Our Christmas Home 2011

Hey everybody!!!


Is anyone else making a mad dash to finish shopping today?  Ok.  Maybe that's just me.

No matter how crazy the holiday season, nothing brings me joy and peace like seeing our kids in the bed with my mom and dad on Christmas eve morning...

Just wanted to show everyone a few pics from the Brantley house at Christmas time this year.   It's not that I didn't want you to see it before now.  It's because I just got finished about twelve hours ago. 


Lovin' my buck pillow from Goodwill...

I want to take this time to wish all of my readers a very merry Christmas!!!  You all inspire me with your kind words and comments.  I am so blessed to have you in my life...

Holiday Wish...

Hey guys,

In less than 48 hours, I will have my mom, dad, two brothers, their wives, and my granddad staying at my house, not to mention a few others that will probably just "pop in." 

Yeah.  Same thing I was thinking...

So I'm getting some last minute stuff done today.  I'm so glad the hubs is at home today to help me!  He's touching up some spots with paint and hanging art as we speak! :)

I wanted to share a quick idea for you that I hope you'll like! :) 

Oprah had these free downloads for these cards in 2008...That seems like a REALLY long time ago. 

Anyway, she was saying what a great way these cards are to express to family and friends who visit throughout the holidays what you hope and wish for them.  Anyway, the idea really resonated and so I decided to do it this year for Christmas dinner, and have everyone read their "wishes" aloud. 

So I included the download for you guys!!!  What a great way to share with those you love what you wish for their lives in the upcoming year!!!

I was at Hobby Lobby the other day and got a little "testy" with my attitude.  The line was NOT moving.  And I know the lines are only going to get longer as Sunday approaches...

Just a thought..

Have a great Wednesday everyone!!!

Weekend Inspired...

Hi folks!!!

Just wanted to check in to say hey this morning!!!  The kiddos and I went to the Cookie Crumble in downtown Newnan last night.  It was a real treat, and I was actually quite tame with the cookies!!!

After getting the sillies out....

I was able to get a great pic!!!

I'm not going to any fancy Christmas parties tonight, but if I was, this...all of this...would definitely be worn!!!

We're heading out to get some more lights today...

Have a great one everybody!!!



Zinfandel and Such...

Hey guys,

I hope everyone is having a good day so far!  The dreary weather is kinda throwing me off a bit, but oh well.  All the more reason the crank up the Christmas music and snuggle up to a cup of hot chocolate...

The post today is dedicated to those Chardonnay, Bloody Mary, Spiked Egg Nog kinda folks. 

Placing alcohol can be a tricky job of you're having a Christmas party this season.  Too close to the food, and you risk everything looking like a hodge podge of "stuff."  Too far from the party, and nobody really realizes it's there, not too mention being extremely inconvenient for your guests.  Too close to that uncle that everyone has in the family, and there won't be anything left to drink!!! :)

It also matters how you like to show off the alcohol.   Are you a "tucked away" kind of person, or are you more "let it all hang out."  Hopefully nobody will be letting that happen at your party, but I digress...

So I've put together a few ideas of how you can put out the liquor.  I hope a few of these will spark some thoughts...

How many old trunks have we seen at flea markets and thrift stores?!?  I love the idea of using an old trunk with a few shelves to keep alcohol visible, yet out of the way, especially in tight spaces.

Try using an armoire to keep a few bottles of wine.

It's hard to focus on the bar in such an amazing space!  Loving the artwork!!!

Neat and visible.



This just goes to show that you can repurpose already existing furniture to get ready for your holiday party!

Love this!!!

So elegant...



This is right up my vintage industrial alley!!!



I don't know about you, but I sure could use a dirty martini right about now...

Enjoy the day!!!

What Does Your Christmas Look Like???

Hey Guys!

I hope everyone's having a beautiful morning!  I'm about to make myself some tea, and get a little work done...

I love everything about Christmas...I really do!!!  I love the cookies, the music, the lights, the trees, and yes, even the shopping (I said everything).

But because this will be my first Christmas on a my new blog, I wanted to do something a little different.  I already know what my house looks like at Christmas time...

but I want to see yours!!!  You heard me right…I want to see the traditional, the modern, the red-and-green, the pastels…everything.  All you have to do is just send me a pic of your Christmas space (outdoor or indoor) at krackard@msn.com, and we’ll feature them on the blog!!!

I can’t wait to see your Christmas homes!!!  Have a wonderful and productive day!!!

Holiday Gift Giving Guide 2012

Hey guys!!!  I am hope everyone's day is going great so far!!!  Excited to be going for a group run tonight!!!

Usually, I’m not usually too fond of the holiday gift guides that are found in most magazines. They always have great products…Problem is they usually cost a small fortune and your first born child to purchase!!!
So I wanted to do something a little different and show you some gift ideas for the special people in your life that won’t break the bank…Everything is under $20!!!  Enjoy!!!!

