Wednesday, November 29, 2017

My Fifteen Favorites - My Christmas Wish List


Hey friends, we've super-sized My Five Favorites this month and are all sharing
our Fifteen Favorites on our personal Christmas Wish Lists, I think it's my favorite
of the year. I'm sharing a combo of fashion and home items I love. My pals always have
 the best lists, and since I have a December birthday I feel totally justified adding a few
 of their great ideas to mine! :)

Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

We've got the perfect guest this month, and I cannot wait to see what this fun fashionista
has for us! Cassie @ Hi Sugarplum has long been a fav, I love following along with the
adventures of her cute family and their fur babies! She has a killer eye for decor too, you
may recall her famous ORC reveal! All that, and she's sweet and funny!
I've had this cute photo of her saved on my phone forever for outfit inspiration ~ I think
 it's only fitting it should be on my wish list!

#1
Thanks, Cassie ~ I'll take the entire outfit!
Details on her Instagram feed here

  #2
I love the polished style of this little (8" x 7") crossbody bag.
Croc Embossed Leather
Brahmin Melbourne Manhattan Crossbody Bag


#3
This soft chunky cable knit sweater has my name all over it for our Colorado winters.
And, it's on sale.
Cable Knit Boat Neck Balloon Sleeve Sweater


#4
I love a piece I can throw over my jeans and t-shirt and feel stylish in 30 seconds!
Plaid Fringe Wrap

Pinterestingplans.com

#5
I may have already ordered this. :)
Acrylic Block Monogram Necklace - Large - Blonde Marble


#6
Comfy relaxed vibe!
Good Vibes Sweatshirt



#7
Knock off of pricey Leopard Print Ankle Boots here, here and here
Leopard Ankle Boots with Chunky Heel
4.9 Stars ~ 119 Reviews ~ $34.99
I already have these but you need them too ~ super comfy and much cuter in person!


#8
This slim fit classic wool blend has a ton of great reviews and it's on sale!
Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Reefer Coat


#9
You can't go wrong with a modern white vase and this texture ~ perfection!
 Honeycomb Vase from Anthropologie 


#10
I always think a picture light takes artwork up a notch.
Battery Operated Picture Light



#11
 I love our Colorado winters, but yes, I'm already planning for a few new garden features.
Twist topiary frame - Medium 12" x 24"
Sphere topiary frame - Large 18"
Topiary Garden Frames



#12
How could I get through a post without mentioning an IKEA favorite?
The topiary frames above reminded me of an awesome find that I have, but you
need to add to your Christmas list.
IKEA Live Ivy Topiary ~ $9.99

The first photo is from the IKEA website, but mine looks exactly like the second
photo (pot not included).

#13
I'd be happy looking at this planner for the next year.
Pretty gold corner details.
Blush Splotch Planner 
#14

Pretty organization stocking stuffer.
Shanghai Garden File Folders 
#15
A chic faux stocking stuffer!
Chanel Brooch



Be sure to check out my talented friends' favs too:

Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
Cassie @ Hi Sugarplum

Friday, November 24, 2017

Project Design - Five Takes on Holiday Gift Wrap

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families! 
I'm thrilled to be teaming up with a few of my favorite bloggers to share our holiday gift
 wrap ideas. I love changing up my wrap from year to year, a pretty but simple look that
 doesn't complete with the tree and other Christmas decor is my favorite. It's super easy to
add a little dose of the same elements I use for wrapping to my decor to help the keep the
look cohesive and achieve a nice flow from room to room. 
Here are a few tips to create the look: 

Use neutral color wrapping paper
Use neutral patterned boxes and metallic tin boxes
Change color of ribbon from year to year, choose different textured ribbon
Use the same ribbon to help decor flow from room to room
Add greenery from your yard to embellish your gift 


You can't go wrong choosing a sheer texture, and if it has pretty detail, all the better. 
Costco is a great source for sheer ribbon, and a steal if you catch the end of season sale.
  Notice the printed box below right, I've had it for several years and it gets put under the
 tree every year. 


