Merry Christmas Ya'll!

Today I am officially on vacation until after the New Year and I could not be more excited. I am looking forward to eating lots of yummy food, relaxing, and spending quality time with family! In case you didn't guess already, the image above is my Christmas card, and also a photo from my wedding. I can't wait to show you more wedding photos in 2011! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

card design from Tiny Prints

Gift Wrapping....

I wish I was this organized....

My gift wrap bin looks like a hurricane blew through it. So, as you can imagine, I am not looking forward to my last minute gift wrapping. 


For those of you who still have gifts left to wrap, I'm loving this helpful Gift Wrap Checklist list from my home ideas....


Gift Wrap Checklist
• Wrapping paper
• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Scotch tape
• Ribbon
• Tags
• Hole punch
• Red or green pen
• Gift tags
• Address book
• Markers


I am thinking next year I will be so organized that my gift wrapping bin will not only look good, but my gift wrap will be matching! I love the idea my friend Brooke had for her gifts this year.

Images from my home ideas and Blueprint Bliss

It's a little late...

...for some holiday inspiration...but I just couldn't help myself! I have been so behind this Christmas, which I like to blame on the fact that I got married in mid-November. I know it sounds crazy since that was over a month ago, but I honestly have not been able to get completely organized since we have been back from our honeymoon.  I've been distracted with getting settled in my "new" home, thank you notes, and most importantly looking for a new job! BUT, I couldn't let the holiday season come and go without an inspiration board...not matter how close it is to Christmas. Just tuck it away in your files for next year....

Inspiration Board designed on SMP's Style Circle

Christmas Wish...

I didn't even know my wish for this boot existed until sweet Caroline posted about the Frye Deborah Pull On last week. Now I can't stop thinking about this FABULOUS boot! Wouldn't they be so perfect for my trips out to Texas to visit the in-laws? My hubby has been wanting to get me a pair of cowboy boots, but unfortunately I think these might be a little bit out of his price range. Why do I always like everything that is expensive...WHY!??! I guess for now I will just have to keep wishing away....

Image via Frye

Chic Links

I think I need to tackle this DIY wreath project next year!

We need this look in our office....oh but the hubby would never agree!!

Another DIY that I must tackle...

LOVING this outfit for winter!

Happy weekend!!!! 8 MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!

Image via Elizabeth Messina

Cookie Swap 2010

Tonight I am going to a cookie swap that a few of my good friends host every Christmas season. Every year, I have big ambitions to research fabulous Christmas cookie recipes to find the perfect cookie to bake. This plan doesn't always pan out well...one year I tried a recipe from Real Simple and I don't know if it was me or the recipe, but those cookies were a whole lot of work!! So, this year I bagged my big ambitions and went with a SUPER easy, yet totally delicious recipe that I got from my cousin Laura. When I was her roommate just a few months ago I walked into the kitchen and found little bites of heaven on a cooling rack. She of course offered for me to try one and that was a BIG mistake. I couldn't stop!! I had to get out of the kitchen and quick or I would have eaten all her cookies. So, to me, that is the perfect cookie to bring to a swap...one that is easy and delicious! Dying to hear the recipe? Ok, here it is....

1 box of butter cake mix

1 bag of chocolate chips

1 bag of heath/toffee pieces

2 eggs

1/2 cup of vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well....

Spoon cookie dough on an ungreased cookie sheet...

And then pop in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden....

Pretty easy huh? I am certain they will be a big hit!! What is your favorite cookie recipe?

More Holiday Table Inspiration....

....from Lonny. I know you've probably all seen the December Lonny issue, but I just had to post this rustic holiday tablescape....because, well, you know how much I love anything that is rustic!!  I like the idea of the lamps on the table instead of candles...wax won't drip and you don't have to worry about making sure your candles fit perfectly into your candlesticks (which they never do).

Image via Lonny Magazine

Lonny's Holiday Table

I have to say this chic holiday table in Lonny's December issue totally blows away my simple table from yesterday's post!! I love the modern twist on a seasonal spread. This table has me wanting to think more "outside of the box" the next time I host a dinner party. Polka dot napkins and a confetti table cloth...why not!!???

December 2010 | Lonnymag.com

Holiday Supper Club

I hosted my supper club last week for our annual ornament swap Christmas party and wanted to share with you my table...

