French Farmhouse Christmas

I had the good fortune of stumbling across this lovely blog {Dreamy Whites}

 a few years back and have been crazy about it ever since!

You can probably guess what I’m drawn to….

the white, simple, cozy décor.

It’s just so refreshing…

The fabulous woman behind the blog, the design, and the online shop is Maria Carr.

She lives on a Horse Ranch in Northern California {that is dreamy} with her husband and five children.

She homeschools her kids and still finds time for what she loves…

French Farmhouse Antiques

Here are some of her Christmas pieces for sale in her online shop which you can view & purchase {here}.

Enjoy!

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{All Images Via: Dreamy Whites ~ French Farmhouse Christmas}

Letter’s to Santa

The magic has begun…..

Our home has been decorated since the day after Thanksgiving.

By husband is still attempting to install a couple more lights,

don’t worry we aren’t the Griswold’s but we do like lights.

In fact, for the past week we have been taking walks as soon as it

gets dark to view all the Christmas Lights in the surrounding neighborhoods.

We are fortunate to live around the block from a neighborhood

that decorates to the max with a fabulous display of Christmas Lights.

This neighborhood is as wonderful as Disneyland!

A cup of hot chocolate and a little fresh air, can put anyone in the holiday spirit.

And of course, our Elf on The Shelf has returned!

Yes, we are Elf people.

In fact we have had our boy Elf, Aubrey {yes, I know} for 3 years now.

This past Saturday, with all of the rain I took the kids to the mall in

hopes to visit with Santa.

The line of course was too long, so we visited a few stores in preparation

for our annual letters to Santa.

In Pottery Barn Kids, we stumbled upon the Author of The Elf of the Shelf.

Chandra Bell was signing books and delivering them straight from Santa,

of course, Miss Madeline hoped that Aubrey could have a friend.

Cutie has now joined our family…….

{yes, she is cute!}

With all of this holiday activity, it was the perfect time to

create our Christmas Lists/Letters to Santa.

A couple years ago, we actually received a reply back from the “Jolly old Elf”.

{Thanks Mr. Santa at the post office for answering my children’s letter!}

Traditionally I hand write the letters via what the kid’s dictate to me,

but this year I came upon this inexpensive find at Target.

It was a great find that was easy to fill out.

The Santa Lists are a tri-fold card in which you list the good things they have done

over the year, then the second section is the actual lists.

Four envelopes and four letters were in the package that was under $4.00.

A great way to make a list for family members as well as,

placing in the mail to The North Pole.

I found this gem near the holiday boxed cards.

Fingers crossed that we are lucky enough to receive a response from Santa…..

but then again the kids might just have to wait to see what actually comes on

Christmas Morning!

“Santa Claus is coming to town”.

A “Moment” with my Older Boys…

I recently had one of those {rare} moments that I think we all share as mothers….

maybe even as parents.

I watched my boys walk into school together after dropping them off at the side gate.

Ryan paused and waited for Seth as he got his backpack placed properly on his shoulders.

They walked into school, side-by-side, chatting and sharing what appeared to be a quiet laugh.

The sun glistened upon them showing off their auburn hair…

you could clearly tell they were brothers.

As I watched them….

for only mere seconds {as I had to keep moving with cars behind me},

I had that “moment” I just mentioned.

It was as if time slowed down and I was able to be completely present and focused on my boys.

I gazed at my children from someone else’s eyes….

not as their mother who was concerned about them getting to school on time,

or the crazy woman I was a bit earlier as I frantically packed their lunches

and prepared four different varieties of breakfast…

I was outside of my body, looking in at my boys from someone else’s vantage point

{perhaps from my subconscious}.

As I drove off, I prayed that God would imprint that precious image of them into my brain.

That He would help me remember their innocence and sweetness at that very moment.

That I could soak it all in and marinade in that feeling of being truly present.

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Life has a way of consuming us and passing by too quickly.

Memories seem to get muddled and blend together.

It gets harder and harder to remember specific details of ordinary days

and special events as the days and years pass.

So, I hold on tightly to what I can…

to those everyday, routine moments that flash before my eyes.

I pray….

and silently BEG that they will stay little longer….

that I can continue to hold them in my arms…

carry them around…

tickle them…

gobble them up with my kisses…

and encourage them with my gentle words.

That they will always look up to me and be proud that I am their mama.

That they won’t shy away from my kisses good-bye and my prayers as they drift off into sleep.

That they will always look at me with love in their eyes

as they tell me I am the best mama in the whole world….

I’m holding on…

and grasping tightly to what I can.

Trying hard to remember to breathe it all in…

and be ever so present so I don’t miss these moments…

Miss Dixie’s Sweet Cream Ball

Next week I have a wonderful girls night to attend.

My friend puts on a “Favorite Things” party for her friends.

