But first....thinking back on all of my blessings in 2008!

The countdown begins....it's just a matter of hours till we "Ring in the New Year"!!! As this year draws to a close, I cannot let that happen without thanking each and every one of you for all the blessings that you have brought me!

Although, most of us have never met, I cannot tell you how important you are to me!

With great fondness, I think back on the days of Rate My Space, where many of us first met....where we shared our love for home & family! Often times, we refer to one another as a "virtual friend" simply because our relationship has been through a computer but I would like to say that you and your friendship is just as "real" to me as my own dear family!!!

In the beginning, it was our passion for interior design that drew us together...with pride we uploaded photos of our homes and then sat back "holding our breath"...waiting for the comments to come...hmmm, "would people love my home as much as I do?", we would ask. And yes, there were a few that didn't ....but the few that did...WOW...they were the winners...they were the "keepers"!!!

Asking for input and suggestions, we ventured forth on a journey that many of us could have or would have never expected!!! We just couldn't wait for Vanna to post another fabulous room....and I tell ya what, it's still beyond me how such a grand lady with such a grand home could be so down to earth and enjoy "rubbing elbows" with some of us that only aspire to her design genius!!! But she's our Vanna...and our fearless leader of the ChattyCathy's...hehe!!!

Soon we were meeting for our daily "Coffee Clutch" at dear sweet Gloria's house....a morning ritual that I looked forward to!!! Gloria always had the pot on in that beautiful blue & white kitchen of hers....you just couldn't help but feel at home there! One by one, we would file into Gloria's kitchen....but it didn't take me long to realize that if I didn't get up early enough....all the donuts that Ann brought were already gone...boohoo!

I remember all of the leisurely evenings that we spent out on Susan's porch with our iced tea in hand, the smell of magnolias carried on the "Summer breeze...making me feel fine"....ahhh, what a way to end the day! What? Are you kidding me??? It never ended there...for the night owls in our group...we just carried the party on over to my Sis' Cindy's house...digging through that totally awesome pantry of hers for a little midnight snack! Of course, while we were there, we were always "picking her brain" for interior design "how to's"...hehe!!!

I'll never forget the countless times that our night parties soon became "sleep overs"!!! Of course, one of my favorite bedrooms was Lynne's beautiful toile bedroom...and that girl always had a breakfast tray waiting for us the next morning!!! Dear Lynne always had to run off to mind her gift shoppe but she always provided us with breakfast on that pretty tray before leaving!!! I remember the debate on whether to take out the pretty tree that was behind the bed in that toile room or to leave it....nothing ever stayed the same with all of us girls around...hehe!!!

Ohhh...the toile bedrooms...they seem to be our favorite!!! One night we'd have a slumber party at dear Lynne's and the next night we'd meet in Laurie's beautiful black & white toile bedroom...ooooh all those buttery yellow accents just melted us!!! And as we gathered around Laurie, she would talk (sometimes it would take several comment boxes) and then she would worry that she had said to much but we were always enthralled and grateful for her conversations!!! Those warm summer nights almost always led to a swim in Laurie's pool!!! Ohhh...the fun and games! But it was all innocent fun....we always minded our "lady like" manners....well almost all the time!

There were the nights....hmmm....that I recall....a certain mischievious little group emerged! They were a strange bunch...you might even call them a gang because they always traveled in packs...hehe!!! Dressed in pantyhose and fishnet stockings...what? that doesn't sound so strange??? Hmmm...the pantyhose and fishnets were on these lady's heads!!! Oh yesssss....incognito....and they were led by a "Granny Farkle"!!! She was the ring-leader!!! When least expected...in the darkness of night...they could be found "tip-toeing" through our homes....they carried purses as big as they were....and before you knew it....they had "STRUCK"!!! Things started coming up missing....I lost my dear French bust to that gang!!! They were always so sly....so secretive....except when they started fighting amongst themselves!!! Why...I heard told....that there was a fight over at Vanna's one night....in that pretty little shabby chic guest room of hers! Granny Farkle's gang started fighting over which one was going to get Vanna's "courting seat"....and as I hear it, it really wasn't much of a fight because the tall 5' 10" blonde gang member won....hehe!!! And all this time, Vanna thought there were ghosts in that pretty little bedroom....wink!!!

