Pom Poms

cute: check
affordable: check
easy: check
creative: check

check out the video tutorial here

it's a festivus miracle

It has begun. Our house is slowly beginning to take on the resemblance of a winter wonderland. Come along with me as I take you on a tour of some of my favorite Christmas decor inspirations.

Here we go...

I truly love everything monogrammed. Last night, E and I picked out our Christmas tree. They always cut the stray branches off the bottom, so this year I asked if I could keep them. I am thinking about using the branches to make this. It can't be too difficult right?
Lovely non traditional holiday greenery ... and who doesn't love a wood burning fireplace? I am a fan of the mossy green ... so unexpected, but so fitting.

A much cheaper alternative than buying a real wreath. Take a walk around your neighborhood and collect a couple stray cones, then put them to use making this super easy swag.

Isn't this a great way to coordinate red and green into unexpected places? Take the items you already have and add a couple of accents here and there.

If you're like me and not a huge fan of the poinsettia, then use the ever classic red rose to add a little holiday cheer.

Super classy huh?
Candy canes are not only for the tree. You can use them as an inexpensive addition to any room. Last year, I filled our creamer with canes to create an effect similar to this picture. It was amazing how it added a little sweetness to our kitchen table.

I am lovin' how this one broke out of the red and green box. E and I's bedroom is traditionally blue and yellow and I am still trying to think of a way to add a little festivity to the room. Any ideas?

Yet another use for those bottom branches I collected last night. Too bad I don't have the granite and farmhouse sink to go along.

I totally copied this simple and stylish way of handing a wreath. Can't wait to get all of my decorating finished so I can share pictures with you.

And last but not least, the non traditional advent calendar garland. I think it would be really fun to make this and write a scripture for each day. What a great way to prepare your heart for the season for the birth of the Son of God.

i'm dreaming of a pink christmas

r

tacky or glamorous ... you decide

thanksgiving burgers

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I can hardly keep my butt in my office chair this week. I am so desperately awaiting a relaxing Thanksgiving vacation. I am sure all of you are with me.

Does your family have any quirky Thanksgiving traditions?

Last night E and I served one of the most unique Thanksgiving dinners that I have ever heard of. E has become friends with a man that struggles with many mental health conditions. This man is older and unfortunately he does not have any close family ties. In conversation a couple of weeks ago, E invited him and a couple of his friends over to celebrate Thanksgiving.

When E extended the invitation, I felt excited and anxious at the same time. I love to cook and have people over, but I am T minus 7 days until my comprehensive exam. Not to mention I have never made turkey, stuffing, or anything of that sort before!

About a week after the invite was extended, this man told E about his excitement to eat dinner at our home, and that he would love it if we made cheeseburgers. Yes, cheeseburgers ... for Thanksgiving.

Needless to say, I was relieved! Grilling up a couple burgers was so much easier than fixing a full out Thanksgiving dinner. I believe that God knew my current circumstances and thought that cheeseburgers would add ease and humor into my life.

Last night and a lot lately, God has been teaching me the truth in His word that says

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This truth of God seems so backward, especially in todays economy. However, I have been so encouraged lately that His word stands true no matter what the present circumstances. Praise Him that He is a God whose word and truth seizes to change.

... One last thing that is totally not related, but I thought would make you laugh.

Last night I was totally exhausted after a long day of work, practicums, and cheeseburgers, so I decided to run myself a hot bath. I started running the water and walked into the kitchen to clean up while the tub filled. After a couple of minutes I walked into the bathroom to check on the water level ... and what did I see ... STELLA STANDING IN MY BATH WATER. I guess she decided that she wanted to take a warm bath first! Gotta love the joys of being a dog owner ...

my cup of tea

This Anthropologie candle is my cup of tea ... or wax. To make this candle even more luxurious, it comes in the following scents ... peppermint hot cocoa, mulled wine, hot buttered rum, and hazelnut latte. Oh so warm and cozy! This little candle would make the perfect gift for that oh so difficult person to shop for.

free holiday decorations

The best thing about decorating with nature is that it is free.

Here are a couple creative uses for pine cones. Take a walk around you neighborhood, it's lovely outside, and I am sure you will find a couple that have recently fallen.

twig reindeer

Is anyone else already starting to think about holiday decor?

I can't believe it is right around the corner! E and I were just talking about how close it is until we get to go pick 0ut a tree! These twig reindeer from Pottery Barn are one of my favorite seasonal decor items.


If you're going for more of the vintage look, I enjoy this little Etsy treasure...

What are some of your holiday decor favorites?

brown paper packages tied up with string

I found this gift wrapping station in Country Living, and I fell in love. The more I see ideas like this one, the more motivated I am to turn one of our spare bedrooms into a craft room. Maybe I will start working on this after I finish up with school.

By the way, I take the comprehensive exam in T minus 22 days! Yikes! I really need to buckle down and study {and stop daydreaming about much more fun and creative things}

This holiday season, I have two things to be excited about....

1. The Joy of Christ & the meaning of Christmas
2. and....graduation!!

I hope these wrapping station pictures get you pumped for the holiday season! Have you all seen any new creative wrapping ideas? If so, please share here!

it's coming

anyone else already thinking about this?