Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!

I am in my pajamas, coffee mug in hand, surrounded by family, Christmas music going, things a baking, and excitement of Christmas in the air. Little Gabriel knows that we are down to just "one more nap" till Jesus' big birthday celebration. My children bring that magical feeling back to me all over again, and Gabe and I feel like little kids waiting for the arrival Christmas morning. There is a 70% chance of snow tomorrow, and currently we are all healthy, which would fulfill the only things on my wish list:) Thankful for the gift of true joy that fills my heart today and don't feel I deserve anything else from such a loving God.

We wish you much peace this Christmas, and hope that you have a very happy New Year!

Love, Gabe, Anna, Gabriel, and Veronica

Around Here: Christmas Edition

We are gearing up to hit the road and gather with brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, nanna and papa for Christmas. Gabriel has been counting down by how many naps he has to take before we leave. Can hardly contain our excitement:) Here is a glimpse of the holiday happenings around our house...

Turned these....

..into this. A silver and gold bulb chandelier to offset the not so pretty ceiling fixture in our rental home:) Work with what you got, and make it your own, right?

(Tie ribbon through and around ends of ornaments and make sure to measure each ribbon strand as you go along to tier. I tied the other ends to the bottom of the light fixture.)

(spools of Midori ribbon)

If I can't paint the door red, I WILL hang a flaming red wreath.

(Her favorite perch. Front and center.)

A well loved tree that seems to gather clusters of ornaments on a single branch close to the level of two eager little toddlers...

The benefits of baking with mama.

(To officially welcome all guests.)

I am super jealous of all of you who got pummeled in snow. 

As much as I love the mild Atlanta winters, I am dreaming of a White Christmas. I am hoping St. Louis will pull through for us:) Happy December from our family to yours!

Love, Anna

Giveaway: $50 Shopping credit to Lulu and Georgia

Honored to be a part of Lulu and Georgia's 12 Days of Giveaways!

I saved a fantastic company to share as the last giveaway on IHOD for 2012:)

Meet Lulu and Georgia, just launched  a few months ago by two gals with passionate characters and complimenting dreams. They have successfully curated an exquisite collection of modern and tasteful pieces for the home ranging from wall decor to textiles. I would decorate my home from top to bottom in Lulu and Georgia if I could:) Here's your chance to win a $50 shopping credit!

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P.S. Winner of the Two Penny Blue Giveaway announced here. (On the rafflectopter widget)

OUR American Soil: Rich in History, Broken for Humanity

I was up late last night and couldn't sleep...
Gabe kept asking me if I was okay because I kept trailing off into deep thought. I couldn't stop thinking about the parents who couldn't kiss their babies goodnight.
I don't think I can continue to post until I place my heavy heart into words, and express my deep sympathy for every life affected in the Newtown Tragedy. I haven't been able to get it off my mind. I am thankful we don't have cable since it would be difficult to pull away from the coverage. I have tried to process it through prayer, and accept that there may never be understanding, but that it will leave a lasting impact on our nation.

On American soil there is a rich history of lives lost for freedoms....
We have fought to run our own democracy, 
we have spilled blood for the freedom to worship,
we have fought for rights to vote,
we have spilled blood for racial equality,
we have fought for peace in other nations,
we have spilled blood in defense of nations in need.
we have fought for the safety and protection of citizens,
we have spilled blood to battle terrorism.

In Sandy Hook, the blood of the innocent was spilled and there was no cause or reason...
they were robbed of life because a troubled soul was looking to make a mark in the world. Looking to be remembered.

I realized that this was the lowest of the low. There is no honor or glory or cause or reason why these lives were lost....we don't even have terrorists to blame.
we may try to still find a cause to get behind to process it. More gun control, more attention to mental health issues, more security in schools...
regardless of these, one thing became so clear to me..

Our nation is aching and we are all very broken. As I was writing this post, my son was playing trains next to me, and I heard him mumble, "they all got damaged." All his little trains were all stuck in play-do and he was helping them out. It hit me that we really all have damage. I don't know the solution, and only God can see the depth of the pain each person carries. All I know is, that we can each do something a little more.

At the heart of it, we all have a deep need for love and to give love to others. It is in our nature. There is so much brokenness around us. Its time to invade each other's space. Let go of our fear to love others out of our comfort zone. The community of people who have risen to surround and comfort Newtown is a glimpse of how we should always be to each other.

