Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Classic New Years eve

On this very last day of 2013
wish you simple moments,
with our classic old school New years eve style....



Classic wing tips
he worn on our wedding....


A glitter top hat....


Stars...


My Husbands classic tux


Lighting the flame to what will become the new...


Simple classic style 
Simply my best wishes...
Wish 
You & yours
A
Happy
*New Year*

xo,
me

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Closing out the year

Morning Darlin's,
I hope your holiday's were all you hoped for and more!

With a brand new year knocking at the door it's time to reflect upon ourselves & evaluate where we are & where we should go from here.


This vintage door knocker will someday adorn my front door.
For now,
 it reminds me of the work still ahead, 
also the possibilities yet to be on the renovation of our home...

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Let's light some candles & make some New Years wishes...
Some might turn out to be intentional goals,
while some may be just for fun!

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Where ever each of us is this NewYears Eve, we will choose a path that will lead us to the future. 
It may be the same path 
or 
an unfamiliar one.

Where ever it may be for you,
I hope the journey is peaceful & quiet. 
"So that you can hear your heart, & follow it"


At home on New Years morning we start with fresh made juice from our grove.
 We have special toast to our youngest son who's birthday is on New Year's day.

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Cheers! 
Warmest wishes for a Happy & Healthy New Year 2014

My Design tip: Starting out the year by pairing down always brings a freshness to any decor. Also gives you space to display a new vintage collection of something you love.

Hop over to SECOND SHOUT OUT blog for my post today & shop for something you would like to treat yourself with for the New Year!
xo,
me




Thursday, December 26, 2013

*Dearest Phoebe*

With all my Love

 I dedicate this post 
 {photos curated from my home}

To:
 my very special niece...



Your sweet presence {above photo}
as my youngest brides maid..
YOU
being there for my wedding was so special & important to me...

I loved how you truly made my wedding court, perfect...

At 13 years old you were filled with such grace, much beyond your years...
Your walk was delicate
that of a ballerina.


Today 
My To do:

Is 
to make *YOU*
this post..

{A little hard to see the keys with tears}




Celebrating 
*YOU*



ROSES in my garden 
are delicate reminders 
that beauty is everlasting...


*YOU*

are 
an everlasting 
BEAUTY



I believe you are surrounded by angels


I'm 
thinking
 of *YOU*
all the time...


Today is extra special...
It's your birthday 
&
I wish you 

B*E*A*U*T*F*U*L

BIRTHDAY
surround with
LOVE
&
Memories of all you hold dear.


I
LOVE
*You*
xo,
me
Auntie, Gail


















Saturday, December 21, 2013

From my home to yours...A little French-Nordic woodland inspired home tour!

Morning Darlin's 
Happy 1st day of WINTER*
I hope your enjoying this magical season.
 It's my favorite time of year!
 I love to see how others decorate their homes for the Holidays.
 I thought it would be fun to share a little of our french-Nordic woodland inspired Holiday decor 
& a couple favorite family traditions with you!
I hope you enjoy*



Our Christmas Tree
The tree is chosen by a family vote.
 We have a little technique {family Secret} how we conduct the search for the best tree!
I Love how the fresh tree adds such a coziness to the room right when we put it up. 
We elevate ours on this vintage railroad train cart I found a few years ago. 
I love the tree pre-decor too!


I use fresh evergreen garlands,wreaths, little lemony cypress & twinkle lights throughout the house. 
This is our dining room mantle.


A carefully placed little glitter bird embellishes the vintage silk top hat...


Glitter crowns...
My youngest son is a New Years day baby so I love to keep them up for his Birthday!



Season's Greeting are strung under last falls hydrangeas blooms from our garden.



My favorite shimmery silver fur throw
 some fresh pines from our trees 
&
this handmade woolen felt heart says "Happy Holidays". 
Years ago...
 I ordered these hand made hearts from a sweet women whom I met through "Victoria magazine". 
I asked  if she could make different greetings for my mercantile store.
 I gave a few to friends & family as gifts that year.

