happy rainbow birthday presidents day

Today is a holiday on top of a holiday. Not only do the girls have school off for President's Day, but it is also this girls third birthday. (you can take a look at her first birthday party <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/02/very-first-birthday.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrupl7QRHZEb0vvmGdLs5UfWKkQIW-ueu5AoLDIndHBtvwk8pSxK_NOJWNhVhzqJnOW3BfWGWz7EwiSTDIjLXiRYLoWyHpW1pl2dQ6uRI_quzzA47eQ4YKgOWMTcv9AWq0CnyUlCcbMjwQ/s1600/Eveis3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrupl7QRHZEb0vvmGdLs5UfWKkQIW-ueu5AoLDIndHBtvwk8pSxK_NOJWNhVhzqJnOW3BfWGWz7EwiSTDIjLXiRYLoWyHpW1pl2dQ6uRI_quzzA47eQ4YKgOWMTcv9AWq0CnyUlCcbMjwQ/s1600/Eveis3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We had the family party last night but we've got more out of control 3-year-old fun planned for today. So I'm off to put make-up on Barbie and play with race cars. Check back tomorrow when I'll have a report on some grown-up fun from this weekend. (Hint - it rhymes with mestate sale)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5A6b5_oBUuecib294ykXTrcFCaaHd1xGFzURTy3rxPMUkU6p7nroPZJJPZ0f0SDsOPtEm6dhJ1mjC16klh6gdYdJWht2QALE-xfByr3ui3KoiY4AKwJum657GwmJ-b08nmhNGJM1v995/s1600/RainbowCenterpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5A6b5_oBUuecib294ykXTrcFCaaHd1xGFzURTy3rxPMUkU6p7nroPZJJPZ0f0SDsOPtEm6dhJ1mjC16klh6gdYdJWht2QALE-xfByr3ui3KoiY4AKwJum657GwmJ-b08nmhNGJM1v995/s1600/RainbowCenterpiece.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Until then, may your day be as bright and sunny as our centerpiece was. (three guesses what the theme of the day was)<br /><br />

happy rainbow birthday presidents day

Today is a holiday on top of a holiday. Not only do the girls have school off for President's Day, but it is also this girls third birth...

Read more »

2014: let's do this

Remember that first day back to school after Christmas break? When you would spend the day saying "how was your break?" over and over again? Good times. So...how was your break?<br /><br />I had an absolutely wonderful vacation. We ate, we wrapped, we partied, we unwrapped, we drank, we shoveled and we cuddled. General merriment all around. And best of all, I didn't open up my laptop once. Truth. Full disclosure, I did occasionally checked <a href="http://instagram.com/littleblackdoor" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, but I was 'off the clock'. And it felt great.<br /><br />Like any great love story, I think sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder and I missed you all and my little corner of the virtual world. So I'm excited to be back and in action. Can I get an amen?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprwwx-6H6wCGOzn7FKT7nwqQi6Hs6xIroHp-cwAo8MrnRGa7TgpFbUGiFc63E5GjUQKOwxxJdgbYiLJ0lppKYAhKIOnmeAenPdhzxU0HnUE4SxCSFPgNE62zTOCXOA9yrCUWmoeq4j0ej/s1600/00bdd9b52104e997dad9276147830eaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprwwx-6H6wCGOzn7FKT7nwqQi6Hs6xIroHp-cwAo8MrnRGa7TgpFbUGiFc63E5GjUQKOwxxJdgbYiLJ0lppKYAhKIOnmeAenPdhzxU0HnUE4SxCSFPgNE62zTOCXOA9yrCUWmoeq4j0ej/s1600/00bdd9b52104e997dad9276147830eaf.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174194371/2014-lets-do-this-85-x-11-art-print?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">CieraDesign</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span id="goog_578635096"></span><span id="goog_578635097"></span>And the good thing about a little time away, is that my brain has been going wild with ideas, projects and things to share. So let's hit the ground running my friends, we've got a new year in front of us!

2014: let's do this

Remember that first day back to school after Christmas break? When you would spend the day saying "how was your break?" over and o...

Read more »

