nobles, douglas firs and evergreens...oh my!

I never realized how much a tree can make me happy, but when it comes to a Noble Fir Christmas tree...I can hardly contain the emotions that are sparked inside of me. I attest it to my Mom's love for everything Christmas. You have never seen a house as amazing as my parents during the holidays, it is literally a Christmas lovers dream. I also know that my pickyness for the perfect tree comes from my parents as well, because I cannot even think of a Christmas tree I had as a child that wasn't simply magical.

My sister Ali and I a few years ago infront of one of the magical Christmas trees at my parents house.

~~~~~~~~~~My Tree Hunt~~~~~~~~~~~

A few weekends ago my lovely roommates and I, plus our dear friend who owns a saw, ventured out to find the perfect Christmas Tree. Juliet, one of my roommates, has a patient at work who owns a tree farm and they are having a difficult time right now, and in the spirit of the holidays we couldn't think of a better place to find our tree. We all bundled up in our warm coats and boots and jumped in the car, needless to say the holiday music was playing loudly! As a group we scoured the entire tree farm about 4 times, until finally we chose the most perfect Noble we had ever seen, I was beyond giddy once I knew which one we would be taking home with us. This is my first official tree, outside of the ones I have had at my parents house, and I was beyond ready to decorate with all of the ornaments I have accummulated over the years. I think we all felt really great about giving to a family who could really use the extra help, plus their green thumb has lended a hand in making our home cozy and full of Christmas joy!

Sarah, Abby, Myself and Juliet

pose behind a potential canidate, yet it didn't make the cut!

YAY!

Here is our fabulous tree!

I forgot to mention that this is the first time Abby has ever had a real Christmas tree, so that made our adventure even more exciting. Oh, and don't worry I will be blogging all about the finished product too, so just sit back and enjoy the holiday buzz as you wait.

lets wear pj's at school today!

So if you didn't know by now, I am a preschool teacher and today was our Pajama Party! The kids in my class all wore their cute pajamas, as did I. We all felt so snuggly and comfortable on this rainy Portland day. As I was getting dressed this morning I began to think about all of the fantastic pajamas there are in the stores right now. So as you can imagine I went to my computer and did a bit of "online window shopping," as I like to call it. I found so many delectable things it was unreal, here are some of the sassy, classy and simply fun pajamas I oogled over during my 'shopping' excursion.

This is a Juicy Couture pj set, and I just adore the simplicy yet flirty side of the pairing.

{nordstrom}

Last Christmas I recieved a robe from Aerie just like this one, only white. I love love love this robe. If you are still searching for the perfect gift for someone, this robe is it. It washes well, is cozy and it has pockets and a hood. Not to mention that the length is just right, those long robes always make me trip when I am walking up the stairs, and this one keeps me moving ;)

I thought that these Aerie pj pants would look cute with the robe and a simple tank.

The detail of the bow on the front of this tank top makes it so chic yet girly at the same time. I love that it is a tank too, because I get so warm when I am sleeping.

{Victorias Secret}

I cannot begin to tell you how much this pajama set/outfit would appreciated by someones little sister. How fun and young...my sister would look too cute in this!

{Victorias Secret Pink}

Hope you all stay nice and cozy in your pj's this winter!

festive favorites

This is a list of my favorite things about my favorite time of year...

...The friendly faces all around...

...The smell of Christmas trees...

...Christmas Ornaments that Sparkle...

These are a few of my favorite oranaments from my very own tree

...The joy of picking up a meaningful gift for someone you love...

...The togetherness of family...

I have an amazing family. We are all reminded of how blessed we are, especially during this time of year, to have one another.

...Making memories that you will cherish for a lifetime...

...Mariah Carey and NSYNC Christmas music...

...Dressing up...

The Fabulous shoes I am going to wear for a holiday party.

...Beautifully wrapped packages...

Max, my dog, on top of the presents...he is so silly.

...My mom's Rum cake...

...Driving to see Christmas lights...

Peacock Lane is a famous Portland Christmas tradition, I am excited to see the lights on Peacock Lane with my roommates this year!

...The tree lighting in Pioneer Courthouse Square...

