Hi Janie! Oh, your little wreath is adorable! How nice to have someone to help take down Christmas, even if she did have to prod you! :) All my Christmasing is still up as my little grand daughter just left today and to take things down while she was here would have been impossible. Happy New Year and wishing us many wonderful days of blogging ahead! Be a sweetie, Shelia :)
January 8, 2013 at 5:45 PM
Anonymous said...
your wreath is beautiful, what a sweetheart t help you so much, you will miss her! I'm so glad your husband is feeling better but I'm sorry to hear you pulled a muscle, thats no fun at all! I agree that the prices are such a rip off before Christmas, if they can mark them down that much in January just how much profit are they making in December, its robbery!! I agree, take care, rest that neck,
Well good for you making a bargain wreath this year and now you're all ready for next year! It looks really cute!! I always go a little crazy at the after Christmas sales, but I love a good bargain. It's always fun the next Chrsitmas because I've forgotten what I've bought and I have all these fun new things to discover! Glad your husband is able to get back to work a little bit. I really admire him.
I like your wreath Jane! Now you won't have to pay those huge prices! Glad hubby is doing well. Hope you have a fab week. I think we are going to the lake house tomorrow. It's supposed to be about 80 degrees down there the end of this week. Beats the heck out of this 40 degree weather we have here.
Evening Jane, Love your wreath, beautiful, I`ve always liked the grapevine wreaths......Nice to get help putting Christmas away and to sit and enjoy morning coffee in peace and quite...Feel bad for you pulling a muscle,ooch....Hope Hubby takes it easy and gets stronger each day......Blessings Francine.
Your wreath turned out so pretty Jane!... I love to save old things and make them new again, you did a fabulous job!... and I know what you mean about the prices and after~Christmas clearance... I'm sure they were still making money on the Amaryllis at the clearance price so they were really making a killing at $19.99!... sorry about your pulled muscle but glad you got so much accomplished... and so very glad hubby is doing well and back to work even!... Emily sounds like a doll... such a big help to you... always love catching up with your news, xoxo Julie Marie
Hi Jane, your wreath is pretty and what a great price. Every year, I search for sales on holiday items and keep them for the following year. Yes I agree prices are astronomical during special holidays.
It was so great to help with your holiday decorations, too!
I am glad that your husband's health is improving.
The wreath is pretty Jane. Plant your bulb with some of it peeking out of the soil and enjoy. I love amaryllis blooms so much. I wonder if yours would make it in your winter ground like mine do? I have about twenty outside that bloom every summer between the two houses. xo, olive
My tree is still up, I kept it up for Russian Christmas, now I have to take it down, wish I had help to do it?lol Just think you will have a wreath for next year and you will be all set! Take care of your pulled muscle those can be so painful at times!
Very pretty wreath Jane, your all ready for next Christmas! I love picking up Christmas decor after Christmas when it's marked down 50 & 60% sometimes even more! Your so lucky to have such a good helper! Glad to hear the hubby is on the mend.
I agree with you about the price of some things right at Christmas time. There were several things we couldn't find this year...after the move. Our front door wreath was one of the things missing. So I took off to buy one at Hobby Lobby and they were $150!! Really? No. Not me. So I made one with live greenery and let me tell you by Christmas it was D E A D. My husband joked that we needed to put a no smoking sign on the front porch to keep the wreath from flaming up.
After Christmas I bought a bunch of ornaments to make one of those ornament wreaths. :) They were $1.50 per box of ornaments. Great deal.
Hope your husband continues to improve day by day.
You got a lot done, Jane. Your wreath turned out really cute. It's good that your daughter is a planner. I could start planning today for December 2013 and because I am such a procrastinator, still would be behind. Glad your hubby is getting his groove back. xo
Blondie, I loved this post. So real. That is good news about your husband being well enough to return to work. What a trooper. I laughed about your daughter being the planner.I have one of those myself.xoxo,Susie
What a cute wreath, Jane! I so agree with you, so many things are way too overpriced, especially when you see how cheap they are when they go on clearance! And the stores are still making a profit! That's why I love thrifting, and making as much as I can. Oh, and shopping the sales, like you! Glad your hubby is feeling better! Have a great night:)
I am very impressed with your wreath! I am hardly ever in the mood to shop the after-Christmas sales, but I really should make myself. That's the time to get a bargain!!
Your daughter sounds like such a sweetheart. So helpful!
I love your wreath also and could tell by the photo that it is very cute! You are so right about holiday pricing, and I won't even go there with my thoughts on the subject. :)
I'm so glad your husband is back to work at his own pace and staying as active as he can. What's good for the mind is good for the body.
Well, aren't you crafty? Now you'll be all set for next year. Oh my goodness, wreaths are sooo expensive, aren't they? I wanted to get on for my front door, but didn't want to fork over that much money for something that would only last about a month.
I can totally relate to your daughter being a planner, I feel like I'm the same way...if everyone doesn't get in my way. LOL :)
I'm glad to hear your husband is doing well. Hope you have a good week. xo
Hi Jane, I liked your wreath that you made and enjoyed catching up with your blog. I have been going in so many different directions lately I feel like I am on a merry go round and can't get off. I go to the doctor's tomorrow to see what they will do about my knee. My daughter will take me. It does seem strange when there is no one in the house except me. It is quiet other then maybe the radio or tv on because I can't stand a completely quiet house. I am glad your hubby is improving. I enjoyed your pictures very much. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.
I love your wreath, Jane- even if you have banished it until next year. I am glad you had your daughter to help. I had my son here to help me for the first time in many years. It was nice to have the help. It is really kind of bittersweet when the kids have their own homes and aren't at their usual place in the family anymore.
