World's Cutest Gift

Want to see the world's cutest Christmas gift?
Do you remember the pajamas my kids were wearing in the Christmas picture? If not click here.

They were wearing Crew Cuts Union Suits.

A gift from our neighbors. What? Your neighbor just gave you fudge? Well, these neighbors are more like family, except we don't fight. Pretty cute gift, huh? It gets better.

They had them monogrammed on the back flap. Talk about Christmas joy!! I know it is not about the gifts, but I thought this was too cute not too share!!

I know it is a little late to help you this year, but it is never too early to start planning for next year.

Hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright!!

Got Cards?

I wasn't going to send Christmas cards this year. Camera problems, class parties, tired mama. But last night after the kids had their baths, they were on our bed watching T.V. and my husband grabbed the camera. In 20 seconds he took 5 pictures. Guess what? 4 out of 5 were good.

(This is my husband's favorite picture)

Of course they were good. It is December 22 and too late to send out a card. This is the first year since I have had children that I have not sent out a card. It is also the first year there were not two photo sessions, no crying and no yelling. So here it is, my card to you.

May Your Christmas Be Merry and Bright
With Love, Cricket, Clay and Locke
Sissy & Bill

(This is my favorite picture)

It's not a contest or anything (although Bill says everything is a contest), but which one would you choose?
My favorite or my husband's?

Marshmallow Mess

Things have been a little busy around here. Can't imagine why. I did decide to make marshmallow garlands with my kids. Doesn't it sound like fun? I got 10 bags of marshmallows, needles, threads, we were good to go.

We all sat around the fire and made...a giant mess. Do you know how sticky marshmallows are? Do you know what a mess they make? Can you imagine a bigger disaster? Needles, thread and marshmallows went into the trash. I should have learned my lesson last year when we made popcorn garland. We had fun making it. It looked great on the tree, but big sections kept disappearing...

Then we found out why. Butterball likes popcorn.
(Doesn't the tree always look so sad after Christmas?)

picture from: I Wanna Be A Domestic Goddess

Jamie Drake - Crayola Man

I am taking a break from my Christmas postings to talk about crayons.
I did a post a several weeks ago about rooms and their personality and used this room as an example for someone with a love of color.

In fact, I called it the crayola room because it reminded of some art we would do as kids where you took 2 pieces of wax paper, put crayon shavings in between and iron it. Remember? Then the crayons would all bleed together. Come on, isn't that what the art reminds you of?

Well, I didn't know it at the time, but the room was decorated by Jamie Drake. I stumbled upon that fact recently and decided to look him up.

Crayola Man is the perfect name for him.

That man is the crayola box of decorating. You like color? You're gonna like the Crayola Man. Check him out here and let me know what you think.

Bright, Happy Christmas

Right now I am loving all these bright happy Christmas pictures.

I usually do the old red and green theme with some gold thrown in...

But I am thinking it might be fun to add some other colors.

I, of course, mean next year.

I am so done decorating for this year...DONE!!

But if it is too late for bright, happy colors in my holiday decorating, maybe I can get some in my accessories.

What about you? Red and green or pink and blue?

pictures from:Bliss Tree, Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart, Getty Images, Miss Ruby Sue.

Rebuttal

As Sissy's much-maligned husband, I am taking this opportunity to set the record straight regarding yesterday's post. Sometimes she has a tendency, as most women do, to exaggerate and be somewhat of a drama queen.

When Sissy returned home Monday I suspected that she might be tired, so I made sure that the house was sparkling clean for her return. Also, knowing how she tends to "mis-remember' things, I took some photos of the house right before she walked in the door.

Here is a photo of the bathroom that I took at the time.

Here is another one that I took of the kitchen.

But wait. It gets better. I had the children dressed and ready for their mother's arrival...

Then I drew her a bath, rubbed her feet and put her to bed.

You'd think she would appreciate all of this, but I'm used to it. Maybe it'll be different with my next wife (but I doubt it).

One Night

I went out of town for one night..ONE night. And this is what I found when I got home...

Along with one crying baby, 26 loads of dirty laundry and 75 e-mails.

I screamed, I yelled, my head spun around and then all was back to normal.

This ever happen to you? Is it worth leaving if you have to come back to this?
(If I owe you an e-mail, I am sorry, I am working on it!!)
picture from: Dumwit Tellher

Are you in the Mood..

For a little Christmas?

These pictures help me get into the holiday mood.

Practical? No. Fabulous? Yes!

You know Santa Claus is coming to town. He's making a list, checking it twice..

Going to find out who's naughty or nice...

Or who's been griping and complaining about all there is to do....

