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Simple Ways To Decorate For Winter

January 10, 2022

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Well it's winter.

It arrived right on cue, ushering in the holidays with a Christmas Eve dusting.

And those falling flakes looked perfect among the twinkling lights and evergreen.

However.

Once the trees came down, the house just felt a bit cold.

Snow Covered Tree



Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm a simple girl when it comes to decorating. Less is most definitely more.

Especially once all the holiday decorations come down. I like that open feeling.

It feels fresh, so I'm not usually in a big rush to put a lot of other stuff up.

Plus, like I said, where I live, there's usually more than enough snow outside.

I don't really need to add any of it inside.

Besides, I'm not generally a fan. Summer's my jam.

Easy Winter  Snowflake Wreath


That's why aside from my beloved dollar store snowflake wreath, you won't find any big odes to winter around here.

Honestly, from January to March, I'm just trying to get to spring as fast as I can.

Of course, that doesn't mean that I don't want my surroundings to pleasant.

Decorated with warm tones and cozy accessories during these chilly winter days.

I absolutely do.

I just do it on the down low and I try not to spend more than a few bucks to accomplish the task.

Like I said, less...

Quick Decorating Ideas For Winter


I hope you enjoy the tips and list of must have items.

1. Add Candles


Well, first and foremost, I light the place up.

It gets dark here by late afternoon and that, my friends, is depressing.

Taper Candles In A Sconce

So I have battery operated candles peppered around the house and with the help of all those double A's, dusk becomes my favorite time of day.

Every room is suddenly bathed in a romantic glow.

As a matter of fact, this Christmas, rather than my usual string lights I opted for candlelight. There were no wires to hide or camouflage, no timers to set.


It was fabulous. 

Once the holidays passed, I saw no need to remove them. It worked out very well.

They're still setting my home aglow.

Here are my favorites: 

A Package of Battery Operated Taper Candles

All going on and off by themselves at the same time every day.

No remote to deal with, no fire hazard and best of all, no darkness.

Until I'm ready for it.

What else?

2. Re-Use Christmas Decor


Well, I also repurpose a teeny bit of my Christmas decor.

For example, my sock snowmen or sock angels may be found hanging around until St. Patrick's Day.

Or that aforementioned snowflake wreath may be decorating my front door or living room wall.

Snowbabies Figurine on a table

This year, I've decided to leave some of my mother's Snowbabies out, in the kitchen, to add a little whimsy to the place.

They remind me of her and their sweet faces take a bit of the sting out of the season.

3. Change Pillow Covers


Lastly, my biggest, and most impactful winter decor accessories, are my pillow covers. 


Pillow Covers In Red

Such a simple swap with such dramatic results.

I've always said that fabric is a huge game changer in a room and there's no easier way to add a new pattern than on a pillow.

Whether you whip one up yourself from an old placemat or kitchen towel or purchase one online, it's a quick and inexpensive way to change the entire mood of a room.

Lots of people opt for sweater versions this time of year. I tend to go for color.

Deep reds to contrast with all that icy white outside my door.

Red Pillows In The Living Room

4. Add Layers

There's just something about layers that warm up a room.

And while lace usually conjures up images of balmy summer days, when the weather gets chilly I add a few inexpensive panels underneath my checked drapes.

Red Checked  And Lace Curtain Panels

Like one would place another blanket on the bed. Which I also do...by adding a quilt or throw to the couches and at the foot of the bed.

I have this beautiful and reasonable furry throw in every room of my house.

5. Play Up The Fireplace


Well that and of course a fireplace.

Candle Lit Fireplace In Winter in a cottage style living room

Or two.

We actually have three. But who's counting? 

In the summer they're covered with my super easy fabric trick or a painted screen, but during the winter, I have those flames turned on high.

Small Fireplace in the kitchen against a red painted wall

Morning, noon and especially at night.

And just like that, we're back to more of that glorious light again.

To hold us over until summer rolls around.

😉

❄❅❆❄❅❆

Today, I'm sharing as part of the Warm Winter Transitions Tour hosted by Cecilia at My Thrifted Addiction. 

If you're visiting me from CoCo's lovely home and blog, The Crowned Goat, welcome!

