Just stopping in to say Hello and Happy New Year!!

My computer is sick right now...be back soon!!

New Year's Eve Sparkle

If I had a fancy New Year's Eve party to attend I'd want to wear a shimmery little number like this...

photo by Walter Chin

...doesn't she look gorgeous?

Stylish Web Browser

My husband recently introduced me to a new web browser called Google Chrome which is available for PC, Mac, and Linux. I just downloaded it and I'm lovin' it so far especially since I can dress it up with an Artist Theme.

I went with this kate spade one for my Mac:

I'll probably alternate the theme every couple of weeks with one of these:

Tory Burch

Jonathan Adler

Alice+Olivia

Matthew Williamson

Stefanie Posavec

Chloe

Rebecca Taylor

To check out all the Themes by Artists go here, and to check out all the Themes by Google go here {the cork board theme is one of my personal favorites}.

Nate Berkus for HSN on Clearance!

HSN is having a year-end sale which, fortunately for us design lovers, includes items from Nate Berkus' line! You may have caught Glamour Magazine's October 2009 "How to Do Anything Better Guide" which featured an apartment transformation styled by the fabulous Mr. Berkus. Well several of the items he used for the makeover were from his HSN line...and the ones below are currently on clearance!

Nate Berkus™ Harbour 5-piece Mantlescape $39.95 reduced from $69.95


Nate Berkus™ Astor 3-piece Tablescape $9.95 reduced from $79.95


L: Nate Berkus™ Ahmad 3-piece Tablescape $19.95 reduced from $49.95
R: Nate Berkus™ Set of 3 Ikat Photo Frames $14.95 reduced from $29.95


Nate Berkus™ Marble Table Lamp $83.97 reduced from $139.95


Nate Berkus™ Woven Knit Throw $69.95 reduced from $79.95

A few other stylish items also on clearance....

L: Nate Berkus™ Kilim Stripe Rug $23.90 - $59.97 reduced from $29.90 - $199.90
R: Nate Berkus™ Tambourine Decorative Pillow Set of 2 $19.00 reduced from $59.95


L: Nate Berkus™ Bali 4-piece Tablescape $29.95 reduced from $59.95
R: Nate Berkus™ 18" Brass Greek Key Tray $49.95 reduced from $69.95


L: Nate Berkus™ Athens 4-piece Tablescape $9.95 reduced from $79.95
R: Nate Berkus™ Knitted Thin Stripe Square Pillow $7.95 reduced from $29.95

To see everything that's on clearance go here. To view his entire collection go here where although unfortunately not on sale, you'll find several other items used in the makeover like the Glass Top Tree Table, the Moroccan Mirror , the Handcrafted Moroccan Table, and the Studio Sofa.

Happy shopping and budget decorating!

Show Some Love!

Be sure to pop on over to Apartment Therapy's The Homies 2009 to nominate your favorite home blogs and discover new ones. You have until tomorrow 5pm EST to add your favorites (which can be more than one!), then between December 30th to January 6th you'll get a chance to vote on the top nominees. If you're not already a member of the Apartment Therapy Community, signing up only takes a few seconds!

Snowy Scenes & New Years Goals

These snowy scenes are so beautiful I just had to share them on here....

images via here

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday filled with love, laughter and memorable little moments. I know I thoroughly enjoyed taking some time off to enjoy spending it with family and friends.

Can you believe it's almost the end of the year?? I certainly can't! Although for me 2009 was a bit rough in a few ways, I'm grateful for everything positive that I experienced and am at peace knowing things happen for a reason. I have several goals for 2010, three of which I've shared with Cassie over at Moon Face. She has a great little series going where she's been featuring a blogger a day and three of their goals for the new year. Be sure to check it out here if you haven't already!

Merry Christmas!

image via here

Wishing you a very happy holiday!

Christmas Eve 2009 in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Merry Christmas to you my sweet bloggy friends.

See you in the New Year!

Flowers for You Today

Just had to share these pretty flowers in this adorable polka dotted pitcher. They make me smile.

Happy First Day of Winter!

coach winter ad

Dreaming of a winter vacation to a place where the weather is icier and I can truly feel the changing seasons.

Just In the Nick of Time

Delivering pound cakes to teachers today. They are wrapped in plastic wrap for safety then in Dollar Store cup towels and tied up with a bell. Aren't they cute?

Hope you all have a glorious weekend. We have company coming. :)

Happy Friday!

top photo by melanie acevedo; bottom photos via anthro

Have a cozy weekend!

Happy Thursday

Good Morning! What does your day hold today? For me it's cleaning, baking, wrapping, lunch with a friend, grocery shopping, and probably more cooking. Wow! I will be loving every minute of it!

I have to share this...you know that universal dream where you have to be some place but no matter how hard you try you can't get there? I had that feeling yesterday. Actually mine was about cooking and gifting...I made pound cakes for my son's teachers...they stuck to the pan and fell apart. Made candy for teachers...it didn't set up. So I'm at it again today with new loaf pans! Yes I threw the others away! Wish me luck. :)

PS. Pound cake crumbs taste wonderful and are calorie free. I'm sure of it!

Gifts You Don't Have to Spend Money On

image via here

Gift Suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

-Oren Arnold

Gift Ideas Under $15

Clockwise from top left: Hand Painted Peacock Bookmark $14.95; Red Lacquer Frames $8.95-12.95; Pink Petito Mini Notepads-set of 8 $12.00; Abuelita Hot Chocolate Tabs (seriously the best!!) usually less than $5.00 at your local grocery store (find it in the Mexican food aisle/section); Monogrammed Mugs $6.00 each; Keel's Simple Diary $15.00

Friends, please go by and visit Melanie at Bella Mella. Her son Andrew passed away after his short battle with cancer. Please leave her family messages and send your prayers.

Doors of Welcome

Good Morning! Today I'm joining in with Karen's Doors of Welcome party. This is the point where I admit that I was taking these pictures just before 6 am therefore...they are sketchy because...it's 19 degrees outside. Never fear the coffee is made and the tree lights are on. :)

Would you like a cookie for breakfast?