2013 Post Round-Up

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the holiday!  This time in-between Christmas and New Years is the best.  My husband has actually been able to set his phone down for longer than two hours at a time.  That would be an all time record and I don't know how to act!  I'm not tempted to toss his phone in a glass of water like I usually am.  I'm sure his clients would love me for that.  :)  Needless to say we are soaking up and enjoying as much family time as we possibly can.  I thought about posting a quick round up of projects from 2013 and then remembered I only had time for one project in 2013 - building the house.  So here are the new house posts I've shared since we moved in along with a few older posts that may be applicable to you right about now.  (Ready to organize anyone!?)  I'll be back posting up a storm in the New Year.  Can't wait!  Happy 2014 everyone!  Bring it on.  :)  

 {FAMILY ROOM}

 {GIRLS' BATHROOM}

 {PLAYROOM}

{POWDER BATHROOM}

 {KITCHEN}

{ORGANIZING CHRISTMAS DECOR}

{TIPS FOR GETTING AND STAYING ORGANIZED}

 {TIME MANAGEMENT BINDER}

{PANTRY ORGANIZATION}

Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve friends!  Love this day.  :)  Sharing a few pics I snapped of our home this morning.  We are really enjoying some down time with family today.  

 Our Elf left a little poem for the kids last night. 

Just to thank them for being so good and to get them excited for tomorrow.  

As if we aren't excited enough!  

 He also left them some elf cookies.  These three cookies came straight from the North Pole, but in case you're wondering I've also seen them at Barnes and Noble.  :)

I wish I could freeze this moment in time.  These three are at such fun ages!
They are my favorite Christmas present every year.  

And a quick shot of our tree.  We took the table out and put it in our breakfast nook this year.  Kenny's entertaining the kids right now so that I can wrap so I better get to it!  I just didn't want the day to go by without saying how grateful I am for all of you.  It means the world to me that you take a minute out of your busy day to read this blog.  I love connecting with you all and truly consider you all friends.  Thank you for being a part of my life this year!  One of my favorite parts.  :)

Merry Christmas everyone!  From our family to yours!

xx

Erin

Christmas in the kitchen

I had plans for Christmas decorating this year.  BIG plans.  I was going to deck the halls like there was no tomorrow.  And then reality hit and I learned a few things...

1- Moving in will take us a year.  Not a month.

2- Finishing the new house will take months.  Not a week.

3- Christmas decor looks best sprinkled in with regular furniture and decor.  Which we don't have much of yet.  

Painters and carpenters have been in my house "finishing up" for weeks now.  I started putting things on the mantel and then had to take them down to paint the mantel.  I wanted to put garland on the stairs, but there were too many places that needed touch up paint on the stairs.  You get the picture.  Let's just say that this year was a bit of a wash as far as holiday decorating goes around my place!  But that's ok.  Next year we will be a bit more settled and hopefully have a table or two!  The one spot I was able to spruce up a bit was a corner of my kitchen.

A little Christmas decor in my bay window was enough to help us get in the mood for the season.   I love having a bay window in the kitchen.  I've always wanted one.  My window guy tried to talk me out of it because he said it would be such a pain to clean.  What!?  It's so not a big deal to climb on the counter get on a chair and wipe it off once a week.  Glad I didn't cave!

 This is my favorite spot in the kitchen.  

You can see in this darker picture that I have a great view of the backyard.  

I love to do the dishes and watch the kids play.  

 Sometimes I get distracted from the dishes and the kids playing because I'm staring at my sink.  

It seems to have that effect on me.   

I'm so careful not to scratch it.  I bought these racks to keep in it to protect it.  Sometimes I think I should just not do the dishes at all.  You know.  To protect the sink.  

See.  I'm getting distracted.  

Back to the Christmas decor!

Just a tree and a plate in one corner.  

Poinsettias in a pitcher and candy canes in the other corner.  Our candy canes are quickly depleting.  I'm clearly not the only one who is climbing on the counter.

Close up of the faucet.  Because you all wanted details.  And I've already led us astray in this post.  

A touch of Christmas in the corner!  I didn't have time to shop for anything new this year so I tried to come up with new ways to use things I already had.  

My reindeer is wearing the same bling as last year.  

He loves the bay window too.  

 I just tossed some white pitchers, pine cones and ornaments in a basket and called it good!

So while we weren't able to do much for holiday decorating this year, we at least have a touch of Christmas in the kitchen.

 Now if we can just get the rest of our lighting we'll be set.  

Enjoy your weekend!  Lots to do! 

:)

Our Favorite Toys! (2013)

Sharing a few favorite toys today!  Mostly because I am just now ordering a lot of our Christmas so toys are on my mind!  I thought this would be my year to get back on top of things and have everything Christmas related done by now, but apparently next year will be "the year".  :)  A lot of odds and ends to finish the new house have kept me so busy this month so I'm doing most of my shopping on-line.  At the LAST minute.  Lovely!

I have to admit that while I love shopping for extended family and friends, these three are the most fun to surprise!  I love finding that perfect gift for each of them that I know will have them squealing Christmas morning.  TOO much fun.