Warm Winter Mini Blog Hop Collage

For more winter decor you need to go check out Kim's fabulous seaside cottage at  Shiplap and Shells. She's up next and you don't want to miss it! 

Here's the rest of the line up so you can visit everyone and grab some more winter inspiration.


Happy Winter, Friends!



Kim Signature


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  1. Kim, I'm totally with you in just waiting for the winter months to pass, unimpressed with the snow (but for me in southern WV, it's really just Jan-Feb, and less than steady snow, more like rain, rain, rain). Your idea of battery operated lights and pillow covers is my go-to also, and your home definitely invites a stay-at-home vibe. Here's to the countdown to spring!

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    1. Thanks so much, Rita...and I am counting down, especially today. I think we're headed down to single digits. It's a fireplace day for sure! Thanks for the visit and the sweet comment today.

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  2. Kim, your mantel and hearth exude coziness and I absolutely love those candles! I use lots of candlelight from fall through winter, too. I always enjoy seeing your pretty floral textiles. What a fun giveaway idea for those cute pillow covers. Thanks so much for joining us today! Pinning and sharing on IG later today. Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

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    1. Thanks so much, Cecilia! I’m curled up by that hearth right now, sipping hot water and trying to get warm amid some roaring winds. Thanks so much for organizing the hop. It’s always fun to get inspired by others!

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  3. Since moving to Florida, I love winter! It is actually the best time of the year here weather wise. I do keep my battery operated candles out though and they come on every night at 6 and go off at 10. I love the layering of curtains on your windows.

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    1. Thanks Penny…and trust me, there’s been a lot of Florida talk in our house lately. Everyone is smitten with the idea of warm winters! Enjoy!

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  4. I love those tapers. I have some flameless candles, too, but all need to be turned on by hand! I finally de-Christmased yesterday and it feels so good! I like the fresh clean feel of the house.
    Oh- and throw my name into the mix. Those are my colors! lol
    Have a great week, Kim! xo xo xo

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    1. You are entered my friend…we can think spring together! I love those flameless numbers, I switched many years ago when a votive set my sister’s house on fire on Christmas Day. It was a miracle that it just singed a wall, but after that I said no thank you to the real thing on a daily basis. Stay warm, it’s a cold one out there! xo

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  5. I live in Crazy California and don't get the big season changes. I think I would like to see a little bit of change, but not much. I am not in to the cold and snow!
    I agree that color and small additions really can change the warmth of your home and surroundings. You do a good job with color and warmth.
    Those pillow covers are cute!
    Thanks and have a great day.

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    1. Thanks so much for the comment, Tracey! Your California weather sounds dreamy right about now. The swings here go from a balmy 100 in summer to negative icy nights in winter. I love the winter until just about New Year's Day, then I'm ready for summer again! Enjoy the day and I hope to see you in the comments again!

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  6. I am far from minimalist! I have Christmas in every room of the house and anywhere I can find to put things, I do. I buy new Christmas decor every year! I love the season so much and as I’ve gotten much older and can’t do as much anymore, I told everyone next year we’re going north for snow and much more!

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    1. You sound a lot like me...how I used to be! I had Christmas in every room, too. Actually, I was a big accessory girl all year long, for years. It's only been recently that I've pared things down, I just can't do it all either. As for the snow, come on up! We've got plenty to share!!

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    2. Not exactly sure where “up” is but I’d love to! I am originally from Buffalo, NY. My parents moved us to California when I was 10 and I sure missed the snow! If I had my way, I’d live there again but hubby can’t do the cold (so he says) and I don’t do heat well so we live mid country, NC, where we get a little snow but not enough for my tastebuds! Lol I’ve been looking for and nice B&B but haven’t found what I’m looking for yet. To add to that snow, I also need a tree in my room and someone who has horse drawn sleighs, and not with wheels on them! Lol Anything like that near you?

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    3. No, but that sounds dreamy!! I'm in NY, but on the island. It's a very charming small beach town, but sadly no horse drawn sleighs nearby. Although, the sleigh from the movie Elf is parked at a fire station in the next town...not quite the same as a bunch of clydesdales with bells though is it? 😉 Perhaps further north, by your old home town or a visit to The Sagamore in Lake George would do the trick. Now that is charming!!