{source}

Well my resolution from this day forth is to be offensive. To love people I disagree with, invite someone hurting into my home, to bless my food and pray with my family in public, to greet strangers with a smile, to give a "Merry Christmas" without fear of offense, to offer time to those who may not have anything to offer in return.

We all have our American Soil in common. It is beautiful, rich, and full of history. We can fight together through our differences, and hope for a more peaceful world for our children. It starts with the small things, and a big determination to change our own lives, but we are only human. I have seen God pushed out of our schools, our pledge of allegiance, and slowly our nation. I hope we can bring Him back to our lives without fear. We need Him now more than ever to take our faith and hope and move mountains for us. But even when we shut him out, he shows up. He is in each and every act of kindness and love we are sharing to Sandy Hook. He will continue to bring them comfort.

{image source, type added}

May the parents and loved ones of each and every victim be surrounded with love, peace, and comfort this Christmas and throughout the year.

What to wear and pair : Holiday Edition

{Sources: 1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. }

I have no idea what I am wearing for Christmas yet. Guess I better decide. Its easier for me to put together outfit ideas for others so... ifwho have yet to determine what to gown yourself with here's your inspo :) I always love adding a little sparkle or glam to simple silhouettes.

And there is so one too many awesome holiday posts around the blog world not to share:

Need some good hair tutorials for the holidays? Cara Loren has some fantastic ones for long hair.

Beautiful and easy hand painted ornaments.

Creature Comforts has the complete round up of free holiday printables.

These DIY Gold Nugget Earrings have my vote for the best gift for friends!

Send long distance loved ones an instant winter scene:)

An edible gift idea that looks far more elegant than it is easy to make.

And to follow up with my #tidingsofgoodwill post, check out what these amazing folks are doing!

Happy December weekend!

Love, Anna

Blogshop Atlanta : Decor + Details

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(Top photos by Angela Kohler for DLF, floral photos by Tami, the rest by me)

Event: Blogshop ATL (Check for a class in your area!) taught by the fun and creative genius duo - Angela Kohler and Bri Emery.

Venue: Big Studio (a stunning space in downtown Altanta)

Florals: By the talented Tami Ramsay

Interns: New friends Savannah and Gina

Decor Details: I worked with Tami on the decor for blogshop. After creating a color palate, she came up with the beautiful arrangements, and I took care of the following:

Hanging Ribbon Chandelier - I used three wooden rods tied at the corners to form a triangle shape, and added wide ribbon and crepe paper strands all the way around. It was hung using thick cord.

Fabric confetti - Fabric strips + ribbon cut into small squares and scattered along the tables.

Smilebooth backdrop - I actually strung three bright pink hula skirts together, cut a bunch of fabric strips and draped over the top. A little modge podge held them in place. Hula skirts are basically a bunch of raffia and creates the instant volume:) 

It was so fun for me to a get a little creative re-fuel just by hanging out with these gals. Not to mention, they are so laid back and loads of fun:) They put a lot of heart into their work and every student always leaves a happy camper. I would say its well worth your dollar to take a weekend to learn amongst the greats! Check out Bri and Angela's newly launched site here.

Giveaway: Two Penny Blue

The styling is flawless, isn't it?!

Two Penny Blue is a collection of luxury jackets and blazers. Vibrant colors, exquisite details, and an impeccably tailored fit are what makes this line noteworthy. Known for its signature silhouettes and effortless sophistication, the Two Penny Blue collection presents a modern twist on classic tailored pieces. 

And a very cool fact: For every jacket purchased, a school uniform is donated to a girl in need in Africa – opening the door to her education, increasing her self-esteem and providing the opportunity for a brighter future. 

Two Penny Blue is offering a reader your choice item from their site! (How will you choose?!)

Easy entries through rafflecopter below. Best of luck!

Don't feel like waiting? Two Penny Blue is offering IHOD readers a 15% discount with code IHOD at checkout!

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P.S. Winner of the Acute Designs Giveaway announced here.

True Beauty Files: I refuse to say Oxblood...

Okay I know the color "oxblood" is all the rage but I simply cannot bring myself to say the word. It might have to do with the fact that I am sqeamish. So here you are... a set of photos in oxblood burgundy, wine, maroon what have you pants...

