{affiliate links used}

{kitchen sources}

Happy Friday! We made it to the holiday break! My kids are out of school and we are officially ready for Christmas. Well.. a few things still need to happen first including all of the wrapping (sigh.. I love years when I start that early but this was not one of them!). It’s ok.. I have my holiday tree tags printed and it will get done! Right now I’m just so happy that I get to sleep in tomorrow. That is seriously all I want for Christmas at the moment! Ha.

I realized this week that I never shared pics of my holiday party this year! I had it a week before Thanksgiving and loved doing it earlier. The only down side was how busy it was getting my house 100% decorated in time, but it was such a fun way to kick of the season early. I called it a “Kick off Christmas Pajama Party” with the theme of gratitude. Last year the theme was self care – you can see details on last year’s party here. I always choose a theme and we always wear pajamas. No surprise there. :)

{family room sources}

I’m horrible at documenting parties that I’m hosting so these pics aren’t great! They were just all I had on my phone from the party.

Michael Bublé was invited of course. :)

{soup chafer station}

I served salads and a charcuterie board from the same place I ordered from last year and then once again my cute friend Katy made her baked potato soup. It’s my favorite thing that she makes and I beg for it every year! She always wants to be creative and switch up the menu for my party but I won’t let her. I love her soup too much. And I’m a creature of habit. Plus I just love her soup. Did I mention that already? :)  Last year when I shared pics of my party so many of you asked where she got these beautiful soup chafers! You can find them on Amazon here. Perfect for hosting.. they will keep soup or anything you are serving hot all night!

I used these beautiful marble top servers to hold dessert! I decided to order cheesecakes from the Cheesecake Factory this year (always a good thing). One was plain with strawberries so we could have a little red and then one was pumpkin to get our Thanksgiving fix. ;)

A close friend made this holiday dessert and it was so delicious! It’s part of the reason I traded my jeans for joggers a few weeks ago. (In January I’ll be singing hello treadmill my old friend..) 

House decorated – check! Kitchen clean – check! Food out – check! Pajamas on – check!

Let’s do this.

{kitchen sources}

The best night with friends! I had 3 tables set. This dining nook, my formal dining room, and then I used the table in my craft room too.

I got these cute bookmarks ready ahead of time.

Then I put them all in gratitude journals to give to my friends.

{gratitude journal}

I talked about how I sent this gratitude journal to El at college and about the difference this book made in my life when I was going through a hard time after we moved to VA. You would think writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day wouldn’t change much, but it really does start to shift your perspective. Physically writing things down vs. just thinking about them makes a difference too. Have you ever tried it? I love these particular gratitude journals because they are simple and get to the point. A lot of gratitude journals have affirmations and places to write thoughts and journal and while that’s great, I think that’s hard for most of us to make time for daily! This book just has 3 lines for each day. Something manageable that most of us can pull off.

After rambling on about gratitude for a while I channeled my inner Oprah and tossed each person a book exclaiming “you get a journal and you get a journal!” Ha ha.. not quite a car but still. I do that every opportunity I get. ;)

Last year I handed out cozy socks.

With this note attached.

{chunky wool/jute rug}

We had a hard time getting everyone together for a picture with people coming and going but Kenny snapped this with some of us! So grateful for all of the good friends in my life.

And for all of the good cheesecake in my life too. :)

And after.. the sign of a good party!

I’m always so happy staying up late and cleaning after the party. So many of my friends try to stay and help me clean up but I eventually send them all home! I turn on Christmas music and load the dishes with a big smile on my face after such a fun night with people I love. :)

December brought even more get togethers including 3 more Favorite Things Parties! For one of the parties we were supposed to wear all black or white or pearls. I was a renegade and wore these green faux leather pants with a black top (I just felt like a pop of green was needed somewhere!). Then I wore my reindeer onesie to the ugly sweater Favorite Things party breaking the rules once again. Hopefully they’ll all still invite me back next year. Ha.

Aside from connecting with close friends these parties are the best for getting lots of fun gift ideas! I feel so bad I didn’t get these gift ideas out to you sooner in time for Christmas (although some of these Amazon items might ship overnight!). Better late than never I guess. I hope they are still helpful for post holiday gifts or maybe you’ll find something fun for yourself! I’ve already ordered and tried so many of these items and am obsessed just like my friends. I’ll share some of my recent favorites in the new year!