This pic is from our family photoshoot last month and I adore Kole's little face he pulls when we say "smile!"  Not quite his natural smile but at least it's better than this...

 My little buddy gets as excited about family pictures as his daddy does.

:)

Time to share my kids' favorite things!  Some of these toys we have and love and some of these things just may pop up Christmas morning!  

MY GIRLS' FAVORITE THINGS (ages 7 & 9)

1.  Goddess Girls  - My girls are so into these books.  They read them so fast we can't keep them stocked!  

2.  My Little Pony Equestria Girls DVD - Anything My Little Pony is adored around my house and this DVD has been played more times than I can count.  My Little Pony has come a long way since I was a little girl!  They're like totally cool pre-teen ponies now.  Kinda sad!  But my girls love it.  

3.  Justice jewelry -  Addie (who loves all things fashion) is a huge fan of Justice jewelry.  She especially loves "best friend" charms and usually gives the other half to her sister.  :)

4.  How to Draw Books - we gave several of these "How to Draw" books to the girls for Christmas last year and they have loved them!  They keep them busy for hours at a time and have really helped improve their art skills.

5.  Doll Robe - We pretty much love pj's and robes more than life itself around here.  I figured it was time for the girls' dolls to join the pj party!  Now that it gets dark so early we are usually all in pj's by 5:00.  Kenny would argue that this happens regardless of how dark it is outside.  

6.  Razor Scooter - My mom bought these for my girls and they've hardly been set down since!  One of our favorite toys HANDS DOWN.  They inspired my backyard bike/scooter path.  :)

7.  Rainbow Loom - Chances are if you have a daughter you've heard of Rainbow Loom!  Very popular gift this year.  It's on Addison's wish list!

8.  Thea Stilton - Another series of books my girls can't read fast enough.  Darling stories.  They can't wait for reading time when they are into a Thea Stilton book!

9.  Beenie Boos - Oh my word.  My girls are obsessed with them.  Have been for over a year.  Our growing collection is driving me crazy!  Of course they are asking Santa for one yet again!

10.  Karaoke System - Can't wait to see my little singers on Christmas morning when they open this fun gift!  Should be a good time for the whole family.  As long as mom doesn't steal the show.  ;)

11.  Panda fleece pj's from Justice - My panda lover has had these pj's from Justice for a while now and pretty much LIVES in them.  Not my favorite pair, but my El is so in love with them.  I couldn't share her favorites and not include them!  Great gift if you have a panda lover in your life too.  :)

12.  Head Banz - My girls LOVE playing this game!  They play it with each other or invite friends over to join the fun.  Great gift for Elementary age kids.

13.  Guess Who - Another game my girls play non-stop.  I remember loving this game when I was their age too.  

MY LITTLE BUDDY'S FAVORITE THINGS 

(age 3)

1.  Rudolph Memory Challenge - Getting this because we are obsessed with Rudolph around here and memory/matching games are always a hit with Kole.

2.  Pete The Cat Books - Kole LOVES Pete the Cat books.  He discovered them in preschool and they have become fast favorites.  Darling stories.

3.  Melissa and Doug Car Carrier - This was a Christmas present from last year that my little buddy  has played with over and over.  Wooden toys are the best and Melissa and Doug toys hold up so well.

4.  Go Away Big Green Monster - I think we've read this story over 4,629 times.  Or more.  We talk a lot about monsters at our house so I ordered this book for Kole last March for his birthday.  I had no clue he would love it as much as he does.  It's a simple book that would be great for even a 1 or 2 year old.

5.  Maxbox Mega Rig Shark Adventure - I just ordered this because I know it will be a fun toy in and out of the tub!  Sharks rank right up there with monsters (basically anything scary that could "gobble you up" is a hit with Kole right now).  Plus I just thought the ship looked like fun.  Anything that encourages imaginative play is a good thing.

6.  Wooden Digger -  You can't go wrong getting a digger or truck for a toddler boy!  I just bought the wooden digger from this set at Pottery Barn Kids because the wooden Melissa and Doug cars were such a hit last year.  A bit of a splurge for one truck, but all of the parts are so movable like a real digger.  Perfect for scooping pretend dirt!  Or even better - real dirt if mom's in a good mood.

7.  Assorted Dinosaur Set - LOVE our dinosaur toys around here.  The gobble you up thing again.

8.  Go Away Monster Game - Kole has played this game in therapy and loves it so much.  I want to buy it for him but it looks like they aren't making it anymore!?  I haven't seen it for less than 50 bucks used.  Yikes!  Still working on this one...

9.  Plasma Car - All three of my kids have loved their plasma cars for years now!  I can't recommend these enough.

10.  John Deer Tractor - K I haven't ordered this yet but I'm dying to get it for Kole!  He would love it!  But I've already got several things for him for Christmas and I've found with kids (especially toddlers) that too much at once is just too much.  I love for my kids to really play with and enjoy each of their toys so I don't like to give them too much at one time.  So one of you need to get it for your little boy.  It will make me feel better.  :)

11.  Zingo - Another favorite of Kole's.  Zingo is just a fun way to play Bingo.  Toddler style.  If Kole has a willing playmate (thank you Ellie!) he'll play this game all evening.

