12 Days of Pinterest, Day 5

D.I.Y Christmas Centerpiece

Adorable….that is all I need to say about this centerpiece!

I love all the things you can do with mason jars…honestly buying  over 200 mason jars for our wedding was a great investment.

I stumbled across this simple idea on Pinterest and immediatley knew this will be the next addition to my home. This is so simple yet so lovely. Anything with mason jars and greenery and you have my attention. I love adding greenery to my home, partially because I love the outdoors but mostly because it is a decor trick my mom taught me. I do have to say, I have a pretty awesome mom.

This is a great addition to cozy up your home with the Christmas feel.

What you will need:

Fill the mason jar about two-thirds with water

Find a branch outside and place it at the bottom

Drop in some cranberries

Place a floating candle at top

……..and your done.

Happy Nesting!

 

12 Days of Pinterest, Day 4

Tags

christmas gifts, colorado, diy christmas gifts, ear warmers, fashion tutorial

Ear Warmer Tutorial by Delia Creates Blog

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I am referencing a blog a stumbled upon a few weeks ago, on how to make ear warmers. I was hoping to make some of my own and then blog about it. However, this lady does a way better job, so I will let you learn from the best.

I currently live in Grand Junction, Colorado and have come to know the importance of keeping your ears warm as I commute on bike to school in the morning and home from work at night. Not only is it important to keep your ears warm, it’s important to do it with style:) I have an adorable half beanie/ear warmer that my friend Taylor made when I moved from California to Colorado. It was such a wonderful going away gift.

This is not the best picture of her beanie but it is the most recent one I have. I am part of a organization called Young Life and a few weeks ago we were turkey bowling on top of our University Center. I had never bowled a frozen turkey before, I recommend it:)

I love Tay’s gift, the only problem is for some reason they do not sell them in stores. The best ones are homemade. If you are like me and do not have the time or experience to knit then check out this tutorial I found.

This is another one I own that was a gift from my Grandma, she always buys me the greatest gifts!

The half beanie/ear warmers have been a life savor for me. This will make a GREAT Christmas gift or a great way to spoil yourself! I hope you enjoy this easy tutorial by Delia Creates Blog.

Click here to go to Delia Creates Blog

I hope you enjoy this tutorial as much as I did!

Happy Nesting

12 Days of Pinterest, Day 3

Tags

christmas card, design, diy, grand junction, holiday cards, last minute ideas, mail, our first christmas, snow, stress

D.I.Y Christmas Cards

I know that sending a bulk amount of cards can be quite stressful. One of the most stressful things about planning a wedding was choosing and sending out invitations. Yesterday, I felt that pressure again while sending out our Christmas Card to family and friends. The stress sets in when it takes an entire day to accomplish this thoughtful tasks. I am proud to say that last night I finalized the Christmas card process and the only thing left to do is place all of them in the mail. Well, that is once my husband writes his part of the list:)

Being able to send a Christmas cards very special to us because my husband is from South Africa and gives us the opportunity to send a Christmas gift to his friends and family. Until God provides the way for us to go to his parents for Christmas, the closest we can get is by skyping and sending a Christmas card. Incase you are wondering, Gesëende Kersfees means Merry Christmas in Africaans.

I personally I love receiving Christmas Cards from family and friends, so all of the hard work that may go into writing and mailing is worth the smile that receives it.

This is my first Christmas with my husband and it has already been such a special time. Christmas season is so romantic with all the lights, hot coco, relaxing music, Christmas movies, and holiday parties. I have already fallen head over heals in love with this season and even more, my wonderful husband.

I found this idea for our Christmas card online and thought it was adorable. As cute as the picture was, I have a fetish about not having the same thing as everyone else in the world but sure do love some ideas. So, I try to make it as unique as possible. My husband and I have been blessed to have a close friend who is a photographer and she has been a huge blessing to us.

OUr picture was fun and easy. We grabbed some lights and had her creative eye take our picture (thanks Megan!). Megan did a great job with the photo and I had a lot of fun playing in some design programs to make the picture unique!

If you have yet to send a Christmas card its not to late. Here are a few Christmas card ideas. It is better late than never!

 This is an adorable picture, if you have snow. A little far fetched for some. This picture was not really an option for us this year since it just snowed for the first time yesterday in Grand Junction, but maybe next year, I call dibs:)

For a “Our First Christmas” card you can chose your favorite wedding photo and send it as your Christmas Card.

This card is very cute and an easy idea. You can purchase these signs at any store so, all you will need to do is find a fun location. You can have this taken and printed by tomorrow! 

If you have already made a Christmas card please share, I would love to see what you have come up with. I can’t believe that Christmas is only 12 days away!

See you tomorrow for a fun d.i.y decor idea!

Happy Nesting!

