Style Files: Holiday Party with Spiegel Clothing

(1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7.)

I hadn't been over to Spiegel in a while, but so glad I went through their site....found some amazing holiday goodies in womens clothing I had to share. And some of these items are very affordable! I put together a look that I would love to try out and wear to a Holiday party:) 

Any holiday trends you have been wanting to try??

P.S. I have an exciting project I was a part of that I will be sharing on the blog tomorrow. Stay tuned!

*This is a compensated post that is 100% my own opinion!

Photoshoot: A Fall Tablescape Collaboration

Please welcome my friend Erica Taylor of Tinsel & Twine as she shares with us the most exquisite fall brunch scene. The styling and photography is so fresh and captivating, don't you think??

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For this photoshoot, we planned to create two vignettes that reflected the warm tones of Fall, but without using the traditional combination of burnt reds, oranges, and browns. Instead, we picked a more modern palette of charcoal and cream accented with glints of gold.

Our first set-up is a very sweet breakfast in bed. Imagine waking up on a gloriously lazy Sunday morning. And although the weather is beginning to turn chilly, the sun is shining and you've got your love to keep you warm. That, and a sweet surprise from your Honey: pumpkin spiced donuts, fresh flowers, and a little love note! What could be cozier?

The second scene is a table set for a spiced cider and donut brunch with your closest friends. Circular design elements are carried through a collection of dotted vases, speckled menus, a dramatic gilded hanging wreath of hand-crafted paper petals, a cylindrical cakestand, and -- of course -- carefully architected pyramids of donuts and pastry puffs. So many details to take in make this a truly delicious feast for friends!

Collaborating Team

Concept, Styling, and Floral Design Tied Together By:  Tinsel & Twine

Photography and Styling By:  You Go, I Go, We Go Photography

Donuts Lovingly Baked By:  Allison Mingus

Screen-printed Pillowcases Created By:  I Am Dorkas

Shop Feature: A peek inside Monograham

If you are EVER in the Milwaukee area you must get over to Delafield. It is such a quaint little town filled with brick and mortar shops that are all up my alley. I got to sneak away for a morning with my sister-in-law to meet up with Moni.  I have to share with you my favorite shop we visited: Monograham. I seriously didn't want to leave. So many of my favorite paper artists products were featured...

I think I could live here.

I loved this quote. I took home some of these bags too:) (A project in the works!)

 

Grace Bonney's book is on my Christmas Wishlist.

Veronica and her Aunt Jessie picking out some cards:)

I spy some Rifle Paper Co. amongst other delightful Christmas goods:)

Letterpress Coasters and Susy Jack products! 

Golden yellow packages would make anyone smile.

Paper and prints. Check out the onesie!

The lovely Monica and her too cute for words little girls. Monica was just as fabulous as I knew she would be. We met through blog land months ago and realized we had some friends in common in the real world! After hundreds of tweets and emails, we finally got to meet in person:) 

There is also a Childrens Boutique called Bark River Kids that we shopped at. I felt as if I stepped into a storybook. So many fun things to look at and play with. I picked up a few Christmas gifts here! I even got to see some of the products I featured in my gift guide in person! So cool.

The beautiful Holiday Gown Monica gave to Veronica. Check out the rest of her line!

My purchases from Monograham. The Paper + Cup Stationary set is fantastic.

I pretty much wanted to buy everything in the store!

Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!

P.S. I am over at Coral Cafe today sharing this seasons trend that I am dying to try!

Lookbook: Hobo

Going for a homeless hobo look don't you think?...;)

Layering it up here in Milwaukee since its slightly colder than Atlanta.

Enjoying family and a clean break from the internet. Will be back in touch after travels!!

(Hat: F21, Sweater: F21, Striped Tee: JCrew, Vest: Target, Jeans: Sevens, Flats: F21, Necklace: c/o Simply Livly)

By the way I must note, I am crazy about this necklace for two reasons.

1) Its big, bold, AND lightweight.

2) Its a pseudo teether and entertainer for baby Veronica:D

How was your thanksgiving?? We are on day two of food stuffing and it is grand.