Glad hubby is doing okay. Just remind him to not overdo and get plenty of sleep. Stress is one of the biggest inhibitors of recovery. Blessings to you and your family- xo Diana
Such a great price for the wreath! I have seen SO many 50 - 70% off deals post holidays. I've purchased a couple things for next year but I feel (like many I imagine) a little "spent out" .. Glad you had help with your dismantling of Christmas. I would really struggle doing it on my own.
For the last two years The Great Dane has helped me to de-decorate, even if it only means that he stays in the room and chats with me while I do it - otherwise, I have done this lonely job alone for the other 38 Christmases. Your wreath is very pretty!
Love your wreath!Now you are all set for next year and did not paid those outrageous prices. I am glad you had help taking it all down. That is the part I dread every year. ;) Good to hear your husband is healing slowly but surely. Take care!
such a pretty wreath and at a great bargain too.. good for you Jane.
I agree about the being robbed thing:) I got a few after season items for next year and then stopped myself , thinking- am I really going to want to deal with dragging More stuff out, next time.
I hope your back gets better soon and that yours hubs continues to recovery nicely.
Such a cute wreath Jane! So glad Al is making progress and getting out too. I love your chatty posts, it's like we are sitting together and yakking away! Hugs dear friend, Cindy
You are so funny, Jane! I had to smile at your gluing the glue gun's cord to the counter. : ) Yeah, I know what that pulled muscle feels like. Hopefully, it will work itself out. Have you tried ICY/HOT on the area? My back was quite achy the day after I was up and down the attic stairs putting the bins back up there. I seriously have to consider my definition of "simple", so next year I really do go "simple"!
I had to have a little push to take my Christmas decorations down too:) I was just still enjoying the lights so much but it is all down now! Well, except for some snowpeople:) Enjoy your day dear friend, kick back and relax... you deserve it! HUGS!
ha ha...my wreath is VERY different from yours. I found a circle of barbwire out in the field, and thought ah ha.....a Wreath. So I put whatever seasonal thing needed to change it up. I guess you could say it "fits" this country life. I too HATE the way people mark up stuff....just cause they can.
sweet wreath, and i'm glad your husband is getting back to work:)
January 9, 2013 at 4:18 PM
Anonymous said...
It is crazy how expensive some things are these days! Everyone at my house is back at work and school this week so I am trying to get the house back in order. It feels good but it is a lot of work! I love having some peace and quiet back too~it does wonders for my sanity!!
Your little wreath turned out so cute! I'm glad I'm not the only one who occasionally glues the glue gun cord to the counter!!!! LOL...I wish I had help to take all our Christmas decorations down....instead I did it while everyone was sleeping. *sigh* Happy New Year!!!! ~Des
Your wreath turned out pretty. I'm sure you'll look forward to using it next year. So sorry to hear that you pulled a muscle. I have been known to injure myself doing too much also. I forget that I'm not in the best shape these days. LOL!
You are so ahead of the game now that you have a wreath all ready for next Christmas! And what a lucky mom you are to have a daughter like Emily. Could you see one of your sons helping you out like that?! (I only say that because you know I'm only familiar with how boys operate.)
Good to hear that your hubby is back to work. Hope he's feeling better day by day.
Why is Jeff working from your home instead of his own? xoxo
I love waking up to a quiet house in the morning. The dogs sleeping, and hubby already off to work. Sounds like you have a house full of kids again!!! It's only a temporary thing tho...so enjoy it while you can. I agree with you about the prices attached to things. It's horrible! Then merchants wonder why they have to clearance merchandise out at the end of the season for below cost???? Enjoy the rest of the week, Jane! xxoo
You wreath is perfect and what fun to know how much you have to look forward to enjoying it next year. And how lucky that you have a planner! I'm the planner around here and I have no helpers. They seem to suddenly disappear when I need them. Your project makes me want to go out and make something clever for Valentine's Day. I only hope it will be clever enough to only cost me a couple of bucks. That's my goal! Back to reading now. I've designated this morning to blog reading since it's raining outside.
I was blessed to have my daughter take down ALL of my inside decorations! I was so happy...even though I'll probably grumble a little when it's time to take them back out!
Hi Jane, yes, Maureen of Daydream Living is the one and only in Dubai. She's a hoot! I'm glad to hear your husband continues to improve after his surgery. I wish I had some of your daughter's planning and organizing gene -- it seems the older I get, the less and less I'm able to keep things in order. :) Have a fabulous Friday! Tammy
Love, love the wreath and I hate it when my camera dies too! Phone pics are just not the same, but these came out just fine. Sounds like you have a full house!:-). Happy to hear that your hubby is on the mend and that he's taking it easy too. The after Christmas sales are the best!! Happy late New Year btw. XX
You're funny...refuse to be the old lady with artificial tree on the table. Ah ha ha. I bet your husband is happy to get back into the routine of things even if it's not full time. I can't imagine sleeping until 9 and waking up to an empty house. Sounds like heaven on earth!! Enjoy! Karen
Good for you, making your own wreath! Hope you and your hubby are feeling your best soon! :) Susan
January 11, 2013 at 4:42 PM
Anonymous said...
Sadly, I am becoming one of those old ladies who says "it's becoming too much for me anymore." :) Oh how I wish I could sleep until 9am....lol...maybe it has something to do with the fact that I fall asleep at 9 pm on the sofa at night. Have a gorgeous weekend Jane.
I live the wreath. As soon as I saw it I thought of our clearance picks at Michael's. Taking that Christmas stuff down and putting it away is hard work. I swear, I was on my sofa the whole next day recooping. ( did I spell that right). Everything is to expensive now days. You should plant some little pine trees... that what we did. Now I have all of the Christmas greens I want! Have a great weekend.