12 days of christmas link party

A huge thanks to the best readers around for your wonderful comments on my house tour. That was the best Christmas present a girl could ask for. And since it is the season for sharing, now is your chance to get in on the fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj86JQpBBsPRg1KkHakOYwBdajGGfhXM48pHRlRfH8J-hw1FhmsrDVzTvvY-s6lUyyz8unxubCdl3JQpG8ODfEwDSzXYYZ12oTgYQ6_BSWyy6KFhl7PowKCSSB-lfaFC_cRuw8S0UwHeG/s1600/linkyparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj86JQpBBsPRg1KkHakOYwBdajGGfhXM48pHRlRfH8J-hw1FhmsrDVzTvvY-s6lUyyz8unxubCdl3JQpG8ODfEwDSzXYYZ12oTgYQ6_BSWyy6KFhl7PowKCSSB-lfaFC_cRuw8S0UwHeG/s320/linkyparty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Head over to <a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-tour-recap-and.html" target="_blank">Evolution of Style</a> and share your holiday home. And if you missed any of the 11 tours, click on the images below for the full monty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/day-1-12-days-of-christmas-holiday-tour.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXKqa2YFrH4k0faXn_jHbKC3Qv1FNyLTrrW779fEj-UYK-hscGEFNCJ7DdUNZptgFLGE2RV9pZ9TTjer9IQp8KSJ8abNQhx2XzZTgYXaReWyvoOoLdMON3yOpM3xBdxI73xtJ8fmWJiWK/s640/1tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-our-home.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QcaC2clvt42GXzhv1AdLuw1y4EkWO-gCMsSJJ1Y1Clf4toE7vKaoiD1IUPFxhFNwiCMNaal681NCJU7lkRIA0L-EQms1cvNL0Y2H4fdg53GbK3MilAfDCwxs0K11jTp6y27r3SIa8p34/s640/2tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/day-1-12-days-of-christmas-holiday-tour.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;" target="_blank"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-tour-of-homes-day-3.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb0Xfzg5XEPBbECxiBNyNksNnkBtcDy0tmHFd9ADfroVCDKnyKIe2DKYluOeUrlrRCUOvjCgHnfcoJC-mnABg9BPjwK9dIOri8X4qJN29NZFeudf51NTxpI-KArKYNoFfVKVbiPYbwbfN/s640/3tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2013/12/my-christmas-home-tour-christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91wQRsTwMS0YlcHiMJm14pAsBS5L7qpRFcyUtlwlADGUnYNqsy0FDlCtR-ap76_joOtq2bbSbVljWXhM65hg7YJeOuB29nYi0m9cOuY1HT5HWdnG5NNzq9S3S9ocOM5_ZDFrDRsx0MWU5/s640/4tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com/2013/12/dimples-and-tangles-christmas-tour-2013.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOjFqcvYZdOwtmzLu0z15BK3ly1kq51VN6zXcKXloSx2tXmiLFfsrROT6BVld53Yjr_Wq3k7OT16K9iE4PMUB8RRCzZEDeQzw9UvwlA8_EtSq4Tzh4KvwmR3kaPXiG3tw10hZebKK1M-x/s640/5tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/christmas-house-tour-part-ii/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VNlFhXK56nw0VxB79T6NSDI5yzHv9CDgV0GOq5muHY11lGSJnrZdRwR1bUyjmY5sKw8XQn_fnaKmvfG4Th4kC7Aw2Ib1YD3CQ26zyeCWAJYn7DoZ6HrpyB3cXVVB7rMNwBl2ndmuBvzM/s640/6tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drivenbydecor.com/2013/12/our-christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6_9_gw0YH4hkJWmLJrrUArp73imbawq3EHlyI8PA8B3rh8T-y8ulpMiQzslR3iTxhnZGUuG3oI3GNv7H9jQEp6dlmSESdaLHWL9xmcMFGgzfaFdnm4nZY8GveEKSTgeDN7Xu3b4KWmw8/s640/7tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-2013home-tour_16.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5KMwhncVjSExBXGa2irlL1RNIKwoDiZbTZHnb1QWdsFAHIFuzlsMX1TwqGbbVdREtg-GyyUPAjUj6lFGerIKR1dKRcqF-Bj07FwNdBXQ2StaAWh6ELrzkuDAI1JffCkawVRU0z5ZvNgB/s640/8tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsivq6i8YTSbHq9YF8V9VbME5clheEJscAFxV7yk8VzAReWhlZ-FwT1JmU_1knKhU4rCUd0bcWPEkBVebPLx23kBvGuvWBBwAZmir2dyY7AGn7oYHaOz-DqWTWgnY6buL6DtHJUojgz3QJ/s640/9tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://oakridgerevival.blogspot.com/2013/12/day-10-our-christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvcOPGrHFOt4_aXMGBMzBpXnVAec5g0zJdunw7uj34oYckmBTZzDXbw2pHLFlAdayrHAOYOryKTGnS9zM24rumjdGPCAHaCDHVtwfgyUjMGAsUtP052oMB41lypviIhr-A7tyAwE3RX2w/s640/10tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://stewardofdesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-holiday-home-tour-2013.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfKXrv_CJkyd16d9TcNTk5XMYYYrbDlK5OuCgbL0GKJt8lEADOVxF9ybqey6j9aiY_LTYTDPv4RSGoMxmAqWWkep6DhzhBrSNx6fBi8MWFOm0wgNDZJw2s-iNpP9YdSNvMR__U_tI1ETO/s640/11tourbanner+5120x1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><br />You can never have too many parties at this time of year, so head over to <a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-tour-recap-and.html" target="_blank">join the fun now</a>.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><br />I'm heading off the grid for the next few days for some quality fun time. So enjoy these next few days, no matter what you celebrate, and know that I will be toasting each and every one of you.<br /><br />Cheers and Merry Merry to you!</div>

12 days of christmas link party

A huge thanks to the best readers around for your wonderful comments on my house tour. That was the best Christmas present a girl could ask ...

Read more »

