Love Is In The Air

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I can already feel the love in the air. I'm beginning to plan a sweet little dinner for the hubs and want to make it really special this year. I'm a lucky gal having such a hard-working, patient, selfless man and love any excuse to spoil him. What are your plans for the upcoming love day?

1. Play For Keeps Nail Colour 2. Peep Evening Heels via Oh My Deer 3. Driftwood Heart via Fieldguided 4. Rate-A-Date Notepad 5. Orb Glitter Crayon 6. Heartbeater Whisk 7. Vanessa Bruno Lace Bra

Above: Louise Gray T-Shirt Dress, Olive And Sinclair Salt & Pepper Chocolate Bar, Languages of Love Print, Be My Valentine Garland

Snow Day!

Today is a beautiful, snowy day in Nashville. I've kept myself bundled up on the couch with cookie dough ice cream and reruns of The Office instead of making my way out into the pretty snow... It's still coming down and we're supposed to get even more tomorrow! Hopefully I'll get out to play soon, but for now I'm soaking in these wintery wonderlands from the warmth of my computer.

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[A Glimpse Of Our Christmas]

We have had the loveliest time in snowy Salt Lake City this week... So much food my stomach hurts [namely homemade caramels, lasagna and Reese's cookies], sweet time with family, delicious vino and today... celebrating the hubs' 25th birthday! We head home tomorrow but will not forget our beautiful white Christmas in Utah this year. Hope you all had a very happy one as well!!

[more iPhone photos on my Tumblr]

[Day 12] A Happy, Pretty Christmas

It's hard to believe Twelve Merry-Making Days is coming to an end... but it means Christmas is HERE! Merry Christmas Eve to all of you lovely friends! Thank you for your support of my little blog and for all your sweet comments and encouragement. I couldn't think of a better way to close out this series than with some pretty, wintery photos from one of my favorite photographer friends, Laura Dart of d'art photographie.

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[Day 11] A Dreamy Holiday Playlist

Kelly Ann of The Flowerchild Dwelling is such a sweet soul that I instantly connect with. Her blog is filled to the brim with dreamy photos, music suggestions, must-see films and oh so much more. I knew she'd be the perfect person to compile a holiday playlist for us... and I just can't stop listening! So go on, finish wrapping up those presents and cuddle up by the tree with these pretty pretty tunes.

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Ever since I was a little girl, Christmas music has always been incredibly important to me. Both of my parents love music, and our family is filled with musicians, and they always made it a point to constantly fill my little world with music of all kinds. The moment Thanksgiving ended, the holiday tunes started playing 24/7 at my house. To this day, listening to Christmas music gives me that feeling of being a child again - decorating the house, picking out our tree, baking with my mom (I really did more tasting than helping), driving around to different neighborhoods to look at lights (and squinting my eyes to make the lights look even cooler), dressing up in pretty clothes, and constantly wondering... what are in those packages under the tree? When it comes to the holiday season, I'm still very much that curious, giddy little girl who wishes December would never end.

This little holiday playlist includes quite a few of my favourites. Old songs, new songs, songs that I used to dance to as a ballerina at Christmastime (like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy), and songs that aren't technically Christmas tunes, but they remind me so much of this magical season. Artists such as Mr. Nat King Cole, Zooey Deschanel, Ella Fitzgerald, The Civil Wars, The Beach Boys, and A Fine Frenzy are all a part of my holiday mix - and they all have one thing in common... they fill our lives and hearts with dreamy, gorgeous music that makes our holiday seasons that much more special. I hope you enjoy this playlist wherever you are and whoever you're with, and I hope you're having a beautiful holiday season filled with joy and wonder and family. :)

[Day 10] Christmas Memories

There are many happy things that I associate with this time of year... so I thought it'd be fun to pull some together for a cheery little holiday board. It's been so great over the past couple of years to welcome in new traditions [now that I have my husband's family to celebrate with, too]. What are your favorite Christmas memories or traditions?

