Christmas Tour of Homes ~ 2011

This year I kept our Christmas decor very low key and simple. In fact, we didn't even put our big tree up for the second year in a row. It makes me a little sad but with it being just the two of us, and being gone a lot, we just decided against it.

I was thrifting several weeks back and found a cute little pre-lit tree that I was intending to use on our front porch. When we decided not to put up the big tree I thought I'd put it on the hearth and use it as our tree instead. I do like how it turned out.

 I added some lighted garland with red and gold ornaments and a few picks mixed in on the mantel and displayed just three of our stockings. (I have more for when the time comes that we need them)

I added a few other festive touches around the house. This gold branch wreath I found at a thrift store and hung it on a mirror. A little chalkboard sign spreads some joy in the guest bathroom. 

A sweet plaque about the best gift this season next to my scentsy warmer, and a pretty potted poinsettia that my sister gave us for our anniversary.

I love our Will0w Tree nativity set so much. The houndstooth stockings make me happy too.

 

I mentioned that I was wanting to makeover my mantel display and it's now complete! I found a frame that I added a vinyl monogram to and then lined the inside with burlap. I love the way it turned out!

 It was really hard to get a picture without glares so I hope you get the idea =)

Thank you for stopping by. I wish you a joyous holiday season filled with the love of Christ!

linking up with Kelly, Nester, and Erin

New friends in TN!

After our wonderful weekend in Gatlinburg with our friends, I still had more fun to look forward to! One of the things that I have loved about blogging is getting to "know" people that I probably never would have known otherwise, and then being able to meet them in person.

I really can't even remember now how I came across Heather's blog, but I liked her instantly. We have so much in common and I felt an instant bond. When I found out that we would be in TN I just knew that we would have to work it out to meet!

Heather suggested the most darling little restaurant for us to meet at. It definitely will get you in the Christmas spirit!

 

Heather and Gray arrived and they were just as adorable as I thought they would be!

 I tried to snap some pictures of this cutie. Oh my goodness, he is just darling!

We ate and then our visit continued outside where we just sat and talked and talked! I could have talked to her all day. We had the best time and we're hoping to arrange something to meet up again soon!

Heather was so sweet to have brought me a beautiful surprise. I was blown away by her thoughtfulness. Look at this gorgeous package! I almost didn't even want to open it because it was so pretty!

I did open it to find this beautiful glass owl ornament. I absolutely love it and will think about Heather and her sweet family each time I see it on my tree!

I'm so thankful for Heather's transparency, honesty and willingness to share about their journey to become parents. They have been abundantly blessed with Grayson and I have loved hearing about all the ways that God has worked in their lives. It's so encouraging to have someone who knows the road that you are walking and can relate to what you're going through! I look forward to seeing them again!


P.S. I know I've blogged a couple of times about Erin Condren deals, and there's another one going on now. And, if you click on this invite then you will get $5.00 to spend towards your deal! Great time to think about holiday shopping!

Erin Condren Deal!

***EDITED TO ADD - if you click on this invite now, there's a $15.00 credit waiting for you. Hurry, the Erin Condren deal ends Friday 10/14. Don't miss it!!***

You might remember my post about my Erin Condren life planner that I got for a steal. Well, if you missed out on that deal you can snatch one up today from One Kings Lane!!

You can receive $50.00 vouchers for Erin Condren products for $25.00!! That's a fabulous deal! So, maybe you're ready to jump on the life planner bandwagon. Or, maybe you've got your eye on some fabulous holiday gift labels like me.

 I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding what you want to spend your $50.00 on ;-)

Don't miss out!!

Shoe Shopping

I have been on the lookout for some new flats and just haven't really come across any that I love. Or, if I do love them then of course they are the most uncomfortable things I've ever put on my feet.

Well, my friend Melissa shared how she has these adorable leopard flats, that they came from Target AND that they were comfortable and didn't rub the back of her heel. SCORE!

So, these are on their way to me. 

 Oh, and these too. =)

And, these were a last minute add-on, but when I put them in the cart it applied some crazy discount where basically the flats were going to be free, so why not?!?

The boot debacle has continued, so I really hope that these will work when they come in. We shall see! 

Deal of the Day!

I came across this pretty good deal on Living Social.

Today only you can purchase a $20 Amaz0n giftcard for $10.00!! There are several things on my Amaz0n wish list, so I snagged this one up. Too bad the limit is one per person. Ha!

If you are interested too, just check it out here!