My Year In Review

Happy NYE all! Can't believe this day has come so soon, it feels like each year is flying by quicker than the last, do you agree? I hope you are having a wonderful holiday with family and friends. 2012 was a fabulous year, and I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us. Here is a look back at some of my favorites from this year...

 My favorite chicken taco recipe (slow cooker) 

 A Birthday Treat 

Hubby featured on Wedding Chicks 

A (very thankful) Thanksgiving

DIY throw pillows 

Our Anniversary 

Welcoming Sophia to Our World 

Jen's Painted Black Shelves

New Mom Adventures 

DIY Chalkboard 

A Chef in my Kitchen

Kitchen Renovation (still have yet to share our entire reno) 

Here's to making more wonderful memories in 2013...Have a safe & happy NYE! 

Cheers!  

5-minute Effortless Looks

I think having two 'foolproof' looks - one for day, one for night - is key. I like to save these outfits for emergencies, aka when I'm running late. These items are most likely already in your closet, it's just about putting them together in your mind, or in snapshots like I do - I'm a visual person. 

There's nothing worse than being in a rush, trying on outfit after outfit, only to end up even later with a floor covered in clothes, ever been there? The key to these effortless looks is to keep it to 2 or 3 colors TOTAL. I know whenever I am in a rush, I tend to think it's the best time to create a new outfit - not a good idea. Keep it simple, and you will look more put together. I've chosen the same color scheme for my day & night looks, simply because I love black and gray together. 

Do you have any 'go to' outfits in your closet? 

A Poem for the Babies

I have been feeling so sad about Connecticut all week, and received this poem in an email from my sister-in-law yesterday. I was so happy she sent this along, it really brought me some sense of comfort, a smile to my face, and tears to my eyes. I had to share with you all - I'm sure there are some of you (if not all of you) who still can't get this tragedy off your mind. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through Heaven's gate. their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say. they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. "where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house." when what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. then He opened His arms and He called them by name. and in that moment was joy, that only Heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. and as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad." then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!" "may this country be delivered from the hands of fools" "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!" then He and the children stood up without a sound. "come now my children, let me show you around." excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, "in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT." Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Block Print Bedding

I wrote about my bedroom dilemma here, and since then I've decided to take my time before pulling the trigger on any new bedding. I've been on the hunt (literally) almost every day for the perfect bed linens. I keep going back and forth between neutral and bold. I am thinking something a bit more neutral would be the safe route, and I can always change the look with pillows, throws, etc.

One look that I have always been drawn to is block print (remember Sophia's quilt fabric?). I am especially loving this look as of late, it's just so beautiful, and I can't get enough. Here are a few of my favorite block print bedding looks.

Amber Interiors

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For Connecticut

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

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Everyday Bags Under $500

Hands-down my favorite wardrobe item is a great handbag. It's such a staple piece, and can really make an outfit. A handbag is something that I like to splurge on - because I think it's worth it. It will last for years, and if you buy a classic bag, it will hold up, and most likely hold it's value. I've been looking around for a new bag, and am quite surprised at how many under $500 have been catching my eye. Here are a few of my favorite finds. Happy Friday! 

Sophia - 3 Months

Dear Sophia,

You are three months old and I can't believe it! You are growing so fast, and your personality is really starting to shine. Music, mirrors, and anything electronic (ut oh) are your favorites. You love when I sing to you, bath time, and playing with your new toys - your hand-eye coordination has really improved. 

Next week, you will be taking your first flight - heading to Chicago to see your grandparents, then to Iowa to see your Mimi and Papa, and meet your aunts, uncles, and cousins! I am a bit worried about flying with you (any & all tips welcome), but I'm sure we will get through it one way or another! ;) 

You have started to hold your bottle; sometimes it is a bit too heavy for you, but you always want to have your hands on that thing! Looking forward to your first Christmas! I love you to the moon & beyond! 

xo,

Mama

Outfit of The Day...and other things

I'm sorry for my lack of blogging this week - I am teething. No, not Sophia - me. I still have my wisdom teeth (I've been putting off the procedure for as long as I can remember), and I'm in a bit of pain. I should really just put it on the schedule and get it over with, no? 

Anyway, you may have seen the photo I posted on my IG yesterday - it was the first time I have worn heels in SO long. In fact, I think the last time I wore heels was on Valentine's Day. I had to choose the highest heels in my closet (ha), but everything went A-OK at our lunch. After being spit up on at lunch, I had to change my outfit and switched out the heels for a pair of loafers for my afternoon errands ;). It felt good to get out of my 'mom' shoes and get a bit of my old self back for a while, anybody know what I mean? 

sweater: H&M pants: F21(similar here) shoes: Christian Louboutin, here

ps - please excuse the rug ;) 

I made a trip to ZARA yesterday, and picked up a few things - none of which I can find online to share with you - boo! However, after I had waited in line to try on, then waited in line to check out (I swear, ZARA has the worst checkout!), I spotted these pants that I LOVE. I wanted to try them on, but I just didn't want to go through the entire process again. These are great for the holidays! 

here

Hope you are all having a great week! xo

Loving...

this bed

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this runner

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this fabric

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these emerald accents

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now if they could all kindly show up on my doorstep, please. thank you. 

happy weekend! 

My Simple Mantel

This year, our mantel is very simple - since our TV is mounted a few inches above it (uhg), I didn't have a lot of room to work with. After layering a flocked garland with some antler & turquoise candle holders, she is done. I placed my chrome garden stools in front of the fireplace to add some excitement to the space. Since the fireplace is next to our built-in bookcase, I like the simplicity of the mantel - it doesn't make the area feel too 'busy.'