Wednesday, December 29, 2010

New Years Traditions

Every year on New Years eve we like to follow a family tradition.
We make fondue and drink sparkling cider, a few years ago we added making beignets to the tradition.
It's a tradition I look forward to all year long!





   


What do you do to celebrate New  Years?



Tuesday, December 28, 2010

One Question Interview


I asked a few of my favorite bloggers one question and here are there answers.

What do you want to accomplish in 2011?



Shelley from House of Smiths

There are so many things... but mostly, I hope to accomplish...BALANCE
Such a simple word, for such a complicated task, right!? ha!
I would really like to find a great balance between my work and family, friends, and well... life in general! :)
Sometimes I find myself slipping into a bit of a "work-mode-rut"... where all I can focus on is the "bottom line", or things that "need" to get done.  And before I know it... a whole week has flown by, and I can hardly remember what day it is! I hope I'm not alone here... lol.
I want to set "limits" for myself, to what I can REALISTICALLY handle, so that I'm not consumed
by what I "think" needs to get done to feel accomplished, before I can relax or play!
This will require the practice of me having to say "no" more often... (which I am NOT good at) but I think at the end of my days I will feel much more complete, satisfied... and hopefully... Balanced :)




In 2011 I want to have at least three projects that I'm proud of to use in my portfolio. I feel like last year I focused a lot on lots and lots of projects and was never able to fully commit myself to the ones I really loved. This upcoming year I hope to find clients that let me do amazing things with their spaces. I want to produce a few rooms that I'm really really proud of. Fewer clients will hopefully allow me time to put more thought and love into each room.



Char from Crap I've Made



I want to visit Omaha.
I want to say NO more often.
I want to say YES more often.
I want to yell less and laugh more.
I want to DO more and worry less.
I want to take more naps.
And, I want to stop buying diapers for the first time since 2000.
 
 


What do you want to accomplish in 2011?

Monday, December 27, 2010

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

I first tasted these yummy cookies early in December and loved them!
I found a yummy recipe from Recipe Girl.
My cute niece Kelli has made a few batches and I can't stop eating them. They are so yummy.

Via

You can find the recipe for Candy Cane Kiss Cookies on RecipeGirl.com

What is your favorite holiday cookie?

Friday, December 24, 2010

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Birthday Travis

Today my handsome husband turns the big three oh!


I met Travis when we were only sixteen years old 
and have thought of him as the coolest boy since then.

He is a super hard worker and is great at sports.
His softball team had an undefeated season in the Fall!


Travis is the best daddy and an even better husband!
He has even put up with my Stylin' Sunday pictures


Happy birthday Traver, I hope you have the best day ever!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Star Wars at William Sonoma

 Have you seen all the cool Star Wars baking sets at William Sonoma?
They have Star Wars cupcake sets (Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire), cookie cutters, sandwich cutters, pancake molds and even a Star Wars apron.



 


 Don't forget to get your Star Wars spatula or Star Wars vehicle cookie cutters.

Winner!

The winner of the CSN Stores gift card is

Baby Got Craft

Congratulation!
Send me an email and I will get your gift card to you.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Nail Polish


My favorites are the sparkly colors such as 
Show It & Glow It
Sparkle-icious
Simmer & Shimmer
Bring On The Bling

But I also love 

Let Me Entertain You
Ali's Big Break
Tease-y Does It



Don't you love all the color names OPI comes up with? 
I wish I could name nail polish colors for a living! 

Sunday, December 19, 2010

It's Just Another Stylin's Sunday




Brody starteed getting sick today and just wanted his blanket.
At least I got one big laugh out of him.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Alice Lane Bloggers Holiday Social


Last week I had the opportunity to attend a blogger's holiday party at Alice Lane Home Collection in Orem.
It was my first time visiting Alice Lane and I fell in love with the store immediately. 

Owner, Jessica Bennett named the store after her former street, Alice Lane.
The shop is filled with gorgeous furniture and home accessories.
I wanted almost everything I saw.


Kirsten of 6th Street Design School co-hosted the blogger's holiday social with Alice Lane Home Collection.
Not only does she have amazing taste in design but she throws a fun party too!


There were treats galore including my new favorites, 
peppermint molasses cookies and peppermint kiss cookies.
 
 
Unlike most blog events, I received a real invitation in the mail. It was such a pretty invitation designed by Melanie Burk from Fifth and Hazel.
I didn't have to worry about taking pictures because Meikel Reece was there to take photos for us.


They even sent us home with some fun ornaments favors.








Party goers included

Autumn from Design Dump
Caroline from Armelle Jewelry
Char from Crap I've Made
Jenna from Design Sparrow
Jennifer from Tator-tots and Jello
Melissa from IS*LY
Nicole from A Little Sussy
Shelley from House of Smith's
Susan from Freshly Picked
Wendy from The Shabby Nest


Thank you Alice Lane and Kirsten for the fun night!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

What to Wear to a Christmas Party

Jackie from Sweetie Pie Style is guest posting today! 
She will be sharing her ideas on what to wear to a Christmas party.