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  7. I love battery operated candles. I have them everywhere especially during winter.

    Great hop!

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    1. Aren’t they the best? Perfect on a chilly day like today, too!

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  8. I love the soft light during cold weather. Your house is very warm and inviting!

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    1. Thanks so much, Nancy! It's very cold here today, so I'm really looking forward to some of that soft light. I hope you're toasty wherever you are!

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  9. I so enjoyed my cozy home tour of toys, Kim! I’m like you and have battery operated candles and twinkle lights all over my home. I keep battery companies in business!! 😊 Your stone fireplace reminds me of something you’d see in a country cottage. The end table little fireplace is so darn cute! Thanks for the tour and throw my name in the mix for the giveaway, please!

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    1. I just ordered a giant pack of them from Amazon, Kitty! Have to keep those candles “burning”!! Haha! Thank you so much for the kind comment, we love that fireplace. It was the reason we bought this house…and you’re entered! Good luck!

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  10. Love the recommendation on the battery powered candles with timers. Need some for sure! The candlelight is lovely. And the different red pillow covers add a lot of coziness.

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    1. Thanks so much, Elle and thanks for stopping by! I love those taper candles. I looked for a long time for ones without a remote. That's makes a huge difference!

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  11. OHHHH MYYYYY. I love the fireplace and all of the decorations. I want to have a cute home and those pillows when I seen them on Facebook stopped me right in my tracks.

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    1. Thanks so much, Erica! Those pillow covers stopped me too when I saw them online. I just had to have them...

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  12. I love all the winter decor in your cottage, Kim. My favorite, though, is the lace panels on your windows. Oh, my! They add just the right amount of romance to your living room. I'd love to do something like that in my own living room, though I have a question. Are the panels on the same rod with the red and white curtains? I went back and read your post about those lace panels and you wrote that you clipped them on (and I see your photo of that), but then what about the red/white curtains? Are they clipped on, too? My grey and white curtains are not hung with clips, the rod goes through the curtain pocket. Thanks for sharing! Hugs.

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    1. Hi Nancy! You have a good eye, yes, they are all on the same rod, I didn't want to add another since the walls are wood paneled. Both sets of curtains are hung with clips. The lace is just pushed up next to the checks. I think that you could do the same with a rod pocket pair though. I cut those lace panels in half since they were added next to the red checks and not behind them where I would've been able to control the thickness. If they were full they'd have blocked the window completely...which is also a pretty look and one you could achieve by adding just one lace panel on the same rod, between your grey and white curtains. Since my living room can be dark, I didn't want to do that. Can't wait to see what you come up with in your own sweet cottage! Hugs!

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  13. Love all your beautiful pops of red and I can't get over those battery operated candles either. They look so real. I definitely need to check them out. Here's to slowing down and enjoying all this season has to offer. May your winter season be peace filled and relaxing, CoCo

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    1. Thank you so much, CoCo. We took the holiday season very slow and really dug into home and family time. It was glorious. I hope your winter is peaceful as well!

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  14. I'm totally with you on being a summer person and like you I also don't want anything related to snow on the inside when I can see the foot high snow drifts outside my window. We made the coldest city on the planet during the holidays and our temperatures have been hovering in the -30C range. So after the holidays out come the cozy faux fur blankets and pillows. Like you my favorite time of day is 5pm when all those flickering battery operated candles come on. I don't have tapers, YET. Love the pops of cozy warm red you have in your home.

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    1. Marie, there is just no way I would leave my house in winter in your neck of the woods. I'm hunkered down when it gets down to the single digits. On those below zero days, which are rare, I'm like a bear all tucked into my {candle lit} cave!

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  15. Your decorating tips are always so refreshing and give me lots of ideas...like adding layers to the window coverings. The pillows would add such a bright spot to my bedroom in the chair or on the bed!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kathy! What a lovely compliment. ♥️

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  16. Kim, your home looks all cozy for winter. Sometimes it is difficult to transition from Christmas to winter because the house looks so bare. I always buy the pillow covers on Amazon. They are so cute and affordable. I also use battery candles with timers all the time. Safe, convenient plus they look amazing.

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    1. Don't you just love those Amazon pillow covers, Linda. There are always so many choices and they're so affordable. Win, win!

