Tuesday, November 9, 2010

~just one aspect of my life~

We are so grateful for our home and
love sharing with others...
there is nothing to compare
to great fellowship and food.

as I give you a stroll thru our living area


~the worn duck decoy belonged to my husband's grandfather~
~crystal biscuit jar was a Christmas gift from years past~
the pumpkin was added for a little fall touch

girls, I don't go moving stuff around much
I do enjoy adding a few things for the seasons
I find the right spot and leave it. 

the back side of the arrangement
had to show you what was under the biscuit jar  ;-)

~view from my end of the couch~
the sunflower picture was a greeting card, painted by my mother-in-law
isn't it lovely?  I change this frame out with the seasons
the wooden box - can't remember where it came from - but I know what's inside
I don't usually give you many laughs when you read my blog,
 but this one get ready! 
TEETH!!!
All those teeth that mom & dad collected and slipped  a quarter
or dollar under the pillow.

gifts - great finds - and nature

see the pretty little pinecones - I keep these out year round
just a pain to get the dust out

the bowl is a treasure found at a flea market
don't you just love the fruit?
looks so real with the cloves stuck in the oranges
~the bowl is beautiful with fruit salad in it~

many of you have seen this grouping before
told you I don't swap things around
I only change out the fall leaves and replace
with seasonal greenery
I use alot of crystal, yes I have boys, and most of the time
there are more boys, it hasn't proved to be a problem;
sure they are older, but, they need to be exposed to
beauty too!

But, I'm reminded - it's just things
in light of eternity.

When I get ready to use the cake plate under the rabbits
 or tray for sandwiches, I remove it from the grouping,
 wash it  :-)  and then put it back when I'm finished.
I don't have alot of storage in our home.

This small table is beside the front door.

The feather nest is a Christmas tree ornament,
 a friend gave me.

Okay, girls had to show you where
my husband rests.
Just getting real. 

(see the monstrosity by the front door?  that's my croton from the front porch, we've had cool temps)

No staging at my house,
~this is the real deal~
just picked up the folded clothes
and dusted a little for the picture.

My desire is to provide a
haven for my family
and a place for friends
to feel relaxed and comfortable.

Just wish all of you precious girls could come
and "pay a visit". 

33 comments:

Myrna said...

What a beautiful and warm and elegant home you have!! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Myrna

Julie Harward said...

I loved it all..thanks for sharing your lovely home. I love touches of crystal too and I think it's good for kids to be raised with pretty things. Love the teeth story..that is precious! :D

FrouFrouBritches said...

It is beautiful! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who keeps baby teeth. Only, mine are in ziploc bags and labeled with kid and date - not in a pretty box. I love the feather nest!! So pretty! I love that you have pinecones in a crystal bowl! GORGEOUS!

I think my family would pass out if I didn't have folded laundry on my couch. HA! Someday mine will be as pretty as yours!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Your house is beautiful. You have photographed it very well. I am going to have to get better at photographing indoors this winter.

Shilo said...

What a beautiful home you have, Karen! A haven of rest for all who enter!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Oh...I LOVED the stroll. You truly have a beautiful home.

I'd love to swing by for a cup of coffee no? :-)

Melissa Miller said...

Karen your entire home is truly gorgeous and welcoming. You create beauty for all to see and enjoy. Very pretty fall vignette.

Thank you for your kind visit sweet lady.

Have a blessed day.
Warmly, ~Melisa :)

Sandy said...

Your lovely home looks as warm and
inviting as your blog, Karen. So
glad to be able to come in for a
little blog visit. As an avid
bird watcher I love the large
birdhouse there against the wall.

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Thanks for following me! I'm following you right back. I just reinvented my blog so it's rather new. I will post more pics of my decor as we go along.
Oh, this is just beautiful! I love, love your style. The look that is inviting and makes me unafraid to curl up on the sofa. Comfy but elegant. I have boys too so we have to keep it functional. The wooden box with the teeth is a precious idea. I bet your kids love it.
Nice to meet you!

xinex said...

You are so good in creating vignettes. They are all very pretty, love the bunnies and the crystals. Your home is gorgeous, very warm....Christine

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Very welcoming place.

