Guest Posting Today at Remodelaholic

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I am sharing a brand new project today over at Remodelaholic.  If you have a chance, stop over there to say hello!  As always, thanks Cassity for having me over again.  If you are visiting from Remodelaholic, thanks for visiting!

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Holiday Decorating 2010

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I finished up my holiday decorating last weekend.  Actually, if I let myself, I would probably keep getting stuff out and rearranging all the way up to Christmas.  But, enough is enough, and I am just going to enjoy what I have out.

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I just love my Christmas tree this year.  The truth is, I love them all, every year.  But this just might be my favorite.  It's the tallest tree I've ever had.  It is a 9' tall Fraser Fir.  I had to trim off the very top branch a bit so that I could fit on my star tree-topper without it hitting the ceiling.  I just love how cozy the tree lights make my family room. 

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This year I decided to leave off all red ornaments.  I like the final result - lots of green, silver, and white.

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I love the few vintage ornaments I have.  The one below I bought at an antiques shop a few years ago.  Etched in the top is "Craig '61".  I feel like I owe it to Craig to put up his ornament every year!

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Every year I buy a picture frame ornament and put in a picture of my brother from that year (he's almost 10).  And then every year I pick out a few of them to go up on the tree.  Maybe someday his kids will appreciate getting a whole collection of ornaments with his picture.  I hope so!

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On to my Holiday mantle.  I used my cedar topiaries that I blogged about in this post along with other things that I already had.

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The peace banner is just cardboard letters that I cut out and then glittered.

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I really like the combination of rustic and elegant elements together.

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The little mercury glass votive holders I bought this year at Target for 99 cents each.

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So, that's the mantle.  I like how it's festive but not too christmas-y.  I think it will work all winter long.  I'll probably leave it up for a while!

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This is a tray that I keep on my kitchen counter.  Every season it gets something new on it.  Or sometimes it's just a vase of flowers.  I put another cedar branch topiary along with a reindeer from Pottery Barn, and a couple votive holders.

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I printed out "merry & bright" and "peace on earth" and put in these two frames.  Easy and free!

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If you are interested in last years tree, you can see it right here.

You can see last years mantle here.

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Linking to:
Thrifty Decor Chick
Costal Charm
The Nester - Christmas Tour of Homes
Kelly's Korner
Funky Junk Interiors
No Minimalist Here
Cottage and Vine

Handmade Holidays. . .Easy Cedar Branch Topiaries

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I made these simple, cedar topiaries yesterday.  They were so easy and inexpensive to put together.

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Supplies:

- cedar branches (I bought mine @ a local garden center for $4.00)

- containers (without drainage holes in the bottom)

- floral foam (buy the kind that is meant to be wet)

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1.  I read somewhere that the floral foam should be soaked overnight.  I'm not sure if that is necessary, but that's what I did.  I'm guessing that a few hours of soaking would be sufficient.

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2. Use a cutting board and knife to cut the floral foam to shape.  It does not need to be perfect!

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3.  Place floral foam into containers.

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4.  Trim branches.  The branches I bought had one main branch with a whole bunch of little off-shoots.  I trimmed off the little branches on either side on the lower portion of each branch and then used the upper portion as a larger branch for the center of my containers.

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You will also want to take off the lower needles on the branch so that it's easy to stick in the floral foam.

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5.  Start with a sticking a large brach or two in the center and work your way out with the smaller branches.

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The finished topiaries:

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I used votive holders to make these little ones.  I think it would be fun to use these at a holiday party at each place setting.  And, they would make great party favors too!

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{See the red reflection in the votive holder?  That's me taking the picture in my red flannel pajamas...whoops}

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I had greens left over so I found another container and made one more.

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Check the water level in the foam every couple days or so.  The topiaries should have no problem lasting through the holidays and probably even into January.
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Linking to:
Finding Fabulous

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Giveaway Time. . .Fancy Prints!

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It's time for another giveaway!  And it's just in time for the holidays!

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Veronika of Fancy Prints contacted me this week, wondering if I would like to have another giveaway from her lovely Etsy shop, Fancy Prints.

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I first found her shop back in August when I was searching Esty for a personalized print I could give to my friends for their wedding.  I posted about it right here.

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Fancy Prints currently has over 128 listings in her shop - so you are sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

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Here are just a few of my favorite items:

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Isn't this lovely?  It's a personalized family tree...great gift idea!

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I love this monogram.  Perfect for a little girl. Or any woman really - I'd like one for myself.  In green, of course!

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Are you hosting a baby shower sometime soon?  I think the mom to be would love this.  The tree is blank and at the shower the guests stamp their thumbprints on the tree and sign their name.  What a great keepsake!

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I love this modern, graphic take on a wedding print.

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Another great wedding gift idea.  Keep in mind that all the colors (on all prints) can be customized to your choice!

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I just love this alphabet.

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And these invitations - very cute!

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The Prize:

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8" x 10" or 11" x 14" print of the winners choice

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*Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.*

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*Winner will be selected on Monday, December 13th using a random number generator.

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*Please be sure to include your email address in your comment if you don't have it listed in your Blogger profile. I want to be able to contact you if you are the winner!*

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How To Enter:

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*There are several ways to enter, but please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do.*

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1. Visit Fancy Prints on Etsy. Come back and leave a comment about your favorite print. (one entry)

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2. Are you a follower of 33 Shades of Green via Google Friend Connect? If you are, leave another comment telling me that you are a follower (one entry)

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3. Visit Fancy Prints on Facebook and "Like" them. (one entry)

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4. Blog about this giveaway or add it to your sidebar. (one entry)

.Thank you Fancy Prints for hosting this fun giveaway!

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