A White Christmas

It was been a whirlwind around here. The last couple of weeks are a blur in my mind. We made a mad dash home from St. Louis of Christmas Eve in hopes of beating the winter storm heading our way. Lucky for us we made it just in time. Poor Mister R. drove through the night to make sure we got home safe and sound. I tired to stay awake but.. if you know me at all, you know that I live to sleep especially in the car. We slept in on Christmas morning, exchanged gifts, and enjoyed an old fashion breakfast just the two of us.  It was lovely and everything I had dreamed. Then we quickly got ready for lunch at the in-laws. The winter weather was coming our way quicker than expected. We made it to Hot Springs, visited, ate lunch, exchanged gifts and then headed home. We cut the trip short due to the sleet and freezing rain. On the way out the Village, Mister R and his brother helped a little old lady that had gotten her car stuck. (Very chivalrous men ) We made it home in time to enjoy a nice Christmas movie and nap. By this time the snow had started and did not let up. 

We ended up with 8-12 inches on the ground and losing our power for 4 days. I am a super whiney, after day 2 of no power, I head to my parents home. They were so kind and took me in. Have I mentioned that I have the best parents? Mister R. stayed at the house and held the fort down and practiced his survival skills.  Needless to say we had a very remember-able White Christmas.

Curtains: Before and After

 I have been looking for curtains for our living room since we have moved in. I have a hard time spending a fortune on window treatments, hence why we have none. After my morning run a couple of Sunday's ago, I stopped by Target and stumbled upon these awesome finds. Neutral curtains with a print. Best part of the deal is they were on super sale! Score!!

I went right to work. Rounded up all my tools and needed materials. Measured for the curtain rod and started using my power tools (really Mister R.'s drill) Look out world; lady on a mission. 

The new curtains soften the room and frame the window nicely. No complaints here. Even Mister R. noticed (he is not the most observant man) the new digs. Hooray for finished projects!

Lighting Update

When Mister R. and I purchased our home, I knew that I wanted to replace all the light fixtures. Here is the before lighting in our dining room. Once again 1990's called and the want their brass light fixture back.

My mother graciously offered to let me use this vintage chandelier that had been living in her attic. She had rescued it from being destroyed many years ago. My childhood church had purchased a older home that would be torn down for a church expansion. Pam (my mom) bid/ made a donation to the church in exchanged for 2 chandeliers. Lucky for me that she had stored them all these years and never hung them in her home.

It took some effort to get the beaut hung. I had to replace a few light bulbs, clean off the cob webs, and get rid of the caked on dirt. Most importantly I had to convince Mister R. that I desperately needed him to install this beauty immediately if not sooner. I am patient to an extent but when I have a vision, I want my vision to come to life right then and now. Waiting is not my strong point. 

 

 The vintage chandelier is perfect for our dining room. The crystals provide a softness and airiness that help balance the hard angles of the table. My style is very eclectic; so I really enjoy pairing unexpected items together. Remember that changing lighting is an inexpensive way to make a big impact in any room.  

Happy Fall Ya'll!!

If you are anything like me you were counting down the days until fall arrives. With the blustering heat this summer, fall could not come fast enough for me. I love everything about fall: football, chili, snuggling up with a blanket, beautiful foliage, and an excuse to drink hot chocolate and pumpkin spice lattes. I started putting pumpkins around our house September 1st. (can you say over eager?) Here are a few of pictures to show my fall spirit.

 Pumpkins make me happy.. love all the different shapes, sizes, and styles. I enjoy them all.

pintrest project.. dryer hose and pumpkin

Moving on the the dining room.. Its probably my favorite spot these days because its one of the only rooms that is complete. Everything in our house is a work in progress. Here is my fall table-scape. 

I wanted it to be interesting from every angle. I used fresh gourds, mason jars, natural elements, mix matched plates, bowls, candles, and candle holders. The table is defiantly busy but I love everything that's happening. Go shopping at home and mix and match what you have in your cabinets and closets. You will be pleasantly surprised with how it turns out.
We have started to have a few cooler fall temps and the leaves are finally changing around our house. Yay!! I have made two new recipes that have involved pumpkin!! I pretend that anything with Pumpkin is semi healthy. I made pumpkin pie fruit dip.. Can you say amazeballs? It was delicious... I would highly recommend it for a easy dessert or party food. 

 Pumpkin Pie Dip
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 12 • Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 102.9 • Fat: 0.1g • Protein: 1.8 g • Carb: 27.7 g • Fiber: 0.9 g

• 15 oz can pumpkin
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
• 6 oz fat free Greek yogurt (I used Chiobani)
• 8 oz cool whip free
• cut up apples to dip (extra points)

Mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla and spices, blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in cool whip and chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.
Makes about 6 cups.