DIY Holiday Decor

I'm a huuuge fan of Real Simple Magazine.  They sent me a cute DIY project slideshow this morning for holiday decor and I thought I'd share.

The gold gift bow wreath is my favorite, how about you?

Credit here.

 I plan on attempting some DIY garland next.

I found some great DIY projects on Design Sponge.  Check it out!

I made my own Christmas wreath this year and it came out just as nice as the marked up ones you find at places like Pier 1.  I also find some satisfaction in DIY projects.  I'm no Martha Stewart, but I take pride in saving $ and sprucing up my home at the same time.

What easy DIY projects have you done?  Please share!

Credit here.

This year I'm taking my first stab at making glorious Christmas sugar cookies.  I hope they come out looking somewhat recognizable.

Cybertastic!!

Today has been a cybertastic day so far!  Yes I made that word up. 

Photo credit  here

Free shipping and deep discounts is sooo much better than fighting the holiday crowds at the stores!

Photo credit compliments of MSNBC

I'm trying to avoid being brainwashed by all of the Christmas hype that is all over the televisions, radios, and any store you walk into nowadays.  Whenever possible, shop local, and shop with cash so the store owners don't have to pay credit card fees.

I tried to create a holiday list with at least half of the items from ETSY. 

ETSY is a great way to do some local shopping, and support small business.  Most sellers do take credit cards instead of paypal if that is an issue.

This holiday season I plan on keeping my focus on what is important, family, not shopping malls or gifts or last minute stocking stuffers.  I can't deny that a nice thoughtful gift puts a smile on my face, however stay focused on your family and your blessings that come in the form of beautiful people who are part of our lives.

Happy holidays my friends! 

Photo credit here.

Keep calm and carry on and get out of the malls whenever possible!

We're Married!!

I'm sorry to my followers that I've been such a slacker.  I was busy getting married!!  We are officially a family now and I couldn't be happier!

Here is my pre-ceremony shot that I wanted so badly.  What do you think?  I started to cry of course (happy tears).  I was a ball of emotions that day.

Please follow this link to see a small sampling of my wedding photos.  Michael Bloom Photography is amazing!  I would recommend them to any and everyone! He made me look like a goddess in the below photo, I seriously can't even believe it's me!  And such fun wedding party shots.  I'm still waiting on all of the photos, but the sampling alone has me drooling!!

All the wedding stress is over (Thank Christ!) and now I get to settle into the warm fuzzy holidays with my husband.  I'm thinking warm fire, hot cocoa, Christmas music, ridiculous amounts of food!  All with the man I love.

 Mmmmm get in my belly!!

I love to decorate for the holidays!

Friday Funny

Always come back to my ninja love.

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you all have a lovely fall weekend.

List 10 Things You Are Grateful For

With my wedding fast approaching, (so sorry for my lack of posts lately!) and my nerves and moods in constant flux I thought it might be a good time to go back to an old journaling exercise.  List 10 things that you are grateful for. 

1) My wonderful fiance, and soon to be husband, who not only sticks by me through everything, mood swings and all, but loves me (and tells me everyday) in the midst of all the craziness.

2) Alcohol, yes I said it.  No, I'm not an alcoholic, but it sure has been helping me out lately when my nerves need some calming.

 

3) My wonderful family and friends who have been unbelievably generous and helpful with the planning of our wedding.  Their love and generosity never ceases to amaze me.

4) My car.  I thought my baby needed new brakes, and I was going to be screwed with a huge bill right before the wedding.  Took her in, and low and behold, she just needed a little TLC, nothing major.  Still have a few months on the brakes. 

5) The financial ability to even have this wedding!  I complain about the costs almost daily, but when I really think about it, I'm so happy that everyone is coming together to celebrate our union.  It make me feel so honored and spoiled all at the same time.

6) My job, yes it is making me bat shit crazy lately, but I'm still happy to have one.  Trying to tie up all those loose ends before my big break for the wedding and honeymoon!

7) My upcoming honeymoon/vacation.  We're going to aruba!  I've never been to the bahamas and I'm looking forward to a whole lotta R&R.  Especially after planning a wedding!

8) My health!  Yes sounds kinda funny since I suffer from 2 autoimmune conditions.  HOWEVER, they have both remained relatively calm in the midst of all of the wedding stress.  I'm so so thankful for that!  Feeling good!

9) Massages!  I treated myself to one last week.  Deep tissue and boy was I sore and boy did I need it.

10) The upcoming holidays, I'm beyond excited to have my first Thanksgiving and Christmas as a married couple.  I'm going to be all warm and fuzzy and lovey and destressed this year for the holidays.

What are you most grateful for at the moment?

Remember, even on the worst of days, there is always something to be thankful for.

Swarovski Ladybug Love

I have a slight obsession with ladybugs.  I love them, any charm, nicknack or tiny figurine I can find of one I end up purchasing.

With my impending nuptials I've been a stressed out mess lately.  Aaaand Swarovski send me a little birthday gift of $15 credit so I treated myself to the newest addition to my collection. (I can justify any purchase)  Meet Lucky Ladybird.

Lucky Ladybird

Now I need to buy a printer's/letterpress drawer to hang on my wall to hold all of my little neurotic collectibles. This one I found on etsy is of particular interest to me. 

You can find it here on etsy.

Go Green! Go to a Yard Sale!

Do you know that here in the US, we produce one third of the worlds trash?

I feel like I'm performing an earth-friendly service by purchasing from yard sales vs. stores.  Why not get something for a quarter instead of paying full price for it at Homegoods or Walmart?  Especially if you have the ability of washing it, ta-da!!  Good as new!

I've always been a huge fan of yard sales, and great finds for great prices.  There are a few select items that I wouldn't purchase from a yard sale necessarily, but not many.  I'm planning a yard sale for Labor Day Weekend, so I'm super excited.

I have yard sale strategy.  I plan on putting my key items (sure to sell) in the front, making them visible to all who drive by.   

 I've even found a very handy "How to Host a Garage Sale" tips guide on Real Simple's website. 

I've purchased brand new items with tags still intact, everything from hiking bags to silverware holders to blankets.  Why the hell not?

Do both your wallet and the earth a service by stopping by next time you see a yard sale!  If it's washable then it's doable, and haggle away, that's half of the fun!

Brouse these Recycling Fun Facts to get excited about going green.  Your children and grandchildren will thank you.