Aqua and Red Flocked Coastal Christmas Tree....

So I've finally finished my Christmas tree...and I have to say, I'm really happy with it.  I love the combination of Aqua and Red...so that was my theme this year, along with my favorite coastal touches.  And let's not forget the flocking which I love so much...I may never go back to a traditional tree again.  Or maybe I will have to have two trees next year.   

It is filled with starfish, seashells, red coral, apples, jingle bells and other beautiful ornaments.  I think this tree reminds me of a really large, beautifully wrapped Christmas present.  You'll notice the tree is not decorated on the bottom third...and has nothing around it other than a burlap tree skirt.  That's because I have some very curious cats who have lived under the tree since I put it up last week. I decided to not tempt them by decorating it at the bottom where they could do some major destruction.   

Hope you had a wonderful weekend...and while I'm a little late to the party, I'm linking up to:

Thrifty Decor Chick's A Christmas Tree Party
My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday
Funky Junk Interior's Saturday Nite Special
The House in the Roses Show off your Cottage Monday
Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Vintage Bottles Holiday Style....

I was so inspired today by a post from Erin's Art and Gardens on how she created some amazing holiday decorations using her vintage bottles and ornaments.  Here decorations are beautiful.  So this afternoon, I took out my bottles and created my interpretation....coastal style of course.  I gathered my bottles, found one of my favorite distressed turquoise wooden bases, a starfish, piece of coral, a french inspired candle and some branches with red berries that I purchased at Fresh Market.  

Here are some different angles....

And I also put together my coastal Christmas treasure box that I started last year.  I changed it up a little bit...and put in some of my very favorite pieces all blended together....I'm happy with how it came out.  

So now I'm getting all excited about holiday decorating.  I'm hoping to get my tree next Saturday.  I didn't want to put it up too soon since I'm getting a real one...and I want it to last until New Years Day.  I'm looking for a flocked tree...should be interesting a wild goose chase to see if I can find one here in South Florida.  Stay tuned & more to follow. 


I'm looking forward to seeing all of my favorite blogs holiday decorations.  Are you in the christmas decorating mode yet?

Incredible Inspiration for your summer coastal decor....

I first gazed upon this amazing coastal summer mantle from Finding Home about a month ago.  It literally took my breath away.  That's how much I love this creative masterpiece of mantle decor.  As soon as I discovered it, I've been trying to figure out how to duplicate this look in my house...even though I don't have a fireplace and therefore, much of a mantle.  

I still haven't figured out how to re-create this look...but have continuously re-visited this post - just for inspiration.  It really makes me so happy to study the closeup details....the mason jars, the branch and bottle, the starfish and urchins...I could go on and on.  

I was so inspired that I asked Laura, the author of Finding Home and the person behind this magnificent mantle if I could share it on my blog.  So onto the photographs....  

I hope you've been as inspired as I am.  Please go over 

and visit Finding Home to learn more 

about this amazing piece. 

Have a great week!

Happy 4th of July weekend....

Hope your having a beachy 4th of July!

Starfish upon your toes....

Hi there - this is the strangest thing but I posted this earlier in the week - and there were lots of comments...but then everything disappeared and then I found this in my drafts.  So here we go again...hope you enjoy these fabulous sandals...
What better way to show off your pedicure ready toes...than to adorn them with starfish?  Love these summer sandals from Mystique...

I refer to these as jewelry for the feet...

Which pair is your favorite?

...I've had a hard time picking just one pair