Sunday, January 11, 2009

A Bit Behind

I knew at some point I'd have to take apart the Christmas trees and start the tedious process of organizing it all into separate totes. Piece by piece I took what was this years living room Christmas decor:

until it was simply a skinny 7.5 foot, pre-lit tree. (Which happened to missing some lights near the bottom - not sure when that happened!?)

This process took all day Saturday, and well into my day on Sunday. Throw in a few hours at my real office doing the kind of work that keeps the lights on over here at Color Outside the Lines and Casa de la Vanderdogan, and I had to have a glass of Cakebread to calm the nerves!

It was, and is a floral bonanza in our house. Ornaments, picks, flowers, and greens from baseboard to crown. 67 ornaments were on that small tree, not including the simple glass ornaments you can buy 6 to a pack. (I use those for the first step of my layering process.)
At about 9:15 tonight though, the living room was back to normal - and, spotless! I have yet to "scape" the mantle, but will in the coming days.

Like the new mirror? $1.98 at Linens-n-things closing sale. Last day, 99% off - that's right, it WAS $198.00! It is way too dark for that space, but I figure with some faux painting and a some goo-be-gone on that mirror, we'll be in business!
Stay tuned for more on the saga that is the exit of Christmas decor here, and if you were hoping to do some shopping at the Bazaar this weekend - and I know you were, there will be new things added later this week! Have a happy Monday!



33 comments:

  1. Oh Twin, I'm doing the same thing - a few of those vintage elves escaped, and don't want to be put away for the next 11 months!

    It's always a little sad to see the trees come down - the enchantment ending, and the mundane return to the world. For now!

    Great score on the mirror -- I can't wait to see it transform into one of your fabulous creations!

    xo Isa

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  2. Hi Artie, I can't believe you got that mirror for $1.98! That's unbelievable...and it looks great! Thanks for checking out the frames and your nice compliments. My brain is working like crazy with all the great ideas you guys have given me! I am really going to work on that pet themed one. I know what you mean about looking "kitchy"...it's hard to find stuff that looks classy and not crafty. I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks for your encouragement! Kristen

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  3. Oh, and looking forward to seeing what's new at the Bazaar.

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  4. Artie - Had to read this post TWICE! $1.98?Be still my heart! I'm also extremely jealous, because you're way ahead of me in putting Christmas to bed for this year. Need to dismantle 2 trees covered with glass ornaments and all of our house collection. (Have 95 village houses to put away, plus all of the accessories and tiny people.) I'm thinking we'll be done by Ash Wednesday!

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  5. I love your blog and all your wonderful ideas and comments..good luck with design star, I know you have to be one of the best out there!!!

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  6. I love that mirror...even if you don't change it. I'm sad...I took my Christmas stuff down today too (at least some of it). It sure went by quickly, didn't it?

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  8. What an awesome bargain that was!! Your tree looked lovely too. It is so sad when you have to pull down all that hard work.
    Ness xx

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  10. The exact same thing happened to my tree - lights out right in the middle. Unbelievable buy on the mirror! I am keeping an eye out for the previous mantle painting in the bazaar because it's mine!

    G in CT

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  11. First, what the hell is cakebread?
    Second, you got that gorgeous mirror for 2 bucks? OMG, the jealousy! I love love LOVE it!!!!!

    Justine :o )

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  12. Artie, what a deal on the mirror.. Don't you love when you find bargains like that? Can't wait to see what's in store for us.
    hugs ~lynne~

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  13. Woo Hoo, $1.98 for your Mirror; what a great find as you would be hard pressed to find something so beautiful in a Dollarama Store....smiles. Also for you American Shoppers, it would have been at least twice the original price up here in Canada and an additional 13% for taxes. YEP you sure got yourself a bargain Artie!!!!

    Interior Christmas decs. have been all put away as well, however the exterior remain until after our Winter Carnival as residents are asked to leave them until then. Kind of a contradiction to what we are preached about when it comes to conserving energy. Fickled Politicians....grin.)