{Jacket" c/o Sheinside, Sweater: Gap, Pants: c/o Sheinside, Boots: F21, Wrap Bracelet: c/o InPink}

Evenings are way too short here with the 5pm sunset so we offset the winter depression with lots of eggnog and christmas music. Another way to beat the winter blues? Invite a bunch of your friends over for good food, drinks, and Christmas cheer:) 

 And although I LOVE the mild winters here in Atlanta, I have to admit my midwestern heart misses the snow in December. Just a tad envious of those of you that got dumped over the weekend. I am dying to go sledding......I haven't grown up yet.

Thank you all for the beautiful responses and ideas to the last post! I am amazed by humanity sometimes, and I am thankful for getting to hear about your tidings of good will. 

P.S. Today is the last day you can vote in the J.Renee Blogger Style Challenge. I am actually only a few votes shy of the lead so yours really does help! Thank you kindly for doing so! (You can vote each day in case you already voted.)

We have only the present: Tidings of Good Will

I have heard so many stories recently from friends, family, and strangers alike who are going through some really difficult times. Financial strain, loss of a loved one, illness, family problems, etc. There are many who are hurting, and it can especially hit hard during Christmas. This always weighs heavy on my heart, but this year, I resolved to talk less and act more.

What started as a facebook thread expressing this resolution, turned into a surprisingly awe inspiring day for me as I read comments and received emails from readers who have chosen to do something for their neighbors and communities this year. It moved me to tears. Big and small things alike. I am going to share some of them with you here, in hopes it will inspire you as well to do small things with great love this advent season. I am pretty sure BIG things can result because of it.

(photo by my talented sister Angela, quote source ?)

"I'm paying it forward! Every time I go through the drive-thru, paying for the persons behind me & serving a few hours a week." - Amanda

I'm going to get some shoes and possibly a little jacket (it's getting cool here) for the little talibe that is always outside the kids school. I usually give him a few coins every day so he can warn earn his bread but he really needs clothes and shoes  In the US we always do toy drives and volunteer at shelters. The need here is so great it's hard to know where to start. - Ashley

 We want our child(ren) to know what it's like to spend their own "hard-earned" money to buy a gift for a child their age and give it to him/her personally. In return, they will receive something for Christmas on an equal level. - Hannah

(Claudia at the Okinawa-shi is Airen-En Orphanage in Japan)

I live in Japan and the culture that they have towards children with disabilities and/or in need is very secretive. After much CIA style kind of research and networking, I finally got to visit an orphanage. Now I go every other saturday and spend there from 8-12 with a group of volunteers. We teach the kiddos english and we just love them. It is so rewarding, it is indeed a reality check. We have such a blessed life! Giving is the best gift for us!!! - Claudia

All throughout the year, we donate to our food bank and for Christmas, we donate to the Mission - Christmas dinners. They provide the placemats that will be used and we can write a note of encouragement and love on them. - Emily

I got a gift card in the mail, went to Kohl's, and didn't find what I was looking for. I thought about just trying to find something else, but then an idea popped into my mind. I went up to the register and handed it to a lady with two daughters. It was AWESOME to feel the paradox of 'the more you give, the more you have'. - Katy

How about giving someone handmade "gift cards" of ways you can think of to serve them & then making them promise to cash them in before the end of Dec or end of Jan? Like a night of babysitting, a closet clearing partner, a yoga dvd buddy. Things that wouldn't cost much money on your part, just time, & would possibly also lead to more time with that person just in a very intentional way. - Hilary

I have a friend who really felt called to help with the victims of hurricane Sandy that are facing the holiday's with nothing. She did some research and ended up connecting with a parish near the Jersey Shore that has 3 different facilities housing people and is in need of help. My friend (Jessica ) Gutierrez) got a 24 foot truck donated and is working on filling it with supplies which she will herself drive to church on December 14th. -JoAnna

All of these comments have literally made me weep. You are all such a blessing to our cold, tough world. THANK YOU and THANK GOD FOR YOU and for your efforts. You are the true spirit of Christmas. - Christina

(artwork by Lena Hanzel)

So what am I going to do about this?
Having two little ones may limit it me in how or where I can serve, but they are my first project. To love my family, brothers, sisters, parents, neighbors, and friends. Often we are the ones that need the most love, right? 

