Wednesday, December 10, 2014

My Favorite House from the Home Tour

Here are some more of my favorite images from the Holiday Home Tour from this past weekend.  If you missed my previous post highlighting front porches, be sure to check it out here.

All the photos in today's post are from the same house.  This home was undoubtedly my favorite from the tour this year.  It was so light and bright and fresh that I couldn't help but take tons of photos!











Monday, December 8, 2014

Holiday Home Tour

Every first weekend of December, my little home town hosts a Holiday Home Tour.  Our little town has a lovely and sizable historic district, and this district is not only beautiful to see, it also boasts an incredibly strong sense of community.  I am talking about the, everyone-knows-everyone kind of front porch community that so many planned developments try so hard to recreate, but so often miss the mark.  I should know.  While we live in a newly built home now, for six years, my husband and I were proud caretakers (owners just doesn't seem to suit when you are talking about a historic structure) of a 100 year old house.  There is character in  these painted ladies that just cannot be duplicated.

So, I love to stroll through the Holiday Home Tour every year.  It always makes me a bit nostalgic for my old neighborhood.  It certainly reminds me how much I loved living there.  The great thing about the tour is that it encompasses so many different styles.  I love the variety.  I am going to spend the next few posts sharing some of my favorite images from this year's tour.  I hope you enjoy.

Today I am starting out with some front porch inspiration.











Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Holiday Gifts for the Hostess





1. This is one of my favorite sparkling wines that is truly well priced.  Perfect for giving, the bonus is that the bottle and label are the loveliest presentation.  La Marca Prosecco

2. The Fresh Balsam Candle from White Barn Candle Company.  I can be kind of picky about my candles.  I am not a fan of candles with big gaudy labels, especially those with photographs on them.  I really prefer filled candles that can blend into any decor.  This one completely fills the bill with it's unimposing label and frosted glass jar.  Not to mention that the scent so perfectly mirrors fresh cut Christmas trees that you will completely forget that your tree (or mine) is artificial.

3.  These little bird salt shakers are just too cute.  Your hostess will love this unique and fun little thank you gift.

4.  A personalized glass decanter is a welcome addition to anyone's bar cart.

5.  A Christmas plate filled with baked Holiday goodies will make you a favorite guest for sure.

6.  This wine bottle coaster is great to have around, it will save your table cloth from red wine stains, and it is a ton of style for a tiny price.


Monday, December 1, 2014

If You Are Cyber Monday Shopping....

So, let me just start by saying that I am way behind.  Not just with this post being 6 hours late, but just in all aspects of my life right now.  I am still unpacking from our Thanksgiving trip, trying to get errands run, and (of course) needing to begin putting up my Christmas decorations.  At least I have gotten them out of the attic(trying to make myself feel better here).  But even though this is a bit of a lackluster post visually, I wanted to make sure that I shared some important information with you if you still have some Cyber Monday shopping left to do.  Actually, this will help you out all the rest of the season and more.

I wanted to share with you two websites I use on a regular basis.  Mr Rebates and Ebates.  Both of these sites are cash back sites for online shopping.  You may be thinking that there has to be some sort of catch to this, but I am here to tell you there is not.  I have been using Mr Rebates for several years now, and I have received over $400 in rebates during that time.  Who couldn't use the extra cash back, right?

The premise is very simple.  You sign up on their website.  Then, anytime you need to make an online purchase, you log on and connect through them to the site you wish to purchase from.  Then, they keep track of your accumulated cash back and they send you a check.  Seriously!  Mr Rebates sends the checks as you request them, Ebates sends them quarterly.  I use both sites, because sometimes one will have a retailer that the other will not, or sometimes one will be offering a higher cash back percentage than the other.

You really can't beat it!  Happy online shopping!

Here is the link to Mr. Rebates:

Mr. Rebates


And here is the link for Ebates:


Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving



Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I am giving myself a little bit of a blog vacation this week.  I will be back next Monday, December 1.  I hope you all have a wonderful week, eat lots of turkey and stuffing, spend quality time with your family, and score some great deals on Black Friday!  See you next week!

Friday, November 21, 2014

Time For Christmas Cards

I have mentioned in the past how very much I love snail mail.  Not junk mail, of course, but real deal, someone took a moment to write it by hand, letters.  Beautiful papers, lovely cards, engraved monogrammed notes, they all make me so happy.  So, it should be no wonder that one of my favorite things about the holiday season is the abundance of holiday cards.

I know, it can seem like one more thing to add to your list of things to do, but if you prepare and get started now, it will save your much needed sanity.  Just don't give up on them.  Christmas cards are a little way to let someone know that you thought of them this holiday season (especially when they are hand addressed!).

