crafty Christmas cards

Need a last minute Christmas gift? Have some leftover ribbon?

These DIY Christmas cards are a thrifty, efficient, and let's be honest - adorable - alternative to store-bought cards!

What you need:

- blank greeting cards (I found some on sale at Michael's - 50 for only $5!)

- leftover ribbon

- yellow construction paper (or any color of your choice)

- hot glue gun

- scissors

- pencil

- paper bag (or other protective surface cover for the hot glue gun)

All you do:

cut scraps of ribbon and arrange them like so.

cut a star from construction paper.

(helpful tip: use a pencil to draw a star, cut around it, and just flip it over so the "non-pencil" side is face up)

glue pieces from the bottom up.

(helpful tip: use a very small dot of hot glue on each of the four "corners" of ribbon. it also helps to use wire-edged ribbon - that way you can glue it down without having to really touch the corners and deal with a hot glue mess on your fingers.)

Once the glue is dry, gently remove any stringy hot glue leftovers, and voila! A handmade greeting card made with love.

Merry Christmas. And a crafty New Year.

pine cone ornaments

Last year my mom told me how she made her own pine cone ornaments at our lakehouse in Texas and suggested I do the same. I was all, "Where am I going to find pine cones lying around LA?" 

Well, turns out there are pine cones lying around LA... about two blocks from where I live to be exact. Tons of them. An entire street lined with perfect pine cones that have freshly fallen from the trees above.

So this year, I made... 

pine cone ornaments

The best part about them? They are virtually free! (If you don't have pine trees closeby, of course you could always purchase some... but take a walk around your neighborhood before you jump to any rash conclusions about a lack of pine trees... just sayin'...)

All you need:

- pine cones

- red ribbon 

- scissors

All you do:

take a pine cone

string ribbon under first layer of... what are those called? Just looked it up; they're called "scales."

cross the ribbon

and bring it back around the first layer of scales, but only halfway this time

tie into a bow (it helps to tie a knot first)

trim

adorn

And voila! A hint of country in your Christmas. You can take the girl out of Texas...

holiday coffee table decor

So, true confession: I may or may not have already decorated for Christmas. Whoops.

Normally, I wait until after Thanksgiving to do so. But I just couldn't help myself; Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It truly brings warm fuzzies to my soul.

I went on a retreat with my church last weekend, and it was all about anxiety, stress, and "fear of missing out." It was truly amazing and just what I needed to hear. I felt the Lord telling me I need to take my Sabbaths more seriously. 

So after church on Sunday, I turned on some Christmas music, cranked up the fire, and decorated for Christmas, naturally.

I wanted some decor for my coffee table that didn't break the bank. (I'd rather spend money on gifts for my family!) I literally had everything pictured here already:

- pine cones

- corks

- twigs

- glitter spray
- vase/bowl

Last year I made these homemade wine bottle vases. They were great, but the "snow" on the bottles didn't hold up so well in storage. So I just took the twigs from those, put them in a vase, and filled the rest of the space with some corks.

All you have to do for the twigs if you haven't prepared those already is lay them on some newspaper outside, spray them with a layer of glitter spray, and let them dry!

And I literally just picked up the pine cones on a walk one morning...

Simple, sparkly, seasonal... and to be fair, I think this decor is appropriate for Thanksgiving as well (minus the Christmas coffee table book!)

chairish.

Unique.

In our world today, there are many models... cookie cutter models that shape our society's view of things - fashion models (in regard to physical beauty), business models (in regard to the steps one "has" to take in order to achieve or succeed), and this list goes on.

In whatever regard, "unique" is something for which to strive. In your life... and especially in your home!

They say, "Home is where the heart is." 

Well, if your home has the potential to be a reflection of your heart - the things you love, a look and feel that comforts, uplifts, and restores you  and only you - then shouldn't your home be unique?

"Home is where one starts from." - T. S. Elliot

One way to ensure that your home is unique expression of you is to incorporate unique pieces. One of a kind flair. Vintage items.

Chairish (like cherish) is not only a clever name, but is a clever concept. Through this site, you can purchase unique vintage furniture pieces to create your own personal and unique sense of style in your home.

I have been asked by Chairish to participate in a "blogger exclusive" competition - to review some amazing and unique vintage furniture pieces, choose my favorites, and discuss why!

Here are my top picks!

french chair in new blue velvet upholstery

Okay, this chair is just adorable. It's like something straight out of Marie Antionette.
I just want to sit on it and eat all kinds of petite and decadent desserts while wearing a huge, fluffy ballgown and a fabulously restricting corset.
It's fancy, yet inviting. For the everyday princess.
"All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold." - Psalm 45:13

brass pineapple lamp

A black lamp. There's something unexpected about it.
I tend to go for white, light, or neutral lamp shades, but when I saw this one I was immediately drawn to it. Maybe it was its "unique" factor.
It reminds me that we all have dark places in our soul.
But rather than try to hide our darkness, we can use that very darkness to illuminate our light, to shine light in a more concentrated and direct manner.
Our light will shine even stronger because of the darkness in our lives.
And  it will be all the more powerful and all the more meaningful.
After all, without darkness, there is no light.

french gilded commode

This chest reminds me of a treasure chest, with its distressed yet preserved feel.

