Giving the past away.

This past weekend I gave a big chunk of my past away.  My daughter and son-in-love came and took all my dining room furniture and silver, some crystal and china.  They have just bought their first house and so I decided it was time to part with my dining room.  This has been planned for weeks but I was a little surprised at the emotions it stirred around.

I watched them load the trailer with pieces of furniture that I loved and cherished but really no longer fit in my life and it was just kind of strange.  It was cutting of ties to memories to the past, which is healthy, but I was taken aback by those emotions.  My daughter carefully packed the crystal and china that she wanted and I watched some of my memories and dreams go in the box with each piece.  It wasn't really sad, but I can't quite put my finger on what it was.  I do know, though that it was one more step in making my home mine and that feels good.

On the flip side, though, I now have a wonderful office space where all my work can be consolidated and organized!  No more work in the sunroom, no more boxes in my bedroom!  I am excited about that!  Tomorrow I will start moving things into the empty room and trying to find a place for all the crystal that was left!  I can't wait to show you some before and after pictures!

Decorating at Wallace House



Wallace House

One of the fun events my Garden Club participates in each year is Christmas decorating at Wallace House.  It is the home of the President of Francis Marion University and  Garden Clubs from the area gather early in December and decorate a room or area.  My club was fortunate enough to be able to work in the dining room. 

This year we used an inspiration photo from last year's White House Christmas Magazine for our centerpieces and we made two for each end of the large banquet sized table.

They turned out gorgeous and will serve wonderfully through out the Christmas season for all the festivities that go on at Wallace House.  We used only live greenery and fresh fruits to work with the atmosphere and period of the house.

We added a silver bowl of greenery and fruit on the sideboard.

It just reflects beautifully off the silver tea set and mirror. 

My favorite arrangement has to be this one! Actually we created 2 of these beauties to nestle on top of the corner china cabinets. This arrangement is so reflective of South Carolina with the use of the palm fronds (we are the Palmetto State!), magnolia leaves and blooms surrounding a pineapple (representing hospitality) and a liberal ring of Spanish Moss in a silver bowl.  It is speaks my South Carolina love language.

This is a gorgeous arrangement made by one of our talented members. She stacked cake plates and then used fruits, magnolia leaves, boxwood and cranberries to complete it. I just love the use of fresh fruits and greenery in decorating.  The greenery was all gathered from the campus of Francis Marion University. 

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Days 7-9

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 7-9: The last few days the weather has brought devastation to many in our nation so I can't help but be thankful for the beautiful weather than we have experienced.  It has actually felt and started to look like Fall! We have only felt the breezes of the storm that raged north of us.  Living close to the coast teaches you to respect these storms and they are always a concern, so you learn to be thankful for when they pass you by while also anguishing over the lives they wreak havoc upon.

I am thankful that my youngest son has now been able to say good bye to the crutches he has been hobbling around on as of late (he fell from about 7-8 feet out of his tree house....I am overwhelmingly thankful that other than bruises and a bad ankle sprain he was OK!)  I am also thankful that I survived yet another "Mom of boys" moment with this one without having a heart attack! 

On a lighter note, I am thankful for a couple of good eBay scores this week!  I got 2 silver platters for a steal and I can't wait to get them in the mail!  I also got a great deal on some unopened Christmas party napkins (50 cents a pack!) at a thrift shop this week that will be put to great use in the coming season!!!

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

  Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

 

Please join me celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving

by leaving me a comment telling me

what you are thankful for today!



My Weekend Haul...

DD and I happened upon a great Estate Sale on Friday and picked up some goodies!  I collect China Snack sets (they are going to come in handy one day when it is Bridal Luncheon time!!!) I am so excited to score some new pieces for my collection. 

 I got these 4 Lefton snack sets for $7.00.(available at Replacements, Ltd. for $14.99 each)  They are some of my favorites because the inside of each cup is a beautiful pastel that reminds me of dyed Easter eggs. 

I also got 2 more beautiful snack sets with 2 additional snack plates for a whopping $2.00 for all 6 pieces (available at Replacements, Ltd. for $23.99 each ) 

The Reed & Barton 104 bowl was my big splurge, at $10. When I went to this Estate Sale on the first afternoon it was marked $20.00 but when I went by on the second afternoon it was down to $10.00 so I took it home!  (available at Replacements, Ltd. for $31.99)

So for a mere $19.00, I feel like I got quite a bargain for some gorgeous and unique pieces! 

Doing the frugalista happy dance!