I’ll be back one more time before signing off for Christmas. Good luck finishing up all the things! :)

1-hair wrap towel   2-it’s a ten   3- getting past your past   4-moroccan oil

5- hair mask   6- hair brush   7-supergoop sunscreen   8-dry shampoo

9- mini waffle   10- tree cutting board   11- glowing body oil   12-ponycap

13-candle   14- lip duo set   15-hair dryer   16-anti-frizz spray

1-battery operated candles   2- hergreens   3-bread knife

4-tumbler   5- eyelash serum   6-personal heater   7- hair finishing stick

8-cheese board   9-dishwashing liquid   10-fashion tape

11-packing organizers   12-dutch oven   13- drinking glasses   14- sunscreen

1-apple slicer   2- pocket blanket   3- the confidence code for girls

4- scoop   5- dandelion tea   6-sun bum   7- salt and pepper grinder

8- satin pillowcase   9-mascara   10-avocado slicer   11- jo malone

12- holiday candle   13-purpose cleaner & hand soap   14-lip balm

1– handheld mirror   2-mascara primer   3- lip sleeping mask

4-mascara   5- lip balm   6- sugar lip set   7-plumping lip polish

8- whitening toothpaste   9- Mac lipstick   10- gel moisturizer

1- lip balm & scrub   2- bath bomb   3- lip & tint set

4- hydrating serum   5-fur blanket   6-gift set   7- supergoop

8-  jewelry cleaner   9- olaplaex no. 9   10-unite hair 

*This post is sponsored by Walmart. All product selections and opinions are my own!

Countdown to Christmas! I hope you are all hanging in there this month! We are wrapping things up at our house.. or trying to anyway. :) We went to Hotel Del for dinner with friends last weekend (the lights were so beautiful!) and that was our last get together with friends before the 25th. I have loved spending time with people I love this holiday season! That’s always my favorite thing about this time of year. It has been a fun month but I am definitely behind on sleep, behind on laundry, behind on blog posts, behind on housework and well.. behind on pretty much everything else too. But it’s all good. Almost time to relax! Next year I’m starting my holiday prep in September.

Maybe August. ;)

{acacia wood Christmas tree/gingerbread man spatula/snowflake spatula}

I’m delivering some of my last gifts this week. My kids are in school through Thursday (they get out so late this year!) so we are finishing teacher gifts too. These are some cute boards and kitchen items I ordered from Walmart to give. You know my love for tree boards! This board has a floral pattern on the front but I love the plain back too!

{gold measuring cups/magnetic measuring spoons/holiday cheer board set}

These measuring spoons have been favorites.. they are magnetic and stay locked together until you need to use them! Genius. Adding a cheese ball with this cute tree. :)

This little cheese board & knife set is too cute! I love the marble/wood combo.

{round charcuterie board/Platters & Boards}

This charcuterie board is just $15! It’s a perfect medium size that will work for so many things. I love the handle too! I’m giving it with a Platters and Boards book (long time favorite book and favorite gift to give!). I picked up one for myself too.. you can never have too many serving boards in my opinion. :) I wanted to wrap all of these cute boards up with some clear cellophane and a cute tag.

A cute tag.. hmmmm..

{FREE GIFT TAGS}

Why yes! That will do! :) I designed some tags that look like my house the moment.. green trees for the win! I wanted them a little bigger than most of the store bought gift tags so I just put 6 on a page and printed them on card stock. I’m assuming many of you are wrapping gifts this week too so I added these to my printable library. Join my e-mail list HERE and they are yours! (If you’re already a subscriber just sign up again.. it won’t add you twice! If you don’t receive an e-mail with access to my printable library quickly after signing up check your junk/spam.)    

Much better! :) I hope they are helpful! Happy holidays to you from me! XO

{aloe infused crew socks}

Aren’t these Rudolph chocolates adorable!? Classic. I picked up some of our favorite fuzzy socks too. I have a feeling our Elf will be dropping a few surprises off soon. My kids might be teens but they still get excited about Christmas socks and holiday chocolate.

So does their mom. :)

{ice cream float}

I thought these gift sets were a fun neighbor/friend gift idea!

{movie night for 2}

{oreo milkshake set}

You could easily create your own version too.