Hi Jane! I too have a difficult time taking down Christmas. It's always been struggle for me. My girlfriend and I always joke and say that there should be a person that has a "take down Christmas" cottage industry business out there in the world!
I will always have a live tree. There may be day when it will shrink from a 7 footer to a table top.
This year we did something a bit different. Because of all of the health issues with Mom, and the arrival of Bennett on the weekend that we normally drive out to the valley and cut our tree, we decided to buy our tree, freshly cut from our produce guy! He sold us our 7 foot noble fir and 30 feet of cedar garland for 70.00. The tree farms are fun, but so very overpriced. Last year we paid 150.00 for a tree, a wreath, and the cedar garland. YIKES! Instead of buying a wreath, I tucked some trimmings from the cedar garland into our preserved boxwood wreath on the front door. It was a perfect winter touch!
Your bargain wreath turned out darling!
I LIVED on Ibuprofen as I decorated for and dismantled Christmas. I may not accept the fact that I am 60 mentally...but the aches (when I overdue) are not so gentle reminder! LOL
So happy to hear that The Husband is healing and easing back into his work routine!
I hope that your muscle pain is gone by now! ~Lynne w/L.
You did a great job on the wreath! My daughter and I both have to have artificial trees due to allergies and this year something on my tree affected me adversely. Even though it has lights on it, I added some extras ~ poinsettias with red bulbs in the center ~ and a friend mentioned that she had a reaction to extra lights. I guess China is trying to kill us in more ways than one. :) Each time I see poinsettias, it reminds me of my mother. She loved, loved the holidays and this particular flower. We always took her the plants when she became unable to do so herself.
You did a great job on the wreath! My daughter and I both have to have artificial trees due to allergies and this year something on my tree affected me adversely. Even though it has lights on it, I added some extras ~ poinsettias with red bulbs in the center ~ and a friend mentioned that she had a reaction to extra lights. I guess China is trying to kill us in more ways than one. :) Each time I see poinsettias, it reminds me of my mother. She loved, loved the holidays and this particular flower. We always took her the plants when she became unable to do so herself.
Love your wreath! Send your darling daughter to Idaho to share some of her energy and enthusiasm with me. How lucky you are to have her. Glad that your hubby is doing so well. Take care dear friend.
Hey I have an artificial tree on the table! Mainly because the cats would devour a real tree. I am getting used to my little tree even though I dream of having a real tree again!
So proud of you and your wreath!! I knew you could do it. Glue guns.....they can definitely be a pain in the you-know-what! Trust me, I've glued my cord several times along with fingers & thumbs. Happy belated holidays to you & your family.
Good for you - that wreath is just lovely! Now you'll have one and won't have to pay the ridiculous jacked-up prices out there around Christmas time. I think you're right about being robbed. Of course, if we all refused to pay those prices, they would go down. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening! Your house sounds like it's happily full of loved ones!
You'll be so happy for your cute wreath when you open your boxes next year to decorate for Christmas. I missed having my daughter home to help me take all the Christmas decor down, first time and probably not the last. Mary Alice
Your wreath is just beautiful Jane! I can't believe that you were actually able to box it right up and say goodbye to it until next year! What a girl!!!
Your daughter is such a sweetheart to prod you and nag you and help you get all the decorations down! I wonder why we are all so excited to get them up and have so much fun doing but then taking them down makes us groan. It took forever to get mine down this year too. You sound like me, as far as shopping the sales for Christmas decor. Most of mine has been online, but wow, there have been some good buys haven't there?
Your message meant so much to me Jane and I thank you for making my whole day! I am happy to hear that your man is doing a little better...and as far as you go, I hope your neck pain is gone. I did that last year twice with my neck and had to go on some muscle relaxers and rest. It was awful. I sure hope you are better by now though!!! sending hugs...
I love the wreath you made! And I know what a daunting task it is to take Christmas all down! I didn't go ALL out this year,but still it's hard to take down! Glad I found your blog and thank you for stopping by mine :) Kristi
I agree with you when it comes to inflated prices on some things! I was lucky enough to but local wreaths this year as I buy 2 for the front windows. I used to support a local cadet troop but even theirs were getting pricey! Love you wreath and isn't it so much more fun putting it out than it is packing it back up. I just got party of the house put back to normal yesterday but the living room still looks like we just moved in. Hope you had a great weekend! xo
Hi Jane - Thanks for visiting and leaving such a nice comment about my 'Winter Mantel'. Your wreath turned out lovely and it's nice that it is ready to go for next year. I have become your newest follower and look forward to seeing what you come up with for you mantel. Have a Nice Day ~ Suzanne
Hi Jane! I hear you on those holiday prices - eeeek! It is highway robbery. I ended up sticking some live tree branches into a faux green wreath I already had for the dining room. I refused to buy another pricey live wreath! What a sweet daughter to help you with the un-decorating. :) Glad to hear your husband is on the mend.
Hello, Dear! Glad you had help...I have one of those Planners, as well ~ love him! Off to college next year so I'll have to do it myself! ♥ I've come to your blog from the blog of one of my sweet commenters ~ you know how that goes ~ :) ~ Now following you! So nice to "meet" you! Hugs, Anne
Hi Jane, I loved reading all of you heartfelt thoughts in this post. So glad you friend has been there to help you. I was glad to hear that hubby is doing better.
I agree about product pricing, truly so much of a markup! It is just wrong! We will just keep looking for those bargains!
