2016 Holiday Gift Guide
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide

At the beginning of October, my mom starts asking us for a Christmas list because according to her, “you’re never too old for Santa.” She is so serious about this list she gives a Starbucks gift card to the person that turns the list in first. We’ve compiled our holiday gift guides with a wide range of prices and picks for all the special ladies on your list including: the girly girl, the outdoorsy girl, the preppy girl and the sweetest girl (aka your mom). Here’s a look at what we’re loving this holiday season….

North Pole Pops
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North Pole Pops

If you had a chance to read yesterday’s post on creating an easy marshmallow bar then you already know we’re big fans of simple projects the whole family can enjoy. As with the marshmallow bar, these North Pole Pops are crazy easy to make and your family members can customize them with the “snow” they like best. Here are the details you need to know if you want to make a few North Pole Pops too…

Gingerbread Inspired Breakfast Nook and Kitchen Tour
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Gingerbread Inspired Breakfast Nook and Kitchen Tour

I’m planning to share more of both homes as well as my own in the coming weeks but I wanted to kick this week off with a gingerbread inspired tour of the kitchen and breakfast nook of Bliss Barracks. For as long as I can remember, my mom has had us in the kitchen baking all sorts of sweets and goodies. Here’s a peek at how we decorated the breakfast nook and kitchen areas with gingerbread men in mind…

A Personalized Pet Traveling Kit
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A Personalized Pet Traveling Kit

I’m always surprised at the reaction of other travelers when we get out of the car (which is actually an SUV) with three dogs. While we certainly did not start out with three dogs (think yours, mine and ours) they’ve all become part of the family and I’m 100% sure our lives are richly blessed because they are in it. Here are a few things to consider if you’re traveling with pets (specifically dogs) this holiday season and how to make a personalized pet traveling kit for your favorite furry friend…

Holiday Simmer Pot Recipe & Hostess Gift Idea
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Holiday Simmer Pot Recipe & Hostess Gift Idea

Simmer pots are a great alternative to candles if you have allergies or prefer a more natural approach to creating a signature scent for your home. I asked my mom to share her holiday simmer pot with us and while she didn’t really have a recipe per se (isn’t that like all Southern moms…a pinch of this, a dash of that or just a little shake) she shared her list of ingredients and I tried to recreate the rest. Holiday simmer pots are super easy to make and give away. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to create a holiday simmer pot and a hostess gift idea of your own…

Last Minute Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas
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Last Minute Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

The transition from Fall to Thanksgiving is always an interesting one, right? It seems like it should be rather seamless given pumpkins, leaves, acorns, branches, plaids and mums are all plentiful. If you start decorating in late September, you may be ready to pack “all things fall” away, you may be hosting Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving or loved ones by the fire pit. Whatever stage you find yourself in at the beginning of this holiday season, here’s a bit of Thanksgiving inspiration for you especially if you’re working on all the last minute details…

Fall in Blue Ridge

Fall in Blue Ridge

We arrived home late last night to celebrate Fall in Blue Ridge. We were visiting family for an early Thanksgiving. Normally, I have a full list of places I want to go and new adventures to experience. But this time, I decided to go with the flow and let things happen spontaneously. Here’s a peek into our trip and Fall in Blue Ridge…

Outdoor Fall Tablescape
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Outdoor Fall Tablescape

Have you guys ever heard of the crappy dinner party? You know the dinner parties you used to throw just for fun long before every detail had to be Instagram-able. It’s been a while since I’ve hosted a crappy dinner party but I’m considering the concept for our Friendsgiving. I’ll let you know what I decide. Until then, I thought I’d share an easy to create outdoor fall tablescape in case the thought of hosting a crappy dinner makes you cringe…

Fall Porch Tour
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Fall Porch Tour

As I mentioned yesterday, I spent a good portion of last week adding fall touches to the front porch. Mums have quickly become one of my seasonal “must haves” and this year I’ve used them throughout the house and on the porches too. Grab a cup of hot cider or a pumpkin spice latte and let me show you around… Welcome to our Fall Front Porch Tour!

Fall Decorating: The Breakfast Nook
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Fall Decorating: The Breakfast Nook

Once the rest of your spaces in your home are settled, fall decorating in the breakfast nook should be fairly easy. This is one of the reasons, sticking to a similar color palate and style is so important especially if you’re living in a home with an open floor plan. You may be thinking, “What’s the catch?” but let me assure you, there’s no catch. You can do this. Here are a few things to consider when decorating the breakfast nook for fall…