Handmade Christmas

Winter is upon me here in Ohio; seven inches the week before Thanksgiving is quite the way to start off the Holiday season. How was every one's Turkey Day? Mine was filled with family and food.

Getting to the Library to update my blog seems to be getting tougher and tougher, so I apologize if my posts are few and far between for now; please keep coming back! The Library's computers sound like Harrier jets taking off and forget putting up a picture, that may crash the whole system or take 35 minutes to load.

So for now you'll have to listen to me ramble!

Don't you love my new layout? It's courtesy of LeeLou Blogs, check her out she has the cutest stuff for all you out there in blog world!

And now we come to Christmas, a season that people either love or hate. I personally love the season, the hustle and bustle, giving from your heart and celebrating with loved ones.

This year Josh and I are doing things a little differently. We'll be having a Handmade Christmas.

That's right, not a single of our gifts will be "store bought". I've been turning out knitted items like a Taiwanese sweat shop and Etsy is going to love us by the time we're through!

I suggest you try the same. Handmade gifts are more sentimental and personal. They are better from the environment, and they support the local economy.

Try looking around for a local winery or chocolate shop, make some peppermint soap, or scour the vintage shop down the street for a sweet sweater you can embellish yourself for Mom. I promise you'll have fun and the receivers of your gifts will cherish them forever.

Please let me know what you all have been up too?!?! I feel so out of the loop! Cheers til then, I'm off to brave the snow storm!

Snow Day

It's official, Winter has begun here in Ohio! The weather man actually used the word accumulation today, and the snow is supposed to continue through the rest of the week!

Though rather large I love this print from Hide N Seek

I'm feeling inspired, so all my Christmas boxes are out and I'm ready to decorate. I know, I know, you must think I'm a lunatic to want to put all my decorations up now, but oh well. I love the season, and the sooner it gets here the sooner Josh is home!

My theme will be White and Silver with pops of Red. I'm hugely inspired by this Pottery Barn display. I hope it looks just as nice on my dining room table! I'm being resourceful by making or reusing many of my other decorations since we are on a tight budget this year (more to come about that later).

I hope wherever you are the weather is just as inspiring! Have a happy Sunday to all!

Tartan Tizzy

The design world is a buzz with the new Williams-Sonoma Home store opening in NYC. Over at Habitually Chic, she graciously gives us an insiders look at the Grand Opening.

Naturally I started perusing WS Home's website and I stumbled upon Tartan. I love plaid patterns and especially Tartan's which each trace back to a Scottish family.

I would love a room like this, but I don't think Josh would ever go for it.

Does anyone else ever look through catalogs and love the items being sold, but also wonder to yourself, "I love the room itself". I love the log holder and bright airy feeling, the Tartan couch doesn't feel at all stuffy.

I could however see myself using this modest application.photos via Williams-Sonoma Home

I love the shape of the couch, the contrasting pattern of the Tartan and the rug. I think this room is perfectly 'comfy chic'.

Anyway, a short post today, Josh and I are off to see a movie with friends. Have a wonderful start to your weekend!