Home Tour Tuesday---Whatcha Watchin'

Hey friends! Welcome to this week's installment {better late than never} of Home Tour Tuesday with Miss Daphne and yours truly.

I'm happy to report that I am now one day soda free {Woot! Woot!} But, there is definitely a downside to going cold turkey---caffeine withdrawal headaches! Yikes!

With busy morning complete with Sweet Bean's Kindermusik and lunch with Dad, not to mention the mind-numbing whopper of a headache that has barely subsided despite a dose of Excederin and bottle of water, this will be a quick post!

But before I get to this week's theme: Whatcha Watchin'?---Show us your tv/family room, I wanted to share something that I recently discovered.

Online discount shopping clubs are such a popular trend right now and I see invites and posts popping up left and right tempting our fingers to click and wallets to spend. Well, if you haven't heard of it, or simply haven't gotten around to checking it out, here's one more site to add to your must-sees, Joss & Main. Joss & Main is one of the newest sites I've discovered that focuses solely on home decorating, yippee!

If you'd like to join or just check it, click here or below to receive your invitation.

Neat, right?

Okay, now onto my family/living/tv room.

Though she's the center of our world, we occasionally get to watch a little more than just Sweet Bean television. *Note, the key word is "occasionally."

Call it a guilty pleasure or trash tv, but I do love The Bachelor! Any thoughts on last night's episode?

As you can see, much of our DVR is full of GG programming, from Sesame Street to her Disney Channel favorites! But, Bret and I do manage to squeeze a space for a few of our favorite recordings from time to time.

Even though we often don't get to watch them until weeks later, these are among some of our {okay, my} favorite television shows: The Bachelor, The Defenders, Castle, Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives, Blue Bloods, Survivor, American Idol, the Real Housewives series, and Top Chef. Of course we do find our remote landing on a whole lot of HGTV since we continue to be obsessed with all things for the home. But even with all the great shows currently on the air, we still find ourselves channel surfing hoping to catch reruns of some of our favorites from years gone by: Will & Grace, Friends, Seinfeld, Gilmore Girls, King of Queens, and Everybody Loves Raymond.

So if it wasn't completely obvious, I admit to loving television! It's my escape and a chance for me to relax at the end of the day. So don't judge, you know you love it too!

Now, y'all watcha watchin'?

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Home Tour Tuesday---Little Lovelies (Children's Rooms)

Happy day-after Valentine's Tuesday to you, friends! Hopefully Cupid and your special someone left your hearts full of love, wrists full of bling, and tummies full of all things decadently chocolate!

It's fun to be back co-hosting Home Tour Tuesday with sweet Daphne, after a few weeks away. With a munchkin of my own, I am particularly excited to stroll through your homes this week and take a peek into your own Little Lovelies' rooms. Considering all the creativity and fabulous, yet diverse, tastes of our readers, I'm sure this week's Home Tour will not disappoint!

I first shared a look inside Sweet Bean's room just weeks after I began this blog, and almost a month before her arrival. Though some things have changed since then, much remains the same, and likely will until we move GG from nursery to big girl room.

Though my tastes have changed, looking back there's not much I'd do differently. Yes, it's true that dust is attracted to the mahogany furniture like a four-year old to a Snickers, and the custom hand-sewn bedding needs to be ironed even after a round in the dryer, but it's what I wanted. And, thanks to the generosity of my parents, I got exactly what I wanted and more---the perfect room for Gillian Grace!

It's funny as I look back on that first posting about GG's nursery, I closed with these words, "Hopefully she will love her new digs as much as we do."

I'd say Gillian Grace loves her room, don't y'all think?

Sweet Bean's Nursery

Bret spent hours painting the stripes on the walls. We chose to do horizontal instead of vertical stripes after receiving some advice from our local paint guy who'd just recently painted stripes in his daughter's bathroom. As everyone knows, Bret is painstakingly meticulous. He measured and remeasured numerous times before, while, and after painting. The stripes are one of my favorite touches in the room!

You wouldn't believe how comfy the rocker recliner is! I spent more nights than I can count here, snuggled up with Sweet Bean in my arms.

