A Few of My Favorite Christmas Things

It's the holiday season! (In case you haven't noticed). It's 1:30 in the afternoon and I'm still in my pajamas. I've had dessert with every meal for the past two days, and stuffed myself until I felt like I couldn't move at each meal. We're at my in laws this weekend, then go to my mom/sisters/dads on Wednesday. I'm gonna need some bigger pants!

It's all part of the holidays though. I kind of expect to be miserably full, not shower for a day and a half or so, and prepare myself to be entirely more lazy than any person should. That's what it's all about, right?

Anyway, just thought I'd share a few of my favorite things from this holiday season. There's definitely more than 4 things, but since I'm blogging from east TN, I couldn't photograph the rest of my favorite Christmas things. Hope you enjoy! Happy Holidays to you!



1. Sparkly Bird ornaments I bought 4 packages of these sweet glittery birds at Walgreens, two boxes of silver and two gold. The boxes had 10 birds each, and they were 2 for $5! SCORE! 2. Frasier Fir Household Cleaner Spray (by Thymes) This is the very first Christmas of my life that I haven't had a real tree. We've been so busy this year, I guess we're lucky to have even put one up! But I do love my white tree, surprisingly enough. Anyway, this Frasier Fir spray smells exactly like the tree I'm used to having in my house at Christmas. Warm, cozy, amazingly delightful, and only $10! I got it at a cute store in downtown Franklin (TN), and I can't think of the name of it right now. But it was one of the only shops open the night before Dickens Christmas. And it was only 5:30. Two weeks before Christmas. Why do stores do that? Stay open, and we'll shop!! 3. True Shimmer Peppermint Chapstick YUM! And pretty. And tingly! My lips were dry one day when I was standing in line at the grocery store, so I just grabbed the least ugly chap stick on the stand, and what a surprise! It's so nice! Not too glittery like most cheap chap sticks normally are, and incredibly refreshing! Although, I wouldn't sleep in it. I put it on one night before bed, and my lips were pretty dry the next morning. But it's perfect for day time! $2 at your local chap stick vending store. Makes a great stocking stuffer! 4. Decorative Lighted Branches I got these cuties at the beginning of the season at one of my favorite places known as Target. They're indoor/outdoor, and I had planned on lining them down my walkway outside, but due to Airstream electrical wiring issues, my front outlet wasn't working. So I just stuck some beads in one of my glass hurricanes and hung a few candy canes. I think the twigs were originally $20, but I bought them on sale for $15/four!

What are a few of your favorite Christmas things?

Vintage Inspired Christmas iPhone Wall Paper

I was out thrifting the other day when I came across this pretty vintage Christmas bowl.




There was only one, but I thought I could use it for candy or something, so I bought it. I liked the simplicity of the design so much I thought I would draw it in Illustrator and make it in to a festive iPhone wallpaper, just for you! Hope you enjoy!


Here ya go!

QR Readers | Advertising Uncensored

In case you haven't heard about this new technology(which has actually been out since the early 90's?), I'll just show you. If you have iPhone or any other mobile device worthy of the thousands of apps out there, you should definitely download the QR Reader if you want to keep up with the Jones's. QR stands for "Quick Response," which ultimately is what we all want. We want to push a button and be able to know exactly what we need/want to know as fast as possible. You may have noticed these ugly black and white squares all over everything lately. In magazines, on products, on bus benches, and even on billboards. Did you download QR reader yet? If not, do it, then hover your phone over this ugly box.



Took you straight to my site, right? So now you know what it does. Recently, Calvin Klein released an ad campaign using only their QR code that leads to a somewhat racy commercial that they probably couldn't have otherwise aired. They censored themselves before someone else beat 'em to the punch. Genius. Nice way to advertise exactly how they want without offending anyone. If you hold your QR reader up to their ad, you're asking for it. You're choosing to see what they want you to see. They're making it your idea! You're voluntarily taking time out of your day to look at an ad, when in the past, sometimes you don't even realize you've seen it. But now, it's open on a window in your phone. You are exclusive! You want to show your friends. They want to show theirs. After you scan the code and open the commercial, you can share the video on Twitter or Facebook. That's serious advertising. Here's the ad in case you want to check it out.



So what does this mean for the design industry? If you're a designer and have ever designed any sort of packaging, you know how annoying it is to have to add that ugly bar code. It's just sitting there in the corner. Being distracting from the design you've been slaving over for weeks. Looking all black and white and ugly. Now, not only is there the bar code to deal with on the back, but these hideous codes that will more than likely dominate the design. I'm not saying I don't like the idea of a QR code, I just don't like the idea of the print design being ignored so quickly because people will see the code and just get the information they need from the site it directs them to. It's nice for companies who use these though. How often do you look at your phone and realize you have about 5 windows open? The QR code enables companies to make you keep them in your pocket. This is yet another technology that's killing print. But it is pretty cool.