Since now is the time to get working on Christmas cards, here are some of my favorites.

All these card designs can be found at Shutterfly.com


All these card designs can be found at Minted.com


All of these card designs can be found at Tinyprints.com





Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Gift Guide: For Him





- Cozy, comfy Plaid Flannel Sleep Pants  for cold nights.

- A Bottle Opener Key Ring  that is not so obviously a bottle opener.  A little style goes a long way.

- A little soft luxury with a Grey Cashmere Scarf  for chilly days.

-  The Art of Shaving Kit  to make him feel pampered.

- A  Luxury Watch.  An investment?  Yes.  But, if this year an investment piece is something you would love to give the man in your life, check out Invaluable.com.  They have a huge selection at prices that make all the difference.

-  Wooden Watch Storage Box so he can neatly store all those new investment piece watches.

-  I am loving these Zebra Wood Ear Buds .  The juxtaposition of organic materials and technology is a win.  And zebra wood is a long time favorite of mine.

-  These Football Helmet Cufflinks  are not only helmet shaped, they are made from actual helmets used during games.  There are several college teams to choose from.  What a cool gift for the football fan.

-  This Bottle Opener Made From NHL Game Hockey Stick is a definite win for a hockey lover.  There are several different teams to choose from on this one, too.

 -  Again with the combination of organic materials and technology.  What can I say?  I like what I like.  So, this Italian Leather IPhone Case  is sophisticated cool.

- Nothing like a pair of Tweed and Leather Gloves  to keep his hands from freezing.

Good luck shopping for the man in your life.  It is always a difficult one for me.  Hopefully I have given you some ideas you can use!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Glam Little Holiday Handbags

I simply love the minaudiere.  Not only does it sound fancy, let's face it, it really is a fancy little accessory.  I wouldn't say it is the most practical of bags, but, it certainly serves it's purpose.  A cell phone, lipstick, and some cash and you are ready to go.   Good thing, because that is really all that you can fit in them!

With the holidays coming up, and certainly plenty of holiday parties, adding one of these little pieces of handbag jewelry to your outfit will be sure to complete the look.



1.  Gold Glitter Minaudiere (such a great deal!)  // 2.   Pleated Satin Minaudiere  //  3. Black and Gold Filagree Minaudiere  //  4. Leopard Print Minaudiere  //  5. Black Minaudiere with Gold Metal Detail  //  6.  Silver Jeweled Minaudiere  //  7. Platinum Pyramid Embossed Minaudiere  //  8. Gold Metal Mesh Minaudiere

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Cozy Thanksgiving Outfit

Thanksgiving is usually a pretty casual affair in my family.  It usually involves cooking most of the morning while watching the Parade, eating around 4 o'clock, and then making a plan for the next day's sales.  I just recently bought this poncho from Forever 21.  I saw it online and immediately loved it - I just had to have it.  Here is how I plan to style it for Thanksgiving dinner.


1.  Cowl Neck Poncho  // 2. Tortoise Watch  //  3. Riding Boots  //  4.  Ring  // 5.  Cream Colored Skinny Corduroy Pants //   6. Tory Burch Stud Earrings  //  


Be sure to visit Shanna's site, where I am linking up today.  Link below:


Monday, November 10, 2014

Toms + Target

Who else is excited about the Toms for Target collaboration?  I can't wait to get my hands on the great gifts (yes, some might be gifts for me) that I can get a hold of as soon as this collection is released.  And really, what is better than to give a gift that not only goes to the person for whom you purchase it, but also gives something essential to someone in need.  I guess I may have to set my alarm for very early that morning to jump online and try to get what I want.  I have a feeling that it will be going quickly.  It all begins November 16th.  Check out the whole collection here.  Wish me good luck!


1.  This Poncho ($28.00) gives 1 blanket to someone in need.  (p.s. This is tops on my list!!)

2.  This scarf ($20.00) and sweatshirt ($22.00) each give 1 blanket to someone in need, the bracelet sets ($15.00 each) give 1 week of meals!



3.  My husband just might find this jacket ($40.00) under the tree.  And bonus, it gives 1 week of meals to someone in need.

4.  And for my girls, of course a pair of iconic Tom's slip-ons ($38.00), which are of course, 1 pair of shoes donated for each pair purchased.



5.  These water bottles ($15.00, donation match 1 week of meals) and  #6. blankets ($30.00, donation match 1 blanket) are absolute musts for around my house.


 Check out the collection and let me know what you are hoping for!   Find it all at Target.com starting on November 16th.





