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Kids Hot Cocoa Stand

Summer months isn’t the only time kids can make a few dollars on their own. Take a look at this adorable hot cocoa stand by Giggles Galore I saw on Pinterest. What a fun way to bring friends and neighbors together on a chilly afternoon! Mariah simply provided hot cocoa and fun toppings {candy canes, marshmallows, chocolate chips and whip cream} and let customers create their own cup of hot chocolate. Love!

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Have you joined Pinterest yet?
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Read full story By on December 6, 2011 in baby and children, Christmas, Entertaining, holiday decor

Woodland Christmas Table Setting and Decor

The tree has been decorated, holiday cards sent and lights have been placed on the house – Christmas is in full swing at our house! I love decorating for the holidays.
Because there is so much focus on Christmas morning, I thought it be best to have a trial run of our breakfast table. This year it will be a “woodland” theme. Here’s a peek:

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{Resources: plates, napkins, elves, birdhouse and candles from World Market, table runner from Pomegranate and the felt snow felt ball garland from Etsy.}
Cheers!
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Read full story By on December 5, 2011 in Christmas, Entertaining, holiday decor, tables

Top Ten Hostess Gifts Under $40 for 2011

Although fun to host a Thanksgiving or holiday dinner, being a guest is preferred by many. If you will be a dinner guest this holiday season, bringing a thoughtful hostess gift is always appreciated. A favorite bottle of wine, homemade baked goods or a lovely bouquet of flowers are tried and true hostess gifts and will certainly be well received. However, if you are running short on time or want to bring something a little different this year, here are my top ten stylish hostess gifts under $40:
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{Kate Spade’s Prize Ball Coasters – $20 – just makes me smile!}
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{Bellocq’s Majorelle Mint Tea via Terrain – $36 – I’ve gotta try this!}
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{Etsy’s Fond Remembrance Personalized Paper Weight – $10 – what $10? now that’s a deal!}
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{Dabney Lee’s Catch All Monogramed Lucite Box – $40 – fun to fill with chocolates}
holiday gift guide 2011 travel book
{20th Century Travel: 100 Years of Globe-Trotting Ads via Saks 5th Ave – $40 – for the avid travel}
hostess gift guide hometown puzzle
{Custom Hometown Puzzle via LL Bean – $39.95 – fun & educational}
hostess_gifts_2011_honey_sampler{Ames Farm Honey Sampler via Terrain – $24 – something sweet}

best_hostess_gifts_2011_chili_paste

{Aji Amarillo Chili Paste via Williams Sonoma – $10 – for the cook who likes it hot!}
unique_hostess_gift_2011_aerium_plant
{Flora Grubb Gardens’ Footed Aerium – $32 – it just exudes serenity!}
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{Etsy’s Dawn Correspondence Chevron Postcards – $12.50 – chic & practical!}
What’s on your favorite hostess gift?
*this is not a paid advertisement, just items I like.
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Read full story By on November 7, 2011 in Christmas, Entertaining, gift guide, Holiday, holiday decor, Thanksgiving

Emily Henderson’s Holiday Guide 2011 & My Contribution

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Our favorite HGTV Design Star, Emily Henderson has been decking the halls for her first Holiday Guide. Guaranteed to inspire, the issue has one of the most comprehensive gift guides on the planet. Speaking of our planet, you will adore Emily’s “Peace on Earth” themed holiday décor. I love it all, but think she knocked it out of the park with the globe snowmen. Here’s a sneak peek from the guide and that will be featured on an upcoming episode of her show, Secrets From a Stylist:
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I was thrilled to be a contributor for this holiday issue and wrote an article about organizing gift wrap.
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I also created an “Exotic Christmas Mantle” for Emily’s holiday guide that features a ceramic elephant, Moroccan lanterns, and homemade stockings and pinecone garland. For color and life, I added a diy moss wreath, live aloe plants in birch wrapped containers and orange and lemon citrus fruit. The stocking pulls the non-traditional color scheme together. It’s quite an eclectic mix. 
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It was all done over Labor Day weekend. My kids thought I was nuts and were hoping St. Nick was going to get thrown off and stop by early!

Hope you get the opportunity to check out Emily’s Holiday Guide. I know you’ll be inspired!
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Read full story By on November 1, 2011 in Christmas, holiday decor, organization tips, simplified bee portfolio