved nudged aside a very large man to get to this gem tucked in a dark corner of the basement!  He followed me around for the rest of the sale, probably hoping I would get tired of lugging it around and put it down.  He underestimated my superhuman strength when it comes to holding onto my stuff!  Ha!  

Now it was time to go back upstairs to see if I'd missed anything good.

I probably paid too much for this set of books at $10.00, but after waiting in my car for an hour listening to Christmas music, I thought they would look festive on an end table.

The perfect red.

Pretty graphic border.

What good are books without a bookend?  Sorry, only one bookend, but two dogs!  Woof! Woof!

I couldn't resist this Schnauzer art!  Mmmm, hmmm.  Finley is going to LOVE it!!!  ( 50 cents )

Now here's a piece of sequined red fur deliciousness that any girl would love!

Just look at that handwork!

 A drawstring handbag?  A nightcap for Mrs.Claus, perhaps?  Why no, it's a.... 

bright red faux fur tiolet seat cover!!

Even Santa would remember to put the seat down!

I did find one more thing in that old basement, but it's a Christmas present ( Jan. 21 at Ranger 911 this year )  and the secret's safe between me and .......

Mr.Bunny.  Or is it Sir Squirrel?  Either way, he's not telling.

Linked to:

Knick of Time Tuesday

A Christmas to Remember

Many years ago at a Christmas party, the guests were asked to tell about their most memorable Christmas.  I volunteered to tell my story first.  While the others were scratching their heads trying to come up with something, I knew exactly which story I would tell.  It was the year I spent Christmas in the hospital.  The story even made the headlines of our local newspaper!

Christmas Eve, 1981, was celebrated at my in-laws and we got home about ten o'clock.  At around 1:00 am, the pain started.  We drove to the hospital, but by the time we reached the parking lot, the pain had stopped.  Back home we went.

At 3:00 am, the pain was back.  Only much worse.  So, back to the hospital we went.  The doctor arrived still dressed in his holiday suit and red bow tie.  We obviously interrupted his Christmas Eve festivities, but he was jovial, nonetheless.  He estimated we would deliver our baby by 6:00 that morning!

•   Date:  December 25, 1981
• Time:  6:18 am
• Due Date:  December 8
• Temperature Outside:  30 degrees below zero
• Nurse and Doctor Predictions:  100 % boy
• Weight:  8 pounds 10 ounces
• Sex:  It's a ..........GIRL!!!
• Name:  Julie Ann

Thirty years ago today, on a cold Christmas morning, our first child was born and what a wonderful gift she has been!

Happy 30th Birthday Julie!

xxoo,

Mom & Dad

Behind the scenes:

Scroll down to my playlist and select song number 2.

Look at that smile!

We haven't changed a bit.

Home Sweet Home on 3rd Avenue.

A sweet child.

Silver and gold decorations.  Silver braces and gold rimmed glasses. 

A queen of a daughter.

Two peas in a pod.

Fun times.

And now.....

(Photo by Jen Meneghin Photography)

The newest mommy on the block!

We love you and wish you were here!

Wishing each and every one of you a Merry Christmas!

xo, Vickie

Linked to:

Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Nite Special