Holiday Archives - Page 3 of 9

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Podcast + Valentine Wreath

Happy Celebrate Southern Day! Yup, it’s officially a day on my calendar, so let’s celebrate! First things first, there is a new episode of the Celebrate Southern Podcast LIVE! This week, J and I are discussing MEDIA KITS for bloggers! She is a pro on this topic so I can’t wait for you to listen in! I learned SO MUCH! You can listen along on the righthand side of my blog or right here:

If you want to see the notes for this podcast (or catch up on past podcasts) please click here.

Now how about a fun DIY project, right in time for February 14?

Just in case you haven’t noticed… I absolutely adore wreaths. They add a great touch of southern flair to any naked corner of your home, indoors or out. Yes, I said naked. Giggle giggle. With all of the recent cleaning and packing happening around the house - I went back and forth on whether or not I wanted to “decorate” for Valentine’s Day. I decided to just stick with the mantle and then make a cute wreath.

In case you need to check out my wreath resume before proceeding any further into this post, you can see one here, here, and my favorite spring one here!

The best part of this Valentine’s wreath project is that it is really simple and takes very little time. Please don’t feel that just because this lovely, loving Hallmark Holiday is less than a week away that you don’t have time for one last festive project. This project will take you five minutes and really doesn’t even need a tutorial. You just grab your glue gun, your wreath-y supplies, then go crazy!

Supplies:

Grapevine Wreath. The wreath I used was buried in my messy craft closet. I bought about 5 of them last year when they were on sale for $3 each.
Valentine Ornaments (or Clearance Christmas Ornaments in Valentine-y colors!) I found mine at Walmart for $1.24 a piece… not so shabby right?
Hot Glue Gun
Ribbon (preferably wired ribbon)

Directions:

Pick your pattern and plan where you want to lay your ornaments. Again, super easy. I’m pretty sure even Chloe could’ve made this wreath if I let her use the glue gun. Once you have your color and pattern plan - start gluing! Keep in mind that you need to leave space for the ribbon. (I used leftover ribbon from a Christmas project… I feel like the addition of the ribbon really helps make it pop. Oh, and it’s sparkly so duh.) I have yet to master the “real wreath bow” making. You know, those super gorgeous, loopy ones? So I stick to the simple bow tie. If anyone has tips on how to make beautiful wreath bows - please help a sister out.

Ta daaaa! Here is my finished, 5 minute Valentine Grapevine Wreath. It cost me a mere $5 and can easily be recreated. So get on that… it’s not to late for one last valentine decoration this year!

2 cats & chloe: valentine burlap banner // DIY Wreath // Grapevine wreath

And because a have a few more cute valentine-y decorations up… heres a little sneak peek of a couple more projects you can easily recreate as well! I love my burlap heart banner and “Love Letters” that are simply covered in scrapbook paper!

What Valentine’s projects did you do this year? Do you have any plans with your significant other this weekend?

As always, thanks for joining stopping by and joining the linkup fun! Let us know what you think about the podcast! Like I said, I found this information extremely helpful and I think you will as well. Now you know the drill - get to it and have a wonderful week!

*I’m linking up here today!

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What Women Want For Valentines (or any other day really…)

by Susan

With Valentines Day just around the corner I thought it would be really fun to put together a post about what women would really like from their men. No… I’m not going all “50 Shades” on you. I’m talking about gifts from the heart.

My husband, who is probably reading this post, post-publishing, grimacing his face, rolling his eyes and thinking “Oh Lord, what has she done now?” is a really amazing practical gift giver. I’ve gotten some really, really nice things from him. Things that I needed. Things that were absolutely useful. Things like computer software, an iPod docking station, paleo ketchup and a satellite radio subscription. While all of those gifts are things I love and use (I don’t mean to sound ungrateful) they are all lacking one thing: Romance.

Now ladies, we cannot hold this against our men. We love and adore them no matter what. But some of them are fundamentally just practical gift-givers. I polled several of my girlfriends and heard the same thing over and over again: a little more thought and romance would go a long way. I then asked each of them for a gift (or gesture) that they would love for their guy to give them.