We were quite the group....grand admirers of "all things pretty"!!! And pretty things were in abundance in the homes of these ladies!!! I just loved Laura's (Tomarie) Limoge collection....I'm still drooling over that pretty little aqua box with the flowers on top and the little pumpkin coach...ahhh...and then there is Christine's doll collection! Oh yes, and speaking of "dolls"....didn't we all just have the best time of our lives at Christine's for Thanksgiving? She is such a doll...and definitely the "hostess with the mostest"!!! I do believe that Christine's Autumn tablescape was the most beautiful that I've ever laid my eyes on!

What a talented bunch of lady friends that I have....from Christine's tablescapes to Ann's knack for crafting....I'm still going to make one of those pretty books like she made!!! My Girlfriend's talents are "never-ending"....and I've learned so much from all of these grand ladies...and at the end of 2008, I can say that I'm a better person because of them!!! Each of us have moved from an acquaintance and friendship made at RMS onto a true friendship of genuine care, concern, and love for one another!!! This past year we have enjoyed each other's fellowship....we've shared tears of joy....tears of concern....we've prayed for and supported one another....and I just know that if I ever really needed something, I could go to them!!! It really just doesn't get any better than that!!!
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Thank you my friends....for all of the sweet memories....for making 2008 a remarkable and memorable year for me!!! I will always love and cherish you....and I'm looking forward to more of your sweet fellowship in 2009!!!

Love ya'll,

Chari

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PS....To all of my blogging friends....I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming New Year!!!

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Update & just a little note: The dear ladies that I mentioned in this post have since started their own blogs....

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Vanna from Delusions of Grandeur

Gloria from Happy To Be

Ann from Life At Ann's Place

Susan from Between Naps on the Porch

Cindy from Sisterhood of the Creative Heart

Lynne from Lynne's Gifts from the Heart

Laurie from Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie

Laura from Tomarie's Cabin

Christine from Christine's Home and Travel Adventures

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It's been nearly two years since we first met during those days of Rate My Space...I am still enjoying the friendships of these dear, sweet ladies! If you haven't ever met them or visited their blogs...please go by and pay them a visit! You'll be so glad that you did!!!

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HOORAH!!!

Hip...Hip...Hoorah!!!

Ahhhhh....success!!! As many of you know....I've been having problems with changing the photo on my blog header. I sure do appreciate everyone's suggestions and help! The answer to my problem really came as a "fluke"....by that I mean....I just happened upon the answer quite by accident...hehe!

Well this is what I did....just in case any of you out there in blogger land run into the same problem. I went to my navibar....opened the header to edit....and when the page came up...I just used my "escape" key on the computer! It fixed it immediately!!! Yeeeeehawwww!!!! Evidently the problem was: the photo that I had on my header was "hung up"...it was doing all kinds of weird stuff when I opened the header page to edit it. The addy down in the left hand corner was blinking...etc....so by pressing the "escape" key on the computer keyboard...it stopped whatever silly little thing it was trying to do....hehe!!!

Anyway....I realize that this isn't a very interesting post, however a "practical" one and I wanted to share with you how the problem was fixed....just in case you ever run into a similar problem!

Now....maybe I can redecorate my blog as I was wanting to. Hope ya'll are having a terrific Tuesday....

Love ya'll,

Chari

Oh boy....do I have a problem!!!

My problem is.....



I can't figure out how to change the photo on my blog header! Okay...it's not quite that simple...I do know how to change the header photo....I've done it before but for some strange reason, my present "Christmas Santa" photo has really "wigged" out my header!!! It won't let me perform the simple task of just clicking on the "remove photo" button on the header page. Evidently it's all "wigged" out!!! I've worked for days now trying anything and everything I could think of to remove that photo! I even had my honey...who is a genius with computers...take a look at it and even he can't figure it out!



Sooooo...what do I do? I really don't want to leave my Christmas Santa photo as my permanent photo for my blog. If anyone has any suggestions, I sure would appreciate hearing them!!! If all else fails....I may have to redo my entire blog...starting all over! I just hate thinking that I will lose all of my posts and all of your wonderful comments!!! Maybe I can leave this blog....as is...and just start another???



Thank you for listening to me....hehe!!! I am a bit frustrated and I sure do admit that I'm not the "sharpest tool in the shed" when it comes to all this computer technology! Soooo what do you think???

Love ya'll...

Chari

"Old World Santa"....

