Friday, January 7, 2011

JANUARY PROJECTS

Oh...how can you take down a tree that is still this pretty and healthy? The light in my living room was just starting to fade as the snow is coming, so I thought I'd get a picture of Milo curled up in his favorite chair next to the tree having an afternoon snooze. And as we speak, the snow has started. I have heard that our house up at the lake is practically buried, with more snow to come tomorrow. I miss the lakehouse, we will have to go soon.

I have enjoyed making my rounds this week, visiting my favorite blogs. Everyone is on such a roll with cleaning and organizing and projects. Whew...it's enough to inspire anyone. And when I curl up with my magazines in the evening, I read most of the same thing, tips on cleaning and organizing and projects. We ladies do think alike...it is almost like a cycle that goes on during the year, each month bringing on new goals and interests, marked by holidays and celebrations. I love being a part of it all.

Projects in Blondie's future? Well I have the chandelier story that I left you with. You can go to my last post to see the picture of the God awful chandelier I have lived with for 25 years {otherwise known as "The Disco Ball"}. Well, I can keep a secret very well, I pride myself on that {it is probably why I make a good friend}. But I can't leave you hanging. The good news is I bought a new fixture with a gift card that I won to CSN from Life As Lori. It was for $65.00. So I found an iron chandy that matches the pedestal of my dining table and that has a bit of a rustic look to it, and you will never guess how much I paid. With my gift card...$9.07!! Even though The Husband wasn't crazy about losing The Disco Ball, he was quite impressed with my win and the price I paid. I am however, having trouble finding someone to do the electrical and hang it. I wish they had taught some type of Home Management courses in law school. But I will share it with you when it is up and shining.

My next project is to tackle the family room. It has been painted for months now and I was at a loss because the furniture in there was dictating the style of the space and I didn't want to work around that. It is a soft yellow and I want pretty white slip covered furniture and over time I will clutter everything up as I usually do, but in a neutral color scheme. So...my oldest son is getting his own place {his room mate is getting married this weekend} and I have offered him the furniture. Yay. Goodbye tweed sofa and chairs and glass tables. It is going to be so much fun to start from square one.

We have a quiet weekend planned, The Husband is working at home, but we are going out for a quiet dinner tonight. I go out so rarely and he is usually so tired in the evening, we really need some time to ourselves. I hope to make this a weekly thing. And I hope all of you have something fun planned for this weekend, please tell me it isn't cleaning! :-)

80 comments:

Unknown said...

I totally agree! my tree is still up, I love looking at it, your's is gorgeous...

Karen

Theresa said...

Oh dear Friend, I can't wait to see the new chandelier! I know it will be gorgeous! Enjoy your dinner tonight with your honey! Hope you have a special and quiet evening! HUGS!

KTW said...

Yay for a date night! :) Hope you have a wonderful dinner and enjoy each others company.
Can't wait to see your new chandelier! And that is QUITE the deal you got. :)

Have a great weekend!

Tricia said...

Milo looks so cozy...that's what I feel like doing, taking a nap :) Enjoy your night out ♥

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Jane, Milo is so cute. I can't believe your tree is still living, and looks that great. Enjoy your dinner with your husband, that is a nice thing for the two of you to do.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I can't stand looking that tree right after Jan. 1 - but we put it up right after Thanksgiving, so, it's been there a while.

Absolutely, you should once a week take a night out, just the two of you for a relaxing dinner.

Olive said...

I have helped Joe hang many chandeliers and it is not difficult...turn the power off though. You can do it easily if we can. I do not help with ceiling fans but unfortunately we need those ugly things. I just put away all our Christmas stuff at the yellow house and we are back at the old house. Have a splendid weekend dear Jane.

Amy Chalmers said...

