Introducing Paper Cottage and a Giveaway!

I am SO excited to announce another blog sponsor just in time for the holidays! I would like to welcome Paper Cottage to the "team!"

Started in 2006 Paper Cottage is your go-to for pretty, preppy and personalized treats and gifts. "There's nothing as special as a personalized gift or note. In this age of technology, it's more important than ever to embrace the art of personalization. That's what The Paper Cottage is all about."

They carry everything from personalized cupcake wrappers (these are a MUST for my next fete!)

to monogrammed totes and bags (you can never have too many totes...these are GREAT graduation and bridal gifts!)

to personalized calendars (these make the PERFECT Christmas gift at just $24!!!)

to preppy gifts tags (every gift should be made personal)

to monogrammed phone covers (a personal favorite of mine)

I have gotten SO many compliments on my monogram phone cover and LOVE it so that I could not resist taking Michelle and Beth up on their offer to give one, LUCKY winner a personalized phone cover of their own!! The majority of phone covers can be customized to your color and monogram preferences. If pink and green are not your thing (GASP!) you can make any case purple and orange or black and yellow. There are also various monogram fonts you can choose from or you can opt to spell out your name. The personalization options are really just endless with these covers and all the items available through Paper Cottage!

 To enter this giveaway leave a comment on this post letting me know which phone cover is your favorite (this is the phone cover you will win so be sure to choose wisely).

All comments MUST be left by Sunday, December 4th at 8pm CST.

 You can earn an additional giveaway entry by liking "Paper Cottage" on Facebook. Please leave all your entries in ONE comment.

This is the perfect giveaway for those looking to preppify their cell or those looking for the perfect gift for your techy in their life. Every girl, no matter your favorite colors, deserves a personalized phone! Best of luck to all!

Also, for those still needing gifts for the holidays, be sure to poke around Paper Cottage (if you have not already) and get your order in by Friday, December 2nd, 2011 to ensure it arrives in time!!!

DIY Holiday Gift Idea Link Up!

Welcome to the DIY Holiday Idea Gift Link Up! Today allows each of you with the opportunity to share your favorite DIY gifts with other bloggers and readers!

Anything you bake or make and then gift can be shared simply link to your gift instruction post using the McLinky below. Be sure to include photos with your how-to and even consider listing occasions in which you have gifted your item in the past or ideas on how you plan to gift your item this year. The ideas can be endless...(no)sewing creations, paper goods, sweet and salty treats, bath products, children's items, you name it.... I am excited to see what everyone comes up with!

Below are two of my holiday gift ideas this year. Both are semi-homemade (read EASY and foolproof) as I use pre-bought items, but the end result is fun, festive an useful...a win-win in my book. ENJOY!

Project One: Napkin Rings

These are a great gift for the hostess in your life! Napkin rings are something we all need, but seldom buy ourselves. This project can be done fairly inexpensively (I spent $27 total) and the end result is sure to wow the recipient!

Needed:

Hot Glue Gun or Instant Dry Glue

Plain Napkin Rings (I used a gold metal, but rattan would also work.)

Adornments...this is the KEY to these napkin rings. You can search high and low for fun items to spice yours up. I headed straight to Forever 21 and opted for necklace "charms." However, you could use earrings (you would need to remove the back), pins, ornaments or even small trinkets and toys for these. Keep your eyes peeled for fun items that represent the recipient, make them personal.

 This is really as simple as projects get if you opt for a necklace charm. Simply remove the charm from the chain. If the necklace was hanging from a catch be sure to remove that as well (incredibly simple and easy if you purchase your necklaces at a less expensive retailer).

Now, position the charm on your napkin ring. Be sure the charm and napkin ring "meet" in at least two places to ensure security. Now, simply dab hot glue on the spots where the charm meets the napkin ring. Quickly place the charm onto the napkin ring and hold firmly in place until dry.

Voila! It is as simple as that and look at the lovely result!

 

Project Two: Glitter Candle Containers

This second project involves two of my favorite things: fragrant candles and glitter! I am a fragrant candle LOVER. I think they are the perfect hostess gift, especially during the winter months when everyone wants to feel a bit more cozy.

 Needed:

Hot Glue Gun

Candle in Glass Container (I opted for a fragrant Bath and Body Works Slatkin Candle as they are my FAVORITE!)

 Circle Punch (Any size will work, but I would suggest a one inch or smaller.)

Glitter Scrapbook Paper

 First, remove the candle label from the container. BBW Slatin Candle labels are super easy to remove which is an added benefit if you opt to use them.

 Second, punch out glitter circles. I used 12 white and gold circles and 6 solid gold circles on my candles.

 Arrange your circles in the pattern you would like them to appear on the candle and begin to glue them on using the hot glue gun. I found it was easier to glue the circles on firmly if I bent them ever-so-slightly so that they were rounded, like the container.

The trickiest part of this project is spacing your circles since they are not going anywhere once you glue them on. If you want to ensure perfect spacing you might want to measure the container, do a little math and then mark the spots with a marker. I choose to eye it and had no issue.

