let it snow.

It started snowing this morning when Justin and I woke up and it is still coming down!  Yay for it feeling like Christmas. They say we will get about 2-3 inches. I love how the snow glistens and creates such art work across all it touches.  Since it is dark outside  - it really does look like glitter is being sprinkled across the sky.

ummm.

This cold weather makes me want to cuddle up on the sofa with a blanket and hot chocolate.  Last night I used our Keurig to make a cup of dark chocolate hot cocoa.  To top it off - I put a "peep" Christmas tree on top instead of marshmallows.  If any of you know me, I have a love for peeps.  I have to hold myself to one a day.

classic.

My mom and I went shopping yesterday.  Brooks Brothers wasn't a planned trip, but I realized after shopping in the store what great quality clothing they offer.  A 2011 goal is for Justin and I to save our money and take small trips to BB to build our wardrobe.  They offer pieces that are timeless and will never go out of style.

Men and women love the non-iron dress shirts. 

Below are some elegant Christmas gifts for someone special.

{photo credit:  www.brooksbrothers.com}

dim boots.

At Trader Joe's today I saw a gal wearing the cutest boots - it reminded of the Steve Madden boots I wanted over a year ago.  I wasn't willing to cough up $199 for them.  When my friend, Lauren, came over she had the boots as well, except hers were purchased at Target!  That's right...and now they are on sale for $26.24.  I went to Target and ordered a gray pair.  What a great Christmas gift to myself :)  The best part is the colored zipper on the back.  If you are willing to pay the $199, there are some very cool boots with colored zippers at Steve Madden 

 Target : Mossimo "Kaden" Tall Buckle Boots : $26.24

 Steve Madden : "Roady" Tall Boot : $199.00

{photo credits:  www.target.com and www.stevemadden.com}

feliz navidad.

Justin and I bought our perfect and first Christmas tree at Costco Tuesday night.  They had them for $29.99!  We also bought garland for the mantle and a wreath for the front door.  I just love the smell!

For decorating the tree we used ornaments my grandmother gave us. She used them each year and actually made them with her mother's costume jewelry.  They are so special. Justin put the white lights on and added some sparkles with sticks we bought at Michael's

Next it was time to decorate the table.  I used a cone shaped piece of wood with nails in it.  Again, something my grandmother used for years and handed down to me.  It was simple - just a bag of apples from Trader Joe's and clippings from the tree. So natural and seasonal.

My favorites...the banister and the mantle.  Justin and I used real garland to wrap around the banister.  I always wanted to use real greenery, but have never had the chance until this year.  I wrapped the garland and made the bows, but Justin wrapped the ribbon (from Michael's) around the garland. Oh what a sweet hubbs.

Our faux fireplace - ha!  We will just say mantle...we do have a mantle, but that is a mirror since we don't have an actual fireplace. I used real greenery and placed cinnamon pine cones for a nice 'organic' touch.  Candles at one end and Nutcrackers at the other, give the mantle balance.  The velvet stockings and star stocking hangers I actually found at Khol's.  They were all on sale for 50% off!

I look forward to the next 22 days that we get to enjoy our Christmas home.

Merry Christmas!

tay tay and jay jay.

(PEOPLE) Baristas, be on the lookout: Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift may soon be ordering maple lattes at your shop.

Tuesday they stopped into the Frothy Monkey in 12th South, their second trip to the shop -- they were there on Sunday, also.

"Apparently Jake likes a cappuccino with maple syrup," says a source who saw him order the drink. "Frothy has the real deal in the maple syrup department."

On Monday, the pair sampled cups of Joe at another Nashville shop called Crema.
On Saturday, the pair ducked into Fido, a coffeehouse and café near Vanderbilt University and Music Row.

See full article at PEOPLE.com {photo credit: www.people.com}

I would recommned Tay Tay and Jake try The Good Cup at 2181 Hillsboro Rd next, and there is always Dose off of West End.

Enjoy your java!

simply having a wonderful christmas time.

Tomorrow Justin and I are getting our first Christmas tree to decorate together! I am so excited! Today I started gathering ideas for how I want to decorate our condo with nature. I love using fruit and real greenery to make our home feel warm and christmas-y.



A five-second centerpiece : Mix clementines or oranges and peppermint balls in a single glass compote or vase. You can even through in cinnamon sticks or cloves for a nice winter scent.
















A staircase always looks lovely with a garland of greenery : Easier than looping it around and around: Lay evergreen on top of the banister, fasten in place with floral wire, and wrap with extra-wide ribbon. I find the best ribbon at Michael's.

{photo credit:  www.realsimple.com}

Happy Decorating!