Jane, Your Milo looks just like my Dillon! White with brown patches...so sweet. He curls up on the sofa like that too. I can't wait to see the new chandy. I think you should get an electrical book for homeowners. I had to do that once when I was divorced and it actually was pretty easy, even though I was scared to death! I took down a fan/light and hung a chandy up in my tiny duplex. So if I can do it, so can you.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

My tree is still up too and it makes me sad to take it down! I removed all the trimmings today and we will enjoy the lights for one more night but tomorrow back into the box it will go. I love Christmas so! The cleaning bug still hasn't hit me as I am still enjoying the Christmas around my home. Have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Hi Jane, we put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving and it still looked good, hardly shed, and smelled fresh when we took it down Dec. 31 - southern tradition to take it down BEFORE new year's. It was hard! I'm sort of cleaning out, would like to be more minimalist that I think I'm capable of being, and still do NOT like my mantel that I recently posted about. We are supposed to have a little snow and ice Monday late, so people will be rushing to the grocery store to stock up for about 12 hours that could be dicey. We are so funny down south. That's what we are doing this weekend...hee hee hee. Linda

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Well, not so much cleaning as it is the continuation of putting the Christmas stuff away. At least I am up to the tree and have pretty much everything else put away. Of course, there is always something that I find in the next week or two that I overlooked. We will be watching the Colts/Jets game this weekend and, although we live in NY, we will be rooting for the Colts. If the roads aren't bad tomorrow, I'll also get to see the granddaughter! : )

Susan Freeman said...

I am so glad to hear that your tree is still up too. I have not been able to take mine down yet. I love the soft glow of the tiny lights in the evening. I also agree with you about having a quiet evening out with our husbands. It's good to have some time to unwind with no phones, computers, television and other distractions. Just a time to catch up with each other ~ a bit of romance is good for the soul! Have a wonderful time tonight!!

Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Kathleen said...

I hope you have more fun picking furniture than I did! I had a hard time! Still working at it.
I didn't know you were a lawyer, Jane. Or did you mean dh?
Now spray paint your old chandy and use it outside in a gazebo with candles! :) I took my son's old one and did that, came out great!

Kerry said...

Hi Jane, you're putting me to shame with all your projects. I've been doing an awful lot of nothing, although I did rearrange the kitchen cupboards...I think you're right about a new year leading us to thoughts of organisation! Hope you have a lovely dinner and that you get to the lake soon.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie, your tree really does look pretty still!... and little Milo looks so content asleep in the chair, having little doggie dreams... I am excited for you and your new chandelier, and how fun you will be starting a whole new decorating project!... hope you have a yummy dinner out tonight... it is COLD here so our weekend will be spent mostly inside, not cleaning, but I will be baking something yummy to go with our coffee... xoxo Julie Marie

Terri Steffes said...

I am loving the tree and now I am sure I will be loving the chandelier! Cant' wait to see it. Date nights are my fave!

koralee said...

Oh my tree is down...but it is a real one and made such a mess...but I do love the beauty of them....it is so hard to take them down.

Sounds like you will be busy ...weekend hugs to you my friend...thank you for all your sweet comments you always leave me...what a blessing you are. xoxo

Karen said...

You are so right. Women seem to be creatures of habit - and I always find myself going to the same magazines, and looking for any new kind of decorating or organizing tip.
NEXT TIME COME WITH CINDY! OMG you would have such a ball with all of us! Cindy and I do quite well getting lost together! :)
Have a wonderful evening with your guy!
Hugs! Karen

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Enjoy your quiet weekend....Looking forward to seeing your new chandie up and what you do with your family room.

KarenB said...

It's always so exciting to give away the old stuff and start over. Then it gets intimidating because you have to make a DECISION! Well, I hear ya. I'm getting rid of the old house and starting over in a new one. Yikes! Can't wait to see what you do.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
I am glad to see I am not the only one that lets the fur babies on the furniture. What the heck, right??? Sounds like you have lots planned. Looking forward to seeing the chandy. My Dad and I could do the job. He is an electrican(retired), but he and I have done lots of jobs together at the Cape house :)
Hope you dinner is fun and relaxing tonight!
xoxo
Robin

June said...

