I've posted mine before, but here it is again. I definitely suggest hen & chicks or sedum that can really take being dry. Otherwise you are a slave to them and if you miss a day or two of watering, they're done for. I didn't line mine - just planted directly in them, no drain holes, but did cut a hole in the toe and planted it also. I leave mine out all winter. I never water mine - they only get the occasional rain and once in awhile the hose hits them if I happen to be watering something else near them, which hardly ever happens. I've never done cowboy boots - only work boots, but I'm thinking it would be neat to fill them with dirt and cut holes up and down the sides to plant sort of like a strawberry pot. Arlene Here is a link that might be useful: Garden shots

Thanks to all of you for your kind words. I have so enjoyed looking at everyone's ideas and homes that I was inspired to post my own. I have to say it was such fun taking the pictures and learning about photobucket. I do enjoy the collecting of Christmas stuff but like most of you here on the boards I am budget minded too. When I get some on these gorgeous items on sale after the holidays it makes it that much sweeter. To answer some of your questions: Kathleen li - I love the ironing board Santa in the hall display too. It isn't really an ironing board but a piece of plywood with fabric and paint done to look like Santa. I bought it years ago at a craft fair here in Birmingham, AL for less than $20. The santa portrait is new this year from Kirkland's Home. The have one every year and it is only $59. I got it last week at 25% off. Calicocat1967 - I like the Santa plates. I was fortunate enough to most of them from Fitz and Floyd last year on Christmas day. They put everything on sale and I get their emails telling when. I picked them up for less than $10 each. The covered dish in the kitchen corner cabinet came from Tuesday Morning after Christmas last year. It is a Christopher Radko but I only paid $15 for it on sale. luvstocraft - Thanks for thinking I "belong". I kind of felt like I did and it's nice to point out to hubby "There are others like me. I'm not the only one always picking up dishes or decorations everywhere I go" One of the things I have enjoyed about the board is the comradery. Every when I didn't post I felt apart of the community. I am glad that I came out of lurkdom. I got the angles in the pictures for 25 cents a print years ago and had them framed for less than $10 each. I stole the hanging on a ribbon and dowel idea from a magazine. Very eye catching and costs very little too. phyl345 - I'm glad you enjoyed it. sameboat - Thanks for looking and commenting. melvalena- I hope I didn't create new work for you for next year. I am enjoying changing up things a bit from year to year, so I love the ideas you guys come up with. Hope you have a wonderful holiday with your grandkids. bonniee- Thank you. I enjoyed your post about decorations too. mary ruth - Thanks, I love the Fitz and Floyd too. I got the large santas on top of the refridgerator last year on Christmas day. They are normally $350 each but on their clearance/outlet on their website they were only $89. I know that is still expensive, but I couldn't pass up the chance for something so large and beautiful for that price. I ordered my mom and her sister one for this year's Christmas present. I am so excited to give them to them. They are the chief decorators in the family so I came by it honestly. slinkey - What a nice welcome. Thanks for you praise and I feel like I will be a regular now that I've broken the ice. I do love my home. It is older and I actually came to these boards because we are considering building a new home on a lot we bought so I was researching building and come across this board on a search. But it didn't take me long to go from the Building a House forum to Decorating to Christmas/Holidays. purplemoon - I have loved all of your decorations and posts for the year. I thank you for your comments. The pair of large leaping reindeer are my "pride and joy". This is the first year I have displayed them, getting them last Christmas Day online. They came from Frontgate, which is not a store that I can normally afford. But after Christmas they put all their stuff on sale and mark it down a little more each week. On their website is a section called Outlet. I did not know of it and wanted a large reindeer for my fireplace hearth, so I searched and got a hit on them. The are regularly $199 each and but were on clearance for $59 each. Again a little more than I normally pay for a Christmas decoration, but a great deal on a heavy well made piece. I am pleased with the display. I would be honored to have some of my stuff in the Inspiration Album. Thanks for asking. Does that mean I have "arrived"? Ha-Ha. Feel free to look all you want. prosperity66 - Thanks for your kind words. I am glad others enjoyed it. Thanks again to all of you and I am off to scour the Internet for any clearance deals, but not ever sure where I could possibly put more if I find it. Merry Christmas!

I was feeling discouraged trying to find design ideas that were just "normal" not trendy or over the top designs. I finally started searching house listings. I only looked at homes built in the last 5 years and in the 1 million dollar price range (here in the Seattle area, that is just a regular house... not the mansion you would expect). I think going to open houses would be helpful as well. Especially model homes in new developments. You probably won't find any outrageous, over the top designs but you will find designs that typically appeal to a large proportion of the general public. Hope this helps.

I'm posting mostly to bump this up so others see it (busy forum!) My first thought is a glass tile or shiny glazed tile backsplash in a pale color (yellow or cream) or a mix with yellow and some bolder colors like red. The reflectiveness of the glass will help brighten the space and add some color. I like the skinny glass tiles hung vertically or horizontally (like Opera Glass / Stilato from Artistic Tile), but there are many beautiful options in square and subway shape too. Also, do you have under cabinet lighting? Once you get a backsplash up, that will help highlight it.