Hi guys! Jackie of Sweetie Pie Style here once again, to bring you some outfit ideas for the whole family.  Last time I shared with you Thanksgiving looks, and this time I am here to share looks for Christmas!  When it comes to coordinating looks for the entire family, I like to stick with one unifying color palette.  That way, when you are taking family pictures, you all look great next to each other!
























As you can see, I chose red and black as the base colors.  Then I added in gray and maroon for a bit of variation so the outfits don't get too monotonous.  Another thing to keep in mind when dressing the whole family is to maintain the same level of formality.  Brother shouldn't be allowed to wear his jersey tee and jeans if sister is dressed to the nines!  How do you like to dress your family for the holidays? 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

A Crafty Holiday

 I am excited to be participating in Angela Flicker's A Crafty Holiday Blog Hop



The idea behind the blog hop is to support the handmade movement.
I love buying handmade items because I think they generally have more character and don't usually look like  the same stuff I see in every mall.

Here are some of my handmade picks.



 Appliqued childrens clothing from Bambina Mia

 Personal planners from Much Ado About You


Pillow covers from Deco Yellow


 Ahoy necklace by Joanna Rutter


Sonya Mac Designs posted yesterday
Marked by the Muse posts tomorrow


What are your handmade picks?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

CSN Stores Giveaway

CSN Stores is sponsoring another giveaway!

Since many people will be traveling during the holidays I decided to share my favorite pieces of luggage with you from CSN Stores luggage stores.
With hundreds of brand name luggage it was hard to choose. They just have so many cute styles.



What will you buy if you win?

CSN Stores is giving away a $65 gift card to one lucky winner!

To enter leave a comment on this post.

Bonus entries
Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect
Following me on twitter
Like me on facebook
Post on fb or tweet about this giveaway including a link


Leave a comment for each entry.
Giveaway ends at midnight on Monday, December 20th
Winner will be announced Tuesday, December 21st
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Monday, December 13, 2010

What to Wear to a Christmas Party

Sarah from For the Love is guest posting today! 
She is sharing her ideas on what to wear to a Christmas party with you.


Hi, I'm Sarah. I have a blog called For the Love, because I love blogging about anything and everything that inspires me. I've always loved fashion, and over the last few years I have developed an addiction to finding fashionable styles on a really frugal budget. I'm so glad that Dianna would have me back to show you some holiday pairings and styles on a -just spent all my money on Christmas gifts, how could I even think about buying something for myself- budget.


1.A casual gift exchange party with friends: Cardigan: American Eagle via DownEast Outlet, $6
Ruffle top:Target, Wide leg trouser jeans: auction retailer, $12, Gold heels:local clothing sale $5, Scarf: Target
2. A semi-formal Christmas dinner: Cardigan: AE same as above, Dress: Vintage, belonged to my Gram, Belt: Vintage, Thrifted, $2, Printed Tights: Vintage, belonged to my Gram, Heels: Same as above.
3. Husband's fancy schmancy work party: LBD(Little Black Dress): Vintage, Thrifted $6 for those of you that are local, I found it at D.I., Shoes: Kenneth Cole, auction retailer, $15
4. Church dinner: Top:Abercrombie&Fitch via Plato's Closet, Cardigan: Kersh, auction retailer $5. Skirt: Thrifted, $5, Tights: Same as above, Heels: Gifted, Old Navy, Necklace: Charlotte Russe $3.

Tips: 

What I've learned about this season's holiday styles: Muted neutrals go well with pops of color. Particularly jewel tones and pastels. 

Don't be afraid to try vintage. Check your grandma's closet and your local thrift store.
Bright lips are a killer way to stand out this season.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Kitty

Happy 3 years Kitty!
 
It was three years a go today that we brought Kitty home and into our family!



 She is a big part of our family and even checks up on Brody!

Friday, December 10, 2010

What to Wear to a Christmas Party

Kristin from Bon Bon Rose Girls is guest posting today to share with us what to wear to a Christmas party!



If you've read my blog, BonBon Rose Girls, y'all know I'm a fan of getting all dolled up! So, you can only imagine how excited I get about the holiday season. With holiday soirees, dinners, get togethers etc. to attend, there are usually mucho opportunities to throw on a pretty dress!

Now that I'm the harried mama of a wild child toddler, I don't get dressed up nearly as often as I'd like to. Happily, the holidays have provided me with more than one dress up occasion! All I can say is three cheers for holiday parties! Here is my dream party outfit. It consists of a fun, flirty frock, super gorgeous pumps and a splash of color provided by the earrings. Speaking of earrings...Over at our blog we love a good bargain, hence why we have our nearly daily feature the BonBon Deal of the Day...And these earrings are definitely a deal at less than $6.00!
holiday party outfit

From left to right:Martinez Valero Blaine Pump at Nordstrom, Anthropologie Spinning Lace Dress, Forever 21 Vivianne Jewel Earrings, Gap Opaque Tights

I just love adding an unexpected color element to a fairly neutral palette. I did so recently with a pair of red chandelier earrings for my birthday celebration! So, now that I've shown you mine, I would love to hear about your dream holiday party looks!
kristin