Have you ever played the game Catan? Its fantastic. I am all about strategy games. True personalities are revealed when you play this with fam and friends! ;)

A grateful heart is a happy heart.

Last year at Thanksgiving I remember how much I wanted to make this year a more grateful year. One that I was going to thank God for something every day. It is so easy sometimes to fall into the habit of looking for how what we are missing in our lives versus how much we have already been given. I can't say I remembered to do this every day but it has certainly helped me to develop a more grateful and happy heart.

I am especially thankful for ....

...a husband who is so involved in his children's lives. He never is short on love for us, and he makes our little world such a better place:)

...a big blue eyed boy with an imagination bigger than I will ever have, and who makes each day an adventure for me. He brings me more laughter than I deserve.

...for this soft and squishy sweetheart whose smiles seem to make our world go round.

They make me cherish the days of my life.

So grateful to God for them.

Wishing you a wonderful, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving. Many Blessings!

Wreaths that make me swoon...

As I told you before, wreaths seem to make a home come to life. When I saw these ideas over at Style at Home I found myself lost in a winter wonderland daydream....breathtaking.

The blue spruce wreath on the white swing doors made my heart skip a beat. I know, who would think a wreath could do so? You should go ahead and check out the other amazing Holiday decor ideas over at Style at Home. 

You might be there a while just to warn you;)

P.S. Sorry for posting being sporadic timing this week! Still traveling and enjoying family, but I have some fun posts still coming up! Hope you all get a nice break this week to be with loved ones!

Veronica Rose: 7 months.

Veronica Rose - 7 months

This month she started army crawling. I know have a scrumptious big eyed belle at my feet wherever I go. She loves to rock on all fours, play peek-a-boo, and chew on mommy's necklaces. 

There is nothing sweeter than the first few minutes she wakes up and is all smiles.

Trying to cherish these moments and write down my favorite memories.

Little Gabriel wants to take "pookie" everywhere with him, and she is the first person he asks or when he wakes up. Which is followed by lots of smothering hugs and kisses. It makes up for his mischevious moments throughout the day;) 

We are in Milwaukee enjoying my husband's family all week long! We drove all the way here from the ATL. Do you have any travel plans? Will you drive or brave the airports??? 

Style File: Bright and Bold Winter Warmers

You'd think I was J.Cre'ws marketing rep.... But how can I not share all these delicious bright and bold colors in what seems to be a happy winter??;) I can't say I would look this fresh walking through snowy mountains...

And thought this was such a fun summary of my favorite trends this season:)

Find all of these photos and more on the J.Crew Tumblr.

Wanted to thank you all again for all the wonderful feedback on the Holiday Gift Guide! The tweets, facebook messages, and blog shout outs had me completely in awe and smiling ear to ear these past few days! It made all the long hours worth it! Wishing you all a Happy November weekend ahead!

IHOD Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Thank you all so much for your patience and support with the launch of the first ever IHOD Holiday Gift Guide Catalog! I am beyond thrilled to share with you this collection of some of my favorite finds across the web for this holiday season. I wanted to help promote the brick and mortar shops, the handmade community, and entrepreneurs who put so much heart and sould into what they do. I hope you will join me in supporting their work this year and opt for some of these personal and fun-tastic finds. There is nothing in here (including the sponsors!) that I myself would not love to give or receive, and I can't wait to do my Christmas shopping;) Also, EVERY SINGLE item in the catalog is at an affordable price!  Please don't hesitate to share with your family and friends. Your tweets, blog links, and facebook posts always are so much appreciated!

So while you are drinking that cup of joe and browsing through, be on the lookout for the sale code flags! There are some really cool deals offered by the sellers throughout the catalogue using IHOD codes! I can't wait to hear what you think! Let me know your favorite spread, what DIY you want to try, an item you couldn't resist, or even if you just liked the glitter and sequins;) Thank you all for viewing! Cheers!!

