I Will Honour Christmas In My Heart

I will honour Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year.
I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.
The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.
I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!

~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Monday, January 6, 2014

Wanna See What We Bought For Next Christmas and Other Holidays # 2?

Yes, I am still shopping......

I think it is Therapy!

I do get money and Gift Cards from the boys and my in laws for Christmas and  my in laws also give me my Birthday card with my Birthday money for Christmas even though my Birthday is the end of Jan.because one of the greatest joys for me is shopping the after Christmas sales.

It is something I do for ME, which is my One Little Word for 2014.
Please click HERE to read if you missed why I chose that word for 2014!

I look for things that I can not only use next year for Christmas but for different Seasons and Holidays through out the year and for my little Craft business too.

Joe is also very good at shopping....

He does the food shopping  so he is always checking put the seasonal decor at Wegman's and they dropped all their Christmas merchandise down to 90% off.

Here is what he picked up for me.....
These lovely votive glasses were only $2+ since they were originally over $20.

I would have liked the Red cardinal ones but they were all gone....
These 4 packs of beaded garland was only $1.00 each......
A Sweet little gift box for 50 cents....
Now Joe did buy one of these for half price at $6.92.

When he got to the cash register with one more a few days later, he was not sure how much it was until they rang it up at $1.00!!!!  More than 90% off the original $14.95 price.
He got checked out and ran back for the remaining 2 more which are all different ones and not the same as the one he bought before!!
These were also $1.00 each!!!
You can see the original price of $15.99!!
Since there are hearts on them, I will be using these for Valentine's Day.....

These were also $1.00 each!!
The gold one will be used for Christmas but the silver ones will be used on my Summer Patriotic Tree which I decorated in Red, Blu and Silver so the stars will fit in great....

You know....the Stars and Stripes?????

And then these were also $1.00 each!!!
The reed garden will be used for Valentine's Day and since my Kitchen is red, I am sure I can use that for everyday use too......

I went to Sears, scouting out what they had and since I had reward points, I was able to buy these two boxes of ornaments for FREE!!!!!
No charge!

I will use these for my Winter tree and also throughout the year.....

I thought I would stop in Cracker Barrel on my way home from work and they had little left in the way of Christmas merchandise but it was marked down to 80% off!

I could not resist these things......
This sweet angel was $2.00 and the cake server was $4.00.

I will use them as part of my everyday decor out in my Den.....
This burlap ribbon was $2.00 a roll.

I don't know if you can see but there is a bit of gold in the ribbon which caught my eye since it is not just plain burlap ribbon.
Things at Michael's are now down to 70 and 80% off and I bought these things for 30 cents each!!!!
Love the nostalgic design on the mugs and the tins......
I also bought 3 white wreaths for $2.39 each....

I will make wreaths for myself for Christmas and maybe Valentines Day or even for the Patriotic Holidays....
And 2 things of white garland for $2.39 each......
These I will use in my new Theme for next Christmas for my Guest Room......

Along with a few other items, this is what I spent in Michael's.
I am waiting for them to drop things down to 90% off......

I stopped in at target to check if they went to 90% off but things were still at 70% off but I picked up a few more things....
Computer Christmas paper, bulbs for candles that I use year long and these cute lights....
The light bulbs are white and I thought they would look cute on my Winter trees and might look like snow on the trees.......

A bit over $9.00 spent in Target.

Then I waited until Walmart hit 75% off.......
These Clamp Jars were 74 cents!
Deco mesh was $1.99!

They still had 2 rolls of the burlap left so I grabbed those too......

But look at this!!

It is like organza....surely not deco mesh!
Bought 2 rolls of the wide and 2 rolls of the smaller size.....

And I bought 2 rolls of the red that is also like organza.......
LOVE these Butterflies.......
I grabbed all that they had for 37 cents each!!

 Computer Christmas paper was 97 cents and the cake ornament was $1.24!
The white garland was $1.24 and the tinsel ribbon was 37 cents each!
I bought 4 20 inch wreaths for crafting at 62 cents each!!!!
And wrapping paper for $1.00 a roll.....
This sparkle paper would be great to wrap up fake presents for display!

Here is what i spent at Walmart.....
All this for $33.40!!

Target then dropped to 90% off......
I bought one more box of the multi colored shatterproof ornaments that i plan on using on my Guest Room Tree next year.  This box was not out at 70% off.

It was now down to $1.50......
The 3 smaller boxes of ornaments were 50 cents each!!
And this vintage looking tree topper was not out on the shelves before so at $1.00 , it was a steal!!
This silver and black garland was not out either ....

