Changing up the Mantel

 I have not fallen off the face of the earth....just haven't had much time to blog lately.   I have actually had a bit to write about, it was just the ACT of writing that I was having a hard time with.

Soooooo,

Since it is the Holidays, I thought I would show you all my Mantel.  Yesterday, I picked up some auction finds, and I had gotten a group of 5 pieces of artwork. 

I was more into the frames than the artwork....because they were so gorgeous.  But there was a little surprise in one of them.  The painting (it is actually a reproduction of a Cezanne) was UNDER another print....which is probably more valuable than the reproduction.  2 pieces of artwork for the price of 1!

 

I really like the original print, and think it would be really sweet in a little girl's room...but the colors of the Cezanne, just so happen to work in my living room right now.  And I was getting REALLY tired of the grouping of mirrors that I had.  It gave me just the nudge and what I needed to get my Holiday Mantel DONE!  Funny how that works.  I need something "new" to get my bottom in gear.  Can't leave well enough alone! Now, I just have to find those silly stockings.

I am off to get ready for the day.  Have a good one.  Tis the Season!

In 1492....

In fourteen hundred ninety-two

Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.

He sailed by night; he sailed by day;
He used the stars to find his way.

A compass also helped him know
How to find the way to go.

Ninety sailors were on board;
Some men worked while others snored.

Then the workers went to sleep;
And others watched the ocean deep.

Day after day they looked for land;
They dreamed of trees and rocks and sand.

October 12 their dream came true,
You never saw a happier crew!

"Indians!  Indians!"  Columbus cried;
His heart was filled with joyful pride.

But "India" the land was not;
It was the Bahamas, and it was hot.

The Arakawa natives were very nice;
They gave the sailors food and spice.

Columbus sailed on to find some gold
To bring back home, as he'd been told.

He made the trip again and again,
Trading gold to bring to Spain.

The first American?  No, not quite.
But Columbus was brave, and he was bright. 

 ** All images via Pinterest.

Happy Columbus Day!  I just might spend the day on Pinterest in celebration:)

Happy Columbus Day!

via Habitually Chic (Stephen Gambrel)

 In Honor of Christopher Columbus, here is a little bit of map and nautical inspiration.

via House and garden

Suzanne Kasler

via Traditional Home

unknown

via House Beautiful

Have a Good Day!  We will.

Stars and Stripes

Here are some great stars and stripes decor ideas.  ENJOY YOUR 4th!

Wall stars from Pottery Barn Kids



Monrovian Star Light

Dash and Albert Striped rugs.

And if you are really feeling patriotic

Renagade Kids (a british company)

Big things happening, new week new stuff.....stay tuned...

--Gretchen