I think going out once a week with your guy is a great goal for 2011. I think Milo looks so cute laying there in the chair. I am getting a little of tired of staying down myself. I want to organize my 'stuff' too. I have a ton of plans for January, and want to get to them.
I can't wait to see the new chandy hanging.
Have a lovely weekend sweetie.
hugs

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, your tree is still so pretty and love seeing your little fuzzy face all curled up dreaming! ;)
Can't wait to see your new chandy and what a deal you got! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Suzann said...

I love date night!!
This weekend I will be cleaning and organizing, but we are trying a new church which will be exciting!! And we've been getting some snow so that makes staying home extra cozy.

Unknown said...

Jane...hoping you find some good help to get that chandelier up cuz we all want to see it. Congratulations on the win :)

Blessings!
Gail

La said...

Hi Jane!

I can't wait to see your new lighting. Have a wonderful evening. Stay warm and safe.

Milo has the right idea! La

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
I sit here chuckling at your lovely post. I promise not to organize anything this weekend (much) Your thoughts are so calm and relaxing I am about to pour myself a cup of tea or maybe a glass of wine and sit by that gorgeous tree of yours. Have a lovely dinner with the husband and an even lovlier weekend. Stay warm.
Maryrose

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Jane! Glad you are enjoying a relaxing evening with your Hubby! Sounds nice. Good for your son getting that wonderful furniture from you! Hmmmmm do I sense a new decorating plan on your part? We will wait and see...hahaha....sounds like this could be fun!
Have a blessed week.
Debbie

Jane said...

Hi Jane,
By the time you're reading this you probably already had your dinner out with your hubby....it's nice to get out for a special evening.
Glad you found a new chandelier and even better...using your gift card!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Jane

Laura said...

Hi Miss Jane-
I just wanted to say hi-
I don't blame you-
your tree still looks great!

Laura

PS.
Mine is still up... Oops...

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Hi Jane,
Great news on the new light fixture and upcoming projects. I look forward to reading more from you. Enjoy your weekend & stay warm!
- Susan

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane....I bet your tree looks so pretty with the snow coming down outside! If it is still healthy, why not enjoy it a little longer! I have been sick all week and finally feeling better. I DO want to get out and have a little fun! Thinkin about some antiquein! ~Hugs, Patti

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I don't know what my weekend will bring. A lot of it depends on the weather because they are predicting snow. we have been in the 30's and low 40's here, but that is about to change or at least that is what they are saying. My grandsons want snow so bad so they can go coasting. I don't mind some, but I want to be able to get around. Enjoy the quiet time with your hubby. It is good to have time with him because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Have a great weekend. Your Missouri Friend.

The Moerks said...

Hi Jane, I think your tree is looking wonderful and can fully understand why you would want to leave it up. As for the weekend, I have some furniture to paint and some reading to do. It is pretty hot and windy here in Victoria.

Linda said...

LOVE every one of your posts!

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour,
I know what you mean, I never want to take down the tree either (especially after all that work). Anxious to see your new chandy!
Hope your new year is off to a good start. I though of you often over the holidays, and still keeping you in my prayers.
Enjoy your dinner out with your honey!
Bon weekend,
Mimi

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Your tree still does look so pretty!
I love the soft wintry glow!
I so wish you were coming with me to AZ. Maybe next trip? We could really make it a fun girls time together!
Dan and I went out with a fellow blogger and her hubby last night for dinner. We had a great time!
Today I am going to start organizing my stuff and spend a little time with Addison!
Big Hugs,
(oh and Dan could have that fixture up for you in a flash!)
Wish we were closer!
Cindy

Shellbelle said...

I love the pic of the sunlight streaming in on your tree, while Milo naps close by. I think they call that a Kodak moment, lol.

Hanging a chandelier from an existing outlet is really quite easy. I hung three ceiling fans in my house by myself and was amazed at how simple it really was. I just looked up how to do it on a DIY site and followed the instructions. Saved me a boat load of money.

Date night with hubby sounds like a brilliant idea for 2011!

Maggie said...