12 Days of Pinterest, Day 2

Tags

chocolate, christmas, dessert, elf, movie night, peppermint bark popcorn, popcorn, recipe

Peppermint Bark Popcorn

This recipe looks and most likely, taste like Christmas. My favorite snack in the entire world is homemade popcorn with m&m’s sprinkled on top. This delicious recipe is the Christmas version of my favorite snack. Another perk, it doesn’t seem that hard to make. I have yet to try this but the next movie night my husband and I get this snack will be joining us. So, next time you have a night in, get out a good Christmas movie, turn on your Christmas lights, and enjoy this very festive treat!

Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Recipe by Our Best Bites.com

Ingredients
16-20 C popped popcorn* (fresh, or about 2 bags microwave popcorn, natural popcorn)
1 lb almond bark
1 6 ounce box candy canes, crushed (about 1 generous cups, Bob’s brand are best!)
2 teaspoons peppermint extract or a few drops of peppermint oil to taste
3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Instructions
Place popcorn in a very large mixing bowl.

Melt almond bark according to package instructions.  When completely melted, add extract or peppermint oil.  If using extract, it’s normal for the almond bark to seize (get lumpy) which is okay, just stir very quickly, the more you wait the more it will seize.

Pour melted almond bark mixture over popcorn and pour crushed candy canes on top.  Stir to evenly coat.  Pour popcorn out onto waxed paper, parchment, or foil and spread out.

Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.  Drizzle over popcorn mixture.  Let mixture dry completely until chocolate and almond bark are hardened.   You may place in the fridge to speed process along.

When chocolate is hardened, use your hands to break up popcorn into chunks. Toss in a bowl, a do with it as you wish!

Visit ourbestbites.com for detailed instructions.

Here is a clip from one of my favorite Christmas movies.

Happy Nesting!

12 Days of Pinterest, Day 1

Tags

12 days of christmas, budget, christmas gifts, christmas party, diy christmas gifts, pinterest, unique ideas

Starting today until Christmas Eve, I will be posting some fun Christmas ideas for my 12 days of Pinterest. Pinterest has many amazing ideas from Christmas fashion to Christmas gifts. In the next 12 days you will find some great and unique ideas here, to help take some of your holiday stress away.

Today I am starting with a d.i.y Christmas gift that has been a life savor for me during this Christmas party season. Not only does this make a great Christmas gift, it makes a great gift for any occasion. I have given this gift for birthdays, Christmas parties and thank you gifts. This fun and unique gift will only cost you a few dollars and is easy to make.

Chalkboard paint is around $14 for the tin you see below, and it will last you a long time. I bought my chalkboard paint 7 months ago while planning my wedding. I have made multiple chalk boards, painted labels on mason jars, and have made many gifts  and I still have plenty to go.

Chalk-paint will be the most expensive thing you will have to buy, and the glasses are only $1. You can count on me to help you keep a very low budget this Christmas season. You can find any type of glass, coffee cup or even plates at the dollar store to use for your gift. Not only are they a dollar, they also look nice.

Day 1. What you will need:

Chalkboard paint or chalkboard spray-paint. I prefer the paint because it lasts longer.

Glasses: Your choice of coffee mug, drinking glasses, or wine glass. Always give in pairs, 2 or more.

You can simply dip the bottom of a glass in the paint, or spray the chalk-paint on. I prefer to use a paint brush because when you dip a glass it it may turn out too thick and bubble.

Once you have finished painting your glass, let it sit for 30-45 minutes.

When you are done, wrap a piece of chalk in twine or yarn and tie to the handle or them of the glass. If you can afford it, buy liquid chalk, it writes more clear.

I hope you have enjoyed day 1 of my 12 days of Pinterest. See you tomorrow!

Happy Nesting

Your Voice

Tags

feedback, poll, questions, what you want, your voice

Hello my Lovely Reader! I am a few months into hosting Happily Nesting and I would love some feedback. Please answer these 2 questions on what you fancys and what you would like to see more of, or leave me a comment of any other ideas. My blog is an eclectic mix and I look forward to hearing what you like most! Thank you and Happy Nesting.

D.I.Y Photography

Tags

creative inspiration, diy, glow in the dark, glow sticks, lighting, mason jars, photography, stress

It was crunch time for my photography class and I needed a “wow” picture along with the 14 others for my final. I was starting to stress a little to much due to my all to common procrastination that I deal with every semester. My picture was due in the morning and I didn’t have anything that “Wowed” me. So, my husband and I searched our house desperately and found some essential items that resulted in something amazing!

Over dinner I was stressing my dilemma to a friend and she told me about his creative idea, and luckily we had all the items at home. What we had: Mason Jars (duh) and glow sticks (of course). I also posted my picture on pinterest.

