Shutterfly Christmas cards free to bloggers

I have used Shutterfly for years.  Mainly to store pictures and make photo books and calendars.  I have used their cards for individual cards during the year, but this year 50 free cards for bloggers caught my eye.  Over Thanksgiving the kids were all here, so we grouped for a quick shot on the front porch and it is going to be one of our best Christmas pictures yet.  I love that no one knew we would be taking the picture, so everyone is just themselves.  I did make hubby shower and shave... he had been blowing leaves off the back porch.  My girls got into it and went straight to the computer and created the card. I'm just waiting for my code from Shutterfly now.

So here is the deal... Go to this link here to see Christmas card ideas. Create your blog posting. Complete the online registration, here.

I have a Christmas book from the last 25 years and each year our Christmas card is placed inside.  I usually would include a picture.  This is the first year the card will be the picture.  I am jumping on the bandwagon so why don't you.  Give yourself a free Christmas present of Christmas cards.

This is the original registration here and then Shutterlfly will send you the instructions. Have fun, Lori

Napkins I'm using now

Paula Deen napkins ya'll... perfect for all the eating we did last week.

and we ate and ate and ate....  I just froze some turkey veg soup and a turkey pot pie... to be eaten much later in the month. 

Cottage Cheese Ceilings Going, going, gone...

My hubby said I was out of my league on this one.  Let's see if he was right.  

I just need a really tall ladder, we have ten foot ceilings, lots of wood, primer, paint, nails, oh and a saw.

I figure the labor by us will save thousands.

The inspiration

Twice Remembered Cottage

Source unknown

Step one, the plan

Cover up popcorn ceilings and settling cracks
Contractor quotes... $9,000 and $18,000.

Step two

Buy these...

Pine boards, a ton
primer
semi-gloss paint
ladder
nails
glue
saw
(hubbie got roped in to help, this is a two person job)
Supply estimate will run us around $1,200

Did I tell you I'm at beginner level on this project.  I'm told that is what it is.  I have a feeling just very labor intensive and lot's of neck and back pain.

Step three...
In the beginning.... oh I know the suspense is killing you....
come back to see....

It is beginning to look a little bit like Christmas

Christmas is starting to creep in, a little at a time.

Fitz and Floyd salt and pepper shakers

Dillard's Christmas plate

Fitz and Floyd Elf pitcher

Let the decorating begin, what have you put out?


Shared with
Domestically Speaking
Southern Hospitality
Frou Frou Designs

Black door .... Red door

I heart the color red and a lot of things in my house are also painted black.  I wish my interior decorator friend had never told me that there should be at least one black piece in every room.  Something about being grounded???  

Anyway here is my before black door, you might have already seen it.

Sorry, not a great picture of the red, coat number three...

I do like the black showing through a little.   May glaze it in the end anyway.

Five count them five ... coats of paint
Sherwin Williams - sunkissed red
Below is the truest color shot of the door.

Tadaaa...... lovin' my red door, just in time for Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for my family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

LSU - Geaux Tigers

Eye of the Tiger!   Had to show you the tired party dogs.  We went to the game the day after the wine party.  They got to lay around and recoup... while we all headed to tailgaiting and the game.

French bread for Poboys!

My Mom and my brother Chris.  Their game seats were in front of the band and Golden Girls.  Of course he loved every minute of that.  

The players entrance!  They unload off buses all dressed up and ready to parade down the hill to the stadium.  Hmmm.... wonder why I centered in on the blonde!  Because he was gorgeous maybe.

Only LSU, about 10 deep just to watch the team walk in, the band makes their entrance down the same street.  

Just had to get a pick of a random Tiger adorable fan!

My neice Rachel was in town on quarter break from LA Tech. 

Mike the Tiger pregame rounds around the stadium in front of student section.

LSU beat Ole Miss! 890 total yards of offense,  a fun game to watch to say the least.  Everyone must put an LSU game on their bucket list.  Way too much fun.

Wine Tasting Party - Baton Rouge style

My sister Jill and her husband Chris had a fun and fabulous wine tasting party for about 70 of their closest friends and family.  They live in the gorgeous Hundred Oaks area of Baton Rouge.  Their home is laid out for fabulous party flow.  Their beautifully landscaped yard is the perfect hang out.  The sasanquas in the tea pot are from her yard. 

Great food and super fun!

My friend Jane told me about these brie cups below.  Buy two boxes Athen's filo cups (30 cups), freezer pastry section. 

Fill each with a scoop of Brie cheese and place on cookie sheet, let cheese melt in 350 oven for about 5 minutes, while warm top with a dap of jelly.  I used apricot.

Girls and boys just want to have fun.

Party over,  clean up begins....

Did I mention my red wine got second place!  

'Neath the Wreath

Ann Marie and Melissa are members of the Plano Junior League and they had their annual shopping extravaganza this past weekend.

Lucky me got invited to go along and shop.

First up is Studio No. 35 in Smitten at the McKinney old downtown square.

I bought two of their glittery and glass ornaments.

tons more shopping and idea looking.

The next booth I made a purchase in  was Designs by Alyson, Dallas, TX

214.521.2713

I bought my Thanksgiving tea towel from her, but loved the tall skinny tree behind the reindeer.  They said the moose were going fast.

Anderson's Furniture store, I have to make a trip to their actual store because of their great booth.

Really got you in the mood... I bought no Christmas gifts, just things for myself!

Thanks for inviting me girls!