Search for the PERFECT Christmas tree

A year ago Wednesday, Ashley and I closed on our new home! Things were so busy we did not have much time to spend decorating for Christmas. This year I was so excited to decorate and find the PERFECT tree! And so begins our Christmas tree adventure!

I decided that our perfect tree would not be found at a roadside stand, but in its natural state. So, this morning we loaded up the car and set out to Tomlinson tree farm!

It was such a fun place out in the country! Everyone was so friendly and helpful! Especially since they knew this was our first time cutting down a tree! We walked around for about 30 minutes until we found the PERFECT tree! We named him "Chuck."

 After a little sawing and dragging on Ashley's part and some encouraging words on my part, Chuck was ready to come home!

After a few broken light disasters and broken ornaments, Chuck was all finished. We are so proud of our PERFECT tree!

Chuck is quirky and colorful, just like his family. But we love him and he is just PERFECT!

Old Traditions Made New

I have always greatly admired my mom's sewing ability! Over the years, she has transformed many dorm rooms, apartments, and classrooms for my sister and me! She does amazing things! I have only recently come to really appreciate her work, once I began to sew myself. It can be really difficult!

One project my mom has continued to pursue for as long as I can remember is making baby pillows for new mothers. I have always admired this and became amazed as I heard stories of how people cherished these pillows over the years. I wanted to continue this tradition because I have seen how this original gift has left a lasting impression.

Recently, our dear friends Paul and Kara Karnes were given the blessing of a sweet baby boy, Rawls Henry. I saw my opportunity and I set to work. Below is my finished project, not bad for my first try!

Here is the pillow stuffed setting next to my sewing machine (which has come one of my most prized possessions- thanks again mom!) I was able to give the Karnes the pillow today! First, of hopefully, many to come!

Have a happy and blessed Sunday everyone!

Home, Sweet, Home

God blessed us tremendously this past November when we purchased our new home in Charleston. I have loved working to make in my own and to reflect my somewhat unconventional taste.These are some of my  recent projects and additions!

I have become obsessed with gardening! This bike from Hobby Lobby was probably one of my favorite birthday presents ever ( from my awesome mom). It really gives our yard a lot of personality!

This is one of my favorite parts of my living room! My GDC table (major splurge), and other goodies I have collected along the way!

You will probably see a lot of pictures of my mantel because I change it almost every week. Right now it features shutters from Habitat for Humanity and an over sized canvas print of our five year photo shoot.

My love of Nadeau Furniture Store is a little ridiculous. This is my most recent piece. I call it "phone booth china cabinet."

This is a picture of my guest bed featuring the first pillows I've ever made. My sweet mama taught me! The remnant came from GDC ($7.40). I had enough left over to make the wall art using art canvas and a staple gun.

I stole my plate mural idea from one of my favorite blogs, Nesting Place. I created the whole thing for under $30 with clearance plates from TJ Maxx!

This is my sun room featuring the papazan chairs my sister and I had in college. I still think they are fabulous. The best thing, I did not have to pay a dime for them!