Running Thru Life.... Getting the House Christmas Ready

If you recall from previous blog, I stated that this year I am not going all out for Christmas with regards of decorating.  There are many reasons for this 

1) My hubby basically is non exsistant and working on his project 24/7

2) Leaving for Europe in January after the holidays 

3)Decrease the holiday spending.  

The only thing I purchased this year is 1 string of lights, and some glass ornaments that were on sale on homedepot for next to nothing.  Total came under $10 so not bad. 

That being said I went to work Sunday putting everything out and up. 

Joe helped put the tree up and then went back to do homework/projects for the rest of the day.

The inside turned out perfect and the outside I am still working on. 

Here are some pics....

View of the Sunroom with tablecloth from Target- purchased a couple years ago

 Dinning Room table with runner from Crate and Barrel- 

many many years ago!

The main room.

Yes my presents are already wrapped and under the Tree.
Would you expect any thing less?   

Tree in the basement- this is a tradition I started last year and placed all the holiday cars we received on.  I found it a nice way to display all the beautiful cards we are sent!

All and all it took me about 2-3 hours to get everything out,
put everything up and clean up which is not too bad!

I have decided on a new way of storing our light which will be a future blog post and also got rid of alot of Christmas stuff we do not use which will be donated to Salvation Army. 
Also, went thru all the Christmas wrapping paper, bag, and bows and organized to fit into one small container.  It was so nice this year not having to spend a single penny on Chrismtas wrapping thanks to my inlaws giving me all their stuff they are not moving. 

To come...
Outside pictures

Running thru Life- Getting a boost!

Last weekend we were over at a friend's house and she pulled out this little stool 

while she was cooking to help her reach something. 

I immediately noticed because I am always having to climb on the counters because I am short.  

What I liked about this stool is it folded up for easy storage.  

So while I was at the Container store this weekend getting some stuff to help me organize my new desk, I saw one and immediately grabbed it. 

I have already used it a couple time so was definitely worth the purchase.  

I store it next to the fridge for easy access!

Score 1 for the short people!

Running thru life... More Rugs...

Besides picking up stain while I was in NC visiting family.

I also ran into a run in Lowe's that I loved. 

I have been looking for a rug to go downstairs in our family room.

I wanted the rug to have an orange them but also have some tan,

black and brown in it to help pull the room together. 

Also I wanted a rug that did not cost an arm and a leg. 

I spent a littl more on the entry way rug, which I am so glad I did but that meant that this rug had to be a budget rug. 

Score!!

The store in NC did not have the size I wanted so I came home,

ordered it on Lowe's website with a coupon code I found for 20%,

and had it delivered to the store so I did not have to pay shipping

(which cost more than the rug did- I found this to be odd!)

I ended up going with a 3'11" x 5'5"- a 5x 7 was just too big after measuring due to our fireplace down in the basement. 

I recieved a call on Saturday stating the rug was in so after picking up my car I swung by picked it up and now it is in our house. 

Happy with the purchase which means the downstairs besides painting is complete!