Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope everyone is well! I feel like I’ve missed so much!! I forced myself to stay off of the computer for a few days so that I could get some stuff done before the holidays and be able to have the week before Christmas to just relax and spend time with my family. You don’t know how hard it was to keep from popping in to read everyone’s blogs or visit a couple of social forums that I belong to. But, my efforts paid off – I’ve gotten a lot of things done. My house is all clean and decorated for the holidays, Christmas cards have been mailed, a few appetizers for Christmas eve are made and in the freezer, presents are all wrapped and everything I need for our Christmas eve get-together and for our Christmas day breakfast and dinner are all bought. I’m all set – so bring on Christmas!! lol
I have so much to share with you! This post is a little lengthy and definitely laden with pictures!! First of all, last Monday my hubby and I made a quick trip to Amish country. One of the little shops had a flyer laying on the checkout counter announcing a Christmas Open House at Ragon House that would be open to the public. It was being held for 3 weekends, with this past weekend being the final one. Most of you may be familiar with the many Belsnickle santas that they carry. You can check out their website by clicking here.They’re located in Bolivar, which is about an hour away from me. My hubby and I went Saturday morning and OH. . . MY. . . .GOODNESS!!!!!! When I walked in the door, I literally went giddy!! It was prim heaven!! They had so much stuff and it was all marked down 50% off PLUS another 35% was taken off at the register!! I could have gone crazy and bought a lot more than what I did, but I contained myself and was a good girl!!
A girl at the checkout said that this was the first time the have done a Christmas open house. They usually hold one in May. Let me just say that I’m definitely saving my pennies for that one!!!
Here are my goodies:
These ornaments were marked down to $2.00 and $3.00 PLUS the additional 35% off!
This lantern is about 15-16” tall and was marked down to $8.75. I don’t really care for the color, but at that price, I’ll paint it!
I bought the santa on the left at the store in Amish country that had the Open House flyer for $18.95. The larger santa, which stands about 16” tall, came from Ragon House. It was marked down to $17.50, but I got him for $11.38!!! Can you believe it?!!
And now for the final item! My hubby was excited about this one, too! Are you ready?!!
This fabulous guy was marked down to $48.00 and I got him for $31.20!!!! The picture doesn’t do him justice! I absolutely love him!!
When I decorate for a holiday, it usually entails making a few things.
Here’s some pictures of a couple of santas that I made.
I found the pattern for this guy at Patternmart.com. It’s a free epattern so if you’re interested, click here to take you to the web page to download the pattern. He’s about 37” long. I think his clothes are too big on him, especially the pants, so I’ll probably remake some new ones later. They don’t look that big on the model santa, but mine are huge!! lol
This one is my favorite, although, it’s not a very good picture of him! His pattern was in the Create & Decorate magazine from a couple of years ago.
I have another santa that’s in the works. . . I hope he turns out the way I’m envisioning him. I’ll share him with you later.
Here are a few more pictures of my Christmas decor.
Did you notice my stockings are different than the ones posted in earlier pics? I was tired of the cross stitch stockings that I made about 20 years ago. Last year, I made these and hung them, but this year I felt kind of guilty and put the cross stitch ones back out. After a couple of days, though, I decided to hang these back up instead. The cross stitched ones, I think, looked busy.
I like to use mixed nuts (in the shells) to toss into my fruit centerpiece to use as a filler in the nooks and crannies. I usually only find them this time of year in the produce section at my local grocery store by the bulk.
Save the Brazilian nuts and paint them to look like watermelons to use as bowl fillers in the summer.
This door is to a food pantry. This is where I hang my Christmas cards. I used to put them in a basket, but they seem to get looked at more hanging here. Our advent wreath also hangs on this door. I started this years ago when my kids were small. I bought 24 little ornaments and keep them in a little basket, which sits on a table to the left of the door. My kids take turns hanging an ornament on the wreath every day until Christmas. And even though they’re 18, 21 and 24 years old, they still like to hang the ornaments!
Do you see this guy?
My opinion is that this ornament shouldn’t be hung until December 24th and every year, some one tries to pull a fast one by hanging it before that day. Last year it went unnoticed for a couple of days. Every once in a while I count the ornaments to make sure the correct number is up there. One day Brittney and Justin were standing nearby, giggling, which made me suspicious, so I took a closer look and discovered that my son had hung the Dec. 24th ornament under the bow so it couldn’t be seen! He said it had been there for a couple of days and I never knew it!! The little stinker!! This year, Justin is excited because it works out that he will get the honors of hanging that ornament on the 24th. Sometimes, you just never grow up!! lol
The other day, I received a nice surprise in the mail from Colleen (And Baby Makes Five). She sent me some of her homemade Mini Cinnis and Cinnamon Gingerbread boys, plus a homemade “Joy” sign and a “Sugar Cookie” Yankee Candle votive. Thank you so much, Colleen!! You are such a sweetie!! I was so involved with the hustle and bustle of the holidays and this was a wonderful little reminder of what Christmas is all about. You are such a warm and caring friend! Thank you, again!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by – I really appreciate it!
