radiator curtains (as opposed to cabinets)

Last December, my living-room looked like this. 

Then for a while it looked like this, after I stencilled the walls.

As a trial for my Impossibilities Challenge, I put up two floating shelves, one on each side.

In May, the old geezer finally put up the other two shelves over the radiators for me. 

(We don't like to hurry things around here !)

I had visions of building radiator cabinets underneath the shelves,

but the wood has warped, so we are going to see what happens when we

put the rads on, in the winter.

For now I have made burlap curtains !

They are a bit more see-through than I would have liked, but I could line them I guess.

I am not quite sure why I can't take a straight photo, I rarely drink alcohol. 

I think my house is wonky !

With stuff on the mantle as well, it's looking rather overcrowded in the photos, but 

sitting here, it all looks lovely to me. A minimalist I am not.

I finally have the perfect place for my lightbulb light. The cord tucks down the back.

I haven't caulked the shelves in case they do warp.

I rescued the basket from the garden.

Driftwood from the beach.

I really liked my beachy mantle, so when I removed it, I put some things under this large cloche.

I still have a beast of a tv (it's looking hopeful, that we may soon get a replacement)

and

I love the fact that in the next holiday season, I now have loads of places to display

 more shit stuff.

linking up with

Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm

Cowgirl Up @ The Farmhouse Porch

Knick of Time Tuesdays @ Knick of Time

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays @ {Primp}
All Star Block Party @ Full Circle Creations

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Pot Pourri Friday @ 2805

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Sunday's Best @ My 1929 Charmer

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under The Table and Dreaming

 

 

christmas house tour 2011

I know some of you may have seen all of this before, but the projects I've

been working on today aren't ready, so I'm doing a little house tour !

I had fun trying out THREE mantles here but opted to go back to the original one because it ties in with the decor on the Christmas tree, and because I'm a sentimentalist. These little decs have been with me for ages and maybe they are too tacky or twee, but I love them !

I really liked my mantle with 'a little bit of bling', so I moved it onto the sideboard in the dining room.

 

I added this large cloche, that wouldn't have fitted on my mantle.

And also this storm lantern with shells, which is from our bedroom.

The hall.

My old wreath with a quick makeover ( Yes I know - the front door really needs painting !)

I did put up a little 'garland' in my kitchen yesterday.

One packet of ikea biscuits (I couldn't believe there was actually ten inside, for £1.00 !!!).

Some little ribbons and a bit of string !

The kitchen smells great ( my old geezer has already eaten the other packet I bought, as they smelled so good).

And finally - my favourite Santa, candles, a tea light holder and my grandmother's mini Christmas tree.

The garlands !?! Well I still have a few days yet, and also there is the dining table to do.

(I'm still hoping I'll have time to paint it first !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Here's wishing everyone who sees this a very Merry Christmas x

linking up with

theinspiredroom.net

and

www.thenester.com

super crazy christmas decoration addiction

***  I finally got my old geezer up in the loft today, to get down the christmas decs  ***

Working away for the last week has been hard - I kept seeing bloggers decorate their homes, and I just couldn't wait to get on with mine !

Well here I am - I hope you're sitting comfortably !

I have a serious christmas decoration addiction !

The boxes !

 The before - my lounge with simple home-made mantle and lovely log burner.

A few HOURS later - the after !

The hall.

My decorations don't include tinsel or glass baubles (let's face it - there isn't much room on my tree for tinsel), but I do have criteria. They are generally wood, metal or fabric. Santa's are my favourite, and most of my decs are red, white, green or gold and silver.

The reindeer is actually resin, but he is so cute.

Yes, there are often more than one on a branch, but I love them all jostling for space !

The long santa face is one of my favourite and my oldest.

Another favourite - my santa Russian dolls. They cost £1 about 20 years ago !!!!!

So, do you think I am a little crazy ? I have actually been collecting them for about 30 years, so I don't think that works out as too many per year. And lots were presents.

This years purchases, all from different places. I tend to buy in pairs or get 'the set' if there is one.

I didn't post or even blog on Friday as it was my birthday - but had some great presents from my best friend Amanda. She really knows my taste.

More decorations.

She saw me eyeing up this lovely book in a shop.

And this one - and of course it caught my eye because I follow Fifi's blog.

And my favourite shell chocolates. The little box from Pandy because she knows I'm dieting and the bigger box from my old geezers daughter. It was so sweet of her - it was my birthday after all.

I couldn't resist these when I was out shopping in T K Maxx. Have I mentioned it was my birthday !

Unfortunately I didn't come home with these (I am sure the bank manager was happy), they didn't have my size. And I don't wear heels much, so I probably would have looked at them, more than wore them !

But I found something almost better -

A great big glass cloche, and only £7.99. The last time I found one this size it was £16.99 and I didn't go for it. I like 'things' to be around £10 unless they are lamps, or furniture etc.

So, there it is - did you stay till the end. Well either way there will be more christmas tomorrow as I haven't quite finished yet.........

Linking up with