Christmas' Past

I was going through some old files and thought I would share some photos of a clients house I did a couple years ago. Originally I had gone there to do some garland for her, but one thing led to another and I found myself rearranging all the things in her dining room. Had to use up all of that fresh greenery you know!

A fellow designer friend of mine did her tree.. I like how he strung all of her ornaments on gold ribbon. Makes everything seem more unified.

I used alot of her candle holders and set bulb ornaments on them, looks so festive!

I added some greenery to a tall glass in the left corner here below to make it look like a tree over the stable! and more on the "stable floor".

I made some simple candle rings with fresh greenery by tying it with wire into the sizes that I needed. So easy!

I took an everyday arrangment added a wreath around the base and stuck some glitz and ribbon into the arrangement and whalah!

I used up some additional greenery by adding it to the base of these candles. The tiny ornaments in a dish is simple but elegant.

This is a shop in Mesa a couple years ago, I just LOVE the red and white decorations!!

Christmas Decorations - Part 2

Ahhh, the hot chocolate station, every home should have one. Plenty of candy and sweet treats sure to please everyone in the family!



Large chunks of Trader Joe's milk chocolate is a must have...




And of course the marshmellows...

chocolate sprinkles.... and the occasional International Coffee for the adults.....

and a candy cane for stirring...

Christmas Decorations - Part 1

I made these darling "snowballs" from styrofoam balls and really fuzzy white yarn. What a fun, easy project!

Michaels has these fantastic removable stickers this year. For just $1.99 I have been slapping them on every mirror in my house.

Centerpiece Project

My mom has an annual Ladies Christmas Dinner at her church and she is hosting a table this year and of course the centerpiece needed to be a beauty (we were eyeing them all last year). I wanted to see if I could come up with something using items that I already had. I didn't spend a cent. That's a new record for me! My husband will be very proud :)

Happy Place Happy Place

Warning: This post contains gobs of pictures, you will not be disappointed!

In the latest issue of Victoria Magazine I was drooling over this article about Nicholas Kniel, the owner of a store called "Embellishments for You and Your Home" in Atlanta. The article has so many beautiful pictures that of course I had to see more, go here for his website. It is full of the most unbelievable ribbons, embellishments, feathers, buttons, etc. etc.

If this won't get you in the gift wrapping mood I don't know what will!

Love this vintage French ribbon! Its only $25.00 yard (yikes)

TP Radio

Ladies,

Tune in every Wednesday from 2-3pm CST for Tracy Porter radio where she discusses tips and tricks and gobs of inspiration. Last week she even took questions from callers! Also, don't forget about her blog and shot at tracyporter.com.

BTW, I just received my latest TP purchase. A beautiful flowing gauzy shirt with gorgeous velvet detailing. Her stuff is THE BEST quality I have seen. no joke.

Scents of Nostalgia

I am one of those people that are so driven by scent. Different smells evoke different memories for me, different feelings. They put me in a certain place.

There are the times when I will be out somewhere and smell the scent of my grandmother. My mom and sister can tell you exactly what that it. Usually it happens when I'm at work. There are alot of older ladies in the area. I'll catch a wiff of my grandmother's perfume and it puts me in a certain place. I get sad, nostalgic. I want to find the lady and ask it I can give her a hug. Just in case you're wondering its Beautiful by Estee Lauder.


A long time ago, I told my husband please please please wear this cologne because I really love it. I just wanted to smell it on him. I wanted to relate that smell to him. It took him a really (ok really really) long time, but now he wears it, all the time. He has a "signature scent" and I love that. Just in case you're wondering it's Cool Water by Davidoff.

When we recently moved into our new house I knew how I wanted it to feel. I knew what I wanted it to smell like. I wanted it to smell fresh and clean and relaxed, so I have gravitated towards lavender scents, mandarin orange, french soaps. French soaps are to die for. really. BTW, the best place to find great deals on them is Ross, HomeGoods, TJMaxx and Marshalls. And trust me they have plenty! So when you come to my house I hope you will remember "that place" - the one that feels so fresh and clean and relaxing!