family photos

Christmas weekend is here! This will be Theo’s first Christmas, and between that and Hudson being a fresh 3 y/o with a lot of excitement, I think it’s going to be a great one.

I will be taking next week off to spend some downtime with the boys before the new year starts. I hope some of you get to do the same! I used to take this week for myself and it was amazing. Now that I have little ones, there is little to no childcare that week, so it’s forced family time. But I try to plan some play dates and adventures to make it feel special. I’m hoping that I’m able to disconnect and give them my attention.

I’ve got plans to play Mexican Train Dominoes, watch The Family Stone with a cup of cider and make this Texas Trash Pie for the first time. YUM. I’d love to hear what you’re making!

styling family christmas cardmizzen and mainchristian and kathleen barnessteffa reeves christmas card

card designed by Steffa Reeves Stationery

“For a child has been born – for us! The gift of a son – for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling will grow, and there will be no limits to the wholeness he brings.” Isaiah 9:6, MSG

Thank you so much for blessing my life by supporting this business and allowing me to be a small part of your day. You’ve made my professional dreams come true, truly.

Merry Christmas to you and yours – XO –

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sequined caftan

I can’t think of a better sequin outfit for a holiday party. It’s festive, it’s loose, it’s a one-size-fits-all concept, and of course, the sparkle of it all.

I have had this dress hanging over my closet door just so I can look at it. That’s how much fun it is!

A few more holiday looks you might like…

peplum top with silk skirt

pink and burgundy

9 NYE looks

sheer details, also this one

sequin pencil skirt

sequin dress

red + leopard

velvet midi dress

sequined caftanfil de vie caftansequined caftantove sequin caftansequin dresschristian louboutin pigalle blacksequined caftan

photos by Allie Murray

caftan – fil de vie, also love this one and this one | heels, look for less here | earrings (love the gold versions too) | room details

Thank you so much for reading – XO –

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Today I’m sharing my Christmas wish list… ok fine, some of these I already own. Consider them “early” gifts I purchased for myself. But now I know how great they are which is why I have to share them!

To shop, click directly on the item below or find its associated number –

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I bought both this dish and this loaf pan over Cyber Week when they were marked down. And wrapped them myself to put under the tree. I will likely forget about them before the 25th, trust me.

I bought this dress before we went to Mexico in October. I now have my eye on the long-sleeved version. It is so flattering and crazy comfortable. A++!

I ordered these fur-cuffed jeans for myself on sale and hope they look as cute on me as they do the model. Also waiting on these. Couldn’t help myself!

I love this vase for an orchid so much. Also this one.

I have these wrist and ankle weights and really need to use them more. So sleek.

I was on the waitlist for three of these scalloped bath mats for our primary bathroom.

Christian renews my AD Magazine every year. I love getting them each month. It’s the gift that keeps giving, and I always keep old issues!

For more holiday gift guides:

Gifts Under $35

Gifts Under $50

Gifts for the Guys

Gifts for Parents + Grandparents

Gifts for the Kids

Gifts for Hosts

For my holiday content, check out the “Holiday Gifts & Decor” category and find a walk-through of this year’s holiday decor here. Thank you so much for reading and Merry Christmas – XO –

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Today’s gift guide is for the hosts and hostesses this month. For the ladies (not to be sexist, but it’s *probably* the ladies, right?) who have spent hours preparing to host you so now you want to make feel a little special in return.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –

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Some of these are my go-to picks for hosts and I will dive into why.

A chic cookbook like this one or this one (on my list). Even better if paired with a stand like this, recipe tin or an apron.

Something edible – a delicious pecan tin trio or truffle salt.

An orchid (another top pick of mine) or a vase with fresh flowers.

This gold dinner bell! LOVE.

A beautiful candle like this one with a compact lighter.

Handpainted ornaments or a special tree ornament. These would be my pick because I have and love them.

For more holiday gift guides:

Gifts Under $35

Gifts Under $50

Gifts for the Guys

Gifts for Parents + Grandparents

Gifts for the Kids

For my holiday content, check out the “Holiday Gifts & Decor” category and find a walk-through of this year’s holiday decor here. Thank you so much for reading! My own holiday wish list is coming up next – XO –

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citizenry lumbar pillow

this lumbar pillow I recently got and love so much –

christmas tree topper diy

– having so much fun with ribbon this year on the trees –

record player

– pulling out my grandparents records (record player) –

sketch portraits

– having these portraits custom-framed locally and loving how they turned out so much! –

brass door knocker

– putting this door knocker on display that was on the door when we purchased our house –

A confession that I took these photos before I took the Holiday Home Tour photos. This is why you’re seeing a few repeat-style shots today!

