merry christmas!

It is the best day of the year.  The day we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the World.

Merry Christmas from us to you!

project: photo tile coasters

As a Christmas gift for one of my dear friends, Julie, I made coasters with photos of our kids on them.  Julie was my first "mom" friend.  We had our boys together (10 days apart) and our girls together (both named Olivia Rose, born 2 months apart).  It's been a blessing being her friend, having someone to consult with when our kids are doing weird things and someone who will pray for me and I for her.  We've been getting together for play dates since our boys were still in our tummy's! It's been amazing seeing our children grow up with each other, so to remember our time so far as friends, I made a set of coasters with pictures of our kids on them.  Starting from the time Seth and Goyo were babies, all the way to present.  I loved how they turned out.  Here are two of my favorites:

I originally found a tutorial on Pinterest, but to make them my own I decided to cut the pictures up a bit to make them more interesting.  The only materials you need are $0.16 white tiles, a photo of your choice, Mod Podge and felt (for the bottom of the coasters).  I attached the photos with Mod Podge and coated them with two additional layers of Mod Podge to protect them.  Then I hot glued flannel fabric to the back to avoid scratching table surfaces (I already had soft flannel, but using felt is good too).  So simple and a great, personal gift!

project: their master bedroom

Another room completed at my brother- and sister-in-law's house!  This time it was their master bedroom.  I can't even tell you how much fun I'm having doing this for them.  They have given me what every designer's dream is: money and free-reign.  I honestly and sincerely feel so blessed to be trusted like this and given the opportunity to do this.  What a personal and intimate thing to be doing - decorating the rooms that other people will live their lives out in; Things they will see and use every day. The design of the space you're in really does affect your attitude, whether we notice it or not.  I hope that I'm giving to them something that brings them comfort and joy and peace as they come home to rest in the place that is their getaway from the world.

BEFORE: Entry way

AFTER: Entry way

BEFORE: Hallway

AFTER: Hallway

BEFORE: Windows

AFTER: Windows 

BEFORE: Bed

AFTER: Bed

BEFORE: Desk

AFTER: Desk

BEFORE: Office space

AFTER: Office space

BEFORE: Office space

AFTER: Office space

I love it.

hot vanilla milk

I just found my new favorite hot beverage/dessert (thanks to Pinterest, of course):  Hot Vanilla Milk.  I can't even describe how delicious it is, so just make it for yourself and see what I mean.

Hot Vanilla Milk

1 serving

1 cup milk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp sugar

marshmallows to your hearts delight

Warm milk on the stove.  Add vanilla and sugar.  Top with marshmallows.  Enjoy.