The Best Wrap!!

It is very possible that you have heard about the infamous wrap from Nordstrom. I'm not sure why I was hesitant at first, I think it was the wooden button that made me a little squeemish. However, I overcame that silly fear and fell in love with the bright coral color wrap, perfect for this cloudy time of year. But also, perfect for a day of travel, which is exactly what I had in mind. If I am planning a trip, I am subconciously planning the perfect outfit that will make me feel good/look good but also be really comfortable. Well I've found the PERFECT layer, this wrap. And if you are like me..you want to be warm and cozy yet have light layering, look put together, and also have the ability to cover your face if a fellow traveller is coughing or sneezing {no, I am not kidding! I am a trained germaphobe and can't stand strangers coughing, sneezing, etc all over the place. and I have to use paper towels on every surface in public bathrooms!} Anyway, this wrap should cover all of your needs ;)

So far, I own the Bright Coral and I just ordered the Pink Cherie Pink, as seen above. But, it comes in 27 colors! And is the most comfortable thing ever!

 

 

Do you own it...and how many colors do you have?

 

 

 

Organization Pretties + Organizing Christmas

To get us off to a fresh start, here is what is inspiring me right now:

BHG

BHG

BHG

BHG

BHG

I don't know about you, but this is one of my favorite times of the year to get organized. As soon as Christmas is over, I am pretty much ready to clean up the house, banish clutter and soak up that fresh feeling of a tidy home. I know many people leave their decorations up a week or so past Christmas which I totally understand. I knew ours were coming down the Sunday after Christmas because I wanted the house cleaned for the New Year! I totally got into the groove of organizing that day and splurged on buying an entire cart full of new Christmas storage containers. I only wish I had done this sooner because it made taking the tree down a breeze!

This container had the rounded holder for ball ornaments, I ended up getting several of those. Especially nice to see my stash of gold and silver balls, I have a ton but they don't all necessarily go on the tree.

This container had adjustable plastic dividers. I fit a ton of ornaments in these containers, mixing the more delicate ornaments with some softer ones, but still keeping them secure. 

When I was done, I had fit almost all of my ornaments into the new containers. I think I had one more tub full of some that wouldn't fit. I am so thrilled, it's funny!

And I went ahead and got a wreath storage container for the ornament ball wreath I made this year. So excited about this one! I usually end up putting those kinds of things in a trash bag and then the following year I am scared to open it ;)

I guess I didn't snap a photo, but I use washi tape each year to relabel my Christmas storage boxes. Inevitably, the contents in the boxes change, so it is an easy way to peel off the old label and add a new one. 

I bought all of my containers from Wal-Mart so if you happen to be in the market- I would definitely check them out! I think most of my containers were about $7 and so worth it! 

The Holidays: What We Ate

To say that we ate well over the holidays would be an understatement...I swear everything that I put in my mouth was tasty. Some years the food is especially good and think this year was one of them. We spent the majority of our time at our family's homes instead of ours, so I wanted to make sure I could contribute in some way. Usually for me that means an appetizer or snack. I also needed a couple "neighbor gifts" that I wrapped up in cookie tins. I cannot believe it but I was pleased with every single recipe I tried out. A little nervewracking, but also fun to try new things that can be added to your recipe box! Enjoy what we tried, and please let me know if you do!!

I apologize for the lame pictures that were taken by me...but things were hectic and in many circumstances I barely had a chance for a photo before the food was eaten. Just a welcome circumstance of lots of wonderful people around me :)

Hearts of Palm Dip

Oh my word, I can't say enough good things about this dip. I've been wanting to make it forever and Christmas Eve was the perfect excuse! Please make sure to check out The Reedy Review for a full recipe recap and much prettier photos. I am a huge fan of dip and it often gets me in trouble...I just can't stop. This one actually seems lighter in a way. I will definitely try it again soon made with the greek yogurt version as Laura recently suggested!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Raise your hand if you love Peanut Butter Blossoms. Ok, go ahead and put them down now. They are the sweetest little cookies, turned out perfect, and they stayed so well just in a regular cookie tin for me over the course of a week during the holidays. Usually I am a stickler on locking/zipping all food up extremely tight at all times. Is that strange?

Sticky Pecan Mini Buns {photo credit Pioneer Woman}

These little sticky buns were a last minute decision to make and I'm so glad I did. I happened to see a Pioneer Woman episode on tv and of course she made these and it took her like 2 minutes total so I wanted to replicate that! Note: her recipe online actually lists instructions for making the dough, but I substituted crescent rolls from the grocery store and that turned out just perfect. They also stayed perfectly tasty for several days and everyone really enjoyed them. The perfect bitesize snack! I can see these being such an easy yet fun dish to bring to a brunch/bridal/baby shower.