Oh my....with only two days until Christmas, I can almost hear Santa's "Ho...Ho...Ho's" now! I know that everyone is busy, busy, busy....finishing up their last minute shopping....decorating....and baking! I've got a busy day ahead with Christmas baking but thought I would show you a couple of my "Old World Santas"! I really only started to collect them a couple of years ago...so I only have two...but I hope to keep adding to my collection! I just adore the kind old faces on these Santas....and look at those eyes...don't they just speak volumes? I love that the "Old World Santa's" always have a special theme....they're clothed and decorated according to that theme!

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This is my "Old Man Winter" Santa....I'm not sure if thats what he is really called....I named him that because he's dressed all in white! He's a glamorous "Old Man Winter" though....embellished with gold trim! Even his boots are gold. Hehe!!! In one hand, he's carrying a gold "horn of plenty" filled with little white flowers and gold trinkets...in the other a golden trumpet! He really is quite glamorous! I decided to decorate with white and gold in my Frenchy red dining room this Christmas....so "Old Man Winter" Santa fit right in! He sits atop the buffet...along with gold Christmas boxes filled with golden pears and crystal snowflakes edged in gold.


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My second Santa is the "Woodlands Santa"! He is my favorite with his burgandy colored cordoroy robe and fur! His face is so detailed with those gentle but very wise eyes! A brown velvet bag of sugared fruit sit at his feet...and look at his staff...it's topped by a small evergreen tree with a little red bird nesting in it's boughs! Santa sure looks regal in his burgandy robes with my olive green (living room) walls as his backdrop. I added a couple of sugared fruit boughs around his feet and placed three antique gold candleholders at his side!


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I'm so glad that you stopped by today...I always enjoy your visits!!! I'll let you get back to your busy holiday schedule...I better get busy making that fudge...hehe!!!

Merry Christmas!

Love ya'll,
Chari

l Joyeux Noel l

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Joyeux Noel mon Ami...

My little French girl bust! Many of my friends remember when I found my little French girl. I found her at an Antique Flea Market this past summer. I was on a mission to find one...and there she was...in all of her beauty! Hehe! I have to say a special thank you to my friend Vanna for giving me the bug....the moment I seen Vanna's pretty "Frenchy" busts....I just knew that I just had to have one (or two)!!!

My friend Vanna just recently started her own blog and it's fabulous!!! It's called "Delusions of Grandeur" ...you just have to go and see Vanna's beauties!!!

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During the Christmas renovations...my French girl was moved to the living room. She found herself right at home on this table sitting in front of the window. Do you see her smiling? I think she's quite happy here in her new spot! I added some greenery, ribbons, ornaments, and a candle for a table piece. Did you see the little gold letters that spell out the word "LOVE"....they have the most precious little cherubs perched on them! Below the table on top of the hat boxes...I placed a silver cake plate filled with gold candles and ornaments...oh yes, and a few pearls! Psssst....I really liked how this photo turned out....it was snowing at the time and the lighting was really pretty!!!

Well my friends....there you have it! Just a little more of my Christmas decor. I really haven't done as much decorating this year....it's going to be a quiet Christmas at our house! I didn't even put up a tree, but I did put out just a few things. I sure have enjoyed all of my fellow blogger's Christmasy homes though....they are all so beautiful!!!

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Love ya'll,
Chari

Christmas Spirit Award....

Hello and a very happy Monday to all of my fellow bloggers and friends!!! I have to tell you that I have been busy all morning just trying to stay warm...it was a chilling 12 below 0....when I got up this morning! So I put on my warmest sweats (I know...not very sexy but who can be sexy at -12 degrees anyway?) ....I put on a pot of hot coffee....and I added wood to the fire that my honey had already built before he left to work!!! I think the high temperature is only supposed to get to 12 degrees today....brrrrrr!!! Hehehe....so goes the life in Colorful Colorado!!!

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Well...my dear friend Melissa over at Melissa's Heart and Home...gave me the Christmas Spirit Award! It sure warmed my heart this morning....and remember "warm" is a good thing...hehe!!! Thank you so much Melissa!!! Melissa is such a sweet gal and she has an absolutely gorgeous home...you have to go and see it for yourself!!! Here is the link to Melissa's blog....http://melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com/.