Happy New Year to you....your wreath is adorable. I put out a new one for the new year too. xoxox
January 14, 2013 at 10:30 PM
Anonymous said...
I guess I've turned into that little old lady (ha-haaa), as I prefer a little tree. But at least it was a real one! And I'm with you - why pay the full or overinflated price? I've been making a few new Christmas crafts every year, and saving like crazy. Just look at what you saved with your wreath!!! :) Hugs, Zuzu
Hi Jane, Your wreath is great and you can't beat the price! I need to think of the empty house like you do, peaceful. I'm missing my daughter after having had her here for almost a month! But I do have more time to paint. I'm glad to hear your hubby's surgery went well and he's on the mends now, Take care, Jennifer
Sometimes a full house can seem like too much going on. But I can say that I'd rather have the chaos than the quiet. When they are grown up and have moved out you wish more than anything that they were little again and living at home. You are right, that the prices on some things are ridiculous. Better to make what you can yourself, and save your pennies for the things you can't. Hope you are feeling all better now.
January 15, 2013 at 12:52 PM
[Image]First of all, I have to apologize that I had to take all the pictures for this post with my phone camera. The battery on my camera needed recharging, I couldn't find my smaller camera I keep in my purse and I even had to charge my phone for awhile. Nothing comes easy for me! Anyway, I started a little project today and was quite proud of myself considering I am sorely lacking the creative gene. And, I was on a mission. When we bought our Christmas tree at the nursery in early December, I was appalled at the prices of live wreaths. I dug my heels in and refused to buy one. I then perused catalogs and the internet and couldn't find anything artificial that I liked. So, we were wreathless this past Christmas. I began to toy with the idea of making my own and I had this old grapevine wreath with yellow flowers on it that had seen better days so I dismantled it. I picked up some decorative picks at Michael's and this is what I made...
[Image]I'm so sorry about the quality of the pictures...it did turn out cute though. I just poked the picks in and glue gunned them (I also glued the cord of the glue gun to the counter!). And I used a long strip of the endless supply I have of bleached burlap to make a tie for it to hang. When Emily and I were foraging through the clearance bins at Michael's (the picks were .25 cents a piece. I Made this wreath for about $2.00), she looked at my little pile and said, "Do you even have a plan???" I kept smiling but inside I was like, do I need a plan? Am I supposed to have a plan?? Meanwhile, Emily (The Planner) was going through the bins. Let me add that this girl of mine is not married yet, has no house yet, but she has two Christmas trees planned for this year. One traditional and one done in silver and gold. Yep, she's a planner. She has a huge plastic bin with ornaments and decorations that she has been collecting, for which I am grateful because she was hungrily eying some of my things this Christmas. And I just can't say no to her. So...I made my wreath this morning and kissed it goodbye until next year.
[Image]This is the last of it. Saturday night when I was snuggled in bed with a book, The Planner popped in my room and said, "Let's take Christmas down, I'll help." I honestly tried to worm my way out of it. Even though the tree was so dead, the ornaments were dropping on the floor, and I had brought all the empty boxes upstairs days before, I had "plans" to just chill all night. And I was willing to turn down help! But she won and I took the ornaments off the tree while she wrapped and boxed up the decorations. She swept and vacuumed while I carried the boxes and bins downstairs. And then I woke up Sunday morning with a pulled muscle in my neck and left shoulder. Only me! I've been living on Tylenol and trying not to turn my head suddenly. But you know, I am sucking it up because next year Emily will have her own home and she won't be here to help me put it up and take it down. I won't have her enthusiasm getting me off my bum and motivating me. I refuse to be an old lady that says, "This is getting to be too much for me!", and end up with an artificial tree on a table. Wake up call, Jane!
[Image]I think we are being robbed. All of us. While I love a good deal and love to brag about it more, I was appalled to find these amaryllis bulbs marked down to $2.50 at my grocery store from, $19.99. And there was a live wreath at the front of the store for $1.50. Of course I have hit a lot of online holiday clearance sales and I'm working my way through the white sales at a steady pace, but why are we paying so much for things in season to begin with? I guess I could go on to a long tirade about this but I won't. This is going to be a positive, glass half full year for me. I just feel bad for people (like me) that had to go through the holidays without a wreath because people are making a ton of money off of Mother Nature. And I applaud all of you Do It Yourself ladies out there that learned this lesson a long time ago.
Day 8 of the New Year. The Husband started back at work yesterday, just a few days a week and only 4 hours at a time. He is also parking in the garage in his building so he won't have that long walk. He's still very sore from the surgery but soldiers on and only takes a pain pill if he is too uncomfortable to sleep. Abby has one more week off school, Emily has 3 days off from work per week as she works some 12 hour days, Kevin is off work since the golf season ended and Jeff, who works from home, now works from my home, my coffee table is his desk and I run the cafeteria. Today I woke up at nine and the house was incredibly quiet. I thought they had all gone out to breakfast without me again. Nope, just no one here but me and the dogs and strangely, the TV wasn't blaring. I blogged through a pot of coffee and got used to what real peace and quiet is all about! lol! It didn't last long but it was quite fun while it did! :)
I'm joining Claudia from Mockingbird Hill Cottage for Favorite Things Saturday.
posted by Blondie's Journal at 5:31 PM on Jan 8, 2013
"FIRST PROJECT OF THE YEAR & SOME MUSINGS"
78 Comments -
Hi Janie! Oh, your little wreath is adorable! How nice to have someone to help take down Christmas, even if she did have to prod you! :) All my Christmasing is still up as my little grand daughter just left today and to take things down while she was here would have been impossible. Happy New Year and wishing us many wonderful days of blogging ahead!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
January 8, 2013 at 5:45 PM
your wreath is beautiful, what a sweetheart t help you so much, you will miss her! I'm so glad your husband is feeling better but I'm sorry to hear you pulled a muscle, thats no fun at all! I agree that the prices are such a rip off before Christmas, if they can mark them down that much in January just how much profit are they making in December, its robbery!! I agree, take care, rest that neck,
January 8, 2013 at 5:50 PM
Well good for you making a bargain wreath this year and now you're all ready for next year! It looks really cute!!
