Desert Botanical Gardens + Chihuly Exhibit

I had the most special day with my mom yesterday. We went to the Desert Botanical Gardens for the Chihuly exhibit. Dale Chihuly is an American glass sculptor, and his unique blown glass is especially breathtaking when integrated with Arizona landscape. It was such an amazing memory that I will cherish for years to come. These photographs are the perfect way to sum up the last fifteen years of my life in the Grand Canyon State. I was ten when I moved here. I've made so many memories, seen so many things, been to so many places, and met the love of my life. It's been a wild ride Arizona... I'll be seeing you. ♥ 

Pieces Of Our Christmas

A Very She & Him Christmas playing on repeat

Something merry and bright

A little mistletoe

For every holiday, Charlie Brown

Leona's very first Christmas

The overpass near my parent's house in Scottsdale, Arizona

Our lives have been so chaotic lately, but for one day everything slowed down and we enjoyed a relaxing holiday with our families. We played backgammon, exchanged presents, and ate delicious food for every meal. I feel so lucky to have spent time with both sides of my family: The Musgrove's and The George's. Christmas day we all went to the movies to see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Honestly, it was so good I would see it again in theaters. I love the Life Magazine's motto, "To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed".

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! 

♥ What did you do on Christmas?

Life Lately + Details

We have been so busy with planning, packing, and visiting with family. I had just a quick moment to make a quick little ornament and snap a few photographs. I bought this cute mouse from IKEA for under a $1, and I'm stringing it with some baker's twine.

I've had this movie on today while cleaning and organizing things for our move. It reminds me of my mother. It's sweet, and just classic.

My brother surprised me Sunday night by stopping in town for a few days. He got me this beautiful stone box for Christmas.

My little helper. He just got a haircut for the big move! He is so soft and shiny. I think he is ready to make some new doggy friends in Louisiana. 

Jason and I finished the R2-D2 lego set I gave him for our anniversary. Jason surprised me with a bouquet of peace roses. We have less than two weeks left in Arizona. There are a lot of things to get done before we go, so it was a very thoughtful pick-me-up.

A small detail in our home. I love the old doorbell. 

We have made so many memories in our home, especially with all of the crafty projects we created here. All of them, if not most, are coming with us. I guess when we arrive we will have a few more pins to add. 

♥ What little details do you love in your home?

Mason Jar Snow Globe + Do It Yourself

what you need:

wide mouth mason jar

craft glue

faux snow

miniature trees

I bought everything I needed at Hobby Lobby. The trees I used were called Mayberry Street Miniatures. I already had the glue, but everything else came to a total of $4. Score!

what to do:

First, glue the tree in the center of the inside lid of the jar

Second, sprinkle faux snow all around the base

Third, while the tree and loose snow are in the lid of the jar put the jar on top and screw it on

Don't turn the jar upside down because the faux snow will get everywhere. 

♥ These are super quick, and fun! Are you going to try it?

Plans, Treks & Automobiles

We picked up some Mexican Falsa blankets in Downtown Scottsdale the other day. I just wanted to make sure we took a little memento of the Southwest with us to Louisiana.

Last weekend we went to Crafeteria in Phoenix and picked up the Arizona heart ornament. If you are interested, you can get one from his shop Citizen Home Decor. To the right is the Arizona string art project that Jason and I did together last year. You can read it about it here.

 

Twenty-one days until we move! There is so much to do, plan, and discover. We are soaking up extra time with our families, fitting in coffee dates at our favorite local coffee shop, and deciding on a select few detours on our very long road trip. So many adventures, so little time!

I'm so thankful that we are getting the opportunity to live in another part of the country. I spent my childhood in Maryland, adolescence in Arizona, and now Louisiana in my 20's. It's been fun learning different environments. I'm a little nervous, but I know it will be an amazing adventure.

♥ Do you have any suggestions on what we should stop and see along the way?

We will be taking the I-10 pretty much the whole way. So far we are making a stop at White Sands National Monument near Las Cruces, New Mexico, