MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!! Thank you so much for blessing our family by being a part of this blog, being a part of our journey and offering your support and encouragement along the way.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my interests and passion in fashion, photography, styling and writing with you, and it’s thanks to each of you that I’m able to fulfill my dreams all from a little office in this house.
Thank you. I hope you have a beautiful weekend with someone you love, lots of hot chocolate, some holiday movies and matching Christmas pajamas. Because to me, those things are really important!
Tonight we’ll be streaming Christmas Eve church service and then readingThe Christmas Baby, How the Grinch Stole Christmas andRed and Lulu. If you have any Christmas book traditions, I would love to hear in the comments. We really love all books in this house.
Lots and lots of love and joy from our hearts to yours!
”And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'”
Luke 2:8 – 12
xoxo,
Christian, Kathleen + Hudson
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I’m always looking for inspiration for holiday meals, so I thought I would share what we plan to cook on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
We will be staying in Georgia because Christian is working the holidays this year, but now that we have this larger kitchen compared to solo holidays in years past – I’m actually looking forward to cooking. I think it’s going to be a pretty sweet little weekend.
Breakfast
Classic Breakfast Casserole | This is what we had every Christmas morning growing up. You can serve it with biscuits and fresh fruit, and it just tastes like Christmas to me. One year my mom didn’t make it, not really thinking it had become our “tradition.” All of us were like, “WHERE’S THE CASSEROLE!?” Needless to say, she won’t be skipping it again!
I read the comments of this recipe and I am going to try to use Texas Toast, half and half instead of milk and up the egg count.
Coffee Cake | Christian loves coffee cake, so he’s going to make this easy recipe this year.
Popeye’s Turkey | You read that right. My friend told me that her friend’s mother swears by their turkeys, and I want to see what’s up. So we’ve ordered one!
Grammy’s Dressing | We stick with my grandmother’s very basic dressing recipe that is my favorite, probably because of nostalgia. It’s very similar to this recipe!
Other plans we have are to stream our church’s Christmas Eve service (it was a lottery system this year and we didn’t get seats), hot chocolate and Christmas movies, board games, a family walk or exercise (a Christmas Eve tradition, oddly enough) and a wood-burning fire round the clock.
For some tablescape inspiration, be sure to check out this post which you can also find under the “holiday” category!
And if you have any recipe classics that are crowd pleasers, I would love to hear! Merry merry Christmas! XO –
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Sharing 2020’s last holiday gift guide – Last Minute Gift Ideas under $50! I’m crossing my fingers that you have done most of your holiday shopping already. But usually there is one or two people left on the list we’re on the hunt for…
So hopefully this will give you a few ideas! If you’re still looking for ideas you can find more gift guides at the top of this site under “holiday.” To shop, just click on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
I hope you’re making your list and checking it twice. Trying to prepare some content ahead of time for you guys so I can duck away for a little break during the holidays. I am ready for some lounge time!
Thank you so much for reading, having a beautiful weekend and Merry Christmas – XO –
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You can’t feel the fabric of these pieces in these photos… but boy do I wish you could! As soon as I received theseChloe Colette pieces in the mail, I immediately knew my mom and sister would also love them. With each piece being a blend of rayon, nylon and spandex, they’re super soft, stretchy and wildly comfortable.
I really love the longer length of theClair Wrap Tunic. The black + white ribbon tie waist really gives it a pop of contrast. The look I styled here is more of a dinner date, girls night, NYE even (!!) kind of look. But I think this top would also look really cute dressed down with denim or leggings for working-from-home, lunch or a weekday errand vibe. This top comes in multiple colors and the ivory is also so pretty.
Of course I can’t dismiss theFrancesca Wide Leg Pant. What you can’t see in these photos is that these pants have a high waist (my favorite) that is smoothing and looks great with either longer tops like this one but also still works with shorter length top likethis one.
I think one of my favorite things about these pieces are that because of their clean and classic lines and comfort, they really work for all age groups. Sleek, sophisticated, feminine yet modern. But also soft, stretchy and comfortable. You can’t beat that.