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  17. Kim, I LOVE the candles!! I'm a big candle girl myself. But I've never done the battery operated variety. But the way you describe them just turning on at the exact moment their needed to flood the room with a romantic light makes me think I might try a few this winter!!! You're winter decor is gorgeous!! XoXo

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    1. Oh Aliya, thank you so much!! They really are great. I don't have to worry about kids or pets knocking into them and like you said on and off on their own. Magical!

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  18. We love decorating the house with candles during the holidays and for the winter months Kim. It's nice to have a fireplace too to sit around in the evenings. I love how warm and cozy you home looks Kim!

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    1. Thanks Julie! The fireplace sure makes these very chilly days a little more bearable…or at least a little more cozy.

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  19. Kim, your mantel and hearth are SO cozy! I use lots of candles during fall through winter, and even on summer nights!
    I have to tell you, your home is my favorite of all the blogs I follow We share the same design types and your home seems so REAL. ...just sayin'.

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    1. Your comment just totally made my day!! ♥️ Real is the best compliment I could ever get...and of course, it's always fun to chat with a fellow red lover!! Thank you!!

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  20. Oh I love your new 'plate' rack! It looks so lovely.

    I change out my pillow cases with each new season & I've been thinking about ordering some new ones. I love the green truck. These are so beautiful!

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    1. Thanks Jenny!! I love pillow covers. They are cheap, easy to store and change up my room with a quick zip. I love that. I hope you entered the giveaway!

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  21. I've never used a battery operated candle but they definitely up the cozy factor! Your home is so warm and inviting; I'd happily get through winter there!

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    1. They are total game changers! And thank you for your super sweet words.

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  22. We are of the same mind when it comes to winter and snow....it could all be gone the day after Christmas and I'd be thrilled. A fireplace and candles definitely make the days of winter a bit cozier, although those pillow covers are making me long for Spring!

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    1. We really live in the wrong state, Ann! A fireplace certainly does help, but a different latitude sounds dreamy. 😉

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  23. Your winter decor is so inspiring Kim! I love the red patterned pillows and need to go find some myself. I always love candlelight in there winter. It makes such a difference. So happy to be hoping with you today.

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    1. Thank you, Kim. You are too kind. Happy to be partying with you, too!!

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  24. I love your use of red throughout your home. Our living room walls are painted chili pepper red.🌶😁 Everyone tells me how comfortable the color makes them.

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    1. I LOVE that, Cheryl!! The name alone sounds warm and comfortable. I bet it's just dreamy...and thank you for the kind comments about my red decor. So sweet!

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  25. Your red goes perfectly with winter white. I don't do lots of winter decorating either - I have some pine cones, sparkly greenery and candles.
    I love the pillow covers!

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    1. I think that's all it takes to warm a place up, Mari!! Stay warm, it's frigid here today and, I would imagine, where you are too...

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  26. Hi Kim,
    I have those battery operated tapers and love them at night. I am so jealous of your sweet stone fireplace. I miss having a fireplace. I am like you and cannot wait for January through March to pass by. The cold dark days of the winter months are hard to get through. I am hoping over to the next house on the list. Have a great start to the new week. xoxo Kris

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    1. Kris, it's so, so, so cold here today, I can barely move away from that fireplace. The heat is just not cranking hard enough to warm the chill. I hope it's warmer where you are and have fun on the hop, some truly beautiful homes out there!! xoxo

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  27. I am swooning over your photos!!!!! What a beautiful home! 3 fireplaces???? Lucky you:) We have one in the family room. We don't get to use it all that much since we live in south GA and it seems our really cold days are getting fewer and fewer as the years go by. I love those days. I probably wouldn't like winter so much if we had lots of snow (all the shoveling & problems!), but I so much enjoy wearing my sweaters, boots, & scarves when it's cold enough:) The pillow covers are lovely and are just my colors. I think you and I share a love of RED. Our family room and kitchen have lots of it. I think we also must share a love of candles. I use the real thing but would definitely be less expensive (I think) to use battery operated. Candles can be really expensive. I wait for Bath & Body Works sales. Thanks for the giveaway....stay warm and try to enjoy the rest of your winter...lol!