2013 christmas tour - 12 days of christmas

Today is the day my friends. I'm thrilled to be able to play with 11 other great bloggers for the 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Tour and today is my turn to show you around.<br /><br />But it's too cold to stand outside yapping, let's go inside and get warm with some <strike>gin</strike> hot chocolate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNezHG_uHE-o8-efrImEB4um9CoSWOxw_4aBK-zYYMzQTqOBxDpNTVj8sd1WWjje617DyOGdXH7_Dd0oZjSYyEEdVfHxBjnYzrzSw9nkCxaoLNrMfudWL66eSpq_Wm30syyPNI85j9t1r/s1600/LBDDoorChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNezHG_uHE-o8-efrImEB4um9CoSWOxw_4aBK-zYYMzQTqOBxDpNTVj8sd1WWjje617DyOGdXH7_Dd0oZjSYyEEdVfHxBjnYzrzSw9nkCxaoLNrMfudWL66eSpq_Wm30syyPNI85j9t1r/s1600/LBDDoorChristmas.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG57Jb_5mnkMP0HbOP5p-teKCuOjoI-6O3Y-6VlnY2ybLCATpyQpXFwx8smV1LmMeAB2HFOWrmPv7cC_Yy7a4YOZJ0ZCukcZ9qmd9TB_b6upVQHcCOcm9BY8LF0aeBa2AnIGnq1eKVI2zG/s1600/LBDChristmasEntry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG57Jb_5mnkMP0HbOP5p-teKCuOjoI-6O3Y-6VlnY2ybLCATpyQpXFwx8smV1LmMeAB2HFOWrmPv7cC_Yy7a4YOZJ0ZCukcZ9qmd9TB_b6upVQHcCOcm9BY8LF0aeBa2AnIGnq1eKVI2zG/s1600/LBDChristmasEntry.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><br />Everyone in my family has a Christmas collection and mine is snowflakes. So you will see them all over the house, on lamps, doorknobs, wreaths and of course, the tree. Keep an eye out for them. It's kind of like a holiday where's waldo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-nBDIee36Ua3N6mNxwJ9h-LWlV-xyQi1YoTlCIRQk_UMKc_U4IifieLqW1ySlvubM7BcptiVQ8SB2ngAgJSo5R6HX9KEGUF5jzacaIOK5Alkyp5qXkj3Nt96nQpiq4wtCc8oO5pes5zS/s1600/LBDChristmasDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-nBDIee36Ua3N6mNxwJ9h-LWlV-xyQi1YoTlCIRQk_UMKc_U4IifieLqW1ySlvubM7BcptiVQ8SB2ngAgJSo5R6HX9KEGUF5jzacaIOK5Alkyp5qXkj3Nt96nQpiq4wtCc8oO5pes5zS/s1600/LBDChristmasDetail.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaF6TJj9FpBw7iwHSrBsXWn_V2N9PeXqkUbeO_DhNO0RLjEYYxruky581DMXYZVz0lpaE7pnZ09ouo_RMyPIqjTJ2mNPjMjWBmqA2PJ0hZnBfFXPbTO44WxYjrpChtULvz3CpW62QGAgtR/s1600/LBDChristmasCloseUp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaF6TJj9FpBw7iwHSrBsXWn_V2N9PeXqkUbeO_DhNO0RLjEYYxruky581DMXYZVz0lpaE7pnZ09ouo_RMyPIqjTJ2mNPjMjWBmqA2PJ0hZnBfFXPbTO44WxYjrpChtULvz3CpW62QGAgtR/s1600/LBDChristmasCloseUp2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oeONMpzpaH9LM91xN5rLnpDZub0meJ8iGh6vQ4AW5JQtEzCDtsk-hmejjQNxC4HE_tbKwlYL6Rc8a47GwuYO48I9en6vdQ2si9_pvlVOzrzuRU4Tj6bNL2RHHXgKHVYmgTWJhq9qKNc1/s1600/LBDSnowflakeSwag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oeONMpzpaH9LM91xN5rLnpDZub0meJ8iGh6vQ4AW5JQtEzCDtsk-hmejjQNxC4HE_tbKwlYL6Rc8a47GwuYO48I9en6vdQ2si9_pvlVOzrzuRU4Tj6bNL2RHHXgKHVYmgTWJhq9qKNc1/s1600/LBDSnowflakeSwag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCzTIaOR-d6j3JCADzSJ0vWwoPD0qqsy8m7lGAZmiWKozTV7wmaH_2cGg_kFvw_bNA3l3EpA_0XpqxqmIoVt5LqBHmagpH7IRgevn2KsY7NJLYtu6QZwf1l8MOMCO9OTKq0MxJdO6XjJM/s1600/LBDChristmasMantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCzTIaOR-d6j3JCADzSJ0vWwoPD0qqsy8m7lGAZmiWKozTV7wmaH_2cGg_kFvw_bNA3l3EpA_0XpqxqmIoVt5LqBHmagpH7IRgevn2KsY7NJLYtu6QZwf1l8MOMCO9OTKq0MxJdO6XjJM/s1600/LBDChristmasMantel.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Each year the mantel gets something different (check out <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/12/childs-play-christmas-mantel.html" target="_blank">2012</a> and <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2011/12/tied-up-with-bow.html" target="_blank">2011</a>) and this year it told me it was feeling pink. So pink it is, with a little red and white thrown in. Can one ever get enough of ribbon at Christmas? (the answer to that question is no by the way)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdP3OkNoet047yXIQxoR7XqKOqm9Lrq0MuJ4gXSyYCdg6a7OKgFSpIh62Cb_9oROmGPQthJQBFRtcJRUcRYAhyphenhyphenDyHHxhnITdt01dqm5pGmADnNK4MjTEWJsLXtkl2fClZx0ZC4p9z72aF/s1600/LBDGingerbreadHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdP3OkNoet047yXIQxoR7XqKOqm9Lrq0MuJ4gXSyYCdg6a7OKgFSpIh62Cb_9oROmGPQthJQBFRtcJRUcRYAhyphenhyphenDyHHxhnITdt01dqm5pGmADnNK4MjTEWJsLXtkl2fClZx0ZC4p9z72aF/s1600/LBDGingerbreadHouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />My girls and I decorate a gingerbread house every year and this year's estate was extra sweet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92wNHWALQEqmoiIS_7Oe9CEOlU6GX9QoMAViBfFgrGHNyA8LabXD_2EhrEldb2uJttnm3w-g2VZp8TC_olFbaihBHD5qzFgeH1ayfTK2IvPBowE_l0kh2IMGpbyRfW9xMnJZVEIcAgDnh/s1600/LBDOrnaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92wNHWALQEqmoiIS_7Oe9CEOlU6GX9QoMAViBfFgrGHNyA8LabXD_2EhrEldb2uJttnm3w-g2VZp8TC_olFbaihBHD5qzFgeH1ayfTK2IvPBowE_l0kh2IMGpbyRfW9xMnJZVEIcAgDnh/s1600/LBDOrnaments.