Never will I ever go and see the actual tree lighting again, but I love to venture to the square sometime during the holidays each year and admire the beauty in the very center of the city.

...Watching Christmas movies with a hot cocoa in hand...

...Baking cookies...

...Feeling like a kid on Christmas morning...

...Fun with friends...

...Traditions...

As you can tell there are many things that I enjoy about this warm and happy time of year, and if you have any I would love to hear them. Hope your holiday season is starting out with much magic and joy.

XOXO,

Courtney

O...S...U...Oregon State...Fight...Fight...Fight!

Today is a BIG day for the state of Oregon...today is the CIVIL WAR! I am all clad in my Orange and Black (you learn to love bright orange when you're an O-State girl), and couldn't be more excited for the team spirit that is filling the air around town. I must say I am rather impressed by the lack of University of Oregon fans I have seen today :) This game is for all the marbles...well roses, and I decided to find a few chic beaver clothing options so that you don't look like a fan who has actually lost your marbles!

For the Sports fan in us all...

Layer this tee, which I own, with an orange tank top underneith, and you're sure to look cute and full of spirit for the beavs!

Since the weather is going to be chilly...warm up in this cozy coat!

For the man in your life...

nothing says you care like a chic sports team shirt...this one is so unique!

GO BEAVERS!!!!

fa la la la frenzy...

WOW...the holiday shopping is sure in full swing. I ventured out with my little sister today for some 'Black Friday' shopping since she had never been, and we were completely blown away by all of the mom's in sweatsuits who were out for blood. Well not really blood, but atleast out for the hottest toys/gifts that there kids are begging for. It was, needless to say, the last time I will ever go out shopping on Black Friday EVER!

One stop that was successful was our World Market trip! I love all of the beautiful and unique things you can find, and boy oh boy did we find some truly unique shiny and glittery things! I would love to show you all the presents we purchased, although if I put those up the gifts wouldn't be a surprise and there is no fun in that so I'm sorry I can't do it! However I will show you all of the fabulous finds we picked up on Thrsday before our delicious Thanksgiving feast, courtesy of my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Bob (along with the help of the rest of the family). I know what you must be thinking..."you went shopping on Thanksgiving...how LAME!!!" My Mom, Sister and I did go to Old Navy in search of their infamous 50% off coats, we dodged the crowds that build up on Friday and it was a fast and enjoyable trip. My Mom also had to work her buns off on Friday at work so the fact that they were open on Thanksgiving was to our benefit, and of course we all enjoyed the lovely coats they had :) Here are a few of the things we ended up with...

This is the coat my sister picked out, yet hers is in black and blue...even cuter than this one!

So yet again I found a coat that isn't black. I am destined to never have a long black coat, I guess I am just drawn in by the coats that make a splash!

If any of you ventured out into that jungle known as 'Black Friday,' I hope you all made it out in one piece and with loads of treasures in hand! Let the Countdown to Christmas begin...28 days!

Oh and for all of you Portlanders...if you can't get enough of the holidays, turn your radio to 103.3, they have all Christmas music...all the time, a dream come true!

A bit of thanksgiving goodness

So one evening a few nights ago some of my fabulous family members gave me a call and asked if they could stop by my house to bring me a little something. All I could think was..."what could it be???"Little to my knowledge this was a BIG something...a turkey with all of the fixings as well as a ham. I could not believe my eyes, which by this point were very large, when they came in with the turkey pan filled with all the yummies that Thanksgiving brings. With turkey baking only a days away, I decided that it would be a perfect opportunity to blog about some of the essential, and not so essential goodies that make Thanksgiving such a wonderful day. Hopefully some of these things will remind you of the traditions from your past, or will inspire you to create new traditions.

Prepping for Thanksgiving in style...

Radish Apron

This festive yet understated apron is sure to bring the compliments flying your way. Wear this and you're sure to shine as a hostess, plus it will keep your chic duds tidy while slaving over the feast all day.

{Cost Plus World Market}

For the cooking dummy in all of us...

'The New Thanksgiving Table'

by: Diane Morgan

I know that we are always told as children to "not judge a book by it's cover," however I simply looked at the cover of this book and knew that it had to be a helpful tool for a successful Thanksgiving. Whether it is used as a cooking aid or a coffee table book, it is sensational!