Please check back on Friday for a couple of recipes that my family likes to make for breakfast on Christmas morning. Plus, possibly some pictures of my family room decorated for the holidays.
Until Next Time. . . .Kris
Everything looks so wonderful, wish I had more time and money to do more prim, but plan on making throught out the year, so next year I will have more to decorate with.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Kris~ I am in awe! Your home is SO beautiful!! I love all of your holiday decorations! The Advent Wreath is so heartwarming. What a wonderful tradition!! The Santas you made are AMAZING! You are so talented! And the sale you hit.....Well...that is just too exciting!! I am jealous! What great goodies you got at GREAT prices!! Happy Holidays to you and your family! ~Sarah~
ReplyDeleteWow, Kris ... all of your Open House goodies and Christmas decorations look WONDERFUL! How fun it must have been to bring all of those new treasures home...
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so glad to see that my little package arrived safely. Enjoy!
Looking forward, as always, to your recipes on Friday :)
Oh how beautiful! Your home just glows with joy and Christmas -- and WOW am I envious of your being all ready for the holiday; I'm still spinning wheels with some things!
ReplyDeleteThose bargains at the Open House are amazing-- what gorgeous Santas. But the best part are the glimpses of your house that you shared -- just so pure and beautiful. Thank you!
Cass
Hi Kris!....Everything looks amazing! I love all of your handmades and you sure did get some fantastic deals, congrats!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Janet
Kris, your home is just breathtaking! I love the idea of the advent wreath..what a cute tradition!
ReplyDeleteYour bargains were just wonderful, and I so love that Santa! Merry Christmas to you!
Kris I loved this post. I was giddy too just looking at all the wonderful Belsnickles you got! I am going to their website as soon as I'm done here! Your home is decorated so beautifully Kris! You can tell you put your whole heart into it! The Santa's you made are just wonderful and the Brazil nuts painted to look like little watermelon slices are just too precious. I always leave your blog inspired! Thank you for sharing all of this with us! Hugs, Loretta
ReplyDeleteHi Kris....your post was just what I needed right now. I was beginning to feel a little anxious about now because I feel I am so behind in all I wanted to do. Just seeing all of your beautiful photos should make me feel even worse but no......I am just sitting back and enjoying all that you have done! The open house you came upon sounds wonderful and I do love all of your Santas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post.
Linda/simplycountryseasons
Oh my gosh! Everything looks so beautiful. Sounds like you are set for Santa! I think the Santa you made looks so cute with the oversized clothes. hehe Looks like he dieted. :)
ReplyDeleteYour home is gorgeous Kris!! I love all your santa's and your greenery is beautiful!! Please come do my house and bring all your gorgeous santas!!I LOVE santas!!:0) Merry Christmas!~hugs~
ReplyDeleteKris, what great pictures of your home. Everything looks so prim and cozy too. Ragon House Christmas Open House...how could you restrain yourself!! What great finds you found. Thanks for sharing and Merry Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Sherie
ReplyDeleteKris, your home is beautiful! It definately would have been fun to attend that sale! Love your goodies from there! Your Santas are very sweet. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJayne
Kris ~
ReplyDeleteYour home looks amazing. It definitely paid off to stay away from the computer. I guess I should try that. Loved your pictures of your home & your new santas are awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Pam
Kris~ Why can't I ever hit a sale like that?? Especially before Christmas. Talk about being at the right place at the right time! Lucky You!! Your home looks amazing. Boy would I love to see it in person. All of your Santa are wonderful. Your trees are so perfectly placed and decorated. Looking forward to more great recipes.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Kris,
ReplyDeleteI thought my home looked finished until these pics of your fabulous Christmas decorating. It looks cozy and beautiful. Did I hear you say that you want me to stop by for something hot to drink and something sweet to eat? How kind! I'll be there tomorrow morning, in my Christmas pajamas. Maybe we can make arrangements for you to do my house next year. A trip to Wisconsin in December -- priceless!
Beautiful home and wonderful post, Kris! I love coming to read your blog....so informative and interesting. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. Since we are in our late 50s and empty nesters we do not go for all the Christmas
ReplyDeletefuss any more.. We just take it easy.
Susan
Wooster Ohio
Kris, your house looks amazing. I love everything you've done. Your new Santas are wonderful! I would love to have been at that sale. Thank you for sharing your Christmas decorations with us. They are perfect!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family.