Friday, November 7, 2014

My Favorite Pumps

Happy Friday everyone!  Today I am sharing one of my favorite shoes ever.  In my mind the Nine West Flax flat is tops on my list.  It has classic style, comes in a ton of colors, and has the right heel height (tall enough to flatter your legs, but not so tall you are hobbled after an hour).  Not to mention they are reasonably priced!

They can be found here, and here.


Have a great weekend!


Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Black and Blue

A little Wednesday outfit inspiration.



1. Black and Blue Dress  //  2. Gunmetal Cuff Bracelet  //  3. Ring Stack  // 4.  Gunmetal and Sapphire Necklace  //  5.  Open Toe Bootie  //  6.  Leopard Crossbody Bag

Monday, November 3, 2014

Placemat Pairings for Thanksgiving Tablesettings

The holiday season is officially in full swing.  Well, at least it is at my house.  Tomorrow I am planning on taking down the Halloween decorations and transitioning to a Thanksgiving mindset.   Since the next holiday is all about the meal, deciding how to put the table together can be almost as important as the menu itself.  Almost.

What style do you plan on for this Thanksgiving?  Will you go with something formal, or will you decide on a casual or traditional feel?

If you are looking for some inspiration for your Thanksgiving table, here are a few ideas...















Monday, October 27, 2014

Hooray- A Giveaway!

Happy Monday, everyone.  My Sunday was spent running my first ever Half-Marathon.  Can I just tell you that I am tired.  Very tired.  I certainly feel a sense of accomplishment at having finished this goal, but now is definitely not the time to ask me if I plan on doing this again.  When I signed up for the race, no one mentioned that the last mile was going to be uphill over a bridge.  Yeesh!

So I am recovering today, but I am excited to bring you my first ever giveaway!  Itchelita Jewelry is a fun accessories site I have recently discovered.  She has some really cute pieces at completely affordable prices.

Check out some of my favorites...



Itchelita Jewelry is currently offering 15% off sitewide for my readers using the code: sparkle15 
Have fun shopping!  But first, be sure to sign up for the giveaway below!

Here is the lovely necklace up for grabs!

***This contest is open to United States residents only.***
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 24, 2014

Fall Finds: My Favorite Corduroy Pants Ever

Hello!  Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite fashion finds for Fall.  I have a real soft spot for a good pair of corduroy pants.  This is kind of funny, considering that I absolutely hated them when I was a child.  Something about the swishing sound they made when I walked, I just thought they were the worst (was I the only one?).  Anyhow, cords have come a long way.  They provide such great texture to layer into a Fall outfit, not to mention how warm and cozy they are (though I am still waiting on some cooler weather around here).

Well, I found a pair that, hands down, are the best pair of corduroy pants I have come across.  They are the Modern Skinny Cords from Loft.  And the best part?  They come in 7 different fabulous Fall colors.  I will take one of each, please.  Well, for now I am starting with the Cranberry and the Navy, but I am certain I won't be stopping there!



**They also come in Deep Pacific Teal and Forever Navy, colors not included in the graphic above.

Friday, October 17, 2014

A Baby Sprinkle Shower

When someone is a first-time mother, there is so much that they need.  Babies require so much stuff, it is mind boggling!  But when it is time for the subsequent babies to arrive, the needs change.  Most parents still have all the usual necessities covered (left over from baby #1), but there is still the desire to celebrate the new bundle, and if baby #2 (or #3 or #4) is a different gender, wardrobe additions are undoubtedly needed.  Hence the idea of a baby sprinkle.  I just love this.  It is a mini shower, if you will, usually a smaller group, and usually focused on clothing and fun baby things!

Two lovely friends of mine recently hosted a Sprinkle Shower for another friend of ours, to share everyone's excitement about her soon-to-arrive baby girl.  They did such a wonderful job!

 It was the cutest Baby Sprinkle ever, and I just had to share it with you!  

 Autumn's lovely home was the perfect setting for the shower.  

The cutest invitation, perfect for a Sprinkle Shower.

 White pompoms were rain clouds sprinkling showers from the ceiling.  How cute is this display of treats?
Sweet little favors.  A candle to light for the new baby girl on the night of her birth.

 Homemade donuts...with sprinkles, of course!


 The best cake pops ever!

There were sprinkles everywhere, even in the votives!  Love it! 

White chocolate dipped strawberries with rainbow sprinkles.  Yum! 

The drink glasses were mason jars with pink and white paper straws that had little rain clouds on them!  Can it get any cuter?

A sweet little gift stand.

Sprinkles, sprinkles, everywhere!

 An adorable gift bag from Target.


*Thank you to Tiny Prints for providing the invitations.  All opinions expressed are my own.  
 
Blogging tips