Sleeping in! I love having a week or two with no work agenda and the hubs and I take full advantage of cuddling and sleeping in as much as we can. Sometimes we wake up early but just stay in our warm, cozy bed for hours talking and laughing -- just because we can!

Yummy cinnamon rolls and vanilla lattes. This was always a tradition in my household growing up -- we'd wake up to fresh mini cinnamon rolls, peeled oranges and a latte [or hot chocolate, if you prefer].

Pretty presents! I always looked forward to picking out one present to open on Christmas Eve, right before the big day!

A Christmas Story. This is a new one for me that I married into [and absolutely adore]. Every year we bundle up and watch Christmasy movies and this one always makes the list. Reindeer Garland by Toast.

Other favorites include: sitting by the warm fireplace and sparkly Christmas tree with a good book, going for walks in the snow and Trav's favorite Tollhouse Pie. It's taken me awhile to warm up to this one [I have no idea why... cookie pie? Yum!] but this is a must-have every year for the hubs on his birthday, which falls right after Christmas.

[Day 9] Salted Chocolate Vanilla Bean Cookies

The sweet Olivia Rae James is stopping by today to share the cutest and tastiest holiday recipe! This time of year I'll I want to do is eat, eat, eat -- so I'm always happy to welcome in new sweet treats. Don't miss Olivia's blog, Everyday Musings... it's full of yummy things, pretty photos, delightful stories and more. Thank you, Olivia!

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During the holidays, I become (even more) obsessed with baking. My family and friends actually get annoyed because we constantly have more sweets around than any human should ever consume. While I adore classic peppermint and spice-flavored recipes for the holidays, I also love to try out new ones. I came across Joy the Baker's salted chocolate vanilla bean cookies, and I knew I had to make them for their cute looks alone. Turns out, they taste amazing too - especially with a salty caramel glaze. Joy's recipe is perfect as is, but here is an easy recipe for the salty caramel I added on top. (I also recommend sprinkling coarse sea salt on top of the caramel for a finishing touch). Enjoy!

Salty Caramel Sauce (adapted from Ina Garten)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1/2 vanilla bean)

Directions: Cook sugar and water over low heat until sugar completely dissolves. Increase to a boil until mixture turns to a medium brown (about five minutes). Gradually add heavy cream and vanilla, watching closely. Let simmer until sauce thickens (keep a close eye on the caramel the entire time, as it can burn easily).

[Day 8] Printable Christmas Tags!

My multi-talented dear friend Katie is no stranger to the blog. I absolutely adore her work and have often told her that I want to live in everything she creates. She is a wonderful designer and an even more wonderful friend. And this year for Christmas... Katie's giving YOU these seriously adorable gift tags -- for free! Just print, carefully cut along the lines [you don't want to miss all those pretty details!] and attach it to your gift. To see more of Katie's work, visit her at This Not This.

Click HERE to download these holiday tags and more!

[Day 7] Discounts Galore

'Tis the season for giving, right? Well, today I am extremely excited to offer you discounts to some of my favorite online shops! Many of my friends so kindly agreed to share the love this Christmas by offering you special deals for all that last-minute shopping [or let's be honest, indulging]. So, what are you waiting for?!

Use code PENNYWEIGHT at checkout to receive each of these lovely shop's generous discounts.

[Day 6] A Cozy Holiday Home

Caitlin Flemming of Sacramento Street is just fabulous... Living in San Francisco, Caitlin is an interior designer who showcases the most lovely fashion, travel, interiors and pretty things on her blog. She is a constant source of inspiration for me and I can't wait to meet her in January at Alt Summit [she will be speaking]! Thanks so much for joining us, Caitlin!

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When it comes to the holidays my favorite part is being at home - twinkly lights, my favorite chestnut candle, snow and being surrounded by family and friends all bring joy into my life. It's a magical time of year and there is no better way to celebrate than to embrace what you are grateful for. A roof over my head that I call my own - I'm so lucky to live in a gorgeous city that surprises me each and every day with its beauty.

