Holidays and Mantles.

It's either a bit early or a bit late to be posting holiday pictures but whatevs. 

My blog, my rules. 

So here's to: 

170 days 'til Christmas

 221 days 'til Valentines Day

 252 days 'til St. Patty's Day

CHRISTMAS

2012 Christmas Tree
Theme: Burlap

DIY Lighted Burlap Bow Tree Topper

Christmas Mantle
Everything thrifted minus the cross stocking holders, Noelle the elf, and the light up house (heirloom) 

"That Noelle is something else! She was sad that the snow melted and knew the girls would be too so she decided to hang lights from their ceiling and put lots of "unmeltable" snowflakes in there. Silly girl!"

Always sneaky! 

I almost forgot our Elf on a Shelf, Noelle, came for a visit!

VALENTINE'S DAY

Of course I didn't want to take down the Christmas decor but couldn't wait get the VDay mantle up so by mid-January I just combined the two. 

And of course we couldn't forget our "love mail" boxes.

Then along came March and that sneaky, messy Doogal the Leprechaun.

But hey, he did leave this nice green bucket of green goodies!

And now we're to the present. 

The "When it's not a holiday rustic mantle."

All pieces gifted or found at Goodwill.

Lighted weeds: Christmas lights + dead weeds from the neighbors yard. (Thanks neighbs!)

Clock: Goodwill $2

Jesus wooden sign: Family heirloom 

Painted Canvas behind weeds/clock: Goodwill $1

Empty Picture Frame: Goodwill $1

Cross: Gifted

Water damaged book: Goodwill ($.50) + rain 

Rusty Lantern: Back yard

Tall Blue Vase: Goodwill $2

Candle: Already had

Light: Gifted

Total for the "When it's not a holiday rustic mantle": $6.50

*Pats self on back.

Cheers to celebrating the holidays year 'round! 

What Valentine's Day is Really About.

I love Valentine's Day.

Almost as much as I love birthdays. 

So that's a lot. 

And I don't even have a Valentine. 

Not that I couldn't have one.. 

I mean they are practically causing a riot outside my door right now. 

Kidding. 

But really.

I love everything about Valentine's Day.

From the nasty chocolates to gourmet dinners.

February 14th is by far the most precious day of the year. 

But somewhere in the midst of all this lovin' you've got the Anti-Valentiners. 

The ones who have apparently missed the memo and dedicated February 14th to their sob stories.
Well I've got news for all you Anti-Valentiner sob story tellers: 

For real.
Nobody wants to hear it.
Nobody feels sorry for you.
Just shush.

Valentine's Day isn't about having a Prince Charming to celebrate with.
It's about love.
Celebrating love.
Showing love.
Being thankful that you are blessed enough to have someone to love.
If you'd stop complaining for 2 seconds and look around you'd see why I love Valentine's Day.

Being the procrastinator I am, it's obvious that I didn't do my Valentine shopping until last night.
A bunch of people all crowed around empty shelfs hoping to find that perfect gift.
But amongst all the craziness I witnessed what Valentine's Day is truly all about.
Love.

As I sat in my car trying to catching my breath from all the madness I saw a woman walking toward her car with a buggy full of groceries. As she neared the car I couldn't help but notice the 4 smiling faces staring at her, beaming with excitement. And I'm not talking the "Woohoo Mom bought food!" kinda smile. I'm talking an ear to ear, full of love, whole heart kinda smile. The boys faces lit up as she opened the door and they handed her a completely unexpected big bouquet of roses. My heart melted. The look on their faces said it all.

Valentine's Day isn't about the presents or a fancy dinner.
Or even an unexpected bouquet of roses.
It's about genuinely loving.
Loving with every piece of your heart.

So to all you Anti-Valentiners, I challenge you to look around today.
Notice all the love?
How can you hate Valentine's Day?!