As you may remember from earlier posts, I decided to use a lot of mercury glass in my holiday decor, so of course I carried that theme over to the dining room table with mercury glass votives. I always love candlelight on a table! My sister and brother-in-law gave the hubby and me a gorgeous Fortunata bowl that you can see in the center of our table. I filled it with silver ball ornaments, pinecones, Christmas tree branches and red berries. Instead of using white flowers which I originally had in mind, I decided to juxtapose rustic elements (the pinecones, berries, etc.) with the mercury glass, and I think it turned out great! I love how the red berries added a much needed pop of color to the table.

Here is an up close shot of the place settings. I used a Juliska pewter charger with a white berry and thread  Juliska dinner plate. My friend Kate gave us the FABULOUS cream napkins with pewter dots that couldn't be more perfect for this set up!! Luckily I found some old napkin rings in my kitchen drawer that blended well. That is definitely something on my list that I need. I'm thinking maybe some Simon Pearce? I think the glass would go with just about any look.

Are you entertaining this holiday season? I would love to know how you decorate your dining room table!

Chic Links

I always love a fun holiday tag!

Digging this table setting.

So so many FAB letterpress holiday cards this year...

This DIY project is perfect for a Christmas wedding!

I am crazy crazy crazy about this simple yet chic table decor...




Image via Style Me Pretty

In the middle....and...After

I couldn't just post an "After" picture of my china cabinet without documenting the "Middle," which took lots of time and effort....even with the extra hands from my sweet hubby. He came to my rescue several times during the paint job when I wanted to throw the paint brush out the window!

Drum roll please...................................................................................!!!

And, here you have the "After."  I hate that my photography is so terrible. You can barely tell that the china cabinet is a different color from the wall, but I promise it is! Wall paint is ballet white by Benjamin Moore and the china cabinet paint is Blue Gray by Farrow and Ball. I swear it looks FAB in person :)

Here is a close up of the top portion that shows off more of my Christmas decor...mercury glass combined with Christmas tree branches and red berries.

My favorite thing about this china cabinet? Well, it was a wedding gift to my grandparents over 70 years ago! Three paint jobs later, a new city, another wedding and one more couple who lives happily ever after...

Before...

I always love a good before and after photo comparison....I just don't love the process of the actual project that takes your from before to after! Take this turquoise china cabinet for example. I thought, oh I can easily paint this and have it transformed in no time! Well, I was wrong. After two coats of primer and two coats of  Farrow and Ball's Blue Gray (with a sand job in between and a whole lot of scraping of paint off the window panes) I finally was able to complete this not-so-fun project in about a week. But, then I had to let the paint completely dry for another week before putting all my china, silver,crystal, etc back in. And that was just not fast enough for my very impatient little self. Now, don't get me wrong, I do love me some turquoise, but this color just didn't fit in my dining room. My "new" blue gray china cabinet looks fabulous!!!! Check back tomorrow to see the finished look!

????

I am getting  a little frustrated with blogger!!! I post a picture and it shows up and then disappears! What is the deal??????

My inspiration...

I'm hosting supper club later this week and have been busy decorating my house for Christmas! Since I am in a new house this year, it has taken a little more thought on how to decorate my new space.  My parents acquired a lot of mercury glass for our wedding reception, so I decided to use some of the pieces (vases and candles) around my house this year. I LOVE mercury glass, and when I saw it in the Pottery Barn holiday catalog, I thought I am right on track! It definitely has a festive look....

Once I finalize the arrangements for my vases, I will post a picture for you of my holiday decor! How are you decorating this Christmas??

Images via Pottery Barn

Chic Links

I can't get over this ADORABLE bridal shower!!

Loving this color combo.

I need to get better at wrapping my Christmas presents!

This is a super sweet, sweet 16 birthday party.

I am so behind on Christmas...thankfully Erin has posted this gift guide and this one too!




Image via Kiss the Groom

Christmas Decorating

Well, my...I mean our (gotta get used to that!) Christmas tree is up and is almost fully decorated. My hubby doesn't understand how I could fit any more ornaments on our tree, but my motto is "the more the merrier!" Once it is completely decorated, I will be sure to post a picture. I have been debating on whether I should get a new topper. I'm just not crazy about the one I currently have. I was browsing online and found these ideas from Better Homes and Gardens...

What's on the top of your tree?

Images via BHG