{Beautiful Collection}

Not long ago I shared  a few favorites from the Beautiful collection.  The cookware sets have been popular items this year! There are still some colors/sets available.

{red plaid velvet sherpa throw/rattan open weave round basket/black plaid velvet sherpa throw/black & natural basket with leather handles}

These baskets and blankets have been a hit too. I gave a few away and then have one of each basket in my family room holding blankets at the moment. :)

{family room sources}

Another fun last minute gift idea!

Sharing some Walmart HOME favorites below. Good luck with all of the wrapping this week! I’m jealous of those of you who finished early. ;)

1- woven placements   2-dinnerware set

3-woven pendant   4- wood oval bowl   5- condiment set

6-large basket   7- stripe rug   8- set of 2 baskets

1-flatware set   2- large wood bowl   3-bookcase

4-white dinnerware set   5- brass chandelier

6-laundry hamper   7- candle   8-towel set   9- jute rug

{similar rug}

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend! I’m sharing my master bedroom Christmas decor today! It’s pretty much decorated the same as last year other than a few things. Well.. mostly one major thing. Can you spot the difference? :)

{flocked tree/similar wood bead garland/green ball ornaments/similar chairs/similar pom throw}

I used all green in this space again and decorated my beloved flocked tree with my wooden bead garland and a variety of green ball ornaments. I always like to keep this tree simple because when the lights are on it shines on its own!

{sutherland canopy bed/white comforter/olive bedspread & shams/chunky knit blanket/lumbar pillow/hester bench}

Speaking of shining.. I got a new bed! Did you notice the change!? I actually got this in September and can’t believe I haven’t shared the update yet. Kenny and I celebrated 25 years of marriage this Fall and he really wanted to get me a new wedding ring. My original ring is small and not the nicest of diamonds (we were so broke when we got married!). He has wanted to replace my wedding ring for years and I won’t let him. I’m very sentimental about my original ring – takes me right back to when we met and fell in love! Plus I’m just not that into fancy jewelry. Give me a Madewell necklace and I’m good to go. Ha. So when he tried to take me ring shopping for our 25th anniversary I told him thank you for wanting to spoil me that way BUT if he really wanted to make me smile.. there was this bed I had been eyeing. :) I got what I really wanted and he saved a chunk of change so it was a win for everyone! My friends think I’m crazy but LOOK at this canopy bed! I’m in love! This room has always been a struggle for me to decorate because the ceilings are so high. I kept buying large art to put over our bed to fill in the space, but something always looked off to me. This room needed a canopy bed! (If you have tall ceilings consider a bed like this!) It fills up the empty space so nicely and now all feels right when I walk into my bedroom.

Now it will be EASY to find something to put over our bed. Smaller items work great in the space between the metal frames. Items like my beloved hoop wreath for the holidays!

What do you think? Are you team new bed or new diamond ring? Ha ha.. I might be a party of one on this debate but I have zero regrets!

{lamps/mirrors/frame/reindeer}

My Amazon lamps and mirrors work great and I love the black in this space! Everything feels grounded now. Decor is simple on Kenny’s side of the bed. An oldie but goodie pic of us from around 25 years ago :) and my black reindeer looking as regal as ever.

{feathery pine trees/similar 3 piece mirrored cabinet}

I added more of my favorite pine trees on my white console table and a wooden bowl of green ornaments. This was the table that used to be in my entry. I’d love to move this upstairs and get something different for this space that fits the new vibe with my canopy bed. Maybe for my 26th anniversary?

If you give a mouse a cookie..

{similar ladder/similar throw/similar stockings}

My side of the bed. :)

{snowy pine trees/barefoot dreams blanket}

I’ve had this garland for years and it really shines at night because of all of the lights attached. They discontinued it and I was so bummed because it’s GOOD! The little flocked trees are favorites I’ve had for years and also light up beautifully at night!

{cable knit pillow}

This was my Christmas bedroom last year. Before the new bed..

And after! Do you agree? One simple change made such a difference! So much better for this space. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my Christmas bedroom! It’s the perfect spot to retreat this time of year. Addison and I especially love escaping to this room when a football game is on in the family room. We bring in treats, turn on all of the sparkly lights and pick out a Christmas movie. If you need me the week after Christmas this is where you’ll find me! Can’t wait.

