Tis the Season {around the house}

Last weekend we set up for Christmas and have been elated ever since. I just adore this season. I thought I would share a little tour through our humble abode. It also may be the first time I have shared the little redesign of our home that I began last year once we decided this will be a longer term home than we thought. I will give a proper tour later, but for now Christmas will have to do...

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I made this wreath and I am rather proud of myself. I also made the mailbox swag for that matter. The urns are from fall. They are going strong so they will remain even if the yellow isn't really tis the season.

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The entry I kept rather simple. The hydrangeas should last through Christmas and will then be planted outside. They do well in low light.

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The nativity set we received at our wedding. I still get so excited pulling it out every year although Ellie and KJ have taken over the set up.

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The pup. I thought he was looking rather cute on his pillow. He needs a bow though. I am so sure he will love that. Ha.

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This year I did a "pretty tree". I had all the ornaments needed thanks to The Home Depot Holiday Challenge. I must say though I miss my big gaudy tree. No worries though, we have two more that filled in the tackiness that was needed. (I did take down The Home Depot Challenge Decor. October was a little soon. It also inspired me to mix it up a little. All pieces still used just in new ways}

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The fur pillow is a favorite winter detail that I added to my current array of pillows.

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The trees I have collected over the years and this year I had enough to clump all together.

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Now this is my favorite tree! The actual tree is from Home Depot and we added all our krinkle and homemade ornaments. Every year since the children were born I buy them a Krinkle. My hopes is one day when they move off and have their own tree they will have a head start in ornaments. If they happen to hate them and want a "pretty" tree then I am sure my grand babies will love it. Ha.

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The living room was obviously done in neutrals and the dining room we decided to go fun. The hanging middle ornament below was one of three really nice, maybe too nice ornaments we got from our wedding. This is the only one left. She is treasured.

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The movie room we went red! Kj's favorite new color. He was ever so proud of the way he hung the ornaments on the tree. The tree itself was inspired by a dear friend who has the most fabulous trees ever. They are bundles of fun. Maybe she will let me share!

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The nutcrackers are a small collection started by my grandmother when I was young. I think it is time to add add to the collection although I am pretty sure my mother must have more in her house somewhere. 

*Starting next week I will be doing a little holiday series featuring some great talent I know in order to get ready for Christmas. Today I am out and about with Brooke from BK Wed prepping for some rather spectacular florals for the dining table!

The Gift Guide {Ellie & KJ}

This year the kiddos have very short "wish list" for Christmas. Almost too short. As you know we are not ones to go over board. We keep it simple and they seem to have adopted that idea as well. Just a few gifts under the tree then stockings that over flows is how we roll. Ha. Thought I would share what is on Ellie's and Kj's list this year...

KJ has only three things on his list this year, besides the big lego set which my mother is getting him. The MUST was a fish. I found this fish house and Ellie assured me that he would love it. He also asked for a car road rug and a bow and arrow set. That is all!!! Crazy. The bow and arrow set was harder to find. The closest thing that I found was the one from brave. After over analyzing it I decided that it did not look girl specific. I will just unpackage it and KJ will be none the wiser I hope. I really thought I would have had more choices. Hope it's a good one once it arrives. I thought a few stocking stuffers that would be fun are tattly tattoos, road signs for his new rug, and the dinasour shadow puppets. I have yet to decide what else to give, but I am sure more matchbox cars and the like will be added.

Ellie had only one thing on her wish list and that was an American Doll. She wanted Julie. We thought we add to her collection of LEGO Friends dolls with this cute little dog show set. She also has a love for cooking and baking so she will get her own little set and an apron to top it all off. She too will get tattly tattoos and shadow puppets. I am sure I will add something to her wardrobe and hair bows galore. Have any other ideas?

*All items are linked within the post