nest egg

Merry and Bright*

Merry Christmas!!

We're at home with family in Birmingham. 

Internet/phones have been down for the past 3 days. And to top it off the power went out the other night. No reason... a squirrel must have gotten some happy feet on the transformer out here in the woods.

 It's been kind of nice... and gives us an excuse to light every single candle in our house. 

My mom and I decided some 'greenery' was much needed in her table setting. Luckily we live in a wooded area with lots of moss so we grabbed our flashlights and went on a midnight hunt for moss.

Came back with a bag full!

 

I'm signing off for the week, but before I do- 

What's Christmas without a few humiliating Christmas cards from years past...??

 

My mom (left) and her two sisters in front of their country christmas tree straight off the farm.
  

My first Christmas... (or second?)

Ahhh yes. The year we put a donkey in our christmas card. That's my little brother, Cooper. (and the boy to the left? no idea.)  

 

 A drawing by me, 7 yrs old. Check out my Dad's creepy face...

 
the picture that went with it... as always- strangling our animals.

 

Although it's been said

many times, many ways

Merry Christmas    to you!

 
 

Share.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it's hard to keep grounded... atleast for me. The pace is so hectic, the shopping, the traffic, the ticking time bomb of buying gifts!! I find it to be alot like wedding planning. You can easily get so tied up in the details that you forget what you're even celebrating! The week before Christmas always tends to stress me out and keep me distracted from the REAL reason for the season. Instead of making a list of what I don't have I should be making a list of what I DO have. 

On this blog I talk and dream about the concept of HOME. The safe haven. The familiar smell. The one place you feel truly comfortable...  Your home.    Now can you imagine what it's like to not have one? When I think about the millions of people in the world without a place to call home I get weak in the knees...

So this Christmas I encourage you (and  MYSELF) to share your nest egg with those who have never had one. 

Here are a few gifts that I would never regret giving:

give freedom,

Fight for justice for those who can't fight for themselves by donating to The International Justice Mission, 

give a voice,

stop puppy mills by donating to The Humane Society (yes, I had to put that picture)

give hope,

 help to end world hunger by giving to Heifer International

give education,

Give someone a Mekong Blue scarf and change the lives of others! More info here. 

give a shoebox,

 Donate to Operation Christmas Child to bring joy to someone's life this season.

give presence*,

As much as your family or friends might drive you crazy during the holidays be present this year. Spend quality time with the people that you love.

LAST BUT LEAST $

give prayer.

 

This Christmas pray for those around the world that are less fortunate than we are. I truly think it's the best gift we can give. 

There are SO many wonderful organizations out there!! I could go on forever. Feel free to share one of your favorites in the comments below.

I hope you all have a great weekend..

 <note from Children's Letters to God, (that adorable book!!) and last image from Martha Stewart>

A Christmas Cottage

Is there anything about that title that isn't enticing? A home is much cozier during the christmas season... but a cottage?? Even better.

This has always been one of my favorite articles out of Cottage Living's December issue back in 2007. 

 

And it just so happens that the owner,Kitty White, lives in Birmingham in my (old) neck of the woods! Kitty decorated this adorable cottage with the help of the fabulous architect Bill Ingram and designer Betsy Brown. 

I love her use of natural elements such as berries and birch wood for decoration. For more ideas on how to use branches to decorate click here. 

*The wall paint throughout is  cloud white  by Benjamin Moore.

I love this idea: Instead of the traditional sofa/chair combo in front of a fireplace, she put four comfortable chairs around a coffee table.  

Beautiful living room... and tree! Dang. 

 The window panels are the opaque linen window panels from west elm! In white. 

AND the seagrass rugs are the color-bound ones from Pottery Barn. 

<insider tips from Cottage Living>

 

TTN: the mix of materials here is genius. The rustic ceilings mixed with the classic marble countertops, the industrial light fixture mixed with the polished nickel (double**) sinks, the traditional barstools mixed with the metal backsplash behind the cooktop... the mix goes on. 

And notice what appears to be a wood cutting board in between the sinks-?? See it above? Now look at the picture below...
 

Yet another clever detail that allows for mobile counterspace and easy cleaning.
 

*The floors were designed by Ingram: diamond-patterned bluestone outlined with strips of hardwood.

