goodbye. hello.

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Tonight as we say goodbye to 2012,

I will be saying a fond farewell to a year that has been good to me.

We had no major events happen this year.

Pretty much the same ol', same ol'. 

Where there haven't been any HUGE announcements of good news, we also haven't had any bad announcements to make either.

We are leaving this year happy and content with life.

We have a nice, warm place to live.

Food in our bellies.

Jobs that pay our bills.

Clothes on our backs.

Two happy and healthy and growing youngsters.

Our health.

A super happy and fulfilling relationship between the hubs and I.

It has been a pretty good year, if I do say so.

I do look forward to what 2013 holds though.

There will be milestones, my 30th birthday and our 10th wedding anniversary to be exact.

We will (eventually) be moving out of the place that we have called home for the last 3 years.

And I'm sure hoping that there will be a few personal and professional accomplishments in there as well.

So, bring it on, 2013!

I'm ready for you!

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Happy New Year's!!!

peace, love, and all things sparkly.

five fancies on a friday

Hi there!

Did everyone survive the holidays?

Our little family has barely left the house this week and it's been GLORIOUS!

Multiple pajama days. Naps everyday. Lots of home cooked food.

I love home time with the family!

And can you believe that next Tuesday we'll be ringing in 2013?!

CRAZINESS.

And in preparation for the new year, 

here are a few fancies that depict how I envision a lavish NYE party would be.

Would you just look at these super festive champagne cupcakes with champagne buttercream and spun sugar topping?!

They would definitely be the hit of the party!

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I'm absolutely in love with these super simple idea for a drink table.

Creating your own "bubbly" wall is as easy as buying pearlized balloons, blowing them up to different sizes, and taping them to a wall.

PERFECT.

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How fun to have these little envelopes of confetti set out for all your guests.

Just be prepared to vacuum or sweep after. ;)

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These sequin stirrers would be fabulous to have to go along with whatever cocktails you are serving.

Or even make smaller versions on toothpicks for hor d'oeuvres.

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And how great are these tinsel numbers?!

Of course you would need to change it to 2013, but it's a relatively easy way to add some glitz to your NYE party.

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Do you have any BIG plans for ringing in the new year?

peace, love, and all things sparkly.

a calm life

Let me tell you, I am SO excited for these next couple of weeks.

No, we don't have any exciting, BIG plans.

No trips to take.

And that is why I'm excited.

With the exception of two more work shifts for me over the next week, 

our little family will ALL be home together.

Our plans?

Play. Nap. Read. Watch movies. Just be.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, my absolute favorite place to be is home and my absolute favorite people to be around are my three loves.

We are at a time in our lives where we are just so content and grateful for each other.

Sure, there are little things here and there that we might change given the opportunity,

but it goes without saying, we are HAPPY!

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Some people might think we live a boring life and, to be honest, we often do.

But it's the best kind of boring.

We aren't mixed up in a bunch of drama, the hubs and I actually strive to maintain a drama-free bubble around ourselves.

My husband is absolutely my best friend and I love our nights of tv, reading, and endless conversation once the kiddos are in bed.

Our lives are pretty ordinary and predictable, but we love that.

We find so much pleasure in the smallest of things.

Right now the kids are in bed, the hubs is fiddling with a phone on the couch and I'm here writing and reading, while sipping the most divine pumpkin spice coffee (thanks mom!).

It doesn't get better than knowing that we are all safe, warm, full, happy and loved.

And, really, what better way is there to spend our holidays then with each other enjoying a nice little "staycation"?!

fabulous christmas decor

Christmas Day is LESS than one week away.

How on earth did that happen?!

This year I haven't really added much to my holiday decor stash.

Seriously, it just crept up on me SUPER fast.

I'm thinking that next year I'll need to get in the holiday spirit long about Halloween (or maybe the day after), in order to actually have the decor I want done and up.

Even though I haven't done any MAJOR buying/decorating this year,

I have been pinning like crazy!

But really, who hasn't?

Here are some of my favorite (and quite possibly future) holiday projects/decor ideas.