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen, You certainly have a flair for making everything look beautiful yet warm and inviting. Love your valances, wall color, furniture and especially the crystal and touches of fall. Wishing you a restful evening.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Karen, your home is stunning. I love all of your vignettes. The way you mix your crystal with other items is gorgeous and so inspiring. I have a few pieces and I never think to use them. Such a fabulous idea. Love it all. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Fabulous eye candy. Hugs, Marty

Julianna said...

Your house is so beautiful.! I hope you're enjoying your new camera!

Shelly Wildman said...

Oh so pretty, Karen. Your home looks so cozy and inviting.

Betty Jo said...

Karen you home is gorgeous and looks so inviting. Enjoy that new camera! ♥

From the Old InkWell said...

oh Karen, your home is so inviting and cozy! LOVE That old decoy. I have one but it's not from my family like yours. That's so special! I'm a lover of crystal too and all your pieces are just gorgeous, but you are so right about them all being temporal. I have to keep reminding myself of that always! :=)

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Hey dear friend, you really know how to make a haven for your family and friends. This is so relaxing, warm and beutiful. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

Loving you,
D.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful...thank you for allowing me to visit. I love the comments on yes you have boys...I have five and I have never arranged for them...and even after 27 years of boys I can say that very few things were broken!
What a peaceful and beautiful home!

Lori said...

Thanks for the little tour. I have always said that I love your crystal pieces.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

So many beautiful vignettes...love those cloves/oranges! Happy Fall!

Blessings,
Linda

Christmas is right around the corner…hop over to enter my gift card GIVEAWAY…WIN some Christmas cash!

Debbie said...

This is very much my cup of tea! I love your taste and the WARM way that you have with decorating. It's truly beautiful.

I laughed about the teeth. At first, I thought you meant that you collected and saved dentures.

I'm just oddball enough to think that.

The Inspired Nest said...

You have a beautiful room and I love the duck decoy on your table. I am also loving that wing chair by the door! I am so glad you stopped by and left such a sweet comment!
Your new friend!
Lacy

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I would love to pay a visit to this pretty room. So many lovely vignettes to see. Love the decoy that was handed down, and your m-i-l's framed card is beautiful. You did give me a laugh about the teeth in the box - at first I thought you meant somebody's false teeth!! laurie

Marlis said...

thank you so much for your gracious comments on my blog!!! I'm so glad you found me because now I found your blog and it's perfect. I follow!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Karen, I adore all your vignettes, especially the ones with the bunnies. The pinecones in the crystal basket is gorgeous.
hugs ~lynne~

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Thanks for sharing your very pretty home. I like all the touches of nature in your vignettes.
Thanks for stopping by and reading along. I have a tendency to ramble, so hope I don't get to boring for you. :)

Lynn said...

Lovely, lovely place. Thanks for the tour. I was happy to read that the teeth that are in the box were from the kids, not yours or your husband's ;) I had envisioned Grandma's set of choppers in there. I see you're reading one of Stormie Omartian's books -- right now I'm reading/praying through The Power of Praying for your Adult Children. She is such a great author and prayer warrior. It's good to meet you!

Delchick42 said...

Oh Karen, your home is a haven. So warm and inviting. Thank you for the sentiment:)

Cheryl@My Own Snug Fireside

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Karen...

My friend, your home is absolutely gorgeous!!! Ohhh...I love your style and color choices! I just giggled because our living rooms are similar in several ways...the olive green wall color...the cherry wood furniture and leather chairs! And...you have done such a beautiful job decorating everything! You know, I am like you...when I find something that I like...I have a difficult time changing it! I really enjoyed all of your beautiful vignettes...you have sooo many beautiful things!!! My favorite vignette is the one with the bunnies and tall columns! That's just sooo pretty...I love it! Of course, I have a "thing" for bunnies! Hehe! I sooo enjoyed getting to peek into your lovely living room...it was such a treat!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and all of your pretties with us!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Love your crystal pieces...I love that your home is in the real and it is lovely!!

Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Both your home and your blog are such beautiful peaceful places! I love the music here.

Keep Walking With the King!
Courtney

Kathleen said...

Your home is beautiful. I love all the wood and leather and pretty things. Yes, the sunflower is very beautiful. Thank you for sharing your home, I get so many good ideas from blogs like yours.