The "Look" of the blog

I am working on the layout and design of my blog.  Any tools, recommendations, or tip and tricks?

2010 in Review

I am a newbie to blogging so I am playing catch up with you seasoned bloggers.

Also trying to take pics in manual mode so some of these are not too great.

Below are some project that I have completed but have not blogged about all of them.

1.  Changed the color of the shutters and door.

Before

After

2.  Saved these old windows and thought they would be cute on my outside building.

 

3.  Painted the cabinet in our hall bathroom.  (sorry no before pic)

4.  Removed the builder grade ceramic tile from the fireplace surround and added black marble.

5.  Built my own version of the Ballard bench.  Love the fabric.

6.  Taught myself to crochet.

7.  New bench in process of being painted.  Post will be available soon.

  Linking to my first Linky Party Boring to Better at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

The Ballard Bench

Holiday vacation and so many things I want to do and too little time.

I made the bench using directions from http://221vision.com/2010/10/21/diy-ballard-designs-bench/

I had a few problems....like the dowel screws were already in the legs when I bought and it took Mr. WMMH to figure out you could back those screws out and have more to be able to attach to. ????

I was trying to come up with something to go in front of our office/desk.  It's an open room at the end of our family room.  The bowling alley open concept???

Next on the list is build a coffee table for the family room and also want to try to make some slipcovers for a couple of my dining room chairs that double as office chairs.

2010 Christmas decorating

I have found recently and  been following some blogs that I really love.  Other people who love to decorate.  Here are some of my faves:

http://alittleloveliness.blogspot.com
http://www.impartinggrace.com/
http://reddoorhome.blogspot.com
http://twostorycottage.blogspot.com
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

I love reading/looking at their posts they are so creative.
So I have been decorating for Christmas also thought I would post some of the things that make me happy.

Love this vintage tricycle ornament...looks like the first one I bought for my son.  

Some handmade ornaments I will always cherish.  This is the best part of unpacking the ornaments is pulling out the memories.

Another handmade ornament.

The butlers pantry (I think that's what they classify this nook as).  It's really a cabinet under the staircase that is between kitchen and dining room.

My nativity set.  I got this last year.  I looked for many years until I found the perfect one.  It's pottery made by The Connections house in Hickory, NC.

Liked the picture.  Ornaments in a glass vase.

I made this....I changed my tree theme a couple of years ago to be vintage with wild colors like lime green, electric blue, red...sort of Dr. Seuss looking....

Coffee sleeves

Sock update:  The sock is started...YEAH....I am at a stopping point until I meet again with the knitting ladies.  Don't know how to do the heel.

So today I spotted these cool coffee coozies (sleeves) at the local coffee shop.

And the light went off in my head....I don't have to know how to knit the heel of the sock.  I can make coffee sleeves....Stay tuned.