This week felt constant. It’s interesting that the holidays are intended to be the most joyous, cheerful time when for some it can be a really high-stress or hectic time. I felt my fuse becoming shorter by the day and am trying to lighten my schedule so I can relax a little bit more and ultimately reflect that in my behavior.

I’ve been watching season two of Firefly Lane while working this week. I love that show! The strength of a lifelong friendship. Pretty sweet stuff. I’ve seen both teaser and trailer for Harry & Megan and all I can say is… big yikes. The feedback I’m reading is a big yikes. Have you seen it? Would love to hear what you think.

I worked all day yesterday Wednesday watching this on YouTube on the TV while a Christmas candle was lit. It was heavenly. Highly recommend

We have a busy weekend – truly day and night. But it’s full of sweet holiday things, and I hope it will feel more exciting than exhausting. Fingers crossed! Writing right now I’m really sounding like a major homebody. I guess I am! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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9' flocked christmas tree

I wasn’t planning on doing a decor post this year, but once I put everything up I couldn’t help but snap a few photos. 200+ photos later… I am now working on a post at 10PM. But it’s always fun to be on the website. This is where this little business started, and it’s still my favorite part of this gig.

Last year I shared the decorations here, and I was able to reference that post this year when pulling stuff out. It was very helpful! This year there are a few different and a few the same, but the furniture continues to be rearranged so that feels right.

Thanks for coming on this journey. There are a lot of photos, but I had a lot of fun snapping them.

To find each individual room, check out the “house tour” section of this site.

elf in a treefoyer holiday decormarble utensil holderkitchenaid rangegingerbread housesred and white christmas wreathsrosemary plantcitizenry coffee tablenaught or nice reversible pillowsewing down south nutcrackervelvet christmas stockingsholiday memory bookred bolster pillowlinen duvetlarge leaning mirrormini wreath on bedtufted headboarddining room christmas tree7.5' flocked christmas treeleaning mirrorpatience brewster nativity scenepink floral wallpapermoody floral wallpaperleaning mirrorpink velvet ribbonred and white bowsportable record playerjoseph mary jesuschildrens christmas booksmini wreathnativity toyflocked treecourtly check bowlred and white striped wreath bowslantern greenery

Thank you so much for reading and Merry Christmas! XO –

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This week’s wish list is all about the kids. So if you’re looking for some ideas for your own littles, neices/nephews or grandkids, let’s go.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage!

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I don’t know a single toddler who isn’t obsessed with the Moana soundtrack. Hudson doesn’t even care that much about the actual movie, just the music. We listen to it daily in the car, so I have no doubt this Moana karaoke would be a HUGE hit.

I’m thinking about getting this robot crab for one of my nephews. I feel like it is both a brainy gift and a fun gift. I love that kind of gift for other kids. It makes me feel like the parents will be less annoyed with extra “stuff,” if there is a learning element there.

I know this singing pickle seems bizarre. Because it is. But my mom gave my nephew one and it’s small and silly. It always makes kids laugh and is an easy thing to take to a friend’s house and make giggle. Stocking stuffer idea!

We love our play kitchen. Sometimes Hudson plays in it alone, but most often we will play with it together. Add in an ice cream shop (every kid loves it), taco set or pizza set. Now, we’re cooking!

toy kitchen

Hudson got a sleeping bag for his birthday and he loves it. I love it too! I plan on taking it with us the next time we stay with siblings, which leads me to the next item.

We recently got two of these kids blowup mattresses and they are ADORABLE. They also have an airplane version, but I love the Cadillacs (even if they’re pink!). We’ll be bringing it with us on our next trip for sure. One of those gifts that’s both fun and practical.

Hudson has a Toniebox and listens to it every single night and morning. It’s by his bed, and rather than us sing songs to him, he likes to put a tonie character on and listen to it as he falls asleep. In the mornings, he will put different tonies on and keep himself entertained until I come to his room. We LOVE it.

blue toniebox

For more gift guides, check out the “holiday gifts & decor” section of this site. So far we have covered gifts under $50, gifts under $35, gifts for the guys, gifts for parents/grandparents, and now kids! More are coming. Thank you so much for reading – XO –

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bugundy boots

I have been so excited to wear this sweater and skirt set because it’s so cozy and also fits so well. The beauty of sweater skirts – both comfortable and curve-friendly.

I also love that knit skirts like this are easier to wear even if you’re a few lbs up from holiday festivities or whatever else has been going on in life. As someone who is pregnant every other year… I can appreciate that!

cream sweaterstrathberry bucket bagknit midi skirtcream midi skirtsweater skirtburgundy bagwe are kindred

sweater, also love this one and this similar style sweater dress | skirt, also love this one and this one (on sale) | similar boots here and here (on sale) | bag | hoop earrings | bracelets

You can find more fashion picks and fall looks in the “fashion” category of this site. And more gift guides coming! You can see all the ones shared so far in the “holiday gifts & decor” category. Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Sharing some of my picks and favorite deals and discounts for Cyber Week! There are so many great sales that have already started, and I’ve already started shopping.

