Archives for December 2014

It Was an Insta-Christmas!

Whew!!  What an amazing week we had with my family in Texas!  Our travel out there was rocky (to say the least), but once we got there it was a lovely relaxing time with some of my favorite people.  If you followed along on Instagram, I apologize for the duplicate pics, but there's a few new ones in here, too!  And there are a few photos I've saved for our New Years cards so I'll share those soon.   Yes, I decided to send NY cards this year, … [Read more...]

Christmas Around the House 2014

Happy Sunday, friends!  Whew, what a whirlwind this past week or so has been... lots of non-Christmas stuff going on so I'm just now getting around to sharing a few Christmas touches around my home.  I figure better late than never, no? So settle in for some pics... I scaled back on decorating a bit this year and I'm actually loving a some more simplicity.  Plus less to take down in a couple of weeks, right?  Here we go... Let's start … [Read more...]

Feed a Crowd: Beef Vegetable Soup

TGIF, y'all!  I didn't intend to step away this week, but -- Life.  Anyway... our holidays are all about crowds.  I mean, we have five kids.  Who all have friends, girl friends, etc.  So I wanted to share a new Feed a Crowd recipe that's been a lifesaver recently: a Whole30 compliant Beef Vegetable Soup! This is not only healthy and delicious, but it's FILLING!  And when you're feeding a crowd that's key! Here's what you need: 2 lbs … [Read more...]

Five on Friday {Teacher Gift Edition}

Hi y'all!  Woo hoo and TGIF!  The hubs and I are headed to the lake to celebrate his birthday with friends this weekend and not a moment too soon.  While my to-do list still looms (wrapping, shipping, last minute shopping), God knew he and I needed time in a serene place this weekend.   Lots of non-holiday stress has been creeping in and I think a little time in front of a roaring fire with good friends and good food is just what the doctor … [Read more...]

DIY Reindeer Table Runner

Hi everyone!  Wouldn't you know it, the busiest time to be taking photos and my camera won't talk to my computer right now.  Grrr.   Fortunately, I had just finished up loading photos from my latest DIY -- a sweet burlap table runner for your casual holiday table. :) #whew I love a good stenciling project, don't you?  If you follow me on Instagram,  you saw a little tease the other day... I'm so lucky to work with the good folks at … [Read more...]

Christmas on the Front Porch

Monday already?  Oh did I have a fun and full weekend decking my halls... the inside of my home is still in process, but the porch?  Done!  I'm not sure why I wanted to put more creativity into it this year.  Maybe because we'll be traveling some over Christmas and I'm simplifying my inside decorations?  Anyway, after gathering some inspiration, here's where I landed... Come on up!  I usually have small trees in these urns, but decided … [Read more...]

DIY Joy Banner

There's just something about the word "joy", don't you think?  Three simple letters that can flood your heart and soul with the warm fuzzies.  I love what it symbolizes this time of year -- waiting in great anticipation for the birth of our Savior, time spent with loved ones, preparations for festivities.  Joy-full stuff, all of it. And when I scored some upholstery webbing at the Country Living Fair in October, I had this in mind from the … [Read more...]

Christmas on the Front Porch {Inspiration}

Hey there!  Hope y'all are having a good week and getting your ho-ho-ho in tip top shape!  The blogosphere is full of holiday home tours this week (tons of inspiration out there!!) and I'm still working on decking my halls.  True confession -- when you're gone for Thanksgiving every year (which we are) it's hard to get a head start on full blown Christmas decorating.  So I always feel a little behind, but I honestly don't stress.    My halls will … [Read more...]

In Case You Missed It (November)

Happy December!  I have to confess I was tempted to skip my November recap today and jump straight into Christmas decorating and DIY --  this is one of my favorite times of year and I have a few cool projects in the works and loads of ideas for more.  But, it didn't seem right to short-change the month of November.  It was  a good one!  And I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday and were able to linger among your loved ones for a … [Read more...]