So men, if you’re stressing over what to get your gal, here is a great list of ideas just in time for the upcoming day we all love to hate: Valentine’s Day. (This list also applies but is not limited to birthdays, anniversaries, Talk-like-a-Pirate-Day, Christmas and/or any random Saturday.)

1 // Even though we love you and your social updates on politics, burritos and gym memes… We would feel like a giddy highschooler again if you updated your Facebook status with a picture of us, or heck, a compliment about your wonderful girl would even go a long way. Just don’t be excessive… no one likes too much PDFBA! (Public Display of FaceBook Affection)

2 // Flowers for special occasions are nice. Flowers for no reason are even nicer. Even if I am the type of girl who keeps fresh flowers in the house… it’s the fact that you went out of your way to buy these, just for me, that really means something. Also, if you can go a couple steps further and put them in a vase, bonus points!

3 // Jewelry is wonderful. Even if it’s not expensive jewels. A charm, simple necklace or even an inexpensive made-in-China Charming Charlie’s find… it’s a token of your love that we can wear. When someone compliments it, we can say “thanks, my man got this for me!”

4 // A card or note. Newsflash: Girls love notes! A lot of us have a box with all of the cards in it that you’ve given us. You wouldn’t believe how far a post-it note on the mirror that says “you are beautiful” or “I love you” would get ya… Guys, it cannot get much easier than this. Yes it’s possible to woo your girl with three words on a post-it.

2 cats & chloe: valentines gifts for women, love you post-it note, romantic gifts for women

5 // Speaking of notes… with today’s advancements in technology, sometimes we just don’t have post-its laying around. A simple, “Good morning” or “Good night” text, or an “I hope you’re having a great day, love you!” text will go miles.

6 // A weekend away! Sure a nice weekend in a fancy hotel would be extremely ideal and romantic… but don’t think some of us wouldn’t be happy if you said “HEY! We are going camping this weekend! Pack your bags!” (PS. Remember those bonus points you’re trying to rack up? You will get a few more of them if you have figured out arrangements for the kids/pets/house/etc prior surprising us with a weekend away!)

7 // Come home with a bottle of wine or champagne for no good reason. Just do it. Especially if you did number 5 and learned your girl is having a rough day. Everyone benefits. Add a few dark chocolate covered strawberries = booooonnuuuussssss!

8 // Even at the age of 30, I would love to have one of those scavenger hunt date nights. You know, where you put thought into a few pit stops and it ends somewhere special or fun, or even at a bar for a glass of wine!

9 // Long distance? This is one of the few times that a super practical gift is acceptable. OR when your girl is traveling out of town. This is when a few minutes of thought in target or the grocery store can go a very long way. Think: Care package!

10 // Plan a picnic. I know it sounds cheesier than all RomCom moments you can possibly imagine - but plan a lunch in a park. Here’s a hint, you don’t even have to cook! Pick up chipotle, or her favorite, easy lunch. Pick a place: think park, beach, the lot where you are going to build your future house, a family cottage or in-town “getaway.” The key is to have it all planned out before you force her away from her computer and into your car… have the food and blanket waiting. Don’t tell her where you are going. (Stay away from the blindfold in the car though… nothing ruins a romantic picnic like vomming from motion sickness.)

11 // A couples massage. Yes, she would love a massage. I have yet to meet a girl who does not love an afternoon at the spa. And if you’ve already gifted her a massage, snaps for you. Wanna up the romance and minimize the knots in your back at the same time? Opt for a couples massage.

12 // Spend a couple of hours creating a photobook or collage for her. Whether its pictures from a vacation, photos documenting a year together, an album of your kids and family, or even pictures and funny jokes the two of you share. It’s things like this that she will hold on to and treasure. I was always so jealous of my college roommate… her boyfriend, now husband, made her an 8×10 collage every single year they were together. They now have a wall full of framed collages packed with pictures, ticket stubs and memories that their kids are looking at every day when they walk down the hallway.

