Christmas Around The House


With a full and eventful fall, I kept my holiday decor simple. I purchased nothing, simply re-using what I had in different ways.

We have also had a hard time getting excited for Christmas, with all the life changes at our house. My husband is still not working (but with his severance) gives him time to re-evaluate life. My teaching assignment has been extended until spring break so I continue to teach second grade full time, hence the lack of DIYs and blog posts. That has been such a huge adjustment, working full time after 18 years.

Mentally I am drained, so Christmas for us is not about the "stuff" but more about downtime, family time and just cherishing every moment. With the recent tragic events in the US, my only desire is to hug my family tight. My heart goes out to those families whose lives have forever been changed. Being a teacher, I can't imagine what went through the minds of the teachers that were there that day. I would of done the same for my class too. My prayer is for those families and community to find peace and healing. 

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My home is finally decorated. Simple and sweet.

I have been waiting for a sunny day to take photos, which has not happened, so my pictures are at a minimum. Using my 50 mm lense without a tripod that works {ehem....Santa} only a few photos turned out. 
On a side note: getting great shots in really bad lighting conditions, getting bokeh or nice close-ups, a 50 mm lens is the way to go!

Enjoy!



 Pillow I made last year.




There was a glass ball wreath but it met it's fate mid-week.


























Only one more week until the big day!

I can't wait until this week is up and Christmas vacation begins! Two whole weeks off!
I have to finish up my baking, my baby comes home from college and I need to finish my shopping.
Can't wait for some R&R.

XO Barbara

31 comments

  1. I'm laughing because as I was scrolling down at first I didn't see the chevron pillow and wondered if you posted this without any chevron but then my second time scrolling down, I spotted it! You never cease to make me laugh. Looks like you had fun taking pics. They look absolutely gorgeous!!! Nice and crisp.

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  2. What beautiful photos Barbara and I loved that you kept the one with the smashed baubles - life can be a bit like that sometimes. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  3. Everything is so beautiful! I am in the same boat with light for photographing my decor.. too dark when I get home from work and I really need a tripod! I love all the red you used and especially your nutcrackers on the mantel:)

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  4. Lots of grey days here in Muskoka too...I will get my tripod out today! (I always forget about it) Your home is beautiful. Merry Christmas!

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    1. The 50 mm lens is a god send. I took those photos with no lights on and it was a dark day!,

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  5. WOW! You went all out. Everything looks fantastic and festive. So pretty.

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  6. lovely and festive...life changes are hard...having the holidays to take a "breath" with your family and friends close is the best recipe for happiness! Happy Holidays!

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  7. Your images are pretty Barbara and your words are beautiful.

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  8. Thoughtful words and lovely decorations. Enjoy the holiday to come! xo

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  9. I hope your break is refreshing, and that you're able to have some quality time with your daughter home from University. Your decorations and photos look lovely!

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  10. We're keeping it simple this year as well. I can't believe it's only a week away. Enjoy your family time Barb. You certainly deserve it!!

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  11. Merry Christmas Barbara, your decorations look beautiful!

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  12. Well, even though you have been busy you found time to decorate your home beautifully! Looks great. PS Like that in true blogger fashion you took time to take a photo of the smashed wreath!

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  13. Love all the details with your xmas decor! Sorry about your wreath :(

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  14. I agree with Vanessa your home looks just lovely. So sad about your wreath :( Enjoy your Christmas break and have a wonderful time with your family.

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  15. Your house and photos are BEAUTIFUL!! Love your Christmas decor!

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  16. It all looks beautiful Barbara! As usually - all show home quality!!

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  17. Hi Barbara,
    I think your home looks wonderful, full of colour, texture and festive touches!
    I hope you and your family fully enjoy the holidays!
    Relax and regroup... and breath!
    Your photos are lovely btw... I hope you get that tripod although you would never know you didn't have one to take these pics... they are great!
    Cheers,
    Cynthia

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  18. I hope that you can have a relaxing Christmas with your family, and recharge! I agree with you - these grey days it has been hard to get great pictures, but you did it - your home looks awesome!
    Enjoy your day!
    Heather

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  19. Hi! I just discovered your blog and I love what you have to say! Christmas is about family not stuff... especially this year for us too. Many of my gifts will be vintage or thrifted finds. Hopefully family can see the love in that :)

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  20. i think your home looks fantastic Barb!! loving the festive red and white + silver ...and your pictures look fab!! love the play with lighting and focus. I will have to learn how to use my new camera too!

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  21. Looks fabulous Barb! I am right there with you waiting for that R&R happy holidays xo

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  22. Beautiful Barbara! I'm feeling the same about Christmas this year - All I have is a tree and a few Poinsettias. Not my normal decorating at all! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas surrounded by all your family and enjoy the time off.

    Hugs,
    Alissa

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  23. We're doing the same, using what we have and taking down time. This year has been busy for my hubs, and for me life got a little crazier through the fall. I am so ready to kick back. A 50mm lense is on my wish list, but I think that's where it will stay, because I just joined the iPhone world so that feels like an early gift already. Enjoy your time and your family - you deserve it! You home looks festive and warm, and your photos are awesome!

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  24. it all looks beautiful, and i feel your pain over those broken ornaments! yikes! love your red and silvers!

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  25. Your photos are lovely. I am now adding the 50mm lens to my 'one day' wish list. Our week at home and school has been different since the tragedy in Connecticut but it is heartening to see the 'nice' in people. Our high school where I work has had many of our morning prayers devoted to it, and today in a very lively 'Jingle Jam' Christmas talent show over 1600 teenaged students were utterly silent and still for a few minutes of silence.

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  26. everything looks so festive and pretty! it's tough working full time and trying to juggle it all - I think a week off before Christmas would be nice sometimes just to ease into the celebrations! have a wonderful break with your family and I hope 2013 brings you all good things xo

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  27. I love how your wrapped your stair rail banister! So pretty Barb! Merry Christmas!!

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  28. I love that your "simple" decorations put me to shame. Love your home. It's gorgeous! Merry Christmas!

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  29. Christmas is MADE it doesn't just come. Putting all of that work into simple details, food, gifts, etc. truly makes the holiday for those around you. Beautiful work!

    Tia & Jeff
    www.moorofeverything.com

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