Have Fabric-Will Travel!

Are you ready for "Use What I've Got-2012-#2"?

I am challenging myself to make something out of something that I already have at least once every week....

This one might just win for long distance frugality!

 We just got back from a quick trip to see my Mom in Florida! 

She is lucky to spend her winters in this absolutely darling yellow cottage!

Mom wanted me to help her update her porch furniture with new cushions while we were there!

That inspired me to make this project into  "Use What I've Got Challenge 2012- #2"

SOOO!

Use What I've Got 2012 Challenge!

 I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

We sure did at here at Sweetwater!

Lots of family, food, fun.....and of course "Way too much of everything"!

 Once the holiday passes....
I begin thinking of new stuff to do...
And old stuff that still needs doing!


That got me to thinking....
I decided to start a series of posts with the theme-

"What I Used Up This Week!"

The object will be to challenge myself to make something out of something that I already have at least once every week....
ALL YEAR
Come along for the first installment....
Dinner napkins from the old drapes!  (really it is not as odd as it might sound)

Will I Ever Be Done Shopping?

Sooo....I procrastinated....What's New?
I always tell myself I will do this all ahead of time....
I NEVER do!
So this post will be the shortest ever!
But then you probably don't have time to sit at the computer and read anyway!

I just had to share this photo!

My darling little niece and her little friend are finishing their holiday shopping!

Tee Hee....Mommy bought the little coat and hat at Goodwill....

AND...

The little plaid party dress underneath too!!!

Now if this isn't a great example of Sweetwater Style....I don't know what is!

Here is wishing that the man in your life appreciates your bargains

BUT....

 He follows this little guy's plan and  doesn't shop at the GW for you!

Link Parties
A Little Knick Knack

No Cost Holiday Centerpiece

I've had these 3 glass hurricanes for years.
I always think they will make a pretty centerpiece...

but until this year....not so much!

I have been seeing lots of posts out there for interesting ways to use combinations of glassware as stands....

Eureka!  

 

Here is the recipe

3 Old glass Hurricane Lanterns sitting on the shelf

3 wine glasses (from GW)

3 glass votive holders(from our daughter's wedding)

Some greenery Sprigs (free from HomeDepot)

Mix well...in layers

Place on Ceramic Tray

Garnish With Ribbon

I like that this centerpiece isn't too Christmasy...with a few tweeks it can stay on the table a long time!

Actually...that gives me an idea for a post about the transition from Christmas to Winter...stay tuned!

And....

 you thought I couldn't cook....well at least I can "cook" something up!!!

Linky Parties
Southern Lovely
Sweet Peas and Bumble Bees 
Blue Cricket Design 
Penny Pinching Party 
My Backyard Eden

Katherine's Corner
Chicken Scratch
Fireflies and Jellybeans 
House of the Hepworths 
Catch A Glimpse
Thrifty Thursday 
Happy Hour Projects 
French Country Cottage 
My Romantic Home 
Chic on a Shoestring

504 Main

Great Christmas Book List for Kids

You'd Better Watch Out!

You'd Better Not Pout!

You'd Better Not Cry!

I'm Telling You you Why!

The Sweetwater Librarian Is Blogging Today!

I've Made You A List...

I checked it twice....

These Holiday Themed Books are really Nice!

Enough with the lame Christmas Carol Parody....

On to the list of books....

Holiday Hydrangeas

You probably know by now that hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers....
Fresh or dried.....they are beautiful!

Remember these? 

Tricks for Long Lasting Hydrangeas

And These?

Hydrangea Drying Secrets

Now those same flowers are holiday decor!

Simple.....Cheap....Pretty!

Totally Sweetwater Style!

Linking Party Time

504 Main
Lovely Crafty Home 
Show and Tell Friday 
Type A Decorating

Be Different Act Normal
I Heart Naptime 
My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia 
Coastal Charm 
Hope Studios 
Talent Tuesday 
Terrific Under Ten 
Tales of a Trophy Wife

Decor For The Boys!

Glitter!

Bows!

Lace!

Tinsel!

Velvet!

It Seems like a lot of the decor out there is a pretty "girlie"....
or to quote my son...."That's  a little  FESTIVE for me!"

A lot of my decorating is kind of girlie....
Pretty much, I put a bow on everything in the house!
BUT....We do have some touches that are just "For the Boys!"
Take a look!

Three Fun On Line Holiday Games for Kids

 I know you are all sooo very busy....
But sometimes you just need to take a break!


Here are a couple of absolutely addictive on-line activities for your kids!


Pour yourself a cup of coffee....
Find a good book to read.....
Step away from the computer....
and
Let your kids have a turn!

Or.....play them yourself for a giggle or two!

Decorate a Virtual Gingerbread Cookie

 

Cut a Virtual Snowflake

Make Your Own  Virtual Snowman

 Tee Hee!
You are very Welcome! 


Linky Parties

Just Me and My Boys
Home Savvy A to Z 
Dittle Dattle 
Sew Can Do
All Things Fee 
Skip to My Lou 
Turquoise Lovin"
Stuff and Nonsense 
Sun Scholars 
Naptime Crafters 
Tidy Mom 

How to Deck the Halls with Boughs.......!

What do you get when you take....

12    Tired Teachers....

11     Kinds of Ribbon....

10     Bunches of Pine Boughs....

9       Bags of Pine Cones......

8       Spools of Florist Wire......

7      Garden Shears.......

6      Trys  to make  a bow

5      Lovely kids

4      Batches of Cider

3      Trips to Home Depot

2      Men Arranging

And a couple of hours in a teachers lunchroom?

What you get is a memorable time....

and a couple of great looking holiday arrangements too!

Come see the fun we had at our "Make and Take" Decorating Party!

Busy Busy Busy!

What a week...Lots of fun and planning for fun!
We hosted a great holiday/birthday brunch on Sunday!
I am getting ready for a make and take decorating gathering at school on Friday afternoon!
Not much time for blogging....but I thought you might like to see the mantel in the family room!

Let me tell you about how "thrifty" this was to put together!
This is totally "Sweetwater Style"...I used what I had....and just did it!

Next Decorating Steps....The Stairs that is!

My cold is finally gone!  My energy level is almost back to normal!

Being under the weather has really impacted my decorating schedule....but I FINALLY got the stairways done!

I always love looking at all the ideas for elegant banisters in the magazines...Aren't these lovely?

 Then reality sets in!

• the decorations have to last through the season...so live greens are not an option!

• We don't have a way to add lights without extension cords laying across traffic areas....no lights for us!

• We actually hang on to the railings when we go up and down the steps....go figure...so the rail needs to be exposed!

I kind of like how they turned out this year....Read on to see!