Happy New... What?!?

After more than my fair share of gift opening, candy consumption and general debauchery, I am in need of a break!  I have decided to cut myself some slack this week and will be back live next Monday, the 7th.  Try not to miss me too much... it's embarrassing!

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See you next year!  (I know it's a cheesy saying, but seriously it's like you have to do it on New Year's Eve!)

Cheers, 

Jessie

Personalize Please!

Needless to say, the cat is out of the bag by now so I thought I would show you a few of my fav personalized gifts this year!

All of the grandparents received the obligatory photo personalized calendar... always a hit!  Tears all around and better yet we will be loved (and remembered) all year round.

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This year, I participated in a little 12 days of Christmas for Hootie and surprised him on day #11 with a silhouette of our original baby, Gracie.  Hard to believe that she will turn 11 in a few short months, but we love her little portrait and am so happy to add her to the ever expanding gallery wall.

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Lastly, since the monster is still a little young to ask for specific things, I made the executive decision to have his favorite lovie, Leelee, memorialized.  Seeing as Leelee may not make it out of the first few years intact, I love that we now have this little memento of his first years.  Too precious... I swear I tear up every time I look at it.  (Crazy, I know!)

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Maybe I am softening in my old age, but these made my Christmas.  How about you?  What were your favs?

Cheers,

Jessie

Whatever Wednesday!

I can only speak for myself, but I'm in self-mandated Christmas detox!  After weeks of shopping, wrapping and eating, I'm ready for a break...

So let's take it easy today and just look at all the beautiful Christmas trees that will only be a around a few more days.  (That is assuming you aren't one of those crazy people that just moves it out onto the back porch until next year!)

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Cheers,

Jessie

PS - Don't forget to go stockpile your gift wrap add-ons for next year!  (Okay, maybe I'm not in total detox yet.)

A Very Merry Christmas!

Hope you are all enjoying the day with your loved ones... from my family to yours, Merry Christmas & God Bless!

Cheers,

Jessie

What's Wrong With A Wall Flower?!?

About 4 years ago, I told my mom I was going to wallpaper our entry way and she responded with "Is that back in style?"  While I was slightly offended that she didn't trust my superior style, it is probably a legit question.  So for everyone wondering out there... yes, it is back.  It has been back.  AND it is better than ever!

For our entry way, I chose a traditional grasscloth in a mid-tone khaki.  (Pardon the bad lighting in the photo.)

I would highly recommend a grasscloth for any wallpaper newbies.  It's classic and adds great texture to any space.  It comes in a variety of colors and can be painted, stenciled, embellished, whatever you can imagine.  

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Seeing as I'm never one to settle for traditional, I decided to kick it up a notch in the guest bath. I chose a bronze and slate floral wallpaper.  It's fabulous!  (However, at that point in time, I never imagined that a little monster would need to potty train in there one day.  I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there!)

I tell you all of this to show you what fabulous options are out there.  I LOVE this option.  It is hundreds of children's stickers placed in traditional motifs.  Simply genius! 

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Or what about this beautiful geometric?  A great combination of retro and modern.

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There are even these great removable wall decals... perfect for rental spaces or commitment phones!

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Any way you look at it, wallpaper is back and better than ever.  (See, Mom... I told you so.)  And don't worry sometime soon I will be wallpapering the ceiling in the monster's big boy room.  Go big or go home!

Cheers,

Jessie 

That's A Wrap

Let me preface this post by saying if you haven't already bought your Christmas gifts than turn off the computer NOW and run to the nearest mall.  You ain't got much time left!  If you are pretty much done than cheers to you and let's chat.

While we all know it's the thought that counts, we often do judge a book by its cover so perhaps we should all put a little more effort into our wrapping.  I have a few basic rules when it comes to Christmas wrapping...

#1) Pick a theme and stick with it.  By theme, I don't mean Sponge Bob or Handy Manny.  I mean a color palette.  Choose jewel tones or traditional red & green.  Get creative and do all geometric papers or keep it simple with brown craft paper.  Either way, it will tie everything together and give you more impact underneath your tree.

#2)  It's all about the details. Don't just slap a sticky bow on and call it a day.  If you can tie your shoes than you can tie a bow.  Ribbon doesn't have to be expensive.  Check out craft stores and fabric stores. They have tons of options and there is always a sale.  Or tear strips of leftover fabric to use as embellishment.  

And remember rule #1, keep with the theme.  Nothing has to match... but everything should go.

#3) Everyone loves an add-on!  This requires a little pre-planning for the best deal, but I always hit up stores after Christmas for their 75% ornaments.  Woohoo!  And if you forgot to stockpile, try using what you've got... a sprig of berries or a branch from your tree outside. They make any gift a little more special and it's basically like a present on a present so it's a win-win for you!

#4) Don't forget your gift tag... see point #2.  It is all about the details and a gift tag can enhance any package.  It doesn't have to be fancy or formal, but it should be fitting.  Think about using twine to tie on a handwritten note.  Or have printed labels made to make your life easier.

Seeing as it is better to give than to receive, shouldn't we all hope we give the best present?!?  Now go get wrappin'!

Cheers,
Jessie

Tis The Season

I've been getting ready to enjoy a little holiday soirée this afternoon. (That's fancy French for party!)

So instead of stressing about my to-do list, I'm just going to ignore it and enjoy. I hope you'll do the same.

Cheers,
Jessie

A Moment of Gratitude

I know everyone has been affected in some manner by the tragedy in Connecticut, but for today I wanted to take a moment and say how grateful I am for my family and especially my monster.

It is a privilege to be his mama and I am eternally grateful for the honor.  Please continue to pray for all of those precious families.