And right now you can get 15% off site wide through the end of January with the code KATHLEEN15.
I am so excited to partner withNeiman Marcus again this year (last year’s posthere) to share some of my tip top gift ideas for the gal who appreciates the finer things in life.
Most of us are doing the majority of our shopping online this year. If you fall in that category, Neiman Marcus offers complimentary Gift Advisors. You take a quiz and they’ll match you with an expert. You can even give your Advisor a short bio about the gift recipients you’re shopping for and they’ll suggest ideas. I LOVE THAT. You can also set an in-store appointment with a complimentary style advisor or even take your appointment virtual, which is pretty amazing. If you’re near a Neiman Marcus, schedule curbside pickup featuring Santa this Saturday, 12/19, from noon – 6PM!
If you’re looking for some ideas, I want to share a few brands that come to mind that always have beautiful pieces that I consider fool-proof gifts. All available atNeiman Marcus. Let’s get into it.
MacKenzie-Childs
You guys know I love a MacKenzie-Childs moment. I grew up with a mother who had a few pieces herself that she treasured, and now I’m elated to have my own small collection!
An iconic Courtly Check Two Quart Tea Kettle was the very first MacKenzie-Childs piece I purchased, which is why I think it’s a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Neiman Marcus offers both one that whistles and the original style that doesn’t. Not only does it always look pretty on your stove, but we use ours regularly.
Neiman Marcus also offers their photo frames in various sizes. Insert a personal photo, wrap it up and who isn’t going to love that?
Tory Burch
Tory Burch has some classic accessories that work for all age ranges. Personally, I’m loving this littleKira Chain Crossbody in tweed (also comes in a larger shoulder strap sizehere), and I really can’t get enough of thesesuede booties.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
My first experience with Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 was a little travel size bottle. It smelled so intoxicatingly good, I savored it, wearing sparingly so I could make it last. It has notes of amber, jasmine and cedar wood (amber always gets me) and they blend together fabulously. I quickly came to find out, this fragrance is a cult classic! Loved by so many, it has countless reviews on NeimanMarcus.com.
Another fragrance of theirs I’ve recently been introduced to and am loving isL’Homme A La Rose Eau de Parfum this year. A blend of roses, grapefruit and woodsy undertones, it’s the kind of scent that Christian and I could both wear.
You could also gift a travel size Baccarat Rouge 540 like this one. Even better, you could gift multiple ladies a little travel size! But watch out… because they’re going to become addicted. Trust me.
Of course, if these items don’t quite strike a cord for the person you’re shopping for, Neiman Marcus offers multiple curated gift guides online that are really helpful. I love when a retailer offers thoughtful selections! It makes shopping from home even easier.
While perusing their gift guides, I discovered this ReFa CAXA M1 Tool and I’ve got to say, I’m interested. A Lele Sadoughi headband (worn in the photo above) is a great grab for the girly-girl, and I’m loving these Tizo coasters for the homebody.
And of course, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t love a cozy pair of UGG slippers. An old faithful gift! Who’s left on your shopping list?
Thank you so much for reading and happiest holidays to you and happy shopping – XO –
A cute apron is always a great gift and this is one of my favorite ones, even paired with a cookbook!
I once received nice coasters last year as a housewarming gift and I loved that idea.
A bag of good coffee and a cute mug is a sweet combo. You could even toss in some sweet treats like these Heaton Pecans from Mississippi (dangerously delicious).
Along with a fabulous vase with flowers (I just recently ordered this one).
If you put a little thought into it, there are so many cute little gift combo ideas. Which could also be nice for in-laws, aunts, uncles or a gift exchange.
If you’ve hit it out of the park with a host or coworker gift recently, I’d love to hear.
You can see all of the gift guides from this year and year’s past at the top of this site under “holiday.”