Hurricane Sandy "Fill the Truck" Project - (thank you to my parish and JoAnna for the heads up!) A woman in our area was inspired to directly help Hurricane Sandy victims on the east coast. She got a 24 foot truck donated she is trying to fill with supplies by Dec. 14th to be taken to a church in New Jersey. It will then be handed to victims in need. I am hoping to rally help for this from friends and neighbors. If you are in the Atlanta area, feel free to email me for more info on the supplies needed.

Handwritten Christmas Notes to Friends - not just a family photo (in fact we aren't even doing those this year), but an old school handmade card with hand written notes to new and old friends alike. (thank you Hilary for the idea!)

Knocking on the doors of neighbors - Its so easy even in the friendly south to go months without seeing or talking to neighbors. I am determined to knock on their door, say hello and bake their way into their hearts. We all need a smile and reminder that we matter.

Giving Tree - There is a tree at our church that was filled with requests from local needy children. Shoes, cribs, socks, coats...I wanted to take them all, but my friends and I were able to get a small bunch of them and shop for what they needed. Sometimes I wish I were rich so I could do things like buy that little giving tree out of stock!

Our Landlord knocked $200 off our rent! It pretty much made our year. What we are going to do with that money? Address the list above. We have a whole list of people we have been wanting to help. God never can be outdone in generosity.

What about you? I would love to hear your ideas. My list is open for growth. These readers above reminded me how much goodness is in humanity. Hope you will join me in spreading Tidings of Good Will this year:)

* If you are doing acts of service in the next few weeks. Tweet with the hashtag #TidingsofGoodWill and you can check out and be encouraged by others doing the same! 

Red Dress, Fur Snood, and a J. Renee Blogger Challenge

{Dress: American Eagle (similar), Fur: H&M (similar), Heels: c/o J. Renee, Chain Bracelet: c/o Loren Hope, Clutch: Russell + Hazel (c/o Blogshop)}

I was asked to be a part of a blogger style challenge for J. Renee Shoes. 

The theme: Holiday Party

Piece to style: Leopard Bow Pumps

My take: A Betty Davis inspired White Christmas type ensemble. Loved combining a few of my favorite things for the look. All I need is a white horse and sleigh, right? 

The challenge: To ask readers to vote for the look (most votes wins)! If you feel so inclined, you can vote here! And also enter to win your own!

Thanks friends! Wishing you a happy week ahead!

Giveaway: $50 Credit to Acute Designs

Obviously I had trouble narrowing down my favorites. I have known Gina for a while, and am completely amazed by her ability to run a beautiful blog and shop. She is continually reaching new heights in design and product styling. Especially love her recently released Great Gatsby line. I ordered a headband for V which she custom sized and the quality is superb. 

Acute Designs is offering a $50 Shopping credit to a lucky IHOD reader. Enter through rafflecopter below! Best of luck! 

*In Honor of Design Readers can also receive 20% off through the end of the week with code "IHOD20"!

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Decorate Workshop Blog Tour

I loved every bit of Holly's first book, Decorate, so when I heard she was coming out with a workshop book, I was thrilled. Every page is eye candy, but the best part is, there are practical tips, and a step by step guide to designing your space. There are concrete and relevant questions with room for note taking to get your ideas flowing for what room you want to conquer. This came just in time for me. I devoured it from front to back over Thanksgiving break. I was in serious need of guidance for our living room since we are starting from scratch. Hence, the textile inspiration board. Taking real notes and real steps is a big deal for me...;)

You can pick up a copy on amazon or chronicle books! 

Love, Anna

You can follow the complete tour here:

Monday, November 26 – Poppytalk 

Tuesday, November 27 – Sacramento Street & A Creative Mint

Wednesday, November 28 – Hooray & Design For Mankind

Thursday, November 29 – Decorology & Bloesem

Friday, November 30 – The Curated House & Design Muse

Monday, December 3 – Simply Grove & In Honor of Design

Tuesday, December 4 – In My Own Style & This is Love Forever

Wednesday, December 5 – Mom Inc. Daily & Knack Studios & This is Glamorous

Thursday, December 6 – Justina Blakeney & Mint

Friday, December 7 – The TomKat Studio & Down and Out Chic

Gift Handmade: Silk Bauble Necklaces

My favorite look from Fashion week was this gal below. So bold and so unique. I am not sure where you can buy such lovely necklaces but I will show you a way to make one of your own for less than $10. How does that sound? You can totally make as long and as bold as you want! I have more plans for these:)

Supplies:

Dupioni Silk Fabric - 1/4-1/2 yard in each color (Joann's or etsy!