I have a few small changes I want to make in this space in the new year. My canopy bed inspired all sorts of ideas! Do you have decorating or renovating plans for the new year? I’m excited for new projects! It’s my favorite thing to dream about while I’m watching Christmas movies over the holiday break.

And eating all of the cookies.

;)

{POST SOURCES}

*affiliate links used

{similar faux cedar garland/faux cedar swag/faux long pine needle garland}

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend! December madness and all. :) I’ve rounded up some fun gift ideas but wanted to also share these pics I took yesterday of my cozy kitchen window at night! Always a favorite spot right around 5 pm when it gets dark and these lights click on. I added these fun mercury votive holders to each side of my window this year and put in more of my timer tea lights. My timer lights are in the houses too and the birch trees come with a timer option.. so convenient!

{large glass canister & wood lid/small glass canister & wood lid/extra small glass canister & wood lid/

black tree cutting board/black cheese board/white ceramic houses here & here}

I also added some of my favorite fairy lights in random spots like around my oatmeal canisters. These twinkle lights are great to add a little sparkle all over the house. I use them in my garland all the time too! I’ve tried a few different types and these are my favorite because of the glow they give off and how easy they are to use/wrap around things. You just click them on and off (they have a little battery pack) so they are the only things I manually turn on in the evening.

{birch trees/realistic faux snow/wool trees/star drop ornament-similar here & here/similar light up houses here/here/here & here/mercury votive holder/mumbai rug/peyton dish towel/hicks pendant/spectrum pitcher/woven round tray}

You can see where I added some on the left corner of my counter too around the trees on my round tray.

Loving the sparkle and glow. :)

Below are some fun gift ideas (beauty & wellness favorites) along with holiday dress options for parties, winter coats and puffer vests I’ve had my eye on! Wishing you the best start to your week! Try to get some rest if you can before Monday hits. And breathe. Deep breaths! Also listen to Christmas music and add fairy lights around your house. It helps calm the chaos inside of your head this time of year.

At least it does for me. :)

1-floral minidress   2-one-shoulder midi dress   3- sequin dress

4- cocktail dress   5-sweater dress   6- flare sweater dress

7- velvet dress   8- lace minidress

9- cowl neck sweater dress   10-floral chiffon dress

1-tarte concealer   2- hair dryer   3-hair finishing stick

4- santal 33   5-waterproof eyeshadow

6-curling iron   7- gold eye mask   8-babe lash

1- sherpa sweatshirt   2-mini puffer   3-hooded down jacket

4-wool coat   5-parka wool jacket   6- puffer jacket

1- down vest   2- snap button vest   3- mid length vest

4- north face vest   5-hooded puffer vest

6-puffer vest   7- quilted vest   8- sanctuary puffer vest

1-v-neck sweater dress   2-charles henry sweater dress

3- madewell sweater dress   4- ribbed sweater dress   5-halogen sweater dress

6- sweater wrap dress   7-topshop sweater dress   8-long sleeve sweater dress

1-stanley tumbler    2-fleece zip-up   3- seamless bralette

4-belt bag   5- sports bra   6- sweatpants

7- lululemon align pants   8-handbag   9-nike air max 270 sneaker

10-nike air max sneaker   11-high waisted pants

*affiliate links used

Happy Cyber Monday! Sharing lots of fun gift ideas and favorites on sale! I was with family in Utah on Black Friday and didn’t do as much on-line shopping as I had planned so I’m hoping to make some major progress on my list today. I hope you can do the same while there are so many good deals! Here are a couple of past gift guide posts that include sale items too. Check them out and the items I’ve rounded up below. I hope these ideas are helpful!

CHRISTMAS PJS & GIFT IDEAS

FUN GIFTS FOR HER

1-velvet pillow   2- conell lumbar pillow   3- glass candleholders   4- cable knit pillow

5-merry lumbar pillow   6-hand knit stocking   7-plaid tea towels   8- sherpa throw

9- wool jute rug   10-metal serving tray   11- barton console table   12-plaid stocking

13- dough bowls   14- birch trees   15- faux branch   16-vase

So many of my favorites from PB are on sale! Great deals on long time staples in my home you will all recognize. :)

1-frames   2- candles   3- olive green quilt   4- peony faux flowers

5-small vase   6- gold tray   7-  dining chairs   8- photo clip lights

9-coffee table   10- abstract gold figurine   11- bean bag chair

12- wicker basket   13- pouf   14- jute rug   15- nightstand

Loving all of these fun Amazon finds on sale!