It's no secret that I'm all about the glitter.
And this glitter-fied  reindeer sillouette is no exception.

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Elsie and Emma of A Beautiful Mess have some of the best DIY projects around.
This cute banner looks awesome, but is super simple to make.

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Do you remember making paper snowflakes as a kid?
I sure do!
And what better way is there to bring out your inner child during the holidays than watching a fun Christmas movie, drinking hot cocoa (with whipped cream and marshmallows, please!), and cutting out a few fancy snowflakes?!

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I fell in love with this project when I originally saw the post, last year.
Such an easy and innovative way to use a mason jar.
Plus the vintage feel is just lovely.

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I absolutely adore the idea of making little Christmas trees for the mantle.
This year I have a cardboard pop-up one in a fun green and white polka dot print (from the $1 Spot at Target) and a green and red garland covered one (from the Dollar Tree).
I would, however, like to get a bit crafty next year and make some.
These ribbon trees could be a quick project while catching up on some tv.

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Again with the glitter.
I love banners/garlands and this is one that you could totally personalize to say whatever you want.

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Another super cute banner project.
I love the addition of the pennants, ornaments, cards and candy canes.

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How cute would this little car be on your counter or tabletop?!
Some of the best decorations are some of the easiest to make.

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I would love to hang this print in my home.

The colors. The vintage feel. And, oh, that fox!

Perfection.

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Here's a little combo of two of the previous projects I posted.

A little winter scene in a jar.

ADORABLE!

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Can you tell I like vintage-y stuff?!

This wreath made with vintage bulbs is just darling and would be a welcome addition over my fireplace.

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Speaking of fireplaces...

This mantle decor is one of my favorites this year!

It's pretty simple, yet super eye catching.

And I love the idea of a chalkboard fireplace.

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This mantlepiece would probably be a bit too girly for the hubs' liking.

But I absolutely LOVE the color scheme.

And the lights with just a few bulbs hanging down can be done to match any holiday decor.

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Last, but not least, here is another vintage looking Christmas print.

I'm absolutel loving the use of the woodland creatures.

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And, as always, one of my most FAVORITE decorated houses belongs to Lindsey of
The Pleated Poppy.
Check out her Christmas decor photo tour.

Happy Decorating!!

peace, love, and all things sparkly.

mySTYLE :: southwestern appeal

There many different terms for what I feel falls into the "southwestern" trend category.
Southwestern. Navajo. Aztec. Ikat.
They all embrace the same earthy, native quality.
I remember being obsessed with all things southwest when I was a kid.
I think our frequent family trips to New Mexico and Colorado,
helped to seal this "trend" as a lasting one in my book.

Love this wall hanging.
Depending on the size, I would most likely hang it over my bed.

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This rug's muted colors and bold print would be wonderful in a kitchen or bathroom.

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Um, I'm going to have to add this iPhone case to my ever growing list of ones I need want.

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In addition to the fabulous moccasin boots in my wishLIST post,
these loafer style moccasins would be a staple in my closet.

BTW - unbeknownst to me at the time, there are multiple southwestern inspired items on that list. ;)

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Ah, the turquoise statement ring.
I really, REALLY want one.
Fun fact - turquoise has been my favorite stone since I was in elementary school.

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I'm not sure if these are towels, or scarfs, or blankets, but whatever they are they need to be hanging in my home...stat.

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The dreamcatcher. 
Such a cool and unique piece of folklore.
And, not to sound like a complete and utter dope, 
but they can just be SO PRETTY.  

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I swear Anthropologie has some of the prettiest bedding.
 This Navajo inspired set included.
Love the sweet color scheme. 

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This skirt is just gorgeous.
And mixed in with the sparkly top?
Fabulous!  

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I would love to have this hanging as a wall print in my hallway.
Talk about a palette of my favorite colors. 

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Love, love, LOVE the fabric/beads woven through the beachy hair in conjunction with the muted feather earring.
I would wear this ALL the time. 

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These faux feather earrings add a little extra pizazz and punch to the typically earthy feel of native inspired items.