Wooden spheres - Varying sizes (found in wood aisle of Hobby Lobby sold by the bag)

Needle and Thread (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut fabric in strips wide enough to cover wooden spheres once over and a little more to give. (4-6 inches depending on size), and the length of the yard.

2) Twist and wrap a knot 4-6 inches from edge of your fabric.

3) Add a sphere, wrap around and twist to knot. Repeat desired amount of times. If your necklace is longer you will need to stitch to lengths together.

Optional: Add gold jump rings around each knot for additional glam.

*Edges will fray so trim at the ends or spray fray check!

Very simple and a very fun statement. Gift these to your accessory loving friends! 

Would love to see pics if you make them!

P.S. Check out Design Love Fest today for the scoop on Blogshop ATL and pics of the decor results. (Love those girls:))

Advent Pocket Calendar DIY

I told him to pull something out of the pockets, and he went straight for Day 23!

He told me it said "Good morning Gabriel one two six." Not exactly, but close enough;)

Did you have an advent calendar growing up? We had an ornament one that we would re-stuff with the same ornaments every year just for the fun of opening those doors each day. My mom had a Jesse tree for us as well. I wanted to continue the advent countdown with my family so I actually made this advent calendar a few years ago. This is the first year little Gabriel really understands what Christmas is ("a big birthday party for Jesus"), so Gabe and I are looking forward to introducing him to all the wonder Christmas can bring.  I filled these pockets with sweets and a daily gospel passage. By Christmas Eve, the whole nativity story will be read. Its a simple way of keeping the advent focus of preparing for the best day of the year! (Advent actually means coming in Latin, so its a whole four weeks to prepare for the "coming" of the King.) I hope he comes to love this tradition. 

Supplies:

Burlap Fabric (28 in. wide x 44 in. long folded in half)

24 Muslin Drawstring Bags  3.5 x 4.5 in. (find some here or here)

Red cardstock or linen paper

Circle or scallop punch

Hole punch

Wooden rod (3 ft.)

Ribbon

Gold ink (optional)

Instructions:

1) Fold your burlap in half and spread your pockets evenly across in rows.

2) Hot glue the sacks on the back edges (place paper or something inside so it doesn't glue top) to fabric.

3) Punch the red paper with a shape you like, and add number stamps (or hand draw).

4. Hole punch the scallop circles and loop through and tie to each bag in sequence.

5. Decorate your muslin bags. I used the end of a pencil and carved a triangle to stamp gold patterns. 

6. Place calendar over wooden rod, tie ribbon on each end and hang wherever you like!

7. Fill with surprises of your choice. If you would like to use the daily gospel readings, I made a printable sheet you can download for free here. 

Do you have a fun advent calendar post you want to share? Leave the link:)

Hope you all have a happy advent season!

Love, Anna

Top 5: Favorite Christmas Albums

We can probably all agree that Christmas music has the ability to brighten the gloomiest of days. Right? Well I have a whole playlist that I go through from the start of advent through Christmas day. My family has probably a thousand and three Christmas traditions, and music is a part of that.

The Christmas Albums that Top My List:

1. Bing's White Christmas album will always top the list. I have listened and danced to this album with my sisters for as long as I can remember. It immediately brings Christmas spirit into my heart.

2. Manheim Steamroller - Christmas in the aire and Extroardinaire. My dad would always save this for Christmas morning before all of us would trample downstairs. It was the signal that St. Nicholas had come. I probably will continue this with my own children:)

3. White by Craig Kaelin. I have had this on repeat this week. Incredibly peaceful. I can't get enough.

4. Andy Williams. This tops both Gabe and I's favorites list. The classics always hit home. We even had this as a record. Who doesn't love his rendition of "Its the most wonderful time of the year?"

5. Little Women. I can't even get started on this or my overly sentimental heart will weep. It reminds me of the happy memories of growing up with many sisters, and we all love this one especially at Christmas time.

Honorable Mentions: George Winston, Sarah McLachlan, Chicago (my dad's fave), Charlie Brown Christmas, and Mariah Carey, Amy Grant (my mom's fave)

What about you? Top Christmas album??