Investments - Day 3

See this frame? It is one of the best investments I have made for our home decor. I use the term "Investment" lightly, since I purchased it at the Fancy Store {Goodwill Outlet} where everything is purchased by the pound. So it cost me a total of $1.23. 

But it is one of the most versatile pieces I have to go over the gaping fireplace hole. {We didn't have a TV for several years, and even when we did I always had it in a separate armoire. I'm just not a fan of having the TV be the center of attention. But that's another story all together.}

The frame was an ordinary color of wood, no stain or finish. My original vision was to have bits of apple green and black peek through the creamy white top coat. But due to one thing or another {mainly my impatience to let every coat of paint thoroughly dry before painting and sanding another coat} it doesn't have quite the weathered look  I was going for. Nevertheless, I love the results. Sometimes an accident impatience can produce happy results.

Now here comes the best part. Get ready, it may blow your mind how simple and versatile this simple trick is. 

Ready.... foam poster board.

From the Dollar Store.

One sheet, cut down to size and I have the perfect backdrop to hang a 12x12 scrapbook page decorated with vinyl for any season, holiday, or special occasion. 

And because I was being all thrifty impatient again I didn't even bother to glue gun the poster board on. Maybe someday I will. But for now, clear pieces of scotch tape are holding it on. 

The beauty of the poster board is that it creates a blank canvas each time I remove the 12x12 sheet. I already have a few made up for spring/summer and fall. All that's needed is a couple pieces of - you guessed it - scotch tape and presto! New seasonal decor. 

For fall, I even have cute little matching bunting. All that was needed was a scrap of matching paper, jute twine, some stickers{or in this case vinyl cut stickers}, and a hot glue gun. It's held on in the back with... surprise, scotch tape.

I could even get all crazy and line the poster board with patterned wrapping paper, brown postal wrap, sheet music, love notes, etc. You name it, it can be done!

And when the poster board gets too beat up, all it costs is $1 to replace... and some more scotch tape to stick it back up.

What "Investment" have you made to bring some lovely into your home? Have you blogged about it? Let me know in the comments below so I can come over and check it out!

Note: Scotch brand tape did not sponsor me to mention their name umpteen times. Should they like to, feel free to contact me anytime :)

All photos taken by yours truly.

This post is Day 3 in a series of 31 Ways To Jump Into Fall.

Check out the other days here.

Read other blogger's 31 Days here. 

The Prettiest Sight You'll See...

"And the prettiest sight you'll see

it the holly that will be

on your own front door."

Love that song!

Well it may not exactly be holly on our front door, but it is pretty and it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the too Blessed to Stress home.

I think Bing got it right. Yes indeed, a cheery front door may just be one of the most welcoming parts of your Christmas decor. There is just something about it that beckons you in and says

"Welcome Home:

May all who enter find rest."

This past weekend we had friends over for an unexpected party {more on that wonderful day later!}

One of our newer friends commented that we must like country decor and shabby chic because our home had that look and feel. I told her we kind of go for a farmhouse-chic-country-glitz feel. {Yep I'm sure that is the official name.} She said that we had achieved the look we were going for and that she liked it. 

What a compliment to have someone recognize the style you strive for... and to notice on the first visit!  Let me just say, I was so very flattered.

And while it made me all happy that someone enjoyed the decor of our home, the real compliments came as the party was winding down. I mentioned to our guests what a joy it was to have them in our home, to come any time and I hope they felt like they were at home. On the way they said: 

they felt welcome, 

they always rest when they are over,

they felt revived,

they needed the fellowship,

they felt at home.

That is the real look I'm going for.

The glitz and fluff of a home has no purpose if it is not a warm and welcome refuge. All the cute stuff in the world does not make a home. Yes it makes it look lovely and a beautiful home is one way to show love and how much you care about those who live there. But it is the connections and fellowship that make up a home:

 love shared there,

kind words,

comfort when times are tough,

shared laughter,

making time for someone else,

faith, family and friendship.

Home for the holidays.

It sure feels good!

Create a welcoming home this season.

Go ahead! Deck the halls... and be sure take time to enjoy the ones you love, share love, and create a safe place for all who enter.

All photos taken by yours truly.