I always go a little crazy at the after Christmas sales, but I love a good bargain. It's always fun the next Chrsitmas because I've forgotten what I've bought and I have all these fun new things to discover!
Glad your husband is able to get back to work a little bit. I really admire him.
January 8, 2013 at 5:52 PM
I like your wreath Jane! Now you won't have to pay those huge prices! Glad hubby is doing well. Hope you have a fab week. I think we are going to the lake house tomorrow. It's supposed to be about 80 degrees down there the end of this week. Beats the heck out of this 40 degree weather we have here.
Have a good week!
January 8, 2013 at 5:59 PM
Your really is pretty! You did a great job. See, you did it and now you're all set for next year.
January 8, 2013 at 6:01 PM
Evening Jane, Love your wreath, beautiful, I`ve always liked the grapevine wreaths......Nice to get help putting Christmas away and to sit and enjoy morning coffee in peace and quite...Feel bad for you pulling a muscle,ooch....Hope Hubby takes it easy and gets stronger each day......Blessings Francine.
January 8, 2013 at 6:05 PM
Your wreath turned out cute! Glad you had some help taking everything down, it's a big project. Hope you feel better Jane-take it easy:@)
January 8, 2013 at 6:12 PM
Good for you on making the wreath. I need to jazz up our wreath for next year. Sounds like life is busy at your place.........Sarah
January 8, 2013 at 6:27 PM
The wreath is so pretty!
I love after Christmas sales!
January 8, 2013 at 6:28 PM
What a great wreath! You done good girl!
January 8, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Your wreath turned out so pretty Jane!... I love to save old things and make them new again, you did a fabulous job!... and I know what you mean about the prices and after~Christmas clearance... I'm sure they were still making money on the Amaryllis at the clearance price so they were really making a killing at $19.99!... sorry about your pulled muscle but glad you got so much accomplished... and so very glad hubby is doing well and back to work even!... Emily sounds like a doll... such a big help to you... always love catching up with your news, xoxo Julie Marie
January 8, 2013 at 6:36 PM
Hi Jane, your wreath is pretty and what a great price. Every year, I search for sales on holiday items and keep them for the following year. Yes I agree prices are astronomical during special holidays.
It was so great to help with your holiday decorations, too!
I am glad that your husband's health is improving.
Take care.
January 8, 2013 at 6:40 PM
The wreath is pretty Jane. Plant your bulb with some of it peeking out of the soil and enjoy. I love amaryllis blooms so much. I wonder if yours would make it in your winter ground like mine do? I have about twenty outside that bloom every summer between the two houses. xo, olive
January 8, 2013 at 6:51 PM
My tree is still up, I kept it up for Russian Christmas, now I have to take it down, wish I had help to do it?lol
Just think you will have a wreath for next year and you will be all set! Take care of your pulled muscle those can be so painful at times!
January 8, 2013 at 7:00 PM
Very pretty wreath Jane, your all ready for next Christmas! I love picking up Christmas decor after Christmas when it's marked down 50 & 60% sometimes even more! Your so lucky to have such a good helper! Glad to hear the hubby is on the mend.
January 8, 2013 at 7:07 PM
I agree with you about the price of some things right at Christmas time. There were several things we couldn't find this year...after the move. Our front door wreath was one of the things missing. So I took off to buy one at Hobby Lobby and they were $150!! Really? No. Not me. So I made one with live greenery and let me tell you by Christmas it was D E A D. My husband joked that we needed to put a no smoking sign on the front porch to keep the wreath from flaming up.
After Christmas I bought a bunch of ornaments to make one of those ornament wreaths. :) They were $1.50 per box of ornaments. Great deal.
Hope your husband continues to improve day by day.
January 8, 2013 at 7:12 PM
You got a lot done, Jane. Your wreath turned out really cute. It's good that your daughter is a planner. I could start planning today for December 2013 and because I am such a procrastinator, still would be behind. Glad your hubby is getting his groove back. xo
January 8, 2013 at 7:20 PM
Blondie, I loved this post. So real. That is good news about your husband being well enough to return to work. What a trooper. I laughed about your daughter being the planner.I have one of those myself.xoxo,Susie
January 8, 2013 at 7:20 PM
What a cute wreath, Jane! I so agree with you, so many things are way too overpriced, especially when you see how cheap they are when they go on clearance! And the stores are still making a profit! That's why I love thrifting, and making as much as I can. Oh, and shopping the sales, like you! Glad your hubby is feeling better! Have a great night:)
January 8, 2013 at 7:21 PM
I am very impressed with your wreath! I am hardly ever in the mood to shop the after-Christmas sales, but I really should make myself. That's the time to get a bargain!!
Your daughter sounds like such a sweetheart. So helpful!
Hope your neck is better :)
January 8, 2013 at 7:23 PM
I love your wreath also and could tell by the photo that it is very cute! You are so right about holiday pricing, and I won't even go there with my thoughts on the subject. :)
I'm so glad your husband is back to work at his own pace and staying as active as he can. What's good for the mind is good for the body.
