Dec 15, 2011

The Change Up

We've now been homeowners for nearly a year!  Thankfully, we are finished with all of the renovations, but now it's time to decorate and settle in.  Our living room was designed for a family in the early 1950s (read: no television or cable).  Since we are the second owners, we had to install the cable in 2011!!!  How is that even possible?!  Anyway, we decided on a location based on our big TV, of course.  Here's how it's happening now...
It's easy to see that the front door opens directly into the chair!!  The TV sits on a 2' high pine stand and is usually tilted so I can see from my spot on the couch--nearest the wall.  The long, narrow room doesn't allow for the TV to go on the wall behind the couch because it is just too far away from everything.  Hence the reason it is now the "hallway" to the real hallway.

Even though we aren't exchanging gifts this year, we opted for a new living room instead.  Ok, that may be my plan... In reality, we are downsizing our TV--could it be?!  It won't be the center of the universe?!  Here is the plan for the new layout...

We have a narrow stretch of wall between the front door and the dining room.  The TV will go above the small cabinet, which may or may not stick around.  :)  And maybe the couch, too!  Now I'm crossing my fingers the wall mount and the Power Bridge are easy enough for Philip to figure out...  More to come later on that.

PS, http://mydeco.com/3d-planner/ is perfect for room layouts!!! 

Dec 13, 2011

For the Love of Photo Cards

So this year I made a spot on my pantry door to display all of my darling Christmas photo cards. I adore receiving these cards, and I especially enjoy getting new ideas for future cards. One ribbon was not enough, so today I added a second.




I love the artsy and sweet variety,


the ones featuring the newborns or grandchildren,


and also the soon-to-be newly weds!


We didn't start sending cards until we were married, and our first card is still my favorite.
Last year's was sweet and charming.


This year's was pretty silly, and one little girl even commented that she couldn't believe we had a pet dolphin!!

Next year I'll be more prepared, thanks to Pinterest.


Where do you get your Christmas card inspiration?