For The Special Guy In Your Life:  Built NY Hoodie Camera Case

The Hoodie has an extra-hard backing to keep your guy’s camera screen safe, as well as an extra pocket for storing memory cards and batteries.  $15 at builtny.com

For The Kiddos:  Monopoly Family Championship

Remember when kids used to play board games that didn't involve a screen?  Why not start up a family game night with this classic!!!

For Your Best Friend:  Natural Life Charm Necklace

Show the keeper of all your secrets (even what happened that weekend in Vegas) that you care!!!  These necklaces with colorful beads and inspirational sayings come in their own wooden keepsake boxes. $14 at naturallife.net

For Your Child’s Teacher:  Savannah Bee Pucker Up Pouch

Teachers talk…A lot!!!  Why not give them something they can use to combat dry smoochers year round!!!  This trio of lip treats includes regular, tinted and mint beeswax balms. $15 at savannahbee.com

For Your Boss:  Klean Kanteen 18oz with Loop Cap Tree

Who doesn’t need to drink more water?  And if your boss is as busy as most, they would definitely appreciate these neat little water bottles!  Klean Kanteen Bottles have a large-mouth design that makes it easy to pour in ice cubes or a smoothie packed with frozen strawberries. It’s also easy to clean, and it's green!!!

The Perfect Hostess Gift:  Seven Daughters White Wine

A blend of seven grape varieties, this crisp wine brings new flavors to the dinner table.  $14.99 at worldsgreatestwines.com

For The Cute Critter In Your Life:  Gingerbread Buddy Biscuits

They chew your shoes.  They slobber on everything.  But could you ever imagine your life without them?  These flavored dog treats are perfect for any pooch. $6 at cloudstar.com

Don't forget that Greenhouse now offers gift certificates for anyone who needs a new look for their space!!!  Perfect for the holiday season!!!

And don’t forget your favorite blogger!!!

Have a great day, and stay warm!!!

Black Friday/Christmas List

Lawd, have mercy!  I wish I could explain to you the elation (don't even know if that's a word)  that I am feeling right now.  On Friday, what started out as me simply trying to delele an old Gmail account, ending up with me accidentally DELETING, my current Google account.  Yes, that includes my blog.  Talk about crying...

And although I do thank my husband for so realistically pointing out the fact that I "might not get it back," I want to say a special thanks to one of my favorite bloggers, Mimi, over at Glossy Mimi.  You don't know how much our Twitter conversation on Saturday night meant to me...


Anywho...I still can't believe that Thanksgiving on Thursday.  I have to admit the weather's kinda throwing me off a bit.  Call me crazy, but I was kinda liking the colder weather.  I guess I can chalk it up to the four years we lived in Michigan!

Those dear to me know that my favorite part of Thanksgiving is Black Friday.  There. I said it.

I was so excited last year because had finally gotten my iPad on Black Friday.  The year before it was a pair of amazing riding boots.  Don't get my wrong.  I love the visiting family and friends, the gorgeous decor, and the food is a must.  But there is just something about an amazing sale that just gets me all tingly inside! :)

So this year, I've made a Black Friday/Christmas list in hopes that my husband loved ones may read this blog.  So here we go...

1.  Red skinny jeans

 Cuteness...That's all I have to say about that.

2. Military combat boots

 I can see myself wearing these with rolled up boyfriend jeans and the perfect mustard-colored cardigan...SO me...

UPDATE:

Got these last week...LOVE.

3.  Down feather pillows

Am I the only one who always feels like I have THE worst pillows in the entire house?  The kids, the husband, the guests, the dog...they all seem like they have better pillows than me.  For once, I would love to lay my head on soft, down pillows and drift off to sleep.  Is that too much to ask? :)

4.  Nike running shoes

I am SO excited to be running my next 5k on December 3, and me saying that I need new running shoes is a definite understatement.  Anytime your shoes get holes in them, I think that means it time to retire those bad boys to the garden area...


5.  Makeup brush set

EVERY woman needs a good makeup brush set.  I am 33, and have yet to buy one.  The excuse?  I don't have one.

6.  Nike running pants

 Come on now.  Did you really expect me to get new shoes and no new running gear???


7.  Hair products

Just because...I love my hair!!!

8.  Levi's jeans

These are my current Levi's jeans...

Need I say more?  And yes...that is a safety pin in the crotch area.  I have had these jeans since college, and that was ten some years ago.  I just can't make myself trash 'em.  It's not that I have anything against those $150 pair of jeans.  But I guess I just keep thinking that Levi's are just as good. 

Oh...And please don't forget about our contest to win a $25.00 Visa gift card!!!  All you have to do is follow the blog!!!

So tell me...What's on your list this year???

Enjoy your Monday!!!