It was $1.50 and will be using for my silver Halloween tree....
Now I bought pink and gold little star tree toppers for 30 cents each at 70% off  but now they had out silver ones ( which were not out before) for 90% off.....10 cents each!!
That hear ornament was also not out before.

It was 50 cents and will be used for Valentine's Day!

Now I have to tell you the story about these LED branches......
I picked them up and had them in my cart @ 50% off and thought $10.75 was too much for them so I put them back.....

Then they were in my cart again for 70% off $6 something and put them back again......

At 90% off , for $2.10, the price was just right!!

  LOL!!

 These can be used in your pots outside or wherever year round!

Then I went to Sear which I think people forget about.  In our Sears, the Christmas section is back by the Automotive department and Car shop in a separate little wing of the store and they were still stocked to the brim with stuff.......

This is what I bought at 70% off.......
The village piece was $1.48 and the purple shatterproof ornaments were $1.97!
The Chocolate Chef NutCracker was $6.74 at 75% off.
Now all these ornaments were 77, 87 and 97 cents each!!!!
Love these sweet putz like houses.....

Plan on using them on a Winter tree.....
The Santa stands so he does not need to be used as an ornament....

These crystal ornaments were 77 cents each!
Clear, gold and purple!
 
A silver and white bird....
 These birds have a finish on them like Mother of Pearl and will be used year round as they stand on their own....
 The owls will be used on my silver Halloween tree.....

Jingle bells......

 and the aqua birds which will be used year round
And look at these beauties!!
I went back and bought more of the same ornaments that I just showed you and some new things too.....

Christmas Cards.....
 Pittsburgh Steeler ornaments for Joe's Pittsburgh Tree.....
 These pretty ornaments for a Winter Tree......
 And these lovely dress form ornaments....
 And Joe found these at Wegman's for $1.00 each. They are a slightly smaller version of the other ones that he bought before......
 So that is my haul so far......

I am waiting for Bed, Bath and Beyond to go to 75% off.

There are some linens there that I have my eye on......

I am also giving some of my treasures to my friend , Anne Marie.

Now I have received some interesting comments on my After Christmas shopping that I would like to address...

1. How do I find the time to check out all these stores?

I live right next to the largest shopping area in Luzerne County, Pa.

On my way home from work, I pass all of these stores where I have been shopping.  They are literally 5 minutes from our home.

2. Where do I store everything?

This one usually makes me chuckle because I live in a small townhouse with no basement .
My home is a lot smaller than a lot of bloggers that I know so this is why I chuckle.

A few years ago, I answered this question with a post, Where Do I Keep It All?  Please click HERE
to read .....

Our attic is floored and measures about 18 x15 of storage space. The truss system of the roof actually forms sections and I store everything from one or 2 rooms in a section. I decorate each room at one time.  I use some smaller tubs and a lot of boxes because boxes weigh less than the tubs. Everything is marked so I know exactly what is in what box and where it is. Keeping room decorations together saves a lot of time.
I also have sections where just Halloween and other Holidays are kept.  I already have most of what I bought separated and boxed and labeled according to what Holiday or what room I will be using them in.
 
Yes, we do rent a Storage shed but only the large trees and all outside decorations are kept down there. Most of my Craft supplies and yard things are also stored down there. the majority of the decorations for all seasons are stored in our attic.

We also have a small area under our stairs in the house where our water heater is . I store the huge ornament box from the LR tree, the village and a few heavier items there because they are easily pulled out and do not have to be carried up and down stairs.

I am already working on my decorating plan for next year for Christmas. I have a Christmas Planner that I really need to work on this year and also I need to use it more than I have in the past.

Click HERE for the post I did a few years ago on a Christmas Planner......

Click HERE
 to link to the site Organized Christmas to print your own Christmas Planner.......
So there you have it.......

All my secrets about Where I store everything.........

And for those of you who have far larger homes than I have, I honestly do not understand what the problem is with storage because as you can see, I probably have a lot less storage area than you do!!

 LOL!!

Have I started to put away Christmas???????

NO!!

I am enjoying it and I will take my time putting it away. There is no hurry and in doing so I am taking care of ME!!!!

I also want to share this.......

This is how my front and back yard looked Sunday at 13 degrees in the morning with 6 inches of snow.....
First we had freezing rain and a lot of ice, turning sidewalks and roads into skating rings but the during the night the temps. rose......

And this is what I saw when I looked out this morning!!!
Where is all the snow??????
 NO SNOW!!!!

(If you look in the background of the above picture, you are looking at Lowe's roof and can see the Barnes and Nobles and Pier One signs showing how close I am to the shopping areas.  Looking to the right is the roof of the Wyoming Valley Mall. )

And 51 degrees!!!!  CRAZY!!!