Here are the rules for the Christmas award.
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You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award. The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas. You must link back to the person who gave you the award. You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space! Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 50. It's up to you! But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going! Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment.
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***Here are my Five Things***

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1. Christmas is a special time set apart just to celebrate Jesus and His birth!

2. All of the memories of Christmases past...especially the one's with my children!

3. Fellowship with friends and family!

4. I love how Christmas makes me feel like a little girl again...Christmas always holds a special...awe...wonder to me!

5. Christmas decorations, Christmas candy & cookies, the smell of fresh cut evergreen, cinnamon, & peppermint!

I love Christmas!!! I would like to pass this beautiful "Christmas Spirit" Award to all of my blogger friends....but....there is just one lady....that I think especially deserves this award....and that is Laurie over at Bargain Hunting with Laurie!!! She has the most awesome collection of snowmen...Santa's....Christmas villages...that you could ever imagine. But don't just take my word for it...go and see them for yourselves!!!

Here is a photo of just one of Laurie's collections

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Why just look at all of Laurie's Santas!!! When I viewed Laurie's collections, I felt like a child again....I just Oooohed and Aaaahed...wished you could have heard me...hehe!!! They are absolutely amazing...just like my friend Laurie!!! Thank you Ms. Laurie for sharing all of your Christmas collections with all of us here at blogland!!! Your house is absolutely gorgeous all dressed in it's Christmas finery!!!

Thank you Melissa for the "Christmas Spirit" Award!!!

Love ya'll....

Chari

It's Snow Much Fun.....Hot Cocoa Anyone?
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Hello and Happy Friday!!! We're not only counting down the days till the weekend but we're counting down the days till Christmas! There is always so much "hustle and bustle" this time of the year....but I'm ready....as ready as I'll ever be! Christmas shopping is finished....Christmas decor is finished....it's time to just sit back and relax and enjoy!!! Sooooo....how about grabbing a snowman cup full of hot steaming cocoa and take a little tour of my "Winter Wonderland"!!!

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Aren't these just the cutest little snowmen cups....I just have a "thing" for snowmen!!! I found this cute little ceramic snowman set at the Dollar General. The big snowman in the center is a canister.....just right for holding my homemade hot cocoa mix! It was only $3....the snowmen cups were only $2 ea. One of the reasons they caught my attention is that they are really 3 dimensional....I just love em'!!!
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This is a corner in my kitchen! I just love this little table...it's old...naturally distressed...hehe! I love the big chunky table legs (as you can see the paint is peeling...I love it!) The table top is metal. Our home was built in the 1920's....when my honey bought it, it hadn't been lived in since the 50's....this little table was left in the house and my honey had it outside on the back patio when I came to live here....I quickly rescued it and brought it into my kitchen...hehe!!! My snowmen seem to be very happy here...see their smiles? Oh yes....as you can probably see....I just love green plants....this one is monster sized and has just about taken over the corner but I don't have the nerve to cut it! It sits in one of those old copper pots....I know they have a name, I bet my friend Gloria could tell you what they were used for!
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"Welcome to our Winter Wonderland"
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This photo was taken from our back door. The lamp post is pretty old....I don't know how old exactly, it was already here when my honey bought the house! I know that it's very, very heavy cast iron! Our back yard looks out into a large field....we live way out in the sticks....for you city folk....that means country...hehe!!! Our yard is surrounded by big old pine trees! Isn't the snow pretty? Okay, I must confess....these photos were taken last winter. We've had 3 or 4 snows this winter but I really haven't taken any pictures!
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Another view from our back door....
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Just beyond the pine trees.....lies this big ol' field....it's always so pretty in snow!!!
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This photo was taken of the west side of our house.....
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This is really one of my favorite winter photos....doesn't the tree all dressed in it's winter finery look pretty? The photo just doesn't capture the beauty....I remember the day I took the photo, the tree just sparkled....it was like millions of little cyrstal jewels hung from the branches....and against that blue sky.....Oooooh!!!
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Our little black furbabies....hehe!!! They don't seem to mind the cold snow at all....hehe!!!
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Well....after all of that trampling through the snow....I know that you're ready for a cup of hot cocoa!!! Let me fix you a cup!!!
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I know that there are many hot cocoa recipes....this is the one that I like to make! I just prefer homemade hot cocoa....it tastes so much better than that ol' boxed mix stuff. I make a big batch of it every winter at Christmas time....then I put it pretty Christmas canisters and give it as gifts!
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Hot Cocoa Mix
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1 - 8 qt. box of Carnation's dry powdered milk mix (25.6 oz. box)
2 lb. box of Nestle's Quick
6 oz. Coffee Mate coffee creamer
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

