tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66726082188167063972024-03-05T10:32:05.247-05:00Colors of CHRISTmasAlisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-31715860858053896722008-12-30T10:31:00.003-05:002008-12-30T10:35:57.408-05:00Come on Over to Carolina Panache!<div align="center">I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas time! Another year is upon us and we are getting ready to ring in the New Year. Now that Christmas is past, I will be posting on my site <a href="http://carolinapanache.blogspot.com/">http://CarolinaPanache.blogspot.com</a>.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This site is all about adding panache to your home one room at a time. Come on over. Today is Tablescape Tuesday and we are having a party! Thanks to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting!</div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-8060076023274891232008-12-26T10:28:00.002-05:002008-12-26T11:38:16.676-05:00CHRISTmas 2008 House Tour<div align="center"><span style="color:#6666cc;"><strong>CHRISTmas 2008 is now past</strong></span>. What an incredible year it has been! </div><div align="center">So much change, so many new friends, wonderful memories </div><div align="center">and milestones with dear friends, so many blessings! </div><div align="center">My Faith, Family and Friends - I am so thankful for all of them. </div><div align="center">I can't wait to see what God is going to do in 2009! </div><div align="center">So as another year comes to a close I thought I would tour one last room</div><div align="center"> before I pack it away until next year.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfuAevs2kLMHnCGJd5ucquUIZIpFpMSAUx7QDr8gket9EwICie5yAc6lwgkBUpcFcJ0QjWT1aalq2-tl84BmuzzxN2zZ0fMjH86UaZ_EA6r2VeG__dya9-WOoDeoz1F4muRXRH-u_8Dx7/s1600-h/Bedroom+Decor+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284128462575448450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfuAevs2kLMHnCGJd5ucquUIZIpFpMSAUx7QDr8gket9EwICie5yAc6lwgkBUpcFcJ0QjWT1aalq2-tl84BmuzzxN2zZ0fMjH86UaZ_EA6r2VeG__dya9-WOoDeoz1F4muRXRH-u_8Dx7/s400/Bedroom+Decor+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"> I decided on a new color scheme for our bedroom </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">sometime around October this year - slate blue, gold, taupe and black.</span></strong> </div><div align="center">That meant we had to scramble to get everything - painting, new moulding, new bedding - completed before CHRISTmas decorations could go up. The new decor turned out beautifully. <span style="color:#6666cc;"><strong>The room is so warm and inviting!</strong></span> This is a picture our bed. On the last day before the Open House I decided to add a little garland and bows to dress up the bed. <span style="color:#6666cc;"><strong> See the little miniature stockings? These little things are so cute - the perfect touch of whimsy for the bedroom.</strong></span> I actually found these stockings at my local grocery store - Harris Teeter. I think they were intended for gift cards but you could use them for so many things!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVdVbaw-4yikhtGn-oq0P0m8NfOvkz1JhnBTRijwR8lbJgWwtL3PXNL_b-cwNBNZS-6_g8ght-smQtUPjU_Lx7mKy3va00Vsu-WbNV5hHJEQTLwOvSUaZMMfQ9o47bM9ovq2gy6g1OPgX/s1600-h/Bedroom+Decor+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284128461629163074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVdVbaw-4yikhtGn-oq0P0m8NfOvkz1JhnBTRijwR8lbJgWwtL3PXNL_b-cwNBNZS-6_g8ght-smQtUPjU_Lx7mKy3va00Vsu-WbNV5hHJEQTLwOvSUaZMMfQ9o47bM9ovq2gy6g1OPgX/s400/Bedroom+Decor+020.JPG" border="0" /></a> To attached the garland I simply twisted two longer stems around the base of the<br /> finial and completed the look by tying two over sized velvet bows from<br />slate blue ribbon edged in silver braid. <br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The bows added just enough elegance.<br /></span></strong><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPuFNuqiaZrfaKbjz2CmopxH0qnu0XM6hxF38mU2Fm5oMP4hX37iGTUxJlEa-qF3CIC1aisqKLF18a5wVkKZBUnFidOI88FmwC9LGnLCnScMI54-YwbLkrJEezIoTlie7Uu2op6ZIq3wW/s1600-h/2008+Open+House+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284128455215836194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPuFNuqiaZrfaKbjz2CmopxH0qnu0XM6hxF38mU2Fm5oMP4hX37iGTUxJlEa-qF3CIC1aisqKLF18a5wVkKZBUnFidOI88FmwC9LGnLCnScMI54-YwbLkrJEezIoTlie7Uu2op6ZIq3wW/s400/2008+Open+House+035.JPG" border="0" /></a>This year I placed a full sized, slim pine in the Master Suite. <span style="color:#6666cc;"><strong>I called it the BUBBLE TREE</strong></span> because<span style="color:#6666cc;"><strong> I used all clear glass ball ornaments</strong></span>. When the light would shine through the ornaments they looked like bubbles with an iridescent glow - really pretty! <span style="color:#6666cc;"><strong> I wired in sheer blue ribbon and finished the look with more miniature stockings all in ANIMAL PRINT.<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZYpgZHUWXP6Rv6eIp63FOmZr2Q-8_OKCSZbyZyiUPo72jci6xRNEXWGofyB1FAcw8bXNqqfuyetwLvpHLSMwQEUhatIxGIZteOmTIDsqXo8THBX4FGSyfaoIVxpLHYuN-ewebvLA4nna/s1600-h/2008+Open+House+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284128450671708546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZYpgZHUWXP6Rv6eIp63FOmZr2Q-8_OKCSZbyZyiUPo72jci6xRNEXWGofyB1FAcw8bXNqqfuyetwLvpHLSMwQEUhatIxGIZteOmTIDsqXo8THBX4FGSyfaoIVxpLHYuN-ewebvLA4nna/s400/2008+Open+House+037.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a close up shot of the tree ornaments and stockings. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><strong> I really liked the way the tree looked so light and airy.</strong></span> I also tucked in silver painted Elm leaves and champagne colored floral picks among the branches. The result was quite elegant - probably my favorite tree this year and the new bedroom color scheme has inspired me to add touches of slate blue in other rooms of the house. So check me out at <a href="http://carolinapanache.blogspot.com/">http://carolinapanache.blogspot.com</a> </div><div>where I will feature home decor ideas, do-it-yourself projects and tips and techniques for arranging furntiure, accessories and floral display. </div><div>Find out how easy it is to add panache to every room of your home! BEAUTY does not have to cost alot of MONEY. <br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTctJD59ryTlu09cu9WFr6BVDdBxm5Bvn3_spUFAErOhqwqZ-Jd9FWJDlyoudkZi3B7-3NdST4A0bsroMD8uLUq7AuXz43qdIbwhXttzfdyUZYvSFMNmqLIbsH4o3mTHtVagzYCyj9j11E/s1600-h/2008+Open+House+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284128437279194242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTctJD59ryTlu09cu9WFr6BVDdBxm5Bvn3_spUFAErOhqwqZ-Jd9FWJDlyoudkZi3B7-3NdST4A0bsroMD8uLUq7AuXz43qdIbwhXttzfdyUZYvSFMNmqLIbsH4o3mTHtVagzYCyj9j11E/s400/2008+Open+House+042.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have a small sitting area in my bedroom and this year I decided to add a little holiday flair to the side table and wall. I hung a faux wreath and adorned it with pine cones and sheer ribbon that matched the tree. On the side table I placed an ANGEL all dressed in brown brocade, slate blue velvet and faux mink fur. Beside the angel is a cheetah print vase </div><div>holding two over sized blue velvet poinsettias.</div><div><strong><span style="color:#6666cc;">This concludes my CHRISTmas 2008 House Tour.</span></strong> </div><div>I truly hope you have enjoyed it and have been inspired to</div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> <span style="color:#6666cc;">Color your CHRISTmas in 2009!</span></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I'd like to thank each one that posted such encouraging </span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">words and comments. Please visit me at</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#6666cc;"><a href="http://carolinapanache.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://CarolinaPanache.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#6666cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;">and watch for updates on my new blog </span><a href="http://homestyleflavor.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://HomestyleFlavor.blogspot.com</span></a></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6666cc;"></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-85375577760316970042008-12-22T12:59:00.002-05:002008-12-22T13:32:43.115-05:00CHRISTmas 2008 House Tour<div align="center">Well we're back! Sorry about the delay in the house tour but I experienced some technical difficulties and blogger kept telling me my files were corrupted. The problem is now resolved - <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Thank you, Lord! - so let the touring resume</span>....</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqPgHW68HclFJuyiUVxWC-2lhp0_oIUBho54SZH3C81bk2t2I2cq0FqcM5Q5t-c6deJQ3NHD7YSaVtwvjhGBBRNEFgMgzNHFY_SmTGzPp83At8L0lGrifgMxJRX0xxpA7HU2o6tfyn8An/s1600-h/Sunroom+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282677540511095058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqPgHW68HclFJuyiUVxWC-2lhp0_oIUBho54SZH3C81bk2t2I2cq0FqcM5Q5t-c6deJQ3NHD7YSaVtwvjhGBBRNEFgMgzNHFY_SmTGzPp83At8L0lGrifgMxJRX0xxpA7HU2o6tfyn8An/s400/Sunroom+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong> I thought we would stop in the Dinning Room and check out the this year's tablescape</strong></span>. Every year I try something different - new color scheme, new centerpiece, new combination of table linens. The year the winning color palette was <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Red and Brown with touches of gold and evergreen.<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8HEeEGvRb9TVluaV1wd-acOsSA9lQLxFt3DCkT7xip_UDgmo50Jb-oKZqjIQN5ZXDQKMZIsS9oKhxeC_-5uG7lKKnkRSNteo9JKZQEOoTCQR6FvYUKlAzjPItaCtIQuVIDLDcU-0_imr/s1600-h/Sunroom+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282677531783896370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8HEeEGvRb9TVluaV1wd-acOsSA9lQLxFt3DCkT7xip_UDgmo50Jb-oKZqjIQN5ZXDQKMZIsS9oKhxeC_-5uG7lKKnkRSNteo9JKZQEOoTCQR6FvYUKlAzjPItaCtIQuVIDLDcU-0_imr/s400/Sunroom+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>I love these Shimmering Red Mesh trees</strong></span>. There are four total; two large and two small. I simply laid down <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>a base of evergreen swags and tucked in pine cones edged in gold glitter paint</strong></span>. You can pick up the glitter paint at any craft or hobby store. I usually go to HOBBY LOBBY - love that place!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUyxKb7TC2u_ebH7mv-nPZn5LRJ7XvXt-l4svlmoZ2MjCUqstWUKliE_a4OZH1NlIbes0_Qvah9e_q72WSb4GwrhZczihvpBeMq0eylss4cNYtm8coxoB969rvx_hdKNN5ao6i2sTEUi1/s1600-h/Sunroom+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282677520150969618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUyxKb7TC2u_ebH7mv-nPZn5LRJ7XvXt-l4svlmoZ2MjCUqstWUKliE_a4OZH1NlIbes0_Qvah9e_q72WSb4GwrhZczihvpBeMq0eylss4cNYtm8coxoB969rvx_hdKNN5ao6i2sTEUi1/s400/Sunroom+027.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong> I love using RED ROSES at CHRISTmas time</strong></span>. Especially in the dinning room. I found the fluffy RED VELVET ROSE napkin rings at Bed, Bath and Beyond a few years ago for a VALENTINE'S 7-course Dinner that my and Bella-Mella hosted. I thought they looked good around the double napkins of Red Satin and Brown Silk.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtbLZO7W9VrIdxE9M-onJePUfESAwiCoSkiMTDbZL7tXVja5LH8Vtt7It-dOU2H4KZ0hEXgtBANojE5NZqVYIEHxi0nDzPzQBTF7WbK1FPuHe11VVrpnZJr13lFvfKVRrFA5aiE50VRn7/s1600-h/Sunroom+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282677516672412274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtbLZO7W9VrIdxE9M-onJePUfESAwiCoSkiMTDbZL7tXVja5LH8Vtt7It-dOU2H4KZ0hEXgtBANojE5NZqVYIEHxi0nDzPzQBTF7WbK1FPuHe11VVrpnZJr13lFvfKVRrFA5aiE50VRn7/s400/Sunroom+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a long shot of the table. <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">I've used gold chargers under my IVORY fine china plates. I topped them off with Charter Club's <em>Winter Garland</em> salad/dessert plates. I love the ornament motif. </span></strong> </div><div>You just can't have CHRISTmas dinner without candle lights - lots of candles!!</div><div>I used a large RED MOSAIC hurricane candle holder in the center of the table and 6 matching Mosaic votive candle holders - three on each side. <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"> I lit the candles for our Open House on Saturday and the table just glowed. It really was beautiful - so warm.<br /></span></strong><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDSwfzzFfAoApm7ozf7SMgbjnI5h7w7HgMlGpP5vGJwzRQ-TIyevdzat3PSVGs1XTIhzYU9kBinA_mKVM3sv__yUoqPbRmTN2CYm1DJTPFIHE90Nh3kefxbybPhLMdkai5H4adAdG0ASA/s1600-h/Sunroom+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282677511120022642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDSwfzzFfAoApm7ozf7SMgbjnI5h7w7HgMlGpP5vGJwzRQ-TIyevdzat3PSVGs1XTIhzYU9kBinA_mKVM3sv__yUoqPbRmTN2CYm1DJTPFIHE90Nh3kefxbybPhLMdkai5H4adAdG0ASA/s400/Sunroom+021.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is a better shot of the china. I have paired it with all cut Crystal glassware. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>I like to mix and match my tableware. It's much more interesting than when everything matches.</strong></span> My glasses are from two different patterns and the parfait cup introduces a third.</div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Later tonight I will post a tour of the Mater Suite and a tour of trees upstairs and that will complete our 2008 House Tour. </strong></span></div><div>See you then!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-4478262497455835822008-12-17T20:45:00.002-05:002008-12-17T21:17:10.807-05:00CHRISTmas 2008 House Tour<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Welcome Back!</strong></span> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>We continue our holiday house tour today</strong></span>. We've been touring room by room since Monday so be sure to scroll all the way down to visit the other rooms. Today we are going to stop by the kitchen. This room is truly the heart of the home. This kitchen will be busy and fully functioning through the holidays but we still found time and room to add a little holiday cheer. Let's take a look.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKFuBjNuFD9jdlhhZMVqTBWNQhf7x3bkSU0DkU5ij30P8feyDxhLklgpxj4raVcJH6pjr2ORhsqy5Pm_lJOEFZtQvUlR2po06kBYB_SzfonLtepNbbkAHv0gsz0JnaKJ84wTnKWOUOQAB/s1600-h/Holiday+Kitchen+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280941190876724738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKFuBjNuFD9jdlhhZMVqTBWNQhf7x3bkSU0DkU5ij30P8feyDxhLklgpxj4raVcJH6pjr2ORhsqy5Pm_lJOEFZtQvUlR2po06kBYB_SzfonLtepNbbkAHv0gsz0JnaKJ84wTnKWOUOQAB/s400/Holiday+Kitchen+023.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I love to decorate with fresh fruit and candy especially in the kitchen.</strong></span> This year I used a three-tiered stand to display RED Delicious apples, bright GREEN Granny Smiths and Florida TANGERINES! I clipped springs from our FRASER Fir tree and tucked them among the fruit for added flair. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Oh it smells so nice!</strong></span> I used a cedar and berry topiary on either side of the stand. These were a steal on a clearance sale a couple of years ago. Underneath I've used a table runner that looks like CHRISTmas presents. It has all the same colors as the fruit. I have this sitting in the center of my kitchen island. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> It makes such an easy yet showy centerpiece.</strong></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4dfb-oaEM4_y5v7IthlxQVUm2bFsA_809_c8RRdpJwY4tJw9kB-NjURxi2lqj51cMrIcOlXUPviP9Cs2n67axEkojVULmxfZpGNQQOecCI0B5ZPaJVlMQE98qm_axDVmSJ-vVh6xyVJC/s1600-h/Holiday+Kitchen+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280941185460559682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4dfb-oaEM4_y5v7IthlxQVUm2bFsA_809_c8RRdpJwY4tJw9kB-NjURxi2lqj51cMrIcOlXUPviP9Cs2n67axEkojVULmxfZpGNQQOecCI0B5ZPaJVlMQE98qm_axDVmSJ-vVh6xyVJC/s400/Holiday+Kitchen+021.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> Hard candy is another decorating favorite of mine</strong></span>. Here I simply lined a clear glass cylinder vase with Peppermint Candy Canes and filled the center with round Hot Cinnamon candies. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Somehow I defaulted to a SNOWMAN theme in the kitchen so this little guy was placed to guard my candy canes from sticky fingers!</strong></span> I don't think he has done a good job. I believe I see two canes missing!!! Hmmmm?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg_ESi9c8sVCeAZSSZ-HfEgVGJzKLw6P_S50G-w0zcOPzHvHyCVBcQ7vFAjlgfJHtr0f8xbM_7DfEj5EJNvhmYni5w24XB2qhCX2qOJwNQsT-buVb9raJzerb83YyW08cRGAfpv_CJD46/s1600-h/Holiday+Kitchen+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280941183413896082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg_ESi9c8sVCeAZSSZ-HfEgVGJzKLw6P_S50G-w0zcOPzHvHyCVBcQ7vFAjlgfJHtr0f8xbM_7DfEj5EJNvhmYni5w24XB2qhCX2qOJwNQsT-buVb9raJzerb83YyW08cRGAfpv_CJD46/s400/Holiday+Kitchen+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the Pub Table in the breakfast area. Since this area is used for everything from homework to eating to my infamous coupon clipping I have kept it rather low-key for now. But come next week it will be decked out in royal splendor. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> This is where we will have our CHRISTmas breakfast.</strong></span> Prince Charming - Douglas - will be making homemade pancakes - I'm not talking a boxed mix, no sir. These pancakes are to die for! Last year we had them at Thanksgiving - we get our choice of fresh blueberry, banana pecan or French Vanilla. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I think I will opt for the Banana Pecan with maple syrup. Yummy!</strong></span> See these cute SNOWMAN plates? I found these at a HOME GOODS store. I love the soft colors and the light blue background add a fresh new color to my scheme.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sKxw3Dqpz1sa-dQLlYyDbp8Qz0M4zC-GGS2Czl1UQ6ORicx1vDC6hkM66Zg4n1terKJEzFnuTcR7gBWor840t8KZCRn5q5E0AKb2JZuJAMcDqD9hhwN3rjF4KymYJKlWxOF59nxIkmqh/s1600-h/Holiday+Kitchen+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280941178604161650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sKxw3Dqpz1sa-dQLlYyDbp8Qz0M4zC-GGS2Czl1UQ6ORicx1vDC6hkM66Zg4n1terKJEzFnuTcR7gBWor840t8KZCRn5q5E0AKb2JZuJAMcDqD9hhwN3rjF4KymYJKlWxOF59nxIkmqh/s400/Holiday+Kitchen+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a closer look at those plates.<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> I really like the way the ruffled edge of the red placemat frames the plates. This year I double layered my placemats. Underneath the red straw mat is a moss green velvet mat. I love the way the casual red straw plays off the elegant green velvet.</strong></span> These little green and white polka dot napkins are too cute! I can see me using them in the Spring with a big pink Gerbera Daisy napkin ring wrapped around the folds of fabric. I might just host a garden party! Spring in North Carolina is only rivaled by Fall!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U30JgQt3h5TGVQgETpP4rwhPd_h92ByxG2L9UNz1KdyAliVKjOdKasI1AQnrJs69cshyVCb3zzkN9TPnfA6dozl8bHpQvPFzxo8K0YD1GMnFSSBGdV5JvfdHWNdwDcRErO-fE8VfhDUg/s1600-h/Holiday+Kitchen+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280941162702136674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U30JgQt3h5TGVQgETpP4rwhPd_h92ByxG2L9UNz1KdyAliVKjOdKasI1AQnrJs69cshyVCb3zzkN9TPnfA6dozl8bHpQvPFzxo8K0YD1GMnFSSBGdV5JvfdHWNdwDcRErO-fE8VfhDUg/s400/Holiday+Kitchen+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> These little guys add some whimsy to my kitchen counter</strong></span>. I have them standing on a 5-arm candle centerpiece. I wired two cedar and berry swags at the base and then tucked in sprigs of holly and ivy. Nothing could be easier! <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>On the two end arms I've placed some faux SNOWBALLS.</strong></span> Well, I hope you have enjoyed the kitchen tour. </div><div>Tomorrow we will stop in the Dinning Room and see if were set for the big day.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-51593275270784064282008-12-16T20:08:00.002-05:002008-12-16T20:47:31.024-05:00CHRISTmas 2008 House Tour<span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Merry CHRISTmas & Happy Holidays!</strong></span> <br /><div align="center">Today we will tour the Sunroom. This is probably my favorite room in the house. Because the room is three sides windows and provides early morning light <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>I decided to use a color pallet of citrusy hues</strong></span>. Let's take a look.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqxx69lCHpAKPmKjc-zsTLKxvMzCWKktkQ0RTgbQyafjwYTys1JD0V-XMe2rQ7BMKP3hzGu7MzVWMnxwyZ7-FDTsORwbMRJyTXFmWf3C3ELjhCtDNVa0gr6NO8H9yuSuFb9Gz21kqd-MS/s1600-h/Sunroom+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280560666997350994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqxx69lCHpAKPmKjc-zsTLKxvMzCWKktkQ0RTgbQyafjwYTys1JD0V-XMe2rQ7BMKP3hzGu7MzVWMnxwyZ7-FDTsORwbMRJyTXFmWf3C3ELjhCtDNVa0gr6NO8H9yuSuFb9Gz21kqd-MS/s400/Sunroom+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">On the coffee table I started with a metal serving tray over a table runner of rust, orange, green and gold.</span></strong> The gold embroidery of the scroll-work is quite rich and festive. Perfect for the holidays. Then I added an evergreen swag of pine and cedar. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>Tucking in several floral picks in gold, bronze and orange makes the centerpiece pop with citrusy color</strong></span>. I completed the arrangement by using two metal standing reindeer on either corner of the tray and some pine cones edged in gold paint. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>I love all the bright colors!<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWAaOY10UK09nNYRPn10-dehw40FykKjzPJkZU95_AF21FozTY4Ba6cKC_D-RPG0AlQfbWT3MpimyQv3RHrEZQAeSwrp6469GBj2q3FGIzmNaNjTRPZULM1xqoDuTb4e1o0aTHNfREoiy/s1600-h/Sunroom+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280560658081396370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWAaOY10UK09nNYRPn10-dehw40FykKjzPJkZU95_AF21FozTY4Ba6cKC_D-RPG0AlQfbWT3MpimyQv3RHrEZQAeSwrp6469GBj2q3FGIzmNaNjTRPZULM1xqoDuTb4e1o0aTHNfREoiy/s400/Sunroom+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> We placed a real tree in the sunroom this year. Prince Charming and the Royal Princes picked this one from Fraser Ridge Farms. <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">I LOVE the smell of fresh evergreens</span></strong>. The sunroom is a perfect place for a live tree. When the sun shines through the windows and warms up the space, <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>the fresh scent spreads throughout the house</strong></span>. I tried something a little different this year - <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>I tied PEARS on the branches of the tree using wired ribbon</strong></span>. I first tied a knot around the PEAR stem, then I tied the tails of the ribbon around a branch. In this picture you can see that the wall color in this room is a light pear green so the fresh color of pear really pops on the tree. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>See the little pears nestled in the branches?<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYD4CcVEVdgRnPURIlGVB8DzvDN1yWJDLiPgFTUcTsc7a5YYZ4TKQgW7EqYGb9JUjAIEOYJs3dXoR7jy_vJ_HfNm4bA1C43xEIMaFH3qq-mMxf6tQ0y97uFcJY6phSmIamIsJDIBec00U/s1600-h/Sunroom+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280560652467354914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYD4CcVEVdgRnPURIlGVB8DzvDN1yWJDLiPgFTUcTsc7a5YYZ4TKQgW7EqYGb9JUjAIEOYJs3dXoR7jy_vJ_HfNm4bA1C43xEIMaFH3qq-mMxf6tQ0y97uFcJY6phSmIamIsJDIBec00U/s400/Sunroom+018.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a close up of an arrangement I placed on the console table. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>Love the bronzy-rusty colored poinsettia next to the gold pine cones. <br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUwUtVJl641IbzeGh1VTfIXkURd3nj_Bxg2BZ8x6FTUveV-IWTNgGX3FdC30euIGllGhZOELFfzsMMy2mXc7ANxS63bCybpU2147eCSzl-uVvnLaCOGaipDlR-nZPArmYCvVTqT6gax0Z/s1600-h/Sunroom+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280560643853086146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUwUtVJl641IbzeGh1VTfIXkURd3nj_Bxg2BZ8x6FTUveV-IWTNgGX3FdC30euIGllGhZOELFfzsMMy2mXc7ANxS63bCybpU2147eCSzl-uVvnLaCOGaipDlR-nZPArmYCvVTqT6gax0Z/s400/Sunroom+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong> I haven't used a BOW on the top of a tree in more than 15 years but this year I found 30 feet of this fabulous ribbon at Michaels for $2.99!</strong></span> That was too good to pass up. So we fashioned a big, fluffy bow with 5 ribbon tails and used it on this tree. I<span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong> love how it turned out</strong></span>. Luckily the top stem of the tree was sturdy enough to support the weight of the ribbon and bow. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>The stripes are orange, rust, gold, gray, and brown.</strong></span> A very unusual color scheme for a CHRISTmas ribbon but fresh and fun all the same.</div><div> </div><div>Well that concludes the tour of the sunroom. <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong> Be sure to stop by tomorrow as we take a look in the formal dinning room and kitchen</strong></span>. See you soon.<br /></div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-87792486073963784332008-12-15T17:00:00.009-05:002008-12-15T18:40:49.035-05:00CHRISTmas 2008 House Tour<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">Family Room Decor - Fresh Greens, Gold, Silver and Ivory take center stage!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>This year the family room was decked out in fresh green, gold, silver and ivory with touches of rustic brown. This is a close-up of our mantle</strong></span>. I started with a good quality artificial garland. I prefer one of Fraser fir. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I then begin tucking in fresh cedar clipping from my trees in the backyard and magnolia leaves from our miniature magnolia</strong></span>. It's a wonderful thing to live in North Carolina where all of these fresh and natural materials are just outside my door. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Once the basic garland was complete, I wired in glass ornaments in silver, gold and green. I finished it off with ivory velvet poinsettias.</strong></span> Our family stockings are gold silk with lots of embellishments and trim. This year we pinned silver monogram letters on each stocking. The mantel is probably my favorite thing this year.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKizi5L3Re3S6DVCWc0UfLQHEYQNjXsZI0CVnVTxHRjUR9J-xcoiXLR5sLmuEISQN3tv6kmJ8m1Qx9of_BPEshd8eae0opbGCQ_oex62Li6kDbzemKW0mMP_GiFaIs2zznWw5C1UwiZZzj/s1600-h/Open+House+071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280141684510472530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKizi5L3Re3S6DVCWc0UfLQHEYQNjXsZI0CVnVTxHRjUR9J-xcoiXLR5sLmuEISQN3tv6kmJ8m1Qx9of_BPEshd8eae0opbGCQ_oex62Li6kDbzemKW0mMP_GiFaIs2zznWw5C1UwiZZzj/s400/Open+House+071.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Here is a wide angel of the mantel which showcases two large angels</strong></span>. They are fashioned out of tin and they have been painted to look old and rustic. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>At each end of the garland I placed a pom-pom bow of brown stripe, green silk and ivory ribbon.<br /></strong></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzq-ORPLtpNtq1LYhMg4vraOitU7m5369210qPjyjQCxe7BqMlwMn8jTLmhATo8vnIWrWuQEYKnjnYYrez9eMWn4bvt5eFtKp2EhdQ5pxiC8uDxAhymuwkde4rgBXd_UlzxqiHz6hksKo/s1600-h/Open+House+061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280141680006699074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzq-ORPLtpNtq1LYhMg4vraOitU7m5369210qPjyjQCxe7BqMlwMn8jTLmhATo8vnIWrWuQEYKnjnYYrez9eMWn4bvt5eFtKp2EhdQ5pxiC8uDxAhymuwkde4rgBXd_UlzxqiHz6hksKo/s400/Open+House+061.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#009900;"><strong> I used a downward swept Fraser Fir tree in the family room</strong></span>. Keeping with the color story, the tree is trimmed in mostly gold Angel and Cherubim ornaments which I have collected over the past 20 years. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>The ribbon is a fresh pear green edged in gold and I finished it off with ivory and silver glass ball ornaments.<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV9HchEFxfulVZq9rU1S5DVvfJHTdoYk1_l0pZQPSnwu4taiyV_KaesjX-pIIMYklYcySyLokhGeMf8jWdGmjK0nDmHSlnUM1lV6mStaHebaswfSM1PWNQiWruqP4zxlnajbZXp-kIztE/s1600-h/Open+House+063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280141664755709762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV9HchEFxfulVZq9rU1S5DVvfJHTdoYk1_l0pZQPSnwu4taiyV_KaesjX-pIIMYklYcySyLokhGeMf8jWdGmjK0nDmHSlnUM1lV6mStaHebaswfSM1PWNQiWruqP4zxlnajbZXp-kIztE/s400/Open+House+063.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>The top of the entertainment hutch was the perfect place to display my "Holy Night" statutes</strong></span>. There are four pieces in the collection but I purchased two of the angels. I like odd numbers in collections - 3, 5, 7 and so on. These pieces are cold cast resin. I love the details seen in their faces, hands and clothing. This is a a close up of one angel and part of the Wise men. I placed another garland around the base and wired in clear twinkle lights, ball ornaments, green ribbon and poinsettias.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVvb5X-a-BMVk_xRfL4DvBAgxoqi7OoI0friMCcc4aVaUvOhsss5wT3F-ApqO91L9kAP7uE5mep39LWpFzY-wp8yu1WkKCMwaWLZaJgvnC-NDtpaV3espTnAndGEAuSnA0KnL6Lw-TJkA/s1600-h/Open+House+068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280141662540965010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVvb5X-a-BMVk_xRfL4DvBAgxoqi7OoI0friMCcc4aVaUvOhsss5wT3F-ApqO91L9kAP7uE5mep39LWpFzY-wp8yu1WkKCMwaWLZaJgvnC-NDtpaV3espTnAndGEAuSnA0KnL6Lw-TJkA/s400/Open+House+068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is the entire collection. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I love the way the twinkle lights cast a golden glow around this vignette</strong></span>. The pieces were purchased from Home Interiors a few years back and are now out of production - to bad. Everyone always wants to know where they can purchase them. At night I turn off all the house lights and just leave the CHRISTmas lights on. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I love to sit on my sofa and look at the grouping and think about what a holy night it must have been. Christ JESUS - the reason for the season. The SAVIOR of the world.<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4m_3xrAjYq8Hn0grpy8qvVvoXi9W17xpaB1u3GGDU35GB9Bm9D8Mvw8FSe2wH4V2p_emDeEiuvv8V5HcdwMvOUVqHyruhA6LacDpCJzc4ClvWbsHy8GlX4hhcDd1SUIVvr5TShhhP4uT/s1600-h/Open+House+067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280141654114378306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4m_3xrAjYq8Hn0grpy8qvVvoXi9W17xpaB1u3GGDU35GB9Bm9D8Mvw8FSe2wH4V2p_emDeEiuvv8V5HcdwMvOUVqHyruhA6LacDpCJzc4ClvWbsHy8GlX4hhcDd1SUIVvr5TShhhP4uT/s400/Open+House+067.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-83996830855081724572008-12-15T08:45:00.006-05:002008-12-15T18:38:13.769-05:00CHRISTmas House Tour 2008<span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>WELCOME! Merry CHRISTmas and Happy Holidays! </strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCP4RffFVLfKf_iUb8U8MZEDzGluHUAB5qzasRqDU5nh0870eXezLkvKgafDZP9K1PpJsMz58ueu7O1oN-mTb5jnl3SflMHRgAmOfW10cozimEuvR6TJqx0FhmAhkwtZkjRsJevP34uQ2/s1600-h/Open+House+039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280137562905221554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCP4RffFVLfKf_iUb8U8MZEDzGluHUAB5qzasRqDU5nh0870eXezLkvKgafDZP9K1PpJsMz58ueu7O1oN-mTb5jnl3SflMHRgAmOfW10cozimEuvR6TJqx0FhmAhkwtZkjRsJevP34uQ2/s400/Open+House+039.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> Thanks for stopping by for my CHRISTmas 2008 House Tour</strong></span>. We will be touring all week. Today we are going to take a look in the Entry, Living Room and Family Room. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">I hope you enjoy the tour and that you will be inspired with ideas and tips for making all of your holiday decor merry and bright.<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWff-q2w0mow1WB8nnGwEHTHZRVVdOHB2NAW8e-ip9o14QcQszUk5Z5cNO7Y82pIJayHSl55iYnEEM9XwneVpavM-6wPYkBk2WuD9ua8NwCNgOvVIaNkfzHG-eK3y3C3Kc5GVVBgmGCUxy/s1600-h/Open+House+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280137547972876402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWff-q2w0mow1WB8nnGwEHTHZRVVdOHB2NAW8e-ip9o14QcQszUk5Z5cNO7Y82pIJayHSl55iYnEEM9XwneVpavM-6wPYkBk2WuD9ua8NwCNgOvVIaNkfzHG-eK3y3C3Kc5GVVBgmGCUxy/s400/Open+House+033.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nothing brings a smile to my face more than a beautiful holiday wreath. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">This year I decided to go big, bold and RED!</span></strong> I started with a blue spruce wreath and layered in fresh magnolia leaves. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I have always loved Magnolia trees</strong></span>. When we moved to North Carolina I was so happy to see one standing in front of the house we decided to buy. It provides me with beautiful clippings year round. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I wrapped a wide red velvet ribbon around the wreath and finished it off with a fluffy bow and two red floral picks - one poinsettia and one magnolia</strong></span>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zTivPn5Bzlnss3vIQgiA8JLlglEEY_2agjyTrjoKeoh2NhgQRzX4orQ3O2QpW60IYFwkMfR-1KEblbf4tA6wqrGF6xm9GSUIgxvFKAGkvqoLyZli6f5dMjsNvN1-CiUgYhmlQc4Zeq0W/s1600-h/Entry+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280137538598039906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zTivPn5Bzlnss3vIQgiA8JLlglEEY_2agjyTrjoKeoh2NhgQRzX4orQ3O2QpW60IYFwkMfR-1KEblbf4tA6wqrGF6xm9GSUIgxvFKAGkvqoLyZli6f5dMjsNvN1-CiUgYhmlQc4Zeq0W/s400/Entry+011.JPG" border="0" /></a>As you enter our foyer, I have a console table in the hall. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I love to use this space to decorate for each season.</strong></span> I've gone with a rather understated look this year because I wanted to <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>highlight the big black and gold mirror featured in the photo</strong></span>. This was a find at ROSS. I saw the same mirror in a fancy department store catalog for three times what I paid for it. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">I love the two kneeling gold reindeer.</span></strong> I found these at Old Time Pottery. Love that place! <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Other than the floral arrangement and the gold NOEL plaque, a Pottery Barn runner in a red print is all that was needed to welcome the holiday and our guests.<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIW96vyJ7Ay5737zt1a1vGxs1joRHMO8KojvcS9MPK-lH8Bqw-LHyA8Sct1QD4A7tg7utva6ZJ0puzemeFwscHx9g6626A2Biy3EUFv5WpNYVp3tLnzvz42Ry5poMEfvedEgnDfP4-0uP/s1600-h/Open+House+055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280137533967694946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIW96vyJ7Ay5737zt1a1vGxs1joRHMO8KojvcS9MPK-lH8Bqw-LHyA8Sct1QD4A7tg7utva6ZJ0puzemeFwscHx9g6626A2Biy3EUFv5WpNYVp3tLnzvz42Ry5poMEfvedEgnDfP4-0uP/s400/Open+House+055.