Christmas through the ages...

I love collecting new and meaningful ornaments each year to decorate my tree, but these ornaments can't hold a candle to my grandmother's antique ornaments. A couple of years ago, my grandma told all of the grandkids that we could go into her basement and take anything we want. One of my favorite "basement pics" was an antique ballerina ornament. It holds much significance to me because my grandma and my mom were both dancers as well.  Here's my favorite ornament next to one of my new ballerina ornaments...I don't think the new one holds a candle.

Christmas Card

I feel like the idea of sending Christmas cards is becoming more and more obsolete. While there are various online companies that allow you to send digital cards, it just feels so impersonal to me. I love these companies for party invites, etc., but I'm sticking to my guns with mailing Christmas cards. There's just something special about getting a letter in the mail. Here's the Christmas card that I designed for this year.

A Solar Christmas

So, I'm always eager to jump on any "green" trends. It makes me feel good to know I'm making a choice that helps the planet. As much as I'd like to make my entire home solar powered, it's not a possibility at this point, as we are just wee-little renters. In the meantime, I figured why not at the very least buy solar paneled Christmas lights. So, I talked to my bf and we decided I should order 8 boxes so that we could adequately cover the house. I ordered these lights from Home Depot.

The lights arrived a couple of days ago and now it seems that my boyfriend has all together lost interest in decorating the outside of the house. I am crossing my fingers that he'll change his mind because I know I would do a dismal job. I'll keep you all posted and in the meantime, here's a couple of inspiration photos.

Lit House on the Water from
wallpaperstock.net

Twinkle Lights from
SGRWebster.com

All Wrapped Up

This year, there seems to be an inundation of creative and diy wrapping solutions.  I can't wait to finish my Christmas shopping, so that I can jump to tackling some of these amazing gift wrap ideas. 

1. Underworld Magazine
2. MarthaStewart.com
3. Compai Creative
4. CountryLiving.com
5. MarthaStewart.com

Pet Presents

Here is a photo of one of the most important loves of my life.

Being that he captures such an important place in my heart, I absolutely spoil him rotten for Christmas. Here is a list of all things I hope to buy for my little man.  

1. Petsmart- Petholiday Collars $8
2. Petco- Holiday Squeaky Reindeer $14
3. B Johnson- Custom Pet Painting
4. Etsy- Christmas Peanut Butter Dog Snacks $15
5. Petco- Candy Cane Dog Bone $5
6. Etsy- Pet ID Tag $13
7. Etsy- Christmas Fleece Tug Toy $6
8. Etsy- Personalized Etched Glass Dog Bowl $22
9. Amazon- Petmate Burrow Bed $32