Ikea Haul

Move over Target, I have found a new love...Ikea (just kidding, I will forever be obsessed with Target). 

This past weekend my husband and I drove down to Orlando (about a 2 hrs drive), to pick up several items from my ever growing wish-list. The store is so big & the prices are great! I literally am obsessed with the striped throw and aztec pillow covers-- they were at the tip top of my list & I checked them off within minutes. They both make such a difference in our livingroom & I love it ! 

I also had my eye on the white drapes for our master bedroom. They are such a great quality material & I loved that they had a creamy ivory color. My husband put them up & they look amazing ! You would never guess that I only paid about $70 for everything. 

I also scooped up a different little bucket for our kitchen rack. I thought it would be convienent to put napkins, utensils, etc... in next time we have guests over.  

While we were at Ikea, we also tested out one of there sofa beds- for our loft & we have our eyes on a TV stand that we really like. We will definitely be going back soon for more goodies.

So what are some Ikea favs that you HAVE to have ?! 

The Halls Have Been Decked

So sad that I only have a few weeks left to enjoy our Christmas decorations until they have to come down. When Christmas is over, the house always looks so empty...

 This year I was determined to add a little festive cheer in each & every room & I did just that.

Downstairs Decorations... 

JandPaper

Pottery Barn reindeer

Pottery Barn mercury Christmas trees

Upstairs Decorations... 

I love everything about Christmas decorations... It is the only time of year that I don't mind if my house looks semi cluttered. 

What's your favorite holiday decoration? 

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party and Cookie Exchange

Can you believe that Christmas is in just a few days? Time truly flies by during the holiday season. This weekend my husband and I hosted an Ugly Sweater and Cookie Exchange Party at our house. We had a party the year before & we had so much fun, so we decided to do it again... & I am sure glad we did. 

I love decorating & picking out all the festive decor for the party... and my husband loves the yummy cookies. It is always such a good time- opening our house to family and friends, lots of laughing & just having a good time. 

And a family party always brings out the silly characters of the family... Meet my sister, Phil and my Uncle Alvin, The Grinch. 

For the most part, everyone dressed up... there was some very creative sweaters. It was so great to see what UGLY creations that people could come up with. 

My mom & mother in-law wore tree skirts & lights around there necks. My Grandpa wore  a sweater with candy canes attached with duck tape (his fav!). My best friend & her husband wore matching sweaters. My aunt's sweater was so creative- a backwards green sweater with the Grinch painted on with puff paint, feathers, & lights. My husband wore a sweater vest with camo shorts (only lasted for 15 mins before he took it off- party pooper!). I wore a beautiful Walmart sweater vest, decked out in 1298302 puffy balls and snowflake ornaments. 

 The holidays are so much fun & I know that my husband & I will be making this a tradition for many years to come...