What are your thoughts?

Stella & Dot Packaging

Recently, I was in Jackson, Mississippi visiting my family. My sister had been invited to a Stella & Dot jewelry party and informed me I was coming along with her. I usually don't like these kinds of things for a few reasons: #1. I feel obligated to buy something whether I want to or not. (which is the point of this type of sales, I'm sure) #2. The stuff people sell at house parties is usually really ugly. BUT this Stella and Dot stuff is actually really cute! Not the most inexpensive, but reasonable for the most part. I'd been on the lookout for a wrap bracelet anyway, and I found one that luckily came in gold, so I wrote up my order, had a glass of wine, and I was on my way! THEN, the most exciting part...the packaging! I just got my bracelet in the mail today, and I felt like I was getting a special present! So pretty, and so exciting to open. Check it out:




I love this! "You Have a Great Eye" Why thank you, Box!


The bracelet is great quality too. I think it may turn in to an every day staple!


I just love the attention to detail from the lining of the main box, to the sweet little note on the jewelry box. The pattern comes from a shape that that use in some of their jewelry, which is also a nice touch. Nice work, Stella & Dot designer!

Altered Book, Turkey Day Style

The other day when my sister and I were in Anthropologie, we were looking at this adorable little angel ornament.


Ever since, I've decided I wanted to make one myself! So tonight, I headed to Goodwill and bought a few snazzy romance novels, and started my project. During this time, my ADD kicked in. The next thing I knew, I was making a ring and then I started a digital illustration. That's when I realized I'd have to wait a few more weeks until I could actually put my little angel out (I'm doing a bigger one to set out), so I decided to make a turkey instead! He's pretty cute. So here's what I did:

I got a trashy vintage romance novel with discolored pages for a little added character. Then I tore the cover, spine, and back off.



Next, I removed about 15-20 loose pages then folded every page in the book like this.


After I got all the pages folded, I glued the first and last one together then clipped a bunch of the pages together so the gap wouldn't be as big. You may have to do more bending, folding, and clipping to get it exactly how you want it.


For the feathers, I started by folding one of the loose pages in 1/2 vertically, then folded one more time at an angle to make the "feathers" smaller at the bottom and wider at the top.



For the head, I started the same way I folded the feathers then did two more folds like this and glued the loose pieces down so it would be flat:.



On all the folds, it's better to glue the flaps together because it will look much better if the pages aren't all janky. After the feathers are folded and turkey head is ready, glue them accordingly to the turkey body. Gobble, Gobble!

Getting Closer!

We're getting closer to the completion of my new sparkly office! We got paint up on the walls, and it is exactly what I had in mind! My drop dead gorgeous wall paper came in, and I found a perfect match for paint at my local Sherwin Williams who also has a lot of great online tools to use if you're painting a room or Airstream or something:) While I was there, I noticed their faux finish section and got all giddy inside when I saw the smooth metallic finish. That's what I had pictured in my mind but wasn't sure I could get it exactly how I wanted it. I'm pretty sure there's only certain colors you're supposed to be able to use with the metallic finishes, but the nice guys that worked there worked with me and tinted the glaze to perfection to match my walls. Thanks, Sherwin Williams guys! Click here to see my color.


Here's my wall color sans sparkle.

Here's a view of what each bed looks like on either side. We're going to do metal panels on those walls. Each bed lifts up so we have plenty of storage!

And here's my cute husband making my office
all shiny and clean! Thanks, Jonny boy!

Now all we have left to do is finish the trim around the sofa and walls, frame up the fridge and microwave, install the shelves in the bathroom, and build a little wall to cover the pipes. That's all we have to do construction wise. Then we put the wallpaper up, choose final fabrics for pillows and sofa cushion, then have them made. My father in law is working on my desk now. He's amazing. I sent him a sketch of what I had in mind, and I'm pretty sure he's building two separate tables for me to choose from. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! I know one will be stainless steel legs with a cedar top. I'm sure it will be wonderful like everything else he builds us. He built us a really nice cedar farm table with benches a while back, and we couldn't love it more. Let me know if you'd like to see photos. He can build you one too!

So, short but sweet post. I get anxious and can't wait for things to be more complete before I post! I'm going to hold off until it's completely finished for the next Airstream update though! Stay tuned!

Halloween Party!

Just wanted to share a few photos from the Halloween party we hosted last night. There were some really great costumes, and we had a blast!


Sangria with spooky eyeballs. Always a hit!

I got a styrofoam head from a beauty supply shop for about $3 then put the cheese toothpicks all over the head. Also added a little food coloring for a little extra gross:)

Little keebler cookies with a Hershey's kiss make adorable little witch hats!

This was my favorite! Buried alive cake. It's so delicious, you won't even believe it! Check for the recipe under my recipes tab:)

Me and my friend Ashley snagged a few branches from the curbs in the neighborhood and stretched spider webs all over then added a few spiders and bugs.