But temps. will be plummeting during the day and it will again be in the single digits by tomorrow morning!!

There is a saying that if you do not like the weather in NEPA, wait a day and it will change!!

How true is that!!

 I will be linking up to these great parties this week:



WEDNESDAY 
Wednesdays Make, Bake and Create party
 Fluster's Creative Muster Wednesday's
Wow Us Wednesday
Sizzle into Summer Party
 Lovely Ladies Linky Party
What's It Wednesday
Wonderful Wednesdays
 HOME Party on Wednesdays
Creative Wednesdays 
Rednesday 
 Wednesdays Adorned From Above Linky Party
Ducks in a Row Wonderful Wednesdays Blog Hop

Home and Garden Party Thursday
  Homemaking Weekend Link Up Party
Time Travel Thursday
 Open House Party
Share Your Cup Thursday
Vintage Thingie Thursday
Inspired Creations Linky Party
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop 
  Grace at Home Party
All Things Pretty Thursdays
 Create it Thursday 
 Catch a Glimpse Thursday

FRIDAY
Home Sweet Home Friday
Be Inspired Fridays
Thrifty Things Friday
Simple and Sweet Fridays
 Show and Tell Friday
Tickled Pink Party
 Flaunt It Fridays
 Fabulously Creative Friday Linky Party at Jennifer Rizzo's
 What To Do Weekends
 Eat. Create. Party
Inspire Me Please Weekend Blog Hop
 Inspire Me Fridays 
 Anything Goes Linky Party 
Ladies Only Blog Share Linky Party
Anything Blue and Pink Fridays
 Weekend Blog Linky Party
The Party Bunch
Friday's Five Features Party
Friday Favorites
 Let's Get Real Friday Party
 Fridays Unfolded Linky Party

SATURDAY
From the Farm Blog Hop
Pink Saturday
Party Junk
 Strut Your Stuff Saturdays
One Great Idea Saturday Party
 Finding the Pretty and Delicious Party
Saturday Show and Tell 
  Serenity  Saturday
  Check Me Out Saturdays

SUNDAY
Seasonal Sunday
That DIY Party
Inspired Sunday( Formerly Vintage View Sunday)
Submarine Sunday
Share It One More Time Sundays
DIY SHowcase 
 Clever Chicks Blog Hop 
Sunday Showcase 


Please take some time to visit these terrific hosts and all those joining in on the fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and every day that you take the time to visit with me!

Hugs,
Debbie


Posted by at

36 comments:

  1. VickiJanuary 6, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    Wow, you found lots of great after Christmas sales! In my area, there is hardly anything left for the after Christmas sale at Joann's, Target, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby, or Cracker Barrel. Walmart and Kirklands sell out quick too. I didn't buy anything this year because the selection was so limited. It will be fun to see what you make of all your new stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  2. karanmiJanuary 6, 2014 at 10:31 AM

    What bargins.

    I have bought a few things, paper, a few ornaments, a couple angels, and even got toy stocking for the dogs for next year. Figure by next Christmas they will need to have a few toys replaced. Right now there are more toys in the living room that when the kids and grandkids were little. I put them into the doggie box and they pull them right back out. Even found one of there snowman toys in the top [art of the Christmas tree. Guess they wanted to help with the decorating. lol

    Love that you have such compact storage but use it to your advantage. I have managed to use different colored totes for each holiday which helps me. I am lucky to have a basement for putting mine in. Never could get to our attic area. Too small a hole up there to get boxes. We often talked of getting a pull down door and adding it in the hallway. Maybe some day.

    Hey I can send you some of our snow. 14 inches and blowing winds right now. Had to wait for George to snowblow to the chickens and duck so I could get to them to feed and water. So glad I bought a hearted waterer this year.

    Waist high snowdrift in the drive. George was to go back to work today since being laid off. He could not get out of the drive. And I was called last night and told all Senior Centers closed so I am off again .

    Have a great week and stay warm. Hope you will not get the cold we are. - 45 tonight they say with the wind chill.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mary SteinbrinkJanuary 6, 2014 at 1:44 PM

    I love all your bargains! My mom and I love to shop the after Christmas sales too, but have missed a few this year due to the cold weather her in Nebraska! I'm hoping to check out a few stores when it warms up! Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  4. priscillaJanuary 6, 2014 at 4:15 PM

    Great buys Debbie ! You got some really cute things !