1-olaplex bonding oil   2-olaplex repairing treatment   3-olaplex shampoo

4-travel mirror   5- blending beauty sponges   6- makeup eraser

7-anti- frizz spray   8-ice roller   9-face razors   10- self tanner

11-teeth whitening   12-facial spray   13- facial sheet mask

Fun gifts for the girls in your life!

1-animal hooded towels   2- play kitchen

3-elephant rocker   4- disney tea set   5-llama standing

I don’t have little ones to buy for but after seeing these cute items I wish I did! The llamas! Adorable. And can we please talk about the white and gold kitchen!? My girls would have loved that. And the princess tea set! I miss buying things like this during the holidays.

1-light up village   2-merry christmas garland   3- village wreath

4-lumbar pillow   5- snowflake ornament   6- advent calendar

7- star wars holiday quilt   8- outdoor decor   9-rudolph plates

PB Kids has so many cute holiday items on sale right now! I’m such a sucker for all things Rudolph so those red plates are going to be coming my way. So is the village wreath! I’m tempted to pick up everything in this collage. I love Christmas decor too much! The snowflake ornaments are so cute too and resemble ornaments I have and get asked about a lot. Such a good deal on a set of 6 of them!

1- jewelry box   2- robe   3- storage lapdesk

4- beauty cart   5- round chair   6- bean bag   7-ivory bean bag

Fun gifts for teen girls! These bean bags were a huge hit with my kids on Christmas morning a few years ago and they still use them all the time. Same with the round chair and jewelry box. Favorites at our house!

1-basketball hoop   2- NFL blanket   3-bean bag chair

4- sherpa comforter   5- bean bag game   6-football light   7- blanket & pillow set

So many fun items for teen boys too!

1- striped jute rug   2- diamond rug   3- blue striped rug

4- beige rug   5- striped/clipped yard rug   6 – warm bright area rug

Great deals on these cute Target rugs!

{kitchen sources}

You might remember my obsession with tree boards.

They are all over my kitchen and on sale today!

{mumbai rug}

I love giving them as gifts too. :)

1- small tree board   2- snowflake board   3-tree cutting board

4- small white board   5-holiday tree board  6-large tree board   7 – green & marble tree board

Peppermint Bark is another long time favorite gift idea I’ve shared before. So delicious and perfect for neighbors, teachers, party hosts, etc. Addison and I love this treat the most at our house so we have little ceremony when we take our first bite of Peppermint Bark together. It means Christmas is finally here!

{woven jute runner}

Plus it just looks cute with a ribbon and tag. :)

1- sea salt carmels   2- peppermint bark   3- hot chocolate   4-classic hot chocolate

5-peppermint bark cookies   6- peppermint bark pretzels   7-marshmallows

8- sour gummy stars   9-rocky road   10- peppermint snaps

More Williams Sonoma fun treats that make perfect gifts!

1- loaf pan   2- cookie cutters   3- letters to santa

4-pastry blender   5- vanilla extract   6-kitchen aid   7-spatula

8- dishcloths   9- winter berry soap   10- pan set   11- apron

12- mixing bowls   13- measuring cups   14- muffin pan

And other fun gift ideas for family and friends who love to bake!

{wooden tree candle/fresh balsam & cedarwood hand soap}

This fresh balsam hand soap is to die for and one of my favorites every December! I always buy some for my powder bathroom and pick up a few for gifts. It’s not on sale (I’ve never seen it go on sale!) but I wanted to share it before it sells out because it makes a great gift to give in early/mid December!

{similar placemat/similar wood charger here & here/gold flatware/plaid plate/merry plate/stocking}

Favorite plates on sale for holiday dining!

{plaid dinner plate/snowy spruce salad plate/gold flatware/round natural fiber placemat}

LOVE them. I rounded up some other cute options below!

1- plaid dinner plate   2- bico dinner plate   3- spruce plates

4- red salad plate   5-merry plate  6-nutcracker plate

7- stewart plaid   8-snowy spruce plate   9-red plaid dinner plate

Like I mentioned above many items in these gift guide posts below are on sale today too so check them out for more gift ideas! Happy sale shopping and have a wonderful start to your week!

CHRISTMAS PJS & GIFT IDEAS

FUN GIFTS FOR HER