It's really so easy! I like to use about 1/3 cup of cocoa mix to a mug of boiling water. This recipe makes 28 cups of hot cocoa. Sometimes I get adventurous and I add different flavored coffee creamers to the mix....like Amaretto or Irish Cream....it's really good!!!
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Well my friends....thank you for stopping by today....I've had snow much fun!!! Hehe!!! I sure enjoyed taking you on my Winter Wonderland tour....and warming up with a little hot cocoa!!!
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Love ya'll....

Christmas Greetings from the Lamberts!

Ho...Ho...Ho...and Merry Christmas!!! As the days go by...it's beginning to feel alot like Christmas! Here in Colorful Colorado the weather is cold...there is a skiff of snow on the ground and the cold blustery winds are blowing! I almost hated to open our back door to get this photo...hehe! This was one of those wooden door plaques...I bought it unfinished so I could "customize" the paint treatment...hehe!!! Actually...I really bought it because I love to paint and do crafts! So I guess I customized it after all...hehe!!! I fell in love with it the moment I saw it because of the dangling stockings...there were three...just enough for our names!!! I always hang this little Christmas plaque on our back door for the Holiday season!

~~~The Three Nutcrackers~~~

Hehehe...I love my little nutcrackers...I've always found something very whimsical about them! These three very proud fellows are sitting atop our frig! I really do have a little story about them. Three years ago, Russell & I went to Europe for our honeymoon...we traveled through five countries...Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. So when I found these little nutcrackers...I just had to have em'! They reminded me of our trip and the beautiful countries that we visited! As you can see...one of the nutcrackers is German, one is French, and the last one is Italian...hehe!!!

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Nutcracker Klaus

First of all, I'd like to introduce you to Klaus! Oh...he said to tell you Guten Tag! (Hello) Klaus is from Bavaria. Bravaria is a region in southern Germany! Klaus loves his pretzels and beer...hehe!!!

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Okay...I have to show you a photo of Russell and I while we were in Bavaria. In the background is Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle). It may look familiar to some of you...Disney's castle was modeled after it! It was also used in the movie, "Chitty, Chitty...Bang, Bang"! I just loved that movie...hehe! We spent several days traveling through Bavaria...the countryside was so beautiful!!!





Nutcracker Jean Claude
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May I introduce you to Jean Claude. Jean Claude is from Paris, France! Oh my, watch out for Jean Claude...he's quite the ladies man. What is that you said, Jean Claude? Oh...Jean Claude said, "Bonjour Mademoiselle...Enchante!" (Hello Miss...pleased to meet you!) Did you notice Jean Claude's little Napoleon-like vest?

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Here is a photo of lil' ol' me...at the Louvre in Paris, France! I loved, loved, loved the Louvre!!! It really was a dream come true for me! Why just look at the fabulous architecture! I have to tell you that I probably spent more time studying the grand buildings...inside & out...than I did the great masterpieces!

Nutcracker Benito

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And last but not least...Please meet Benito...Benito is from Venice, Italy! He is a gondolier. Oh, oh okay...Benito says, "Buon giorno, Signorina! Piacere! Mi chiamo Beni." (Hello Miss...I'm pleased to meet you...I am Beni!) His nickname is Beni...short for Benito!

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This photo was taken of Russell & I in Venice, Italy. Venice is truly amazing! We only spent a couple of days there...I want to go back! I loved the shopping in Venice. Let me remind you that Murano glass is made on a nearby island...and the Venetians are also know for their fine lace and linens!

Well my friends...it's been fun! I hope that you enjoyed meeting my three little Nutcrackers! Thank you for letting me share a few photos of Russell & I in Europe! Have a wonderful day and Merry Christmas! What Klaus? Oh Klaus would like to wish you a Frohliche Weihnachten....Jean Claude says, "Joyeux Noel" too...and Beni chimes in..."Buon Natale!"

Merry Christmas!!!

Love ya'll,

Can You Ever Have Too Much Fun???

No...no... a resounding NO!!! Hehehe!!!

Oh, I must explain...this morning my intentions were to post more of the Christmas decor in our little red French Country Dining Room, however when I went to take photos...my camera battery was dead....soooo...it's recharging! In the meantime, I decided to have a little fun this morning! Many of you in blogland probably already have a photo editing software but if you don't you can "google" a free online software called PHOTOBUCKET. I use it to edit some of my photos....for example you can resize a photo or work with the lighting of a photo...it comes in very handy! Photobucket is totally FREE...all you have to do is obtain a membership (which is very easy, believe me...I need easy...hehe!) and voila! It has all kinds of really neat tools....so without further ado....here are a few samples!!!

Oh yes...and don't forget to click on the photo to enlarge it...you can see the full effect much better!!!

