So I’ve not been the best

at posting about the regular goings ons in my life… ha.

[Maybe because of the great computer virus in September

and the loss of ALL the photos…

But really that’s no excuse, because, y’all know I take tons of photos

so surely have something to share!]

I still want to share about our trip to Wisconsin [so fun!]

And some about thanksgiving [always my favorite holiday!]

But today I’m sharing a little before and after with our fireplace mantle.

First let me say, I love a good clean house.

[Not that it was necessarily clean when this photo was taken –

but it was getting there – and it at least looks like it here. Ha.]

I came across some photos on the blog http://www.tidbits-cami.com/

about a simple blue and white Christmas –

and I remembered a few years back that I used our blue mason jars on my mantle

and loved it so thought I would bring them back out.

Something about me you might not realize –

while I have a lot of STUFF

– my mind is so much more peaceful when my environment is less cluttered with things.

So – take a look at the photos here and tell me the biggest difference you see –

Yes. The ‘shiplap!’

My sweetheart is a SWEETHEART

and always agreeable to go along with ~~most~~ some of my crazy ideas –

So one afternoon we picked up a piece of paneling [$20] down at the Home Depot

[and by we, I mean he]

and brought it home to put over the fireplace – sideways, of course [duh.]

After cutting off 8 to 8.5 inches, depending on where it was hanging,

since we live in an old house that has settled a bit with age,

we just pressed it into the space

[it’s anchored with a few finishing nails.]

Two things: 1] It is not permanent so we left the heavily anchored screws for the large mirror behind it, and 2] I’d originally intended to paint it a heavy gloss white – but I loved the woodgrain too much to cover it up – so it got a nice little white wash instead.

[I used a grey marker to go over the seams.]

LOVE IT.

And WOW, what a difference it makes!!

I had already said I had a couple of places where I wanted to do this if it worked out –

so, poor sweetheart may have a couple of more projects in the new year.

– But seriously, if you don’t want permanent shiplap, this is an easy faux alternative.

Got the wreath in the 75% off selection At Home and added a little white paint to it, deer from Hobby Lobby, and greenery from our frazier firs out back.

While i was digging through Christmas decor photos [and yes, I had to go to my own pinterest board for a few of them - ha] I found a couple of more to share...

Remember Fritz?

He visisted the Christmas after my mom passed away - that was a crazy year where I just wasn't feeling it, and he brought a little whimsy in to help me out a bit...