Favorite Things Friday

I thought I would start a new Friday feature to share more of the things I'm currently loving. They may be recipes from some of my favorite blogs, crafts, fabulous makeup or fashion finds, personal stories from my life, etc. I will shoot for once a week, but can't make any promisses... 

Here are some of my favorite things this week, with a very holiday feel. 

1. Holiday Decorating 

 

Whites and naturals are always my favorite. Maybe its the explosion of toys and color littered throughout the rest of the house, but I love the serenity of white in the "grown up" areas of the house. 

I made an easy pinecone garland to hang from the mantel. Here's the simple and inexpensive DIY: 

For the pine cone garland, collect pine cones or use the holiday scented ones. I also used white painted and glittered pine cones for a little extra sparkle. Hot glue the bottoms of pine cones to a long piece of craft store jute twine. Let cool completely and then attach to your mantel.

-Greenery: purchased from Trader Joe's. Love that place! 

-Mercury glass candle holders & decorations: Cost Plus World Market  and Pottery Barn combo

-Grapevine wreath and battery operated lights: Michael's (there are always coupons on their website so check there first!) 

The tree. Speaking of cheap, after searching high and low for a good artificial tree for the playroom, and becoming increasingly frustrated by both the poor quality and high prices, I went into the front yard and dug up this little tree. In the rain. I'm sure my tugging this guy from ground with all my might was a sight to behold for the neighbors. But we think our homely little tree is the sweetest one we've ever had and beats a fake tree any day. Plus it will go back into the ground in a month. This weekend we will get a big boy tree from the "farm" (there aren't real Christmas tree farms here) for the living room. 

Fresh cranberries as vase filler. This is nothing new, but always feels festive and takes cheap flowers to another level. 

2. Holiday Cards 

We got the first holiday card of the season in the mail this week which is always a fun surprise. I took a little inspiration from Pinterest and created a holiday card holder with clothespins covered with Washi tape. The wooden pannel is just a board from the craft store painted white. It's stuck to the wall with a few layers of poster hangers so that it sticks out from the wall enough for the clothespins.

I get my holiday cards from Tiny Prints every year. They have tons of adorable styles and often have promotions going on. Get 25% off your holiday order with code wkdsale1112 ends 12/2

This weekend Tiny Prints is having a 35% off all photo gifts sale as a part of Cyber Week. It started today and continues through Sunday 12/2 at 11:59 pm PT. Use code CYBER1130. I'm thinking of ordering an iPhone case with a photo of my girlies for hubby's stocking. 

3. The GSF on the American Giving Awards 

Last but certainly not least, The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation is in the running for $1 MILLION in the Chase American Giving Awards!!!  I cannot even tell you how exciting this is. Gwendolyn is one of my daughter's best friends. Her mom, Victoria, who you will see in the video is one of my very best girlfriends. You should probably grab a tissue before hitting play, but you have got to see how inspiring the Strongs are. 
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The American Giving Awards will air December 8th on nbc. I can't wait! Click the VoteForGSF.com badge above if you would take two secs to vote for this cause. 

Have a wonderful weekend!