Thanks so much for reading and I have one more gift guide coming up for you guys before taking a holiday break. XO –
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– treats for our delivery ladies and gents who work so hard –
– wishing I’d bought hydrangeas instead of peonies, they last so much longer! –
– the prettiest winter arrangement, I hope it lasts! –
I’ve been feeling the full spirit of the holidays lately, trying to enjoy as much peppermint coffee, holiday movies (Happiest Season = loved) and Christmas pajamas as I can. The month always flies by too fast, so I’m trying to really soak it up! Knowing that we won’t be traveling this month makes it more relaxing for sure.
I still have one person on my gifting list that I always have trouble shopping for. So I need do that like… yesterday. I hope the gift guides I’ve been sharing with you guys have been helpful for a little guidance this year! If there is a theme I haven’t hit, please let me know in the comments. I also have a “last minute gifts under $50” coming next week.
One of my gifts to myself this year is going to be a Pilates Studio membership. I’ve been out of the loop for what really feels like too long, and even if I need to wear a mask the entire time, I think it’s worth it. I was going to join this month, but after looking at my work calendar I didn’t feel like I would be able to enjoy it as much as I want to. It’s that “me time” that helps me feel more relaxed, more energetic and in a better overall mood.
Even though I secretly hate the cliché of getting back into fitness in January, it happens to be a slower work time and therefore… I’ll be there with the masses! Until then, I’m trying to get back into a little exercise in our basement. I was doing pretty well in the spring and once summer hit… so did my desire to sweat. BUT I feel so much better when I do, so I’m trying to remind myself about those endorphins.
If any of you have any tips for staying motivated in your fitness in the winter, I’d love to hear! I hope you guys have a fabulous weekend. Thank you so much for reading – XO –
I think a beautiful diffuser and an essential oil would be such a wonderful gift for someone. Truly the gift that keeps on giving.
I don’t have this booty mug, but you know I love it.
I ordered this laundry basket for myself and this one for Hudson’s downstairs toys. I love that it has a drawstring. So when you’re entertaining you can hide those plastic toys a little easier!
Whether you have your own little ones or not, you might have a dozen or so nieces and nephews to be shopping for like myself.
A few of the things below we have and love, and others I might have my eye on for Hudson. Kids stuff is so cute… once you get started it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole!
To shop, simply click on the item below or find its associated number below the collage –
This mat can be personalized, and once Hudson was constantly on the move I was convinced it was time to put it up. But even now that he’s full blown walking, he loves to lie down on it or wrestle with the elephant head. It’s so soft and easy to put out in any room… a win!
We have these $11 booties in multiple colors and he wears them almost daily.
There aren’t cuter pajamas out there than these and c’mon… a robe!? I CAN’T. Nothing cuter!
This block set was a recent addition, and I don’t know who loves it more – Hudson or myself. I’m building all kinds of masterpieces (wink)!
A piggy bank was on Hudson’s birthday list because he was already collecting little bits of money here or there. There isn’t anything out there sweeter than this one.
We have this chair (can also be personalized) and it is so cute. I’ve had it in H’s room, but I’ve been toying with the idea of putting it downstairs… I think he might really lounge in it. He loves it in his room so far.
We might also have these on our wish list… I mean… adorable.
Currently a little young for this itty bitty bike but I’ve had my eye on it for months.
Sometimes you see toys out there and it’s like… is this for the kid, me, or a little bit of both? This is one of those toys. I can see myself loving this as a kid. And this!
For more gift guides and holiday content, be sure to check out the posts in the the “holiday” page at the top of this site. More gift guides coming this week! XO –
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When we got married, I had a stack of extra wedding programs because our reception was at the same venue as the ceremony. So many, understandingly, left their programs at the venue. We worked so hard on making them beautiful, and when I say “we,” I mostly mean my mom, let’s be honest. So I was determined to find something special to do with them!
I started with some Christmas ornaments, and then moved onto a little paper rosebud wreath (pictured below). Since then, I’ve found other sentimental paper pieces to make into ornaments as well. Save-the-dates, birth announcements, leftover fabric from my wedding dress, you name it. It just occurred to me this year that I should make an ornament with each year’s Christmas card.