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  14. We took down some of the Christmas at home, while we were there over the weekend. Still a few things to put away when we return in a couple of weeks. It seemed strange to walk into the house and still see Christmas, after being away.

    I love the new mirror...looking forward to seeing what you do!

    We're back at the lake, paint brush in hand!

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  15. You know, I just drove past Linens n' Things and thought, they don't have anything I need. Now you show me this mirror for $1.98!! I'm mad at myself.

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  16. Artie, what a steal on the mirror!! That's great you got in on such a deal. Thanks for stopping by!

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  17. Oh, congrats on trying out for Design Star! I would love to see you on there too. One of my friends here in AL is on the 2nd round of videos, so I'll be cheering for both of you. If you haven't been to her blog, check her out, Layla at The Lettered Cottage.

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  18. Morning, Artieness! Oh, I know, undecorating for Christmas takes a while, doesn't it? But don't you feel great this morning that it's all done? Now, I'm falling off my chair thinking you got that fantastic mirror for $1.98!!! Unbelievable! It's beautiful. If you ever decide you don't want it, let me know? Can't wait to see what you do with your mantle. This is the hardest place for me to decorate, just can't seem to get it right!
    Be a sweetie and still got my fingers crossed for our Ariteness!
    Shelia ;)

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  19. OMG That mirror is beautiful...and I'm pretty sure that has to be the deal of the CENTURY!!!

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  20. Wow what a find and a steal on the mirror! Can't wait to see what your do with it.
    Ok, got to run, meeting fellow blogger for her birthday lunch.
    Had to see what you are up to Artie before I left.
    Linda

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  21. Love the mirror! I was able to pick up a few hundred dollars worth of "stuff" over the weeks our Linens 'N Things was liquidating. Lots of Christmas gifts the recipients loved. P.S. I've loved Cakebread Cellars for years! Cheers!

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  22. The mirror is incredible for 2 bucks! Crazy...

    I do have an ulterior motive for posting this comment though.

    I desperately need your help on my living room (which looks maybe just a shade lighter than your green...) Please help!!! I posted a thread on it. I can't figure out my curtain color.

    http://cottageofstone.blogspot.com/

    PLEASE HELP!

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  23. Super warm Welcome to the new venture/Bazaar ! I wish you all the best and hope to find some wonderful delights to live here at The Painted Nest :)

    Artie thanks for the lift of inspiration on my 100th post...your presence always brings a smile :)

    And yes, excellent ideas for the mirror re-do...can't wait to see the transformation!

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  24. Whaaa...that's me not being able to finish my word.
    $1.98? No way Jose!
    It's gorgeous!
    Nice work. :)

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  25. Fantastic deal on the great mirror and it seems perfect for your space. ... I've been wondering what you put around the base of your Christmas tree ??? - Sheryl Canadian Girl

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  26. Hi, that HAS to be the sale of all sales! What a great bargain. I didn't really want to take down the Christmas decorations, but have to admit that my tiny house feels larger. I did a big "spring cleaning". That's my idea of FUN!

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  27. How pretty!
    What a great deal at Linens!
    -sandy toe

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  28. Ahhhh......I have to take down the tree tomorrow..just got home from vaca today and am dreading the task! Laundry, tree, laundry, tree... mmmm... i pick laundry!

    I LOVE your new mirror..i think it looks lovely the way it is..it doesn't seem too dark to me.. but you are more of an expert than I!

    Have a great week!

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  29. Wow you are the last of all getting your tree down! but hey it's done!

    The mirror.... now that's what you call a GREAT bargain! :)

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  30. Good Tuesday Morning Artie,

    You did better than I did, our tree is still waiting to be taken down. :( I've never been this late. Love the mirror, what a fantastic buy, good for you.
    Have a great day.

    Hugs
    'D'

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  31. $1.98!!! You are kidding! I love the lines there!!

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  32. That mirror is fabulous and the price...OUT OF THIS WORLD...
    I am so keeping fingers and toes crossed for Design Star post...I just know, KNOW, you will make it and I know you will POST ABOUT IT...shout it from the rooftops...go on FOX NEWS....scream, and jump and run about!!!! lol...good luck on it, Artie..

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