Hugs, Marla
January 8, 2013 at 7:24 PM
I like not having a plan - those projects usually turn out better for me. Hope your week is going well :-)
January 8, 2013 at 7:28 PM
Well, aren't you crafty? Now you'll be all set for next year. Oh my goodness, wreaths are sooo expensive, aren't they? I wanted to get on for my front door, but didn't want to fork over that much money for something that would only last about a month.
I can totally relate to your daughter being a planner, I feel like I'm the same way...if everyone doesn't get in my way. LOL :)
I'm glad to hear your husband is doing well. Hope you have a good week. xo
January 8, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Hi Jane, I liked your wreath that you made and enjoyed catching up with your blog. I have been going in so many different directions lately I feel like I am on a merry go round and can't get off. I go to the doctor's tomorrow to see what they will do about my knee. My daughter will take me. It does seem strange when there is no one in the house except me. It is quiet other then maybe the radio or tv on because I can't stand a completely quiet house. I am glad your hubby is improving. I enjoyed your pictures very much. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.
January 8, 2013 at 9:41 PM
I love your wreath, Jane- even if you have banished it until next year. I am glad you had your daughter to help. I had my son here to help me for the first time in many years. It was nice to have the help. It is really kind of bittersweet when the kids have their own homes and aren't at their usual place in the family anymore.
Glad hubby is doing okay. Just remind him to not overdo and get plenty of sleep. Stress is one of the biggest inhibitors of recovery. Blessings to you and your family- xo Diana
January 8, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Such a great price for the wreath! I have seen SO many 50 - 70% off deals post holidays. I've purchased a couple things for next year but I feel (like many I imagine) a little "spent out" .. Glad you had help with your dismantling of Christmas. I would really struggle doing it on my own.
leslie
January 8, 2013 at 10:19 PM
For the last two years The Great Dane has helped me to de-decorate, even if it only means that he stays in the room and chats with me while I do it - otherwise, I have done this lonely job alone for the other 38 Christmases.
Your wreath is very pretty!
January 8, 2013 at 11:01 PM
I love it !! enjoy the week darling...love Ria...xxx...
January 9, 2013 at 3:02 AM
Love your wreath!Now you are all set for next year and did not paid those outrageous prices. I am glad you had help taking it all down. That is the part I dread every year. ;) Good to hear your husband is healing slowly but surely. Take care!
January 9, 2013 at 6:35 AM
such a pretty wreath and at a great bargain too.. good for you Jane.
I agree about the being robbed thing:)
I got a few after season items for next year and then stopped myself , thinking- am I really going to want to deal with dragging More stuff out, next time.
I hope your back gets better soon and that yours hubs continues to recovery nicely.
January 9, 2013 at 6:37 AM
Such a cute wreath Jane!
So glad Al is making progress and getting out too.
I love your chatty posts, it's like we are sitting together and yakking away!
Hugs dear friend,
Cindy
January 9, 2013 at 7:17 AM
You are so funny, Jane! I had to smile at your gluing the glue gun's cord to the counter. : ) Yeah, I know what that pulled muscle feels like. Hopefully, it will work itself out. Have you tried ICY/HOT on the area? My back was quite achy the day after I was up and down the attic stairs putting the bins back up there. I seriously have to consider my definition of "simple", so next year I really do go "simple"!
January 9, 2013 at 7:18 AM
I had to have a little push to take my Christmas decorations down too:) I was just still enjoying the lights so much but it is all down now! Well, except for some snowpeople:) Enjoy your day dear friend, kick back and relax... you deserve it! HUGS!
January 9, 2013 at 7:19 AM
Glad to hear your husband is recovering and able to start getting back to his daily life...
Warmth on the neck is what always helps me, done that several times. Yuck.
January 9, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Thanks for peeking in Jane! I loved hearing about your darling girl! I'd love to have a volunteer! Hope your neck is better! Happy New Year!
January 9, 2013 at 12:33 PM
ha ha...my wreath is VERY different from yours. I found a circle of barbwire out in the field, and thought ah ha.....a Wreath.
So I put whatever seasonal thing needed to change it up.
I guess you could say it "fits" this country life.
I too HATE the way people mark up stuff....just cause they can.
January 9, 2013 at 2:52 PM
sweet wreath, and i'm glad your husband is getting back to work:)
January 9, 2013 at 4:18 PM
It is crazy how expensive some things are these days! Everyone at my house is back at work and school this week so I am trying to get the house back in order. It feels good but it is a lot of work! I love having some peace and quiet back too~it does wonders for my sanity!!
January 9, 2013 at 5:35 PM
Your little wreath turned out so cute! I'm glad I'm not the only one who occasionally glues the glue gun cord to the counter!!!! LOL...I wish I had help to take all our Christmas decorations down....instead I did it while everyone was sleeping. *sigh*
Happy New Year!!!!
~Des
January 9, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Your wreath turned out pretty. I'm sure you'll look forward to using it next year. So sorry to hear that you pulled a muscle. I have been known to injure myself doing too much also. I forget that I'm not in the best shape these days. LOL!
January 9, 2013 at 6:42 PM
You are so ahead of the game now that you have a wreath all ready for next Christmas! And what a lucky mom you are to have a daughter like Emily. Could you see one of your sons helping you out like that?! (I only say that because you know I'm only familiar with how boys operate.)
Good to hear that your hubby is back to work. Hope he's feeling better day by day.
Why is Jeff working from your home instead of his own? xoxo
January 9, 2013 at 8:56 PM
Lovely wreath! It would have been hard to get out of a warm bed and take down Christmas directions....and then to hurt your neck? Boo!
January 9, 2013 at 10:06 PM
I love waking up to a quiet house in the morning. The dogs sleeping, and hubby already off to work.