I used the green leopard ribbon and sprig of greenery on the backs of my dining chairs
to carry the color/pattern into that room. 


Last year I had painted my living room blush and used blush satin ribbon on my
gifts to tie the look together. 



Notice the black and white patterned box above, the pattern added a little pizazz to plain
 white wrap. 


Pine sprigs on the gifts, chair backs and brass container below and the blush
 satin ribbon on the wreath give everything a cohesive look.     


This leopard & plaid pairing is an oldie but goodie. There is the patterned box
again, and simple silver tins - I think they originally held chocolates. Save any
pretty boxes you receive during the year and simply add ribbon ~ not everything
has to be wrapped in paper. 


I coordinated the bow on the wreath in the next room to easily create a pretty flow. 

 
Be sure to check out my talented friends' beautiful gift wrap ideas:




 




Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Fall Into the Holidays - Dining Room DEAL!!!


Welcome to our last week of FALL INTO THE HOLIDAYS!
 I'm joining a fun group of bloggers brought together by our lovely friend, 
I hope you've been inspired by all the ideas to spruce up your home these last few
 weeks before the holidays are in full force and you're hosting family and friends.
 This week our topic is the
  DINING ROOM. 

My IKEA favorite that I shared for the living room last week was a hit, I received
 emails and texts from friends and clients asking if they should get one. Umm...yes!
It just happens that I have an IKEA favorite that's perfect for your dining room 
for the holidays! And, it's ON SALE through Sunday, Novemeber 19!!!
$71 including long slip cover!

Slip covered host chairs are timeless and so versatile, they easily mix with endless styles
 of tables and side chairs. These are a steal and will take your dining room up a notch
in a flash. They're comfortable too! No worries if someone spills, the slipcovers are
washable! I used them in this 80's Kitchen Update for a client.  





$71
Includes Long Slipcover
Washable

No IKEA nearby? No problem, they're available online at the sale price!

Thanks so much for stopping by to check out the ideas the past few weeks,
in case you missed any:


Be sure to stop by to check out my pals' ideas as well:

Katie of Miss Dixie
Jennifer of Dimples & Tangles
Shelley of Crazy Wonderful


   

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Fall Into the Holidays - An IKEA Favorite


Welcome to week three of FALL INTO THE HOLIDAYS!
 I'm joining a fun group of bloggers to share some simple ideas to spruce up your home
 these last few weeks before the holidays are in full force. This week our topic is the
  LIVING ROOM. 


Four years ago I posted about the IKEA Barometer, an all time favorite floor lamp.
I so wished it came in gold, but since it didn't I did what any DIY blogger would do
 and got out my indispensable spray paint!

Well, guess what's NEW at IKEA?!!

You guessed it - the Barometer Floor/Reading Lamp in BRASS!

I love the modern vibe mixed with my ornate gold mirror, but it easily lends itself to any
 style. I've used it for several clients over the years, it's great quality and budget friendly!
A perfectly simple addition that you'll love long after the holidays have passed.

My spray painted version. 

Ikea Barometer Brass Floor Lamp
$49.00
Adjustable Lamp Arm and Head
Brass or Nickel


We'll be back next Tuesday sharing one last new room idea.

Week #1 - Easy Kitchen Update

Be sure to stop by and check out these awesome ladies' ideas:

Katie of Miss Dixie
Jennifer of Dimples & Tangles
Shelley of Crazy Wonderful
Becky of This Is Happiness 


Wednesday, November 1, 2017

My Five Favorite Tips to Tame the Holiday Crazy!


Happy November friends! The countdown to the holidays is on, only three short
weeks until Thanksgiving, then we blink and it's Christmas! For this month's My Five Favorites'
topic my blogging pals and I are sharing ideas to help keep the stress level low and fun level
 high during the holidays! It's my favorite time of year and I remember ONE year when I was
 SUPER organized, oh my gosh, it was so enjoyable!

Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

I'm so excited to have Amy & Christy at 11 Magnolia Lane with us this month ~ they are
 organizing gurus and I'm certain they have some tricks up their sleeve to share!

11 Magnolia Lane

Not only are they awesome at organization, DIY and decor, but they have an Etsy shop as
 well. My favorite item I order every year is this chic gold vinyl monogram to put on the
 front of my calendar!


#1 - Black Friday
 $5 Fresh Wreath & Garland
Stock Up!!!

I gave you the scoop about this favorite Black Friday deal here. Home Depot sells
fresh wreaths and garland for $5!! I love to stock up (keep in your garage) to have on
 hand throughout the season ~ it's a simple gesture to brighten someone's day if they find a
 surprise wreath on their door step! I've used them to decorate inside and outside, as my gift
 for my Favorite Things Party, a hostess gift, to add some cheer to a housebound neighbor's
 gate. Over the years I've learned the garland is best left for outside decor, as it gets a tad
 crispy inside. :(  I don't think they're on anyone's radar because there's no line or crazy
 people clamoring for them.


#2 - Frozen Cookie Dough 
~ Neighbor/Teacher Gifts ~
 Not your typical plate of cookies

You guys are going to laugh at me, but once I timed myself to see how long it took to
make a batch of cookie dough - 10 minutes! My point in telling you is that this gift is 
so QUICK, easy and appreciated! And, you can do it in November! 
Who doesn't love having homemade cookie dough in the freezer? Pop it in the oven at a
 moment's notice if company drops by, for a snack, or a busy mom that needs a last minute
 treat for school. It's my favorite gift to give ~ I shared all the details, and tips for pretty 
packaging here.     


#3 - Worth It 
 vs 
 Not Worth the Trouble List

I'm such a list girl, I don't know how people make it through the day without one! 
Every year I make a list for the following year of what worked and what wasn't worth
 the time or effort. I found the list changes year to year depending on what stage of life
 your kiddos are in. I also have a book where I keep track of party details
(for about 15 years, a little OCD?) it helps jog my memory when putting together menus.
Date, Invitation, Guests, Food & Beverage Menu, and of course, what I wore.
 You can see at my Annual Girlfriend Party last year I wore winter white pants and
 cropped fringe sweater - monochromatic in case you're wondering. Hahaha!

  

#4 - Make Ahead
 Thanksgiving & Christmas Menus

If you think 'make ahead' means sacrificing quality and flavor, think again! Simply prepping
the time consuming chopping, dicing, making a sauce, etc. helps ensure a stress free day
 when you're hosting the meal. My parents always host a crowd of family on Christmas day
 and my mom and I spend a few hours the day before getting the table set and prepping all
 that we can. I'm sure you're not surprised I have a list of our menu last year, the initial 
indicates who brought which dish. (I know it's a LOT and a weird mix, but we all love food
 and accommodate if anyone has a favorite request, somehow the Tamales & Green Chile
 got left off the list, but it's tradition). 
   

A few years ago I shared our more traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu of
favorite tried and true recipes from past Bon Appetit magazines. I gave detailed
 tips what I prep the days leading up to the holiday. Stress free and delish!


#5 - Look Good! Feel Good!
How did this ended up #5, it should be #1

Take the time NOW to plan out a couple outfits you LOVE. It will make all the
difference if all else fails, and you're running around frazzled, if you have an outfit
planned that makes you feel fabulous.
Start with your Pinterest Fashion Board (you have one right?) Here's mine.
It's a great place for inspiration before you head out shopping.
I'd choose a couple outfits to emulate - comfy, casual for shopping or school and
 something dressy for church, party, Christmas day. It doesn't have to be an entire new
 outfit, although I'm sure you deserve one! Shoes, statement necklace, sweater or a pretty
 scarf to update some classics in your closet are perfect too.
Whatever makes YOU feel great!
Don't forget to schedule your hair and mani, pedi appointments now, if you haven't done so.


Be sure to check out my talented friends' favs too:

Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
Amy & Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane


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