Hi Janie,
There's something so special about Christmas trees when they are alight and snow flakes are falling outside. I completely understand why you would want to leave it up as long as possible.
Hope you & your other half had a lovely dinner last evening and the rest of your weekend is great.
Stay warm.

Kim said...

You are so right about women. While we are all unique, there are so many things about us that are the same. I can't wait to see your projects Jane. And I say enjoy that tree as long as you like - it's beautiful, just like you!
xoxo,
Kim

Paula@SweetPea said...

I hope you had a wonderful date night. We go out to our club almost every Friday night for a quiet dinner together and I just love that "reconnect" time after a long week.

I can't wait to see your new chandelier. I'll bet you'll be thrilled once it is hanging.

Marigene said...

I hope you have a fun time picking out furniture. Milo is adorable!
Happy New Year, Jane.

xinex said...

I hope you had a wonderful and quiet dinner, Janie. My tree is still up too but I got all the ornaments down and put away the Christmas Village already. I just need someone to help me with the tree and it's out, so much work and not as exciting as putting it up. I can't wait to see your new chandy, congrats for winning, Janie. Hope you are haivng a great new year!...Christine

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

I love the music you have here and took a while to reply so I could listen.
It's hard for me sometimes to take the tree down too...especially when it looks so nice and you've got a perfect setting outdoors with the snowfall.
I can't wait to see your new chandy. Congrats on the win!

Nancy

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

-chuckle- I'm gonna' use my cold-from-hell, as an excuse... For why I'm not doing much cleaning or much of anything.

Well, the ding-dang-cold has to be good for something! Even if it's only for excuses. ,-)

Super on the new to-be-lighting fixture you got, and the furniture you now can get. And son is using the older furniture! Hmmmm, would he like the "Disco Ball" too???????

-evil giggles-

Happy snow covered hugs...

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Just getting all my trees down today:) Wish me luck...I don't like doing this chore!

Blessings,
Linda

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I am so envious of you getting to redo your den! How fun! I bet it will be beautiful. Too bad we don't live closer, my Mr. would have your chandy hungs two seconds flat. I say if you are enjoying your tree still then by all means keep enjoying it! I can assure you my mother still has hers up! I hope you will come follow me on the new blog I've set up now. I always enjoy hearing from you! Hope your weekend is going well!

Leslie said...

I wish that I could leave my trees up.. once I get started with the after christmas cleaning I go nutty and pack everything up. I do it every year! : )
You are going to have some fun projects, I am looking forward to seeing them.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jane, Would you believe I bought a Christmas tree today....me....the lady who never got her trees up for Christmas. It's a white one and I am just going to use the top of it in a pretty planter for a Valentine tree....at least that's the plan. Chandeliers are pretty easy to put up. Maybe a neighbor can help you do it. Way to go on that cost...wow!

Lori said...

OK - I won't tell you that it was cleaning ~ but I did :o( I did make a trip to the fabric store and found something to cover my headboard with and make my curtains (insert happy dance here). Since I already got my quilt I am building around it ~ next stop is paint. I cannot wait to start this one ~ it is so overdue it is sinful. Hope you are having a fabulous week-end. xo

Sarah said...

Quiet weekend here, Jane. Finally got the trees down last night. Finished at midnight. ;-)
All the ornaments are packed up. Feels good to have that task behind me, though I agree you tree looks too nice to take down. Enjoy it!

Melissa Miller said...

Milo is too cute curled up Jane.
Your tree still looks gorgeous. I can see why it is up.

Happy New Year!
~Melissa :)

raggygirlvintage said...

What a cosy scene! I was glad to have my tree packed up before back to work but it was a shame to take out a perfectly good tree, it all looks so bare now! I still have my little norfolk pine on my porch to keep me going!
Tracey

Kat said...

Your tree is just beautiful. We have all of our decorations packed away, but the boxes are still sitting in the dining room. I may just stack them up, throw some pretty fabric over them and call it a new breakfront LOL. Milo looks so snug. No snow here, but it's cold and rainy, so that pretty much dictates a book reading day for me :) Can't wait to see your new chandy. Hugs, Kat

FranE said...