2 cats & chloe: Target and Homegoods to decorate

13 // One last freebie for you. This is an easy one: Keep the house clean. Keep the darn toilet seat down. Put the throw pillows back in their proper places. Empty the dishwasher. Be still my heart.

So gents, remember, it’s not always the dollar amount that matters. Thoughtful, creative gestures are really the way to score the bonus points this Valentine’s Day. It’s a win-win for everyone because I’m pretty sure you will really enjoy cashing in all those bonus points you rack up. Wink Wink.

Ladies - what am I missing? What would you LOVE for your man to give you for Valentine’s Day?

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: A Southern Christmas Home Tour

by Susan

Seriously - let’s just take five seconds to breathe. Can you believe that Christmas is THIS WEEK! Holy guacamole - when, how, why, wait.. what?! I cannot even grasp where this year has gone. I swear, as I get older, time just flies by quicker and quicker. I assume that my grandmother must sneeze and it’s a new year.

It’s time that I joined BlogWorld and bring you a mini-version of what most of you have been posting recently: these beautiful, creative, Christmas home tours. Here are a few shots of festiveness that you will find around my house… Hope you enjoy!

My wedding wish tree all dressed up for Christmas with my Beach Christmas Village underneath it…

(Above) I love the church in this village. It weirdly looks just like the church we got married in! Glitter and all!

(Below) We have this very awkward “fireplace” room in our house. Every other time of the year I just breeze right through it. But as Christmas arrives, it becomes the prettiest room in our home. Our tree is covered in ornaments that we have collected through all of our travels. I have been picking up an ornament on every vacation or country/state I have visited for the last 10ish years. It really makes decorating the tree a very special thing, remembering past adventures and wonderful memories.

Notice my newest decorative piece this year… do you see Rudolph over the mantel? Cute right?!

Since our official tree isn’t actually in our den, I have this tiny one, that I purchased in 9th grade, all decked out next to my blanket ladder. Notice the gum drop garland?! I think they are so fun!

When I was on vacation many years ago in San Antonio, TX, I found this stained glass Nativity Scene. It’s not large, by any means, but I think it is so cute and unique.

And no Christmas is complete with out bags and bags of brand new, neon yellow tennis balls under the tree. Surprisingly, the k9s haven’t even messed with them yet. Fun Fact: If you want to drive a border collie crazy, drop 15 tennis balls in the room at one time. It’s the closest thing we can get to herding sheep…

I decided to go a bit rustic with my tablescape this year… I found these super cute reindeer {one is wearing a bow tie while the other is wearing a normal tie… because deer always need to look dapper} and then paired them with a couple gold and white striped taper candles, a few poinsettias and my metal center piece that I bought at a Swiss Christmas Market two years ago. When my advent candles are lit, you see the houses cut into the rusted metal.

And because no blog post is complete without a cute puppy picture… man I wish she would stay this size forever:

Now join the fun! Link up with J and me! Show us your southern inspired posts! Looking for a theme? Think Christmas, Crafts, DIY, Fashion, Foodie Amazingness, or even a southern city you have visited or live in! I would LOVE to see how Christmas is celebrated around other southern cities!

A favorite of mine from last week was FrugElegent‘s Christmas Home Tour! Wanna see a stunning home? Go check them out!

As always, thanks for stopping in… your love, comments and support mean the world to me. Merry Christmas and Cheers Y’all!

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CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Cotton and Magnolia Thanksgiving Setting

by Susan

Yes, I’m that girl. The girl who has her Thanksgiving tablescape in mind a month or so prior to the holiday. I also had my tables moved and set last week. Yes, LAST WEEK! A week and a half prior to Turkey Day!! You see, I suffer from the occasional bout of anxiety, and having our tables set and ready, put me at ease and allowed me to be a bit more creative and a lot less stressed. So today, while we are Celebrating all things Southern - I want to share my place settings for Thursday with you!

Do you remember a few weeks ago when I “borrowed” a bucket or two of cotton from a Carolina farmer? Remember how I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do with the cotton branches? Well… I think they were put to great use! Who knew that Magnolia leaves and Cotton Plants paired so well to form an elegant, festive look?