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGW2XR7eZYg78my4tXWRunTMmrxReh10vHnq1Wwk3HTrKRLZ0q2d1ltwXV7ePXoBjxhorZYOAMg_AJa-vpGq4XxmzVB6PczxRPePGEZegzj7TQFDCuIwicS7oLJfw-yp9KuvGecBOTgdC/s1600/LBDGirlsChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGW2XR7eZYg78my4tXWRunTMmrxReh10vHnq1Wwk3HTrKRLZ0q2d1ltwXV7ePXoBjxhorZYOAMg_AJa-vpGq4XxmzVB6PczxRPePGEZegzj7TQFDCuIwicS7oLJfw-yp9KuvGecBOTgdC/s1600/LBDGirlsChristmas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/03/anatomy-of-gallery-wall.html" target="_blank">Herbie</a> loves the holidays as much as the next guy so he pulls out his festive antlers for the season.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSef-88UrW9M3ES_R2F3ivGblcOFNf2axEIIa91XqsjwZJbD4gkUE-JhoNJaAdnyU1JTrzVkG0Oo9T13BUPgm7dLzXHF3_U1331JdrLvYFFrKMzhZ-zol-BYRNN8MO5LyJwfp7uQBGMxAt/s1600/LBDNutcrackerTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSef-88UrW9M3ES_R2F3ivGblcOFNf2axEIIa91XqsjwZJbD4gkUE-JhoNJaAdnyU1JTrzVkG0Oo9T13BUPgm7dLzXHF3_U1331JdrLvYFFrKMzhZ-zol-BYRNN8MO5LyJwfp7uQBGMxAt/s1600/LBDNutcrackerTree.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCJxLoL3Er4hFwaXmtJZxS0JACq9E4L5SSeEcmobc7E7qAjlvWahTv7_mIkwO9TE056Y7Xep4BVQBItsbGij4Iud9LBNCqg1NdRiKWAj8dRTopJf-dMQrXPzUCFGHZN4-SPO8UruONp4E/s1600/LBDChristmasNutcracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCJxLoL3Er4hFwaXmtJZxS0JACq9E4L5SSeEcmobc7E7qAjlvWahTv7_mIkwO9TE056Y7Xep4BVQBItsbGij4Iud9LBNCqg1NdRiKWAj8dRTopJf-dMQrXPzUCFGHZN4-SPO8UruONp4E/s1600/LBDChristmasNutcracker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Amelia has already started her Christmas collection - nutcrackers - and she's off to a good start. Santa just might have a few other in store for her this year as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L7Oy_UxLDsVTMa_ISB0lQhtd48EPtWnpP2QzT5CetFo-6IvZO73BRt78sz3rgKoPicabWGDs-lNXbiiICrVdrr1C3Q_wJyEF4-OiQ3mhRdWfJKXMXNmxrE9pdUs7s8uieZBj9RiDCVsJ/s1600/LBDDiningRoomChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L7Oy_UxLDsVTMa_ISB0lQhtd48EPtWnpP2QzT5CetFo-6IvZO73BRt78sz3rgKoPicabWGDs-lNXbiiICrVdrr1C3Q_wJyEF4-OiQ3mhRdWfJKXMXNmxrE9pdUs7s8uieZBj9RiDCVsJ/s1600/LBDDiningRoomChristmas.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eyS8KEhSbumLdDYW5oGzdtv-LZ6ec7hCQWUQ7wT4bKtNqggeFyAUre7AxfnpTwESp0x-ZeuKJ7mEdQaFuMKv13L07DEqspPpmZfo5615fOzAaHpSBp9UJY_wjafoLYVXiAz_gW_IwoXx/s1600/PC175600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eyS8KEhSbumLdDYW5oGzdtv-LZ6ec7hCQWUQ7wT4bKtNqggeFyAUre7AxfnpTwESp0x-ZeuKJ7mEdQaFuMKv13L07DEqspPpmZfo5615fOzAaHpSBp9UJY_wjafoLYVXiAz_gW_IwoXx/s1600/PC175600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK7T4xmB8JEY-jKeBYtq49-u4ZZoWi9wsqsEuE1dkreu0bgWGNz4LAKzDLvEnEfe5YMymCtXjv-AL6hYEvK3sPRFMaQ8Cdtiz5GruUnRaNXperbZ-IJg0aJPy6KHLW0BG-t3OennahQ1k/s1600/PC175604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK7T4xmB8JEY-jKeBYtq49-u4ZZoWi9wsqsEuE1dkreu0bgWGNz4LAKzDLvEnEfe5YMymCtXjv-AL6hYEvK3sPRFMaQ8Cdtiz5GruUnRaNXperbZ-IJg0aJPy6KHLW0BG-t3OennahQ1k/s1600/PC175604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ0W9LZN-DwAnDiAKwJl8dzyM_MVFS1e7sMjZCNjlGWckSvnh4xK20AabWXCAm_Tb0qDO4Zb2Y99TiAP8FVCSful-C6aVuX_Hc65Jpk9ykElWVU0lIywdjS6X32JZwPaDtKQiL89wSINT/s1600/PC175605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ0W9LZN-DwAnDiAKwJl8dzyM_MVFS1e7sMjZCNjlGWckSvnh4xK20AabWXCAm_Tb0qDO4Zb2Y99TiAP8FVCSful-C6aVuX_Hc65Jpk9ykElWVU0lIywdjS6X32JZwPaDtKQiL89wSINT/s1600/PC175605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I can't wait for Christmas dinner this year so that I can put my fab new plates from <a href="http://bbybrandie.com/" target="_blank">B by Brandie</a> to use. They really are beautiful plates and their colors pop right off the table. The patterns reminded me of