Happy Birthday Bloggy!

Well, this little blog of mine will turn 1 on Wednesday...technically.  However, I didn't really put much into my blogging until about September, so...

I've always loved to write and have attempted many different ways to outlet this love.  This home blog stuck.  It was slow to get started, but now it is truly a part of my everyday.  I personally gain so much from reading blogs that I feel the need to pay it forward and contribute in some way.  If just one person gains inspiration from what I share, yay! :)

Since the end of a year is a time of looking back, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my favorite (and your favorite too!) posts.

Last January I shared a cute DIY Valentine Wreath.



Then, in February, I showed you my V-day mantle and my DIY milk glass jars.




In the Spring I shared how to make a festive birthday wreath out of dollar store materials...



...and how we helped little man turn the big 3 with a Mickey party.




I made over a Goodwill lamp in April,




and shared Little's playroom over the summer.




Things really picked up in the fall when we welcomed fall,




  monogrammed a wall,





Set a Fall table,



Decked out the mantle,



painted some pumpkins (here and here),

        


made a mossy masterpiece,




showed you how to make and use my Home Binder (this was one of the most popular posts all year),




and baked some out of this world treats (here and here).


   


I shared my holiday home with you recently,



as well as some ideas for quick gifts (for any time of year!) here, here, and here.

   




We've also had some fun playing with different looks...


     



       




              

I sure like the sorority girl pose, don't I?  I have to say though, I think my Fashion Fun pics have gotten much better.  I'm learning!

This has been such a fun "year" of blogging for me.  In the past few months that I've really been giving Nest some love, I've met some great people, learned a lot about photography, and really learned a lot about who I am as a mom, wife, baker, decorator, person.  They say reflection is the best tool for personal growth...

To those of you who faithfully come read my random tidbits, I thank you.  Whether it's with sweet comments or silent cheerleading, your support has given me more than you know.  I started 2012 in kind of a rocky place, but I can confidently say that 2013 is my year!

Get ready, we're going to have a lot of fun!!  Happy New Year!

XO,

 Sara

Fashion Fun - Gray Fedora

It has really cooled off here.  Meaning, we finally have to put coats on! Now, I've always been a hat girl, but pulling off a winter hat in Hotlanta can be kind of a challenge.  I spied this gray polka dot fedora at Target and I had to have it!  Right?

When you wear a hat, I think it's always a good idea to keep your hair pretty simple.  Well, really everything else should be simple.  Makeup, jewelry, clothes.  A hat definitely has a lot to say so you don't want too many other things trying to yell over each other.  Your clothes and accessories talk too, right?

I love a messy side knot with a fedora.  It balances the structure of the hat and doesn't make you look too "done up".

I paired this hat with gray skinnies, a white button down, and a boyfriend cardigan.  Simple, simple.

As you can see, this pic is from a month ago (I assure you I did not leave my pumpkins on the porch for Christmas!).  I had so many things to post for Christmas it got buried.

Sad, sad plants.  They were ending their lifespan...

Have you been donning any jaunty caps lately?  I'll be sure to share a few more hat looks throughout the season.  Got to make winter fun somehow!

I hope everyone had a restful holiday.  Hurry and finish those lingering things on your 2012 checklist.  

2013 is a comin'!

XO,

  Sara

Merry Christmas!

Hello Dear Friends!  I wish you and your families the Merriest of Christmases.

I'll be snuggling up with my Mister and my Little Man, enjoying the wonder that is Christmas in a 3 year old's eyes.

See you in a couple of days!

I'll be recapping some of our holiday festivities and kicking off the new year with a plan to get uber-organized in 2013!

XO,
  Sara

Christmas Tablescape 2012

Merry Christmas Eve!  Can you believe the big night is upon us?!?

I'm back with another installment of  "10 Minute Table".

I'm hosting a big shindig for Christmas Eve, so I wanted to have an extra pretty table.

I stuck with my rustic chic theme and used items I already had on hand.  I cut a length of burlap from a big spool I have for another project.  Then, I just kind of bunched it down the table...I love some artistic draping!

I used my Pottery Barn Emma fruit bowl to house a little tree I got from Target last Christmas.  Clearance baby!  Silver ornaments tuck in around the branches.

I used the same candle holders filled with coffee beans from my Fall table.

Little and I collected pine cones and needles from the playground to bring some nature indoors.

My cute little reindeer from T.J. Maxx stands guard on the table.

There's a peek at a gift I made for my bro-in-law

Our menu tonight will be:

 White Chicken Christmas Chili

Cornbread with honey

Green salad 

Italian Cream Cake (this is my specialty!)

  I'm also planning a hot cocoa bar with slow cooker hot chocolate, peppermint whipped cream, and peppermint stir sticks....

It should be a fun evening!  I'll share some pics of our dishes soon!

Read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and get those wee ones in bed!

XO,
  Sara

Holiday Look

A couple weekends ago, Mister and I went to a holiday party and I decided to try a new do.  I was so excited with how it turned out!  Thank you Pinterest, and more specifically, Kate from The Small Things Blog.  She has the best hair tutorials.

It's really hard to photograph your own hair!  Especially when the hairdo is on top of your head!  This is a sock bun...without the sock.  Truth be told, I have tried it with the sock years ago and I could never get it to work.  I think I have too many layers.  This, I could do.  

Now, Kate already has such a good tutorial so I'm going to refer you to her.  But, from me, I say "You can do it!".  It only took me 1 try and everyone at the party raved about it.  Bust out those bobby pins ladies!

Next time I attempt this style, I'll aim for a little more on top of my head...  

Gracious!  Can y'all see how dirty my mirror is?  Now that I have more of a handle on holiday goings-on, I have GOT to clean my house.  I only have company coming tomorrow!


The jeans are my faves from Gap (the Always Skinny in dark wash) and the top was a clearance rack find at Target.  I like to get tops like this from places like Forever 21 and Target because I know I'm not going to wear them too much.  Jeans on the other hand...

I don't know.  Maybe I should wear this outfit to Little's class party.  Too much?

Love these shoes. They are Guess and they are fairly comfortable for 5 inch heels!

I wore my favorite gold earrings.  I think I got them at Charming Charlie.

What about you?  What do you like to party in?  I have to wear something I can dance in.  I have kind of a reputation.  My friends have come to expect a little running man.  Who am I to disappoint?

Linking up to:

Michaela Noelle Designs

XO,
  Sara

Kiddie Thank You Notes

It's never too early to learn the art of being a gracious gift recipient.  In the past, I have written my son's thank you notes for him, but he's ready to be involved now.

I picked up these cute little cards back in October (I know, crazy!) and I knew they would be just perfect for teaching how and why we send a thank you.

Of course, I will do the bulk of the writing, but he can write his name and I'm sure he will want to contribute his two cents!

Do you have your kids send thank yous?  What method do you use?  Email, handwritten?

I'm super excited to share my holiday look with you tomorrow!  I slipped about the hairdo I rocked to one of our parties this year.  It was a smash and it was pretty easy.  Check back tomorrow!!

XO,
  Sara