I want to store meaningful things in it... jewelry passed down from generation, beautiful journals with deep and profound thoughts on life...

I am reminded of one of my favorite verses, Matthew 6:20-21:

"But store up for yourself treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure it, there your heart will be also."

early brass bronze finish globe

Someday I want to see the world... to travel, to experience other cultures firsthand, 

to taste and see all they have to offer...

This bronze globe is so beautiful, so rustic yet polished.

Something about it reminds me of the "Old World" and Christopher Columbus.

Oh, to discover uncharted territory.

I have this vision of me closing my eyes, spinning the globe, dropping my finger, and saying, "Yes, I think I'll go there."

Someday.

But until then, I will seek uncharted territory in my everyday life.

vintage george nelson walnut spike wall clock

For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with the time.
I have worn a watch since I was in the single digits.
I love how this clock is natural, how there are no numbers. It reminds me of the "olden" or "ancient" days when they measured time - by the stars, the sun, the moon - not by a numbers on their wrist or on a bright screen in their hand.
The naturalism of this clock helps me relax...
it reminds me that we can measure time, but don't have to be ruled by it.
I've been working on slowing down this week, on taking time to stop and reflect, to take a walk, to not be so rushed...
I can be busy, but I don't have to be hurried.
"You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. There is a difference between being busy and being hurried." - John Ortberg

I am learning that sometimes, yes sometimes, it's okay to just be.
I read a quote the other day that's been playing on repeat in my mind, a beautiful reminder of the nature of our souls:
"We are human beings, not human doings."

Life is full of metaphors. I see them all around. Little reminders of what's important, lessons to be learned, unique stories to be told. And what better place to find those than in our homes.

"The home should be the treasure chest of the living." - Le Corbusier 

And as you go out today, embrace your individuality, relish in the unexpected, look for the metahpors that are all around. And as you return to your home, take time to reflect, to appreciate your life, and to "Chairish" your uniqueness :)

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." - Jane Austen 

"Home is the nicest word there is." - Laura Ingalls Wilder   

fall table decor

This makes me happy... baby pumpkins on my table.

It's October. Fall is here. The air is crisp... Unless you live in LA, that is.

Regardless of the weather still feeling like summer here in LA, I'm all about getting into the spirit of fall. I swear I can feel it even if it doesn't feel like it. Meaning... I can feel fall in my soul, even if it doesn't feel like fall outside.

I wanted some fall decor for my house, but I didn't want to spend a bunch of dinero.

This wood-shaving flower center piece is from Target (pronounced "Tarjay" with a sophisticated French accent). And the pumpkins are from Trader Joes (pronounced "Jose" cause it rhymes that way).

I'm no Martha. But it doesn't take much time, money, or effort to pretend every once in a while... I won't tell if you won't ;)

lavender and oregano wreath

Ever since Christmas when I took down my wreath, I have had this hideous white hook on my door. I haven't wanted to pull it off for fear it will leave an even-more-so-hideous mark on the glass, so I decided I should probably just invest in a "year-round" wreath.

I wanted something simple and rustic and found just that on One Kings Lane. I was delighted to wake up this morning and find this delicious-smelling creation delivered to my door. Literally.

dried oregano and lavender wreath

It's sweet. It's simple. And it's on sale...

handmade greeting cards

Monday nights mean my girls Bible study. And occasionally Bible study means "Prayer and Potluck." And occasionally "Prayer and Potluck" means frozen margaritas in celebration of Cinco de Mayo while we make Mother's Day cards for our mommas.

That was this Monday night. I wish I had taken pictures, but I have to be honest - sometimes I just enjoy being in the moment 100% without the interruption and distraction of a camera.

But just picture an array of Mexican-inspired snacks and my dining room table completely covered with craft supplies.

I happened to be sitting next to my friend, Aubrey, who is a very talented artist. She is an accomplished painter, but one look at her handmade greeting cards and you can't help but think she'd be a fool to not open up her own Etsy shop just for those.

So naturally, I copied her adorable idea. Don't they say mimicry is the highest form of flattery?

recycled wine bottle christmas decor

This is the first Christmas season I have had with my own place. It's great in a sense that I can decorate for Christmas. It's not so great in a sense that I have no Christmas decorations.

In an effort to not go broke, I decided to look to Pinterest for some inspiration for making my own Christmas decorations! This is one of my favorite ideas that I have seen:

recycled wine bottle vases

vintage headboard

I love all things vintage. I think I get it from my mom. She has always loved the "rustic" look.