I so identify with the tree is so pretty why take it down. Looking forward to visiting you this year and keeping up with all you do. Sounds like fun stuff.
Fran

Pondside said...

I don't know how I missed this post, Jane! You've got some fun projects ahead of you - enjoy!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
I am hearing around 2-4 along the I-70 corridor, where we are.

Barb said...

Hi Janie, wow, you sound busy with all the projects.

We are having a good weekend but busy, busy with after Christmas clean ups. Yikes. I cannot believe the season has come and gone already. I think I am in a bit of a time warp. Ha.

The new chandelier sounds wonderful...can't wait to see it.

Don't work too hard.

Sending hugs, Barb ♥

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi, Janie! I can't wait to see your new chandelier. I'm so happy you won that CSN giveaway and got that neat fixture! I hope you find a good electrician to hang it now. Since my old guy retired, I haven't found one I just love yet. Still looking and trying.

I don't know how you could bear to take down that tree. I think you had one of the prettiest trees I saws this year. It is gorgeous. I still intend to do Christmas at some point, and I got everything out to wrap last night. I got out yesterday for the first time in three weeks. Went to the grocery and to the caddy dealership as I had a "low" tire. Turns out it was a nail, and several hundred dollars and two new tires later, I was good to go. YIKES! I'm just glad I didn't have a blowout as I had driven four hours with that tire before Christmas. I had another person check it, and they didn't see the nail. MEN! He was young, but so wat this guy so I guess it just depends. Next time, I go to Tire Kingdom if I even suspect a nail.

I wish you were here to play. I'm feeling so much better that I'm ready to shop. I think, though, I will take it easy and not have a relapse. LOL! Maybe shop online???

Sending you warm hugs. Cindy posted to me that it would be great if the two of you could come to Florida, and oh, how I would love that! Rhonda was saying to me recently when we were chatting on the phone (and I agreeing) that we want to meet both of you. Maybe some day!!!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Gypsy Heart said...

Can't wait to see the chandy! They usually aren't that difficult to install ~ says someone that doesn't know zilch about the subject. :-) Just have watched my s-i-l do it.

Milo looks quite comfortable. Hope you're having a great weekend!

xoxo
Pat

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Ahhh...today was the day for the decorations to come down ~ and it really was a shame - the tree has hardly lost any needles, even after we took the decorations and the lights off!! But it will be good - cleaning tomorrow :) tonight is relax and watch a movie! Can't wait to see the new chandelier Jane...it will be perfect we're sure!

bj said...

Well, Blondie girl..I had that New Years party so I was FORCED to clean but, believe me, I haven't touched anything but the dishwasher since then. I don't know how long that cleaning will last (a little dust on tables does not bother one little bit) but I sure am going to hang on for as long as I can. :))
Can't wait to see your new chandy. I got a small one from the same place and I love it.
I have a 75.00 right now that I have to make a purchase before the end of Jan. There's about a thousand things there that I would like to have. :))
Stay warm!!

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Hey Jane...Doing okay, thanks for asking.
Hope your evening out was perfect.
I love to spend time in the evening sifting through mags.
Looking forward to your new Chandy too!
Hugs, Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

petals and vintage said...

...and Milo look soooo comfortable there!

Thanks so much for your comments on my blog. Lovely to meet you!
Pam x

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

We are iced in here,and I could be cleaning but I think I won't.I think the quiet days of January are meant for reading and reflecting on the New Year.At least that is my excuse for not getting up and moving!My dogs are doing like Milo-enjoying winter naps on the furniture or bed!

Anita Diaz said...

That is a gorgeous tree!! I can't wait to see the chandy! I wish I could get some projects going but with three kids all home from school stuck inside, it seems like all I do is cook! Take care and thanks for stopping by:-)

The Charm of Home said...

