Dirt Road Adventures – Christmas Crafts & Decorating Ideas, Final Chemo Is Over, Happy Thanksgiving Week
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hey Friends,
I’ve enjoyed a week filled with new DIY & Craft projects, decorating ideas, and more. I’ve almost finalized my Christmas decorating indoors and plan to share a quick tour of this year’s spaces next week. I hope you are enjoying the new projects I shared with you this past week.
My final chemo week of recovery is almost over, and I’m so thankful it’s behind me. I’m looking forward to traveling to the beach to celebrate Thanksgiving this week. It will be the first holiday I’ve been able to spend at our beach cottage since my diagnosis. I’ve shared details of my week’s ups and downs in my Healing Journal. I’ve also been blessed to receive a grant from the HealthWell Foundation to cover the high co-pay for the Niraparib (cancer inhibitor medication). I’ve learned that 100% of donations go to help patients without insurance or those with expensive medications that insurance doesn’t fully cover. You can see all the details here in My Healing Journal.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
I was so excited to finally share several new projects and decorating ideas with you this week. From repurposed thrift store finds to pinecone ideas, I hope you’ll find something that inspires you. Here’s a recap in case you missed it.
In Case You Missed It
DIY Farmhouse Table Riser: Budget-Friendly & Easy To Build Guide
Stop scrolling! If you’ve been looking for an inexpensive way to elevate your dining room decor, you are in the right place. I’m excited to share this budget-friendly DIY Farmhouse Table Riser with you.
Customize Christmas Stockings In Minutes With Pinecones! (Easy DIY)
Hey friends, I wanted to update my boring Christmas stockings this year. Since I’m going for a rustic pinecone theme, I decided to show you how easy it is to customize Christmas stockings by adding some beautiful bleached pinecones.
Easy DIY Sherpa Christmas Tree Pillow Cover Tutorial
Have you seen the cozy Sherpa Christmas Tree Pillows at Pottery Barn? They are adorable and inspired me to create my own Christmas pillow cover for holiday decorating.
Give Thrifted Nativity Scenes A Modern Update: 3 Easy DIY Makeovers
Do you have old Nativity scene sets that could use a modern update? I’ve been collecting thrift-store sets that aren’t trendy but are cheap.
Transform Glass Vases Into Stunning Christmas Candleholders: 5 Easy Ideas
Have you noticed that plain glass vases are readily available, from thrift-store finds to Dollar Tree vases?
Creating A Rustic, Natural Christmas Mantel: Pinecones & Oranges
If you are looking to create a rustic Christmas mantel this year, look no further. Today I’m sharing how to achieve a budget-friendly, natural holiday mantel using foraged bleached pinecones and dried orange slices.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- Stacy’s Melt In Your Mouth Cranberry Pork Tenderloin recipe sounds amazing.
- Y’all know I love using elements of nature in my decorating ideas. Check out Cindy’s creative uses of natural elements for Christmas Decor.
- Lucy’s Moody Christmas Mantel is just stunning.
- CoCo is so creative. I love these Simple Jeweled Christmas ornaments she made.
- These are some stunning Christmas wreath ideas.
- I want to make these adorable Vintage Christmas Tree Projects that KariAnne shared last week.
What’s in my Cart
I’m loving some of the outfits I’ve put together for celebrating Christmas!
See Ralph Lauren-inspired skirt and Sweater. / See budget-friendly faux fur coat and plaid shirt.
- I replaced my front door rug with this neutral brown-and-beige style.
- I finished my mantel decor with these natural touch Norfolk Pine Garlands.
- These Command Wire Toggle Hooks are perfect for hanging the garland on the mantel without damage.
- These stocking hanger hooks are safe and easy to use.
Coming Soon!
For those of you celebrating Thanksgiving, I know you’ll be super busy. However, you don’t want to miss all the inspiration coming your way next week.
- This year’s Christmas Farmhouse Tour.
- Some last-minute recipe ideas.
- Another repurposed Christmas decor makeover.
- Some easy and free Christmas stars that anyone can make.
- And more!
I hope you have a blessed week! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you celebrating next week. Safe travels and don’t eat too much!
I have always wanted to bleach pine cones but with my motor skills I would probably get more bleach and everywhere else,, lol.
Thanks for sharing my natural Christmas decorating. There’s nothing better than nature.
Happy Thanksgiving
Cindy,
Thank you and you are welcome. Have a blessed and healthy Thanksgiving.
Rachel I’m so happy to hear that this first leg of your recovery journey is coming to an end. Sending you continued love, hugs, and healing prayers.
Jen,
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate all your support.
The Nativity pieces turned out so good. I was amazed at the tealight one once it was finished. a total transformation. I think I may run by the thrift store and see what they have. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and take in the day,
Diana,
Thank you Diana! I hope you find some great deals. I just finished some snowmen that I’ll be sharing next week and they turned out amazing. Look for the ugly and turn it into something amazing. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Rachel, thanks for all the Christmas decorating inspiration. I like the new outfits. You wear them well. Thank you for continuing the updates on your healing journal and for baring your soul of all aspects of your journey to health; even the most embarrassing and hurtful ones. I appreciate your honesty. I pray God’s blessings on you and Brad this Thanksgiving week, and that you have the most blessed time as you reflect on His love and care for you while you enjoy your time at the beach.
Marcie,
Thank you for your encouragement. I’ve had several people say they thought I’d stop once I rang the bell. That’s just one hurdle I’ve gone over and I feel there will be more so I plan to continue. I’ll probably back off every few days but when something strikes my heart, I’ll share. Thank you for following along.