Kris, I was drooling the whole way through the post! I can't believe my eyes, the sales that you got and got to spend time with your hubby two great gifts. I LOVE all your Christmas trees and the one in the bathroom, I can see that you are already for Christmas!!!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go my friend. I wish I lived closer I would have love to go prim shopping with you, you know the hot spots and how to decorate your home, it is BEAUTIFUL!!
Merry Christmas friend from my family to yours,
Tricia
Hillcrest Home Prims
Hi Kris, Love everything. Your new goodies are awesome and your Christmas decor is AMAZING. Nice pictures as always.
ReplyDeletekris, everything looks so inviting!! i smiled just looking at the pics.
ReplyDeleteoh, i also like the crosstitch santa holding the tree too. girl, where do you find the cute cross stitches like that?? 'fess up, inquiring minds want to know. :)
can't wait to see your santa that is in the works. :)
kim
Hi Kris!
ReplyDeleteI have been to Ragon House so I know how easy it is to let yourself go "nuts-o!" You got some great goodies. ALl of your pictures look so perfect. You do a great job! I love the little cross-stitch Christmas pillow.
Merry Christmas,
Beth
Oh my Kris, the pictures are just beautiful, love all your trees and what a sale that was...love the ornaments and the punched tin lantern!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful evening!
Rondell
Love your pics Kris - wonderful and warm. Your Santa's are wonderful - great job. I love the stuff from Ragon House and have several of their santa's and chocolate molds. You got some great deals there and I LOVE that big santa with the bag of goodies that you bought - WOW that was a great price. I'm envious of you being ready for the holidays. I hope to be by Sunday night - wish me luck,LOL.
ReplyDeleteYLSF - Karen
WOW-stayin off the ole computer really did paid off! ;) everything looks amazing, Kris! Your home is so pretty, beautifully decorated.
ReplyDeleteLove those Santas!!!
I love it all. Thanks for sharing Kris
ReplyDeleteWow Kris, this post is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you got some time off and you did get a lot done. Good for you.
Oh how I love Ragon House. I have so many of their products in my shop and for our use. And I think for their prices the quality of their product is awesome.
Anyway...everything is beautiful.
Hugs, Karen
Your home looks so warm and cozy. You picked up some great bargains. I love the big Santa you found. I've never been to the Ragon House. I'll have to add it to places I need to visit.
ReplyDeleteI could look at your pictures over and over again! Those Santas are so awesome, as is all of your decor!
ReplyDeleteToo funny about the Dec. 24th ornament!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Terry
I am so envious of all your wood bowls.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful home. Thanks for sharing.
Kris, WOW!!! I so enjoyed seeing all your pictures!! You are so talented, and I just love the Santas you made! I love the ones that you bought too! I will have to check out the Ragon House! :-) As usual, you have such a flair for decorating. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us. I hope you have a wonderful Merry Christmas! Fondly, Rachel
ReplyDeleteKris, your home is beautifully decorated, feels so welcoming and cozy. Santa might get there and stay!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so prim and perfect. Your home seems so warm and welcoming :) I love everything, thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteYou also received some really nice things from Colleen :)
Kris,
ReplyDeleteOh everything is beautiful!! LOve your santas and your new one you bought is wonderful(great price too). Certainly got my fill of eye candy today!
Hugs,
anne
Kris what a lovely visit with you here. Your home looks so warm and inviting. Thank you for sharing your decorations and ideas. You are an inspiration. Merry Christmas to you and your family.I printed out that Santa pattern and can't wait to give him a go now that the rush of Christmas prep is dying down.Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteKris, what lovely photos! Everything looks so homey and inviting. I especially love the Belsnickles and the tin light. What some aweosome deals!
ReplyDeleteAnd Colleen was so good to send you such nice goodies! How sweet of her! I had to laugh about your kids and the advent calendar! Too cute!
Christmas blessings to you and your's!
Kris,
ReplyDeleteJust gettin' caught up on blog reading and ohhhh wow I just love everything in this post! Your blog always inspires me and puts a smile on my face. Just signed up for the ragon site too...Thanks for sharing everything..the recipes,the wonderful pics of your beautiful primtastic home, your creations and how you make them. You have such a warm and giving spirit and I thank you for that. I hope your Christmas was filled with warmth and joy !
Prim Huggs n Blessins
TJ
Kris, sounds like you needed a much deserved rest from your blog. I am a new follower and love this blog. I am a primitive lover and love all you have here. I did go get the free santa pattern and thank you so very much. Will put you in my favs and wonder is there anyway to sign up for your blog to be emailed when something is new? Good luck to you and your entire family in the coming New Year. Connie
ReplyDelete