As you can see, I put some of my golden wedding decorations to use for this table setting too. {I have 200 gold chargers in my closet in case any one needs to rent them!} I also used a few of our left over golden glitter votives, because what’s a celebration without a bit of glitter?? The burlap runner was actually cut off of a humungous spool of burlap from Liz’s wedding {that her mom gifted me at the end of the night! i.e. best gift ever!}

I did swing by World Market this past week and found a great deal on these burgundy cloth napkins, a wine bottle turkey outfit, and these oh so fun gold and white striped candle sticks!

While I LOVE decorations and awesomely creative centerpieces, I feel like the excessive details are not 100% necessary for Thanksgiving. My table, while it looks nice, does look a bit “empty” in the eye of this event planner. But that was done for a reason. We are a “pass-the-green-bean-casserole” kinda family. We try to put as much food on the table as possible, rather than plating up in the kitchen like we do for normal dinners.

I spray painted magnolia leaves {again, “borrowed” from my parents’ front yard} with a metallic gold spray paint, and then used a sharpee to write little notes on them. My favorite being “Gobble Gobble!” My original plan was to write each person’s name on them in a fancy font but as it seems, our guest count keeps changing and I didn’t want anyone to feel left out.

And since I do not like to waste great crafting supplies, I threaded a few more cotton balls and hung them on our wedding wish tree! I absolutely adore the rustic, yet chic look of the cotton plant as a decorative piece. I highly recommend you “borrow” some for your own home next year!

Are you hosting Thanksgiving at your house? Do you have anything special planned for your decor? I’m really excited to bring together both families, lots of food {including gluten free stuffing!!} and tons of pies and sweets. Tis the season y’all!

Now join the Celebrate Southern fun! Share a Southern-Inspired post of any topic! We welcome and love posts about crafts, fashion, home decor, recipes, holiday traditions, pets, and even reviews of great southern restaurants and cities! Grab a button and link up below! Then come back later this week… Olivia Benson is taking over my blog! {Yup, you read that right! See you then!}

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SWS - Thanksgiving Kids’ Table vs Adults’ Table?

by Susan

Happy Saturday friends! I have big news coming for you on Monday… but as always, this time of the week, around these parts… it’s time for Say What Saturday! As the Thanksgiving Holiday is seriously just around the corner {WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THIS YEAR GO?!} I felt it was only fitting to ask… where will you be sitting? At the Adult or Kid Table?

Meet These Bloggers: Liz from I Heart Vegetables, Lindsay from Bourbon, Lipstick and Stilettos, Brooke and Erica from Pumps and Pushups, Samantha from It’s All In The Details, and J from A Hot Southern Mess

So this year, we are hosting both families here at my house. {Above is a sneak peek at my Thanksgiving Tables setup… yes, I’ve already started working on it. Only because I’m an event planner!}

I’ve always wondered what age it is, exactly, that allows you to move on up to the “grownups” table. Which really just leads to a deeper and darker question, at what age do you consider yourself an adult? I mean, at 30, I suppose, by default, I am an adult. I can make big decisions, rent a car, and buy a puppy. So, by default, I’m an adult. I don’t feel like one at all though… until my 13 year old neighbor has to teach me about the newest apps and cool nail polish.

I digress… This year, we will have two tables. But they will be blended with two families along side of kids and adults. {Because yes, I still consider myself a kid, and if we had a kid table, I’d be sitting there.

Have yourselves a very merry Saturday! Cheers Y’all!

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Podcast + Valentine Wreath

Supplies:

Directions:

What Women Want For Valentines (or any other day really…)

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: A Southern Christmas Home Tour

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Cotton and Magnolia Thanksgiving Setting

SWS - Thanksgiving Kids’ Table vs Adults’ Table?

Meet These Bloggers: Liz from I Heart Vegetables, Lindsay from Bourbon, Lipstick and Stilettos, Brooke and Erica from Pumps and Pushups, Samantha from It’s All In The Details, and J from A Hot Southern Mess

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