Warmer weather

  I'm headed to Phoenix for my cousin's wedding, and some relief from the cold.  Have a happy weekend!

via

Cabin fever

 With the kids home on Christmas break, I've considered heading to the hills to a cozy cabin retreat free from TV, video games, and cell phones. There would be no fighting over toys or who's turn it is to pick the next TV show.  It would be completely technology free.  We would spend our time enjoying the crisp mountain air, taking nature walks in our snow shoes, and I would melt into my favorite leather chair with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a warm fireplace.  This is what I envisioned..

This quaint little country cabin would be just right.

I would spend my mornings on the back porch watching the snow fall with my hot cocoa and herringbone throw blanket.

The boys would collect sticks, and build snow forts, and I would bring my red welllies.

The master would have emerald green accents and exposed wood beams

The kitchen would have wall to wall windows and vintage barstools

There would be a stone wall good for organizing hats and bags,

and an elegant dining room

The bathroom would have a reclaimed trough sink for the dirtiest little boy messes

and a library full of vintage books

There would be a comfy reading nook with objects collected from the outdoors

and a welcoming and relaxed family gathering place

The might be a screened porch bedroom with starry night views

or perhaps rows of beds with curtains

bunk beds would work too

I'm certain this bedroom would suit my boys just fine

and we could spend warmer days in the outdoor living room soaking in the mountain scenery.

It will all fit into that quaint little cabin, right?

*all images via my Pinterest*

Not a creature was stirring.....

....except for these little mice.

On Monday, I took my boys to see the Nutcracker.  It's a ballet that I've attended since I was old enough to put on ballet slippers and a tutu.  My dad has worked for Ballet West, and the Utah Opera Company for 20 plus years, and it was always a big event as a little girl to go to the ballet.  I was always anxious for the show to end so that I could head back stage and try on the costumes.  I would climb under mother buffoons skirt, pretend to be Clara, carry around the Nutcracker, and twirl around on the stage.  That was my little girl dream come true.  My boys on the other hand?  They wanted to know where the guns and swords were, and were more interested in the the death of the mouse king.  They both agreed that that was by far their favorite part of the entire ballet.  After all, what little boy doesn't like a good sword fight?

The highlights of the night included:

1. Eating giant rice krispie treats
2. Sitting above the orchestra pit
3. Both of my boys falling asleep in their seats.
4. Nathan asking me if he had to wear a tutu when we went backstage.
5. Spencer pointing out the dancer's "underwear" every time they did a lift.
6. Trying on the mouse heads.
7. Working the spotlight.

Low lights:

1. The men's tights, and the men's tights.  Seriously, they're just awful. 

Moxie Photography giveaway winner..

The Moxie Photography giveaway winner is:

Danielle!  Congratulations!

Please send me your information so that Moxie Photography can contact you.

Thank you for all of your entries!

Merry Christmas darling...

 Christmas is only days away, and I'm in desperate need of some quality time with these three little indians.

We will be building snow forts, baking cookies, drinking homemade hot chocolate, and snuggling in my bed.  I sincerely hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas & a happy holiday spent with those you love.  Thank you for all of your support this year!


* A big thank you to Moxie Photography for the beautiful pictures of my boys!  If you haven't entered the photo shoot giveaway, today is the last day to do it.  Don't miss out!*

Winter wonderland

Christmas is one of those holidays that truly inspires me from the sights, the sounds, and the heavenly smells.  I just can't ever seem to get enough.   

This out of focus photo is a beauty.

Can you steal a kiss even if the mistletoe is felt?

Christmas afloat

This reminds me of Christmas in Paris.  Je vais avoir un patissier, merci.

A snowy Christmas ornament.

A snow covered path.

Vintage linen stockings hung from a branch.

Cinnamon sticks and apple cider.  Ah, the true smell of Christmas.

Glittered branches to add some glam.

Hot chocolate and chocolate covered spoons.  Heaven.

A cozy cabin somewhere.

And, last but not least, the iconic leg lamp.  It wouldn't be Christmas without it, right?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

And the winner of the Olive Stencil giveaway is:

Melissa!  Congratulations!

Please send me your information so we can get that fantastic stencil out to you! 

Thank you for all of your entries!

Wrappers delight

No, this is not a post about the Sugar Hill Gang and their funky fresh lyrical masterpieces.  That is a post I will have to save for a later date (so stay tuned).   It is however just as equally fab and fresh.  We're talking gift wrap my friends, and when you are wrapping gifts to put under your tree this year, skip the old traditional red and green, and get creative! 

A simple green silk ribbon and white paper.

They'll be pretty in pink with these free printable papers.  Yes, free.

Why not go global?  Put those old maps that are just lying around to good use.

This one is hands down my most favorite.  It combines two things that I absolutely love...grasscloth, and stripes.

Use rubber bands instead of bows.

Create and print out your own custom word search puzzle with a special message.

Some simple greenery, pine cones, and some butcher paper gives this gift an earthy and fresh feel.

This one is going under the tree at my house for my three little mr. moustaches.

Stripes, stripes, stripes!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

And, congratulations to Sarah!  You are the winner of the Handmade by Emy giveaway!

Please send me your information so we can get that bow tie out to you!  If I do not hear from you within 5 days, I will randomly select another winner. 
Thank you for all of your entries!