Holiday Fete.

This Friday, The Texan and I are hosting a Holiday Happy Hour.  Leave it to a man to decide to throw a party and then leave town for a week on business...needless to say it's been busy around here.

I am still working out the details of my wardrobe, but I am thinking I will definitely include these sparkly tights...

...and these sparkly shoes.  (40% off at Ann Taylor right now!)

If there's anytime for sparkles, it's the Holidays.

What's your go to Holiday outfit?

Christmas Wishes.

Today I give you my "if I could have a really spoiled Christmas this is what I want" list.  There really isn't any one thing that is ridiculously expensive, but added all together, it's a little nuts.  But hey, one can dream, right?  (Note to family:  pay attention, mmmkay?)

If you are a regular reader of the blog, then you know that I love jeans so it's no surprise that these are popping up on my list.

Rag & Bone The Skinny Jean.  Everyone raves about these so I figure it's a good time to jump on the bandwagon.  I love the mild distressed look - perfect for a cold winter's day.

 

Madewell Sequin Jacket.  I think the styling in this product picture is TERRIBLE.  But I love the look of a sequin jacket with a simple tee, jeans and heels.  Great for our New Year's Eve in.

Ina's new book.  I love me some Ina and surely I need this one too since I have every other book she's put out??

Kate Spade New York Black Gumdrop Earrings.  I have loved these forever.  I am not much for earrings outside of my diamond studs, but these would be an easy pair to work in to my life.
 

J.Crew Edie Grand in Calf Hair.  This bag is amazing.  I love the shape, the leather and of course the touch of animal print.  It's definitely a splurge at the current price ($575)  so I am hoping for a little post-Christmas sale on this one!

I am desperate need of some new kicks.  My toes are practically popping through my current pair.  I love the color choices of the Nike Free Run.  I am leaning toward red but could also go blue.  Thoughts?

Lastly, a cozy sweater.  Everyone needs one, right?  I love the ease of this Gap Studio Sweater and know it would be in heavy rotation.

What are your Christmas picks?

Giving Thanks.

Tomorrow, I will take a break from blogging to celebrate this special time of year where I will give thanks for...

The Texan.  The coffee cup cliche rings true - World's Best Husband.  World's Best Dad. 

The Bug.  How can you not be thankful for that sweet face?

My mother.  It wouldn't be a holiday meal without her famous relish tray and for that, I am thankful.  Plus, she's bringing the wine!

My in-laws.  My mother in law, especially.  She is Henry's namesake and this year has been a challenging one for her.  I am beyond thankful she is healthy and happy. 

Happy Thanksgiving, readers!  What are you thankful for?

Brighthouse Baubles.

A few weeks back, my friends over at Style Spies introduced me to Brighthouse Baubles, an online fashion boutique specialized in "baubles" - necklaces, earrings, bracelets.  I started following them on Facebook only to discover that each Monday night they host an auction via their Facebook page.

Basically, they post pictures of the items they are selling and you buy it by commenting "sold" on the photo.  Even better than a little friendly competition amongst Facebook strangers it that they usually discount their pieces about 25% for that night's auction.

Last Monday, I hit the jackpot.

I have had my eye on this necklace ever since I saw it (multiple times) on Kris Kardashian's assistant.

I was super excited when it popped up in the Auction last week, so I snatched it up for $30.  (Normally, $40 in their store.)

Then a few pictures later, this pretty jade inspired necklace popped up and I decided I needed that too.  I had my eye on something similar from my favorite retailer which was more than double the price!  This might be the necklace I wear to serve Thanksgiving dinner in.  I got this one for $22 (instead of $30). 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@sharrison1028) to see how I style my new baubles.  And check out Brighthouse Baubles auction every Monday night!  It's a great way to kick off your week.

Anyone else like Facebook auctions?

The Dino Party.

My little baby is no longer.  I officially have a 5 year old and we celebrated a few weeks ago with a party of his choosing - dinosaur theme. 

The afternoon was filled with crafts, a dinosaur egg hunt and excavation and of course a candy-filled pinata.

As usual, I relied heavily on the creativity of others to create the party.  First, thanks to The Texan for building the wooden dinosaurs that were supposed to be easy enough for a 9 year old to complete.  Also, to Fabulously Homemade for the amazing paper garland (the picture does not do it justice), Pinwheel Lane for once again creating most of the paper goods.  (You may remember they helped with last year's Bookworm Party.)  And, my friend Nicole Clifford for the photography. 

But most importantly, happy birthday to my little guy.  May you always be as happy, hopeful and hilarious as you are now. XOXO!

Lately.

I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving.  I am hosting and will do a turkey, The Texan will make his famous mashed potatoes and I will rely on my go-to gal, Ina, for a Pumpkin Tart.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

I have been in organization mode getting ready for a houseful of guests and the beginning of party season. 

A shot of my new rug (which I love) - Celebrating my husband's 39th birthday at Gram & Dun - already playing with my Thanksgiving tabletop - a new sparkly dress for an upcoming party

Tonight, it's the first (of many) holiday dinners with friends and colleagues.  What are you up to this weekend?

Horned Jewelry Stand.

While waiting for an appointment this week at my hair salon and spa, I came across these adorable jewelry holders.  Wouldn't they make the perfect gift for the Holidays?

Jewelry stands are something no one ever buys for them self, but everyone needs.  I love how whimsical they are, but also pretty functional.  This would be darling sitting on a nightstand or dresser. 

Surprisingly enough, Bijin had quite a collection of great gifts...from these stands to jewelry, beautiful pens, an assortment of body lotions and salts, even cute party supplies like sparklers and poppers.  Who knew?  Next time you are in the Village, stop by!

The IMM Living Porcelain Jewelry Holder can be found at Bijin Salon & Spa or online.

Henry's Haul.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated The Bug's birthday.  And despite the fact that the child has a zillion toys, he was of course gifted with a zillion more.  Here are the ones that were big (huge) hits in our household.

Turbo Twister Stunt Car.  This thing moves fast, has wheels that flip and flop and lights up.  We've had lots of fun playing with this in Nan's dark basement and also outside thanks to the early darkness.  (If you follow me on Instagram - @sharrison1028 - you would have seen this gem already.)

LCR Dice Game.  This has been a fun post-dinner game.  It's quick, easy to learn and teaches him his left from right.  I've heard that it's even more fun to play with dollars instead of chips.  But I can't raid his piggy bank, can I??

Turbo 2000 Glider.  Old school gift from the neighbors.  We quickly assembled the Styrofoam plane and got to flying.  I throw it, The Bug chases it.  Over and over again.  So simple, but so fun. 

Magformers Rainbow Set.  This is been the surprise hit and I even enjoy building with these.  Yes, slightly more expensive, but they have been pretty loved around here.  Simply, they are magnetic building shapes that snap together to form different objects.  They include instructions that The Bug has no problem following.  The catch with these is that they are addicting and you want more and more sets so you can build bigger and better objects!

What are your kids loving?

Sheepskin in the Study.

You may remember that more than a year ago, we finished up our Study.  Just off the front door, it's where I blog, sit and drink wine and play games with the family.  The last piece that was needed was something for the floor.  I blogged about the hunt for a perfect rug, but something large and square just wasn't working in the space. 

I discovered these oddly shaped sheepskin rugs and immediately fell in love.  I ordered this one from Overstock and it's scheduled to arrive Wednesday.  Can't wait to see if it fits the space.  And I'm excited to have something soft and fluffy underfoot. 

Anyone else have sheepskin in their home?