snowflakes and you know I'm a sucker for mixing patterns, so these plates fit right in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy2KMO3_xryAiIbwxhkO7MHvZr7xDWQ4IIKpmnsdoRSsO1bNrFqz8xm5YBWSIP3U78QFOlGiqdjsg-XLHYV8qi2hDP9ZjcVazY1AE2JKwa7e4K0nzl3xvbotgGJOiOA7NYU8YjcrEqkF2/s1600/PC175592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSy2KMO3_xryAiIbwxhkO7MHvZr7xDWQ4IIKpmnsdoRSsO1bNrFqz8xm5YBWSIP3U78QFOlGiqdjsg-XLHYV8qi2hDP9ZjcVazY1AE2JKwa7e4K0nzl3xvbotgGJOiOA7NYU8YjcrEqkF2/s1600/PC175592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR7qAKGu7hpeyyRagYBJqrgMq6jVhQ4p4NIEQsqVX9-AfLPE_3omVW-1ebfXwEMrqVFKFzYHEuFDAteBqf0k2quZOv02_Adt64Ch96wyk0r8dbl2GSYakow43IUx7cNEIUClu6RSpd5b8/s1600/PC175606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR7qAKGu7hpeyyRagYBJqrgMq6jVhQ4p4NIEQsqVX9-AfLPE_3omVW-1ebfXwEMrqVFKFzYHEuFDAteBqf0k2quZOv02_Adt64Ch96wyk0r8dbl2GSYakow43IUx7cNEIUClu6RSpd5b8/s1600/PC175606.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwijdYsG6A0ykhqQO_VxSLcGoItHX54US-kMA17smKwK2QBaX-zm3uzrZEUmOtwf9CYSv9kZOTlDiZVbpKuoiDPlBACI2Du57J8ZhoY1GavF9L08WXZB9RELb4nYvSL1T__qDuCzfpGdY/s1600/PC175610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwijdYsG6A0ykhqQO_VxSLcGoItHX54US-kMA17smKwK2QBaX-zm3uzrZEUmOtwf9CYSv9kZOTlDiZVbpKuoiDPlBACI2Du57J8ZhoY1GavF9L08WXZB9RELb4nYvSL1T__qDuCzfpGdY/s1600/PC175610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCxwsdH5AFcxoZmYN5WKpodr4-bDvIdo0XeaCog1dI0pgroLD1bu9-6pJFDWudi7Srx7mMCh0TqON_TYRt5Y7BkNY6ZRaUtQJtXKQ6fE9QTflhBQXWrk69B6ef-uTklqCCGLbuz9kUDim/s1600/PC175613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCxwsdH5AFcxoZmYN5WKpodr4-bDvIdo0XeaCog1dI0pgroLD1bu9-6pJFDWudi7Srx7mMCh0TqON_TYRt5Y7BkNY6ZRaUtQJtXKQ6fE9QTflhBQXWrk69B6ef-uTklqCCGLbuz9kUDim/s1600/PC175613.JPG" width="606" /></a></div><br />We spend just as much time feasting in the dining room as we do tearing into presents in the living room on Christmas, so we like to have the tree right where we can see them from both spots.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEkQVJNaq0jSIEpAxly3Rpt0Vin2dHE-mfh7DFjuYZV9XE_lezimzJHvwlfkiEyEwX8Qe6o54r2gCCXoDZSw4Xv42N9KSy0KbZR9i5TR7kZi5bcbQ1jhQXbdKQ5t4nDrjsT1MkX2U3lwT/s1600/PC175616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEkQVJNaq0jSIEpAxly3Rpt0Vin2dHE-mfh7DFjuYZV9XE_lezimzJHvwlfkiEyEwX8Qe6o54r2gCCXoDZSw4Xv42N9KSy0KbZR9i5TR7kZi5bcbQ1jhQXbdKQ5t4nDrjsT1MkX2U3lwT/s1600/PC175616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdZrkO9ZXUbfQHQwtstG5IilKSnXQWbV8vky4y6Qaf8fTPJwTGLYjlZwI0w33Uh_mlWazhyphenhyphenm72oQ10rLZ8lYXTi4WqgHo5-b_4t2gAB6HGEXU3i7G0TUX4Jn8xTXCBtdQbKXpqTSjJz1W/s1600/LBDMantelDetail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdZrkO9ZXUbfQHQwtstG5IilKSnXQWbV8vky4y6Qaf8fTPJwTGLYjlZwI0w33Uh_mlWazhyphenhyphenm72oQ10rLZ8lYXTi4WqgHo5-b_4t2gAB6HGEXU3i7G0TUX4Jn8xTXCBtdQbKXpqTSjJz1W/s1600/LBDMantelDetail3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Christmas is about the lights, right? And what better time to appreciate the lights than at night. I know, I'm a regular Sherlock. So I give you... nighttime pictures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhcNK7V7s6kH2-EqPtjgR29aUVY5NP7iieb3pbz_Bf3PEQ_srOjJZ9RseJYsMtDRmk1K7Z5JO_y80vzguqcHi2xbFQ0Js3rG7HYUqh0xM7GiO9gGCzgkKdXc9suPAupDpqxKm_kJGgvSq/s1600/ChristmasMantelClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhcNK7V7s6kH2-EqPtjgR29aUVY5NP7iieb3pbz_Bf3PEQ_srOjJZ9RseJYsMtDRmk1K7Z5JO_y80vzguqcHi2xbFQ0Js3rG7HYUqh0xM7GiO9gGCzgkKdXc9suPAupDpqxKm_kJGgvSq/s1600/ChristmasMantelClose.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEDGr48na3YiCSnpX94bIK5m4BhOOuSPhcUuKO1V6anQDUbx3PnOT0fzjr0Ti5_ZLLuRXY-PLpbI2mnnVFR-KvO5_efzOqjoZkDjYleiD41D0_cVWkMSG3Nn5kfpTVAazZfKrKfQod_Fy/s1600/LBDChristmasTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEDGr48na3YiCSnpX94bIK5m4BhOOuSPhcUuKO1V6anQDUbx3PnOT0fzjr0Ti5_ZLLuRXY-PLpbI2mnnVFR-KvO5_efzOqjoZkDjYleiD41D0_cVWkMSG3Nn5kfpTVAazZfKrKfQod_Fy/s1600/LBDChristmasTree.