The end result is simple yet festive and fun! Tie a ribbon around your candle (use a color that coordinates with your glitter) and off you go with a semi-personalized gift!

NOW IT IS TIME TO SHARE YOUR DIY GIFT IDEA:

My Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and that you enjoyed good food and fun with loved ones. I most certainly did!

My parents drove to Dallas on Tuesday with lots and lots of things for my home. We were busy getting everything placed and on the wall all week, but we did manage to pop into our favorite stores and restaurants.

 Since there are only three of us it seemed silly to cook an entire meal so we opted to dine at The Mansion- which just so happened to be where my parents stayed- for Thanksgiving. The Mansion is always amazing and Thanksgiving was no different. You could either go the traditional route for your meal or mix things up, which is what I did.

 I started with a butternut squash bisque then deviated from tradition with my main course as I opted for a filet, but I got back on track with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Our meal was just delicious and just the right amount of food too.

 After our meal we relaxed in the room and watched "Catch Me If You Can" before the Cowboys game started. We took a break from the game and grabbed some cider and cookies in the lobby before heading back to my home to get to work.

We got all the Christmas decor out and decorated the place. It looks perfect and I can hardly wait to show you photos this week. I also plan to do a new "home tour" for you all later this week as just about everything has been rearranged and revamped...it looks MUCH better! 

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving as you can see. Of course no holiday would be complete without a few only child shots (as seen above) :)

Blog Sale

When my parents were in town I came to the realization I have WAY too much stuff so the time has come for another blog sale (so soon!). I have quite a few items in my closet that have not been worn in over a year or that no longer fit as they should, some still new with tags, that I am hoping to give a happy new home before the holidays. The drill is the same as always, minus the fact that the prices below all include Priority shipping. If you would like to purchase an item please email me (kappaprep@gmail.com) and you will immediately be sent an invoice. All invoices must be paid within 24 hours and items will be shipped on Tuesday. Happy shopping!

 Lilly Pulitzer Fish Shift, Size 2- SOLD

This is a darling shift that can be worn alone or paired with a turtleneck or sweater and navy tights. The fit is VERY flattering which is an added bonus!

 NWT Lilly Pulitzer Navy Finn Dress, Size XS- SOLD

The Finn dress is a true Lilly Pulitzer classic. It is easy to wear and a great travel piece. I wear my Finns year round and for both work and play.

 Lilly Pulitzer Main Line Jeans, Size 6- SOLD

A classic pair of bootcut jeans with a hint of stretch. These jeans are just as wonderful as their sister, the white Main Line, and incredibly flattering and super soft too.

 Lilly Pulitzer Paisley Silk Skirt, Size 4- SOLD

This skirt is sadly a tad big for my waist so I regretfully have to part with it :( I have paired with with a silk, sleeveless blouse as well as a chocolate turtleneck and tights. It was a closet staple and needs a loving new home.

 Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Oxford Shirts- SOLD
Green- Size 2

Pink- Size 4

I cannot tell you how many oxfords I own, they are a staple in my life and my closet. Oxfords are easy to wear (and wash!) and go with anything. They are most definitely a staple for any prep!

 Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top, Size Small- SOLD

This top has only been worn time and in fantastic condition! The Elsa top is one of my VERY favorite Lilly pieces and I likely own far too many ;) I wear them with shorts in the summer and with jeans in the winter. They are just dressy enough for just about any occasion.

 NWT Lilly Pulitzer Under the Stars Clutch- $45 ($98 retail)

This darling clutch is SO fun! You can carry it as an actual clutch or use the gold strap to put it on your wrist. The rhinestone, parrot pin can be removed if you prefer something more streamline. This would be a perfect Christmas gift!

NWT Lilly Pulitzer KKG Shirts, Size XS and S- $40 each

This darling tops were GWPs and VERY hard to find. They are made by Lilly and more of a fitted top and not a typical "workout" shirt (a tad dressier in my opinion). These would make a PERFECT stocking stuffer for the Kappa in your life!

Lilly Pulitzer Stockings- The perfect holiday addition for any Lilly lover!

2010 Seersucker- SOLD

This stocking is new, but was taken out of the bag for the photo and is therefor tag less. It has never been used and in perfect condition!

2009 Love Print- SOLD

NWT and ready to be hung on a preppy fireplace. This stocking is so fun and hard to find too!

DIY Holiday Gift Link Up

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 is FAST approaching so  I wanted to post a reminder about the DIY Holiday Gift Link Up which I will be hosting that day:

 This will be the perfect opportunity to share your favorite DIY holiday gifts with other bloggers and readers! Anything you bake or make and then gift can be shared on the link-up. Simply write a post instructing us all how to do (or bake) it ourselves and pop over on Tuesday, November 29th to link your post! Be sure to include photos with your how-to and even consider listing occasions in which you have gifted you item in the past or ideas on how you plan to gift your item this year. The ideas can be endless...(no)sewing creations, paper goods, sweet and salty treats, bath products, children's items, you name it.... I am excited to see what everyone comes up with!

Be sure to pop back on Tuesday to include you link for your DIY Holiday Gift as well as check out everyone else's ideas!!

