It's a New Year...

...almost! Time to pop the bubbly and ring in 2012 with friends and loved ones!

Plans for 2012

Do you like or make New Years resolutions? I don't make them because I know they'll just get broken. Instead of making an unrealistic, silly promise to myself like "I'm going to stop eating carbs" (yeah right!) I'm going to instead make a list of reasonable and much needed things to work towards and accomplish this year.

Have you set your goals for 2012?

Time to Get Organized

With 2012 just around the corner it's time to pick out a new planner. Do you have a go to planner that you refill every year or perhaps you purchase a new style every year. Right now I have a cheapo Barnes and Noble half off special from last year. This year I'm keeping my options open and thinking of stepping up to a more quality and stylish one of sorts. Here's some options for you to choose from if you are the organized type.

1. Kate Spade Tudor City

2. Sarah Pinto 

3. Cavallini Leather 

4. Jonathan Adler

5. Gallery Leather 

6. Dozi

7. Beesocks

*Linked up here:Under the Moon, Home Sweet Home, The Gunny Sack, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Craft O Maniac, Embellishing Life, CRAFT, Skip to My Lou, Between Naps on the Porch, The Girl Creative, Mushki Loves, Sugar Bee Crafts, My Uncommon Slice, Today's Creative Blog, Tip Junkie, Project Queen, Boerman Ramblings, Someday Crafts, Savvy Southern Style, The Sasse Life, Clean and Scentsible, Ginger Snap Crafts, Somewhat Simple, Between You and Me, Saved by Suzy, House of Hepworths, Shabby Chic Cottage, Miss Mustard Seed, The Shabby Nest, Beyond the Picket Fence, French Country Cottage, Creation Corner, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Finding Fabulous, Five Days Five Ways, Remodelholic, Design it Chic, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Fun to Craft, Tatertots and Jello, Family Ever After, Serenity Now, A Vision to Remember, Funky Junk Interiors, Along for the Ride, Under the Table and Dreaming, I Heart Naptime, Nifty Thrifty Things, The DIY Showoff, Homemaker on a Dime

Up, Up, and Away

Via

We are headed to Lake Tahoe without the kiddo to get some much needed adult time. I'm going to freeze my bum off and shred some snow! Ok, well maybe it's more like snow plowing for me down the mountain. I'm not cool enough to go on the black runs and race down hill out of control. I do not feel the need for speed or want to end up being carried down the mountain. My plan is take it easy and stay warm! I'd like to make it back off the mountain!

Via

Fabric Love

Over the holidays I made a visit to one of my favorite local fabric stores to pick up some samples. Here's some of the fabulousness that I spotted. 

I can't wait to use some of these for upcoming projects!

Loving....

Via

Via

Via

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...black and gold accents.

It's Christmas

After all the decking the halls, trimming the tree, and gift wrapping, this is what we've all been waiting for! 

Merry Christmas!

Via

Merry Christmas

This year I hit up Tiny Prints and decided to splurge on our Christmas cards. After perusing their site for half the evening and starring about 100 10 of my favorite designs, I finally narrowed it down to this year's card. I'm actually surprised that we have cards at all this year considering I ordered them the second week of December and I failed miserably in the department of family pictures thanks to the less than cooperative weather. Thankfully, I had backup pictures from my brother's recent wedding to choose from. 

 I'm so happy with how they turned out. They are bright and festive just like I hoped for. Last year being Baby A's first Christmas I started our card collection. One day we can look back and reflect on the many years and see how our family has grown through the years. Selecting our card and seeing it come to life is a big part of the holiday and very meaningful to me as I'm sure it is to your family too!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

I'm Dreaming...

in pink and turquoise. How gorgeous and magical would this color scheme be for my home for the holidays? Of course I'm talking next year! I might be crazy, but not enough to even thinking about adding to my decor now. Too worn out! 

I'm loving how non-traditional and whimsical this space is that was created by Sitting in a Tree Events. Sequins, gold, fresh flowers, layering, and pink! What more can a girl love?! The flatware is stunning paired with the turquoise china and sprinkled with confetti. There are so many unexpected elements from the white trays at each place setting, the deer head, gifts tied with yarn, and pink hunter boots next to the tree. They nailed every last detail! 

Don't they look like the cutest and hippest couple too?!

More Holiday Decor

This is the last of my holiday decor that you will see. I promise. Told you my home was festive this year. I'm pretty sure that every nook and cranny has holiday decor. There's a ton more, but I won't bore you with any more trays, Christmas bathrooms, or trees. 

So, the banister is my least favorite part to put up and take down.  Once it's up, I absolutely love looking at it and the lights stay plugged in as long as I'm home. It is just so stinkin' messy! Fake particles and glitter cover my stairs. No need to vacuum though until it comes down. 

The garland is tied to the banister with ribbon and the snowflakes were $1 Target finds. Decided to keep it simple this year since little miss grabs it when she walks up and down the stairs. No need for broken ornaments.

Who's that cutie hiding in the shadows?

*Linked up here:Savvy Southern Style, The Sasse Life, Clean and Scentsible, Ginger Snap Crafts, Somewhat Simple, The Idea Room, Between You and Me, Saved by Suzy, House of Hepworths, Shabby Chic Cottage, Miss Mustard Seed, The Shabby Nest, Beyond the Picket Fence, French Country Cottage, Creation Corner, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, Finding Fabulous, Remodelholic, Design it Chic, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Fun to Craft, Tatertots and Jello, Family Ever After, Serenity Now, A Vision to Remember, Funky Junk Interiors, Along for the Ride, Under the Table and Dreaming, I Heart Naptime, Nifty Thrifty Things, The DIY Showoff, Homemaker on a Dime

Christmas Dinner

I don't know about you, but my mouth is watering just thinking about Christmas dinner! Our family sticks to a pretty traditional menu except we substitute pork for turkey. After several turkey meals throughout the holidays we are usually ready for a change. My favorite part of the meal just might be my brother's homeade crescent rolls! They are the best!

Recipes Via

Pork Tenderloin

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Recipes Via

Dressing

Crescent Rolls

Cranberry Sauce

Pecan Pie

What is your favorite holiday dish?

Gifts Galore

1. Kate Spade iPhone Case $40

2. Juicy Couture Ear Phones $48

3. Tory Burch iPad Case $195

4. Jonathan Adler iPhone Case $28

1. Kate Spade Passport Holder $65

2. J. Crew Leopard Clutch $128

3. Tory Burch Slim Card Case $85

4. Kate Spade Leather Shopper $445

1. Butter Glitter Holiday Trio $36

2. Cartier Eau de Parfum $100

3.Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Colour $32

4. Kendra Scott Chandelier Earrings $78

Holiday Wreath Wrap-Up

Ok, I'm so guilty of going to a big box store and purchasing a holiday wreath the day after Christmas. Last year I picked up a simple berry wreath. Yep, nothing to it but berries. I at least added a big gold bow to it so it has some sparkle. I vow next year to make a new and improved wreath after seeing all these lovelies. Might even pick up my supplies the day after Christmas to save some dough.

Via Vanilla Bean Girls

Via Real Simple

Via Deck the Halls-Christmas

Via Ballard Bunch

Via Blessed Beyond Measure

Via Artsy Fartsy Mama

Via Better Homes and Gardens

Via My Blessed Life

Do you have a favorite? It's going to be hard to choose which one I'll use as inspiration. All so creative and festive for the season!