Give Thanks Friday

This is our 2nd Give Thanks Friday and I can already tell this will be one of my favorite traditions. The week of Thanksgiving, I got to spend a long time with my family in Georgia and it was just a reminder that God is so good. Here are some of the things I was thankful for during that time as well as this week. 

The beautiful music notes hanging from wires.

I don't know why they call it a cat nap, sleeping dogs are so much cuter. Love my buddies.

A messy s'mores session with my family over Thanksgiving week.

Dinner at the Optimist. A must-try if you're in Atlanta.

My sweet little tree made of sheet music. Thank you, KimberlyClaire!

 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful"

-Colossians 3:15

How to Wear Leather at Any Age by KimberlyClaire

I'm fifty-something :) and if you're in the same walk of life as me, you have become increasingly frustrated with finding a clothing retailer that accommodates our age group. Unfortunately, I have found that there really isn't one. Fortunately, I found a strategy for finding outfits that work for pretty much any age. The key is finding one piece that's edgy, something you wouldn't normally go for, and then pairing it with basics. I found the perfect piece from the Dress Up Boutique that I took my daughter/co-blogger to last week (see her outfit here). At first, I hesitated because it seemed too much. It was out of my comfort zone. But, I decided to take a risk and I'm glad I did. You don't have to miss out on trends just because you're not in your twenties anymore. -KimberlyClaire

Vest: Dress Up Boutique, similar style here. White t-shirt: Loft. Cami: Loft. Jeans: Loft. Shoes: Calvin Klein, similar here. Bag: Gucci, similar here.

Sunnies: Ray Ban.

Watch: TAG Heuer. Earrings: Dress Up Boutique.

"He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

-Ruth 4:15

Festive Party Favors DIY by KimberlyClaire

It's that exciting time of year where you will be hosting and attending Christmas parties, which we all know can be quite stressful. I recently hosted a party for my husband's 50th birthday and came up with a great party favor that's easy and inexpensive that can be tailored for the holidays as well as throughout the year. I took the actual invitation to my husband's party, wrapped it up, and filled it with black jelly beans. Here's how you can wow your guests with a festive party favor. -KimberlyClaire

Finished Product.

Supplies you will need:

-Paper (you can use wrapping paper for a holiday theme, scrapbooking paper, copies of your party invitation, or maybe a copy of a photograph) 

-Tissue paper (make sure the color matches the theme of your party)
-Strong adhesive (I used a glue gun)
-Your candy of choice (I used black jelly beans since it was a 50th birthday party. Candied popcorn from the tins would be great for Christmas time. You could also use chocolates or nuts - basically anything that goes with the theme of your party, time of year, or holiday.)
-A fun display container to store your favors for your guests to see.

Measure the paper 8" x 8" and then trim it. Starting at 2 bottom corners, begin rolling paper up into the shape of a cone. Use a strong adhesive to secure it.

Now the fun part begins! Stuff the cones with a pretty tissue paper and begin putting your "goodies" into cones.

Then display all of your cones in a fun way for all your guests to see. I used an iron basket that I already had. Look around
your house to see what storage you have, you'll be surprised at what you can use!

Your guests will be impressed as they leave with their "wrapped up" festive party favors.

  “We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, and with our flocks and herds, because we are to celebrate a festival to the LORD.”

-Exodus 10:9

The Beauty of Maxi Skirts

We're back and ready to get back into delivering you our favorites in fashion, food, and decorating. I left D.C. to go back down South to be with my family for Thanksgiving to take a mental vacation after the elections - I work in politics and it was much needed. While I was there, my mom/co-blogger, KimberlyClaire, took me to this adorable little clothing shop called the Dress Up Boutique where I found this gorgeous leopard maxi skirt. The thing I love about maxis is that they easily transfer from your summer to fall wardrobe. Here's how I made my maxi work for the fall. Also, I hope you all try to make time this holiday season to quiet your mind.

Skirt: Dress Up Boutique, similar here. Jacket: Lauren Conrad, similar here. Shirt: Old, similar here.

Shoes: Nine West, similar here. Jewelry: David Yurman and Dress Up Boutique.

Bag: Schuler and Sons'. Sunnies: Ray Ban.

 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

Give Thanks Friday

This morning as I woke up, I celebrated the fact that it was Friday. Then I realized, I treat the other days of the week as stepping stones to get to the weekend. Time is a precious gift from God and each passing day is just as important as the next. So each Friday, we will share the things we were thankful for throughout the week and I encourage you to do the same. What are some things you are thankful for?

The fiery red tree that greets me every morning when I leave for work.

Macaroons. Enough said.

God's wake up call that beams through my window every morning.

My incredible fiancé that washes my dishes when he comes over to hangout. That's a real man.

"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

-Psalm 69:30

Inspiration With Cupcakes and Cashmere & South Moon Under

The dictionary definition of Inspiration is to fill someone with the ability and urge to do something creative. I believe that whatever you do, whether it's a blog, a conversation with stranger, or a store opening, it's important to leave your audience inspired. I attended the store opening of South Moon Under in the Mosaic District in Fairfax, VA. Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere was doing a book signing and I was thrilled to meet her because she is definitely one of our "inspirers" for Ladder of Pearls. My dear friend Stephanie came with and I wanted to share some of the things that caught our eye with yall. Job well done to Emily and South Moon Under for leaving their guests inspired Tuesday night.

