We’re cooped up inside today while snow flurries down. No school, no work. I’m trying to keep my boys occupied without plopping them down in front of the TV or Wii. After suggesting we play a board game {‘no, too boring’} or read some books {‘no, we always do that’}, Layne resorted to his imagination. I love it when he does this.  Exhibit A demonstrating how pillows can be used as toys.

It’s a ‘pillow-cycle’, can’t you tell?

Little brother thought it was a good idea, too.

One of the benefits of having dozens of throw pillows throughout your house.  What will you use your imagination for today?

images:  all Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

It’s been nearly 3 weeks since we dismantled our Christmas mantel.  Since then, I hadn’t done a thing with the mantel.  It was quite empty…until this morning, that is.  In between getting my kindergartener off to school and waiting for my toddler to wake {he’s like a sleeping dragon in the mornings…we try not to wake him unless we have to!}, I had a little time to play around with the mantelscape.  I took cues from the wintry landscape here in the midwest…fluffy snow, naked trees and gray skies.  That might sound depressing, but there is something simply beautiful about barren, snow-covered scenery.  Oh, and I didn’t spend any money.

I incorporated 3 elements:  snow white roses, bare branches and glowing candles.

Handy Hubby surprised me with roses yesterday.  And I mean ‘surprised!’  {Usually I only get flowers from him after I birth one of his offspring.  So, this is a big deal!} They just happened to be white.  I broke the grocery bouquet up into 3 separate arrangements for the mantel.  I like the way they mimic soft snow.

I plucked 2 bare branches from our backyard when I took the trash out this morning.  It doesn’t get any easier than that.  Or cheaper.  They bring an element of nature to the mantel.  I especially like how they twist and climb around the other pieces.

To keep things cozy and warm, I sprinkled in a few tea light candles.  All 3 candleholders are past Goodwill finds.  I love how the lit candles bring the mantel to life.  It almost like it’s living and breathing.  Here are a few more shots to make up for the lack of pretty pictures earlier this week…

As much as I would love some 70° weather {or just 50° would feel like summer at this point}, I’m trying to embrace the beauty of winter.  Especially since we’re in for more snow tomorrow.  What about you?  Have you tried using Mother Nature as inspiration for your decor?  She’s definitely my #1 inspiration.

images:  all Dana Miller for House*Tweaking