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UVlIrp3D_HVFxvEQ1hXchEyr4QtRwwJcoTNNMEQEGIXJFMrf9umaCnD70P3o5W_H-PkmEghOvnD8hpGUzi8lPHIUh4cvihxX9bqrQE4mtAsb_qMFNJ4vEp5Lt6Szxz4INsX6dxRKk4mZ/s1600/LBDChristmasDining2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UVlIrp3D_HVFxvEQ1hXchEyr4QtRwwJcoTNNMEQEGIXJFMrf9umaCnD70P3o5W_H-PkmEghOvnD8hpGUzi8lPHIUh4cvihxX9bqrQE4mtAsb_qMFNJ4vEp5Lt6Szxz4INsX6dxRKk4mZ/s1600/LBDChristmasDining2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWXaIV3kjTlpps2s63spsqY0kQ_CcCy6QHsuEmHffq-pdi8cOedIB8H_-hrxK_qQ_SaVYiHh5XLgeBbvc2wBoMixjQJBfnDNCvK1Zaka3Pgh23CANAF5U2PJo-QVobqaXc1THjhHwBn17/s1600/PC165557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWXaIV3kjTlpps2s63spsqY0kQ_CcCy6QHsuEmHffq-pdi8cOedIB8H_-hrxK_qQ_SaVYiHh5XLgeBbvc2wBoMixjQJBfnDNCvK1Zaka3Pgh23CANAF5U2PJo-QVobqaXc1THjhHwBn17/s1600/PC165557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcpJBRFPeRCwU6BzdC0G0O154bRXwADWSj-n1Neycy0F7cVmSGK9lqJ28h7CbPWUmWea8Wo9IRLaP_7Qw_pmWtrgdZywVEurCESklo7NILkRGo8O5TYqQvvsQCC6jUbOdeJZXq73sDcbN/s1600/LBDChristmasDining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcpJBRFPeRCwU6BzdC0G0O154bRXwADWSj-n1Neycy0F7cVmSGK9lqJ28h7CbPWUmWea8Wo9IRLaP_7Qw_pmWtrgdZywVEurCESklo7NILkRGo8O5TYqQvvsQCC6jUbOdeJZXq73sDcbN/s1600/LBDChristmasDining.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Ej8XzxMvSDvmutvhFrBhmBU5Wa8zryQ2iu_v_QEnBa-RtJEzAt9skMOpbSGfIfshH-6mf97sIrw-pn-ZnW8oL34UkpIh1STQNqBp7liiVCnOTSknGA5ni_RPl-bBVzDs8-_g6xgOqsR/s1600/LBDChristmasCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8Ej8XzxMvSDvmutvhFrBhmBU5Wa8zryQ2iu_v_QEnBa-RtJEzAt9skMOpbSGfIfshH-6mf97sIrw-pn-ZnW8oL34UkpIh1STQNqBp7liiVCnOTSknGA5ni_RPl-bBVzDs8-_g6xgOqsR/s1600/LBDChristmasCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn4tU4erraoXUau2b_HhsGN3TYkvWa14MMDB6fulrTVZg6gxgbwwHQtEAlDX4H5SGgZU2cqJbCyBUUjLku-m5TOXJ2AHkES2kd2ocDOJh1J2EGu55NyX0DyAL0QpZdHXcDZ75pH7Xurup/s1600/Blogger+Tour+Announcement+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn4tU4erraoXUau2b_HhsGN3TYkvWa14MMDB6fulrTVZg6gxgbwwHQtEAlDX4H5SGgZU2cqJbCyBUUjLku-m5TOXJ2AHkES2kd2ocDOJh1J2EGu55NyX0DyAL0QpZdHXcDZ75pH7Xurup/s1600/Blogger+Tour+Announcement+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Thanks so much for coming over. Anyone over the age of 12 knows what a crazy time of year this is, and I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to stop over and say hi. Be sure to check out all the other great homes that have been featured so far on the tour.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Day 1 - </span><a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/day-1-12-days-of-christmas-holiday-tour.html" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Evolution of Style</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Day 2 - </span><a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-our-home.html" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Shine Your Light</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Day 3 - </span><a href="http://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-tour-of-homes-day-3.html" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dixie Delights</a></span><br />Day 4 - <a href="http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2013/12/my-christmas-home-tour-christmas-tour-of-homes.html" target="_blank">The Creativity Exchange</a><br />Day 5 - <a href="http://dimplesandtangles.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank">Dimples and Tangles</a><br />Day 6 - <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/christmas-house-tour-part-ii/" target="_blank">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a><br />Day 7 -  <a href="http://www.drivenbydecor.com/2013/12/our-christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank">Driven By Decor</a><br />Day 8 - <a href="http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-2013home-tour_16.html" target="_blank">Simple Details</a><br /><br />And tomorrow <a href="http://oakridgerevival.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oak Ridge Revival</a> is hosting!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitivd7kF60SMgwdQe6RTudKy-nCyq0eTQ6nxHdlYuDp3GgbprjyBSy5L0NmBOY9Ba6EKcOQ9HsnHrGdv7mZnvHYUKys0WG4MywnCMf81mr4KivGjZKMEFfgtN4nw4Mt420O5PBZydLuiqG/s1600/oakridgerevival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitivd7kF60SMgwdQe6RTudKy-nCyq0eTQ6nxHdlYuDp3GgbprjyBSy5L0NmBOY9Ba6EKcOQ9HsnHrGdv7mZnvHYUKys0WG4MywnCMf81mr4KivGjZKMEFfgtN4nw4Mt420O5PBZydLuiqG/s1600/oakridgerevival.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now who's ready for more hot chocolate?