    ReplyDelete
  5. lynn cockrellJanuary 6, 2014 at 6:39 PM

    I had such fun seeing all the great things you purchased, Debbie. You and Joe found some really great things. I do not think the stores had as much in stock this Christmas as in the past,because there was almost nothing left when last we checked.

    You really do a great job planning and storing everything. Glenn keeps throwing hints and has taken things off of tables and put them on the dining room table. He has brought boxes down from the attic and placed in the dining room, too. More hints!!

    We were late putting the trees up this Christmas and I have been in no hurry to take them down. It drives him crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. EllenJanuary 6, 2014 at 8:51 PM

    Will you come and organize my Christmas and holiday decorations? I have a full basement with half dedicated to storage and I still have things all over the basement.

    Like your idea for Christmas planning. This year everything was off so the decorating was minimal. Look out Christmas 2014!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ~The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog*January 7, 2014 at 9:19 AM

    You scored a lot of great deals! I went out shopping the day after Christmas but only bought ONE roll of wrapping paper!

    HA!

    STopping by from the A to Z link party!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizJanuary 8, 2014 at 7:52 PM

    You did find some great bargains. I like those stemmed votives and the pinecone ornaments! My husband follows me at the store and says if you buy some more stuff you have to get rid of something! He's no fun! Ha Ha.... Well he helps me get it all upstairs from the basement, so I can't complain too much! Enjoy your "me" time you deserve it. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oakland Daily PhotoJanuary 9, 2014 at 12:19 AM

    Seeing all your bargains is almost as much fun as if I had done the shopping myself. Have a great 2014.

    ReplyDelete
  10. bj January 9, 2014 at 5:06 AM

    Getting these for 90% off is like almost FREE...:)
    You are smart to shop the sales.
    Some beauties here...
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageJanuary 9, 2014 at 9:34 AM

    You truly are a smart shopper, Debbie. You got some wonderful bargains. I can almost see your imagination working with these items. Thanks for sharing at my HOME and have a lovely day.

    Hugs,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  12. Katherines CornerJanuary 9, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    Score!!! What a great bunch of Christmas goodies. Sadly I did not get to any after Christmas sales this year. Thank you so much for helping to make the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop so much fun Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  13. lalaJanuary 9, 2014 at 12:37 PM

    fANTASTIC BARGAINS!!! I had been looking all over for white garland this year - totally overlooked Michaels, but I am heading there right now to see if any is left. Looking forward to your decorating throughout the year!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AlessandraJanuary 9, 2014 at 4:10 PM

    Hi, Debbie!Thank you very much for your sweet comment. Christmas is my favourite time of the year and your blog is amazing! Your finds are just gorgeous. The birds, the little houses, the organza..everything is so beautiful. I' ll follow you too...with great pleasure.
    Kisses from Italy
    Alessandra

    ReplyDelete
  15. Penny @ Penny's Vintage HomeJanuary 9, 2014 at 4:33 PM

    You and Joe picked up some great items for next Christmas! The pine cone ornaments for winter are so cute and I love the pretty tree topper! The weather here is crazy too...freezing one day and warm the next! Hugs, Penny

    ReplyDelete
  16. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJanuary 9, 2014 at 4:35 PM

    Wow Debbie, you and Joe found some amazing bargains! I try to stay away so I won't be tempted to buy more. lol! Can't wait to see them displayed next year! The little houses are perfect for your darling candy kitchen! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  17. Marie January 9, 2014 at 6:10 PM

    I did the same thing before I had my boys, and one day maybe again! fabulous scores.

    Marie @
    In Our Happy Place

    ReplyDelete
  18. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow January 9, 2014 at 6:36 PM

    That's so sweet of your husband to buy you those glasses.

    In the last photo it looks like the ocean outside! I guess because it is so open in Wyoming.

    ReplyDelete
  19. DianaJanuary 9, 2014 at 7:26 PM

    You are a shopping machine! Amazing. I feel I need a bit of a nap after reading about all that shopping :) Seriously, I've hit a couple of good sales myself--love it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Linda @ A La CarteJanuary 9, 2014 at 8:09 PM

    I often shop the after Christmas sales, but not this year so much. You found some gorgeous things for sure and great prices. My stores seemed to be picked over really fast this year! Thanks for sharing at TTF!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tea in the LibraryJanuary 9, 2014 at 10:02 PM

    Reading your Wanna see what I bought posts are like a dose of retail therapy without having to leave the house! Congrats on all the great bargain. I think your word for 2014 is a very wise choice. ME may be a small word, but it stands as a reminder to bring focus, balance and sanity back to your life. Better to dial back than to burn out. Angels to you !

