TRANSITIONING...

Sooo Christmas is over :(.  Putting up Christmas decor is much more fun that taking it down.
But I will say it is nice to have everything back in its place. Now I guess we have to look forward to New Years Eve, BCS Championship (Geaux Tigers!!!), and Mardi Gras!

HUGE upcoming game!

I was thinking, as I was putting everything back in order, how far my house has come.  I am a single gal that is a 1st time home owner.  I got a good deal on my house last minute.  I was also on a time crunch because I wanted to be eligible for the tax return on 1st time home buyers.  My mom and my realtor helped me always see the potential in each home I looked at.  I had put in a offer on a townhouse,which was a block away from my parents house, and they had come back with a bad counter-offer....in the meantime my realtor asked if I wanted to check out this one house before I made any more moves and I said sure.  I took a look at this actual house and was a bit nervous because how out-dated it looked.  Being a single girl that has never owned a home, that does not know much on updating the cheap and small way... I did not want a huge project.  But it all worked out and was a project my family worked on.  Here are a few pictures of what the house did look like and how they look now.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE (the color on the walls was a "shimmery green" by Ralph Lauren..not a fan of it nor the chair rail)

AFTER

BEFORE (my sister was game planning the attack of what I could do)

AFTER (this was my latest project this fall, I added granite and put in a deep, stainless steel sink which I love)

 I must have to say my house has come a long ways and I enjoy it more with my new updates. I have my family to thank.  They definitely got a work-out painting EVERY room.  Everything in my house I either received as Christmas presents and stored or bought at a bargain.  I always try to be frugal with my money.  But I hope everything pays off when it comes time to sell it.  I'll enjoy it for the time being.  It's amazing what a little paint, new hardware and furniture will do to a space. Until my next project...

Wishing everyone a safe and HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!!

WoW! Is it over???

Is Christmas really over?? Christmas is without a doubt my FAVORITE time of year and it's over. I'm sad it's over but it sure was grand!  My family's Christmas Eve was a little different this year but good.  I have a 2 year old nephew and they brought over the movie "An Elf's Story."

I have to say it is a pretty cute movie and sets up for the elves to go into the home. I definitely recommend watching this movie with the kids Thanksgiving night when you bring out your family's elf.  

My nephew, Camon.

I must say Christmas is more fun when you have a little one involved.  Every year my sister, brother-in-law, and brother stay at my parent's house.  We all stay on one side of the house and cannot enter the living room until we are all up and ready.  This year my nephew understood a bit more about finding the presents, but he was having a big of trouble waking up.  One of his favorite gifts was a talking potato head.  He was pretty amused by it.

Once we finished at my parent's house it was off to the grandparent's house!  There we ate, ate, and ate more.  Seriously I can hear the treadmill screaming my name!!

So happy to blessed with such great family and fellowship.  I'm hoping to enjoy the next few days with my tree still up by watching movies and cleaning up the mess I've been making getting ready for Christmas!! Enjoy yalls break!!

Christmas Eve!

I cannot believe Christmas is tomorrow!!!! I have not slowed down since I woke up this morning but I'm enjoying every bit of it. Been baking away.....

Today was my first time to make royal icing and it actually turned out. (I may need to work on my artistic skills though)

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!! And hoping everyone remembers the real reason for the season!

Christmas Sweaters & Ornaments

I work for Shreveport Physical Therapy and believe I work at one of the best outpatient physical therapy clinics in our area.  I work with a bunch of therapists who truly believe in putting the patient first and catering therapy specifically to that patient.  Not only are they great therapists but it is a fun place to work.  We try to celebrate each employee's birthday and anything in-between.  Today we asked everyone (staff & patients) to show their Christmas spirit by wearing their best sweater or red/green.  Of course most of the men just wore red/green, but here is the good-looking group that sported their Christmas gear.....

Patients voted Rinnie best dressed.

Mary Lauren wore her sweater on Tuesday b/c she would not be working today.

\Tonight was my girls' group annual ornament exchange.  We normally do it at someone's house but due to crazy schedules we met at a great family-owned, italian restaurant, Notini's. They have the best sweet tea in town!

  

We played "Dirty Santa" opening our ornaments. There was definitely some stealing but I think everyone was pleased with their ornaments.  Here is what I am adding to my tree!!!

Very blessed to have these girls in my life!

Christmas is almost here! Merry Christmas!!

My Favorite Time of Year

So after many months of checking out many blogs, I've decided to personally join the blogging world.  Not only do I enjoy reading many of your blogs, but I find them very inspirational.  I may not be good at it but I'll give it a go!
Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday to celebrate!  I love every aspect of Christmas: the real reason for the season (birth of Jesus Christ), Christmas movies, the goodies/snacks, and the giving spirit. I find the cheesier the Christmas movie the better...I love watching Hallmark Channels movies.  Some of my all-time favorite Christmas movies are






Now this is only my second year to decorate for Christmas in my house and it can be very pricey buying decorations.  My plan is to gradually buy items each year.  Here is what I have so far...

The one thing I really wanted to add to my tree this year was a crown.  I found mine at Ross for $12 and was the colors I decorate my tree.  It was meant to be!

I attempted to copy similar flower arrangements from Ellis Pottery, a local home decor store.

I love her! I found her at a TJ Maxx in Dallas!

If you couldn't tell, I love snowmen!

 I think it's a good start and can't wait to add to my Christmas decor!  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!