Tree #3 {the formal tree}

From the moment I saw a photo of a Christmas tree with all white and silver ornaments way back when, I knew I had to have one. Sure, it took awhile to make that dream a reality – but I finally have one and love it.

The Formal Tree


And of course, ornaments hanging in the windows:

Tree #4 {the family tree}

I'm multitasking this post, so aside from the tree – you can see a sneak peak of my Ikea chairs in their new home.

The Family Tree
I've always loved the idea of a family tree, so I am excited to start my own version of it – in black & white photos of course.


I had a difficult time finding photo-frame ornaments that weren't mega cutesy. My solution for the big, rectangular frames was to just buy a normal frame and hot glue ribbon to the back of it. Just make sure to find a frame that's light enough for the tree branch to support.

Tree #5 {the sweet tree}

Yes, I acquired another tree. Don't judge too much. :)

The Sweet Tree
I've always wanted a Christmas tree in my kitchen filled with peppermints and other candy and kitchen ornaments. This little guy definitely fits all my requirements.

The weather outside is frightful

But it's okay, because my dogs now have scarves!


Macintosh is sporting a Kansas scarf, and Chip is modeling a Kansas State one.

I got them from Bow Wow Wow. I first saw this vendor at Strutt With Your Mutt, and I've been hooked ever since. Technically, these are supposed to be one of their Christmas presents, but I've always been bad at that whole waiting thing.

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Bag Count 2010: 22

Operation Ikea

I knew Ikea was big, but I had no idea how large it actually was. It took Brent and me 2.5 hours to make it through the main floor, and even then I felt we were rushing at times.

For those who have never been to Ikea, say hello to the maze (and yes, Brent made fun of me for taking this picture):
While I spent time marveling over the amazing deals, Brent took fascination with the cart and its amazing spinning capability (which, once I was finally allowed to try, became a fan myself).

I had a fear that going to Ikea over Black Friday weekend would result in many out-of-stock items, but I'm happy to report we managed to get everything on our list, plus some impulse items and Christmas gifts.

Here's the loot we got for ourselves:


1. 4 Stockholm throw pillows for the man cave (for once we actually get big kid furniture down there).

2. I have no idea what I'm planning on doing with the Borrby lantern, but we thought it was fun, and for $7.99, why not.

3. Two Expedit inserts with 2 drawers for the kitchen.

4. I loved the look of this Smarta oven serving dish. It was definitely my favorite impulse buy.

5. One green Mjonas tealight for the family room.

6. Two Henriksdal Chairs for the dining room.

7. And the reason I wanted to go to Ikea in the first place, the Expedit shelf in white. I've been so impressed with how mine in the kitchen is holding up, that I wanted/needed another.

I have a happy husband

When our Blu-ray player arrived in the mail today, I knew what Brent would be doing.

It's amazing how fast he can move when he wants to. He switched out 2 DVD players in an hour, yet it somehow took a week for the living room Christmas tree to make the journey up from the basement.

Was this purchase anywhere near the top of my list? No. But since it's been on the top of Brent's list for awhile now – I decided Black Friday was the time to take advantage. My only requirement was Wi-Fi, because if we're doing Blu-ray, well, I want the entire experience.

When everything was all hooked up, and Brent had he first Blu-ray movie in (and was making the house shake with his choice in speaker volume), I must admit I was impressed with the picture. And this is saying a lot, because I could care less about whether I'm watching something in HD or not.

While I don't see us running out and buying 2 more to replace our other DVD players, I am happy to be catching up with the rest of the movie-watching enthusiasts.

November's books

Books read in November: 6
Books listened to in November: 3

Books:
65. "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #4)
66. "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #5)
67. "Crescendo" by Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush Hush #2)
68. "You Slay Me" by Katie MacAlister (Guardian #1)
69. "Fire Me Up" by Katie MacAlister (Guardian #2)
70. "Light My Fire" by Katie MacAlister (Guardian #3)

Audiobooks:
34. "Morrigan's Cross" by Nora Roberts (Circle Trilogy #!)
35. "Dreamland" by Sarah Dessen
36. "The Heretic Queen" by Michelle Moran


Favorite book of November: "You Slay Me" by Katie MacAlister
Hello, new guilty pleasure. This series is fun and definitely sexy – everything a paranormal romance should be!