it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

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i LOVE christmastime. seriously love it. but who doesn't right? my house is fully decorated, though i do have a few more projects to complete... that's part of the fun though, always having a project to finish. besides my tree above, which i am in love with every single year, here are a few highlights around the house . [cell-phone pictures, i know i'm terrible]

[the free printable in the top right photo is from here]

i made this little printable that i framed in a swirly white frame. i change the number with dry erase each day. [i got the idea from here but made my own]. please do print one for yourself:

i want to do something like this somewhere. little things in jars. to add some more interest:

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Aly on Pinterest

i'm also planning to make this cute advent banner to hang above the fireplace. with a few variations because i'm not an awesome sewer. no flap, no button, probably not even in that shape... and i might just use paper. we'll see:

Source: etsy.com via Aly on Pinterest

but i'll be filling it with cards that have little christmastime activities for each day, instead of candy/toys. this means i'll have to be very organized and energized to actually do the thing on the card each day... i figure i'll include little crafts, making/decorating cookies, driving around to see the lights, going to the christmas show at church, reading a christmas-y book, a few football games. i'll definitely use things that we already have on the calendar, you know?

Source: kimmccrary.blogspot.com via Aly on Pinterest

i also really love this [but in greens/golds/silvers]:

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Aly on Pinterest

and how pretty is this little display?

Source: bhg.com via Aly on Pinterest

i have too much fun decorating. but i get a solid 6 weeks out of it, since i keep it up until new years day :) i have no shame! i love it!

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oh, and i couldn't let cyber monday go by without giving you a discount in the shop, right?

use code CYBERMONDAY in either shop for:

30% off your entire purchase in Blossom & Vine [hoop art, prints, hair accessories]

50% off your entire purchase in Blossom & Vine DIY [diy patterns & printable artwork]

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linking up with heather & alissa

anthro gift card giveaway!!

I'm not sure what else would make your day today besides this: 14 of us have gotten together to bless one of you with a special treat! We're giving away a $200 Gift Card to Anthropologie!!! There is only one mandatory entry. We just want you to let us know what you would spend the gift card on! All the other entries are bonus entries to increase your chances of winning! The giveaway ends on March 15th. -Ashley@The Vanilla Tulip- -Laura@Bits of Splendor- -Kaylee@Life Chasers- -Nat@Take the Cannoli- -Annie@The Farrar Four- -Aly@Blossom and Vine- -Kristen&Allison@Lullaby Lubbock- -Jenna@Day of Knight- -Wynne@Gloriously Ruined- -Robyn@The Farmers Nest- -Alex@Peppermint Plum- -Carina@Lovely Little Whimsy- -Danielle@Take Heart- -Natalie@ NS Pottery- a Rafflecopter giveaway

Salvage 517 [it's a giveaway!]

this is my friend Leslie. if you aren't reading her blog , stop right now, and go over there and click follow. because you're missing out on some of the best stuff online. just trust me. so Leslie is not only a gifted writer and teacher, but she's super creative too. she recently opened an etsy shop called Salvage517 , where she sells beautiful things, all of which are made from salvaged materials . know what's fun? she chose you guys to have the chance to win one of her darling Vintage Thanksgiving Card Displays in the cutest fabric wrapped frames. seriously. you know you need one of these... so, here's all you have to do to enter: 1) go to her shop and tell me what your favorite item is [leave a comment] for a chance at extra entries: 2) follow my blog 3) follow her blog [leave a comment for each] giveaway will be open through thursday night and the winner will be announced friday! good luck! :)

to wipe away your yelling

one of my favorite things to do in december is to drive around to see the lights. our neighborhood is huge, and we have some seriously awesome houses. one of them is our next-door neighbor, so we don't have to look very far it we don't want to. but at least five or six times in december i would stick the girls in the car and drive around our neighborhood to spot the best-decorated houses. one particular evening, as we were driving, i asked my three-year old if she remembered what was so special about Christmas. "it's when Jesus came to see all my presents!" that's when you know you're doing a good job, right? yeah, so i gently reminded her that Jesus came, in fact, to wipe away our sins. after a thirty second pause, she wondered out loud: "He came to wipe away your yelling?" straight.to.the.heart. "Because when you yell, that's your sin. and when i don't listen to you, that's my sin." yes, right again. i found

Leslie @ top of the pageNovember 27, 2011 at 11:38 PM
it all looks so great, friend! can't believe you have done so much decorating already. i feel so behind with our trip and coming home fri night. i love your piano, and the garland on it. i wish we still had room for mine. let's talk soon.
Handbags*and*PigtailsNovember 28, 2011 at 3:22 AM
Everything looks lovely Aly. Im about halfway done with my decorating. And alas, Im back to work today(boy that break went fast:)).
Have a lovely Monday!
Lish @ ImprintalishNovember 28, 2011 at 4:00 AM
Looks so pretty! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!
Katie @ minivan divaNovember 28, 2011 at 6:34 AM
I love your printable.What a great idea. My kids ask me every day how many more days until Christmas. : )
JannaNovember 28, 2011 at 6:58 AM
Wow! Gorgeous ideas & thanks for sharing your printable :) Have a blessed day.
Simply.Lovely.ThingsNovember 28, 2011 at 1:55 PM
Your tree is to die for!!!

New follower from Rags to Stitches!
FlorNovember 29, 2011 at 11:50 PM
Your christmas tree looks SO pretty! We just finished up our advent calender today.. just in time! I promised myself last year I would do one for this year..boy, they take alot of time to prepare!
loved all your ideas!
CaraNovember 30, 2011 at 1:45 PM
beautiful decoration inspiration, especially love the fireplace "flags"!
xo Cara
http://www.afashionloveaffair.com
A Girl Named LeneyDecember 9, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Shared a link to this on my blog today, hope you don't mind:)

<3 Leney

http://agirlnamedleney.blogspot.com/

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