But this time of year is also about decorating your home and making it your own. It's so fun going to holiday soirees and seeing all of the different ways friends decorate their homes. From wreaths on front doors, to a Christmas Eve tabletop, to the ornaments you hang on your tree - they all represent the home they are in. These are a few items that you would find in my house throughout the holiday season. If you want your home to smell amazing you better run to your nearest Williams Sonoma because they only carry this candle until New Years - I stock up every season.

1. Ornaments from Jayson Home & Garden
2. Wreath from Jayson Home & Garden
3. Socks from TOAST
4. Candle from Williams Sonoma
5. Blanket from TOAST

*Photos from This is Glamorous, martha stewart and we are infinate

[Day 5] DIY Holiday Advent Tree

Today I am so excited to share an adorable DIY from my friend and crafter-extraordinaire, Carissa of Yarn And Thread. I am always looking for fun little projects to help bring in the holiday spirit and can't wait to try this Holiday Advent Tree. Thank you so much for sharing, Carissa [and her hubby Aaron for taking all the photos]!

And... Congratulations to our Day 1 giveaway winner - Ashley! I'll e-mail you today for more information. Thank you to everyone who entered!

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If you're like me, you wait all year for the holiday season. There's something about the crisp weather, the feeling of merriment all around, and the close of another year that just brings happiness.

With the rush of holiday shoppers and various parties taking place, it can be so easy for December to fly by. I try to remind myself to slow down and enjoy this time by doing fun holiday activities.

This holiday tree is perfect for reminding you of the special things you can do during the 12 days before Christmas. You could even spread them out during all of December if you'd like.

Here's my list of 12 special activities I like to check off every holiday season.

1. Decorate the Christmas tree [if you haven't already!]

2. Bundle up, grab someone you love, and take a walk in the snow

3. Visit a Christmas tree lot [even if you already have your tree!]

4. Find mistletoe, hang it, and kiss someone you love

5. Host an ornament exchange with friends or family

6. Donate time, love, or food to someone in need

7. Go to a local Christmas fair or event

8. Call a family member you haven't seen in a while

9. Make 1 new holiday recipe

10. Drive around your town to see Christmas lights

11. Host a movie night and watch holiday favorites like It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, or Elf

12. Open 1 present!

Acorn Garland ::

1. Go out and find a collection of acorns. It's easiest to take a big bag with you since the tops come off easily.
2. With a hot glue gun in hand, put a dot of glue into the hat of the acorn and then push the acorn in so they can't come apart. Once you have all of the acorns glued [I had about 30 for my tree], it's time to paint!
3. You can use any colors you want to create acorn christmas lights. I chose multi-colored
lights! Dab a quarter size dollop of paint onto a painter's palette and start painting acorns. I painted 5 acorns with each color. It's also best to hang a string from the ceiling or somewhere else where you can tie the acorn and hang it vertically to dry.

While the acorns are drying you can work on the ornament tags ::

4. For inspiration you can Google search “vintage ornaments” and get ideas for color and shape. I decided to work with water color pencils because they didn't bleed through the other side and also had a nice bright, solid color in the end.
5. Draw the ornaments and fill them in with color.
6. With a fine tipped brush, glass of water, and rag towel on hand, paint over the colors with water. Make sure not to blend the colors! Rinse the brush before painting a new color.
7. Using a silver colored pencil, draw a little hoop at the top of the ornament.
8. You can use stamps or a marker to number each tag on the bottom corner.

9. On the back of each ornament card, write one activity.
10. If the acorns are dry, cut a long string and begin to tie the acorns on in whatever order you like.
11. Secure your branch in a vase, pail or jar and hang the acorn garland on the branches.
12. Next, tie the ornament tags evenly throughout the branches.
13. Step back and voila! Take a look at the fun activity tree you just created. Each day leading up to Christmas, find the appropriate number and make a plan to have fun during the holidays!