It is a wonderful night… it definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit

{details, to follow after the event, don’t want to spoil favorite thing…shhh!}

Usually there is a large turn out.

A few of us offer to help with the appetizers.

My easy go to, and a huge crowd-pleaser is:

“Miss Dixie’s Sweet Cream Cheese Ball.”

{I know its not the actual picture as it is in preparation for next week.}

 This dessert tastes like Heaven, well if Heaven could be consumed.

This recipe was passed down by a lovely lady that is part family in my book,

Debbie Rock aka, “Miss Dixie” as I believe she must have some

“Southern Roots” somewhere in her lineage {smile wink}.

She has taught me a thing or two about entertaining.

This happens to be one her recipes that she has taken a liking to along the way.

Here is the recipe:

{Please don’t judge in regards to what goes in this magnificent ball}.

Caution!!

If anyone asks whats in it, don’t tell, as no one’s thighs need to know!!

Ingredients:

{Again keep to yourself and close your eyes}

* 8 ounces of block cream cheese-I use 1/3 less to feel better about it

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

*1/4 teaspoon vanilla

* 3/4 cup powdered sugar

* 2 tablespoons brown sugar

* 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

* 3/4 pecans

Mix together all ingredients except for the pecans.

Mold into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.

Place in the fridge for 2 hours.

When you are ready to serve, take it out and roll the ball in the pecans.

Serve with chocolate, regular, or mini graham crackers.

I love to place this beauty on one of these:

{Photo via Anthropologie}

Along side some of these refreshments:

{Photos via Pinterest}

Now that looks fabulous!

{I need to have a party!}

Enjoy!

Some {Simply} Favorites

Polyvore is such a great site!

Many of you have fallen in love with Pinterest, just like we have.

This is another site worth taking a moment to browse through.

You can really be creative in piecing together your favorite styles and brands of clothing,

as well as decorator items.

It is free to set up an account and there are what seems like

hundreds of templates to get you started!

Once you create a set you can pin it on Pinterest or even post to your personal blog,

as we have here.

Since today is a rainy day in Southern California,

it is the perfect day to stay indoors and create something that’s beautiful and uniquely you.

We would love to see what you come up with!

Email us anytime or leave us a comment with your display name

to Polyvore so we can start to follow you!

 

Some {Simply} Favorites

 

{weekend} lovelies

Nicole and I thought we would bring you something new….

Throughout the week we both spend time researching for our posts and browsing the web.

During this process, we come across many things we think would be interesting, inspiring, or just plain beautiful to share with you.

Each Saturday morning we thought we’d bring to you our finest picks of the web for that week!

A little mental vacation when you secure a moment of peace to yourself…

We hope you enjoy {weekend} lovelies….


{Music | Ellie Goulding “Your Song”}

{Hair Inspiration | French Braid Top Knot}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


{Beauty | The Perfect Holiday Red Lip}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


{Noteworthy | Nella Cordelia’s Birth Story}

 Genuinely one of the most raw, emotional, beautiful and honest posts I have ever read….

 

{DIY | My Scandinavian Home Advent Calendar}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


{Design | West Elm’s Papier-Mache Deer}

 



{Recipe | Pioneer Woman’s Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls}

 

 

 

{Style | Cupcakes and Cashmere}

 

 

{DIY | PS I Made This… Holiday Garland}

Food and Wine Pairings

Its hard to be creative when bringing a host/hostess gift to an event.

May it be a dinner, a girls get together, or just a friendly gift in general,

I know that I am always thinking of what to get.  Usually my go to for a social event is wine.

{Not too much as one must be a lady at all times, wink wink}.

More often than not the host/hostess will enjoy it and or will use if at the event.

Luckily, I am blessed with a neighbor that is in the wine industry.

Steve Thomas, {Vice President of National and Retail Sales} of Vintage Point, “Partners in Wine”.

His company represents quite a few labels.  It is a smaller company so they are able to focus

on independent wine producers and the specialty trade that supports them.

With such a wealth of knowledge living across the street,

I thought “Bingo“,  Steve would be a wonderful resource for the holiday season.

The perfect person to find out which wines to pair with food.

Of course the wines that he suggested are the wonderful ones he represents.

They are all incredibly grand and taste worthy.

I have purchased quite a few of them over the years,

as well as I have been a guinea pig trying a few of them out.

{Oh no don’t twist my arm}

Now with not much ado, here are his suggestions:

A dinner party and or appetizer party must start off with a good luck toast,

Luna Pinot Grigio, pairs well with most appetizers and or a great way to start ones palate off.

Hints of Asian spice full-bodied texture carry through a delicious lemony finish from the Albarino grape.

{Photo via Luna Vineyards}

***Steve’s wine suggestion for cheese and crackers and the possible inclusion of prawns:

BR Cohn “Napa Valley” Grieve Family Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc – 2011v,

Gary Farrell “Sonoma County” Russian River Sauvignon Blanc – 2011v.

