Unique Gift’s with Inspiring Quotes for Everyone On Your List

Oh my goodness – where does the time go? I can’t believe we are hours away from ringing in the year 2014. Sorry we have been MIA. Between the holidays, our family and friends – we took time away from the computer. And, to be honest, it was fantastic and much needed!

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, filled with love and laughter! The hustle and bustle of Christmas was somewhat overwhelming this year, but we finally took a breath to sit and enjoy the magic of Christmas day. Now our houses took like a toy store exploded, and we are trying to find new homes for all the wonderful gifts we received.

As I sit and reflect on this year, I am so grateful. So, I took some time to find some of the quotes that either inspired me this year…or they are already inspiring me for next year. And, the good news is that quotes can come in all shapes and forms, to remind us everyday of the strength that lies within us, and the beauty that’s all around us.

Kiss Your Life, Sugarboo Designs via Layla Grace

Do More Journal, Ecojot
they have fabulous products…check out their site here


She believe she could Tote bag
, Miss Harry


Believe Typographic Print
, Rach Illustrates

Porcelain Ornament, mb art studios

Downloadable Cards, Enjoy It by Elisa Blaha


What would you attempt Paperweight
, Uncommon Goods

Kiss Slowly Tray, Ben’s Garden via Nordstrom

{images via Layla GraceecojotMiss Harry, Rach Illustrates, mb art studio, Uncommon GoodsEnjoy It by Elisa BlahaNordstrom}

DIY Twig and Branch Snowflakes for a Rustic Holiday

I love all different holiday ‘decor’ styles. Some days I wake up and want everything to be white. Other days, I want gold metallic to glisten the room and every so often, I want colors that are merry and bright. But, I always love a touch of country or mountain rustic.It’s warm and inviting…and reminds me of Christmas in Colorado, especially the mountains of Colorado.

I had a box of twigs and branches in the garage that were just waiting to be sculpted into something…and after a recent shopping trip to Pier 1, I was determined to create DIY snowflakes out of branches, just like their branch snowflake ornaments. It only took about 2 hours, and I saved $14 per snowflake.

You’ll Need:
Thin twigs or branches that can be easily broken with hands {about 20-30}.
Hot glue and glue gun
Red and white twine
Faux greenery and berries {I bought 3 small bunches of greenery for $1 each}

How To:
Find one straight and strong twig for your snowflake ‘base’ {I positioned it vertically on the table}.
Find another twig and ‘eye’ the length as you slant it sightly to the left from your ‘base’. Snap the twig in half, and glue each side to the sides of your ‘base stick’.
Continue to add more sticks around your ‘base’ to complete your snowflake – measure to make sure lengths are really close, snap and glue. You can design it as you like, even adding smaller twigs that branch out from the larger ones.
Once your snowflake is complete, use twine to wrap around each stick in the center, and tie a knot in the back. I did this so it looked more festive, and it covered the hot glue.
Pull apart your faux greenery and glue the pieces onto your snowflake.
You can either use the twine to create a ‘hanger’ to hang these as ornaments, or use Command velcro to adhere to the wall. I only use 4 small pieces of the Command adhesives, and cut them into small squares.

 

{images via Tutto Bella}

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TGIF y’all. Here’s some inspiration for your weekend.

1. Lauren Conrad’s new office space is so gorgeous, we had to share. If I had an office like this, I would never want to leave. Stunning! Thanks Domaine for sharing! You must see the rest of the gallery here.  

2. Jenna, owner and designer at Fleur de Lis, is one of the finalists in this year’s ICON Awards for best invitation. Take the time to vote for her so she can win People’s Choice. Click on Vote, Register and look under Best Invitation, and vote for blushing romance.

If you remember last year, we won best wedding…and we made the cover. Victorious!

3. I’m sick in bed, so my emotions are high, but this video made me bawl – I did what Oprah calls the ‘ugly cry’! Make sure you have a box of tissues close. Video by LaFrance Films.

4. This Sweet Potato Pie recipe from 4 Men and 1 Lady is so delicious. I didn’t have time to make it for Thanksgiving last year, so I made it a couple of days after, and devoured it! So yummy…and if you don’t like Sweet Potatoes, this may just change your mind. Try it this weekend or add it to your Thanksgiving menu.

{Bride’s Special Dance from LaFrance Films on VimeoDomaine, Confetti Magazine, Fleur de Lis}

thanksgiving inspiration

Please accept our apology for a non-complete post that accidentally went ‘live’ yesterday. 

We’ve searched high and low for our favorite Thanksgiving inspiration from the blogosphere, and here are our faves so far this year…

We love the colors, gold confetti, feathers, natural touch of the cotton centerpiece and the salad plates in this gorgeous table setting by A Place for Us, with accessories by West Elm. You have to see the rest of it here.

There is no better time to reflect on the people around us, family and friends, things or people we are grateful for and even past family traditions or past Thanksgivings…and I think the best way to do that at the dinner table is to create a photo table runner. We saw the beautiful one featured on Ruffled Blog, so why not recreate for your Thanksgiving table? It’s on my to-do list.

Kids Thanksgiving Placemat, My Sister’s Suitcase
The kids will be fully entertained with this adorable and FREE printable.

This Thanksgiving, think about Paying Gratefulness Forward. We love this idea by Small Fry. Read more about it here.

We love this simple place mat idea for adults or kids by Skies of Parchment that can be easily made with Kraft paper. It’s a great activity for guests too.

We LOVE these customizable Word Search Placecards. So adorable, and a fun activity. Read this full tutorial at My So Called Crafty Life.
 This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate by Good Life Eats looks amazing! Find the recipe here.

Think about adding a mini treat to this year’s dessert table with these Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites by Baked by Rachel. OMG delish!

{images via A Place for UsMy Sister’s SuitcaseRuffled Blog, Small Fry, Good Life Eats, Skies of ParchmentMy So Called Crafty Life and Baked by Rachel}

last minute

…it’s my style. No matter how much I try to prepare, I am always doing things at the last-minute. So Halloween is no different this year for me. Here’s some last-minute Halloween ideas that you can easily do, and still impress your guests, or kids. Some can even lengthen the ‘fall’ holidays {Halloween and Thanksgiving}, because the idea may be relevant for both occasions.

Pumpkin Punch, Honestly Yum

Fang Napkin Holders, Food Network

Pumpkin and Ghost Sharpie Balloons, Pinterest

Spider Ice Cubes, Love This Pic

Pumpkin Cooler, Southern Living

Mummy Door, Honey and Fitz

In the Fun Lane, Ravens and Driftwood
I love the idea of using branches or driftwood with Halloween decor…and I love the candles too 

{images via Southern Living, Honestly YumPinterest, Food Network, Love This Pic, Honey and Fitz and In the Fun Lane}