We had a rainy weekend and decided to start some big house projects. Stephen was busy upstairs painting and hanging shelves, and I started working on the guest bath. Can't wait to show you what is happening in there! Let's make it a great week.
xo.

Happy New Years Eve!

Happy New Years Eve everyone!! 

via

Now that NYE is officially here, I am busy planning what we will cook tomorrow. I love planning a little menu for a special day and as I mentioned, Stephen will be helping cook as well! He is looking for a beef briscuit today, but if he can't find one we will be doing smoked pork. I think I will make this dip for our black eyed pea fix, serve the fondue {how cute are the skewers above!} and then also make my favorite crock pot macaroni and cheese {I found the recipe in a magazine on our honeymoon and it's always a hit!} We also need some collards so that will be part of the menu as well. 

As of right now we actually don't even have a reservation for tonight {whoops!} so we might end up eating at Stephen's parents. I'm sure Weeks will be happier not being at a restaurant anyway, so that will be just fine. I'm looking forward to celebrating with my sweet, sweet boys and I hope we all have a wonderful, wonderful 2015. 

bhldn

Cheers to you all! 

xoxo.

New Years Eve Party/Comfy + Food

All Over Sequin Mini Dress {take additional 50% off!} // Sequin Woven Tee {take additional 50% off! skirt is separate here} // Gilded Lace Top {take additional 50% off...wear it now, and wear it later with white jeans!} // Foil Stripe Tee {take additional 40% off!} // Sequin Trim Sweatshirt {take additional 40% off!) // Roll Sleeve Tee With Bow {take additional 40% off!}

With New Years Eve plans going around, it's always a mixed bag. Either you have a party to attend, a dinner, or you plan on spending it relaxing in the comfort of your own home. Or maybe just heading to a bar! Either way, you can probably find something above that you will be able to wear more than just NYE. If you have a cocktail party coming up, the sequin dress would be so much fun. And don't get me started on comfy tops- I live in them. All of these above would set you back somewhere between $15-$40 I think- that is crazy good! 

This year I am quite content that we are planning to go out for a good dinner and then will come home with our sweet boy and spend some time on the sofa, I'm sure. That sounds about perfect to me! And, I love looking forward to a yummy meal on New Years Day! I already picked up this cute little dip for a fondue style snack, from Harris Teeter. You can keep the terracotta dish for using it again too. 

Stephen got a smoker for Christmas so he is thrilled to try something that he can cook all day in that. Don't you love new cooking gifts? Especially when that means your husband is excited about cooking! Stay tuned over the next day or so as I recap what we dined on over Christmas...everything was amazing!

So what are your plans? Do tell! 

Cashing in on gift cards + Customer Service

Well hey everyone! Welcome back. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas with all of your loved ones. We had a busy, whirlwhind time but it sure was nice. We spent the first half with Stephen's family and the latter with mine. Yesterday I spent all day taking down Christmas decorations and attempted to get them in better order for an easier time next year. More on all of that later, I'm sure!

If you are like me you might have a gift card or two burning a whole in your pocket. I am a huge fan of gift cards. A lot of times I love to browse but hesitate on pulling the trigger when it's something for me. Usually I have to have some sort of incentive, like a sale and free shipping to really entice me! But, when you have a sweet little gift card in your wallet, it makes it a little easier to splurge and buy yourself something.

I actually have a gift card from J.Crew that I received from a return that I have been waiting to use. One note on J.Crew's customer service: I was thoroughly impressed. My Mom bought my sister and I a beautiful pair of boots about a year ago. I know when I first wore them that the lining felt a tad off- it felt like on one boot it would slide down making it very hard for my foot to even get in the boot. I kind of forgot about it since we have a short boot season from here on {I probably wear boots for the last time early March!} Fast forward to about a month ago...I was once again trying to get my boots on and was practically breaking into a sweat trying to get my foot inside the boot. The lining was now sliding all the way down making it impossible to wear them. I tried taking them to a shoe repair, no dice...so I took a chance and emailed J.Crew. Pretty much no questions asked, they would take the boots back. We just had to find our order receipt and they would issue a return. I was shocked! So here I am, looking at buying another pair of shoes that I have heard wonderful reviews on. {at least I know they stand behind the product if I have a problem!} Do you own them? I am leaning towards the pretty white pair. I think they feel fresh for the New Year and could brighten up a dark/black outfit!

Cece Ballet Flat

Wishing you all a happy Monday as we get back into the swing of things!

Merry Christmas Y'all

Sending Christmas blessings to you and yours. I am signing off for this special season to be with my loved ones. I am so thankful for all of my sweet readers and wish you all the Merriest Christmas!

card via tiny prints