These are a few of my favorite things...

Tis' the season for decorating!  This weekend I spent some time decorating my home for the holiday season.  I love this time of the year.  There is something so special and magical about Christmas decorations.  I am going to share some of my favorite decorations that I have in my home for the holidays.

The most important part of my holiday decorating is getting the nativity sets out.  I have two sets.  The first one pictured I love because of the soft colors used.  There is just something so sweet and simple about it.  The second set I have is the one I grew up with.  It was my parents first nativity set, and I cherish it!

Another collection that I just adore, is my collection of Cody Foster houses.  I really could stare at these precious houses for hours.  The details on the houses is amazing.  It's like staring into a glittery wonderland.  

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the tree.  Where would Santa leave the presents?  This year our family opted for a real tree again.  I have had artificial trees in the past, they are easier to decorate, but my family enjoys the tradition of picking out a tree together!  It does make the house smell wonderful too!  Our tree is filled with wonderful memories.  I love having all the handmade ornaments that my boys have made over the years.  I have a few favorites that I have collected too.

These are a few of the hand-blown glass ornaments that my boys have made through the years.  My mother-in-law has a wonderful tradition of taking them down to a local artist studio where they each make there own ornament.  I cherish these!

Another one of my favorite things is mercury glass.  I love how it makes a room sparkle.  This year I put a collection of mercury candlesticks on my mantel.  

My family room decorated for the holidays!

Hope you enjoy decorating your nest for the holidays.  May it be your best holiday season yet!  Many blessings to you!

XO~Gretchen

Pretty as a Package

As you are out shopping this holiday season don't forget to dress yourself "pretty as a package"  Most of us love to adorn our presents with ribbons and bows, but I also love to wear them.  It just makes me feel very feminine and pretty.  Here are a few ways you can dress that way too :)

This is a necklace from lulubelles.biz.  It's from our latest collection of hand dyed silk ribbon.  There is a vintage piece added for just the right touch of sparkle!

I LOVE this sweater from anthropologie.com.  Wouldn't this look adorable with a grey tweed pencil skirt and tights?  

The ribbon detail on these Paris Hilton shoes is divine.  I wish I could tie the bows on all my presents as pretty as this.  You can find these shoes at Macy's.

I also found this perfectly girlie handbag at Macy's.  Add some fun with your accessories!

Belts are a great way to create the perfect waistline.  This one can be found at anthropologie.com and comes in grey too!

How pretty are bows on boots.  Love the color of these boots and the detail. :)  If my hubby is reading this...hint, hint ;) They too can be found at Anthropologie.

Last but not least is this fun ribbon bracelet from Lulubelles.biz.  It is made with vintage velvet ribbon and lace, and a vintage earring.  We are currently offering free shipping, as a gift to you this holiday season!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend shopping.  Remember to keep a smile on your face, and be patient with all the crowds.  And don't forget to do a little shopping for yourself, so that you can look as "Pretty as a Package" this holiday season!

XO~Gretchen

Tree topper Traditions

Thanksgiving is not only a time to eat a wonderful meal with family and friends, but also a time to connect with one another.  I wanted to share a lovely tradition that my family has been participating in for years, really ever since I can remember.  After we all stuff our belly's full of turkey, all the sides, and dessert, my big wonderful family sits around and crafts together!  My mom is one of nine, and I am very lucky to have lots of cousins, aunts, and a granny who also love to create and craft just as much as I do.  So this year my mom and I came up with this tree topper pattern for all us to craft together.  I am actually going to make several so that I can put them on my Christmas tablescape.  They are vintage inspired, with a hint of glittery sparkle!  I hope that this Thanksgiving you not only enjoy the food and the company of your loved ones, but you also feel inspired to create something together!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

XO~Gretchen

The angel side of the tree topper

I made the other side with Santa's face :)

If you would like to order one, then just let me know.  We are selling them too.

Creating your own Artwork

Creating artwork for your nest can be fun and easy to do!  I painted these canvas my self.  I have a very tall stairwell in my home that needed some artwork, so this is what I came up with.  I bought four large white canvas and painted the base color aqua.  Next I used a large damask stencil, painted the edges, and voila, instant artwork.  This was an affordable way to cover a large space!

Artwork for the kids rooms.  This is a easy idea that you can get the kids involved in.  If you have a Cricut machine it works even better!  I just used the Cricut to cut out the letters, then found some scrapbook paper with cars and airplanes.  There are endless options for scrapbook paper!!  Then cut out some of your favorite imagines, and keep layering the papers.  I bought the frames super cheap, and lucky for me, my youngest son's name is short!

This next set was designed and created by my nine year old son!  He chose to just use his initials.  Again, this is a fun project to create with your kids!  What a great gift idea too, especially for a new baby!

Last but not least, these fun banners are really easy to make!  Again, I used the Cricut to cut out the letters.  Then I folded and pleated crepe paper behind the letters.  This is my Thanksgiving mantel this year.  This banner is a great idea to use for your own personalized birthday banner too.  The options are endless!  Thanks for looking.

XO~Gretchen

The Ruffle Effect

What girl doesn't love the look of ruffles?  I found some fun ways to incorporate them into your nest, and your wardrobe.

This dress was designed by a talented designer named Betsey Johnson.  If you have ever looked at her collections then you are sure to notice that she has a flair for designing all things girlie girl!

How fun is this ruffle duvet cover?  I love it :).  You can find it at urbanoutfitters.com  

Who says ruffles are just meant for a party dress?  How cute are these Free People boots.  I think they would look adorable with a pair of black leggings and a long cardigan.  So fun!

I found this cute pattern at another blog called allthingsthrifty.com  What a cute idea.  You can take vintage lace and made this beautiful flower.  All you have to do is ruffle the lace and add a cute button.

I am obsessed with belts.  I love how they instantly create a waistline.  This cute ruffle belt can be found at shopruche.com  Love it!

Last but not least...this fun purse by Jessica Simpson.  Maybe the dress and boots are too much for you, so why not rock the ruffle look via your handbag!  Thanks for looking, and I hope you consider adding some ruffles to your nest and wardrobe!

XO~Gretchen

Fashion Tip Friday/ The LBD

This Friday is all about the LBD(little black dress).  Here are some choices that I found at different price points.  My goal is to help find something for everyone!

This adorable LBD can be found at Macy's for $59.99.  I'm sure you can get it even cheaper it you have the right coupons ;).  I love the lace overlay look.  This dress reminds me of an updated Audrey Hepburn look.  Very chic!

Well hello darling!  Next is this beautiful navy and black metallic dress from Anthropologie.  I love the pattern and the cap sleeves.  The cost is $258.00  This dress would look great with dark black tights and black heels.  I would wear a chunky cuff bracelet with it!

This feminine LBD is a steal at $44.99  It can be found at JCPenny's.  I love the ruffles and the wide ribbon belt.  This dress will create the perfect waistline!

The LBD that shimmers!  A big trend this season is sequins.  And if you are a follower of trends, then this is the perfect LBD for you.  It would even look great with a long boyfriend cardigan and belted waist, and of course black tights!  This dress can be found at forever21 for only $32.80!  Super cute.

This one has to be my favorite!  I love the attention to detail on this dress.  It looks like a couture piece.  I would wear a dramatic red lip and red nail polish with this one.  This dress is priced at $178 and can be found at White House/Black Market.  Very striking!

Good luck shopping for your perfect LBD, always stay confident and you'll look fabulous!

XO~Gretchen

PS Need a perfect black to paint an old piece of furniture or a group of frames..try one of these Sherwin Williams colors.