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Not only am I a fan of cardigans,
but cardigans in fun prints and colors?
Get outta here! 

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Even though this is a folding chair,
I would gladly replace all of my dining room chairs with a set of these.
Beautiful!  

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What do you think of the southwest trend?
Yay or nay?

peace, love, and all things sparkly.

 

five fancies on a friday

Hello and T.G.I.F.!
Amirite?!

Anyone have any big plans this weekend?
I'll be working, having nights out with friends, and hugging my little family tight.

Onto today's fancies, which have no rhyme, reason, or cohesion behind them.
And for that I apologize. :)

I adore this vehicle.
The color, the shape, the vintage appeal.
Perfect.

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There's something about this picture.
Every time that I see it, I get little flutters in my belly.
Maybe it's because it reminds me of those first days of being with someone,
where every tiny touch or brief glance induces those same flutters.

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I LOVE this photograph.
The colors are simply amazing.

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This mobile is just lovely.
I think it would look perfect hanging near a window.
Might have to break out the crafty skills and make one.

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How spectacular is this cake?!
It almost looks to pretty to eat. Almost.
Love the drama of the contrast between the raspberry frosting, the chocolate glaze and the gold flecks.

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Anything specific catch your eye this week?

peace, love, and all things, sparkly.

wishLIST

Do you remember back when you were a kid and Christmas was right around the corner?

Did you have any Christmas "wish list" traditions?

Maybe you went and gave your list to Santa or mailed one off to the North Pole?

We never wrote letters to Santa growing up, but I do remember getting uber excited every year when the JCPenney Wish List Catalog came in the mail.

I would spend hours scanning the pages, reading descriptions, and circling all of the many toys I just HAD to have that year.

As an adult, I find making a wishLIST MUCH harder.

Whenever I'm asked what I want, I get super indecisive.

Really, creating a wish list, whether it be for my birthday or Christmas, is kind of anxiety driven.

I know that probably sounds odd, but it's the truth.

Maybe it's because I realize what kind of money will potentially be spent, and I don't want to make the "wrong" decision.

I would hate for someone to spend money on me, and end up actually disliking the gift.

Or is it because I really want the "perfect" gift, but even I don't know what it is?

Seriously, I edit and then re-edit my lists so many times, it isn't the least bit funny.

Anxiety, I tell you.

So, since I'm not expecting this list of things to end up under my Christmas tree,

I thought maybe I can give you an idea of what has caught my eye as of late, sans anxiety.

I've already professed my love for this bad boy in a previous post,

but in case you didn't catch it, I heart this rug SO very much!

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This tote from Anthropologie is just so pretty.

I adore the color scheme.

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Also, in a very similar color scheme, this Missoni for Target blanket is simply gorgeous.

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I really do love practically anything made with sea glass, jewelery being my favorite.
This ring is just spectacular and would be a constant on my hand, if I were ever lucky enough to have it.

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I'm really digging the BRIGHT colors on this iPhone case.
Considering I often have my phone right next to me,
this would be a constant dose of happiness. :)

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Even though this shirt is pretty understated with its muted tones and unassuming shape,
something about it just sucked me in.
Paired with some bright (turquoise!), chunky jewelry, you have a drool worthy look.

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Honesty time.
When the moccasin boot trend started to reappear, I rolled my eyes.
This trend was NOT for me.
I have since come around to the dark side.
I LOVE these fun, free spirited shoes.
Plus, they look super comfy.

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I want this mug like, "Whoa!".
Personalized with the quote, "Give me all the bacon and eggs you have!" on the back.
I heart Ron Swanson!

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I have long had my eye on this print.
Love the quote.
You can bet your bottom dollar that this will be hanging in my home one day.

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Just because, every home needs a conversation piece, don't you think?

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What is on your wishLIST this holiday season?

Want to check out another lovely lady's wishLIST?
Head on over to Chocolate and Cream Cake and see what Mandy is lusting after this holiday season.
Thanks for the inspiration, Mands!

peace, love, and all things sparkly.