{Powell's Books}

The dishes that are sure to make your dishes more delightful...

Leaf Plates

Imagine serving up a harvest salad or a slice of warm pumpkin pie on these festive plates. They are sure to make your guests fall off of their chairs.

{Target}

Emile Henry Artisan Ruffled Pie Dish

I am a sucker for anything that is red and is a piece of bake ware, so needless to say I fell for this pie dish in an instant. My Grandmas pie crust would look so dainty in this dish, and I am sure that your pie would be gobbled up in the blink of an eye of it is in this. Another great thing about this pie dish is that it comes in two other colors!

{Williams Sonoma}

Into Autumn 4-piece Condiment Serving Set

Setting this Autumn serving tray in the middle of your joyful conversation and delicious food is a perfect way to have your condiments readily available while sitting at the dining table. Just imagine your homemade gravy, Hollandaise sauce and cranberry sauce in these vibrant bowls...how beautiful and functional. the asymmetry of the dishes make them all the more charming too, this set is sure to reappear time and time again.

{Target}

Setting the Scene for a Memorable Thanksgiving...

Embroidered Fruit Table Runner

Seeing this rich table runner placed down the center of the table will set the stage for a warm and inviting Thanksgiving table. accessorize with a few candlesticks and some taper candles along with some gourds and corn and you're sure to have an unforgettable table scape that your guests will envy.

{Pier 1}

A little something for your Hostess...

Fall Forest Pie crust Cutters

It is always kind to be a thankful guest and what is a better way to show your gratitude than with these adorable pie crust cutters. They are sure to be a hit with your hostess, and in fact you may start seeing them pop up each Autumn on those tasty pies your Thanksgiving feast are followed by.

{Williams Sonoma}

3-piece Fruit and Spice Votive Candle Set

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a scrumptious smelling candle, and this set of votive candles is a great way to say "Thank You."

{Kohls}

So Whether your Family is near or far, just starting or has been together for ages I hope you enjoy the times you have together. Make lasting memories and traditions from this joyous time of year, and take the time to tell those who you love that you are thankful for them.
Happy Thanksgiving!

hot cocoa for children...

Yesterday as I spent my Veterans day watching two of my favorite children, we decided to take a walk to the Starbucks and enjoy some hot chocolate. The kids were floored when we were walking back to the house with cocoa in hand. With all of the excitement I managed to forget how easily children spill, and how sugar can make them CRAZY! I had a 2 and 1/2 year old running circles around the house with a hot chocolate covered shirt, and hands. This chaos, minor at that, sparked my interest in bibs and fashionable cover-ups for children. Needless to say a bib would have reduced the craziness a bit. Here are some of the adorable bibs I have found.

Red Dotty Big Bib by Bazzle Baby

I could possibly be the biggest admirer of Polka-dots, especially when they involve red and white together, this bib instantly caught my eye for those reasons. You are never going to see Polka-dots go out of style either, so this is a fun way to incorporate them into a baby's wardrobe.


The Bib-A-Roo Full Body Bib by L'il Darlins


I Love the desgin behind these full body bibs. Kids get messy, and this is a fashionable way to keep them tidy.

www.bibsect.com

These bibs are from Gap.com, and they are too cute. There are also burp rags and blankets to match available. Any little one would look so sweet in a chic bib like these.

Hope that you have a little bundle of joy to buy a chic bib for, if not, do like me and admire these bibs and keep notes for when the time comes.

rainy day in portland

Sitting in a cozy home with soup cooking, and the rain pouring outside reminded me of the lovely rainboots that have been popping up in stores. I love that with a rainboot you can be funky, sleek, adventurous and even timeless. The statements you can make with a pair of rainboots are endless, especially since there are so many fabulous variations out there. I found a few favorites while doing some online shopping, hope they inspire you to make a statement, as they have for me.

Houndstooth Rainboot

target.com

Burberry Heart Rainboot

nordstrom.com

Kamik 'Zoey' Rainboot

nordstrom.com

Hunter Highgloss Violet Rainboot

nordstrom.com

Burberry Mega Check Rainboots

nordstrom.com

Happy puddle jumping.