Lookbook: Seventies Inspired

(Top: c/o Stitched + Adorned, Jeans: H&M, Necklace: LYLIF, Clutch: made by me (DIY here), Gold Cuff and Ring: LYLIF, Suede Cuff: Francescas)

I know, back to back lookbook posts! Had to rearrange things this week:) Plus I got this super comfy chic top from Stitched + Adorned and couldn't wait to wear it out:)

Well my friends, I unplugged from the internet over the weekend to focus on finishing up the Gift Guide (which I will share tomorrow!!) and spend time with my family. It was such a refreshing weekend which included dinner guests, date night, and making Turkey sugar cookies witht the kids and their Nannah (we don't get to see her much)! I look forward to catching up with you soon!

Stop by tomorrow for the launch of the IHOD Holiday Gift Guide! I am beyond excited to share!

Lookbook: Scarf 3 Ways

(Scarf: Old Navy (available in stores), Top: Target, Jeans: LOFT, Earrings: IHOD, Bracelets: F21)

Well I decided to combine my crush on scarves and flannel with this scarf. I was totally getting a kick out of your comments on the last flannel post. I felt both canadian, midwestern, and lumberjack in these photos I hope you know;) With pride no shame. What I love about this scarf, is that it is large enough to change it up and keep you warm:)  I'll be wearing this  baby all through the winter! If you want an awesome how to video, check out Wendy's 25 ways to wear a scarf!

P.S. Have I told you lately how wonderful you readers are??? Any spare minute I have had this week (which hasn't been much due to the flu) has gone to preparing the Gift Guide, but I promise to come visit soon! In the meantime, please allow email reply in your blogger settings so I can reply to your lovely comments!! 

Take 3: Favorite Foodie Blogs

I thought it was time to share some of my personal favorite blogs. Today being in the domestic category. Those women that far exceed my skill in the kitchen;)

{via The Best of this Life}

Emily has this insane ability to make all her recipes look like a daydream. 

You must check out her delicious blog. Not only that, she is one of the sweetest mama bloggers I know!

(via Life of a Wife)

You can count on Sherri Lynn to have fantastic easy recipes that don't intimidate!

She is yet another gem I have discovered in the blogosphere! 

{via Bakers Royale)

This is a brand new to me blog that has a seemingly endless amount of divine sweet recipes, and more!

Hope this provides with some great new people to connect with, and food delights to try!

Take 3: {Heart} Prints

(Love is Blind via Teconlene)

(via letterhappy)

(via Vol. 25)

These certainly made me smile, and I hope they do the same for you!

You are half way through your week:)

Also, get ready for a double Take 3 post today! I will be sharing 3 current favorite blog reads!

P.S. I am visiting Alexa of The Short and the Sweet of It, sharing some of my daily style staples and more. Stop by her lovely blog and say hi if you have the chance!

Intro to Kate Bosworth's Jewelmint + 50% Off Code!

Have you heard of Jewelmint?

You know, that crazy cool line of jewelry co-founded and designed by Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulture? If you haven't been over there yet, take a peak on how it works! You can sign up for free, take a fun style quiz, and Jewelmint will select different pieces for you to choose from each month! The best part is every piece is the same price.

"JewelMint is truly an extension of our long friendship and creative relationship. For years, we have talked about designing a line together that could authentically represent our love of fashion and style. JewelMint is the result! With JewelMint, not only do we offer you beautifully crafted jewelry, we also provide you the experience of knowing what it feels like to have your very own stylist. As part of your membership, you have exclusive access to our latest tips and trend reports plus so much more. 

It doesn't end there. To offer you high-quality jewelry, we partnered with the same manufacturers that create all those expensive department store brands. Because we are cutting out the middle-man by selling our designs directly to you, we are able to provide you these amazing pieces at a fraction of the price. " ~Kate and Cher

Well I have quite a fun offer available for you readers today! Instead of a giveaway, this is a win-win for everyone who wants to partake! For this month, you can take 50% off all purchases in your first month of Jewelmint membership with code "atlanta992" courtesy of the MBA Atlanta Team. Pretty fun, huh?  

Have fun browsing! I am looking forward to taking advantage of this discount myself!

Also, we have a winner of the Linkel Designs Giveaway!

Congrats to #64 - Jasmine1485! Will be contacting you shortly to claim your prize!

Thanks to all who entered, and to the lovely Linkel Designs who hosted!