2013 christmas tour - 12 days of christmas

Today is the day my friends. I'm thrilled to be able to play with 11 other great bloggers for the 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Tour and ...

Read more »

repeat performance or keeping it fresh

I've been slowly working on getting my house Christmas ready and one of the things that keeps a pep in my step for this yearly ritual is the idea of mixing it up. What will I do with the mantel this year? What type of tree should we get? Lights outside or not?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdO7BoeDDmOpy97LGnlv5bJ6MtcZWBRgO-2BItYfb5EOHtsOzoMrz7i-KfDIe0BjyrhbDWz8hh1T75qmlfSwKVcypl6Gpjmcz3Iarq5NPtAZkiYwHxj_m3gHNKzLGGnKLx8MPBPGqq2Ro/s1600/littleblackdoorinstagramchristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdO7BoeDDmOpy97LGnlv5bJ6MtcZWBRgO-2BItYfb5EOHtsOzoMrz7i-KfDIe0BjyrhbDWz8hh1T75qmlfSwKVcypl6Gpjmcz3Iarq5NPtAZkiYwHxj_m3gHNKzLGGnKLx8MPBPGqq2Ro/s320/littleblackdoorinstagramchristmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneak peak of my mantel from I<a href="http://instagram.com/littleblackdoor/" target="_blank">nstagram</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I don't find it stressful, I find it comforting. It is almost as if I'm adding another layer of warmth just as it gets extra frigid outside. It gets me in the spirit and sparks special memories and traditions. (Cue the Hallmark movie cheese ball music)<br /><br />What about you? Do you put everything in the same place every year? Do you clear the decks and start fresh each year? Do you have any weird traditions or items that you must do/pull out before it feels like the holidays have started?<br /><br />And don't forget to catch today's feature on the 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes. I've listed the first three homes below.<br /><br />Day 1 - <a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/day-1-12-days-of-christmas-holiday-tour.html" target="_blank">Evolution of Style</a><br />Day 2 - <a href="http://www.shineyourlightblog.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-our-home.html" target="_blank">Shine Your Light</a><br />Day 3 - <a href="http://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-tour-of-homes-day-3.html" target="_blank">Dixie Delights</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn4tU4erraoXUau2b_HhsGN3TYkvWa14MMDB6fulrTVZg6gxgbwwHQtEAlDX4H5SGgZU2cqJbCyBUUjLku-m5TOXJ2AHkES2kd2ocDOJh1J2EGu55NyX0DyAL0QpZdHXcDZ75pH7Xurup/s1600/Blogger+Tour+Announcement+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn4tU4erraoXUau2b_HhsGN3TYkvWa14MMDB6fulrTVZg6gxgbwwHQtEAlDX4H5SGgZU2cqJbCyBUUjLku-m5TOXJ2AHkES2kd2ocDOJh1J2EGu55NyX0DyAL0QpZdHXcDZ75pH7Xurup/s640/Blogger+Tour+Announcement+%25281%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />Happy Wednesday!

repeat performance or keeping it fresh

I've been slowly working on getting my house Christmas ready and one of the things that keeps a pep in my step for this yearly ritual is...

Read more »

12 days of christmas tour of homes

Hope y'all had a great weekend. We are all fighting some phantom flu/cold bug that just won't leave our house and it took all the energy the hubs and I could muster to go out with the girls and get a tree. We managed to get it in the house, but now I need a burst of health to get it decorated. But, I know where I'll go for some holiday inspiration.<br /><br />Today is the first day of <a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/day-1-12-days-of-christmas-holiday-tour.html" target="_blank">The 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes</a>. My tour won't be until next week (thank god) but today please do head over to <a href="http://evolutionofstyleblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/day-1-12-days-of-christmas-holiday-tour.html" target="_blank">Evolution of Style</a> and see what a beautiful job Jenny has done with her home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBPc7Vq7TZIPUVRQu6D5yptxFhWWp0i635rYGWQmWj4RpQMFaoj00WJzAU9qkbTVMZpq1YHg7R0L_ydYUh4qtTh2mApN7yyT7N9Tt7eno9J37pfhb_uiy0E_4-CKIxqc2GuAh7D00-DGs/s1600/Blogger+Tour+Announcement+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBPc7Vq7TZIPUVRQu6D5yptxFhWWp0i635rYGWQmWj4RpQMFaoj00WJzAU9qkbTVMZpq1YHg7R0L_ydYUh4qtTh2mApN7yyT7N9Tt7eno9J37pfhb_uiy0E_4-CKIxqc2GuAh7D00-DGs/s640/Blogger+Tour+Announcement+(1).jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />Follow along for the next 12 days for great inspiration and eye candy galore!<br /><br />Have you finished your holiday decorations? Do you get a real tree or fake? Do you want to come over and help me with my tree? Happy Monday.