Most of us end up with a few extra each year, and I’ve never had the heart to throw them away. Somehow these cards have made it with us for not one, not two, but three city moves. So I bought some clear glass ornaments at a craft store (you can also find them here), and got out the scissors.
All you need to do is cut your item into strips. Then I like to either roll the strip around my finger for a loose curl or roll it tightly (see photo below). Slip the rolled pieces into your clear ornament and that’s it. Super easy! I’m sure you could get creative with a zig zag, confetti-like pieces, etc. They don’t all need to be the same.
I like to add some pretty ribbon or a little charm to write on for an extra touch.
Believe it or not, these ornament are some of my favorite pieces to pull out year after year. So easy, inexpensive and special.
Thank you so much for reading! And please let me know if you try this yourself. It would make me so happy! Merry Christmas, XO –
The first Friday in December. December of 2020… guys, we’ve almost made it an entire year. Can you believe it? Honestly, I can’t. I took Hudson on an errand with me today and I can count on my hands how many times he’s been in a store. So when I take him with me, his eyes light up like it’s Disney. So much to see!! He is a year old and I’ve sheltered him as much as possible to limit his exposure to the world. I joke that whenever we have another baby, I’ll have to learn how to be out and about in the world for the first time with kids. Scary!
This was the first week in over a month that I actually felt like I didn’t have an overwhelming amount of “to-do’s.” Christian and I happen to have the same busy seasons in our jobs, which has made this year interesting. Each year is a little different, and considering last year we had our first baby, this year has been a major learning curve. I feel so grateful to have crazy November behind me and am excited for a more manageable December! Do you guys plan on taking some time off this month? I’m toying with disconnecting between Christmas and New Year’s… but we’ll see!
I finally got a jumpstart on my Christmas list for Christian and nieces + nephews. I pride myself in giving good holiday gifts, so I really try to find something that is going to be memorable. I still have a few little ones left on my list, but at least I’ve made a dent! I have more gift guides for hostesses + coworkers, kids, homebodies coming next week. Until then, you can check out some of the 2020 gift guides so far at the top of this site under “holiday.”
I had lunch with some friends this week, and we got to talking about creating family traditions or habits. They were sharing Friday movie nights with “Dad’s famous popcorn,” family Christmas pajamas, Chinese food after picking out Christmas trees, etc. It really got me thinking about setting intentions now that we have a son. In California we would go to the beach on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Last year was kind of a newborn/postpartum fog, but this year I want to try to incorporate some of those holiday “habits.” If you have any that are special to you, I would absolutely love to hear!
Thank you so much for reading and sharing, and happy December! XO –
If you’ve been around here for a little while, you know my longtime love of Annieglass dinnerware and serving pieces. When we were getting married in 2012, I registered for the Roman Antique Salad Plate and the Ruffle Buffet Plate to compliment the china pattern we had chosen. I vividly remember each time I was gifted one of those pieces because I was so excited!
Cut to eight years later, and I’ve used my Annieglass collection far more than any other china or serving pieces. Why is that? Well not only are they beautiful, but they are dishwasher safe, chip resistant, display beautifully and I find them to serve multiple purposes. This wine cooler can double as a centerpiece or fruit bowl. This wine coaster can also be used as a dip bowl. These buffet plates can also be used as platters for appetizers. I’m always mixing them around and finding new ways to use them.
The majority of my collection is in platinum, but I also have a few gold trimmed pieces and they are equally stunning. Annieglass has a wide array of different designs and collections, but my favorite have always been the Roman Antique, Edgey and Ruffle.
Annieglass has been around for over 30 years, and I have truly loved expanding my collection. Christian knows it’s a fool-proof gift for me, and I have no doubts I will continue to collect and treasure these pieces in the decades ahead. They are beautiful, durable, dishwasher safe (so fabulous it’s worth mentioning twice!!) and chic. I am a forever fan!
You can find more posts featuring Annieglass here, here and here.
If you’re new to the brand, I would encourage you to consider adding a piece to your Christmas wish list. Seriously – I know you’ll love it. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
