my holiday gift tags... in action!

Just a few shots of how they turned out.  :)

And if you missed my printable FREE holiday gift tags the first time, get them here!

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DIY // FREE Printable Holiday Gift Tags

Last year, I ran out of time to do any special wrapping or create my own gift tags, so I ended up using these cuties from Domestifluff.

 This was all fine and dandy, but this year I wanted to have a try at creating my own designs.

Well, I just finished and I think they turned out to be pretty snazzy... I know they are navy and red, and not green and red, but I plan to use them with some brown craft wrapping paper that has navy pin stripes on it.  I still think it's quite festive!  Sort of a vintage Americana Christmas.  I had so much fun that I think I'll be making this a permanent holiday tradition.  :)

I wouldn't dream of not sharing, so if you love them too, click here to download the printable version of my gift tags! (1Mb PDF)

I haven't started my wrapping yet, but when I do I'll post some images of the finished product.  :)   (Update: I did, check them out!)

Happy Holidays!

 
 
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HOLIDAY JOY & almond joy chocolate bark

Merry Christmas!!

from here

After a nice dinner and making one more batch of Almond Joy Chocolate Bark for tomorrow, Brian and I, and the pups, are about to settle on the sofa to watch yet another Christmas-y movie tonight (Last night...Elf!).  Obviously, I will have my cup of green tea and Brian will inevitably steal several bits of the bark... this is our contentment. 

Tomorrow morning we will pack up the pups and the presents and head over to my parents' house, to eat a traditional breakfast spread that includes biscuits and eggs, and exchange gifts. Then we all will head up to my Aunt and Uncle's for an Italian Christmas dinner with my dad's extended family... Although it used to be at my grandparent's, the get-together is a more than 27 year tradition.  I ♥ it.  :)

Wishing you abounding holiday joy and good times with the ones you love!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

...except for the weather.

 I mean, I know that it's Florida, but come on...just a bit of chilliness would be nice.  

Actually, today has been unseasonably cool and I am taking advantage of it!  I wore my second sweater for the season, as are the pups, and we are just hanging out, doing all things CHRISTMAS.

I know Phoenix looks annoyed, but I promise, he loves his sweater!

Our Christmas tree is up, lit, fully decked out and finished off with the keepsake star my mom just gave me (looks so great, thx mom!).  Aren't the jewel toned ornaments cute?  I got them here. We only have one present so far, but no worries, there are more to come!

I have about four Christmas flavored candles lit and scattered around the apartment.  It seems excessive, but I really believe that every room should get to smell fantastic.

I am also wrapping presents, sipping hot tea and listening to some lively Christmas tunes.  Then it's on to some holiday gift DIYing that I can't tell you about quite yet...since it would ruin the surprise!  I promise to post all of the loveliness after the holidays though. 

Speaking of DIY, these are the pup stockings that I made last Christmas...aren't they adorable!?  I made them out of old fabric samples from work.  Perfect for a bone or squeaker toy...

Well, I have a lot more Christmas-ing to get done, so I will leave you with our family Christmas picture and wish you & yours a very merry holiday season!

holiday extravaganza

Last weekend we attended Brian's company holiday party.  

It. was. wow.  

There was a huge ball room decorated with about 200 dining tables (fresh flower centerpieces on each), giant back lit stage, dance floor, black jack tables and four obscene food and dessert buffet lines, the 'Jazz Lounge' room with live band, and separate 'Casino' room with poker, craps and more black jack tables. 

Besides all of that....there was also a photo booth.  Need I say more?  

Obviously, Brian and I enjoyed it's company twice.

Good times.