Top 5: Favorite Christmas Albums

November 28, 2012

We can probably all agree that Christmas music has the ability to brighten the gloomiest of days. Right? Well I have a whole playlist that I go through from the start of advent through Christmas day. My family has probably a thousand and three Christmas traditions, and music is a part of that.

The Christmas Albums that Top My List:

1. Bing’s White Christmas album will always top the list. I have listened and danced to this album with my sisters for as long as I can remember. It immediately brings Christmas spirit into my heart.

2. Manheim Steamroller – Christmas in the aire and Extroardinaire. My dad would always save this for Christmas morning before all of us would trample downstairs. It was the signal that St. Nicholas had come. I probably will continue this with my own children:)

3. White by Craig Kaelin. I have had this on repeat this week. Incredibly peaceful. I can’t get enough.

4. Andy Williams. This tops both Gabe and I’s favorites list. The classics always hit home. We even had this as a record. Who doesn’t love his rendition of “Its the most wonderful time of the year?”

5. Little Women. I can’t even get started on this or my overly sentimental heart will weep. It reminds me of the happy memories of growing up with many sisters, and we all love this one especially at Christmas time.

Honorable Mentions: George Winston, Sarah McLachlan, Chicago (my dad’s fave), Charlie Brown Christmas, and Mariah Carey, Amy Grant (my mom’s fave)

What about you? Top Christmas album??

Giveaway: $50 Credit to Rebecca Allen

November 27, 2012

I always get pumped about sharing new shops with you all. Isn’t Rebecca’s line beautiful??

She combines the classic with the whimsical, and it makes for a unique site full of accessories ranging from jewelry to totes. It is only a two person team behind their work, and they do an incredible job.

One of you lucky readers will win $50 to spend on whatever you like!

Good luck:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. You can check if you are the winner of the Julie Sinden Giveaway here.

True Beauty Files: Cobalt + White

November 26, 2012

{Cobalt Cowl: c/o Knits & Knots, Sweater: thrifted, Tank: Guess (thrifted), Jeans: Polo, Bracelets: c/o Angel Wings Accessories, Boots: Zara}

Cheers to long weekends, husband’s being off work, lots of snuggle time with chubby cheeked babies, and an endless source of baked goodies. It makes for a hangover of a Monday though, doesn’t it??

I felt like sporting some winter whites to welcome the cold weather;) The only problem I have with this beautiful blue knitted number above… is that its so soft and fluffy that I want to doze off standing up. Its basicly a cowl neck pillow. Yes its true. A dream puff of winter warmth. I have been eyeing up every piece of clothing in this color and now I have an excuse to wear it on multiple occasions.

Hope you all had a grand holiday! The countdown to the most wonderful day of the year begins! Love, Anna

The True Beauty Files

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

Happy Thanksgiving! + A Pear to Spare Table Setting

November 21, 2012

We have some family in town that has to leave tomorrow, so we are celebrating our thanksgiving today! I already smell like bacon and celery…an odd combo. Anyways, thought you might like a peak at what our table settings will look like. I just spray painted some mini pears and pumpkins for the place card holders and used an exacto knife to cut a slit for the name tags.

I have two pairs of chubby little hands helping me in the kitchen today while my husband hangs Christmas lights. These are the things that fill my heart to the brim, and that I am most thankful for. Wishing you all a very blessed thanksgiving with loved ones!

Love, Anna

Giveaway: Choice Item from Julie Sinden Handmade

November 20, 2012

I have a beautiful and cozy shop to introduce you to today. Julie Sinden items are all handmade, constructed of wool and high quality materials, and incredibly stylish. One of the best features is that the material keeps you super warm in these blustery months ahead. I want to take a horse and carriage ride in that bottom right number;)

Julie Sinden is generously offering an IHOD reader their item of choice! Lucky you!

Easy entry options below. Open to international readers. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rhinestone Bib Necklace DIY

November 19, 2012

Last week was a whirlwind, and I can’t believe we have arrived at thanksgiving week.

Little V is finally on the mend, but now Gabe is down. Lets see if we can all make it to thanksgiving dinner in one piece! No matter what, I am cooking lots of food. Its the meal I have been looking forward to all year! 😉

This is a DIY that you can make to dress up your holiday party outfits. You can even wear it over a casual round neck blouse with jeans. Many fun options:) I just used some left over rhinestone appliques I had on hand, but you can use any applique shapes or trims.

Supplies:

Fastener

Needle and thread

Fabric with white felt backing

Rhinestone trims or appliques with iron on backing (find a bunch here)

hot glue

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut out your bib shape and wrap around your neck to make sure it fits! You can create any type of shape on the ends as you like.

