Kate Spade Seeing Red this Christmas

Add a pop of red to your wardrobe this season!  Kate Spade has always been one of my favorite lines.  Everything from clothing to home goods are done gracefully and with class at this company.  The bright reds they've added for Christmas are extremely festive!

1.Grosgrain Plisse Priti Handbag - $355

2.  Beacon Hill Wendy Sweater Dress - $375

3.  Bisous Trapper Hat - $195

4.  Tonal Argyle Tights - $28

5.  Poppy Fields Rings - $95

6.  Fa La La La La  Notecards - $30

Countryside -Happy Thanksgiving

I fell in love with these images as I was looking at some past posts on one of my favorite blogs, This is Glamorous.  The colors, scenes, and warmth all remind me of this time of year and being around family for Thanksgiving.  Enjoy these and thank you This is Glamorous!

Gorgeous Centerpiece

Pink and Gray centerpiece from London floral designer Jane Packer requires just a few steps.

Jane Parker began her career with a small flower shop in London then eventually opened flower schools in New York, Tokyo, and London.  Unable to attend a four week school?  I am too, so pick up her book, Jane Parker's Guide to Flower Arranging.  For ingredients and directions for making this arrangement click on the link and get started.  Click Here.

(photos courtesy of Southern Accents)

Great Gift Idea.

DIY - Create a Vintage, Dirty, Candle

I went to a wonderful home show recently, hosted by Tattered Bliss and found several great things.  One thing caught my eye were their great looking candles.  They looked like they were old, dirty, and aged.  When I asked where she bought them, she told me they made them!  I was assuming it was very difficult, and after hearing the secret recipe, I thought I'd give it a try.  We had almost everything in the garage that I needed except the "sponge brush".

• Start with an inexpensive, white or cream candle.
• Get sponge brush, and medium to dark brown wood stain.  Brush the stain on the candle and dab or wipe with an old rag.  Remove as much or as little as you like of the stain.
• Let the stain dry and you are done.  That simple.  :)  

Williams Sonoma Home

Williams  Sonoma Home does a great catalog and a beautiful retail store.  They are only in 10 states, and I am lucky enough to live in Texas, just 10 minutes from their Plano store.  I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of some of my favorite settings.  They have great designers and always top notch furnishings.

6 Wonderful Holiday Gadgets Under $25.00

The Container Store catalog arrived a few days ago and I have picked out a few of my favorite holiday gadgets for friends and family.  These are items for kids and adults and very useful.  I am impressed with the prices as the highest price item I picked was $21.99.  What is even better is that you can purchase these online and save time and the stress of crowds at the mall.  After looking over my choices, I hope you go to their website and see the rest of the fun gadgets available!

1. Desktop Speaker for iPod/iPhone, $9.99 - requires AAA batteries 
2. Mouse USB Hub, $9.99 - Add this to your USB port to gain additional ports
3. Magnetic Measuring Spoons, $14.99 - Stainless Steel spoons stack together magnetically
4. Mini Eco-i-Lite, $21.99 - Serves as power failure light, flashlight and nightlight.
5. Iphone/iPod Turbo Charge, $21.99 - Requires AA batteries, never be caught without power
6. Lighted Pocket Magnifier, $9.99 - Ideal for dim lit events

Decorate the Table or Island

I met a friend for coffee yesterday and told her about starting my Blog.  After telling her a little bit about my topics, I decided to post some Christmas centerpiece and kitchen island ideas.  Something she was interested in getting started on in her home.  Each of these looks could be done at home and last the entire season, with little to no maintenance.  Pick the color of ornaments that work in your space.  In the coming weeks I will be adding to my Christmas Inspirations and hope to share them with you.  These ideas were found in Country Living, Southern Living, and Pottery Barn.  Enjoy! !

Soups On

Now that the weather is is getting colder and the days are shorter I find myself looking for hearty soups to feed the family.  It has to be substantial and usually include some time of meat for my hungry boys.  These four soup recipes are our favorites, simple to make and healthy.  That is key.  Served with hot crusty bread or crackers and you are good to go.  Enjoy these recipes.

1. Quick Turkey Chili
2. Tuscan Style Potato Soup
3. White Bean and Chicken Chili
4. Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup

Inspiring Outdoor Rooms

Many of us will be entertaining at home for the upcoming holidays and will have extra friends and family around.  Whether it is at dinner time or just for relaxing there will probably be a need for people to mingle outside as well.  Why not make your space as inviting and welcome outside as you do inside.  A string of lights, a nice warm fire or seasonal decorations will definitely cozy an area up.  Add candles for a special glow in the evening and place soft blankets if baskets if the temperature begins to cool.  I just love the look of these outdoor rooms for Fall.

Tulips in Norman, Oklahoma

Like I mentioned in my profile, I love to window shop and find unique stores while traveling.  I have been to Norman, Oklahoma over the past four years and shopped 'Campus Corner" with my daughter who is now a senior in college.  We have always loved Tulips, and knowing that our time strolling around campus with her is almost over, I wanted to share a snippet of how cute the store is.  You can buy anything from bedding to furnishing, dishes, art, or any other type of amazing gifts you might need.  Besides loving Tulips, the store, tulips are my favorite flower as well.  What a coincidence!