I’ve checked out with a ton of kids/baby items at H&M (30% off), I have some things in my cart at MacKenzie-Childs (20% off), and I’m considering buying one more of these cashmere pillows from Naked Cashmere (50% off).

Christian will be shopping at Mizzen + Main (25% off) and Banana Republic (30% off).

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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Abercrombie | 30% off everything

Annie Selke | 25% off sitewide with code BIGDEAL25

Banana Republic | 30% off full-price items with code BRDAY30

BaubleBar | 30% off sitewide with code BB30

CB2 | up to 60% off

Electric Picks | 30% off sitewide with code BF30

Everlane | up to 50% off

H&M | 30% off

J.Crew | 50% off your purchase with code SHOPEARLY

Jennifer Behr | 30% off sitewide with code THANKFUL through 11/29

LAKE Pajamas | 25% off sitewide

Lisi Lerch | 40% off through 11/28

Lulu & Georgia | 25% off sitewide through 11/27

MacKenzie-Childs | 20% off sitewide with code MCJOY20

Madewell | 40% off your purchase with code OHJOY

Mango | 30% off totals over $200 with code EXTRA30

Mizzen + Main | 25% off everything with code THANKFUL25

Naked Cashmere | up to 50% off everything

Serena & Lily | 25% off everything with code GRATITUDE

Shopbop | 25% off everything

SPANX | 20% off sitewide (!!)

Tuckernuck | 20% off all orders sitewide, 25% off orders over $500, 30% off orders over $1k with code CYBER

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This one took some thought because gifting our parents and in-laws is always a challenge. You want to get them something super special because they deserve it. But what do they not already have because they can treat themselves to anything they really want?

SO below are things that are little luxuries, and maybe even helpful, that I think would make great gifts for parents and grandparents.

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This isn’t the first time the pizza oven showed up this year in a gift guide. Because I would love one but don’t want to actually spend money on it.

I love games and Mexican Train Dominoes is currently top of my game list.

This half zip and matching tapered pants are even better than they look. The material might actually be some % magic.

These photo frames will never get old. A foot massager and warmer or towel warmer? Or electric wine bottle opener? Luxury.

A pretty oil diffuser with some essential oils is a nice gift.

Have you hit it out of the park with parent gifts in the past? Share your tips with the class.

Thanks so much for reading and find more holiday content and gift guides here. Cyber Weekend deals coming this week! XO –

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mizzen and main sweater

I recently shared a sneak peek of this little shoot on Instagram here, but I wanted to share more photos because I loved both outfits so much.

Christian isn’t usually on this side of the camera, so to have his participation means it’s for a brand he genuinely likes. He has been hooked on Mizzen + Main Leeward shirts since he first tried them earlier this year. They have spandex, are wrinkle-resistant, and have tons of patterns. They also have a more extensive sizing that allows both trim and tall if you have a tall and thin guy in your life.

I bought these faux leather pants (similar style) a few years ago and then got pregnant and was postpartum, so they just now actually fit to wear them this fall. The joys of a constantly changing body! You’ve seen me in black leather pants here, here, and here, but I love this camel color. It gives a totally different vibe, and I know I’m going to be wearing them a ton.

christian barnescamel faux leather pants5 pocket pantdr christian barneschunky sweatercamel faux leather pantsrothys hudsonkathleen barnes

Christian’s shirt | pants | sweater | sneakers | sunglasses

similar faux leather pants here, here and here | similar sweater | heels – Manolo Blahnik (old), also love these

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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the food nanny

I recently discovered this recipe from The Food Nanny, and wow. It was even BETTER than I thought it was going to be.

I changed a few things but mostly followed the recipe. I did throw some chicken breasts in the instant pot (love this easy recipe) and shredded it to use in this salad, another pasta, and Thai dish. So if you can do that ahead of time, you can make this salad days in a row if you wish!

Dressing: 

3 TB olive oil

3 TB fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp salt, a few cranks fresh black pepper

Salad Base:

3/4 cup cooked orzo

two handfuls arugula

handful grape or cherry tomatoes halved

3 TB chopped shallot

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup pine nuts

3TB chopped fresh dill + 3 TB chopped parsley or basil

1/2 cup shredded chicken sautéed in 2 tsp olive oil and 2 tsp unsalted butter

Directions:

Cook orzo according to package directions. Combine dressing ingredients.

Add warm orzo and chicken to salad base and toss with dressing.

orzo tossed saladjuliska pasta bowl

If you try it, let me know what you think! You can find more recipes in the “food and drink” category of this site. Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget to check out this year’s gift guides in the “holiday” section! XO –

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