You know who you are...snap out of it! Join in the fun. Stop by Starbucks, get a Gingerbread Latte, turn on some Christmas music and sniff the tree.... I'm feeling better already. What about you?

pictures from: Style Redux, Small Space Style, Twig & Thistle, J Crew, My Favorite Things, Daisy Pink Cupcake

Happy Birthday Jenny

Recognize this little hamburger pusher?

How about this newly tattooed 20 year old?

Yep, it's Jenny from My Favorite and My Best.

But I think she should call it My Funniest and Most Outrageous, because she has the greatest sense of humor and the most outrageously beautiful design pictures.

Today is Jenny's 40th Birthday

I don't remember how I found My Favorite and My Best, but at first I was shocked. "She said that!! OMG! She did say that!! " I was shocked and I loved it! In my head I am edgy and different. In reality I am pretty white bread/vanilla. Not Jenny. In high school I am sure she was one of those cool girls you wanted to hang out with but were kind of scared of. That's how I felt when I started reading her blog. Then, after an exchange of comments and e-mails I got to know her better. Yes, she's edgy, cool, crazy funny and super nice. Not scary at all. Well except for the time she offered to wrestle me for a pair of Frye boots and warned me that she would kick my ass. Hey, at least she's honest.

So in honor of your birthday Jenny, I am giving you the Frye Carson boots. No fighting necessary.

And by "giving you", I mean just this fabulous picture of them. Enjoy them as you prance around Atlanta in all your 40 years of hotness!!! Today a Hooter's commercial, tomorrow a reality show.....just don't forget us little people when you are obnoxiously famous!!

Happy Birthday Jenny!!
If you get a chance hop over to her blog and wish the old hag Happy Birthday!!

And big shout out to the Jenny's husband Mike, he's got to be the most thoughtful husband around!!

A Gift? For Me?

It's December. That means Christmas and my birthday. December is really all about me. I know it is hard coming up with ideas for my gifts, so I decided to help you out. I am so thoughtful that I kept everything under $50..that's just the kind of person I am. (For Daddy Warbucks I will be posting bigger ticket items later)

Let's go to Anthropologie first. I am loving these pajama bottoms. $48 Here.
Good style doesn't stop at bedtime.

This critter coin purse would make a perfect stocking stuffer. $9.95 Here
Can you imagine actually knowing where your coins were instead of digging through your dirty purse every time someone wants candy out of the candy machine?

Much more fun than plain black, don't you think? $14.95 Here

Who doesn't want some super cute panties? These would make folding laundry more fun. $8.50 Here.

A subscription (or renewal) of House & Home would bring joy every month of the year. $56.95 Here. O.K. it is a little over $50 but SO worth it!!

I am loving this tiny Linda Hunt painting from Etsy. $45 Here

It reminds me of "The Homeplace", where my grandparents lived on the Intracoastal Waterway. I miss it.

And these belt buckles from Etsy seller MnM Treasures.

The prices are amazing $16 - $36

And they come in every color and style you can imagine. Perfect for friends, sisters and me!

Last but not least these paper mache birds from Perch. $45 Here They just make me smile, I think it is their little twig legs.

What do you think? See anything you like? Feel free to buy something for yourself. After all that shopping for everyone else you deserve something cute too! If you are lucky enough to live in Wilmington and need more gift ideas, stop by the:

Brookwood Neighbor's Artisan Sale
Friday December 4th & Saturday December 5th
10 - 5
9 Borden Avenue
Handcrafted & Vintage Items Including: Hand Painted Furniture, Wreaths, Jewelry, Baked Goods & More.

Parallel Universe

I love denim. Always have. I still have my favorite pair of Levis from high school (the zipper is about 10 inches long) and my first pair of Guess jeans that I got in college. Oh, I thought they were so cool. And yes, I can still get in them. Breath? No. But is breathing really all that important? If I lived in a parallel universe where fashion had no rules or restraints I would wear...

This to pick up the kids from school.
In reality I don't think I could chase a two year old in those shoes, but I would look cute trying.

How about this for a quick trip to Target or the grocery store?
Fashion should be fun, right?

The first two outfits are fantastic!! I would be all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Don't you love this? City girl meets country girl..perfect. No need to look unattractive just because you are working around the farm.

And this. Can you even stand it? I love it!! It has my name written all over it. I would totally wear this. Christmas party, book club, PTA meeting...I would find somewhere to wear it.

So if you were free to wear whatever you wanted regardless of function or comfort, what would it be? Sweat pants or tutus? Three inch heels or flip flops? Denim ball gowns or denim shorts?

pictures from: Who What Wear, Denimology, Denim Blog