Happy Monday

I don't know about you, but I'm amped about this holiday season! My Christmas crafting is underway, with all sorts of ideas buzzing around my mind. It's getting colder and colder, but I don't mind (as long as we get some nice white snow!)

♥ Shannon

Sunday Lovely

Here are some of my favorite Christmas images from LivingEtc! I love the modern mix of seasonal icons and contemporary colors. So fun!

I hope everyone is having a lovely beginning to their holiday season!

♥ Shannon

Christmas Decorating!

It's time! I've been as patient as I could, but today, the Christmas music starts, the tree goes up, and the lights! Oh the lights!

A bit of inspiration from, who else, Martha!

'Tis officially the season!

♥ Shannon

Coffee after Dinner?

It's a common trend to serve coffee after the dessert course, but why? Coffee wakes one up--just the smell alone is more effective than the caffeine, which doesn't kick in until hours after. Is it to wake you up before you drive home from the party?

In any case, I only drink coffee as a treat, so I usually partake after dessert. For instance, after pumpkin pie tonight! Delicious coffee.

 Image: Chase and Sanborn Coffee Ad courtesy of Anastasia

If only I had this adorable dress to wear whilst drinking it!

♥ Shannon

Thanksgiving For Two Inspiration

Image Sources from left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Sometimes the holidays just won't be a mad affair. This year, Matt and I will be having a quiet Thanksgiving, just the two of us (and Arty). We will have dinner with each other, go for a walk, have a dessert and drinks date (I'm thinking hot chocolate and pumpkin pie!), and just enjoy the holiday being thankful for each other.

If anyone else is in the same boat, I'd love to hear your plans!

♥ Shannon

Buy Local on Black Friday

 Image via The Green Glass Company

Banner design by Rachel Red Lips

This year, check out local shops featuring handmade, fair trade, and organic items. These gifts are usually more special because they are original and they have numerous benefits for the community. Everyone wins! Some of my favorite places here in Maryland are Nest, Mother Nature's, and Lovely Yarns.

Where will you be shopping?

♥ Shannon

Happy Monday

I don't know about you, but I sort of consider this the last week of fall. After Thanksgiving, it will be the winter holiday season--pine trees, garlands, and boughs of holly will be taking over! It will certainly be fun, but let's not waste the rest of fall, one of my favorite times of year! Get out there and play in the colors and leaves while the weather is still calm and nice!

Here are a few fun fall-inspired images from BeautySpot to get you in the mood!

So, Happy Monday--now get out there and savor the fall!

♥ Shannon

Tutorial Tuesday

Make fingerless gloves in minutes out of an old sweater! Or in my case, a pretty cute sweater with an unfortunate stain...

What you'll need: a sweater and scissors (do note said unfortunate stain...)

Step 1: Put on the sweater and get decide how long you want your gloves to be.

Step 2: Take off the sweater, take a breath, and cut! Give yourself a little room for error, but this cut will determine the length of your gloves.

Step 3: Measure your gloves so they are the same length.

Step 4: Put on the glove and measure where you want the hole for the thumb. This is typically about an inch above the cuff. I rotated mine to utilize the fun zipper.

 Step 5: Cut out the thumb holes, and you're done!

 Step 6: Rock 'em. Rock 'em hard.

Now what to do with the rest of this sweater?

♥ Shannon

Happy Monday

Oh Monday!  I've been looking at fun images to start the week off right. Here are a few I find adorable:

 This is a soft but kind of edgy piece by thelilyx. What a fun hat!

thepoppytree has the cutest little shop! Such fun images!

 This one is another from thepoppytree. See what I mean? So cute!

Tiennerel's style just blows me away. So much color and texture!

Another by Tiennerel--I really love those big eyes!

Happy Monday, everyone!

♥ Shannon

Sunday Lovely

 Here are some inspiring images from this gorgeous fall day. I discovered a new site, Beauty in Everything, and I just love it!

 

It makes me want to go take some pictures of my own! And learn how to decorate cappuccinos...

♥ Shannon

Buy Handmade

Handmade snowflake earrings from melpdesigns

Recently, Poppytalk made a post about the great benefits of buying handmade. They've compiled a list of 101 reasons to buy handmade. You can check out the list here, and check out handmade options for the holidays!

♥ Shannon

Veteran's Day

Photo courtesy of Recognize the Sacrifice.

Today the men and women of America have payed tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces. I urge you to go one step further by helping those who serve in combat zones, whether by donating to an organization such as the USO, volunteering with Wounded Warriors, or sending a care package to troops overseas. 

♥ Shannon

Fall Fashion

I love the fabrics of fall. Today I wore one of my favorite dresses, and I had a little fun trying to decide which coat or sweater would best keep me warm while I wear it in the cooler weather.

 So what do you think? Grey, blue, or green?

♥ Shannon

Renn Fest Final!

I never posted the pictures of my final outfit, so here they are!

If you haven't noticed, I'm really into my jhari cat, Nosferatu.

So! Not too shabby as a first garment--although it was falling apart a bit by the end of the day. Room to learn, right?

♥ Shannon

Fall Table Setting

The fall colors are so beautiful! I couldn't resist buying a bouquet of flowers, and then one thing led to another and Matt and I had a lovely table setting just for us!

I'm so pleased with it, I think I will make it a habit to keep our table lovely for no reason other than to enjoy it!

♥ Shannon

Happy Monday

When the weather starts getting cold, my favorite thing to do is lounge by the fire in warm and comfy clothing. How adorable is this zebra sweater?

I kind of feel a squeal coming on!

Plus, I can't tell, but is that my girl Nicole Fox?

Yes, the secret is out--my guilty pleasure is America's Next Top Model!

♥ Shannon