Black Friday Sales

I LOVE a good sale and am all about finding a deal so I could not resist passing on a few of my very favorite brands Black Friday deals. Many of these you are likely to have seen, but a reminder never hurt, right?

ANNECHOVIE

25% off EVERYTHING in Anne's etsy store.

Use code: BLACK25

PINEAPPLE GROVE GIFTS

 At PGG they "believe that gift giving should be fun and never stressful. Life is busy, and time is short, so we have compiled a collection of items we love to give and receive. If you don't see what you are looking for, just send us an email. We love helping our clients create the perfect present!"

November 24th through November 26th: ALL holiday photo cards are 20% off.

NO code needed

This is a GREAT opportunity to order your cards at a discount; a rare opportunity with just one month until Christmas!

Cyber Monday Sale:

ALL smartphone and iPad monogrammed/custom cases will be 20% in Pineapple Grove etsy store.

 Use code: CYBER

J. MCLAUGHLIN

$25 gift card to the first 15 customers to arrive at each store!

GRAPHIC IMAGE

FREE personalization site wide AND FREE shipping

Set of 4 holiday coasters with $75 purchase.

*I was not compensated for this post. I simply want to promote brands and products I love as well as get the word out on a good sale.*

Thankful

My heart is SO full right now as I have SO much to be thankful for!

 I am so thankful for a God that sent His son to die for me and that He loves me day after day no matter how many mistakes I continue make.

I am thankful for parents who have sacrificed so much for me and I am thankful for my entire extended family that loves me so.

I am thankful for a day off from work....because it means I have a job to return to come Monday, and one that I love at that.

I thankful for all my amazing friends that add so much to my life and support me day in and day out.

I am thankful to be an American. I live in a country where I am free thanks to all those that serve and have served.

I am thankful for the food on my table, the roof over my head and the clothes on my back.

I am thankful for this little blog that could as it brought each of you into my life.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours! I pray that your day is filled with peace, love and joy and that you are surrounded by those that matter. Remember to count your blessings today!

Wordless Wednesday

Ornament Wreath How To

Per Friday's post I decided I wanted to make an ornament wreath for my front door this weekend. I (thankfully) was free of plans on Saturday so I decided to get to work after dinner. I had picked up all my ornaments and other supplies when at Michael's and Hobby Lobby (all for 40% and 50% off) and got a general idea and some inspiration from Good Housekeeping. I deviated from their instructions a bit, but used them as a guide.

 Originally, I had planned to do hot pink, lime green and pearl colored ornaments, but the selection was pretty lacking. In the end I found a lovely selection of pale pink, green and gold ornaments, many with glitter (added bonus and necessity for this project in my opinion), so I opted to go use those for a more vintage feel.

 All the ornament wreath how-to's I read said you had to use a straw wreath for this project. However, this really just did not appeal to me for some reason so I decided I would try this with a floral foam wreath as it was not only more wallet friendly, but less messy too. With that being said, here is what you need to make your very own ornament wreath:

Scissors

Pins

Ribbon (for hanging)

Floral Foam Wreath Form (I used a 12 inch)

LOTS of ornaments (I used 90 on a 12 inch wreath); both big and small, all sizes are needed!

3 Sheets of Felt (you will need more for a larger wreath form)

Hot Glue Gun with EXTRA sticks (you go through these like water)

First, I cut each piece of felt into three strips. I choose pale pink felt as that was part of my color scheme. The felt might should through the ornaments upon close inspection so use a color that goes with your ornament selections.

Wrap the pieces of felt all the way around the wreath, securing them into place with pins. The pins stay in the foam and are very secure. This is a very important step as you will glue the ornaments to the felt and do not want anything falling off later.

Once your entire wreath is wrapped in felt attach the ribbon you will use to hang your wreath. This should be done prior to gluing on your ornaments as there will be no where for it to go later.

 Now comes the fun, and most rewarding part, start hot gluing on your ornaments! Use the larger ornaments first. Glue then to the felt and also to one another. You want everything to be very secure so nothing should be wiggling or lose; the more glue the better (I went a tad crazy and did gave my glue gun a workout). 

Fill in smaller spaces with your smaller ornaments. If you look very closely at the above photo you can see some spots where the pink felt shines through, hence why you want to pick a felt that matches your ornament color scheme. You would not want the felt to detract from the final product. I filled all the "holes" that I could, but did not want to continue to stack too many ornaments in certain place so this just sort of happened, but is not at all noticeable in my opinion.You can judge for yourself, here is my end product"

 I am obsessed with it and just LOVE how it turned out! I was also surprised by how quickly I was able to complete the wreath. Many online how-to's said to allow 4 to 8 hours...I did the entire wreath in just under two hours. The hardest part was deciding which ornament should go where and create a balance amongst the ornaments and make sure all the glitter ornaments had prime spots on the wreath :)

 This is the perfect project for those wanting to create something festive for the holidays. Most ornaments are on sale at craft stores right now so it can be done on a budget as well. 

I am now patiently waiting for Friday to arrive so that I can put my "vintage" inspired ornament wreath on my door! That really is the hardest part.

Happy crafting to all!