This first photo is of the Christmas centerpiece I did on our dining room table....many of you may recognize my little masonary garden angel that I borrowed from my Tea Rose bedroom...just for the Christmas Holidays! The urns are also masonary (they weigh a ton...hehe!) I topped them off with little (cast iron) birdies...added a little Christmas greenery and voila!!! I found this beautiful tablerunner at Hobby Lobby...it's very Christmasy...don't you think?

Okay....now the fun begins!!! This next photo I used Photobuckets special effect called "Neon". After you've downloaded the photo that you would like to do a special effect on...just look at the top of the Photobucket page...there are tabs with several options. Just choose "Effects"....I think there are about 15 different effects that you can play with.



"Neon Effect"

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With the Neon effect you can choose all kinds of different colors to work with...on this photo I chose a dark red....if you look close you will see the dark red shadowy outlines!

Another photo using the "Neon" effect....only this time I changed the color....instead of using the dark red, I changed the color to gold! See the gold shadowy outlines?

"Painting Effect"

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The "Painting" effect is kind of unique...you could take any photo and make it look like an oil painting! While using many of these effects...another option is available...."Advanced Option". With the advanced option tool, you can choose just how strong you want the effect to be. So the masterpiece you creative is totally up to you...believe me, with all of the options available....your photo would really be "one of a kind"!!!

"Cartoon Effect"

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With the "Cartoon" effect option, you can take a photo and make it look like a cartoon...isn't this fun? I really liked this effect....it changes some of the original color a bit and adds an animated look!

"Pop Art Effect"

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Ooooh....this effect is sooooo much fun!!! This effect "tiles" the photo into four sectors....and as you can see....each tile is done in a bright, vibrant color! This effect has so many possibilities! Just think...you could do any photo...print it...frame it! Wouldn't it be great for a child's room, teen's room....or if you have a more contemporary decor...wall art!!!

"Old Photo Effect"

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Do you have "Old World" decor? Just think what you could do with a photo...make it look "Old World"! Keep in mind...not only is Photobucket's effects great for changing a photo for a special look on your blog...but you can use this tool to change a photo...have it printed off and use it for wall art!!!

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"Color Rotate Effect"

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The "Color Rotate" effect is a bit more subtle...I just love the purpley hues that it added to this photo! This is really one of my favorite effects...at least for this particular photo!!!

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"Duo Tone Effect"

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Ooooh...just look at this one!!! With the "Duo Tone" effect you have different color options....you can choose one color for the background objects....here I chose GOLD! Then you can choose a second color for the photo objects....I chose dark red!!! It almost looks like a photo negative...don't you think? Only in color!!! How cool is that?

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"Sketch Effect"

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Oh boy....can you tell I'm getting excited? I'm tellin' ya...I've really had fun this morning!!! hehe!!! This "Sketch" effect is sooooo awesome!!! Just think...you can take any photo and make it look like a drawing!!! Okay, my mind is rolling here...but for those of you who like black & white art....why not make your own....frame it...and voila!!! You have your very own masterpiece!!!

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"Color Sketch Effect"

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Here is another "Sketch" effect....only with color! Doesn't it look like the picture has been sketched then colored with colored pencils? I love this!!!

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"Stickers Effect"

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Hehehehe....Ohhhhh my, I did have fun doing this one!!! With the "Stickers" effect, you can add stickers to your photo. I didn't count...but there were many, many stickers to choose from! They were all so much fun!!! I added each sticker....one at a time...so you can build and build upon a photo! They have award stickers...goofy saying stickers...a little bit of everything!!! I just loved dressing my angel....of course he had to have a Santa's cap and scarf...and check out those cool glasses...I bet I have the "raddest" Christmas angel ever...hehe!!!

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"Thought Effect"

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With the "Thought" effect you can add thought or speech bubbles....there are even all kinds of different shaped bubbles etc. You can write anything you would like inside of the bubbles....there are several different fonts and color options available! Photobucket recently added a "Glitter Text" option...so you can even make your text "glittery"!!! Hehe!!!

