Back Porch Christmas

 

We have a lovely little back porch

that was added some years ago onto our house.

A few years ago we took out the old closets

and freshened it up a bit.

It is our main entry point into the house

as family and friends all come to the back door.

There is lots of space for jackets and shoes.

It is also one of my favorite spaces to decorate now

as it is the first impression given

when people enter our home.

I love cardinals and my collection has slowly been growing over the years.

Anything red,

anything rustic,

and anything nature inspired

are hard for me to resist.

These two little pieces "Peace" and "Joy"

were added to my collection this year.

They were great Dollar Store finds.

My little snowman is still part of my back porch.

You can find out how I made him here.

I hope you enjoyed visiting my back porch decor.

Do you have a favorite Christmas decor theme?

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Winter Light Festival

This year hubby & I went to the opening night

of the Winter Light Festival held at the

Japanese Gardens.

We almost didn't get to go.

The day after I bought the tickets

they asked my husband to work late

the day we had tickets for.

Thankfully he was able to split the extra hours

with another guy on shift and was able

to make it so we could enjoy the evening and lights together.

The amount of lights is incredible.

I just loved the way they wrapped the lights on the trees.

They had some little igloos which the kids were enjoying.

For an opening night it wasn't very busy

which was nice.

I am sure it will get busier

as we get closer to Christmas.

They also had music playing

which made the stroll around the gardens

even more enjoyable.

We have been having a lot of wind

but it had calmed down some for the evening,

plus the garden is quite sheltered.

It was a beautiful way to end the day.

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

My Little Blue Tree

Our living room has four entrances

which can make it a bit of a challenge when it comes to decorating,

especially when trying to figure out where to put a Christmas tree.

I finally found the solution with a skinny tree.

It sits against the one wall

and adds a touch of Christmas

without overtaking the room.

I begin decorating by wrapping the tree with blue ribbon.

My white bird adorns the top of the tree.

I love decorating with a nature theme

so I add poinsettia, cones & berries.

For a final touch I add in a few bulbs.

It adds Christmas to the living room

without taking it over

and even the dog can go by

with his big curly tail with ease.

Do you have a challenging space to decorate for Christmas?

~~~*~~~

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Alana

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Fancy Nut Bark

If you need some quick and easy

last minute baking

this might be the recipe for you.

Ingredients

1 cup salted mixed fancy nuts, coarsely chopped

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate or white chocolate or 6 oz of each.

Spread nuts in a single layer in a 9" microwave dish.

Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through,

until nuts smell toasty.  Set aside to cool completely.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

Microwave chocolate squares on medium 2 minutes; stir.

Let stand 1 minute to finish melting, stir again.

If not completely melted, microwave 20-30 seconds longer.

Be careful not to overheat.

With rubber spatula fold in toasted nuts.

Scrape mixture into pan.

To make swirled nut bark spread the semi-sweet chocolate and nuts.

Using the melted white chocolate, drop spoonfuls randomly onto chocolate.

Using a butter knife swirl together.

Refrigerate until set, about 20-30 minutes.

When bark is hard and set, peel off waxed paper,

break into approximately 20 pieces.

To store, layer bark between sheets of waxed paper

in an air-tight container.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



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Christmas in the Family Room

 

I had fun this year putting

Christmas touches in the family room.

 

Snowglobes next to my vintage lamps.

 

Reindeers and sleighs glide along in front of the TV.

Silver, twigs and beads.

 

The controllers are contained

and the snowglobe santa train

adds some interest. 

 

 

Bears sledding. 

 

Lights and a birdhouse.

A few more snowglobes and beads. 

 

 

And some cardinals for the finishing touch.



 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!