I thought I would start a new Friday feature to share more of the things I’m currently loving. They may be recipes from some of my favorite blogs, crafts, fabulous makeup or fashion finds, personal stories from my life, etc. I will shoot for once a week, but can’t make any promisses…
Here are some of my favorite things this week, with a very holiday feel.
1. Holiday Decorating
Whites and naturals are always my favorite. Maybe its the explosion of toys and color littered throughout the rest of the house, but I love the serenity of white in the “grown up” areas of the house.
I made an easy pinecone garland to hang from the mantel. Here’s the simple and inexpensive DIY:
For the pine cone garland, collect pine cones or use the holiday scented ones. I also used white painted and glittered pine cones for a little extra sparkle. Hot glue the bottoms of pine cones to a long piece of craft store jute twine. Let cool completely and then attach to your mantel.
-Greenery: purchased from Trader Joe’s. Love that place!
-Grapevine wreath and battery operated lights: Michael’s (there are always coupons on their website so check there first!)
The tree. Speaking of cheap, after searching high and low for a good artificial tree for the playroom, and becoming increasingly frustrated by both the poor quality and high prices, I went into the front yard and dug up this little tree. In the rain. I’m sure my tugging this guy from ground with all my might was a sight to behold for the neighbors. But we think our homely little tree is the sweetest one we’ve ever had and beats a fake tree any day. Plus it will go back into the ground in a month. This weekend we will get a big boy tree from the “farm” (there aren’t real Christmas tree farms here) for the living room.
Fresh cranberries as vase filler. This is nothing new, but always feels festive and takes cheap flowers to another level.
2. Holiday Cards
We got the first holiday card of the season in the mail this week which is always a fun surprise. I took a little inspiration from Pinterest and created a holiday card holder with clothespins covered with Washi tape. The wooden pannel is just a board from the craft store painted white. It’s stuck to the wall with a few layers of poster hangers so that it sticks out from the wall enough for the clothespins.
I get my holiday cards from Tiny Prints every year. They have tons of adorable styles and often have promotions going on. Get 25% off your holiday order with code wkdsale1112 ends 12/2
This weekend Tiny Prints is having a 35% off all photo gifts sale as a part of Cyber Week. It started today and continues through Sunday 12/2 at 11:59 pm PT. Use code CYBER1130. I’m thinking of ordering an iPhone case with a photo of my girlies for hubby’s stocking.
3. The GSF on the American Giving Awards
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiFQRqRTHlA?rel=0] Last but certainly not least, The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation is in the running for $1 MILLION in the Chase American Giving Awards!!! I cannot even tell you how exciting this is. Gwendolyn is one of my daughter’s best friends. Her mom, Victoria, who you will see in the video is one of my very best girlfriends. You should probably grab a tissue before hitting play, but you have got to see how inspiring the Strongs are. .
The American Giving Awards will air December 8th on nbc. I can’t wait! Click the VoteForGSF.com badge above if you would take two secs to vote for this cause.
I just love your photography…there is such a sense of beauty and serenity that is captured. I'm sure life isn't always like that with little ones, but you still capture such lovely moments. Thanks for sharing!
I love the pinecone garland – I”m going to do this when I get home because my husband's grandmother gave me a big bag of pinecones recently! Happy Friday =)
Oh how I love the white-ness of Christmas! Too bad it doesn't go with our house : ( Therefore I will just gawk at your's and Pin to my hearts content. If you can find me a way to make white look good in a Spanish home, let me know!
Your marina you inspire me every time you post.Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. On a curious-side-note, who is the extra child in the 1st set o holiday photos?
Its been an wonderful experiene visting your site.I have joined you in my freiend circle and joined you in your GoogleConnect.Please do me a favour by joing google freindconnect on my blog http://www.rita-bose-cooking.com on the left sidebar?or Google+ on the right sidebar.? If you find interesting, you could ask your freinds to join my blog as Google FreindConnect or Google+ Follower
I love your playroom tree 🙂 And great you'll replant it! Your decor and photography are stunning :)I love the card board holder. I'm so sorry for your friend's family…they truly are the definition of their name…Strong.
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to prevent hackers? Also see my site: http://www.youtube.com/
Beautiful decorations!! I didn't read all the comments so maybe someone covered this, but the greens at Trader Joe's are wonderful and at least 1/2 – 3/4 cheaper than anywhere else!. I will never go anywhere else now that I've seen what they have. Also, there is a free Michael's app for your phone that has new coupons every week. All you do is call it up and they scan it. Technology sure can make things easier!
Hi Jo, Yes I totally agree about the Trader Joe's greenery! I am loving it! I got a boxwood wreath there too and both were a great price! I'll go download that Michael's app! Thanks!