That was a great score on your new light fixture! I can't wait to see your new one. Your new furniture and room color sounds very exciting too. How fun to ship the old furniture out with the kids and start over. That would be great. I bet your lake house is beautiful in the snow. Stay warm. We are about to get hit with 3-4 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow.
Sherry

Lovely Scribbles said...

Ooh, I can't wait to see the new chandy! Although, I just bought my second brass chandelier to repaint (long story!). Have a wonderful week, and have fun making over your living room!!

Blessings,
Nikki

Anonymous said...

It would be hard to take down such a pretty tree, Jane...
Ooh, la, la... can't wait to see your new chande! The plans for your family room sound wonderful! How fun to get to start from scratch! Look forward to seeing that, too!
Have a wonderful week!
XO,
Jo :)

Marianne said...

Yes there is definitely a January theme going on in blogland. But the new year brings so much promise of a better more organized year, that I just had to jump on that bandwagon too.
Love the pic of the snoozing dog with the Cmas tree!

Lynn said...

Your "After Christmas activities" sound a lot like mine. Although we did take the tree down yesterday.
The quiet calm is just what I needed. Now I'm thinking about going in to town, but here i sit with my bankie around me visiting my favorite blogs!
BTW, I gave my Christmas village to my daughter, too!

Sandra said...

I can't wait to see what new things you have planned for your next posts. I took down all my Christmas decor but the tree and had it up for several more days...I love to sit in a dark room with only the lights on the tree on...so pretty!

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Thanks for stopping by my site Jane! This was a funny post. So when are we gonna see the new chandy???? :)

Cass @ That Old House said...

Hello Jane!
Thanks for visiting me -- Yes, I intend to curl up in my house, watch the snow, nurse my cold, and try NOT to clean!

I like your plans for your family room -- "neutral clutter" sounds like a good decorating scheme to me. :-P

Our fresh tree is still up, too, which is making my hubby NUTS, but it's not dropping needles ... much ... and after all, it's keeping me company in my head cold misery!

It's a good thing I have at least a LITTLE bit of shame, or I'd leave the fake tree in the parlor up till Easter.

Enjoy your night out!
What a good idea.
Cass

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Janie...

Just wanted to stop by to say hello, my friend! I hope that my note finds you and your family all doing well!

Wow...your Christmas tree has really lasted and it IS sooo pretty! I don't blame you at all for leaving it up for awhile! I am just taking my Christmas things down...I always get such a late start that I wait till the second week of Jan. to put it away! But...alas, I am in the cleaning and organizing mode now! Hehe! We have been getting lots of snow as well...so I'm homebound anyway! Great time to clean!

Well dear friend, I am sooo excited to see your new dining room light! Bet it's gorgeous!!! And...I am also sooo excited for you...getting to plan for a new decor in your living room...ohhh, new furniture? Soooo much fun! Can't wait to see what you do, Darlin'!!!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Jane, I can't wait to see your new chandelier. It sounds wonderful! And having it practically given to you makes it even better! Congratulations! How fun to be able to start over again with new furniture. My children don't even want my old furniture any more! Your tree does still look beautiful, and your cat looks so comfy curled up in that chair by the tree. Hope your "date night" was wonderful. laurie

Unknown said...

thank you for your comment! love winter whites with hot cocoa...

Karen

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I can't believe your tree looks so lush and green. Ours was like a bunch of old brown twings when I took it outside. I think next year I should wait until later in December to buy the tree.

Oh, and our carpet was COVERED in those pesky Christmas needles. I'll be picking them up until next Christmas!!

Sarahx

Charlene said...

Hope you are staying warm. I can't wait to see the new Chadi. I NEED to be cleaning & organizing. Just soooooooooooo glad the Christmas is gone. HUGS! Charlene

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Hi Jane! I love chandeliers and I can't wait to see yours! I Have so many home improvement projects I want to tackle this year. Upgrading the upstairs bathroom with ceramic tile and pedestal sinks, rip out the carpeting upstairs and paint the bedrooms, and paint the trim outside. Sometimes it seems so overwhelming I can scream!