12.  Mindscope Neo Tracks - Kole has played with these at a friend's house and loved them so much.  The tracks bend and flex and can be put together in so many different ways.  I know this will become a favorite!

13.  Jenga - Such a fun and simple game.  Kole loves it.  There is such a joy he finds in crashing things that I'll never understand.  But if it makes him happy, it makes me happy.   :)

Hope this post gave you a few fun toy ideas if you're still scrambling like me!  Like I said - next year.  Christmas cards will be ready to mail by September!  Gifts will be bought by October!  Decorating will be done in November!

Or not.

And just like every year during this crazy, busy month it will all eventually get done and work out.  

:)  

Favorite Things 2013!

Favorite Things 2013 baby!  This year Melissa at 320 Sycamore (love her and her blog) invited me to join her annual Favorite Things blog hop.  SO FUN!  So after you read all about my favorite things this year make sure to check out the next fun blog on the list!  All sorts of great gift ideas for those of you still doing some Holiday shopping!  

Two of our all time favorite things at my house - books and pajamas.  :)  My mom bought Kole these fun pajamas that match one of his favorite books.  

He loves them both so much!  He has been wearing the pj's and wanting the dinosaur story every night since.  So I checked Amazon for more books and matching pajamas and found so many darling options!  My kids will definitely be seeing more matching books and pjs in their future.  :)

 My two favorite cleaning supplies right now:  Bona for my wood floors and Meyer's Lavendar spray for my countertops.  Love them both.  (Meyer's has so many good scents - I'm just really enjoying Lavendar at the moment!)  A cute basket full of good cleaning supplies would make a great gift.  Especially for someone who doesn't mind cleaning.  We do exist.  :)

 This stylish trellis pattern dish dryer mat makes me smile every time I use it!

Plus it folds up so nice when I'm not using it.  I couldn't find the link for it, but you can find it at Bed Bath and Beyond.  

I got the Epson LabelWorks last Spring for my birthday.  My husband knows me well.  :)  I've only used it a few times to practice labeling, but come January I know the two of us will be inseparable.  I'm in love.  This is a fabulous gift for the organizer in your life!

I've shared this candle as a favorite before, but feel the need to mention it again because I just can't imagine a better scent for this time of year.  It will fill your house with the smell of fresh pine and I have one burning round the clock come December!  In fact as you can see from this picture, I recently stocked up when they went on sale.  :)  The color and label on the candle change each year but the heavenly scent is always the same.  Bath and Body Works Fresh Balsam candle.  A long time favorite and one of my favorite gifts to give this time of year.

HGTV magazine has become one of my all-time favorite reads.  So many fun decorating ideas.  I find that by the time I'm done reading through an issue I've torn out half of the magazine!  A subscription to this fun read is on my Christmas list this year.  :)

While I haven't been able to spend as much time scrapbooking as I would like to, Project Life albums and accessories still make my favorites list.  Now that our new house is finished I'm anxious to start catching up the kids' albums.  Or at least attempt to anyway.  :)

 I'd be lost without my camera and my all time favorite lens is my 28 mm wide angel fixed lens.  It is my go-to lens 90% of the time.  

My Nikes from Nordstroms are a favorite for sure.  These shoes come in so many fun colors and are a great reasonably priced running shoe.  Along with my label maker, I'll also be seeing a lot of these shoes come January.  :)  While I attempt to work off the damage from our latest Christmas tradition - our hot chocolate station.  (Totally worth it though!!)  

You all know I love nothing more than for things to be organized so organizers that help me make that possible are always a favorite of mine.  A lot of people want to organize their homes in January which is why I think organizers make great Christmas gifts!  {My desk calendar from Target and files and bins are some of my favorites!  You can see more in my "back to school organization" post and in my "oh the organizers" post.}

These fun "dream drawer" dividers are also favorites of mine.  I use them in SO many places to divide drawers and create more space.  

 Enjoy hair straightener and Moroccan Oil are still my all time favorite hair products.  Perfect for getting your hair silky smooth!  You can see all of my favorite make-up here.  

 And I can't pass up a favorites post without including my all time favorite OXO clear containers.  

 I use mine in my pantry (just setting them up in the new pantry now!) but you can use them for so many different things.  Really fun gift idea.

One last current favorite of mine.  My girls have been busy making cards for EVERYONE we know.  Makes me smile seeing them around the tree.  And filling up every other nook and cranny throughout our house.  :)  Santa will need to bring some new paper and markers to replenish our stock!

You can check out more fun gift ideas in my Favorite Things Gift Ideas Round-up post. 

You can also see past toy ideas here.  

Soon I will be sharing more recent toy ideas for those of you who (like me) still have lots of shopping to do!

I love you Amazon Prime.

Happy Holiday Shopping everyone!

:)

**  Next up is Michelle at 4 Men 1 Lady.  Be sure to check out her fun favorites too!