Sounds like you have a house full of kids again!!! It's only a temporary thing tho...so enjoy it while you can.
I agree with you about the prices attached to things. It's horrible! Then merchants wonder why they have to clearance merchandise out at the end of the season for below cost????
Enjoy the rest of the week, Jane!
xxoo
January 10, 2013 at 8:23 AM
You wreath is perfect and what fun to know how much you have to look forward to enjoying it next year. And how lucky that you have a planner! I'm the planner around here and I have no helpers. They seem to suddenly disappear when I need them. Your project makes me want to go out and make something clever for Valentine's Day. I only hope it will be clever enough to only cost me a couple of bucks. That's my goal! Back to reading now. I've designated this morning to blog reading since it's raining outside.
January 10, 2013 at 11:04 AM
My goodness, you are on a roll. Why is it we have so much energy the first of each year? I don't know about you but mine doesn't last all year.
January 10, 2013 at 12:54 PM
I was blessed to have my daughter take down ALL of my inside decorations! I was so happy...even though I'll probably grumble a little when it's time to take them back out!
January 10, 2013 at 2:38 PM
I love what you have done with the wreath...you my dear are a creative person.
Ah a pain in the neck isn't fun, hope that goes away soon.
Aren't the Amaryillis even more beautiful when they are cheaper?
Jen
January 10, 2013 at 9:38 PM
Hi Jane, yes, Maureen of Daydream Living is the one and only in Dubai. She's a hoot! I'm glad to hear your husband continues to improve after his surgery. I wish I had some of your daughter's planning and organizing gene -- it seems the older I get, the less and less I'm able to keep things in order. :) Have a fabulous Friday! Tammy
January 10, 2013 at 11:48 PM
Love, love the wreath and I hate it when my camera dies too! Phone pics are just not the same, but these came out just fine. Sounds like you have a full house!:-). Happy to hear that your hubby is on the mend and that he's taking it easy too. The after Christmas sales are the best!! Happy late New Year btw. XX
January 11, 2013 at 2:48 PM
You're funny...refuse to be the old lady with artificial tree on the table. Ah ha ha. I bet your husband is happy to get back into the routine of things even if it's not full time. I can't imagine sleeping until 9 and waking up to an empty house. Sounds like heaven on earth!! Enjoy!
Karen
January 11, 2013 at 4:40 PM
Good for you, making your own wreath! Hope you and your hubby are feeling your best soon! :)
Susan
January 11, 2013 at 4:42 PM
Sadly, I am becoming one of those old ladies who says "it's becoming too much for me anymore." :) Oh how I wish I could sleep until 9am....lol...maybe it has something to do with the fact that I fall asleep at 9 pm on the sofa at night. Have a gorgeous weekend Jane.
January 11, 2013 at 7:05 PM
I live the wreath. As soon as I saw it I thought of our clearance picks at Michael's. Taking that Christmas stuff down and putting it away is hard work. I swear, I was on my sofa the whole next day recooping. ( did I spell that right). Everything is to expensive now days. You should plant some little pine trees... that what we did. Now I have all of the Christmas greens I want! Have a great weekend.
January 12, 2013 at 6:50 AM
Love. Dang this auto correct.
January 12, 2013 at 6:50 AM
Hi Jane!
I too have a difficult time taking down Christmas. It's always been struggle for me. My girlfriend and I always joke and say that there should be a person that has a "take down Christmas" cottage industry business out there in the world!
I will always have a live tree. There may be day when it will shrink from a 7 footer to a table top.
This year we did something a bit different. Because of all of the health issues with Mom, and the arrival of Bennett on the weekend that we normally drive out to the valley and cut our tree, we decided to buy our tree, freshly cut from our produce guy! He sold us our 7 foot noble fir and 30 feet of cedar garland for 70.00. The tree farms are fun, but so very overpriced. Last year we paid 150.00 for a tree, a wreath, and the cedar garland. YIKES! Instead of buying a wreath, I tucked some trimmings from the cedar garland into our preserved boxwood wreath on the front door. It was a perfect winter touch!
Your bargain wreath turned out darling!
I LIVED on Ibuprofen as I decorated for and dismantled Christmas. I may not accept the fact that I am 60 mentally...but the aches (when I overdue) are not so gentle reminder! LOL
So happy to hear that The Husband is healing and easing back into his work routine!
I hope that your muscle pain is gone by now!
~Lynne
w/L.
January 12, 2013 at 10:33 AM
You did a great job on the wreath! My daughter and I both have to have artificial trees due to allergies and this year something on my tree affected me adversely. Even though it has lights on it, I added some extras ~ poinsettias with red bulbs in the center ~ and a friend mentioned that she had a reaction to extra lights. I guess China is trying to kill us in more ways than one. :) Each time I see poinsettias, it reminds me of my mother. She loved, loved the holidays and this particular flower. We always took her the plants when she became unable to do so herself.
Enjoy each moment this year!
xo
Pat
January 12, 2013 at 4:52 PM
You did a great job on the wreath! My daughter and I both have to have artificial trees due to allergies and this year something on my tree affected me adversely. Even though it has lights on it, I added some extras ~ poinsettias with red bulbs in the center ~ and a friend mentioned that she had a reaction to extra lights. I guess China is trying to kill us in more ways than one. :) Each time I see poinsettias, it reminds me of my mother. She loved, loved the holidays and this particular flower. We always took her the plants when she became unable to do so herself.
Enjoy each moment this year!
xo
Pat
January 12, 2013 at 4:52 PM
Love your wreath! Send your darling daughter to Idaho to share some of her energy and enthusiasm with me. How lucky you are to have her. Glad that your hubby is doing so well. Take care dear friend.