A high-backed banquette and table create a small dining nook in the kitchen.   

  

I love the dark trim and doors in this house. Notice the dark painted shutters in the dining room- if they were white it wouldn't be the same... Agree?

As for the walls: Kitty painted this design herself- with the help of masking tape! (and patience, I'm sure:) And the ceiling: glossy?! Great, unexpected addition.
 
 
 once again... a good mix.

 

 

Kitty, the homeowner, now sells her own fabulous creations- from hand painted fabrics to jewelry to children's clothing! Click here to visit her designs online.

 
 
 Lastly, in the article Kitty states: "I'd rather have a small space with beautiful finishes than a big space that compromises the details."  With the current state of the economy I think we'll see a lot of this in the upcoming years- and in my opinion it will be a pleasant change. 

all photos from Cottage Living and Southern Living

  

50 Gifts under $50

Get Ready.

I have compiled 50 great gifts and have been adding to this list for a few weeks to make sure it's extra full of finds. I didn't divide them into mens, womens, kids because alot of them are gender neutral- and I don't want to offend the female readers who would like a toolkit for Christmas. Cruise through this list and I guarantee you'll find the perfect gift for someone!

*Click on title of each gift to link to website

Art Set, (which includes practically everything a creative junky needs), Garnet Hill, $25

Horned Bottle Opener, stylish/functional (no marital arguments here!), Anthropologie, $28 

Linnea Poster Calendar, *my sweet aunt gives me these every year! And I am not really a 'calendar person' but I'm not kidding- these prints brighten my month. Frame it and prop it up in the kitchen for some extra color. Linnea Designs, $28. And if you want to be extra nice you can add an 11x14 frame to your gift. Click here for a good one. 

Mens AND Women's cashmere socks, Garnet Hill, $24 

  
Prints from Lollie, my friend and wonderful artist, check out her etsy shop for more, $35

Gift of Chicks, $20.00, Heifer International- Great charity! "Heifer helps many hungry families with a starter flock of 10 to 50 chicks. A good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a year - plenty to eat, share or sell. With Heifer recipients' commitment to pass on the offspring and training, the exponential impact of adding chickens to communities in poverty is truly a model that helps end hunger and poverty. "- click on title for more info

   

Handpainted measuring cups, set of four, Anthropologie, $32
 
 
Glove compartment tool kit- I even need one of these!, Restoration Hardware, $22 

Photo Puzzle- make a puzzle with personal pictures!, Kodak Gallery, $24.99

Leather coasters, monogrammed, Pottery Barn, $29

Colored Glass tumblers, Set of 6, Wisteria, $34

 
Neck warmer , Wuvit, Mom's will wuv it., $19

 Satin Jewelry Traveler, so handy and stylish!, comes in other colors, Jcrew, $39.50 

 
Tabletop Air Hockey!! You know you want one. JcPenney,(seen in Real Simple), $29

My Favorite Cookbook. Ok, I know that's a big claim so I'll just say it is in my top 3. Amazon, $23 

  
 
 West Elm Boxes, personalized, natural bone, or lacquered, great gift for anyone!, from $12-$49

Super stylish dog bed, (don't forget your pets!), Molly Mutt, $38 

 
 
 Penguin Hardcover classics-  Remember how I recommended taking off ugly book jackets to make your bookcases look better? Well, now you don't have to! These are beautiful editions to some of the classics like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, etc., Amazon, around $13 each. 

 
 
 

Make Your Own Monster Kit! Fun for kids (and adults!??), Reform School Rules, (seen in Real Simple), $24

  
City Neighborhood Posters, super cool, for those that love their city. Ork Posters, $22 

 Customized Sigg Water Bottles- eco-friendly, "cool people" use them :), make it personal, $28

Marshmallow shooter,you heard me!, Neiman Marcus, $25

 

Travel Journals, Hable Construction, $35

The Good Card.  A gift certificate to the philanthropy world. You set the price, recipients pick the charity.  

 

LL Bean Classic Totes! Can't go wrong...L.L.Bean, starting at $17

Or these from Ballard Designs...

Personalized and only $25!

