2010 Christmas mantel...working with what I have!

Every year I say I'm going to do all white candles on the mantel. Maybe throw in some silver and glass. But one things leads to another and I end up with just the sad garland. I really didn't want to spend the money this year on extra Christmas decor, so I just used what I had. Took the apothecary jars off the sofa table. Left the shells in, just to mix it up a bit. Took the balls from a tragic Christmas ball wreath I made last season. Dug out some mason jars, votives, and no..I didn't have Epsom salt laying around. So, a quick trip to the store was needed.
I don't feel completely "done" with it. But, I know I'll never get around to doing anything else. So, it'll have to do.

Gettin' our decorating on!

And now that I've finally worked out some of the glitches on this blog, I'm going to once AGAIN..try to get back here and update more often.
Wanted to start it off with a few pics of our holiday decorating.

 This was Kyle's year to do the angel.

 Wish I knew what the little guy was laughing about.

 Taking a break for some popcorn and juice (and a little football on the tube)

 Yes, I know I have a few here in short sleeves, and one completely sleeveless. It's bitter cold outside, but the inside is pretty toasty.

Our pretty little tree in all it's glory.

mini make over...DONE!

Ok, not really. But...we're burned out!!! Yes, we have some touch up painting to do where the old molding was. Yes, we have under cabinet lighting to install, and a light rail molding to put up. New dish washer to purchase and install. And a couple other little custom touches I wanted to do.

All in all, we're pleased. How I'd love to change out the floor and get all new stainless steel appliances. But, who are we kidding? We don't want to invest THAT much into this little, cookie cutter kitchen. Just to be rid of the horrid honey oak makes me happy!

and a pic of the beadboard dh added behind the bar

Small break down in what changes we've made
New counter tops about 1.5 yrs ago.
David put in subway tile backsplash last yr.
Had the four doors over dishwasher routed out, and added glass (my fav in the whole kitchen)
Beefed up the molding (oh wait, maybe that's my favorite? lol) We were inspired by Layla and Kevin's kitchen over at The Lettered Cottage. http://www.theletteredcottage.net/ Kevin gave a great tutorial, and we just had to try it!
Threw some beadboard behind bar, and on the ends of cab.
New knobs and drawer pulls.
Oh, and paint!! We did the cabinet frames ourselves, but hired out the doors and drawers. We opted for Ben Moore White Dove on top, and Ben Moore Baby Fawn on the bottom. Can you tell the difference? Yea, me either!  In person you can. It's warmer. Goes well with counter, and the floor. But, not the look I was REALLY after. I think we'll go ahead and re shoot those doors a darker color in the near future. For now..have I mentioned..we're done!!?