2. Sew your two part fastener piece to each side of the bib (on the rounded edges) Test to make sure it hooks well.

2. Cut up your rhinestone appliques into small pieces, and arrange around your fabric.

3. Hot glue the pieces to secure (stays really well with iron on backing and doesn’t show)

Hope this gives you some new alternatives to your Christmas lineup:)

P.S. Updated the IHOD Gift Guide post with ALL of the exclusive discounts for the featured items and sites. Some of the codes expire soon so don’t miss your chance on some great deals!

IHOD Holiday Gift Guide 2012

November 12, 2012

Its finally here:) This year, I decided to tackle the IHOD Gift Guide despite my common sense telling me to let it go and save the time. I knew the hours it would require, but to me, this is a way of giving back to the handmade community I was once a part of, supporting small business America, and giving my readers a big fat Christmas Gift. I couldn’t let it go. I have to say, I am so happy I plugged through. I have a feeling you are going to love this one!

I really hope this proves to be a helpful guide to you this Holiday Season in making your hours of waiting in line shorter and your time with your loved ones a little more special. The guide is jam packed with affordable gift options and exclusive discount codes. You will also discover many handmade gift and recipe ideas from brilliant bloggers to add a personal touch to your gifts this season.

Special thanks to these pretty amazing ladies who made this all possible:
Andrea Dozier- Andrea Dozier Photography
Kiersten Frase- Oh My Veggies
Jenny Batt – Hank and Hunt
Amanda Marshall – Marshall’s Abroad
Natalie Pirvey – Creme de la Craft
Leah Bergman – Freutcake
Morgan & Carrie – Ampersand Design Studio

Full list of discounts you will find throughout the guide:
Minted – 10% off any holiday purchases. Obtain code here.
Rifle Paper Co.– 10% off the featured section with code IHOD10.
Eloise Renouf Prints – 15% off entire site with code IHOD15
Judy Kaufmann – 15% off the I love my city print with code CITY15
Paper Fashion – Free shipping on all orders with code PAPERHOLIDAY
LeMode Accessories – Free Shipping on all orders over $40 with code IHOD
Skoope Home – 10% off sitewide with code IHODGG10
BLANQI – But a long fit Black Bodystyler, get a second bodystyler free
Mochi Things – 15% off entire order with code IHOD15
Loren Hope – 15% off Red Stud Earrings with code IHOD15
Jerseys Freshest – 10% off Mitten Card with code IHOD12
Waiting on Martha – 15% off Initial Necklace with code IHOD15
Gaby Burger – 15% off Tessa Necklace with code IHOD15 until Nov. 19th
Jen Ramos – 20% off with code LOVEHOLIDAY until Dec. 2nd
Velina Bracelets – 15% off Cicely Bracelet. Email erica@velinabracelets.com for code
The White Ribbon – 10$ off Gold Ballet Flats with code IHODGOLD
Design Darling – 15% off Gold Foil Notebook or Gold Lacquer Tray with code IHOD15
The Silver Acorn – 25% off your purchase with cold Silver25 until Dec. 25th
A Sensible Habit – 15% off canning stamp with code IHOD15 until Jan. 31st
Printing Grounds – 15% off Tea Towel Set with code IHOD15
Twig Creative – 20% off wooden cameras with code IHOD20
Hilary Frazier – Free shipping on Pink or Blue Felt Booties with code HFFREESHIP
Bla Bla Kids – 10% off site with code IHOD10 until Dec. 19th
Freja Toys – 10% off site with code EXTRA10 (check out Christmas sale) until Dec. 30th
Natty Bratty – 10% off Felt Bows with code IHOD10
Oompa Toys – 12% off for new customers with code 124IHOD until Dec. 31st
A Summer Afternoon – 10% off Wooden Tool Bench with code IHOD10
Soap for your Soul – 10% off Shave Brush or Shave Soap with code IHOD10
Hella Slingshots -15% off with code HELLASLINGSHOTS
Ruby Rockwell – 15% off entire site with code RRW0106
Roxy Marj – 15% off Spotted Envelopes with code IHOD15
Chi Chi Dee – 15% off Turban Headband with code IHOD15 until Dec. 12th
Banana Splits Boutique – 10% off sitewide with code IHOD10
Fort and Field – 20% off sitewide with code IHOD20
Olive Manna – 20% off sitewide with code IHOD until Dec. 31st
Besotted Brand – 30% off Initial Wax Seal Stamp with code IHOD30

I hope you enjoy, and please by all means, share the gift guide with loved ones and friends. It would be so much appreciated! Let the Holiday Season begin:)
Love, Anna