more nebraska smooches

After a nice relaxing weekend (that included knocking a couple of things off of my 2010 to-do list, more to come later) I found myself bright and early this morning with a link to view a friends Etsy store and I fell in love. Cheers to more smooches!

olive robot hat via the fuzzy robot

jute bags with message label via south house boutique

i heart mr. moustache via jos studio

baby leather skull and cross slippers via scandeez

starling a line sundress by emma girl designs

pink felt heart garland by littleseeta

have a good day!

brooke

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i {heart} wall

Our {heart} wall filled with the softest red wool hearts, Aubrey blowing a kiss, and a string of fantastically random magazine hearts.

Brooke

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felt the love

One of my daily reads A Beautiful Mess featured this fantastic orange, felt bow. I just had to find out how to create one of my own.

 Visit Twig & Thistle for this lovely and 4 more felt projects!

brooke

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fa-la-la-la I'm tying a string around my finger

Yesterday was our first trip out of the house since Thursday. Yep, the packed Wal-Mart gave an oddly freeing feeling; a conquest conquered. It was like we were a part of the world again - woo-hoo! After the Christmas celebration was over and the endless hours of snow set in, I was looking for some great diy projects with stuff I have laying around and I found these perfect picks that Aubrey and I started tinkering with. These fantastic finds can be made before you put away this years decorations for a special surprise next year!

Katie Did garland

perfect for Aubrey's room via Sparklecandance

perfect for the left over Christmas paper that i {heart!} via Bloesem

a glamorous cascade of ornaments by dress design decor

lovely wreath via Living with Lindsey

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my name is brooke and i'm a procrastinator

My 101 ideas about Christmas cards fits neatly into this little pocket, tucked right behind the last 101 Christmas card ideas I had last year. Only problem? I exhibit no ability to actually follow through with these ideas, so they remain there in their raw form until we get to the week before Christmas and I suddenly realize my board is full with other peoples children smiling and I haven't even ordered any. I usually get by in a pinch with something I re-worked mid July when I told myself I would get these done in October next year or the last minute Shutterfly sale that comes just after Christmas...perfect timing for a Happy New Years! card send out.

One great thing about my procrastination? The random, great finds that Etsy has rewarded me with and the secret that comes with them. Forgo the traditional photo cards from the major retailers with their generic designs and dive into these lovelies that can all be printed off by you!

Filmstrip Custom Holiday Photo Card by announcingyou

Color Pop Custom Christmas Card by announingyou

 It's not too late for the new year holiday card by OhBayBee

And what is an "after the holidays card" without a letter explaining why you have been so busy you completely forgot to get Christmas cards out on time?

Printable customized stationary by yaelfran

One of a kind custom Christmas tree-shaped letter by thewildcocoabean

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oh christmas tree

I can't believe Christmas is a week away - to do lists are still too long, gifts in a obnoxious pile in front of my bathroom door, and I think we have turned out outside lights on twice (before the snow covered up the switch). But even so it is those little things that I savor - the way Aubrey lights up when a Christmas movie is playing, the way she tries to run away when Santa is around (not a big fan of people dressed up), going shopping with Jason, and driving home through streets full of twinkling lights. I love the little things.

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snow day

Remember how exciting it was when you woke up in the morning and there was just enough snow on the ground? Yep, it was that kind of day. Curl up on the couch, watch movies, and make snowflakes with Aubrey.

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25 days of giving

Growing up my favorite part of the Christmas season was this banner advent calendar that my mom put up in the living room. I can't remember the design nor the figure we moved each day but I remember being toasty warm and listening to the never ending Wee Sing for Christmas tape waiting for one more day to pass until presents were under the tree.

This year I decided for forgo the snowman advent calendar/plush toy that we lost the snowflake to 4 years ago and create a new family tradition.  Our little one is five and I wanted her to understand that the season is not about getting, but what we can give to others. With that in mind we created our 25 days of giving advent calendar. For 20 days we will pull a number off the wall and inside will be a $1 ($1 + 20 days = $20) and with the $20 our little one will pick out and purchase the toy requested by another little one looking forward to Christmas morning as we are. It's simple idea and a tradition that I'm excited to begin!

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