Meet my design hero...

Sarah Richardson

She is a design genius.

I adore her designs and they totally inspire me.

Check her out at: www.sarahrichardsondesign.com

I am in love with 'Sarah's Cottage'. Beautiful.

Been on 'vacay. Will update will all the crafting that's been going on.

- KO

Greed has its downfalls...

This is what happens...

...when greed gets the better of you.

And you just can't quite resist what is in the bottom of the trashcan.

KO

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!

See this lady? She is MY mama!

Today is her birthday and this post is dedicated to her

and

all her

wonderfulness!

See her jazzy smile?

I get that from her.

See how she is still smokin' hot for her age?

I hope to be that smooth as I grow more mature.

Notice how she dutifully posed for me for this picture last Christmas so I could have something to scrapbook?

Just one of many examples of how she has enduring patience, endless kindness, warmth of heart, and character of steel.

She is the only mom I know that picks out her jewelry by shouting over to me:

"Will you wear this when I die?"

Hah!

She is a mom that even when you are 30+ will bake and send you cookies so that you have something to bring to your cookie exchange

(I kept them, because they are my favorite and well...I am selfish).

I can't wait to get to San Diego and wish her happy birthday in person.

Have a happy birthday Mom!

I will see you soon!

KO

special post - for my peeps on the social committee

Here is the sign for the cookie exchange table...what do you think?

Here are the bags for folks to take home their cookies in...I think they turned out super cute, if I do say so myself!

Lookin' forward to Friday!

KO

Oh no...Bentley! Bad dog!

So...this is what happens when you have to race home, snarfle down some dinner, race off to Michael's because you are on the social committee for work, and have to leave your dogs alone (including the one who eats EVERYTHING).

Notice how things are strewn about?

Hmmm...

Bentley....ate...my...Christmas...decorations!

Remember my previous post about my jazzy coffee table? (see previous post)

This is what remains. I can't even comment. I have too much to do.
KO

Coffee-colored Christmas reveal...

Grab yourself some cookies...

...'cause here are the pics from the big deco job from yesterday.

So, there is so much to post, including the kitchen reveal, but alas, I am posting coffee-colored Christmas. I did indeed spend 8 hours cleaning and decorating various rooms under the influence of one...eggnog latte. Love.

Below is the display from our bedroom sofa table. I love our new print by Sarah Faulkner. We got it at the Woolworth Walk while down in Asheville, NC. The folksy ribbon is actually webbing for chairs. I bought it for pennies at WalMart. I love it.

Detour back to the main room....home-made puff.

buffett display - notice new wainscott

buffett display - no flash, much more true to life

view from kitchen door by tv

Tried to use natural, light colored, inexpensive items. I snuggled the candles in barely that I bought in bulk at Whole Foods.

Below is one of my little wreaths on the tree. These make fantastic napkin holders, too.

Coffee table and tree.

Behind the couch ...

Used some sprigs from our tree. I finally got to pull out my giant spools from England which I got at REfind - an awesome consignment shop that just opened up. I love it. I just bought Betty there. I will introduce you to Betty (our new tv stand in the bedroom) and Ralph (our bed from the trash) on another day.

aaahhhhh...my beside table - soooo Christmasy

Brent's bedside table - notice matching Starbucks ornaments.

On a final note...if you are decorating with 'natural elements' (ie barley rice, beans, coffee beans, etc.) make sure that bear like creatures cannot forage through your decorations and eat them.
KO

Coffee-colored Christmas...a teaser.

Here's a teaser until after dinner...