I have many favorites in the nursery and Gillian's bedding ranks right up there at the top! We had her bedding custom-made and it's appropriately called PINK PAISLEY. Fingers crossed that she'll have nothing but peaceful sweet dreams in this cozy crib.

Of course we had to have more shelves to display pictures of family, friends, and perhaps the most important stuffed animal of them all---a GATOR!

On the wall we've placed pictures of Bret and me as babies in black and white. Gillian Grace's picture is in color in the center. When she was first born we thought she looked a lot like me as a baby. Now, she's just Gillian Grace, the very best of both of us!


The bench is another one of Bret's projects. The bench itself was something mom gave me and Bret painted white. I then got the idea to stencil flip flops and bathing suits on the bench to tie in our subtle theme---the beach.

My Aunt Helen is truly talented. After searching for pictures for the nursery and discovering that my choices were not only limited but also very pricey, she volunteered to paint canvas pictures for us. All I had to do was show her examples of what I wanted. Not only did she follow through and create absolutely beautiful and whimsical paintings for Gillian Grace, she far exceeded my expectations (which we all know are high). Having paintings done by a family member makes Sweet Bean's room even more special!

Gillian's initials and another favorite---a pink and white gingham chandelier.

I may be creative, but I'm not all that crafty! After seeing bow hangers on Etsy and in shops costing anywhere from $45 to $75, I decided I could make my own. Even after using the wrong kind of paint, my first attempt, though far from perfect, turned out okay. And best of all, we're finally able to keep track of the million plus bows GG owns. 

Now it's your turn! Grab our button and link up, pretty please! We've shown you ours, now show us yours!

{I've extended the Kara Compliment giveaway through midnight tonight! Click here to enter!}

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Home Tour Tuesday---All Wrapped Up

I'm not sure where December went, but here we are the week of Christmas and the final Holiday Home Tour Tuesday post. What a whirlwind! 

To be honest, as of eight o'clock yesterday evening, I had not a single present wrapped. Luckily, thanks to my ever-helpful hubby, we were able to pull off a Christmas miracle of our own, and complete most of the wrapping before calling it a night.

In our home, wrapping is a two person job---Bret is the wrapper, and I'm the bow maker. We've had this particular system since we were first married, and it just seems to work for us. {Or should I say works for "me", I'm sure Bret has a million other things he'd rather be doing that playing Elf to my Santa!}

Over the years, I've learned to be patient with Bret's wrapping, but it's probably not for the reason you think. You see, Hubs is an engineer by trade and is quite meticulous about most things, including his gift wrapping technique. His presents are always impeccable, so much so that the edges where the paper has been cut align seamlessly with no visible signs of tape, leaving you questioning if perhaps the Hubs has magical powers.

And though it takes us a while to get through our mountain of gifts, I've learned to bite my tongue and never rush perfection! So don't be mad friends if your hubby isn't quite as willing to chip in, Bret is one of a kind. And as I've told you before---I'm quite lucky!

And that my friends, is how we roll!

Bow How-To
Thanks to so many wonderful comments and emails about the bows on my trees in a previous Home Tour Tuesday post, I wanted to include a quick bow-making tutorial. And once you know how to make them, you'll find yourself placing your signature bows on all your gifts, not only at Christmas time, but throughout the year!

Oh and I can't begin without a quick shoutout to my mom, the reigning bow-making queen. She's responsible for teaching me all the tricks for making a present look like something out of a magazine.

What you'll need:

• scissors
• wired ribbon
• curly ribbon

{one} Purchase ribbon in a large roll. I bought mine from Hobby Lobby, but Sam's also carries a large assortment of wired ribbon at the Holidays. Decide how wide you'd like your bow to be by looping the ribbon over on itself until you've reached your desired width.

{two and three} Loop ribbon over on itself at least 16 times. The more loops, the fuller the ribbon will be. Smaller bows are an exception. Because the bow is small (in width), you will not need nearly as many loops to achieve a full look.

{four} As you loop, be sure to keep the ribbon lined up as best as possible. This will help when cutting the ribbon.

 

{five and six} Fold ribbon in half to determine the center.

{seven} Cut a small slit in one side of the ribbon. Be careful not to cut to the center of the ribbon. Repeat same process on the opposite side, again being very careful not to cut to the center of the ribbon. 

