Happy New Year! I am so glad that all of my Christmas items are finally packed away. With the snow & cold temperatures I have begun my hibernating right on schedule and begun to focus on my home. As many of you know we painted our fireplace woodwork 3 years ago (I think??). I want to show you a before photo:
Wow! This pict was taken shortly after we moved in to our home in August of 2005.
I have revisited this because I have had a constant delima over the past 4 1/2 years of how to decorate my mantle. I was so excited to finally have one. However, decorating around the media doors was such a challenge for me. With the addition of a flat screen TV, it made it even more of a challenge. How-EVER! I have risen up to the challenge and finally found something I really, really LIKE! I was at the HobLob store (which I could truly spend a small fortune at) and found these candle sconces that I love!!!!! I hung them on each side of the flat screen. Then a few months ago, my sweet babe picked up these metal rosettes for me at 'Metal by the Foot' and put them on 4 caps of woodwork. LOVE-IT!!! Check it out:
What I'd like for you to notice is the fireplace screen. If you think about it - it is not needed. We have a fancy gas fireplace (urgh) that works with a SWITCH! Doesn't seem right, does it? Anyway, the fireplace screen adds dimension to the fireplace and really sets off the surrounding tile. Also, if you can notice the difference in flooring. Look real hard, it is in the bottom left hand corner, squint if you must! As many of you know by now we installed harwood floors in November. We are truly happy with it. One thing I have to be careful of is that I balance light & dark colors. Gotta watch it.
As you can see I still need to figure out what to put on my mantle. I am having a difficult time finding the right thing. I know many of you can relate to this, because it is the number ONE thing I hear from ya. "I like my stuff, I just don't know how to place it!" I'm with ya girlfriend. Unfortunately, Bill doesn't have a hard time figuring out what to put on the mantle with his electronics. But, he does bless me by hiding all of those crazy cords!
Another project I worked on today is our kitchen bulletin board. Remember at Christmas I put up Christmas photos. Well, I loved it so much, I had to change it to 'snow play' pictures. My kids love being outside and cannot understand why I won't take them sledding when it is 4 degrees outside! I'm hoping to do something a bit crafty later this week, stay tuned.....