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next stop, the Living Room tree. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>This year I went with RED, GOLD and BROWN</strong></span>. A different color story than I've used before but nevertheless I liked the results. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I found a red and gold floral print ribbon</strong></span> at - you wont believe it - LOWES HOME IMPROVEMENT store. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I cut 8" lengths and tied them on the ends of the branches</strong></span>. This tree also features <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>RED CARDINALS found at Michaels on clearance for 70 cents each!</strong></span> I'll show you a close up of them in a later post.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLj-bzF9vU5Ortdc_ka98_8fyYa8SmRTTRpzhyphenhyphenEdQXqtnHG44u6ek7LGYtUFSai2_CHkjNOs1s9DblDrzcxvONz59zFguzZptERcl9YGThSQJHEhzJdOY3KtCQILRjMCe-JzzLdcXTCEF/s1600-h/Open+House+045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280137525787149634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLj-bzF9vU5Ortdc_ka98_8fyYa8SmRTTRpzhyphenhyphenEdQXqtnHG44u6ek7LGYtUFSai2_CHkjNOs1s9DblDrzcxvONz59zFguzZptERcl9YGThSQJHEhzJdOY3KtCQILRjMCe-JzzLdcXTCEF/s400/Open+House+045.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the mantel in our Living Room.<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> I decided to place my two "Holly & Ivy" Reindeer in the center flanked on each side with the matching stocking holders.</strong></span> Now we're off to the FAMILY ROOM.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-14718152157740060262008-12-13T15:03:00.004-05:002008-12-14T07:52:07.278-05:00Deocrating with Poinsettias<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Poinsettias</strong></span> -</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>At CHRISTmas time I can't get enough of these beautiful plants!</strong></span> Decorating with Poinsettias can add holiday panache to any room in your house. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The poinsettia is native to Mexico and there are over 100 varieties of poinsettias available</strong></span>. I usually wait until the first weekend in December to purchase my live poinsettias. This ensures they stay fresh and vibrant through New Year's day. I was amazed at the selection that was available at our local farmer's market. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Red, burgundy, white, yellow, pink, pale green - all of these were natural colors.</strong></span> Then there were purple, blue, teal, gold, silver and copper. These plants had all been spray painted. Still lovely but I prefer the natural blooms over the artificially colored. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">74% of Americans prefer RED poinsettias</span></strong> while 8% like WHITE and 6% opt for PINK. That leaves 12% percent of Americans opting for other colors or none at all. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WQqY0RXeQIYcs2mTcmEnRuYGZlQT4C27Rt3gs8IyKqA9PuYdXgpym4YIFH9j5OA-nD-9a7xgD5EBMCTfxtfxhtBerAaP1uOX9GjMZW0SORluVAIw2QIuQdrAYQijZj2cCyG_mb_29Y-I/s1600-h/santa+boots.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279614712492540946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 351px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WQqY0RXeQIYcs2mTcmEnRuYGZlQT4C27Rt3gs8IyKqA9PuYdXgpym4YIFH9j5OA-nD-9a7xgD5EBMCTfxtfxhtBerAaP1uOX9GjMZW0SORluVAIw2QIuQdrAYQijZj2cCyG_mb_29Y-I/s400/santa+boots.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I just love the brilliant red, snowy white and delicate pink of these natural holiday blooms</strong></span>. Here we see traditional <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>red poinsettias tucked down the top of SANTA's Boots</strong></span>. A simple yet whimsical way to add holiday flair to any corner that needs a little color. Last year I used lots of white and pink poinsettias in my decor but this year I opted for lots of red. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I tuck these lovely plants all through the house.</strong></span> In the entry hall I have grouped 7 plants around two small evergreen topiaries potted in metal urns. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I've highlighted our family CHRISTmas pictures by placing a collage of smaller prints inside a black frame and resting it on an easel then surrounding the grouping with the brilliant red plants.</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9URm-lTkGPUrS9Cc2QsyuFh3Pqkz0nl6FFEhFbKQ_rWiEfA9FHNlWFYCsNQ_8ysNPrT5WURfxz7yccr_1vOY82z6H0eeOq7s1Ac6egR4R1EzoDjaWUepL46jocLll5aDWXnltEMltIQd/s1600-h/Poinsettias+036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279371184110328322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9URm-lTkGPUrS9Cc2QsyuFh3Pqkz0nl6FFEhFbKQ_rWiEfA9FHNlWFYCsNQ_8ysNPrT5WURfxz7yccr_1vOY82z6H0eeOq7s1Ac6egR4R1EzoDjaWUepL46jocLll5aDWXnltEMltIQd/s400/Poinsettias+036.JPG" border="0" /></a> In my family room I've decorated with bright green, ivory and gold so the natural choice was white poinsettias. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">I love how the bracts has a slight touch of green undertone</span></strong>. I placed three large pots of these lovely white plants on nesting tables. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I love to group poinsettias in clusters for more impact.</strong></span> But don't bunch them up to tightly - poinsettias like their space so when decorating indoors make sure that you allow the plants room to spread out and for air flow to circulate freely. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>In North Carolina we can't set these plants outdoors because of the cold temperatures but when I lived in Florida I used to plant RED poinsettias in planter beds along the walk and front porch</strong></span>. I miss that.<br /></div><div align="center"><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHZwlLbDm-OIGMFz4SR4Xokt5UljGlvRdfml6LOC-CiV0oskKC2qQCCXLhO9gSYgc1a5nO-L37dSoVakP5AVOD6J4bWU_4F8IskAzQHDTTvFMqKwAgs4pNkPjW-1rJdJVK-vJHWVj_1JI/s1600-h/Poinsettias+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279371172777557906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHZwlLbDm-OIGMFz4SR4Xokt5UljGlvRdfml6LOC-CiV0oskKC2qQCCXLhO9gSYgc1a5nO-L37dSoVakP5AVOD6J4bWU_4F8IskAzQHDTTvFMqKwAgs4pNkPjW-1rJdJVK-vJHWVj_1JI/s400/Poinsettias+027.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> For a quick hostess gift try adding a fluffy bow or ribbon to a wicker basket and sitting a plant inside. </span></strong> I like to place smaller poinsettias inside decorative bowls, urns and baskets and tuck them on shelves, in bookcases and on courtertops. Over $220 million worth of poinsettias are sold during the holiday season. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Most (90%) of these plants got there start on the Paul Ecke Ranch in California.</strong></span> For information on care and how to get your poinsettias to "re-bloom" check out their website at <a href="http://www.ecke.com/">www.ecke.com</a> where you will find some interesting facts and tips.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxltaIQg91XaEppB4C0fIeeipnoF6QbzK_BXXAfYuMKrO66FofD8UlsaKrakIr9XXYW9x8ceLvAuZZoFPS0Lir_7CW67ErxCH1852sUtVFT08-GvnpUWEnnYw3tTDdX-REpMizjQwBwZIc/s1600-h/red+large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279371169025295458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 324px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxltaIQg91XaEppB4C0fIeeipnoF6QbzK_BXXAfYuMKrO66FofD8UlsaKrakIr9XXYW9x8ceLvAuZZoFPS0Lir_7CW67ErxCH1852sUtVFT08-GvnpUWEnnYw3tTDdX-REpMizjQwBwZIc/s400/red+large.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />For those of you who prefer the delicate bracts of a pink poinsettia, below is a picture from the Paul Ecke Ranch website. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> I thought these plants were just lovely</span></strong>. If you decorate using a pastel or Victoria CHRISTmas theme, these beautiful poinsettias would be just the thing.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NpKQuRGHvUgwAhef_1ME_buYF0aRpG_uypIyi9hwrb_PFA5RYL1oiYGzjaKnc01KJkklcdB1ltSBfiH_sFms3VObErt59pjEeJ623TGdrW1NFdxUfuVZa30DrcSFvRgTEL7Ctyl8B6QS/s1600-h/pink.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279371163140085682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NpKQuRGHvUgwAhef_1ME_buYF0aRpG_uypIyi9hwrb_PFA5RYL1oiYGzjaKnc01KJkklcdB1ltSBfiH_sFms3VObErt59pjEeJ623TGdrW1NFdxUfuVZa30DrcSFvRgTEL7Ctyl8B6QS/s400/pink.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>On TUESDAY I will post a CHRISTmas tour of the whole house decorated for the holidays</strong></span>. We are now in the last week before our OPEN HOUSE and all the decor is finally finished. All that is left to do is bake, cook, and bake some more. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>In the week to come I will be sharing some of our families favorite holiday recipes so visit again soon.<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-51511352915964778182008-12-11T12:39:00.004-05:002008-12-11T13:14:05.003-05:00CHRISTmas FUN with my SON<div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>My son, LUCAS, goes to a WONDERFUL elementary school</strong></span>. The school has some time-honored holiday traditions which make the season really fun for the kids. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong> At CHRISTmas time they have a very special holiday luncheon for the kids and parents.</strong></span> Today was that special event. I took along my trusty little camera to capture some holiday memories.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdh0O-eiaHVVa5etrPrkFzHH2KPovhP4n7HyM_FR9GzMVWdIbrgCFCV4E3IQzpWxegkS8yddzwURvNPN0FOtt2EX6a4Xe0m8bIb7UMKPnc35AZ7cwLtOCMTf4BPnkJFEBZxaBTNCbT0z4/s1600-h/Fun+with+the+Son+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278589686320080018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdh0O-eiaHVVa5etrPrkFzHH2KPovhP4n7HyM_FR9GzMVWdIbrgCFCV4E3IQzpWxegkS8yddzwURvNPN0FOtt2EX6a4Xe0m8bIb7UMKPnc35AZ7cwLtOCMTf4BPnkJFEBZxaBTNCbT0z4/s400/Fun+with+the+Son+035.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#009900;"><strong> Lucas (the one in RED) hammin' it up with some of his 4th grade pals; Timmy, Elijah, and Kenny</strong></span>. All of the kids were so excited. Each one was telling me about what they wanted for CHRISTmas and where they were going and who they would see. There's only 6 school days left till break and they are counting them down! The cafeteria staff goes all out to prepare a really special lunch and unlike most school cafeterias, the food is really tasty.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXhD7ywAAOyGfB8Zpt1Vm5LTGOnW61KjbQIbfvY-3Ok-vqyExp6SRLLgxIGAf1Ig04xGSA_qmSOWBum723aG1i2N2fQQZVKgGQTchYSqULKl2IZLPsLsI8GTCsfCyX6c5UP4JT5PbWKFQ/s1600-h/Fun+with+the+Son+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278589678494030642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXhD7ywAAOyGfB8Zpt1Vm5LTGOnW61KjbQIbfvY-3Ok-vqyExp6SRLLgxIGAf1Ig04xGSA_qmSOWBum723aG1i2N2fQQZVKgGQTchYSqULKl2IZLPsLsI8GTCsfCyX6c5UP4JT5PbWKFQ/s400/Fun+with+the+Son+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is Lucas, Elijah and Timmy waiting happily in the hallway lunch-line smiling for Mom's camera. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1RwBd6ontbi7kmOUNyscc98Zce9o56l_OMWr4YJkNmX0giqZI7y7-HEKIkNoxBoB5qTJx1YwQ9uornxjvP_U0P_pDr_9F04VXtlaLOUSLWn-RY8X3_V41nkNtLOfMdI3SEOj8FnlTB6A/s1600-h/Fun+with+the+Son+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278589669782216370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1RwBd6ontbi7kmOUNyscc98Zce9o56l_OMWr4YJkNmX0giqZI7y7-HEKIkNoxBoB5qTJx1YwQ9uornxjvP_U0P_pDr_9F04VXtlaLOUSLWn-RY8X3_V41nkNtLOfMdI3SEOj8FnlTB6A/s400/Fun+with+the+Son+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cafeteria staff along with Parent volunteers work to <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>decorate the cafeteria into a Winter Wonderland</strong></span>. Although it was 60 degrees today and raining outside <strong><span style="color:#009900;">we could feel the Arctic chill as fluffy white snowflakes and FROSTY made an appearance on the windows and walls.</span></strong> White icicle lights were hung from the ceiling and one of the staff, Mr. Helms, provided live entertainment as he sang holiday tunes with his Karaoke machine. Too fun! <span style="color:#009900;"><strong> Some of the kids even sang along when he broke out in a chorus of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FkkIWMXjdnVda5xaUSzLc2k1BNryK-6XXbyi_tKiLUljy2DxYRfxzqHVtT_wJTcsBwhgq4XcFl7jxpTQ1xJDdFZ7TwxrUlUG6fd8ihRSqpMe0XIH-QiIsdakfY1y0nejhye38B9o_0wH/s1600-h/Fun+with+the+Son+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278589666372336082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FkkIWMXjdnVda5xaUSzLc2k1BNryK-6XXbyi_tKiLUljy2DxYRfxzqHVtT_wJTcsBwhgq4XcFl7jxpTQ1xJDdFZ7TwxrUlUG6fd8ihRSqpMe0XIH-QiIsdakfY1y0nejhye38B9o_0wH/s400/Fun+with+the+Son+015.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Each classroom provided handmade place mats with season's greetings and artwork</strong></span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbVtQGd3WURiUHNnV-hDAE8ibMKpqp6XkrdSzGUpNFCniW79J-zcAL9FajghkXYw6elJ6M0U168j9SJGhceerpipi0LhPgZabrDk0_8Jk2FVxEh_xBib2okEDG0tJ0DKHolgzhWfXvCxy/s1600-h/Fun+with+the+Son+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278589660469525730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbVtQGd3WURiUHNnV-hDAE8ibMKpqp6XkrdSzGUpNFCniW79J-zcAL9FajghkXYw6elJ6M0U168j9SJGhceerpipi0LhPgZabrDk0_8Jk2FVxEh_xBib2okEDG0tJ0DKHolgzhWfXvCxy/s400/Fun+with+the+Son+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#009900;"><strong> We even had a special guest appearance from some of SANTA'S reindeer.</strong> <span style="color:#000000;"> It was a fun lunch and ended too soon. If you feel a little removed from the joy of CHRISTmas, go hang out with a few 4th graders. Their excitement and joy is sure to rub off! </span></span></div><div><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="color:#000000;">I'm wishing you a fun and childlike joy this season.<br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-38550778667662126142008-12-09T10:01:00.003-05:002008-12-09T10:55:37.411-05:00The JOY of receiving and sending CHRISTmas Greetings!<div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>CHRISTmas cards - I just L-O-V-E reading them!</strong></span> I can literally spend hours in the store standing in the card section reading cards, narrowing down my choices to two dozen or so. Choosing the right greetings can take time. Oh the joy one receives to go to the mail box and find a CHRISTmas card awaiting. I can hardly wait to get inside so I can open the envelope to see which friend or relation has sent me a special holiday blessing or wish. Sending and receiving cards is such a time honored holiday tradition. I like to change up the style of card and message i send from year to year. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>This year my card of choice was governed by my family CHRISTmas picture.</strong></span> Prince Charming's sister - Sweet Linda Charlene - is a professional photographer. So while we were in FL for Thanksgiving we got all dressed up and Linda worked her magic. Royal Prince Adam wanted to wear a new argyle sweater vest of <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Red, Brown, Gray and White</strong></span>. So that was our inspiration for our color scheme. The rest of the family just followed his lead with brown, red and white. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Needless to say Sweet Linda's magical touch brought out the hidden beauty that she just seems to coax out of her subjects.</strong></span> I was thrilled with the results! So off to the card store I go to find just the perfect card to complement our picture. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUiRGK6QsvJld-tS4dFdtip4j8tjX_SU3z9IZ3D_zvKRsyETolhGlVUVxTNvqGhMSCGeJbH3Cif72abUgfmkfoLVg4oWK2KjKLm4LeBOXcGRRLw70ipK6VfkHbxrHRePX3KIaxG2ss5ts/s1600-h/Card+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277807745202964002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUiRGK6QsvJld-tS4dFdtip4j8tjX_SU3z9IZ3D_zvKRsyETolhGlVUVxTNvqGhMSCGeJbH3Cif72abUgfmkfoLVg4oWK2KjKLm4LeBOXcGRRLw70ipK6VfkHbxrHRePX3KIaxG2ss5ts/s400/Card+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>This was the winning card</strong></span>. The card is made from a linen card stock and features a gray background of evergreens and pine cones. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The card is them embellished with a little envelope of red damask printed paper and a silver satin ribbon is attached to the miniature envelope</strong></span>. A little scalloped seal embossed with a snow bird is then placed on top of the ribbon. Next a little scallop-edged card scripted in Red with <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>MERRY CHRISTMAS</strong></span> and <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>tied with a velvet red ribbon</strong></span> is placed slightly inside the mini envelope. It's just the perfect card to carry our season's greetings and a current photo of the family.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKepQ89Gxx2uugtB_9BAS676VPRMQJYJRu85vgF6B4ZNVpwr5n_Zz1mssP_mJCw5llJ88QQI4AMJilZa6WKEZLLVPwwBDtzkCmkLeODITxVYN8SRuvaWHWxjsIEFRYp-KeAnDXPVSXgqCp/s1600-h/Card+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277807730927386226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKepQ89Gxx2uugtB_9BAS676VPRMQJYJRu85vgF6B4ZNVpwr5n_Zz1mssP_mJCw5llJ88QQI4AMJilZa6WKEZLLVPwwBDtzkCmkLeODITxVYN8SRuvaWHWxjsIEFRYp-KeAnDXPVSXgqCp/s400/Card+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> This card was the winner last year. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> I loved the color scheme of aqua, evergreen and ivory.</strong></span> Such a fresh take on the colors of CHRISTmas. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The verse blesses the recipient with God's everlasting light. love and great goodness.<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BRmL6Eb203F10-mnbBzX3vzH9NPg0zUJt90tXfPplV2EVs0P_FJEj5jRj54em51xRVY8aAWu1K8-LOpJJ0eXUOFMT3qDeU1AjR-JbLpFXkcVsdulBlZv81gQUHV0tJv1GoXt0SsMqMJK/s1600-h/Card+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277807726920852770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BRmL6Eb203F10-mnbBzX3vzH9NPg0zUJt90tXfPplV2EVs0P_FJEj5jRj54em51xRVY8aAWu1K8-LOpJJ0eXUOFMT3qDeU1AjR-JbLpFXkcVsdulBlZv81gQUHV0tJv1GoXt0SsMqMJK/s400/Card+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> This card was a very close second this year. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The verse was taken from Max Lucado's book,<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> <em>God Came Near</em></span></span>.</strong></span> I love the way Max Lucado writes. I've printed the verse below. </div><div> </div><div><em><strong>"God became man. Divinity arrived. It all happened in a most remarkable moment... a moment like no other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God had come near."</strong></em></div><div> </div><div>The inside verse simply states a heartfelt wish -</div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>"May His presence be your peace, your joy, and your light this Christmas."</strong></span></div><div> </div><div>So as you hurry to post your cards and strike another name off your list as "sent", I pray that you too experience the peace and joy of this season and that in the stillness or the rush of the holidays you allow God to come near to you.</div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Merry Christmas!</strong></span></div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-36684057121437848852008-12-04T14:50:00.002-05:002008-12-04T15:56:43.504-05:00CHRISTmas Collections<div align="center">Do you like to collect things? <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>CHRISTmas is a perfect time begin a collection</strong></span>. Sweet Linda Charlene (my sis-in-law) collects "puffy" ornaments. You know the blown glass type. My friends Paula and Brenda collect SNOWMEN. Another friend collects Wizard of Oz ornaments. Well I was never a "collector" until the first year Prince Charming and I were married. <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>That year I began collecting Old World SANTAS</strong></span>. I think I've mentioned that on a previous post. I thought I would show a few of my favorite ones. I was going to post a project on using old garden urns to display extra ornaments, unfortunately I had a few "technical" difficulties. That's code for "my paint did not set as intended because of a heavy NC frost". It's always a good idea to NOT forget your project on the back deck overnight. Ha,ha. So we will revisit that project later - much later.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHcmeweDg2_Mq7Rhatq0NJggEKUn8X4y3APpVKvzv6GPkb6JsCFgaJiPgeiFcICKedBUP-uR6FWSxL3-XRzhULFdcbi6tsyUtjSPIc28pcSz5Ae39S4GrchZRgJXylNrBDCC32XRRtClf/s1600-h/urns+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276031606539059602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHcmeweDg2_Mq7Rhatq0NJggEKUn8X4y3APpVKvzv6GPkb6JsCFgaJiPgeiFcICKedBUP-uR6FWSxL3-XRzhULFdcbi6tsyUtjSPIc28pcSz5Ae39S4GrchZRgJXylNrBDCC32XRRtClf/s400/urns+017.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>This is one of my favorite SANTAS</strong></span>. I love his light green damask robe trimmed in dark brown fur. He fits perfectly with my family room decorations this CHRISTmas. His beard is made of frayed white velvet strands. <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>I received this SANTA the first year we lived in North Carolina</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj1wYk1zVyYhhVI3CZ34AvhA3DVVVAeCwxSudeQf4OnuYbpkHnY2WPVTJqmdmcS2iE48SsC0Bkj3yw872adMMmXnmblK8uFnBai1mvZnQVMQkfbFote4p1ZK7sTHsSotbMJpJzGJC7693/s1600-h/urns+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276031594173449250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj1wYk1zVyYhhVI3CZ34AvhA3DVVVAeCwxSudeQf4OnuYbpkHnY2WPVTJqmdmcS2iE48SsC0Bkj3yw872adMMmXnmblK8uFnBai1mvZnQVMQkfbFote4p1ZK7sTHsSotbMJpJzGJC7693/s400/urns+021.JPG" border="0" /></a> This SANTA is about 5 years old. <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>He is wearing a blue and red plaid robe trimmed in gray sheep skin.</strong></span> I love the little Teddy Bear he is carrying in the top of his sack and the rustic rope tied at his waist. His staff is fashioned from a real wooden twig with real pine cones attached.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhuB5oeGtiTRwuxTv66mjx2oHi9CxxAqp-xXCQExQ5pnltRtzrDG8ZUqIG9quJOjd7p9kMwjy0xQI-L5mZmxwxnNz7J84pvPIVcZdp-Sv3wTRUqsS_6FJjQ42YIs65I8Ss8AMaPbXKjNN/s1600-h/urns+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276031581967475490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhuB5oeGtiTRwuxTv66mjx2oHi9CxxAqp-xXCQExQ5pnltRtzrDG8ZUqIG9quJOjd7p9kMwjy0xQI-L5mZmxwxnNz7J84pvPIVcZdp-Sv3wTRUqsS_6FJjQ42YIs65I8Ss8AMaPbXKjNN/s400/urns+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>This was the last SANTA I purchased while living in FLORIDA</strong></span>. He matches the new window treatments I featured in an earlier blog. His robe is almost an exact match with the gold, brown and deep red brocade of the window panels. <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>I really like the SANTAS that feature shorter robes and boots vs. the tree topper styles</strong></span>. They are more stable and hold up much better. The plastic cones under the long robes tend to warp after a couple of years.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX5m_F3OUdEfobAWj70DvPcIpBwOTae9AulhsWUpduE-x9NgFDcnL0YexKhYdajGXqTabAGL8L75R-yZHO1K5cdADUiFJzk26UUDkiIfKfaqV0f_Ot8O8dOFof5pfLyLjzH9ekh0X8-9M/s1600-h/Bedroom+redo+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276031578652185074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 383px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX5m_F3OUdEfobAWj70DvPcIpBwOTae9AulhsWUpduE-x9NgFDcnL0YexKhYdajGXqTabAGL8L75R-yZHO1K5cdADUiFJzk26UUDkiIfKfaqV0f_Ot8O8dOFof5pfLyLjzH9ekh0X8-9M/s400/Bedroom+redo+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> I usually group my collection is threes or fives. <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Always use ODD numbers especially if you have varying heights or sizes</strong></span>. During the holidays I clear away most of my accessories from end tables, consoles and shelves. This makes room to display seasonal collections. <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Sometimes I will arrange my regular accents and accessories "under" my end tables</strong></span>. I saw this trick used in a model home and thought it was a great way to make space for your CHRISTmas decor while solving the question of where to store things during the holidays.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkl0y3x7n15fC1IG8PIl5CPSg9EcDeAT1i1eJpK5PLrHe3DxEYVUXfsrt-vKl1gz0cznD-xGm6F4IJaPiVkHgEtp87OUMEpP9SGludue6vdqUFQxsd8vonHsVRKYWY9urLVhdNLs3Upv6/s1600-h/Bedroom+redo+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276031573106369186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkl0y3x7n15fC1IG8PIl5CPSg9EcDeAT1i1eJpK5PLrHe3DxEYVUXfsrt-vKl1gz0cznD-xGm6F4IJaPiVkHgEtp87OUMEpP9SGludue6vdqUFQxsd8vonHsVRKYWY9urLVhdNLs3Upv6/s400/Bedroom+redo+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>This was a new addition to my collection last year from Sweet Linda Charlene</strong></span>. Prince Charming L-O-V-E-S to "go" fishing! In honor of her Big Brother's preferred past-time, this SANTA enjoys some down-time after the hectic holiday rush! <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>No matter what you collect at CHRISTmas time, it is always fun and sentimental to unpack your collections each year and remember the people and the moments that make the collections special. <br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-58742416893786666642008-12-01T18:51:00.002-05:002008-12-01T19:42:14.672-05:00A Christmas Makeover!<div align="center"><span style="color:#333399;"><strong>CHRISTmas isn't the best time to decide on a makeover for a room in your house but this mismatched and dated bedroom needed some CHRISTmas cheer!</strong></span> With the big day less than a month away and family and friends scheduled to descend in waves this year, we had to work fast to pull this off! While red was right in style with the season, I had grown tired of this Pottery Barn bargain and opted to <span style="color:#333399;"><strong>add a little holiday elegance using slate blue and gold.</strong></span> The result was a restful, sophisticated palette that just makes you want to say "Ahhh!" Let's take a look...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcJSBf5uZm3w8QNrFkkBTjrnagjwjqgmzVguVES_8s7n0zI6qbxC_4cEeMJEPKBWsAgOme3pTGk4q2tBQdp-F0gQjXn-lfKYpPSYY_uYrhe-VttP0pjxtfipPD_-hn7RcuesG8ZBeP5Ze/s1600-h/Black+Lion+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274977593197746690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcJSBf5uZm3w8QNrFkkBTjrnagjwjqgmzVguVES_8s7n0zI6qbxC_4cEeMJEPKBWsAgOme3pTGk4q2tBQdp-F0gQjXn-lfKYpPSYY_uYrhe-VttP0pjxtfipPD_-hn7RcuesG8ZBeP5Ze/s400/Black+Lion+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> As you can see the walls were painted Spiced Vinegar while the focal wall was given a coat in Stony Creek. <span style="color:#333399;"><strong> These colors really warm up the space and provide a neutral backdrop for the pops of slate blue.</strong></span> The new bedding set was a steal - only $45! I added a few extra toss pillows and the Euro Shams but still managed to keep the ensemble below $70.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixzBpeIc_W5oyB6YfrwZ7DBISQcJq-4_amt8mKWo51FYlars3f4YH8IRYKs8rWk_U58hUob_aIeh7lnz_yxth2-DTNPFNmzpZpNpet_WsF7n3RT1yHQqOMiZ90qw084LY0UOVuC_suJdL/s1600-h/Bedroom+redo+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274977585824893186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixzBpeIc_W5oyB6YfrwZ7DBISQcJq-4_amt8mKWo51FYlars3f4YH8IRYKs8rWk_U58hUob_aIeh7lnz_yxth2-DTNPFNmzpZpNpet_WsF7n3RT1yHQqOMiZ90qw084LY0UOVuC_suJdL/s400/Bedroom+redo+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#333399;"><strong> This year I opted for a full-size tree in the bedroom</strong></span>. It is a slim tree. Just the right fit in front of our window. I always say that pictures never do justice to decorated trees unless of course you have all that fancy-smancy lighting equipment and as you can see I don't. But this little tree turned out so beautiful. I know it is hard to see all the details but the decorations are kept to <span style="color:#333399;"><strong>a very neutral color scheme - soft blue, champagne, silver and clear glass</strong></span>. The only color or pattern used are the little cheetah print mini-stockings! Love them! <span style="color:#333399;"><strong>They really play up the whimsy and complement the animal print accents used elsewhere in the room</strong></span>. Fun, fun, fun!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh4rKoVAisYERkE5h9qgmgsPhJSZDRqytzP1RLu6QyM_F8P4nKNHcxNLgQIkJbNwEN38VNRjc4IRrTE6uLGGbFNv6h1vBdR0UeuvxcIk8TIVPoO6wy2dhFQwG1JO41pKtDj0eMsz89akz/s1600-h/Bedroom+redo+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274977576686619314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh4rKoVAisYERkE5h9qgmgsPhJSZDRqytzP1RLu6QyM_F8P4nKNHcxNLgQIkJbNwEN38VNRjc4IRrTE6uLGGbFNv6h1vBdR0UeuvxcIk8TIVPoO6wy2dhFQwG1JO41pKtDj0eMsz89akz/s400/Bedroom+redo+006.JPG" border="0" /></a>This really is my favorite tree so far. <strong><span style="color:#333399;"> I have never used clear glass ball ornaments</span></strong>. They look like lighter-than-air bubbles resting on the tree branches. I finished the tree by tucking silvery leaves and champagne colored floral picks in the branches. <span style="color:#333399;"><strong>They look like little wings or feathers nestled among the boughs of evergreen.<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK02VLppQkqdgVA47rnU4wKn1wiSwGnJrY6dUZ1CxDHeIJoCM7xk-tFwZsANLGFjrPyznmxCsi0SyAo882q8jL-5B6z0B_afCsXUtzhZ4wl0TOX8LIEzKFmqIp26yujJ2e5gJGT-yvby8-/s1600-h/Bedroom+redo+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274977572360319266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 390px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK02VLppQkqdgVA47rnU4wKn1wiSwGnJrY6dUZ1CxDHeIJoCM7xk-tFwZsANLGFjrPyznmxCsi0SyAo882q8jL-5B6z0B_afCsXUtzhZ4wl0TOX8LIEzKFmqIp26yujJ2e5gJGT-yvby8-/s400/Bedroom+redo+012.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#333399;"><strong>As you can see in this picture animal print is used in a variety of patterns</strong></span>. The common theme is the color - black and a very rich golden tan. The picture below is of a bedside table. <span style="color:#333399;"><strong>To add a little seasonal glamour I cut the stem off a velvet poinsettia and wired the flower to a table lantern which holds a pillar candle</strong></span>. Just enough CHRISTmas charm to make me smile.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3ruWAY6lgpgEFKdr6BoseZPOsll-lfpSsxJ2V1SDLRGhy7J-wwBVUiYdo4x33aaH65XFovnQlqYzKVuB5b3iry-yusL0rn1JdHI168ZxiEo4aP85tofTrwgZg7vjWcQ8jAo_d7944v4K/s1600-h/Bedroom+redo+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274977570447113090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3ruWAY6lgpgEFKdr6BoseZPOsll-lfpSsxJ2V1SDLRGhy7J-wwBVUiYdo4x33aaH65XFovnQlqYzKVuB5b3iry-yusL0rn1JdHI168ZxiEo4aP85tofTrwgZg7vjWcQ8jAo_d7944v4K/s400/Bedroom+redo+015.JPG" border="0" /></a>Well this little project was well worth the investment. <span style="color:#333399;"><strong>Time was the biggest expense and now this room is ready to greet guests during the holidays.<br /></strong></span>Tomorrow I am going to demonstrate a little project using some old garden urns. It's amazing what a little paint can do. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-40762727471015112422008-11-25T14:13:00.003-05:002008-11-25T14:37:47.752-05:00With a Grateful Heart and a Song of Praise!<div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>THANKSGIVING!</strong></span> To me this special day is the kick-off to a sacred season. A time to reflect on this past year, to remember God's faithfulness, to recall family, friends and special loved ones who have made your life joyful. Thanksgiving is a great time of faith, family and favorite foods. This year we are celebrating with Prince Charming's family. <span style="color:#996633;"><strong>We are so looking forward to seeing everyone!</strong></span> Since I am not entertaining at my house this holiday I thought I would share with you my Thanksgiving table from 2007. <span style="color:#996633;"><strong>My theme was PURE GRATITUDE</strong></span>. As you can see the table is all dressed in white and ivory with only touches of green thanks to the clippings from my magnolia tree and ferns.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaoBm0eKN1JFiFkUtBKvHHmSpWOaRh4g04jV0Ar9ilZBzpBOCHHcIWwGtIn8oaLRLpgQ19XM04EAC4J5byD5NxYomQGp7UrsttLznYF6-dFw8ySNzZ0gI71_bAZOvJex2eVow4TuYEOlY/s1600-h/195.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272676984529594834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaoBm0eKN1JFiFkUtBKvHHmSpWOaRh4g04jV0Ar9ilZBzpBOCHHcIWwGtIn8oaLRLpgQ19XM04EAC4J5byD5NxYomQGp7UrsttLznYF6-dFw8ySNzZ0gI71_bAZOvJex2eVow4TuYEOlY/s400/195.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#996633;"><strong>I pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving and as you and your family gather together, I pray that the light of this season shines brightly upon you and that peace and gratitude flood your hearts. <span style="color:#000000;">I will leave you with one of my favorite Psalms.<br /></span></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ02DLT7jTKHYu5NF9kWz4xiYU51GUQDXI3DvQgDGFTBm1UfzvIj3GhecOyWDt5MWoXhYp-VvXyLj7bDycZQK2xd3XwKFPH-c43m0dX8c22cIDXTvgyWU7cV_8X_2y4Eh179nCTebyCEw0/s1600-h/197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272676974511871714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ02DLT7jTKHYu5NF9kWz4xiYU51GUQDXI3DvQgDGFTBm1UfzvIj3GhecOyWDt5MWoXhYp-VvXyLj7bDycZQK2xd3XwKFPH-c43m0dX8c22cIDXTvgyWU7cV_8X_2y4Eh179nCTebyCEw0/s400/197.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong> Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>Worship the Lord with gladness.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>Come before him, singing with joy.</strong></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGjfi5WdybOVM4mLqJX9uF2KzPQlA5XQR9ZhZk2Bfkb8EX0mdHrTOOBzQn9pGHW1kV5q1vhYKPcw8oxq3734jDI8gl-g3Emni7Ea7YCmbePfv4tKuOxeKIgqE65ixVxxrtbyrH1_6Oydk/s1600-h/195.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272676965150701586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGjfi5WdybOVM4mLqJX9uF2KzPQlA5XQR9ZhZk2Bfkb8EX0mdHrTOOBzQn9pGHW1kV5q1vhYKPcw8oxq3734jDI8gl-g3Emni7Ea7YCmbePfv4tKuOxeKIgqE65ixVxxrtbyrH1_6Oydk/s400/195.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong> Acknowledge that the Lord is God!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>He made us, and we are his.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>Enter his gates with thanksgiving;</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>go into his courts with praise.</strong></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93CCNxYaCJWLc2otjkEczahCIzrtTEIVCdcLKl2NjrmJes-kVYdIlzqavRuEy9Bo7Xecro9TPR3TLGmTKUKC3jSE5_-lY8k_5G4aT2mrmx9v0T1B8mHwVp28c_Vd7v59piP2yI4gRPSIA/s1600-h/201.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272676962353421346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93CCNxYaCJWLc2otjkEczahCIzrtTEIVCdcLKl2NjrmJes-kVYdIlzqavRuEy9Bo7Xecro9TPR3TLGmTKUKC3jSE5_-lY8k_5G4aT2mrmx9v0T1B8mHwVp28c_Vd7v59piP2yI4gRPSIA/s400/201.