But ironically it was my dad who spotted these old shutters and this door tucked away in the back of a vintage furniture store in Venice. (It is the same store where I got my vintage picnic table.)

 And ironically the colors matched this bedding I already had perfectly. Maybe a little too perfectly...

hammock haven

They say your best qualities are also your worst ones. They also say the things that attract you to someone are the very things that will drive you crazy down the road.

Who is "they" anyway? I've always wondered that... But I digress.

I'm pretty sure "they" are onto something though. I am driven, dedicated, passionate, and proactive about my "business" - being an actor. I constantly feel the need to create - whether it be acting, writing, or music - and I am constantly taking steps to further my career - a new class or workshop, following up with casting directors, creating a web series, etc, etc. 

However, these positive characteristics of my personality that make me productive and successful are the very ones that also leave me stressed out and anxiety ridden at times. I have a hard time relaxing and "turning off" my mind. I have trouble focusing on one thing and not multitasking. It's not easy for me to be still.

Thankfully my parents, who know a thing or two about "pimping" apartments (they've been doing it for years starting with college dorm rooms back in the day), created this little piece of paradise on my balcony off my bedroom. It is the perfect getaway from this crazy LA life - the Hollywood rat race, the insane traffic, the "noise" in general the fills my head. I love coming out here to read a book and relax, even if just for a few minutes.

hammock: hammocks.com; drapes: restoration hardware; bamboo: OSH

"Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while." - Mark 6:31

made new

I won't lie. Sometimes I buy wine because I like the label. Don't judge.

This particular wine bottle is the one my parents and I enjoyed on the roofdeck on their last night in town after helping me move into my new place. Thankfully it was as as good as the label was cute.

We'd been working long and hard for ten straight days. After countless trips to OSH and assembling one too many items that somehow had that mysterious extra screw, the final strand of twinkle lights had been strung and we were finished. We were exhausted, but we were finished. 

chalkboard label baskets

chalkboard label baskets

I pretty much spend as much time as possible on my roofdeck. During the day I'll go up there with my laptop to write or read a script for an upcoming audition. Or I'll have an impromptu Sunday night cookout with some good friends.

the view is really unfortunate

A personal favorite rooftop gathering is "prayer and potluck" with the amazing women in my Bible study. Think wine, appetizers, and plenty of Mastro's desserts. 12 girls. 12 forks. Game over.

Whether I'm working up there alone, or entertaining others, here are my rooftop essentials for every occasion:

iPod player

sunscreen

extra sunglasses

towels

blankets

extra sweatshirts

paper towels

I found these wicker baskets to keep on the landing by the roof at Target. That's right... Target does it again. I love this chalkboard craze that's happening right now - chalkboard picture frames, chalkboard jars, even chalkboard wine glasses. The labels are clearly not necessary, but they sure are cute.

vanity

I pluck my eyebrows. I have friends who get theirs waxed. I tried that once. In seventh grade. Everyone was doing it. Or so I thought. It was one of those things you think is a great idea, and then in the words of Ron Burgundy, you "immediately regret this decision."

I'm not one to follow the crowd or succumb to peer pressure, but I was not always so...

I moved from a tiny private, Christian elementary school to a huge public middle school. I'd been completely sheltered in every way - wore a uniform to school so I barely had any clothes, had pretty much only ever listened to Christian music. Then suddenly I was thrown into a world I knew nothing about - a world where all the girls had at least one, if not nine, Kate Spade purses, a closet full of rootie kazooties (pattern skorts. don't ask), and a boyfriend - huh?

I made my best efforts to catch on quickly but always felt about two (okay, 32 if we're being really honest here) steps behind. One day a couple of my new friends were talking about how they get their eyebrows waxed every 26.3 days. I politely excused myself, went to the bathroom, and carefully examined my virgin eyebrows. 

Hours later I successfully convinced my mom to take me to the "waxing lady for children." (Okay, that wasn't really her name. But come on.) And minutes later I left with perfectly shaped eyebrows... And ninth degree burns just below my eyebrows. 

Needless to say I have never done that again. No thank you. I will pluck. 

I actually found this bedside table at Pottery Barn that fits perfectly on this oddly narrow wall in my room. I turned it into a vanity where I can sit and put on makeup.

jacqueline bedside table. pottery barm.

vintage picnic table.

Few things make me happier than hanging out with close friends, eating and drinking, and having great conversation. I'll take a small group hangout over a large crowd any day. I don't even need a full on dinner party. Give me a glass of cabernet and some appetizers, and I'm good to go. However, I do have a feeling this roofdeck will be seeing it's fair share of BBQs this summer.

twinkle lights.

There’s something about twinkle lights. They make everything a little brighter, make an ordinary space a little more magical.