Here it is at night with the green light bulbs.



Spooky old lady shadow made of construction paper

Pumpkin puking Guacamole

Magenta (Amanda), Flapper Gal (moi), and Cleopatra (Ashley)

Such a fun night! Hope you enjoyed the photos:) Happy Halloween!

Airstream Update

The airstream is coming along quite nice. Even better than I ever expected, actually. We have the trim up, all the divider walls, one bed frame, and all light fixtures installed. I've ordered wall paper for the office walls, then I'm going to match the blue in the paper for a paint for the rest of the walls. This weekend, my husbands drummer, William came and helped get the electricity working out there, so I got to flip the switch and actually have light today! So exciting. Today the guys are installing new screens and building the second bed, then all we'll have left to do is build the sofa and cabinets before the decorating starts! Here's a few photos of our progress:






Here's the pretty white trim




More trim and one of the walls


We have lights! This is the bathroom.


These are the lights over each bed.

And here's a sneak peak of some of the fabrics I'm looking at. Lounge Interiors is doing a great job of choosing the perfect papers and fabrics! I can't wait to see it all come together!



So that's all for now! I'll have many more photos to come once we get the papering and painting under way!

What a Difference a Floor Makes.

We've made some serious progress on the Airstream restorations! We've gutted the entire thing and started all over from scratch. The wood underneath all the ugly carpet was pretty rough, so we used plywood to build a new floor. Then got our new floors installed and started on the walls and ceiling, and next on the list is paint for the interior end caps. But first we have to paint it with bonding primer, sand it, then add the paint so it will stick to the plexiglass without chipping. We have to use spray paint so it wont streak, and that's kind of a bummer because I can't find the perfect blue I have in my mind in a spray paint can. So any suggestions for where to find a great selection of colorful spray paint would be greatly appreciated! Here's a few photos so you can check out our progress!


Here's how beautiful my yard looked during the gutting process.
It got worse too!



This is what it looked like after we gutted it.
We saved all the walls so we could use them as templates.



Here's what was left of the bathroom!


This is the view from the back with the new floor base down.


Jonathan with our new floors.


Adding the AC cover. We got the AC in it to work!
There was a huge bird nest causing it not to work before.


The floor installed! Hooraaaay!


The new walls and ceiling!! EEEEK!


Side view of the walls, ceiling, and floor:)

So, at first, we were going to white wash the wood panels we used for the walls, but once we got them up, we really liked the contrast of the raw wood to the aluminum ceiling, so we're obviously going to keep it that way and just use a natural colored clear sealer over the panels. I like how the silver screws in the wood help tie the metal ceiling in to the wall too. We're going to add 1 inch white trim between the wall and the ceiling and between the floor and the wall. Then we're going to add half inch wood trim across each seam of the ceiling. It is going to be GORGEOUS! I can't wait!

We've also gotten a new toilet and sink installed as well. I'm not sure why I don't have any photos of that yet, but I will soon! Can't wait to be working in my new fancy office! Feel free to send suggestions my way! Next time, I'll have a little diagram of where everything will go!

Revolution Tea

So, Jonathan played in Tupelo last night and we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn just down the street from the venue. I love staying in hotels, especially when there's good breakfast involved. A little irrelevant, but I had an omelette with tomatoes, onion, bacon, and cheese, half of a waffle with strawberries, a piece of prime rib, and then on the way out, I dipped a strawberry in the chocolate fountain. Who can resist a chocolate fountain? Nobody, that's who. Anyway, at the free coffee station, there was also this beautiful wooden box with separated sections, each with it's own tiny box of tea. It was so gorgeous, I didn't even drink coffee at all this morning. I had two sweet ginger peach teas, and they were delicious! Look how gorgeous this is!

Image via http://www.myhealthmybody.com/trellis/aboutrevtea


Image via revolutiontea.com

I would have taken my own photo, but my phone was dead, and I didn't have a camera. The box in the above photo doesn't have each section separated like I saw it, but it's still pretty nice. Anyway, the excitement about Revolution Tea doesn't stop there! The tea bags are in a really nice sturdy mesh type bag. So pretty. A very luxurious tea experience! And I don't even drink tea that often. I get it now though. Revolution, like many other companies, created a branding experience rather than just a product. And they did it well! Here are the tea bags.


Image via http://www.revolutiontea.com

Aren't they pretty? Here's how they describe their bags:

"Revolution Full-leaf teas are packaged
in the most innovative tea bag available.
The Revolution Infuser Tea Bag™ allows
you a clear view of the whole leaf teas you
are enjoying. As you pour hot water over the
tea leaves, watch them expand and infuse,
producing a full-bodied, flavorful tea. Make
the change to Revolution Infuser
Tea Bags today.

Pretty genius. You should try it. You'll see.