Christmas: Preparation v. Procrastination

This year my preparations don't seem to be getting into a higher gear.
I had to postpone our family get-together because I was assigned a shift on 24 December. So this year the family will come to my place on the 25th instead.
You would be correct to think - great, one more day to get ready - not so, just one more day to procrastinate.
Result, I am shamefully behind in all preparations. Especially the cleaning needs to be done.
Good that I have done the shopping for the meal today, and I have prepared the party favors.

I have some lovely home made Sugar Body Scrub for my sister and my mother, and for my daughter and brother in law a nice bar of soap.

And in Scarlet O'Hara's immortal words 

24th December: Home from work.

Just made the Tiramisu for tomorrow. This is such a simple dessert to make, and it tastes so good.

I'm now going to do my "mise en place" for the Tajine I'm making tomorrow. At least, when all the veggies are cut, the cooking won't take to long. I'll marinade the chicken and put it aside in the fridge. 

And when that is done, I'm going to bed, have to get up early to do all the things I have been putting off till the last minute.

25th December

Started cooking at 10AM. The Tajine in the oven smelled really good right from the start and bathed the kitchen in good cheer. The spices and cinnamon heralded the party.

At 1PM my sis arrived and helped me get the cleaning finished. The kitchen sparkled and Bryce put some order into the living room and decorated the tree. She did a real good job.

Then, getting ready and setting the table. Mum and my brother in law were a bit early so I was not completely ready, but not far of.

The company was good, the food went down well, stories were told and presents were opened.

And all 5 doggies behaved wonderfully.

It was a very good evening.

26th December: Rest, dishes and some TV. Tomorrow we go on.

Ah, I am so glad others seem to see the world through my type of glasses

From firewood to country chic: grandma's oak wardrobe

Once there was an ugly old wardrobe, ready to be scrapped ...

The wood was rather ugly, but all in all the wardrobe was still in very good shape.

First step was sanding the varnish to get some key for the paint to adhere to,

followed by a thorough wash with a thinned down water and ammonia mix.

This got rid of the sanding dust and any trace of nicotine that still stuck to the wood.

After letting all pieces dry out thoroughly, I reassembled the wardrobe and applied a coat of primer.

I chose an oil based primer, because I wanted a smooth finish. With water based primers and paints, you always run the risk that brush and roller marks remain visible. http://www.levis.info/be/producten/primers-grondverf/levis-primer-hout-expert/

Next came 2 coats of lacquer in a slightly of white colour http://www.levis.info/be/producten/lakken/levis-lak-expert-satin-mix/ (colour shady grey), and then came the fun part ... making everything look just that little bit distressed and not quite freshly painted. 

 

And voila ... an old wardrobe made right for a modern country interior

and here is my dilemma ... I painted this wardrobe for a dear friend ... and ever since I am on the lookout to find a similar old lady to be refinished, one that would come and live with me ... but no luck so far.

There is one upside, at least I have an excuse to continue going to flea markets, thrift shops and garage sales.

A lamp for my bedroom and other doily projects

This is one of the projects I'm working on at the moment.

 

I found this photo on Pinterest and had an immediate Aha-moment.

My great-grandma was a prolific art crocheter and knitter, and I always admired the intricate little works of art she produced.

Unfortunately, all her doilies and table cloths got lost or were given away over the years. Hey, I have to admit I did not find them particularly fashionable either. More's the pity now. 

I started looking out for doilies at second hand market and in thrift shops, but it seems that everybody got rid of them at some point or other, and the crop is disappointingly meager.

Next step ... make them myself!

Here are some of the ones I have made in the last weeks.

And I need a lot more, so I will keep crocheting.

I'm also going to try and knit one.

And when I have enough of them, I'll keep you posted on the construction of the lamp. 

I have found some more projects to do with doilies. 

They are the perfect decoration for the family dinner on Christmas Eve !

http://craftsbyamanda.com/2011/01/burlap-doily-luminaries-rustic-meets.html

I think I'm going all out and make this wreath for the front door too

http://thecharitywedding.com/2011/08/15/diy-doily-wreath/

I finally have enough doilies to start making my lamp. Keep an eye on this blog: I am going to post step by step photos.

Getting my blog started

As I roam the web looking for ideas, I keep reading the most interesting things on other people's blogs, 
So it should not be to much of a surprise that I'm going to start my own blog.

It's going to be a lifestyle blog with focus on Home Improvement, DIY, Art, Cooking and much much more.
My friends keep telling me that I'm sooooo handy and creative, so here goes, I'm going to start sharing projects I'm working on.

Keep me informed if you want to see particular content or if I can help you with tips about projects you are working on.

Love Marjan