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>Give thanks to him and praise his name.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>For the Lord is good.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;"><strong>His unfailing love continues forever, </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>and his faithfulness continues to each generation.</strong></span> </span><br /><strong><em>Psalm 100</em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq-9bWehKtEokaviL_ACFpwdjF0C4J-BxaXbLYFOOexwVvsu6BOUu5PvyY_3xXBdTMkOLbhIcl_P6ztpsrP9kuCq6X2Q0PnV_o6gNvW2rktVrluEymT4teCnDS7beLIvGrE-Ba_UFY4uo/s1600-h/194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272676955470850594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq-9bWehKtEokaviL_ACFpwdjF0C4J-BxaXbLYFOOexwVvsu6BOUu5PvyY_3xXBdTMkOLbhIcl_P6ztpsrP9kuCq6X2Q0PnV_o6gNvW2rktVrluEymT4teCnDS7beLIvGrE-Ba_UFY4uo/s400/194.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">From our house to yours</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#996633;">Happy Thanksgiving</span>!<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-73338990405105235842008-11-20T15:13:00.004-05:002008-11-20T15:40:41.144-05:0040 Years of Faithfulness<div><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Today I turned 40</strong></span>. I spent my morning giving thanks for 40 years of God's faithfulness. I am spending my afternoon giving thanks for:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">FAMILY</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">FRIENDS</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">MY CHURCH</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">MY ABUNDANT LIFE</span></strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>HE is everything to me.</strong></span> Even when I don't have the answers, even when my heart cries for more insight, more direction, more guidance, my spirit gently reminds me that my steps are ordered by the ALMIGHTY and that I can enter into His perfect rest.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today I will sing praise. Today I will honor His name. Today as I celebrate 40 years of God's faithful goodness I will delight myself in my God.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">of</span> the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! - Psalm 111:1-4</span></strong></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-81653241318155285802008-11-19T08:35:00.003-05:002008-11-19T09:21:04.950-05:00Tasteful Decorations Can Be Cheap<div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Today's project started from cleaning out my cupboards</strong>.</span> I was looking for a old platter that my Grandmother gave me before she passed away. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>This platter is special to me because it was used by my Granny every CHRISTmas.</strong></span> Well, while on the hunt for the platter, I found a collection of clear glass vessels. I thought I might be able to use them in some way so I gathered them up and set them aside. As I began to wonder what I could do with them <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I remembered a candy store that I used to go to when I was a child</strong></span>. We didn't get to go very often so it was a real treat when we were allowed to go and buy penny-candy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS5x5JsE4e2xzdtAFd5q8VSj1POVmKLv99HWfzHrVPB5_Y2rh2KQHHWjcl72ei2_YGKJJfgKJ1UVfIF9iGQhT4QCmPdhm8igyN2Ead5UA34rtcIvf5wmgDDyTrhqj-yBINyP5d57z-Qg-/s1600-h/Tasteful+Decor+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270362592261973906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS5x5JsE4e2xzdtAFd5q8VSj1POVmKLv99HWfzHrVPB5_Y2rh2KQHHWjcl72ei2_YGKJJfgKJ1UVfIF9iGQhT4QCmPdhm8igyN2Ead5UA34rtcIvf5wmgDDyTrhqj-yBINyP5d57z-Qg-/s400/Tasteful+Decor+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> The store was filled with every type of candy you can imagine</strong></span> and on top of the glass cases that housed the cookies and fudge and brownies, sat these big glass vessels filled with hard candy - <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>peppermint sticks, butterscotch, cinnamon rounds, lemon drops and on and on</strong></span>. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>So my inspiration formed - why not fill these vessels with CANDY!<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZqCg0NPM_x3HnvB4RNbtrvzXEjLAUGPb4vPmpOjUzTG26Irc9RsZ9yz7bqQ2eugTgcn5WCPSYQpPlIqEBtq6ilBjYWFJm_3aAl5NEeEBeddkUCNNu9jf2BUmprNrt5nn0pIl2EhHvSFq/s1600-h/Tasteful+Decor+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270362586581478530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZqCg0NPM_x3HnvB4RNbtrvzXEjLAUGPb4vPmpOjUzTG26Irc9RsZ9yz7bqQ2eugTgcn5WCPSYQpPlIqEBtq6ilBjYWFJm_3aAl5NEeEBeddkUCNNu9jf2BUmprNrt5nn0pIl2EhHvSFq/s400/Tasteful+Decor+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> With that mission in mind I set off yesterday in search of hard CANDY. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I knew I would need a lot of candy and I wanted to play off of a PEPPERMINT TWIST theme</strong></span>. What better place to find loads of candy all for a great price than a SUPER WALMART? I stood in the aisle and was amazed at the amounts of candy stocked on the shelves. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> I came away with bags of Cinnamon Discs, Soft Peppermint Sticks, Candy Canes, and Peppermint Puffs and Peppermint Rounds.</strong></span> I spent about $9 - the boxes of candy canes were only 88 cents each!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLItF4b4gs0KznaWPgeE6TxER8zRRdHgChESYN1MzqWxir0yJNU2ZjhyphenhyphenXnl6kpHe2jdbhYMib-RfkM88KIa9jO2ya1J_Zcb3coOt9wUGTkiDT4Pdj1wCYb0sBXuLHl223KQbDAPBSCXOj/s1600-h/Tasteful+Decor+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270362584061974866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLItF4b4gs0KznaWPgeE6TxER8zRRdHgChESYN1MzqWxir0yJNU2ZjhyphenhyphenXnl6kpHe2jdbhYMib-RfkM88KIa9jO2ya1J_Zcb3coOt9wUGTkiDT4Pdj1wCYb0sBXuLHl223KQbDAPBSCXOj/s400/Tasteful+Decor+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> I filled the various glass containers with the candy.<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> Royal Prince Luke hung the CANDY CANES on the edge of one of the plain, round containers without a lid</strong></span>. Then we filled it with PEPPERMINT PUFFS and topped it off with CINNAMON DISCS. One of the vessels was actually a Hurricane style candle holder. What I love about this piece is that the candle is contained inside a glass holder positioned in the center. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> I filled the area around the inner candle holder with more cinnamon discs and placed a Cinnamon Apple scented candle in the center.<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM-voIYi7wjQBiFobauDaCltuYn1WVBC6274n5TfIY_T0wY-hrXNnn-FEMb-SQa7ogLLHxkRjEyFW3TwefzkkreTyPeMddp9GGqb3K5H_-sKBKmmBp_2khSWl9p-Vlw0re8nrSXenbsyF/s1600-h/Tasteful+Decor+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270362578893680658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM-voIYi7wjQBiFobauDaCltuYn1WVBC6274n5TfIY_T0wY-hrXNnn-FEMb-SQa7ogLLHxkRjEyFW3TwefzkkreTyPeMddp9GGqb3K5H_-sKBKmmBp_2khSWl9p-Vlw0re8nrSXenbsyF/s400/Tasteful+Decor+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong> I wanted to use these pieces as a center piece or focal point in my kitchen so I decided to jazz them up a bit with added color</strong></span>. I tucked some <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>HOLLY LEAF</strong></span> floral picks around the Hurricane, then I added a two velvet <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>POINSETTIAS</strong></span> on either side of the holly for extra color. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I really like the way this quick and easy project turned out</strong></span>. Now the key will be keeping Prince Charming and the Royal Princes from eating all the candy before the OPEN HOUSE.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATWi-u_GAFUPLjB759cxphRGTNvkjMjC5N_scWmoSRwxKxWXlTmOvnTFBHWIUlsPMgJLJ_YjWStmF5GLXLVS7PD7XjMSfYi1fwPst6x-WPoiEToNP_Hr7QApTTFWcvJVvqSEpybbqx4zh/s1600-h/Tasteful+Decor+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270362575533818834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATWi-u_GAFUPLjB759cxphRGTNvkjMjC5N_scWmoSRwxKxWXlTmOvnTFBHWIUlsPMgJLJ_YjWStmF5GLXLVS7PD7XjMSfYi1fwPst6x-WPoiEToNP_Hr7QApTTFWcvJVvqSEpybbqx4zh/s400/Tasteful+Decor+016.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a shot of the finished project. <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">A real sweet and tasteful decoration</span></strong>! The best thing of all is that it only cost me $9 bucks to assemble. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Festive and fun holiday decor doesn't have to cost a fortune.</strong></span> Some of the best decorations are things you already have in your home but just re-purposed for <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>CHRISTmas</strong></span>. Later this week I will show you what I was able to do with a grouping of old urns. I thought about putting them away until next spring but inspiration hit so they will make up part of our holiday decor this Winter. Take a look around your house and think outside of tradition. You might be surprised at what you come up with. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>I'd love to hear any ideas you have on using ordinary household things to make extraordinary CHRISTmas decorations.</strong></span> Until tomorrow...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-41565380819293626382008-11-18T09:42:00.006-05:002008-11-18T10:32:49.996-05:00Deck the Halls...and everything else too!<div align="center"><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>We are well on our way now!</strong></span> The dinning room has been readied along with the Media Room and yesterday I finished our family room. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>I decided to use a color scheme of Green, Gold, Silver and Ivory with brown accents.</strong></span> Last year the colors for this room was Bronze, Orange, Gold and Brown. I shared in an earlier post that I was having the family room painted pear-green (thanks Mel for the color suggestion) and so with that in mind I decided that our CHRISTmas decorations needed a fresh update. See the ANGELS on the mantle? <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Each one is 25" tall and made from tin</strong></span>. The angels have been painted in a fashion that makes them look "aged" and rustic. They are part of the my Home Interiors CHRISTmas line. I just love them. I had them pointed with their trumpets turned in, but Prince Charming liked them better this way so...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYUHaxu7bglbVhpR3kuReKLBNAoaT93edzrzWC3X1yxF9fvYRJQT0R0VaZT3rGzh71vqc4SUQj06sSF3dUNBb1kPFKoYbjXs7e1yhN1zD59L_-S3HLwy_idugDOfRc7tXInkq8M4GoTiU/s1600-h/Family+Room+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270009018735044098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYUHaxu7bglbVhpR3kuReKLBNAoaT93edzrzWC3X1yxF9fvYRJQT0R0VaZT3rGzh71vqc4SUQj06sSF3dUNBb1kPFKoYbjXs7e1yhN1zD59L_-S3HLwy_idugDOfRc7tXInkq8M4GoTiU/s400/Family+Room+035.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here (pictured above) I've created another reflections tablescape to go along with our Open House theme. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>I plan to add some fresh magnolia leaves to this arrangement as we get closer to the party and to CHRISTmas.<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0SyKX98nu5dqaOxcSqU60loolIQOjqLrjc_GCiVO_EE_kppZKfh3aQV9ihdPni2NTq9Nc1lKsoMDaxicbL-BmNeQR6WoqrX4anmtqFBj5aafAdTke3sgw93qpwS54bLlfZb-sl0REO-d/s1600-h/Family+Room+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270009011263692178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0SyKX98nu5dqaOxcSqU60loolIQOjqLrjc_GCiVO_EE_kppZKfh3aQV9ihdPni2NTq9Nc1lKsoMDaxicbL-BmNeQR6WoqrX4anmtqFBj5aafAdTke3sgw93qpwS54bLlfZb-sl0REO-d/s400/Family+Room+014.JPG" border="0" /></a>The mantle is always fun to decorate. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>I usually keep my mantle dressed for each season but CHRISTmas is when I can go all out.</strong></span> This year I started with an evergreen garland and wired it with clear twinkle lights. Next, I wired in ornament balls in green, gold, silver and white. I finished the garland by tucking in ivory velvet poinsettias and gold spray-painted elm leaves and twigs from the yard. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Magnolia leaves will be tucked in as we get closer to the Open House and to CHRISTmas<br /></strong></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL01IQUrScPht8DnsiHfQPTKXIm_lvDba-Ih1IlGIGZZZaRRknEuGLxn1DXKhKNR4czrVHMh80O2yWApnEXt3FhtJ2KIe-mwReURLwzPYSppaA97iRzFp_nd2LN-z1OQ5viY0gAo4d8sNV/s1600-h/Family+Room+031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270009008361126754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL01IQUrScPht8DnsiHfQPTKXIm_lvDba-Ih1IlGIGZZZaRRknEuGLxn1DXKhKNR4czrVHMh80O2yWApnEXt3FhtJ2KIe-mwReURLwzPYSppaA97iRzFp_nd2LN-z1OQ5viY0gAo4d8sNV/s400/Family+Room+031.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is another close up of the coffee table-scape. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>I think it needs a little more gold</strong></span>. What do you think? I'd love to hear your input.<br /><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>I collect SANTAS</strong></span>. Below is a picture of just a few. This started the first year Prince Charming and I were married. I usually try to get one per year. Now that family and friends know that I collect these jolly souls, I usually receive one or two as gifts. That works for me...the more the merrier. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>I have 9 SANTAS displayed in the family room this year. The rest will be on display throughout the house.</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">Well, we have only 37 days to go! My goal is to have all of my CHRISTmas decorations and shopping finished by November 25th! <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>That will give me a full month to enjoy family, friends and to reflect on the real reason we celebrate at this time of the year - JESUS!</strong></span> Don't forget to wish Him a Happy Birthday. I think I might bake Him a birthday cake this year. That might be a new family tradition. </span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocPsuTU-ABTxR-l-Q6P4vjt-ykah5XuV8tL7xPywmHEe7QTfmMJRGgMTXD8ksj9v5zZUbamxrcKBv9UJRhrkBrafF4lhS_MJBNT0KE914dfAo3ysgrWLfn8huVyMFnCEWE8oT9Qxt-_TE/s1600-h/Family+Room+029.JPG"><strong><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvD1ULFLh1psP54mhNEPTg_0Wg9af7gvWBq5jpR44Fi3SnPXmRFYooCNbaY2LNvRdIgYUbrsk28HpfqhoRR465KGrMN4orJdH2mXTg5XH1iuL5zUM7iWXS06_8vS2uRLBs_eB_4gJ3dDF/s1600-h/Family+Room+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270008986394176898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvD1ULFLh1psP54mhNEPTg_0Wg9af7gvWBq5jpR44Fi3SnPXmRFYooCNbaY2LNvRdIgYUbrsk28HpfqhoRR465KGrMN4orJdH2mXTg5XH1iuL5zUM7iWXS06_8vS2uRLBs_eB_4gJ3dDF/s400/Family+Room+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></span></strong></a></div></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></div></strong>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-86007870028971724922008-11-15T20:30:00.002-05:002008-11-15T21:52:26.573-05:00Saturday Reflections<div align="center"><span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Reflections - I love reflective surfaces.</strong></span> Especially at CHRISTmas. The way light bounces off of shiny ornaments. The way lights twinkle on the tree. The way candles flicker and glow. The way a perfectly placed mirror reflects double beauty. With this inspiration in mind I set out to create a "reflections" vignette for the island in my kitchen. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Each year we host a CHRISTmas Open House.</strong></span> This has been a family tradition for a long time. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Usually my mom-in-law, Ann, helps me with the preparations, menu planning, baking, cooking and welcoming all the guests</strong></span>. This year 600+ miles separate us so I figured I better get an early start if I am to pull off this massive event on my own. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>(Mama - how would you like to visit NC again this CHRISTmas???) </strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Inmw_7Y_1CzuqtV30zMcq4Gh9Asonq5uJqRV9G5orz_Fv5KhFaqyPYIGP6jl00-ctj76hO3l5K52suE-Ad_55gpabwWj4lNrzIXN3sqbaWtdYl9QpOaDDNU8KB82rKMTzn_KHOL9tTXb/s1600-h/Reflections+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269062411230517970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Inmw_7Y_1CzuqtV30zMcq4Gh9Asonq5uJqRV9G5orz_Fv5KhFaqyPYIGP6jl00-ctj76hO3l5K52suE-Ad_55gpabwWj4lNrzIXN3sqbaWtdYl9QpOaDDNU8KB82rKMTzn_KHOL9tTXb/s400/Reflections+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>I started by planning a decorative theme.</strong></span> Each year the Open House has to have a theme. One year it was a "Down home CHRISTmas" complete with homemade Chili, loaded baked potato bar and homemade candies and cookies. This year I decided the theme would be "REFLECTIONS". <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>I have A LOT to reflect up on this holiday</strong></span>. God has done so much. So many changes, so many new mercies, so much faithfulness. So to bring this concept to life I began to play with decorative accessories that would "reflect" light. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>I pulled together my collection of mercury glass - some vintage glass trees, pillars and candlestick holders</strong></span>. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6eolikf3B9eDSiH1OQFo4rHl1ul4H-jyIJi2AQdYVg4WEchVYyWyL2oaRv2Y3oVte8yUUgUDzq6j0IzsC_RR09ZYy07vniIPU18dPVxmEgbgdsP6P3BAm0GD8LfwfkYNeV-8X7Ds-REM/s1600-h/Reflections+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269062406780150594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6eolikf3B9eDSiH1OQFo4rHl1ul4H-jyIJi2AQdYVg4WEchVYyWyL2oaRv2Y3oVte8yUUgUDzq6j0IzsC_RR09ZYy07vniIPU18dPVxmEgbgdsP6P3BAm0GD8LfwfkYNeV-8X7Ds-REM/s400/Reflections+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next, I<span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong> gathered a group of shatter-proof CHRISTmas ornaments in silver, white, champagne and gold</strong></span>. Some were shiny, others covered in glitter. To add texture, I uncovered some Snow Flakes from last year's decor and tucked them around the base of the mercury glass. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Then it was a simple task to lay the ornaments around the base in various configurations using different sized balls</strong></span>. The scroll-work panel in the background was added for depth and additional Snow Flakes were hung from the metal scrolls. At the last moment I tucked in a white Snow Bird (That's in honor of my pal Mel who likes birds). Lastly, <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>I scattered some acrylic diamond shaped beads around the ornaments</strong></span>. This just added a little extra glitz.<br />(See the glitter covered ornament resting on the candle stick holder? Pictured below. There is no law that says you have to put candles in them. I turned the ornament upside down and tucked the hanger down inside the candle recess. Easy!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVf4awaHLXWNKqA_bxtEv6MTShya-NLuXz4zWELLxNzQyC5ybv70X3cawLabYD_cCmoC1iOuBlzD1ynMhjBjpVSIyB-0JeEsB1qlk3zSAUmlM1RoXCHyoIJ12yNEcnp4w5BQp9Jfcqaf7/s1600-h/Reflections+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269062396471170898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVf4awaHLXWNKqA_bxtEv6MTShya-NLuXz4zWELLxNzQyC5ybv70X3cawLabYD_cCmoC1iOuBlzD1ynMhjBjpVSIyB-0JeEsB1qlk3zSAUmlM1RoXCHyoIJ12yNEcnp4w5BQp9Jfcqaf7/s400/Reflections+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong> I am pretty pleased with my "reflections" vignette</strong></span>. I might find a way to tuck in some white twinkle lights and plug them in at the end of my island. As I finished this little project I began to reflect on my week. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong> One particular instance flashed in my</strong> <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>mind</strong></span></span><span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>.</strong></span> Thursday morning during my devotional I read Luke 10:25-37. This is Jesus teaching on the <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Most Important Commandment - You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And you must love your neighbor as yourself.</strong></span> Those of you familiar with this passage know that the expert in religious law stood up to question and test Jesus. He then asks Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?". <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Jesus goes on to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan</strong></span>. When Christ had finished with his parable he asks, "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?' The religious law expert replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus then replies, <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>"Yes, now go and do the same."</strong></span><br />As I finished my study and began to pray, I asked God to help me "go and do the same". I asked for opportunities to be a good neighbor. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong> To be used in some small way to extend Christ's hands and heart especially in this holiday season.</strong></span> Later that day I stood behind an older lady at the check out line. I watched as she carefully counted the items on the counter and calculated their cost. I watched as she slowly began to take things away and sit them on the side shelf. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Suddenly it occurred to me that she may not have enough money to purchase all the items. </strong></span> Just as this thought developed, the cashier completed her order and accepted the lady's payment. Immediately the cashier started ringing up my items. Then suddenly the elderly lady noticed that one of her items was stuck on the side of the belt and the cashier didn't ring it up. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Realizing that God had given me a chance to be a 'good neighbor', I quickly grabbed the item, asked the Cashier to ring it on my order and handed it to the lady</strong></span>. Of course she wanted to pay for it but I wouldn't let her. Why? Because when I prayed and asked God to give me opportunities to "go and do the same" I became accountable to act when those opportunities were presented. As I walked out of the store the older lady was waiting for me outside. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILqalSNOoMTEUMQhLHnRP8RDDCu8kxp3s7Cf5KmEbR8FS73pH9Zu-puTJWmwxm8JMrFuR9jU7YvMXvJmVPpL6ziG8IAD5Co1i5ONxySSaHKWU-xLJu2-4LhLYTeYtLzQ-GX4O0by7qw51/s1600-h/Reflections+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269062391861087154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILqalSNOoMTEUMQhLHnRP8RDDCu8kxp3s7Cf5KmEbR8FS73pH9Zu-puTJWmwxm8JMrFuR9jU7YvMXvJmVPpL6ziG8IAD5Co1i5ONxySSaHKWU-xLJu2-4LhLYTeYtLzQ-GX4O0by7qw51/s400/Reflections+004.JPG" border="0" /></a> With gratitude she began to thank me and tell me how much she appreciated the gesture. It is so humbling to know that the Almighty God of the Universe hears and answers when we pray. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>It is even more humbling to know that possibly dozens or maybe even hundreds of opportunities are presented every week which go unnoticed because we are not sensitive to the Father's leading.</strong></span> My prayer this season is to have ears that hear and eyes that see the work of the Lord and that in some small way, I can show God's love through a "neighborly" act of kindness and that each of you will "go and do the same".<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3lWFIKZnMPj920_1bPfJxBXBCLc-fLiV5ZZDTSifQeIZk1zqKukaslXzqedf60tb1OESxcV6VuGK9_QuBmMq4th7tNX6hyphenhyphenUbdMpOsvV2YnBSRb9TrRUPYj9ZWI2tur_sNSYJy1sAd8-T/s1600-h/Reflections+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269062388689284738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3lWFIKZnMPj920_1bPfJxBXBCLc-fLiV5ZZDTSifQeIZk1zqKukaslXzqedf60tb1OESxcV6VuGK9_QuBmMq4th7tNX6hyphenhyphenUbdMpOsvV2YnBSRb9TrRUPYj9ZWI2tur_sNSYJy1sAd8-T/s400/Reflections+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yes, we have much to reflect up on this year. I leave you with the words of Jeremiah.</div><div><span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" - Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-91128144666515284962008-11-14T18:23:00.005-05:002008-11-14T19:31:50.153-05:00A Fahionable Holiday - Part 2<div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>I LOVE Hot Pink at CHRISTmas!</strong></span> Magenta, Fuchsia, or whatever you call it, this hot color really adds pizazz to the holidays. I<span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>'ve paired it with my favorite color duo - BLACK AND WHITE!</strong></span> The bold pattern of this hounds-tooth coat is just the ticket when coupled with a hot pink merino wool turtle neck sweater. The coat hits just above the knee and I am showing it here with the black wide-leg pants from A Fashionable Holiday - Part 1. <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>I have a fetish for wraps in case you haven't figured that out yet</strong></span>. Pull this ensemble together with a pair of "bubble gum" pink gloves, a black patent leather clutch and a fuchsia wrap. I know it's hard to see but I used a braided black leather belt with a chunky silver buckle and silver initials that dangle from a leather strap. The belt is from Michael Kors and I found it at Marshalls for $10! <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>This outfit has just enough holiday cheer for a CHRISTmas Open House or holiday lunch with a group of best pals.</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLARl8jRzb1Kmfxr1delAAbH1hRJTT3pWfn-5tcmRNVXcYzsqNfAiq1py8E65AUIVZ6vbPjcM7LJ0uf4SZSoKPDJRABGJEyZuvfe03cW7Oq7PLU8BGjc65Nyu_EszKx-wPYF6Jt7WVISi/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268658909112265298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLARl8jRzb1Kmfxr1delAAbH1hRJTT3pWfn-5tcmRNVXcYzsqNfAiq1py8E65AUIVZ6vbPjcM7LJ0uf4SZSoKPDJRABGJEyZuvfe03cW7Oq7PLU8BGjc65Nyu_EszKx-wPYF6Jt7WVISi/s400/Holiday+Fashion+021.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Almost everyone has at least one special occasion during the season that calls for "dressing" up!</strong></span> Because I am only 5 feet tall, I usually opt for separates instead of dresses. It's just easier to get the perfect fit. <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>We have a formal CHRISTmas dinner to attend this year and I've decided to be the "lady in silver".</strong></span> This top is a satin and chiffon creation with sheer 3/4 length sleeves. I love the big portrait collar and the pretty bow that ties slightly off center. The top features "ruching" (sp?) which is great for "minimizing" areas that are not as toned as we would like them to be. <br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nX6NFejGQTvS9Y5SICG9fxFrL_xgFxDwN87jXL95ie1U5AtWHp8YE_QLzVC8Luhs8pOFBqJEhMmjzlsZG1qnD1cgRN2JKbLhIffWtitFieNAe-wxl4Vgl2cWibNaSkSOJv1AYNGx1TTO/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268658905717419794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nX6NFejGQTvS9Y5SICG9fxFrL_xgFxDwN87jXL95ie1U5AtWHp8YE_QLzVC8Luhs8pOFBqJEhMmjzlsZG1qnD1cgRN2JKbLhIffWtitFieNAe-wxl4Vgl2cWibNaSkSOJv1AYNGx1TTO/s400/Holiday+Fashion+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong> I will pair this shiny silvery top with a black velvet skirt</strong></span>. The skirt is shorter in the front and dips in the back. A great alternative for a petite lady who wants the formality of a longer length but doesn't want to feel overwhelmed with a full length gown. I found a great pair of GUESS shoes at ROSS last week. <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Slingbacks - my favorite</strong></span>. Makes my legs look longer and at 5 feet tall I need all the help I can get! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYtlRxefgq7g_s5qa041qXvJKMU44TwzzUa_pWNugxQrBrdK2ZgaZ62StQfSWmK09bF0x0R-ytawLFoxlJw1nMzK4nOvfaHX6hOoja5mTxYD5WBCo64RrX-PKuT_0hV-8Zo5RRoMX3HRq/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268658900221794786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYtlRxefgq7g_s5qa041qXvJKMU44TwzzUa_pWNugxQrBrdK2ZgaZ62StQfSWmK09bF0x0R-ytawLFoxlJw1nMzK4nOvfaHX6hOoja5mTxYD5WBCo64RrX-PKuT_0hV-8Zo5RRoMX3HRq/s400/Holiday+Fashion+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>The heel is 4" but because the front of the shoe sits on a 1" platform, it's like wearing 3" heels</strong></span> - much more wearable!!! Soft, subtle leather will ensure comfort while you circulate your holiday party or stand for long periods catching up with friends and acquaintances.<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyj9je74bhhcap3heqVJ7Vp34yzajioYQOAfGmtDJzFurfBgaSh34OvXgDav8ceUJVGLA3i9pwBOtjymKwep1xIz6Ms5N4e-xoyMhvyOPLAL6ULWCAtp-R21PKD_780p0hiQeEmyixNgX/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268658890446250418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyj9je74bhhcap3heqVJ7Vp34yzajioYQOAfGmtDJzFurfBgaSh34OvXgDav8ceUJVGLA3i9pwBOtjymKwep1xIz6Ms5N4e-xoyMhvyOPLAL6ULWCAtp-R21PKD_780p0hiQeEmyixNgX/s400/Holiday+Fashion+025.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>The FABULOUS thing about BLACK and WHITE is flexibility!</strong></span> Pair it with a punch of any bright color and you are sure to have a winning combination. <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>This time the coat is shown with the ivory sweater from my previous post and a canary yellow wool skirt</strong></span>. The "wrap" is thrown around the neck of the coat in a casual way and the outfit is complete with black leather loafers and a quilted micro-fiber handbag. A perfect ensemble for attending the holiday program at your child's school. </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>I am sure you've noticed the absence of red and green</strong></span>. I truly love the traditional colors of CHRISTmas. I just don't wear them very often. This year I wanted to explore the options I have in my closet before spending money that I could invest in a more useful way. <span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Once you have taken inventory, you may find that with a little creative pairing and a few well chosen accessories, you are ready for any and all fashionable holiday events</strong></span>. If you absolutely find nothing lurking in the dark recesses of your closet, don't despair! Many stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, and Steinmart have lovely and affordable holiday wear for a fraction of what you would spend at the mall or a department store. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-24128746453947136742008-11-14T16:14:00.013-05:002008-11-14T18:22:27.296-05:00A Fashionable Holiday<div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Parties, Cantatas, Christmas Plays and Winter Concerts, Cookie Exchanges, Open Houses, Candlelight Services and the list of special occasions just goes on and on during the holidays.</span></strong> My calendar in December is ALREADY filled with a plethora of events and functions. Of course, you want to look festive for each occasion but still honor the KING with your fashionable yet modest attire. As Shari Braendel (sharibraendel.blogspot.com) tell us "modest is hottest" and "skin is not in". <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>I decided to "shop" my closet this week and take inventory</strong></span>. What could I put together for that festive holiday look? Hmmm.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT3ktkHHxv_jn2rdLfzXOrelvAZ0r5PxJaehvblNxRUwtROX6lcVOrA2dfpsp7Qv0_X7tGm4YTqTzTe2kDy3t5UY31lB6Muo4b9qjSl_MFA-n6SwvAkv-UL8msAPSvOr_iFNlyq9XIg5E/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268625839308700402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT3ktkHHxv_jn2rdLfzXOrelvAZ0r5PxJaehvblNxRUwtROX6lcVOrA2dfpsp7Qv0_X7tGm4YTqTzTe2kDy3t5UY31lB6Muo4b9qjSl_MFA-n6SwvAkv-UL8msAPSvOr_iFNlyq9XIg5E/s400/Holiday+Fashion+024.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here's my first option shopped from my own closet. <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Featured here is charcoal gray pencil skirt paired with a pewter satin top.</strong></span> The top is so versatile and the bell shaped sleeves are very "in" this season. I picked this up at ROSS for under $15. The sunny yellow wrap and yellow leather clutch with silver chain add just enough punch to make this outfit holiday worthy. Topped off with a necklace of white and clear lucite beads and finished with my beloved black slingbacks and I'm ready to attend my son's Winter Concert. Don't be afraid to break from tradition and wear colors other than red or green. I love to pull something together that is fresh and different. I buy a lot of solid colors vs. prints. I like options so mixing and matching is the name of the game.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCyOWFbJ4JnqT2Vb_q0nJdYs_srkrP757daGSxD0lQeda0SWwzwigl1M7kATe3RuY9kpEC8VfRhY2ogap33egAzEi2uzqkRE5AwgtP4qTcnmOsfgZ-CvhSc1ctpWBU5h085rfy4Dc4wrX/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268625828708426290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCyOWFbJ4JnqT2Vb_q0nJdYs_srkrP757daGSxD0lQeda0SWwzwigl1M7kATe3RuY9kpEC8VfRhY2ogap33egAzEi2uzqkRE5AwgtP4qTcnmOsfgZ-CvhSc1ctpWBU5h085rfy4Dc4wrX/s400/Holiday+Fashion+027.JPG" border="0" /></a> This simple ensemble is ALL about the accessories. <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Using the same charcoal gray pencil skirt but paring it with an ivory fine gauge sweater and topped with a amethyst purple "swing" jacket,</strong></span> I've created a foundation to highlight some of my favorite Winter White accessories. All of these pieces have been "collected" through the years. Half the fun is deciding how to use them with a new color scheme for the next season. Gray is a wonderful neutral. A lot of ladies tell me they don't like to wear gray because is washes them out. I say you haven't found the "right" gray yet. Grays usually have an "undertone" of another color. I prefer a gray with a blue undertone. <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>If you buy any single piece of clothing this winter, invest in a good quality ivory sweater.</strong></span> A super fine or fine gauge sweater works great as a layering piece and layers are the thing this winter. It will work great under jackets, suits or sweaters. <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Nothing is more classic than Winter White and pearls and silver</strong></span>. A wonderful choice for a Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDtKo-YJe7WKAEXKy16f20h3MxsK8VpH15rln-78eNohBo2G7VQ8wAnyEJYeSj-IqBrzxtpMMxIgyWNK9tMuDe9z_Em7vidRK0B3vEgQ3wEoJNsh5UdKPvW3M0hLZ3n-qLYkK4gwGzexd/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268625821354814002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDtKo-YJe7WKAEXKy16f20h3MxsK8VpH15rln-78eNohBo2G7VQ8wAnyEJYeSj-IqBrzxtpMMxIgyWNK9tMuDe9z_Em7vidRK0B3vEgQ3wEoJNsh5UdKPvW3M0hLZ3n-qLYkK4gwGzexd/s400/Holiday+Fashion+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#993399;"><strong> Here is that fabulous pewter top again!