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    1. Truth be told, Cheri, two of those fireplaces are electric, so I'm not sure if that officially counts, but we gather in front of a flame and it's warm so I guess it qualifies!? Either way it does take the sting out the season a tiny bit. I agree that the boots and the fashion are awesome in the winter, but by the time January rolls around I'm ready for short sleeves and sunny days! If you try the electric candles you'll have to let me know. I was a real flame candle girl too, for years, but then my sister had a fire from a teeny, tiny ember on a votive that she blew out, that re-sparked when they left the house one Christmas day and now I'm all in on the battery kind.

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  28. I love candles and have many during autumn - winter too. I leave my nutcracker collection up until March 1st.. with twinkle lights.
    Thank you for the chance at the giveaway!!

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    1. Nutcrackers are a great way to blunt the sting of winter, Carla!! Love that!!

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  29. Love your use of red in your home! My husband purchased some of those candles but are shorter. I will have to get them out and use them!

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    1. You should use them, Doris! They really are great and you don't have to light them or remember to blow them out! Thanks for the comment and the visit today!!

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  30. I love the idea of candles going on and off on their own everyday. That's something I'll need to work on. The reds and the candle light is just dreamy! Now that we spend winters in Florida, I'm much more patient for spring to arrive, because my seasonal calendar has become summer, spring, summer, fall. Yes, there's a bit of winter I have to deal with in December, but that I can handle it! And, truth be told, I do miss a good snowfall once in awhile!

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    1. Ok...your calendar sounds AMAZING!! I think I may need to rethink my own seasonal calendar, because right now it's more like winter, winter/spring, summer, fall/winter...and I am not a fan! Enjoy the weather you lucky lady!!

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  31. Just entered love the pillow covers. I tried to enter but didn’t see a click after I put my name. Hopefully it went through.

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    1. Maria, I don't see your name there. You can try again, but entering and then clicking the "Begin" button or you can contact me via the contact link at the bottom of my blog and I can help you out.

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  32. I also love to use battery operated candles. I even have one outside in a lantern in the decent weather. We have snow and cold today!!

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    1. I use them outside, too! Well, in summer, which I'm missing a lot right now, since like you, we have snow and cold today…brrrr!! Stay warm!

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  33. Sitting here with a cat lap blanket, and a nice fire hubby built!
    Thank you for the chance to win the perfect pillow!!
    Blessings, J

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    1. A cat lap blanket?? Oh, I want one!! Enjoy and stay warm!! xo

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  34. Love your idea with candlelight during winter months. Need to check out those taper candles.
    Love those pillows! Makes me remember spring will eventually arrive. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Thanks Linda! I really do hope it arrives sooner than later. It's about 15 degrees here today and even those candles are having a hard time warming me up!! Stay warm and thanks for the visit today!

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  35. Your pillows and throw are perfect! Talk about cozy! I love the colors and textures. Your candles are a great idea, too. I don't have any of them! We burn candles a lot, though.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ricki! I do love the electric candles. SO easy.

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  36. You know how much I love winter :) But I understand the deep need to keep light in our homes. I too, have those tapered battery candles, as well as twinkly lights all throughout my home during winter months. I started doing this several years ago and it really brightens the darkness, and creates such a cozy, ambient atmosphere. I love that they are on timers too!

    What a fun giveaway! I just love those pillow covers! Thank you for an opportunity to win!
    Happy New Year to you :)

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    1. Twinkly lights are the best, Marilyn. I have them in my kitchen windows and leave them there every year after Christmas until they literally burn out...usually it's sometime in March. It's almost like they know when we get to turn the clocks ahead again and the light returns. Isn't that fabulous? I hope you have a lovely weekend in your dreamy winter wonderland!

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  37. I couldn't stand the thought of taking down everything after Christmas - some of it was very appropriate for winter. Especially pine cones which are definitely my thing. I also am leaving the pine wreath on the door through February and I still have red cushion covers out, too! But I would love some new pretty ones for spring!

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    1. You are entered, Gina and you just reminded me that I should put some pinecones out. Great winter decor!

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  38. Whimsy and warmth is a wonderful combination. We all need to "shake up" our space from time to time!

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    1. Thanks so much, Tracey and I agree, shaking things up a great way to keep that fresh feeling. Thanks for the comment!

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