 
 Men's sueded jersey, Jcrew, $49

Women's Fleece pullover, Jcrew, $45 

Roberta Roller Rabbit Napkins, $8 each 

 

Duvet Footies, Restoration Hardware, 

 
  A subscription to House Beautiful or Elle Decor , $10... Come on! Keep them alive!

  
 
 Or my other 2 faves: Flower mag and  Everyday Food, $15 

Melting Bud Vase, Anthropologie, $14 

 
Catch Phrase! One of my all-time favorite games. $27 

 Baby on the way? Get them a personalized onesie made with care by Brooke from Blueprint Bliss!, $12

Monogrammed mugs, Anthropologie, $6 each

 
 Scarves from Wisteria, $29

St. Jude garment bag- all proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, $29

 

The best winter candle ever. Thyme's Frasier Fir, $26

 
Personalized Notepads... Like lists? Me too. Like pictures to remind you that your 'to do' list is not as important as your family or friends?? Me too.     These are from Picpads- all you have to do is send them a picture, they do the rest. $32 for 2 list pads

 
UP on DVD, anyone at any age would like this movie, $16.99 

 
Nate Berkus Greek Key Tray, stylish addition to any home!, $49 

 
Dinner Conversation Napkins- for adults, kids, and teens. Great way to get the table talking! Wisteria, $23 

Tocca candles set- includes 4 different fragrances (so you're guaranteed to get atleast ONE they like!), Sephora, $42 
 

Weathered Wood Jewelry Cabinet, Urban Outfitters, $36
 

AM I AT 50 YET???

Ahhh yes, 

And a partridge in a pear tree.  Kate Spade Card set, Sax, $35

Happy Shopping! Feel free to fwd this list to your friends and family as a subtle hint.

And for more great ideas check out Style Blueprint's lists. Click here, here, and here.

XOSanta's Helper

Vintage Christmas

One of my favorite boutique stores in Nashville is one called Gilchrist-Gilchrist. I recently went in the store and felt like I walked into a winter wonderland. No joke. But it's always like that- The whimsical cottage feel, beautiful vintage finds, the laid-back vibe, good company, soothing music, ALL result in one charming store. 

The owner, Genia Gilchrist, takes shabby chic to a new level. I knew she had style but THEN I saw her house in Southern Living... MAJOR style. Good thing she shared some of her Christmas decorating tips!!.. Here are a few:

 

Welcome guests with festive porch planters. {These are filled with small spruce trees and filled with magnolia leaves.} Keep it simple, keep it green. (that's my input. Ok, now my input is in green)

That's Genia! She's sweet as pie. And check out her boots! :) 

 

Indulge your senses- and put a jar in the family room full of Christmas cookies. {Yup. Ours cookies would be gone within a day.}
 

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree- MORE is better.

 

Sneak in Sentimental pieces. Her tree skirt is made out of an old petticoat- a gift from her friend. She took the skirt apart at the seam and laid it around the tree base. ....{ I want one!!}
 

Set the mood with mercury glass.

 

Genia is a big fan of mercury glass- and how can you argue with her looking at these gorgeous pictures?? Click here for her very helpful tips on buying mercury glass.
 
 

Tie it together with One Color. 

Each year Genia picks a color and buys different types and textures of ribbon in those colors. She ties them to all of her wreaths and even wraps her Christmas presents in them that year! (see picture above of the gift under the tree- Such a good idea! )

 

Use clear glass to serve as a subtle back drop when displaying Christmas decor.
 

Hang garlands in unexpected spaces. Don't limit them to front doors and banisters... For fresh garland she recommends The Garland Farm. (Love this image)

Wreaths of three unify a space.

Another one of her style secrets: Stack a few wrapped presents in unconventional spaces to add pops of color in any room!
  

 

Group heirlooms or collectibles together to make an impact. (Looks a lot better than having them scattered throughout the house, doesn't it?)
 
 

Dress up great finds like this vintage window frame! And mix metallics with fresh evergreens. 
 

Embellish what you already have. 

Genia incorporates vintage bottlebrush trees and reindeer into her year-round mercury glass collection. She then adds sprigs of greenery and seeded eucalyptus for accents.(this pretty picture reminds me a lot of her store)

To read Southern Accent's full article click here.