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"Glitter Text Effect"

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I love the "Glitter Text" effect! This effect can be really uselful in creating your blog headliner!!! Most of you probably already know but just in case you don't....when creating your blog headliner....you can choose any photo and there is a "standard" title option that you get on your blog dashboard. If you want to be a bit more creative....take your photo over to Photobucket and with the tools they offer....you can make your own "title lettering"....they offer so many different fonts and colors that you just can't get with your "standard" blog dashboard!!! I used the "Glitter Text" effect on this photo!!!

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"Poster Effect"

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With the "Poster" effect you can take your photo and make it look like a poster! In fact, Photobucket will actually make your poster/photo into a life-size poster...of course, you would have to order it! But once again, I can see your poster/photo used as wall art....hmmmm, endless possibilities!!! Hehe!!!

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Well my friends....as you can see....I really, really did have fun this morning playing with special effects!!! Hehehe!!! There are many more to experiment with!!! You know they say that "A Picture Paints a Thousand Words".....it's really true and with a photo editing software you can do just that! Well....I hope that I gave you a few ideas and if I can be of any help just let me know! Not that I'm an expert by any means....but I do love to play!!! Hehe!!! My camera battery is almost charged so maybe tomorrow I'll post some more of my Christmas decor!

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Merry Christmas!!!

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Love ya'll,

Chari

My Christmas Chandelier....

What a wonderful time of the year....CHRISTMAS!!! Christmas is my most favorite holiday season!!! It's the time of the year when friends and family gather to celebrate all that's good and true...love , peace, and joy!!! During the Christmas season most people take the time to gather with family...sharing and renewing old and cherished Christmas memories and traditions...and to make brand new memories!!! Friends come together to celebrate ...sharing a meal or maybe just a cup of your famous eggnog or hot cocoa!!! Generosity abounds with the traditional giving of gifts! Christmas merriment can be seen and heard in the shoppes...in the work place...at school...and at home!!! We celebrate with the traditional Christmas decorating...it's just a glorious time of the year!!!
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This year is no different...at Thanksgiving I had the kids carry down all the boxes with the many Christmas decorations that have been stored away upstairs. I'm so thankful for youthful excitement...their little youthful legs don't seem to mind making the many trips back and forth...up and down all the many steps...hehe!!! If it were up to my "old legs", I might just have to decorate the upstairs (since that's where all the many boxes of decorations are stored) and call it good!!! Hehehe...

As I went through the boxes, I had already decided that I wanted to decorate a bit differently this year. You know how easy it is to get in a "rut" when it comes to such things...we find places for certain decorations that we just love and seem to fall into a pattern of doing the same thing year after year. But I'm on a mission to do something different! This past summer our dining room received a "new design"! French Country design! Olive colored walls joined the two red walls (that I decided to leave)...I just love my red dining room and the olive added just the right color combination! So now we have a red and olive green dining room with white furniture...do you hear a "set-up" for Christmas color??? Hehe! One of the new items added to our dining room was the chandelier. It's an old brass chandelier that had been stored away. My husband bought the chandelier from an older gentlemen some time ago...so no telling how old it really is. Since it was the newest addition to the dining room, I couldn't wait to do something special with it for Christmas!!! I've seen many pretty chandeliers all decked out in their Christmas finery....pretty greenery, etc. but I wanted to do something different. This is what I came up with...and for the meantime, I'm satisfied with the end result....what do you think???

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I used white and gold icecycle ornaments and snowflake ornaments! They really sparkle when the light shines on them!!! Here's another photo of our Christmas Chandelier...oh my, you get just a little sneak-peak of the buffet...hehe!!! I'm saving that for tomorrow....
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Well my friends...I hope that you're enjoying the holiday season!!! I wish you the very best Christmas ever!!! Just don't forget the real reason for the season....JESUS!!! No matter how crazy the holidays get...with all of the parties, shopping, and decorating....as fun as they may be....Jesus is the real reason for our celebration!!! Don't forget Him...and then go and have some Christmas fun!!!

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Love ya'll,

Chari