12 days of christmas tour of homes

Hope y'all had a great weekend. We are all fighting some phantom flu/cold bug that just won't leave our house and it took all the en...

Read more »

holiday pushers

We are officially in the thick of it people. Thanksgiving is behind us (in the US), Chanukah is wrapping up and Christmas is coming. Cue the hysteria. I made an effort to not get online over the Thanksgiving holiday, not even my phone, and it was kind of like a digital master cleanse. It felt damn good I have to say and when we got home last night from a weekend of traveling and I was ready to gear up for Christmas. I didn't feel behind or stressed, I just felt...holiday-ish.<br /><br />Then I sat down to my laptop and the stress settled in. Holy crap. I've gotten a wicked number of emails and articles and announcements telling me I can get 15% off here, 50% off there, use these coupon codes on these days, and jump three times in place while drinking water and tapping your head. And that doesn't even crack the book on all of the gift guides. Oy! I am on overload already and it is only December 2nd.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8cTMKXjMn5N5z1hrEkQ6M8kLtqy5dIjj0SnIg8TOSFCdW6rY0ZJV3oaMTMhhMLBvgETP4thSxyvvr70Ym26-00qUljF_xRKGSOZ0VAy8NA2WzFJFayw49hsNyR8jf6r-cRU9sCsVKRkA/s1600/2d3b985ed16d8cf0cedb72768587d9e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8cTMKXjMn5N5z1hrEkQ6M8kLtqy5dIjj0SnIg8TOSFCdW6rY0ZJV3oaMTMhhMLBvgETP4thSxyvvr70Ym26-00qUljF_xRKGSOZ0VAy8NA2WzFJFayw49hsNyR8jf6r-cRU9sCsVKRkA/s640/2d3b985ed16d8cf0cedb72768587d9e9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.janemeans.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jane Means</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />How do you manage all your holiday cheer? Do you keep up with all of the 'advice' or just go with what you know? What % lures you in to a sale? (I got an email for 7% off and let me tell you, that is NOT a sale. That's just foolish)

holiday pushers

We are officially in the thick of it people. Thanksgiving is behind us (in the US), Chanukah is wrapping up and Christmas is coming. Cue the...

Read more »

the 12 days of christmas tour of homes

What?!<br /><br />I go from no posts to two posts in two days? I am just that exciting. True.<br /><br />It is rather important to me to take the time to enjoy the season/holiday we are in and not jump ahead to the next one. Poor Thanksgiving gets run right over with the excitement for the big daddy of the year - Christmas. So I exercise as much strength as I can to not pull out anything for Christmas, not even a song on the radio, until Thanksgiving is over. The excitement is even bigger then when we finally unwrap all of those great things that stay in a closet 11 months of the year.<br /><br />But, I am also one for planning ahead and I love to mark things down on my calendar. So with that in mind, I'm excited to let you know that I'll be joining several other fabulous bloggers this year for The 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hAubtXiIiQ1IIwCv8ZWhQCZi6LDt_lfjOBR2Ph7IU3FZ_FOC-IUWSP7S4bcMVYs3JisHvsbTG2Ma02myk6co8dqqvprD24iok-Ah-cZfsnq12itrSkAK9nj03MimZ2RWidAsIMKvXksr/s1600/Blogger+Tour+Announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hAubtXiIiQ1IIwCv8ZWhQCZi6LDt_lfjOBR2Ph7IU3FZ_FOC-IUWSP7S4bcMVYs3JisHvsbTG2Ma02myk6co8dqqvprD24iok-Ah-cZfsnq12itrSkAK9nj03MimZ2RWidAsIMKvXksr/s640/Blogger+Tour+Announcement.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />Now not only does this mean you have 11 days of holiday eye candy to look forward to, but best of all, on the 12 day will be a great link up party so that you can share your holiday home as well! I can smell the pine and peppermint already.<br /><br />So mark you calendars and get ready for some holiday cheer!!<br /><br /><br />

the 12 days of christmas tour of homes

What?! I go from no posts to two posts in two days? I am just that exciting. True. It is rather important to me to take the time to enjoy th...

Read more »

try not to labor too much

The only thing better than heading into a weekend is knowing it is a three-day weekend. Summer is slipping through our fingers so soak up every last minute of it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A8MrYuXqlr-SDUNSheumF9EsP4143YnwYgVCF9paFAAzhxqZhnJ5ASQOvrTE8BShNDVadS744BwLbN1qj-MbyT_QWy0pUXs9fFs8se1Qk50EAd4nbDajfc_IQfYjcTho4rbVHBbQ2aNI/s1600/AmeliaFloatsLaborDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A8MrYuXqlr-SDUNSheumF9EsP4143YnwYgVCF9paFAAzhxqZhnJ5ASQOvrTE8BShNDVadS744BwLbN1qj-MbyT_QWy0pUXs9fFs8se1Qk50EAd4nbDajfc_IQfYjcTho4rbVHBbQ2aNI/s640/AmeliaFloatsLaborDay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />For those in the US - happy labor day! And for all of my other friends, happy weekend!

try not to labor too much

The only thing better than heading into a weekend is knowing it is a three-day weekend. Summer is slipping through our fingers so soak up ev...

Read more »