And if you are ever in Nashville you must stop by Gilchrist-Gilchrist. Genia's home is just a glimpse into the unique pieces you'll find in her store. Not to mention the friendly little butler that greets you at the door. (Click here to see him)

 And the bedding!!  Oh, the bedding. Which reminds me- I ordered a gorgeous pillow and have been meaning to pick it up from her for weeks. Genia, if you're reading- I promise I haven't forgotten! But I think it'd be best if we met at your house. OK? Ok, cool.   :)

 

All photos through Southern Accents by Laurey W. Glenn

Southern Accents Article by Madeline Crawford
  

Good Things

1. A Face

Unpacking Christmas stuff and finding this dude:

 

2. A Candle

I had heard about it several places- Style Blueprint and Blueprint Bliss to name a few- and was intrigued... "the best christmas tree candle out there"??? I wonder...

 Then I walked into a client's house last week and immediately said "Oh my gosh-WHAT is that amazing smell?!!" Thyme's Frasier Fir, ofcourse!!

Let me tell you something-the rumors are true... this candle is amazing. 

 

Go get one.

3. A Great Movie

I saw The Blind Side this weekend... SO GOOD! I absolutely loved it. Hoyt did too. It was such an encouraging, beautiful story that will have you walking out of the theater ready to change the world (and totally forgetting about the fact that going to a movie now costs $10/person) !! 

4. An Ornament 

Three years ago my mom gave us a few ornaments for our Christmas tree. One of the ornaments was a little orange cat that resembled Hobbes. 

Hobbes ignored all the other dangling ornaments... except this one. His mini-me. He literally HATES his mini-me and freaks out every time he sees him.  

 
 The ornament will disappear for months and every now and then Hoyt and I will see him-- or what's left of him...

  

Poor guy... never saw it comin'.

 5. A Bookcase

My new office has been a complete MESS.. until now. I got the BIG expedit bookcase from Ikea! Hoyt was sweet enough to put it together tonight and it has already made the biggest difference. As soon as I clean my office I'll post a picture... promise. But if you're needing something inexpensive to help you get organized- get this bookcase.

 5. NestElf

 
This year I have been moonlighting as  Santa's helper- finding gifts for kids, wives, the whole family. (I love it!)  I have done quite a lot of online shopping, looking around stores, frequent trips to the North Pole, and flipping through magazines and have found that almost every store is featuring gifts under $50. I've picked some of my favorites and am working on a 50 under $50 post for last minute gifts. Stay tuned!!

 

 
  

Wreath Shopping

Hey friends,

Have you started decorating for Christmas? Are you finished decorating for Christmas? Well... I haven't started. So if you are on the same boat as me you probably could use some spiked egg-nog inspiration. One of my favorite things to decorate with is....

the wreath

via cottage living.... What a great picture!!! Want to eat it up. 

via domino mag

The traditional wreath's circular shape represents everlasting life because it has no beginning and no end...

via martha stewart

via country living

source unknown

via martha stewart.... for a similar look see 'moss wreath' below. 

Where to hang?

Sure, you can put it over the mantel or on the front door. But consider stepping outside the box this year and place your wreath in a different location. Here are some ideas...

< all images below are from country living unless otherwise noted >

Hang a simple wreath in a room you spend a lot of time in. 

I love the picture above because the greenery is all you need to add the perfect pop to your white kitchen. 

hang a wreath inside an empty vintage frame

or on your cupboard... or buffet...

dried crimson cockscomb glued on a grapevine leaf... for a similar look see 'crimson blossom' below

little wreaths made out of boxwood clippings and wreath wire! Great way to add life to your shelves!! I think I may do this... anyone have a boxwood I could borrow? :)

Wreaths don't have to be traditional- you can stick things you like on them.. like in this case- gilded starfish and sand dollars.

I love the image above... The color combination is so subtle and peaceful. Hang a small wreath on the end of your bed like the one above made out of paperwhites.

Or like the ones in this beautiful room...

 
image via southern accents 

A grid of smaller wreaths makes a statement on this blue wall...

Where to buy?
Here are some wreaths I have seen around town, in magazines, and online that I really like (and hope to get one this year!)...