{eight} Check your slits. If your slits are cut properly, the ribbon should twist in your hands without breaking apart. If the slits have been cut too close to the center, the ribbon will pull apart. If this happens, (and Lawdy knows it's happened plenty of times to me)  remove loose loops or, in a worst case scenario, simply start over.

{nine and ten} Cut a long strand of curly ribbon. Use matching curly ribbon to anchor ribbon by threading it through the two side slits. Tie the curly ribbon in a knot on the underside of the bow.

{eleven and twelve} Starting with the bottom (inner) loops, alternate sides, pulling the ribbon apart. I like to twist as I pull each loop. Continue until all loops have been separated.

{thirteen} As an optional finishing touch cut small inverted v's at the bottom of any remaining unlooped strand of ribbon.

{fourteen} Congratulations, you're almost done!

Securing Bow

{fifteen} Cut another strand of ribbon from your original roll long enough to tie around your package.

{sixteen} Use the curly ribbon hanging from the underside of your bow to secure the bow to the ribbon on your package. (Be sure to tie a knot.)

{seventeen} Viola! Now you're done!

*Note-If using the bow for another decorative purpose other than gift wrapping, use the long curly ribbon strands the same way you did on your package to secure bow in place. 

Special thanks to my lil' stinker helper! Don't know what I'd do without Sweet Bean to show me how it's done!

With all the holiday festivities, HTT will not be posted next week, but Daphne and I look forward to seeing you back for the link up on January 4th for the first Home Tour Tuesday post of the New Year.

January 4th theme: Out with the Old, In with the New---Show us your one room remodel, reno, or makeover!

Now as always, Daphne and I hope that you'll join us in a little Home Tour Tuesday fun.  Link up, don't wait! Grab our badge and show us how you wrap!

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{Congratulations to all three giveaway winners!

Stella & Dot: Joni

Friedasophie: Mama K (That makes 2 giveaway wins in one week! Girl go to Vegas!)

LOL Designs: Laura S

Yay, y'all! Email me as soon as you can!}

Home Tour Tuesday---Trim the Tree and LOL Designs Giveaway

It's Tuesday and that can only mean one thing---it's Home Tour Tuesday with yours truly and the simply fabulous Miss Daphne from Flip Flop and Pearls! While we're both so excited to have y'all join us, after a few hiccups the last couple weeks, we felt it necessary to post a few helpful tips for those kind enough to join us for this week's tour!

{one} Visit the (2) hosts, Shannon @ The Webbisodes and Daphne @ Flip Flops & Pearls. And, if we're your cup of tea, then by all means, we'd appreciate a follow. 

{two} Include our HTT badge somewhere in your post.

{three} Link up with today's Home Tour Tuesday post. All unrelated links will be deleted!

{four} Then, let the Parade of Homes begin! Swing by and visit as many participating blogs as you'd like and if you see one you enjoy, be sure to leave them a comment or show some bloggy love with a follow.

{five} You don't have to write a thank you note, but be sure to extend a little down home hospitality to any new followers with a return visit and comment on their blog! After all, it's all about the little things!

{six}And last but certainly not least, "If you can't play like a classy gal, then for goodness sakes, get off the playground!"---{Isn't Daphne clever?!}

Gosh with all those rules and such for a second, I felt like I was back in the classroom. So on to something a whole lot more fun, this week's Home Tour topic--- Trim the Tree (Share 3 to 5 of your favorite Christmas ornaments, plus the story behind what makes them special).

But first, your daily Sweet Bean fix! Aren't these ginormous ornaments just so much fun?

{Our Family Room Tree}

Favorite ornament No. 1---Glass Flip Flop

If I were a shoe, I'd be a flip flop!

S i m p l e.

One glimpse into my closet (or at my feet 9 months out of the year), and you won't have to think long before making the connection as to why this Christmas inspired flip flop ornament ranks among my favorites. Let's just say if "life's a beach" I'm more than prepared for the journey!

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.---Leonardo DaVinci

Favorite ornament No. 2---Baby's First Christmas

This ornament is pretty self-explanatory---it represents our Sweet Bean's first Christmas.  God blessed us with our greatest gift to date, when He brought Gillian Grace into our lives some sixteen months ago. Any and everything that reminds me of our life's greatest joy can't help but be a favorite!

