Classic with a Twist

My Christmas Checklist

The end is in sight! Not that I'm racing to the finish line, but I really want that feeling of ....whew, everything is done and now I can relax. Is that even possible?

Here are my latest accomplishments:

#1: Gifts wrapped: Check

#2 Clients taken care of: Check

Lamps for Glamma arrived and are perfect, window treatments are installed in Garland,

woven woods are up in Plano,

fabric is ordered for West Plano and last consult in 2010 was completed as well!

#3 Computer issues solved: Check

Dell laptop was hurled into swimming pool and now I'm a Mac girl!

...do not get me started on my computer issues... deep breath and sigh-

#4 Parties thrown: Check

#5 Avery's Christmas tree up: Check

(and wayyyy overdue!)

(I think we need to step it up in this area next year...

check out the sweet trees of some of my colleagues!)

Inspired by Sock Monkeys... I love it- and everything she does:)

Tobi Fairley

Joann and Kelly at Kandrac and Kole created

this beauty for the showhouse they participated in-

big and bold!

Yes, it is time to think about the children now. Time to bake cookies and shake presents:)

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas~

Until next time,

Traci

Images via* Moi, Glamma, Tobi Fairley and Kandrac and Kole

Friday, December 24, 2010 Comments: 1

Add a large purse and

twelve shopping bags...

and that's me!

I have a case of the "Bad Blogger" syndrome and I greatly apologize!

(Burning the candle at both ends puts it mildly:)

Not only has time escaped me, but my laptop has too!

It's not the time of year for my computer to crash...

especially the one with all my files and photos.

Nonetheless, I did manage to keep up with work, but my social media took a dive.

I "tried" to follow this saying that I love...

...the little voice that I constantly hear in my head!

This image is from the website Keep Calm and Carry On and they had an

interesting blurb regarding the origination of this saying...

It's funny that is was created in Britain but never widely distributed... until now!

To match every space in the home... or office... they offer every color under the sun-

I think this is most appropriate for all

of us these days!

So if you are still in a crunch for gift ideas, grab a sign from above or check out these

other cute prints I found from the Keep Calm Gallery. They would make a whimsical

addition to a bookcase, small empty wall or on the bathroom mirror!!!!!

Or for a constant reminder, I, for one, should purchase this Iphone case

for the Iphone I don't know how to use yet.

Ok, that is the last of my pouting and I'm redirecting my energy right now!!! But with that

said, if you do know of an Iphone app that I HAVE TO HAVE...

leave me a comment below!

Until next time,

Traci

Images via* Keep Calm and Carry On, Keep Calm Gallery and www.schtickers.com

Saturday, December 18, 2010 Comments: 0

Most of you should be all finished with your holiday decorating... right?

Here's a sneak peek at our house, but let me preface it with the fact that not EVERYTHING is turquoise or blue in our home! Maybe I'm a bit drawn to it these days, but I do know how to incorporate other colors with it. Our family fondly calls it the "Oyster Bay House"...

Sherwin Williams Color #6206 .

After looking at the pics, they really don't do it justice but here you go!

Family room mantle... red with a bit of blue!

Try this at home... add ribbon of different colors with ornaments tied in-

Love my Santa but he looks a bit tipsy...

A bit of Oyster Bay in the kitchen

Custom artwork by none other than La Montage

Easy centerpiece idea- lidded glass urn with decorative ornaments inside

(battery operated lights on the table garland... need to be replaced!)

More swags of garland... drape them on any clear surface!

A few festive floral pieces added to an existing topper-

The foyer tree

The dreaded stairway garland

(my least favorite part of holiday decorating!)

More art from La Montage and decorative books from Elle Design...

more nailhead for me!

Funny piece of info on the paper angel. I actually made her in a craft class

about 13 years ago and she has survived...barely!

A few of my favorite ornaments starting with sparkle...

and sweetness! Avery's soccer coach made this out of dried pasta ... so cute!

Meaningful... One summer many, many years ago, my mom and I used our feet to

find lots of sand dollars on the ocean floor of Hilton Head Island.

We patiently allowed the sun to bleach them and we added decoupage details,
applied varnish and had ornaments!

Still love them!

This is funny... Ashley returned from Manchester on Sunday and searched all the Christmas Markets for an "Oyster Bay" ornament for my foyer tree. She was so proud when I opened it only to find that it is the completely wrong shade of blue! I love it anyway!

"The Kid Tree:)"

Our splurge... exterior lights-

Our savings... Mike's work out back...even prettier.

Take the time to drink some eggnog and remember the reason for the season.

Until next time,

Traci

Images via *Moi

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 Comments: 6

Ahhh.... little girls! Where did mine go?

I excitedly recorded "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" last night and requested that I have a smaller, blonde viewing partner. Austin is no longer small, so it is either the 24 year old blonde (hmmm...) or the 12.5 year old blonde.

Let's see who is taking their xmas list creation seriously....

This time of year, lots of little girls want magical rooms and magical parties and

I want to share both with you.

Here is a project of mine that has gone from crib stage to big girl bed,

but it is near and dear to my heart.

Connell Interiors can help you give this

gift to your princess!

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