Here is what you will need:

SLR Camera

Glow sticks or glow in the dark paint

Mason Jar

Cut a small hole in the already lit glow stick and flick around in jar

Set Jars in Dark Room

Camera Setting:

Iso 400

shutter 30

Aperture F11

Place bottles on the floor or table, the shutter is 30 seconds so set the camera on books or use a tripod for stability and snap away. The final photo is amazing. On the final photo you see above, it was not used in photoshop for anything, what you see is what you get.

This is a great idea for pictures or just as decoration in your house or especially on the patio .

Here is a relaxing song to listen to while taking pictures: An oldie but a goodie from one of my favorite bands from back home in Cali

Little Girl by The Daylights

 

 

Happily Nesting

Top 5 Christmas Albums

Tags

christmas music, december, holiday season, michael buble, she&him, Taylor Swift, top 5, winter songs

To start off things this magical Holiday season I would like to post my top 5 favorite Christmas albums of 2011!

Link to She and Him Christmas “Baby it’s Cold Outside”

Enjoy! Happy Nesting

Thrifty Christmas Decor

Tags

christmas decorations, christmas lights, diy, dollar tree, garland, holidays, ornaments

Happy December 1st everyone, this time of year is so wonderful with all the Christmas lights, decorations, scents and tasty hot chocolate. I am not exhagerating when I titled this post “Thrifty Christmas Decor” and may I add cute too! As you have heard me talk about this many times, I love to decorate but in all fairness, to my hard working husband, I do not need to spend a ton money when I can do it myself!

This post I will show you how to decorate the window in your living room, kitchen or where ever you see fit. I stumbled across this fun decor idea on my favorite website Pinterest and I changed it up to make it my own. I was able to create this festive idea for only $4 at the Dollar Tree! Thats right only $4. The Dollar Tree can do wonders. If you need to add a little extra decor for the holidays feel free to try this idea in your home.

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What you will need:

15ft Christmas Garland=$1

2 boxes of  Christmas ornaments (whatever colors you like)=$2

String or ribbon of your choice=$1

Christmas Lights ( I already had this and was not included in the $4) Big Lots has a great deal on Christmas lights.

Total cost was $4!

This is mine and my husbands first Christmas together as a married couple and we do not have a huge collection of holiday decorations yet, so this idea was a blessing for us to enjoy the fun decor and save money. I hope you are enjoying the beginning of this wonderful holiday season!

Here is a link to Baby it’s cold outside by one of my favorite singers Zooey Deschanel

Happy Nesting!

ThanksLIVING

Tags

education, family, friends, health, holidays, marriage, proposal, shooting, thanksgiving

Thanksliving all year long

Now that Thanksgiving is over we are on to bigger and better things. For some of you, you forgot about Thanksgiving and started decorating for Christmas before last Thursday even arrived.

To me this year Thanksgiving had a whole new meaning. You might be thinking, Why are you writing about something that has already passed? Allow me to explain.

Thanksgiving was put into the best words when a man I admire said, “it is a holiday to remind us of history but mostly to remind us to be thankful. Thanksgiving should be Thanksliving.” Cheesy I know, but this was a daily reminder for me all month and I pray I will continue to live it out.

There are so many things in this life to be thankful for. On my thankful tree (see “Be Thankful” previous post) I wrote many things I am thankful for such as God, education, family, marriage, the bible, life, grace, forgiveness, health, a job, my husband, shelter, clothes (not the latest fashion but clothes to keep me warm), and so many other things. I love that tree and I have even changed the colors to Christmas theme just because I don’t want to take it down.

Everyday, even if I don’t mean to, I stumble upon noticing what I wrote on my thankful tree and think about all I am thankful for. It is a great reminder in many areas. For example, when I am tired or too lazy to do homework, I am thankful for an education and am reminded of when I was in Africa hundreds of kids could not go to school because they could not afford it. When I feel to weak to go to the gym, I am thankful for health. When I get frustrated with something I am thankful for all the times people have showed me grace. There are so many things to be thankful for and I pray you will recognize the blessings in your life.

Thanksliving is remembering daily of what you are thankful for. I understand bad days happen, but I guarantee if you think about all the things you are thankful for, your bad days can turn around.

I posted a few pictures from my trip back to California to be with my family for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving morning my older brother Austin proposed to his wonderful girlfriend Savannah and she said yes! I am looking forward to her official addition to our family. I am Thankful for many things, but mostly my amazing family.

Happy Nesting

My Family

My Wonderful Hubby and I

After the meal we did some Zumba to dance off those calories!

The Proposal 

Soon to be sister in law

Hiking through the beautiful orange groves with my big brother Austin and soon to be wife Savannah. By their names alone you can tell they are meant for eachother

Maverick, Hank and Paris. We are a Tex-Cali Family

Tradition with my brothers and some friends

Jaco LOVES going shooting!

This is another tradition. When my dad was engaged to my mom he split his eyebrow open while out shooting. Austin just wanted to be like his dad. Sorry in advance if you don’t like blood.