Favorite ornament No. 3---Handstitched Snowflake

Many years ago, (almost 20 to be exact) I cross-stitched this snowflake ornament for my grandmother, and every year thereafter, this hand-made ornament could always be found front and center on her Christmas tree. Since Mama Helen's passing, this ornament, with all it's memories, has made it full circle and is now back home with me.  And there isn't a year that passes that I don't stop and think of my grandmother as I hang this snowflake among the brightly colored ornaments and icicles on our family Christmas tree.

{The Dining Room Tree}
Our dining room tree is decorated completely in greens, reds, and golds.

Favorite ornament No. 1---Merry Christmas, Y'all!

I purchased this ornament from Ole Bay Mercantile in lovely Fairhope during our first ever Alabama Christmas. As you may have noticed, I have a slight affinity, okay obsession, with the word "y'all"! The second I spotted this ornament in the store, I knew it was meant for my tree!


Favorite ornament(s)---Waterford

 

After admiring Mom's tree for years, one Christmas several years ago, she began giving me a Waterford ornament each year as one of my presents! To date, I have over 100 of these beautiful Waterford ornaments, most of which have been gifts from family and friends! What can I say? I surround myself with people that have superb taste! {Wink, wink!}

{Sweet Bean's Tree}  
Since Gillian Grace was too young last year, her first Christmas, to really appreciate a tree, we waited until this year to purchase a tot-sized tree for her bedroom. From the second the tree went up, Bean has been captivated by its colorful lights and playful ornaments!

Favorite ornament No. 1---Elmo

It wouldn't be Bean's tree without ornaments of her favorite pal, Elmo, or Elbow as she so lovingly refers to him. Hob Lob (the latest nickname for Hobby Lobby making the rounds on the bloggy circuit) had several Sesame Street themed ornaments and we bought them all!

Favorite ornament(s)---Candy

 

Besides decorating with a few of  GG's favorite characters, I used a ton of ornaments from Target to finish off my sweet theme for the tree!

And just like with the other trees in our home, Sweet Bean's tree is topped with a handmade bow in coordinating colors.

Don't you just love Christmas? Okay, now let the Parade of Homes begin! Grab our badge and be sure to link up with your post for this week's Home Tour Tuesday. Daphne and I can't wait to see how you trim your tree!



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Now as though this post wasn't long enough, check out this fabulous giveaway from LOL Designs.


Giveaway Scoop

I think most everyone can agree that for as much fun as the Christmas season can be, it is also the busiest time of year! And while you don't need anything "more" to do, I know most of you have a few minutes to spare to find out about my newest giveaway from Jennifer at LOL Designs.

In her own words---
"LOL Designs is a lifetime result of being the Martha Stewart out of my 20 something girlfriends. I loved making things for friends and family and finally turned it into a business. My favorite things to do are make accessories and baby onesies. I love new challenges to anything you might want to make I'd love to make them for you. LOL Designs is really me in my craft room Laughing Out Loud at myself because I enjoy what I do and have lots of fun doing it."

Thanks to Jennifer, one Webbisodes reader will win a $20 gift certificate to her Etsy shop! And with so many wonderful items to choose from, from baby onesies to beautiful fabric flower necklaces, your only problem may be choosing how to spend your win!

The Scoop

{Please click here to enter this giveaway.  I am trying to keep all entries for this giveaway separate from comments left for Home Tour Tuesday.  I've created a post just for the LOL Giveaway entries. Comments left on this post will be deleted.  Thanks!}

Mandatory entry
{one} Visit LOL Designs and leave a comment here about your favorite item.

Extra entries
{two}  "Like" LOL Designs on Facebook
{three}  "Heart" LOL Designs on Etsy
{four} Post Jennifer's LOL Design logo on your sidebar with a link to this post. (5 entries)
{five} Blog, Tweet, or Post about this giveaway. (5 entries)
{six} Follow Webbisodes (or let me know if you already do)
{seven} Follow my design blog, Persnickety Pages {& More} (or let me know if you already do)

{Remember leave all entry comments here , not on this post, to be eligible for this giveaway.}

Good luck! Giveaway will end midnight on 12/19!