{Photo via Gary Farrell Winery}

Both wines have notes of honey and vanilla and varietal fruit.

Light and crisp, perfect for an appetizer event!

***Steve’s great suggestion for chicken and or poultry would be a bold.

 Earthy and buttery tones that go well with a poultry dish such as:

Creamy chicken and risotto.

His Chardonnay choices are Garnet “Sonoma Coast”, and Educated Guess, Napa Valley.

{Photo via Educated Guess}

Pinot Noir’s blend wonderfully with salmon or turkey.

His suggestions are, Garnet “Carneros” Pinot Noior-2010 v,

Gary Farrell’s “Sonoma” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir-2010 v.

***Steve recommends for a heavy meat dish such as steak,

a bold Cabernet Sauvignon is good choice to pair with such a meal.

The wines that would be a fantastic choice are:

Educated Guess “Napa Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon 2010-v,

Hidden Ridge “Sonoma County” Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007-v.

Ending your meal with a dessert or sipping wine can help to round out the meal.

Any of these wines can be presented as hostess gifts.

Pinterest, has some creative gift wrapping ideas for wine.

{Photo via Pinterest}

So the next time you have a gathering to attend to,

 you won’t be full of empty ideas in the wine department.

Happy Holidays!

I {heart} Scandinavian Design

My design style has completely changed over the years.

I used to be much more traditional,

but now I am drawn to clean lines, no clutter, and an environment that is as simple as possible.

The psychology loving part of my brain has finally figured this one out.

Like any mom, my thoughts are completely consumed with the day-to-day care of my four little ones.

It can be overwhelming and chaotic at times {in my head}!

I am enamored by Scandinavian design.

I love how beautiful and refreshing the abundance of white is…

with just occasional pops of vibrant color.

It is peaceful…  It simply puts my mind at ease.

The following are images of the whitewashed homes I envision in my dreams….

{above three images via: my scandinavian home – malmo apartment} 

{image via: my scandinavian home – gothenburg home}

Love the modern orange chairs…. and of course, the picturesque window.

{image via: my scandinavian home – white swedish apartment}

I’m infatuated with the moose head, floors, chairs, and the wood burning fireplace…

 {above three images via: welke} 

I {heart} the wide open space with natural light pouring in from the large windows…

 {image via: skeppsholmen}

The Case of the Picky Eater and the Holidays…..

This past week we celebrated Thanksgiving with both sides of the family.

It was great to be able to do this, as my husband has been on shift the past three years.

I love being able to visit with everyone.

It is a nice time to catch up with what is new in their lives, as well as getting to know

the newer, and soon to be, new additions of the family.

All wonderful things to be thankful for.

It is all grand until it is time to sit down for the meal…..

The part in which I dread the most.

My palms sweat and it is time to answer the question,

“What is Mason eating for dinner, where is his plate?”

Uh oh….

The dreaded picky eater…..

My son is a picky eater and has been for the majority of his life.

He is like most kids on the Autism Spectrum, that crave routine and predictability.

This trait goes hand-in-hand with some children that also have a sensory processing disorder.

The sensory component means that he will eat the same few

meals over and over again without a huge fuss.

I know what you think… the kid won’t starve,

but he will, as it is part of this disorder.

Textures and smells create sensory stop signs for these kids.

Loud full houses and having to sit for extended periods of time

is extremely hard for a child who has a hard time sitting in school, let alone

a crowded dinner table

{I myself get overwhelmed after being around too much noise for an extended period}.

More often than not, it is a battle in which their behavior goes from

zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds.

Believe me I have tried it all… heard it all,

but I know as a Mom that we worked very hard with our son

 and that this is the smaller piece to a very large puzzle.

As per Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L and Nancy Peske’s book

Raising a Sensory Smart Child, if a child has food related

issues try to avoid food related battles at the family meal

and focus instead on pleasure of the company

{this book is amazing for any child}.

We see an Occupational Therapist for help with Mason’s Sensory Processing Disorder

and with his eating behaviors {thank goodness for Wayne Centra at Karate for All}.

Yes I would love to be that mother whose child eats

all of my homemade food and I wish I could say my son

loves all of his basic food groups, but that is something that

I know is in the far off distance… a work in progress.

I know that a special gluten free and casein free diet works for

some children on the Autism Spectrum, but Mother knows best

{well with the support of an educated therapist… wink wink}

I am just happy that my child is eating food.

It may be considered processed and babysitter like, but it is what is.

Luckily I am able to sneak in nutrients in places where I can.

For now I will be happy for the progress he has made and the

obstacles we have overcome, for they have been great… if not amazing!

So when we pull up a seat at a table please don’t ask,

“Is that what he is eating?”

For I am thankful for the boy he is, and not for how I would like the situation to be.