Cheers,

Jessie  

Dear Santa...

Ever get that sinking feeling when you knew you meant to put something on your wish list and then realize later that you forgot it?  Yep, that occurred to me today.

I've been eyeing this little lady for awhile, but not sure if Santa can ship it in time now.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

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PS - Any idea on how Santa carries all this?  So far, I've asked for a large rug, several paintings, new bedroom furniture and cash money (unmarked bills, of course).  Hopefully, he'll still have a little room for Hootie's stocking stuffers.  :)

Cheers,
Jessie

Hello, My Name Is...

Allow me to introduce my new friend, Twigings.

He's funny. He's festive.  The perfect gentleman AND he just might give us a win in this year's neighborhood lights competition.  

Better yet, the couple hundred bucks we spent on outdoor decor should really pay off in winning that $25 gift card.  Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Jessie

Whatever Wednesday!

I don't know about you all, but I was defeated by the holiday season yesterday.  So in honor of my surrender, we are only looking at pretty things today... there will be no commentating just admiration and prayers for a better day.

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I think I feel better.

Cheers,

Jessie

A Babyproof Christmas

This Christmas has certainly been different from every other.  While the monster was with us last year, he was in that blissful (and all too brief) stage of being sat somewhere and not moving.  (Pardon our LL Cool J pant situation.)

Fast forward 12 months and that is no longer the case.  We are always on the go.  

Which means our Christmas decorations have been compromised.  As soon as the first ornament came out of the box, it was quickly destroyed along with a candle, a Santa and even poor baby Jesus took a hit.  Hence, I give you my list of adorable (and hopefully monster-proof) Christmas essentials...

Love this tree decal!  It is cute, easy maintenance and better yet it cannot be pulled down!

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I have a serious thing for crafty garland and this one is perfect.  Quirky and I like it!

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I've said it before, but who doesn't love a gnome?!?  These are too precious and more importantly unbreakable.  (Although, monster did eat the beard off of Santa last week... tragic.) 

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It won't keep you warm, but it will keep you from 3rd degree burns & give you a fabulous place to hang those stockings.  LOVE!

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So Merry Christmas and stay safe.  You never know when an ornament (or baby Jesus) will come flying your way.
Cheers,
Jessie

What Could Have Been...

I suppose this time of year has me feeling a little nostalgic.  I know I can't be the only one, right?!?  My mind keeps thinking of all the prezzies I asked for but never received.  Please don't tell me about how things work out for the best.  I believe that my life and our home would be better with these little jewels...

Ah, the Fez Platter from West Elm.  I loved you and should have bought you when you were on sale, but I was foolish and added you to a wish list.  Too bad you are gone for good now.

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To the monogrammed coasters, I believe I asked for you twice which makes the hurt that much greater. You were functional & stylish... there is no better combination.

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Who doesn't need more tassels in their life?  Don't answer that.  You are sassy & loud- my favorite!

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Lastly to my new favorite letter holder, I know we will not work out, but I cannot help but think of how cute you would be holding all of my junk.  I just know we would have been great together.  

Here's hoping there are no regrets this holiday season.
Cheers,
Jessie

She's HERE!

You didn't think I would forget, did you?  She arrived this afternoon looking pristine and perfect.  I can't wait to get my hands on all 200 pounds of her...

She'll be blue before you know it and her arch nemesis lurking in the background will be history!
Cheers,
Jessie

My Dirty Little Secret

I guess I cannot hide from it too much longer.  So here it is... we have terrible floors!  I realize that I am (slightly) prone to exaggerations, but this one is actually true.  Not just we have tile floors and I want hard woods OR there is linoleum somewhere in the house, but we full out have janky (Is that a word?) floors.

To make a long story short, we fell in love with our home because of the brand new, beautiful wood floors when we first saw it.  However, shortly after we moved in they buckled and then buckled again after the initial issue was fixed.  There are a lot of boring, technical issues to our problem, but luckily those have been remedied.  Fast forward several years + a lawsuit + a little monster and we are now able to get the cosmetic issues fixed!  Yeah, a Christmas miracle!

Saying all that, I've been dreaming of our new floors for a while and the ideas are plentiful.  I love the rustic, raw look of these grey washed, wide beams.  So simple & stunning!

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Trendy, but still chic... gotta love a painted floor in any pattern.  It screams cool!

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I adore the chevron pattern of these hardwoods.  It's perfect... classic and beautiful.

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But you cannot go wrong with ole faithful - dark stained, hand scraped hardwoods.  Can I get an amen?!?

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Hopefully, come January we will be looking at shiny new floors.  I'll keep you posted.  

Cheers,

Jessie

Whatever Wednesday!

Today, we are discussing the biggest stress in everyone's life right now... Christmas gifts.  Every year, I feel the pressure to get the most heartfelt, meaningful gift that no one ever mentioned but I somehow just knew they would love!  Does that ring a bell for anyone else?

Let's be honest, my genius only works when I least expect it so more than likely everyone is getting a new pair of socks, but here are a few ideas I've had...

For that hard to buy for Dad, why not indulge his favorite pastime with a novelty 'stache!

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For that baker in your family (where's ours by the way?!?), how adorable is this?  I love cookies and I love cuteness so this is perfect!

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And for the hostess with the mostess who always needs more cute men in her life.  I LOVE these little guys.  Seriously, who cannot love a gnome?

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For that techno lover, you would seriously be the coolest forever!

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And last but certainly not least, for that favorite, hilarious blogger friend of yours... nothing says I appreciate what you do more than diamonds.

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It was worth a shot!  Happy shopping!
Cheers,
Jessie