If you are in the Nashville you should check out Santa's Trees- they have the most gorgeous garlands and wreaths you'll find in the area- read more about this local company over at Style Blueprint. I trust these girls... you should too. 

I have to admit. I prefer my tree and wreaths to be fresh (it's the smell) but some of these artificial wreaths have been singing to me lately. And you can't beat the fact that you can enjoy them year after year...

 

Green Berry wreath from Target... $22 

 

Pomegranate Wreath- Restoration Hardware... $35-$65

Williams Sonoma's Fall Wreath... pretty, $149 

Moss wreath from Timeless Elements, $89

Simple, classic square wreath from Garnet Hill, $86

 
Crimson blossom wreath from Crate & Barrel, $59.95 

Succulent wreath!  from VivaTerra.... it's ALIIIIVE!!

I'm loving this one this year.  (From Roost Co.- to the trade) $30. If you are interested in getting one of these leave a comment or email me... I'll hook a sista/brotha up!

 
Ornament Wreaths from Z Gallerie, $20 

Last but Least $
 

Berry Wreath, Pier One, only $19

Which wreath do you prefer? 

The living, the berry, the ornamental, the leafy fall, the natural, or the square?

 

{note to months} September/October/November

Dear September thru November- oops, I dropped the ball.

I said I'd do a note each month but, alas, it's already fall.

I barely found time to blog, much less write you a letter

but Autumn is my favorite season!.. does that make you feel better?

  

Now Thanksgiving break is behind us

and my office is in complete disarray-

but the good news is, these past 3 months-

I have learned something new every day:

1. There are not enough teal fabrics in this world - I, for one, can attest,

and no matter what the sources say, simple is always best. (2)

 

3. When you finally receive a chandelier, 

and before you watch it glimmer,

make sure it is hung in the perfect spot and put it on a dimmer.

 

4. Whenever you fold your laundry 

and put your clothes where they belong

if your mismatched sock pile looks like this-

 
 something is clearly WRONG.

5. When packages arrive for clients,

 don't throw the box away yet!

instead cut out a window and Voila! A home for your pet.

 

6. When magazines go out of business 

and you cry out for the sake of design- :(

Be hopeful for the future and check out this new mag online:

7. If the bad weather keeps bringing you down,

 making you quick to complain

buy yourself some killer boots and you'll find yourself praying for rain.

8. When you go to the flea market and find nothing- 

your plan B is totally wrecked-

Take some time to walk around and appreciate what others collect...

9. Spend quality time with family (my nephew & 2 nieces below)

And watch this modern one on ABC- it's definitely my new favorite show.

10. When you're working hard on a jobsite

 and the problems keep getting thicker,

No matter what happens my friends-

Don't turn to the LIQUOR!

Things got hectic through {you three}

-I guess the days of boredom are gone.

So tell December that I'm ready.

 The holidays??? Oh please... Bring it ON!

 <Lonny mag photo from their website; rest of photos by me>

happy turkey

 

Wherever I am, God is, and all is well.

 
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

I, for one, am stuffed. :)
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  

This Thanksgiving- Branching Out

This Thanksgiving Hoyt and I are branching out,

and hosting his parents in Nashville. !

This Thanksgiving I can barely remember to feed my cat,

so the turkey is coming from Whole Foods. :)

This Thanksgiving I truly have A LOT to be thankul for!!

But not a lot of time to decorate...

So, If you're like me and you're looking for an inexpensive and quick way to spruce up your home for Thanksgiving try taking a look in your own backyard (or your neighbors! :). I am always inspired by the rooms that have branches (dead or alive) as their main source of decoration. 

 

via pottery barn

 

via house beautiful

 

source unknown

 via bhg

steven gambrel, via habitually chic

 

 

 via bhg

 

 via martha stewart

*I realize some of these branches are not 'in season' but you get the idea...

 via martha stewart

via restoration hardware

 

 via domino mag

via met home

via hgtv

via elle decor

via restoration hardware

 

via house beautiful
**fig branches (Where can I find these?! If you live in Nashville and have these in your backyard- call me! I'll gladly swap decorating advice for a few figs)

 This Thanksgiving I plan to get out my pruning sheers and get creative.

and by 'get out my pruning sheers' I mean: Go to Target and buy some.