</strong></span> Featured with black, wide-leg pants (sorry you can see the entire pants), bejeweled black satin slides and a silver silk clutch. This time I topped it off with a pewter & crystal bead necklace. <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Add some "sparkle-y" earrings and style your hair away from your ears and you are set for any holiday party on your agenda!<br /></strong></span><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOSOLKkYbEFDcFW3FDFSu3Vlm37yZsorP4lBs2FShzHMFw6pnsqyLo9Jkm1CggMY_ikkvQdLrjikhn7LdP6PMtXineEILf901juNhxtSmQnHTcmVL7unG3k4EuHqzTyuT_3SWIRfTg59t/s1600-h/Holiday+Fashion+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268625814303667410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOSOLKkYbEFDcFW3FDFSu3Vlm37yZsorP4lBs2FShzHMFw6pnsqyLo9Jkm1CggMY_ikkvQdLrjikhn7LdP6PMtXineEILf901juNhxtSmQnHTcmVL7unG3k4EuHqzTyuT_3SWIRfTg59t/s400/Holiday+Fashion+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#993399;"><strong> My friend Adrienne hosts a Cookie Exchange each year</strong></span>. It's usually on a Saturday afternoon and the girls have a great time sampling homemade cookies and hot tea or cocoa and exchanging recipes. <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>It's a very relaxed holiday occasion so I want to be comfortable but festive.</strong></span> I pulled together this cute little ensemble featuring a holiday sweater that welcomes the first snow fall. Again, I've used that ivory sweater, my favorite pair of dark-washed jeans and brown leather flats. <strong><span style="color:#993399;">The sweater has enough embellishment so I will keep my jewelry to a minimum - perhaps just a pair of silver earrings.</span></strong> And of course a roomy brown leather tote carries everything I need for winter - chap stick, hand lotion, a bottle of water, hand sanitizer, more chap stick...<br /><br />Next week I will dedicate another post to <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>"A Fashionable Holiday".</strong></span> Before you blow your budget at the mall trying to find that perfect party outfit, shop your closet. <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Or better yet, shop the closet of your mom or daughter or best friend for fabulous "accessories" that are new to you and will add punch to your festive attire!<br /></strong></span><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-3248370754752660362008-11-12T15:45:00.005-05:002008-11-12T17:47:53.050-05:00Cherry Cordials<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8bG52toLaNjGcTxPdlCf0xn1QCwXCn-4BPO4H4qeBWF0reI1jB48ca2kLq5bd4Fy3UNb4GMvZwEcHhb7x5C-r2a-wOafxO6Wkmfl8FRUjVecRgRmQZuQ97fAh7qSUw-g7cMdCwe322NV/s1600-h/Holiday+Decor+2008+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267876656164803346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8bG52toLaNjGcTxPdlCf0xn1QCwXCn-4BPO4H4qeBWF0reI1jB48ca2kLq5bd4Fy3UNb4GMvZwEcHhb7x5C-r2a-wOafxO6Wkmfl8FRUjVecRgRmQZuQ97fAh7qSUw-g7cMdCwe322NV/s400/Holiday+Decor+2008+018.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today's colors were <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>RED</strong></span> &<span style="color:#663333;"><strong> <span style="color:#663300;">BROWN</span></strong></span>. So you don't think it's a traditional color scheme for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CHRISTmas</span>? <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>What about Chocolate Covered Cherries</strong></span>? Well, that was my inspiration for my dinning room table decor for this season. I previewed the table on an earlier blog but I felt that it needed something. So today I decided I would play with it until I figured it out. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>I wanted to play off of the new window panels which are gold, brown and deep red.<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0ggoQPEgfN6yhtxHcxbMo0UpKufLy96vRVKElTNN-vhAzUZ9r4VyfUPyTW46BTl46G6oWZ-qYJeTZuDeFiZTtf_G998Ktvg0l-rp2a7cgC9xL5l1JCfHH5Ng-wmr_CObg-nvI6Hx-ZSa/s1600-h/Holiday+Decor+2008+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267876648303775682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0ggoQPEgfN6yhtxHcxbMo0UpKufLy96vRVKElTNN-vhAzUZ9r4VyfUPyTW46BTl46G6oWZ-qYJeTZuDeFiZTtf_G998Ktvg0l-rp2a7cgC9xL5l1JCfHH5Ng-wmr_CObg-nvI6Hx-ZSa/s400/Holiday+Decor+2008+016.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>The damask table cloth is red with a subdued gold and brown thread woven together to make the pattern.</strong></span> I picked the table cloth up at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Marshalls</span> for $6.99!! I tried several napkin rings but settled on these big velvet roses. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong> What better to couple with chocolate than roses???</strong></span> I doubled my napkins - a ruby red satin and a brown herringbone-weave silk. Both came from Home Goods. I love the way the gold charger and ivory china plate present an elegant background to display the napkin.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTkWuexO68kH-1ze2PGVPRovjQ1XQ1jDbiP3pnGxWfS9-26M36MK7fT4lePn4xsShLeL3dGzLhRhQ9BqXPxB9VIXmiZQLxcYxBe2ib3JGv-J7eW7zSRbpb2VmKGjC3U7EQOrdTvreoac1/s1600-h/Holiday+Decor+2008+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267876639448570882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTkWuexO68kH-1ze2PGVPRovjQ1XQ1jDbiP3pnGxWfS9-26M36MK7fT4lePn4xsShLeL3dGzLhRhQ9BqXPxB9VIXmiZQLxcYxBe2ib3JGv-J7eW7zSRbpb2VmKGjC3U7EQOrdTvreoac1/s400/Holiday+Decor+2008+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a close-up shot. <span style="color:#663300;"><strong> You can see how the brown napkin plays up the brown thread in the tablecloth.</strong></span> So pretty.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCmrsB771t8DMNuOWyvHUIVkWOviMqE-uN7V20gA9vSFofNywh9jXmEVdGKwimgciXdVEFJ6lZtHs0joG7c9Gc6yrBGQZf3C5YXqienega0aD1M7xFGmR7qy62jB17fISPpsuhnHvzu5J/s1600-h/Holiday+Decor+2008+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267876628133818722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCmrsB771t8DMNuOWyvHUIVkWOviMqE-uN7V20gA9vSFofNywh9jXmEVdGKwimgciXdVEFJ6lZtHs0joG7c9Gc6yrBGQZf3C5YXqienega0aD1M7xFGmR7qy62jB17fISPpsuhnHvzu5J/s400/Holiday+Decor+2008+014.JPG" border="0" /></a> For now I am using two small urns filled with velvet roses. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CHRISTmas</span> approaches, I will replace these with fresh red roses and magnolia leaves from the tree in my front yard.<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXqHqM521zGoa4r6NKVT1J7AEmGNKO99Eg1svExszL5EYSGzC46WAjlAXyIzFkqBOxvV7B0Zral-3LgSDLK_ti-fztop2u9_W9h2HAcjJYlyW29oTZ1h2IePHe3-kcsuYyydrHoJyFmg_/s1600-h/Holiday+Decor+2008+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267876614861627762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXqHqM521zGoa4r6NKVT1J7AEmGNKO99Eg1svExszL5EYSGzC46WAjlAXyIzFkqBOxvV7B0Zral-3LgSDLK_ti-fztop2u9_W9h2HAcjJYlyW29oTZ1h2IePHe3-kcsuYyydrHoJyFmg_/s400/Holiday+Decor+2008+021.JPG" border="0" /></a> I placed the salad plate on a stand just for this picture. I wanted you to see the color and detail. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>All the colors used on the table - red, brown, gold and green are pulled together in the salad plate.</strong></span> Tomorrow I am moving to the family room. The tree is up but not decorated. I like to let my artificial trees "relax" for a day or two before I begin to decorate them. This allows the branches to settle and spread out. The family room will take a couple of days to complete so check again on Saturday for the "tour". What's on deck for tomorrow's blog? <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>A FASHIONABLE HOLIDAY</strong></span>. Join me as I piece together a holiday wardrobe for everything from a Cookie Exchange to a formal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CHRISTmas</span> dinner....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-55191188477989134962008-11-11T21:17:00.003-05:002008-11-11T21:52:51.417-05:00A Coastal CHRISTmas<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiucJXHSKMAVYT2PUHivriMkEmW2VBMpZaueBV1gNPghjj5AXwUjQYO9voRevn2R5eAocTwIwSDEs38k5AtdRB4J8tNtou7sNsX_r5Vl0JCyc0D7CAHz3kwYP4AFluXdbjEoqR8Ot7QzC/s1600-h/Black+Lion+%232+059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267590209976848210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiucJXHSKMAVYT2PUHivriMkEmW2VBMpZaueBV1gNPghjj5AXwUjQYO9voRevn2R5eAocTwIwSDEs38k5AtdRB4J8tNtou7sNsX_r5Vl0JCyc0D7CAHz3kwYP4AFluXdbjEoqR8Ot7QzC/s400/Black+Lion+%232+059.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#339999;"><strong>The Colors of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CHRISTmas</span></span> come in all shades</strong></span>. I'm working on a beach house project so I took a trip to a neat little shop here in Charlotte. They specialize in all things coastal. One section of the small shop is all "gussied" up for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CHRISTmas</span></span>. <span style="color:#339999;"><strong>I love the use of aqua, green and soft yellow-gold in the ball wreath over the framed prints. </strong></span>I like the way the wreath is hung on top of the prints. Very stylish! Playing off the aqua walls, the silvery blue garland and shiny ornaments set the stage for a cool coastal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CHRISTmas</span></span>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbuPr8qTbno02ts-k3hzYwV5Yfy4ioKe6mXJqkGbmbpHKrGicmucxZwMXf6-HNaDg4oUg06Ccl5u2nrAxJOBWHoIjQYkyU_cJgULUVjtwBwNRPTbmCQi9F8wc5m1GG_ohvj8WEwfspl4-/s1600-h/Black+Lion+%232+058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267590197184419410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbuPr8qTbno02ts-k3hzYwV5Yfy4ioKe6mXJqkGbmbpHKrGicmucxZwMXf6-HNaDg4oUg06Ccl5u2nrAxJOBWHoIjQYkyU_cJgULUVjtwBwNRPTbmCQi9F8wc5m1GG_ohvj8WEwfspl4-/s400/Black+Lion+%232+058.JPG" border="0" /></a> Love the tree! <span style="color:#339999;"><strong>See the little fish ornaments??</strong></span> The darker blue ornaments really contrast with the pastel color <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">palette</span> and the wispy grasses tucked into the boughs of the tree give the impression of sea oats. I really liked that! <span style="color:#339999;"><strong>Prince Charming is a Florida native and until 2 years ago we lived just 2 1/2 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.</strong></span> In all those years I was never inspired to decorate using a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">coastal</span> theme until I move to land-locked Charlotte! Go figure! Too bad my color scheme is all gold, red, brown and green or I might be inspired to add a little beach vibe to my holidays. <span style="color:#339999;"><strong>I really liked the way ocean objects such as large shells were used to display extra ornaments</strong></span>. The fresh white accessories and home accents give a nod to sandy white beaches or snow covered hillsides. Just use your imagination and anything is possible.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-HqmQSofYKfgyKYdQwfBE_nKnf9PDjJXFnmOcmoKL_NjbumJpMxbxTP5hXeNGrvhajTnxG6LUh5AcAt1yaxpExtdwxFAha70T90riBk6ULmOSYHkKD5px3jSLB6H3FmyPJonwDL5pCV_/s1600-h/Black+Lion+%232+060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267590190654280610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-HqmQSofYKfgyKYdQwfBE_nKnf9PDjJXFnmOcmoKL_NjbumJpMxbxTP5hXeNGrvhajTnxG6LUh5AcAt1yaxpExtdwxFAha70T90riBk6ULmOSYHkKD5px3jSLB6H3FmyPJonwDL5pCV_/s400/Black+Lion+%232+060.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is another vignette set against the background of soft buttery yellow. Soft gold and champagne colored decorations just glow in this setting. Very elegant. <span style="color:#339999;"><strong>The vintage mercury glass finials, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">candle holders</span> and votive cups add just the right amount of holiday splendor.</strong></span> A liberal dose of pearly white ball ornaments and silver-leaf accents<br />welcomes the first snowfall of winter.<br /><br /><span style="color:#339999;"><strong>How ever you color your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CHRISTmas</span></span>, enjoy the season by accenting the things in your home that make it personally yours! </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#339999;"><strong></strong></span><br />Yesterday I mentioned that I would have pics of the Media Room. Well the Royal Princes and I decorated all day and still have a few touches to add before it is blog worthy. Stay tuned...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-24337581232592020752008-11-10T21:03:00.004-05:002008-11-10T22:07:12.368-05:00It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTmas...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f0-T11psv3rLbrZ3knDgshTP1UWVuHHJ8YxqMYiAX1A8Xyhf0Kj2vZPEd6vg3QHkP_k1G6gUAoH1RU-fXWSabJVdtpoHvrsntF9qGLtKizFIWNYYsiIv_mKtq1iovoToYRt15Aw-D07H/s1600-h/New+Decor+028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267220608920272050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f0-T11psv3rLbrZ3knDgshTP1UWVuHHJ8YxqMYiAX1A8Xyhf0Kj2vZPEd6vg3QHkP_k1G6gUAoH1RU-fXWSabJVdtpoHvrsntF9qGLtKizFIWNYYsiIv_mKtq1iovoToYRt15Aw-D07H/s400/New+Decor+028.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>As promised I am giving you a peek of my windows "dressed" for CHRISTmas!</strong></span> The picture above is of my living room window. I spent the day with some help from Prince Charming hanging drapery rods and brackets. The red chiffon window scarf was already in use as were the red panels. <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>The tapestry panels and valance along with the antique gold swag valance and panels are new additions to this window ensemble</strong></span>. Now I am ready to begin clearing way objects to make room for holiday decor. I think I will place my tree in front of the window. In the past, I used a slim Frasier Fir that is about 7 1/2 feet tall. <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>I've been thinking of using a 6 foot Balsam Pine and placing it on a 2 foot decorative riser.</strong></span> I got the idea from Southern Living Christmas At Home (in stores now). Check out page 28 if you have a copy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rShqAHjKtslq1p0h8hL_W7EpmU2iaFQrJAY3TUO8JCsGV-6aqcgj9I3-KiX-6MOxMGDpxPeUjdNQOHgmZX9KWtw7lD0PKDJXkDjfbD_fbklo-26rvwEEyGRc4ky2bU3kp5U0-AkyIPqp/s1600-h/New+Decor+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267220603849383826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rShqAHjKtslq1p0h8hL_W7EpmU2iaFQrJAY3TUO8JCsGV-6aqcgj9I3-KiX-6MOxMGDpxPeUjdNQOHgmZX9KWtw7lD0PKDJXkDjfbD_fbklo-26rvwEEyGRc4ky2bU3kp5U0-AkyIPqp/s400/New+Decor+026.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a picture of my dinning room window. These two rooms are open to each other, separated only by two large white columns (see last picture in this post). <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>I wanted the window treatments to complement each other without being exact.</strong></span> I am very pleased with the way the windows turned out. The patterned panels really add some punch to the dining room.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd-0TsCCex9e0Mkjqmrfwu1o0wR0K9TM6zDEqB0Yjy0Ezd4Ys35IWkUFrtYgViWnCGJVhA6lKW1Y3i7mg_o_YzwjlpNpPcbjBitHtKtxGIUMr30kIdxwgTSk3KT95atKiwGvWyNBUzUWa/s1600-h/New+Decor+040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267220595312862706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAd-0TsCCex9e0Mkjqmrfwu1o0wR0K9TM6zDEqB0Yjy0Ezd4Ys35IWkUFrtYgViWnCGJVhA6lKW1Y3i7mg_o_YzwjlpNpPcbjBitHtKtxGIUMr30kIdxwgTSk3KT95atKiwGvWyNBUzUWa/s400/New+Decor+040.JPG" border="0" /></a> I had a little extra time at the end of the day to unpack a few CHRISTmas decorations. <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>I just purchased these Holly & Ivy Reindeer from my Home Interiors line.</strong></span> I am playing around with some arrangements. I am not sure where I will use them or how I will display them but here they are standing among a forest of <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>Red Mesh Glitter trees</strong></span>. I also purchased stocking holders that match these deer. Just darling!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-W2n3mAQFQifEWABmfGJGtvxppgKWCYtzOxsPic4rx0JsMjykTeY5nQM9S6_Ivu7t-EtSi2qlDVoGJcr4Qmnpj08SdsVxCA7DzrwP1NYYAfyAtM67Cw4xOHK0SQKjIYfiF1sDvUPc62o/s1600-h/New+Decor+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267220585809188386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-W2n3mAQFQifEWABmfGJGtvxppgKWCYtzOxsPic4rx0JsMjykTeY5nQM9S6_Ivu7t-EtSi2qlDVoGJcr4Qmnpj08SdsVxCA7DzrwP1NYYAfyAtM67Cw4xOHK0SQKjIYfiF1sDvUPc62o/s400/New+Decor+023.JPG" border="0" /></a>I worked on some place settings for the dining room also. This is just one option. <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>I love these ornament themed salad plates.</strong></span> I am using them with ivory china and a matte gold charger. I have a couple of other ideas for the dining table so I am not sure which way I'll go just yet. I like the red damask tablecloth but it feels like it's missing something....<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuTVbBHRJG017-DbiDxOSpoeTDT2IZ7HsijsGHo9iwIdLSgp4X8fwpPcisJr0mf_0mI5U0hn-GRl-q7jcSKM9vTTB0a-6LuK5XKFtFlxQNcVCed5R5_yzWYe2fsoxIJQ2vx6Ha7fVGp2t/s1600-h/New+Decor+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267220577422774338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuTVbBHRJG017-DbiDxOSpoeTDT2IZ7HsijsGHo9iwIdLSgp4X8fwpPcisJr0mf_0mI5U0hn-GRl-q7jcSKM9vTTB0a-6LuK5XKFtFlxQNcVCed5R5_yzWYe2fsoxIJQ2vx6Ha7fVGp2t/s400/New+Decor+033.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lastly, I found a little time to work on a couple of floral arrangements too. <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>I have two tall black & brown vases. I usually make identical arrangements for each and use them on either side of my fireplace mantel in our family room</strong></span>. This year I want to use them in the dinning room or formal living room. I really like the "limey" green floral stems with the ruby red poinsettias. Very fresh. It's definitely looking like CHRISTmas around here. <strong><span style="color:#993300;">Just 44 days to go!