Out with the old and in with the new.  I don’t know about all that, but I have managed to get all of the Christmas chachkis back into the attic.  Thank you kiddos — you are great helpers!  And I’ve been trying to refresh the living room and sun porch a bit.  Our house looks dreadfully bare without all of the glitz and greenery of Christmas.  In the living room I added a little tablecloth across the front of this roadkill cabinet I use for wine storage.  It is hung from a hemp string secured by thumb tacks.  I was unsuccessful at talking the hubby into busting out his drill!  It’s on my list (I’m hoping the thumb tacks aren’t a permanent solution).

I was tired of seeing this empty beach bag hanging around so I filled it with an extra throw pillow and blanket.  We won’t be heading to the beach anytime soon so I thought it should make itself useful.  The winter chill is on here in Virginia and everyone in our family must have a throw blanket.  We can’t seem to sit still on the sofa without one so I guess it’s a requirement!

Resolutions have never really been my thing!  I am excited about a few plans I have for the new year, not sky diving or anything like that.  I am currently learning how to use my fancy new camera with lots of trial and error already underway.  And I received this Vintage Cakes cookbook as a Christmas gift, it has some yummy looking recipes that I can’t wait to try.  I guess I could make my resolution to bake and eat more cake!

Happy New Year!  2014