Marina, Love the “Charlie Brown” tree, the fact that is was growing in your yard only makes it more charming. What a great garland, I too love TJ's. Great new series. Karen
I love this! I just bought that twig wreath from Michaels too – I was so excited to find it (I got the 3' round one) Someone left me a comment about using battery operated lights but I didn't even know they were out there…..if you have time, I'd love you to leave a comment on my blog about those lights 🙂
I have voted, or rather, I should say WE have voted and are keeping Gwendolyn in our prayers. I don't even think I could watch the show-I would be so nervous.
I visited via Centsational Girl and our pine cone garland and mantel are so natural, pretty and peaceful. Beautiful photography. Now I'm going to check out your recipes!
I'm so glad you're here! I'm a busy mama to two sweet girls and a bunch of funny animals. I'm passionate about sharing the beauty of real food through plant based recipes. I hope you find many easy, nourishing, delicious recipes your family will love.
Wow. The video was very moving, Marina. Oh how I hope their organization wins the million dollars!
I just love your photography…there is such a sense of beauty and serenity that is captured. I'm sure life isn't always like that with little ones, but you still capture such lovely moments. Thanks for sharing!
I love your white and naturals look, so pretty!
I love the pinecone garland – I”m going to do this when I get home because my husband's grandmother gave me a big bag of pinecones recently! Happy Friday =)
I'm all over the floating cranberries…great idea for a series, Marina, I look forward to it!
I love the concept of favorite things friday….wonderful looking into your beautiful life. I hope you have a great weekend my friend.
Beautiful video with a beautiful family. I hope they get to $1M
Stunning from every aspect- your beautiful photography, your classic sense of style, and your generous heart.
Great pics and what a cool tree 🙂 Of course I voted 😉
Oh how I love the white-ness of Christmas! Too bad it doesn't go with our house : ( Therefore I will just gawk at your's and Pin to my hearts content. If you can find me a way to make white look good in a Spanish home, let me know!
Thank you Gerry!
Well I want a Spanish style house!
Aw that is the sweetest compliment. Thank you!
Me too 🙂
I get my cards from Tiny Prints too! Love them!
Your marina you inspire me every time you post.Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. On a curious-side-note, who is the extra child in the 1st set o holiday photos?
aw thank you 🙂 And that's a friend's holiday card this year – no extra kid! hee hee
Its been an wonderful experiene visting your site.I have joined you in
my freiend circle and joined you in your GoogleConnect.Please do me a favour by joing google freindconnect on my blog http://www.rita-bose-cooking.com on the left sidebar?or Google+ on the right sidebar.? If you find interesting, you could ask your freinds to join my blog as Google FreindConnect or Google+ Follower
I love your playroom tree 🙂 And great you'll replant it! Your decor and photography are stunning :)I love the card board holder. I'm so sorry for your friend's family…they truly are the definition of their name…Strong.
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I
ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup.
Do you have any methods to prevent hackers?
Also see my site: http://www.youtube.com/
Love your holiday decor! Great photography too! I can never get my home photos to turn out right.
Beautiful decorations!! I didn't read all the comments so maybe someone covered this, but the greens at Trader Joe's are wonderful and at least 1/2 – 3/4 cheaper than anywhere else!. I will never go anywhere else now that I've seen what they have. Also, there is a free Michael's app for your phone that has new coupons every week. All you do is call it up and they scan it. Technology sure can make things easier!
Hi Jo, Yes I totally agree about the Trader Joe's greenery! I am loving it! I got a boxwood wreath there too and both were a great price! I'll go download that Michael's app! Thanks!
Hi, so sorry about your blog being hacked 🙁
I haven't had that problem. I do download my blog so that not all is lost if something did happen.
Changing your password frequently is a good idea, but other than that I really don't know. Sorry.
Marina,
Love the “Charlie Brown” tree, the fact that is was growing in your yard only makes it more charming.
What a great garland, I too love TJ's.
Great new series.
Karen
Love all the favorite things. I almost did that card for our christmas! I love it
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Love that you are doing this now! I will look forward to it! 🙂
I absolutely adore your tree! It's perfect! Happy Holidays! xo
I love this! I just bought that twig wreath from Michaels too – I was so excited to find it (I got the 3' round one) Someone left me a comment about using battery operated lights but I didn't even know they were out there…..if you have time, I'd love you to leave a comment on my blog about those lights 🙂
http://www.creativejuicesdecor.com/2012/11/our-first-christmas-mantel-twigs.html
I love your fresh and natural mantel! It is totally my style! You should check out my mantel – I think we have similar taste!
I have voted, or rather, I should say WE have voted and are keeping Gwendolyn in our prayers. I don't even think I could watch the show-I would be so nervous.
PS. I love your super-model tree!
I've been seeing the GSF Foundation's updates and RT'ing. This family is nothing short of amazing.
I love holiday garland and yours looks fantastic! I decided on pinwheel garland this year. Happy Holidays.
-Tiara
http://icecreamandfrenchfries.blogspot.com/
I visited via Centsational Girl and our pine cone garland and mantel are so natural, pretty and peaceful. Beautiful photography. Now I'm going to check out your recipes!
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