Neon Brights

I don't think I've worn neon since my high top converse in the 5th grade, but these images have me changing my mind. What do you think about neons? 

Happy 2012

Kate Spade sums up my resolutions for 2012..

New Year's Eve

I'm off and away to Hickory until 2012! Spending New Year's Eve with my family is my idea of perfect. We are ringing in the New Year with bubbly, great food, hats, and noise makers all at my parents home. We always have the best time when we get together so I know that this party will not disappoint! While I will no doubt not be wearing sequins or a ballgown this year, it's always nice to have a little inspiration. Skinny jeans (if I can squeeze!) and a pair of big diamond studs can be just as festive, no?

This year has been an incredible year of blessings, change, and happiness. 

Your comments and support have brought so much joy to 2011. 

I can't wait to see you all in 2012!

xoxo

Fresh for the New Year

This week I have been organizing and compartmentalizing our house. Cleaning out closets and our kitchen and make-up drawers feels so good! Life is so much simpler when things are uncluttered and organized. Here are a few images that got me on this clutter busting train. Hopefully it will last past the New Year!

What are your tips to staying organized?

 

Glittering Gold

all images via

Merry Christmas Y'all!

I can't believe that Christmas is almost here! This is my first year not going to my parents house (tears are coming out now) but it's time for the husband and I to start our own traditions. When I think of Christmas, I think of going to church, seeing my family, exchanging gifts, reading the Christmas story, watching The Christmas Story over and over on TBS, and of course, eating lots and lots of great food. While I may not be able to replicate all of those traditions exactly here, I can certainly try by starting our own traditions. First on the list... food. And lots of it!

We are going to my in-laws tonight but will be back in town tomorrow in time for me to make a decadent Christmas Eve dinner of fettuccine Alfredo. We hardly ever eat pasta, but I think it's a great one pot dish and will be perfect with a good bottle of red wine. Our neighbors are doing fondue Christmas Eve night, so what's better than pasta, wine, and dark chocolate? 

Christmas morning, we will wake up, open presents, and of course Tilley-Gray will have presents to open from Santa! I'm making an overnight French Toast Casserole that I made last year from Ezra Pound Cake. It is so good and super easy to make. 

For Christmas dinner, we are making a short rib pot pie. I'm a bit nervous about this because I have never made it, but I'm thinking that if all else fails, we can have cheese, bread, and wine for dinner! 

It looks so yummy and cozy and perfect for a Christmas Day dinner!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! 

xoxo

Tis the Season

Tilley-Gray strikes a pose 

(She is 3 weeks today!)

My sweet step-sisters sent me my absolute favorite treat in the world, macaroons from Laduree in NYC on Tuesday. Our neighbors gave us a bottle of Veuve Clicquot when we got home from the hospital. What a perfect combination? It was pretty fancy for a Tuesday night!

Grayson is one proud daddy. 

And believe it or not, I was given macaroons two days in a row! Heaven! 

First, from Laduree and then from my favorite local bakery, Flower and Flour. They dropped off Christmas treats yesterday and it was such a sweet surprise. So much for eating healthy this week. My no sweets policy might just have to start after the new year!

Tomorrow I'll be sharing what I'm going to make this weekend for our very first Christmas at home as a family! In the meantime, check out these gift guides I did for I Love You Crazy and Delightfully Chic. 

Gifts for the Hostess

Wish List this Christmas