Steph and I with Emily. She was such a delight and very humble. We appreciated her admission that it's tempting to stay in and lounge in a bathrobe rather than having a night out.

  

Had to get a book for my co-blogger, KimberlyClaire!

Wish we had the names to thank/complain to the stylists who helped us do some damage to our wallet! :) They were so sweet, professional, and knew great style.

Cute little leopard pouch purse and perfectly spaced hangers underneath. We couldn't find the leopard one on their site, but here's a link to the same one in different colors.

Gold&Black shimmery blazer was one of our favs. Definitely a theme for the night.

Mini cupcakes on pink tissue paper.

I'm a sucker for balloons. Period.

"Be the best in this work of grace in the same way that you are the best in everything, such as faith, speech, knowledge, total commitment, and the love we inspired in you."

-2 Corinthians 8:7

Keeping Your Head Warm In Style by KimberlyClaire

I love to wear stylish hats...and yes..I am 50-something :) Whatever your age, crown your head with a beautiful, fashionable hat. When wearing your cap of choice, it's important to keep your outfit and accessories simple - let the hat be the center of attention. -KimberlyClaire

Sweater: Old, similar here. Scarf: Old Navy, similar here. Sunnies: Ray-Ban. Hat: Target, similar here.

Pants: Jennifer Lopez. Shoes: Dana Buchman

A fun little impromptu photo session at The Goat Farm during my husband's film shoot.

 "For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory."

-Psalm 149:4 

How To Build a Coffee Bar

Two of my favorite things in this world are Classic Rock & Roll and coffee. The world runs on Rock music and coffee in my eyes. Stay tuned for how to incorporate your favorite music into your wardrobe; but for now, we're going to talk coffee. It's not just the morning boost I get from it, it's the experiences I have while drinking it. Whether it's coffee in the early morning while I'm reading the bible or nestling on my couch with a good friend, the coffee experience is just satisfying. It's only fitting to dedicate a part of your space to coffee. See how me and KimberlyClaire do it below. Happy Brewing!

Rock&Roll Sign: Amazon. Coke Tin: Home Goods. Mug: Henri Bendel. Shakers: Anthro, Similar here. Shelf: Ikea.

Keep your shelf clean and display your favorite mug, storage for your sugar, and personalize it!

Store your coffee here. I use pods because I have a Keurig. My favorite pods? San Francisco Bay.

Yes, those are salt & pepper shakers. Tip: I fill one with Splenda and one with regular sugar to help with portion control. I also show off my favorite cards from my sweet Momma and Fiance like these.

I recently added a coffee bar to my kitchen after my husband and I recently took a trip to the D.C. area and stayed in a Ritz Carlton. To my delight, our room came with an espresso machine and that's when my love affair began. It also began with my husband because he ordered one before we even got home. He also bought the coffee, which they call "capsules" and the cups that go with it. See how I turned those into storage here. After the machine arrived, it was a beautiful red, and I decided to create a coffee bar so that everyone could enjoy it and begin their own "love affair." This makes drinking coffee even better than it already is. -KimberlyClaire

Illy espresso machine: here. Mugs: Anthro. Jack Russell Sign (in honor of Max): Art.com

These are old, but any sugar and creamer saucer will do!

"In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

-Psalm 5:3

My Salute to the USA by KimberlyClaire

I just got back from voting in our presidential election. It was cold and raining and the line was really long and of course it was…outside. As I stood there with my fellow Americans, I observed Moms struggling with their infants, teenagers hanging with their parents, senior citizens trying to maneuver their umbrellas and I even saw 1^st time voters. Every “walk of life” was standing in this line.   I suddenly felt very proud and honored that I live in a country where we still have the privilege to vote. At that moment, I no longer cared about the long line or that it was cold and raining.  What I did care about though was that I had the ability and opportunity to stand in the long line while it was cold and raining. I cared that my single vote still counts in this country. I cared that living in the United States and being able to vote on election day makes me very proud to be an American.  Not only did I care but I felt……honored. -KimberlyClaire

Scarf: Free People

"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

Romans 13:1-2 

KimberlyClaire Creation Featured In Style Me Pretty

Mom has always had a way of creating custom, handmade creations that each have a unique element to them. When my sister, Lauren Sanford of It Takes Two Events got engaged, it gave her a great opportunity to make KimberlyClaire creations for the wedding. We were thrilled to see Lauren's wedding featured on Style Me Pretty and one of KimberlyClaire's works featured as well! Here is a look at how she did it. The best part? It's do-it-yourself.

Photo by Sarah Eubanks

Photo by Harwell Photography.

 Supplies needed: (All came from Michaels)

-Scalloped cardboard cake rounds 10"-12"
-White scalloped laced Doilies 10"- 12"
-Ribbon (matching Bride's colors)
-Hole puncher
-Black Vinyl letters-4"

Steps:

-Glue doilies on to the cardboard cake plate. (make sure all the edges adhere well so they won't curl up)

-Create a hole on the edge of cake plate with a hole punch

-Widen the hole with scissors so ribbon can be threaded through it.
-Use as much ribbon as you want varying the colors as you tie them through
the hole (make two shorter ones to tie to the chair)

-Finally, place your vinyl letters on to the cardboard and your
signs are complete.

 "He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

-Isaiah 61:10