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
January 12, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Hey I have an artificial tree on the table! Mainly because the cats would devour a real tree. I am getting used to my little tree even though I dream of having a real tree again!
January 12, 2013 at 7:27 PM
So proud of you and your wreath!! I knew you could do it. Glue guns.....they can definitely be a pain in the you-know-what! Trust me, I've glued my cord several times along with fingers & thumbs. Happy belated holidays to you & your family.
January 12, 2013 at 11:08 PM
Good for you - that wreath is just lovely! Now you'll have one and won't have to pay the ridiculous jacked-up prices out there around Christmas time. I think you're right about being robbed. Of course, if we all refused to pay those prices, they would go down. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening!
Your house sounds like it's happily full of loved ones!
Thanks so much for joining in this week!
xo
Claudia
January 13, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Yes, that is the first rule of Christmas de-decorating.... never ever ever refuse help even if it isn't on your time table!
Bliss
January 13, 2013 at 10:15 AM
I love your wreath...I, too, shop the sales for Christmas stuff.
Hope your weekend has been a good one.
xoxo
January 13, 2013 at 11:31 AM
You'll be so happy for your cute wreath when you open your boxes next year to decorate for Christmas. I missed having my daughter home to help me take all the Christmas decor down, first time and probably not the last.
Mary Alice
January 13, 2013 at 5:18 PM
Your wreath is just beautiful Jane! I can't believe that you were actually able to box it right up and say goodbye to it until next year! What a girl!!!
Your daughter is such a sweetheart to prod you and nag you and help you get all the decorations down! I wonder why we are all so excited to get them up and have so much fun doing but then taking them down makes us groan. It took forever to get mine down this year too.
You sound like me, as far as shopping the sales for Christmas decor. Most of mine has been online, but wow, there have been some good buys haven't there?
Your message meant so much to me Jane and I thank you for making my whole day! I am happy to hear that your man is doing a little better...and as far as you go, I hope your neck pain is gone. I did that last year twice with my neck and had to go on some muscle relaxers and rest. It was awful. I sure hope you are better by now though!!!
sending hugs...
January 13, 2013 at 5:30 PM
Cute wreath and what a bargain. Totally agree with you re pricing - ridiculous! Thanks for sharing, liz
January 13, 2013 at 7:11 PM
I love the wreath you made! And I know what a daunting task it is to take Christmas all down! I didn't go ALL out this year,but still it's hard to take down! Glad I found your blog and thank you for stopping by mine :)
Kristi
January 13, 2013 at 7:26 PM
I agree with you when it comes to inflated prices on some things! I was lucky enough to but local wreaths this year as I buy 2 for the front windows. I used to support a local cadet troop but even theirs were getting pricey! Love you wreath and isn't it so much more fun putting it out than it is packing it back up. I just got party of the house put back to normal yesterday but the living room still looks like we just moved in. Hope you had a great weekend! xo
January 13, 2013 at 7:42 PM
Jane,
Now you are one smart cookie getting that cute wreath all ready for next year. Glad to hear that your hubs is better and back to work.
Blessings,
Linda
January 13, 2013 at 11:54 PM
Hi Jane - Thanks for visiting and leaving such a nice comment about my 'Winter Mantel'. Your wreath turned out lovely and it's nice that it is ready to go for next year. I have become your newest follower and look forward to seeing what you come up with for you mantel. Have a Nice Day ~ Suzanne
January 14, 2013 at 7:15 AM
Hi darling, I love your wreath. I'm so glad to hear hubby is on the mend. It's tough when they're down.
hugs ~lynne ~
January 14, 2013 at 8:26 AM
Hi Jane! I hear you on those holiday prices - eeeek! It is highway robbery. I ended up sticking some live tree branches into a faux green wreath I already had for the dining room. I refused to buy another pricey live wreath!
What a sweet daughter to help you with the un-decorating. :)
Glad to hear your husband is on the mend.
January 14, 2013 at 8:38 AM
Hello, Dear! Glad you had help...I have one of those Planners, as well ~ love him! Off to college next year so I'll have to do it myself! ♥ I've come to your blog from the blog of one of my sweet commenters ~ you know how that goes ~ :) ~ Now following you!
So nice to "meet" you!
Hugs,
Anne
January 14, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Hi Jane, I loved reading all of you heartfelt thoughts in this post. So glad you friend has been there to help you. I was glad to hear that hubby is doing better.
I agree about product pricing, truly so much of a markup! It is just wrong! We will just keep looking for those bargains!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series
January 14, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Happy New Year to you....your wreath is adorable. I put out a new one for the new year too. xoxox
January 14, 2013 at 10:30 PM
I guess I've turned into that little old lady (ha-haaa), as I prefer a little tree. But at least it was a real one!
And I'm with you - why pay the full or overinflated price? I've been making a few new Christmas crafts every year, and saving like crazy.
Just look at what you saved with your wreath!!! :)
Hugs,
Zuzu
January 15, 2013 at 8:56 AM
Hi Jane,
Your wreath is great and you can't beat the price! I need to think of the empty house like you do, peaceful. I'm missing my daughter after having had her here for almost a month! But I do have more time to paint. I'm glad to hear your hubby's surgery went well and he's on the mends now, Take care,
Jennifer
January 15, 2013 at 12:20 PM
Sometimes a full house can seem like too much going on. But I can say that I'd rather have the chaos than the quiet. When they are grown up and have moved out you wish more than anything that they were little again and living at home.
You are right, that the prices on some things are ridiculous. Better to make what you can yourself, and save your pennies for the things you can't.
Hope you are feeling all better now.
January 15, 2013 at 12:52 PM