 I love mine,
 I use it every year!


A little gathering of angels,
 all different 
unique just like you!


We have a few special ornaments passed down from our families like this Silent Night....
that have somehow managed to stay in tact & beautiful.


My Vintage kitchen scale isn't forgotten...


Evergreens & boxwoods cozy up the kitchen.


Simple garland of stars hung in the foyer gallery to my Boyz rooms.


I love using nature inspired elements for the holidays 


I love creating my own unique holiday decor... do you?


A little setting in a wreath I made ...
 the other day in the dining room...


This year I tried to remember to take some time just for me.. to savor the season...
 This was one of those quiet moments last week. 
Just enough left over homemade soup for one!


Each Christmas has it's own memories...
One of our favorite family traditions is our Christmas eve dinner here at home.
A sit down dinner, fireside that's true to our "CASUAL LOVES ELEGANCE" lifestyle...
The Dress code: The men can wear casual slacks, jeans though MUST wear a crisp button down collar shirt!!!
{I love sitting at the table with them all Handsome & Fresh}
Something about dining by candles & the warm glow of a Christmas Eve fire...
 make this so memorable & Special.


Vintage suitcases I have collected are filled with my special ornaments & holiday decorations. 
They are stacked in the living room all year.
 I  made tags for them with the dates so I know whats inside each one.


Our Holidays include our dogs...
Miss Chloe is our Tibetan Mastiff. 
Freshly coiffed for Christmas she knows it's ok to come inside!
 {Her coat is extremely thick this time of year so she won't stay indoors long. She prefers laying outside in the cool dirt in the shade} 
Also we have a Saint Bernard puppy Mr. Lincoln {no pic}. He will be one year soon. 
 We love our dogs, they are a special part of our family & our Christmas memories.


On Christmas Eve my Husband, reads the Christmas story.
Everyone gathers around by the fire. 
Those are precious moments of stillness & excitement all in one.
I think some of my favorite memories too, of my children and our guests!

Christmas is magical for those who believe...
I Believe!
I hope I will always hear the Christmas bell!

Hop over to SECOND SHOUT OUT BLOG for my Saturday Design tip & post today!

Warmest Holiday Wishes from our home to yours, 
May your season be filled with special moments, traditions & memories you hold dear.
Blessings,
xo,
Gail

All Photos from this post are taken by me in our home....


























Thursday, December 19, 2013

holiday prep*

Hi Darlin's!
 How's your week going?

 Are you filled with Christmas J*O*Y*!

Pulling out winter snowboard clothes for a quick getaway for my son, he's so excited!
 Everyone is busy with activities and excited for the holiday's around here...
I'm finishing the holiday prep here at home...
A few things ready for entertaining in the kitchen...



I'm rushing out to have some fun too, i was invited by my sweet friend to a cooking class tonight!
I love getting together & catching up too...
Love to learn new dishes & tips!

Saturday I will be doing a holiday tour here...
 so grab your latte, cozy up & I'll see you back here!
Have a beautiful evening!
xo,
me

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Shimmery golds & Christmas reds

Happy Saturday!
I know you are all busy preparing for the holidays...

I have a few minutes before I have to get ready for a party!

What I love about vintage ornaments is the pure elegance they have.
When the ornaments age, they become a golden hue that i think is so lovely.

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Beautiful golden slippers in a row are a welcome place for St. Nick to leave a special treat.

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On to Christmas reds...

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Slight crisp touches of red have a Scandinavian feel.

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So true!
My Design tip: Mixing shimmery textures adds elegance to your holiday decor. Pops of christmas reds hold the tradition and keep decor fresh. Using a bit of both with fresh green is a beautiful Holiday home.

Hop over to SECOND SHOUT OUT BLOG for the whole post on Saturday's Designing with vintage.
Also vintage things in my shop just hop over, it can still arrive to you before Christmas!

I hope you have a beautiful weekend!
xo,
me