    ReplyDelete
  22. ColoradoladyJanuary 10, 2014 at 6:13 AM

    I did buy a few things too, but not much! You really got some amazing deals!! Happy VTT!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jeannie MarieJanuary 10, 2014 at 12:59 PM

    You are the Christmas Queen! I love all your finds!! I have so little storage I store ALL my decorations in 3 tubs. That's why I enjoy browsing at your house! You make Christmas for me!

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2014 at 6:37 AM

    I always wondered where on Earth you keep it all! Now we know! lol
    Love the cake stand and the birds, I always like that old fashioned type of clip on bird ornament. Thanks so much for sharing this at my History & Home link party. Take care - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. JanJanuary 11, 2014 at 1:08 PM

    Holy Hathor! I want to go shopping with you and Joe, for sure! Wish I could. Don't know where to start, you had such a HAUL! Love the clip-on birds! This is the first year I actually used them in my Christmas decor and I am totally enamoured of them. I'm going to keep one in particular in my front room all year once the other decorations are put away -- but I'm not ready to put them away YET. Not until Super Bowl. I LOVE the beaded garland Joe found, and the tall "cup" votives are gorgeous! I also want your black and silver beaded garland! And the crystal ornaments. They are ridiculously expensive, I know because I hunted around for them online on Black Friday and all the way through last week, and couldn't find any good bargains for any that I liked! I'm so jealous. The weather here totally prevented me from getting out and about to shop after-Christmas at TJMaxx and the Family Dollar store, or even Walgreens, but Walgreens always seems to be cleaned out even before Christmas. Do they just pack the stuff away and use it again next year??? I'm suspicious of that, actually. The organza rolls that you purchased -- I am truly in love with the gold swirl. I have much thinner (about 4 inches wide) French ribbon like it that I put on my 2012 tree, and it is so beautiful when the lights are on shining through it. You are going to be able to make some absolutely awesome crafts with that, and what a score at the price, wow! Well, I've run on too long. Wish this yo-yo weather would go away. One day it's 30, the next day it's 45 below zero. Had that for over a week after Christmas. Today it's 38 but we had freezing rain yesterday and I had to ice-skate home the 9 blocks from the bus stop. Geez! Stay safe and take care of yourself, Deb. I'm reading even if I don't always comment. Love your blog, my blogging friend!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Mamal DianeJanuary 11, 2014 at 6:00 PM

    Wow, I'm jealous you got some really beautiful things. You are very ambitious and creative ... lol :) Thanks for sharing at The Gathering Spot. Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Scarlett @Scarletts Excellent AdventuresJanuary 11, 2014 at 10:44 PM

    What great deals! Maybe I'll have to swing by Sears to see if/what they have left. Loved your little houses and those fabulous pinecone balls!

    ReplyDelete
  28. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 13, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    Debbie, I just can't get over your finds!

    It is amazing!

    Love the gingerbread houses best, and one dollar? A steal!

    xo

    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  29. SallyJanuary 13, 2014 at 7:56 AM

    Hi Debbie,

    You have the MOST FUN decorating of anyone I know!

    Happy Blue Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Shortbread and GingerJanuary 13, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    Hi Debbie, greetings from Scotland. Love all the bargains you got, especially the glasses - they are lovely!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnnJanuary 13, 2014 at 1:24 PM

    Debbie, you are one organized lady!!! We store most of ours under our steps like you and our outside decorations under our sunroom--which has an outside door. I bought a number of white fluffy birds and owls--I have a tree flocked with that I use only white ornaments. I do like the idea of a Christmas planning journal.
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  32. Ni de Aqui, Ni de AllaJanuary 13, 2014 at 3:29 PM

    Hi Debbie. I also shop after Christmas some times and have found really good deals. I like how organized you keep your attic!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Jenny H.January 13, 2014 at 11:20 PM

    Congratulations on all your great deals! I think my favorite out of everything are the glass birds with feather tails - I have something similar and love them, they're so cute.

    Thank you for joining in Happy Tuesday this week.

    Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
  34. KathyJanuary 15, 2014 at 2:18 PM

    Awesome finds, Debbie! I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  35. PioneerMommaJanuary 18, 2014 at 2:15 PM

    You got some amazing deals! I like to shop after the holidays for all of next year's Christmas goodies as well. Thanks for sharing and linking up to What'd You Do This Weekend! Pinned :-)

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownJanuary 19, 2014 at 11:18 PM

    Yo got some really pretty things and ornament!!
    Thanks so much for linking!

    ReplyDelete

I always love to hear your thoughts!
However if you are a vendor and insist upon leaving a comment with a link back to a website, You have forced me to now moderate ALL comments so do NOT even try it!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Related Posts with Thumbnails