</span></strong></div><div>Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. The Royal Princes are out of school so the plan is to add a little holiday flair to the upstairs Media Room. Check back tomorrow to see how we made out.</div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-67665692923357323802008-11-08T18:48:00.003-05:002008-11-08T19:46:59.629-05:00Sisters, Sisters, Don't come between me and my Sisters!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKElR8zZlPzK3kIltqEq2h-UC_2LLK59pihkHvczmGVh_SfCRTj16lZL1Vg6VZlhJXwbZ2TdAsVTyWB4vuPxrYCStrLYTzJDLM1cNxq8RqerdAfoGqSZlkDeKOwCwfsfr6pK2cjB7Ei-d/s1600-h/Baking+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266439427198544770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 395px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKElR8zZlPzK3kIltqEq2h-UC_2LLK59pihkHvczmGVh_SfCRTj16lZL1Vg6VZlhJXwbZ2TdAsVTyWB4vuPxrYCStrLYTzJDLM1cNxq8RqerdAfoGqSZlkDeKOwCwfsfr6pK2cjB7Ei-d/s400/Baking+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong> Meet Amy and Christina</strong></span>. These two lovely, godly ladies are my sisters. Not by birth but rather by re-birth through our faith in Christ Jesus. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>I was thinking of that old classic holiday movie White Christmas</strong></span> starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clooney</span> and Vera-Ellen. Well the ladies play the part of sisters and during the movie they sing a song about sisters. Do you remember the song??? "Sisters, sisters, don't come between me an my sisters -----God help the mister that comes between me and my sister and God help the sister that comes between me and my man." A catchy song and tune and after all these years and many "re-runs" I still recall the scene, the song and the sisters. I was born into an earthly family with all boys. Two older brothers and two younger brothers but no sisters<strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">. How I longed for a sister as I was growing up.</span></strong> Somehow I just thought my life would be better in some way if I had a sister. But for whatever reason God gave me brothers.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUUDywwTZ001662z03jRuqXh7sLoyuN9at5PrE3isusVScgO362eI12XJH-L6m4E0ZoQHfdmyxEvAeccUN_tF-OgMwPYfX2CwHMYRqnTlq2FPIIgyZs_6nHKqZCL_SOaN7zapGYeT7kWC/s1600-h/Baking+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266439418407162834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUUDywwTZ001662z03jRuqXh7sLoyuN9at5PrE3isusVScgO362eI12XJH-L6m4E0ZoQHfdmyxEvAeccUN_tF-OgMwPYfX2CwHMYRqnTlq2FPIIgyZs_6nHKqZCL_SOaN7zapGYeT7kWC/s400/Baking+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong> Now, meet Lenora, Ann, Gayle and Judy</strong></span>. These ladies are truly sisters. Beautiful ladies inside and out. Good friends as well as sisters. Gayle (white blouse) is also my "Mama Pastor" or rather my Pastor's Wife. Ann is my partner in crime. Well not really crime but we both have a PASSION for hospitality, decorating and entertaining. Judy is my choir buddy and Lenora is my wonderful, beautiful friend of triplets who ALWAYS has a smile on her face! How she does that and keeps up with triplets plus another son is beyond me but she manages!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitinxbWkd2Ldi15J7NRrcZHKnnAaVy4tfPSaoPOlmQj3ZZGNSbFp0pKhXcf8TMfHOc85YGlkUUO37Fck0oiBZPrWmAv1ImaNMx-JwCqvCF12QnCh01i2Eyoa7J3k8sNNHn8wA73KA4efK/s1600-h/Baking+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266439409474209538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitinxbWkd2Ldi15J7NRrcZHKnnAaVy4tfPSaoPOlmQj3ZZGNSbFp0pKhXcf8TMfHOc85YGlkUUO37Fck0oiBZPrWmAv1ImaNMx-JwCqvCF12QnCh01i2Eyoa7J3k8sNNHn8wA73KA4efK/s400/Baking+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Say hello to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Livian</span> and Teddie</strong></span>. More sisters!!! Teddie is always the life of the party and can manage to make me laugh even when I don't want too. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Livian</span> (Lenora's mom-in-law) is another choir buddy and maker of "out of this world" hot dog chili, BBQ sauce, you name it - she can probably cook it! Love them! <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Faithful women of God.<br /></strong></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fYmUK2qy5kK7c5l9x1sImygNzsa0di2GcP7xfuoRG13qzS5F_NnQcyGZomxBGQ4JVmhiV73mWMWjGQzaOGsQarGzd1F_bgcP1rVxycQy8fnkFSUoMP5ckU4ro8UsRzi5_rle9WE0a7LV/s1600-h/Baking+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266439405108982578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fYmUK2qy5kK7c5l9x1sImygNzsa0di2GcP7xfuoRG13qzS5F_NnQcyGZomxBGQ4JVmhiV73mWMWjGQzaOGsQarGzd1F_bgcP1rVxycQy8fnkFSUoMP5ckU4ro8UsRzi5_rle9WE0a7LV/s400/Baking+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong> This is Shelley, Ashley and Diane</strong></span>. Even more sisters! Shelley and Diane are actually sisters and Ashley has been "unofficially" adopted as Shelley's daughter. You should hear these ladies' testimonies! God is a good God!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79ff4mEK35ZE47GAHR1d4VbdmD_6VVVcPVUxtbsqKX-qxh2QTQhRytE5mQCcuh3hWen61CqasV3d-dvCv17_FJyobMyg1adGBBJJ8tVUSi3akFjW8n3V5ya6Ieiv3utIeOneQNpLJGkWM/s1600-h/Baking+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266439405570753810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79ff4mEK35ZE47GAHR1d4VbdmD_6VVVcPVUxtbsqKX-qxh2QTQhRytE5mQCcuh3hWen61CqasV3d-dvCv17_FJyobMyg1adGBBJJ8tVUSi3akFjW8n3V5ya6Ieiv3utIeOneQNpLJGkWM/s400/Baking+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong> This is Paula (a.k.a Donna - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">LOL</span>) and Amy</strong></span>. Another set of "real" sisters but also more of my sisters! So why all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bloggin</span>' about sisters? Today, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I was</span> thinking about blessings and family and friends and God's eternal goodness and thought about my sisters. Ladies whom I worship with each week. Ladies who I work beside when there is a need. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Ladies who are wonderful examples of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Shulamite</span> Bride - the bride that is in a covenant relationship with the Bridegroom. Women of faith that are beautiful because of who they are in Christ, because of the covenant they have made to be faithful, to love only the Bridegroom, to wait patiently until he comes.</strong></span> As we approach the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CHRISTmas</span> season make sure you let all of your sisters, either by birth or marriage and by faith, know you LOVE them. Let them know they are beautiful and don't be afraid to tell them how they make your life better. Oh, I also have been blessed with two sisters when I married Prince Charming; Teresa (Momma <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">TT</span>) and Linda Charlene. Then after what seemed to take forever, my brothers were actually lucky enough to find some wonderful ladies to marry. God has also given me one especially close sister - Bella-Mella. Another PK born into a family of brothers and no sisters. </div><div>Now I have 5 family sisters, 1 special G0d-given sister by choice and scores of faith sisters! </div><div><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Ladies, I love you all! May this season be as bright and beautiful as each of you.<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-41056973050564205282008-11-07T14:54:00.004-05:002008-11-07T15:52:13.921-05:00Shop till You Drop...Just do it Comfortably!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqs1_DKrEhUUo7J14iOmDWrZFJf8iwdYAP20FORdCXYwF0TENLKjlBvBAdUmYU1VBbLqx38fIyh-jvu33AkZZtpZ7BOpaU07EdhASyhrMYfFIhF0Nhl6tTfKE3Na_aPVB3CohYSWzQA7L/s1600-h/ReMix+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266007521579764770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqs1_DKrEhUUo7J14iOmDWrZFJf8iwdYAP20FORdCXYwF0TENLKjlBvBAdUmYU1VBbLqx38fIyh-jvu33AkZZtpZ7BOpaU07EdhASyhrMYfFIhF0Nhl6tTfKE3Na_aPVB3CohYSWzQA7L/s400/ReMix+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong> Okay ladies, we have 47 days 'til CHRISTmas!</strong></span> That's <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>NOT</strong></span> a lot of time! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">You know what that means...POWER SHOPPING!</span></strong> And you just have to be comfortable when you shop. If your feet hurt, it ruins your whole shopping experience. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>My BFF, Bella-Mella inspired me this week with her blog about the fashion show and the comments about her new "flats" which I was rather shocked to see on her feet (same size as mine - 7 to 7 1/2).</strong></span> As long as I have known my dear friend I can't say that I have EVER seen her wear flats unless you count the time we went to Blizzard Beach. Heels just weren't practical that day but if they would have been you can bet she would have worn her beloved wedges. Any who, I have been on the lookout for a chic pair of walking, shopping, standing, styling shoes for a while now and decided to take myself to the mall in search of the perfect pair. After two and half hours and endless possibilities <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>I came across these lovely brown suede and cream mesh Aerosoles.</strong></span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSgQOhEfi-IDhIux8GMxBvUI_xoCPjAwy3tM2QfIMfp20Gq0Nz3GK9lkQRGov4pwaIr2um5GKMySMqh1ZTdJ4j2crq_McunmJINOoAy6nivUwrd5QhF65PvzLw3KWqgs-D3nra5EqRs_M/s1600-h/ReMix+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266007511068895906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSgQOhEfi-IDhIux8GMxBvUI_xoCPjAwy3tM2QfIMfp20Gq0Nz3GK9lkQRGov4pwaIr2um5GKMySMqh1ZTdJ4j2crq_McunmJINOoAy6nivUwrd5QhF65PvzLw3KWqgs-D3nra5EqRs_M/s400/ReMix+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Don't you just love the way the sole is slightly "wedged"?</strong></span> Gives a short girl like me a little lift but still feels like I'm walking on air. More stylish than tennis shoes / sneakers and WAY more comfortable than heels. They even have GREAT arch support and that's important to me because my arches look like the Sunshine Skyway bridge! <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Prince Charming has always said I'm rather high in the in-step!</strong></span> Whatever does that mean???<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN646DfKGwc0VdFSFTO2aYdrmjH_g9g0tveTfjMMs9M9RPREiSzW-q8V06lHE-0ZX6Bvww0e_zOlUelycSTXzzzS_H_ak161ZBY41BbvabeTMlRyCVJE5_ymrPhaj_-LubAVFhnlOjFvN-/s1600-h/ReMix+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266007506764076258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN646DfKGwc0VdFSFTO2aYdrmjH_g9g0tveTfjMMs9M9RPREiSzW-q8V06lHE-0ZX6Bvww0e_zOlUelycSTXzzzS_H_ak161ZBY41BbvabeTMlRyCVJE5_ymrPhaj_-LubAVFhnlOjFvN-/s400/ReMix+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Here are my way-too-cute shoes on my not-so-cute feet!</strong></span> Is that a little puffiness I see in my right foot? Oh, I better prop my feet and way-too-cute shoes up for a spell.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YVBciyr6CzxDxGBNW2y80IlccmzEqQaa9IYGabkaW3_gJKmWJwLL_ItESEN6rZB6ML63MajOGh3llPCyWcyRQoZYtyYhPVCxrdxpEIfWomV50NNnSj-g70OqLnjNwSdxRKEBgT1WFRbj/s1600-h/ReMix+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266007502099346082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YVBciyr6CzxDxGBNW2y80IlccmzEqQaa9IYGabkaW3_gJKmWJwLL_ItESEN6rZB6ML63MajOGh3llPCyWcyRQoZYtyYhPVCxrdxpEIfWomV50NNnSj-g70OqLnjNwSdxRKEBgT1WFRbj/s400/ReMix+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#009900;"><strong> Ahhhh! That's more like it!</strong></span> Shopping for shoes can be hard work but remember Cinderella's wise words. <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>"The right shoe can change a girl's life."</strong></span> </div><div></div><div>Oh - see the bag in the background? Well I couldn't leave the mall without swinging by the local ROSS store. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Talk about FAVOR!</strong></span> I have had my eye on some new window treatments at Bed, Bath & Beyond but to buy everything needed to redo my windows in the living room and dinning room would cost more than I care to pay at this time. <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>As I breezed through the aisles at my favorite ROSS, I found the EXACT thing I wanted for only $9.99 per panel! The valance was only a whopping $3.99!!!</strong></span> An incredible savings of over $250!!!!!</div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Stay tuned to see my windows get "dressed" for CHRISTmas!</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672608218816706397.post-23936541029189372782008-11-06T19:41:00.005-05:002008-11-07T15:54:24.566-05:00'Tis the Season to Bake<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-uT3w-rO4X72IRhfRdkkIidxdhztYJMmA5PO4Yk7LGucEenDphuwAmy_4ZWUpHeAIqGE3TBFPr0WFJp3WhKSV1TggVKyxkYWMIhhYE5Loe5YK8jZhARjAztziZ6MheVIS-chrG7ien-t/s1600-h/Baking+016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265712502357821394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-uT3w-rO4X72IRhfRdkkIidxdhztYJMmA5PO4Yk7LGucEenDphuwAmy_4ZWUpHeAIqGE3TBFPr0WFJp3WhKSV1TggVKyxkYWMIhhYE5Loe5YK8jZhARjAztziZ6MheVIS-chrG7ien-t/s400/Baking+016.JPG" border="0" /></a>As we count-down the weeks till <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CHRISTmas</span></span></strong> we are often called upon to attend a Cookie Exchange or Dessert Party. I have one tried and true recipe that I turn to over and over again. This year my son's school is sponsoring a Holiday Shoppe. This is a gift shop where parents can bring <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">their</span> children to shop for affordable gifts for those special people on their <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CHRISTmas</span> </strong></span>list. Along with the the gift shop they have a Sweet Shoppe. This is where the baking comes in. I was going through my son's backpack and found a note which was sent home days earlier requesting my assistance...the Sweet Shoppe is in desperate need of well, sweets! So out comes my recipe for <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>DOUBLE FUDGE <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BROWNIE</span> BARS</strong></span>. They are SO easy to make. EVERYONE loves them and they are simply DELICIOUS! Now, who could you ask for more? Only 8 ingredients and 40 minutes and you have warm, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ooey</span>-gooey fudge brownie bars.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkniJgd5xDsB1TtCq9FgYCKivxv4hXIeSYvGN6jNzsgBNN8tUmOezM__s5YaRact0aqFH0d1t6S0tXPhvCNIxUsq2SHK5pyS29oqXWIaEB_K-92G-oPoW1vHcuXr80lQgZRxUWXtYUhud/s1600-h/Baking+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265712488623073538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkniJgd5xDsB1TtCq9FgYCKivxv4hXIeSYvGN6jNzsgBNN8tUmOezM__s5YaRact0aqFH0d1t6S0tXPhvCNIxUsq2SHK5pyS29oqXWIaEB_K-92G-oPoW1vHcuXr80lQgZRxUWXtYUhud/s400/Baking+018.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Just</span> mix your <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>DUNCAN HINES</strong></span> double fudge brownie mix according to package directions. Use the instructions for cake-like brownies. Spread in the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes. Once you have baked your brownie, top with 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of peanut butter chips, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1 cup of sweetened flaked coconut. The pour 1 can of EAGLE brand condensed milk over the top. Pop back in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Someone</span> hit the EASY button please!<br /></strong></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5groD163Ikoy3EOqn3vQcnK3s_IHbMKY24NyT-KVKiX3cBWoSzXSf6E2UFa-ifF9Tao1msrZyJANb-NK-Lq32RQ7BSJFqnxDRDpxMlAXCrUZBboN7yITmuyf1yOe7LTenMMya7K9-x4-/s1600-h/Brownie+Bars.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265712484037124066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 359px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5groD163Ikoy3EOqn3vQcnK3s_IHbMKY24NyT-KVKiX3cBWoSzXSf6E2UFa-ifF9Tao1msrZyJANb-NK-Lq32RQ7BSJFqnxDRDpxMlAXCrUZBboN7yITmuyf1yOe7LTenMMya7K9-x4-/s400/Brownie+Bars.jpg" border="0" /></a> Completely cool then cut into bars. Makes about 24 snack-size bars.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Perfect for a bake sale at an elementary school's Sweet Shoppe!</strong></span> Next time you're looking for something to fill your sweet tooth, this just might to the trick. Beware bloggers if you have a peanut / nut allergy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oLskde0ZqVKWdidsXiZF3lDmQdbAZT_okg1H0oR74dJf0ErDkoSxeqBVaT1KPCTdJkCbwZCSgXcEUPCy-m1MAKGMp-YhcMrRmnACYd2ICWhLPe4ry38lGpDfSwrbEig9YRS-yF7kZJTz/s1600-h/Baking+016.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimup0BYp5xtNVE__H0BVYGTN_bD3jsKgBjnpNABdyOccoHqie3NPlq4WiOdcwaiRu6DYEnOkwNjMfQuHTG4w3iu4WuUDcTRA-KSP6cOYUxCIo_8dHh3W-vWuz5De2YBihg4oqflH2kfPya/s1600-h/Baking+020.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiujPMXTO2wLw2SdYcFNWrLDLXNQ4FXF1L0bU5AS4PdXYGQa-DSzjErM45RhLltrUr9gKECTD3u9Xf8pWivHyTPkzrzrU_NXglSrpbGh0SrqvnQY6OYZRamN2VLOP6MVgtpWcdO1zygV8k/s1600-h/Baking+021.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Alisa Lucas-Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09862519174429213208noreply@blogger.com1