Night Owl

I am NOT a morning person! I have tried and tried to convert from my natural, night owl ways but it just won't work! I truly need to wear a sign that says "No Talk 'til 9am". But there are days like today when I wake up early, ideas start to move and there's no stopping that train! So at 4:50AM I was up!! I started a pot of coffee, began straightening up around the house and decided I would start decorating for the holidays ... Thanksgiving that is. I bring out my chic Turkey Day dinnerware and it hits me ... I have only 4 DAYS to use these little pretties and then it's Christmas!! WHERE HAVE I BEEN!?!?! It seems like yesterday sweet, little ghosts and goblins where showing up at my door asking for sugar and now I have missed an entire month of using these Thanksgiving accessories until next year?? Certainly I am not the only one who has felt this time fly??

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I need to regroup and Get in the Expresso Lane ... which is code for figuring out what I am going to wear!!

One of my all time favorite nail colors this season is Get in the Expresso Lane by OPI. This color looks great with just about anything and can bring the simplest of dresses to life! To change it up, top with a sheer metallic like Ulta's GODDESS for a twist on a classic look. Other colors by OPI that will be on my tips and toes this season are:

With parties for both work and friends it is easy to be double-booked! Convert any staple dress, like these from Ann Taylor below, from office attire to an after 5 cocktail party by adding large bangles and earrings that sparkle. Change each look with mod patterned tights such as lace or polka dots. Throw on a colorful pea coat and viola! Each outfit will be perfect for either occasion without compromising style or comfort. If you hurry you can save 40% on everything Ann Taylor by using the code THANKS ... 

With the sun coming up and my coffee almost gone, I will leave you with a few gift ideas or a place to start your wish list ...

Glimmer Wonderland 18 Piece Mini Nail Colour Set 

from Sephora - $48

Homegrown Monogram Mugs

from Anthropologie - $8

Flower Vases from Anthro

$18 - $28 each

Be on the look out for new holiday accessories and jewelry by pure grace out later this week!!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Wreaths, wreaths, and more wreaths!

To know me, is to know I L-O-V-E wreaths! (Carrie I know you are nodding in agreement right now!) As I count I have a monogrammed fall wreath on the front door, one hanging by burlap ribbon in my den adorned with pomegranates and striped feathers, and another made of twigs in my bedroom that overlays an old window pane given to me by a friend. 

Wreaths have been around for centuries and depending on the culture have different meanings. Traditionally wreaths are made of fruit, leaves, twigs, and vines. In the Greek and Roman cultures wreaths are used to symbolize rank, status, or achievements such was the Olympic Games where the laurel wreath originated. For Christians, wreaths symbolize the coming of Christ and preparation of the Advent season. 

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I am certain to come up with a new idea to add to the collection. As I looked for inspiration I found several beautiful ideas from Martha Stewart that can easily be created for your entry way, or a cookie wreath that can be made with children to hang in the kitchen or mud room with other artwork! A wreath I have been dying to have for my dining room is the lacquer magnolia wreath from The Magnolia Company. I can't decide between white, pumpkin, gold rush or silver bells. Decisions, decisions! See what you think ...

 Happy Monday ... Get to creating!

Remembering Pure Innocence

My thoughts have been here for weeks, my heart heavy laden for a friend and family that long to be reunited with an angel, their angel. On November 6, 2010, my dear friend Kristin, husband Cannon and their son Parrish lost their precious baby girl, Olivia Charles Prickett, to SIDS. As a friend, I can in no way understand their pain or know what day-to-day life means for them and the obstacles they face. My memories of this tragedy are vivid and over time do not seem to fade.  It's times like these where you struggle to find the words to express your deep sorrow and you want so badly to take their pain away. Even still I struggled to know what they would need in the way of prayers because I felt they needed everything our Lord could provide and more. I remember asking the Lord to shelter and comfort them during this unimaginable time, filing the hole in their hearts with only His perfect love. Without doubt my prayers were answered and God continues to watch over this sweet family. I have witnessed the Lord work through Kristin and Cannon and their foundation to not only help them survive their own tragedy, but to help other families cope with pain, suffering and loss similar to theirs.

For those who knew Olivia, her contagious smile was complimented by a laugh that brought joy to anyone in her presence. Today, her light lives on and touches the lives of many through the her parent's faith and God's pure grace. I ask that you please continue to pray for The Pricketts during this difficult time and especially the holiday season.

Psalm 119:28 “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

Psalm 119:41 “May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise.”

Psalm 119:50 “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”


Remembering Olivia,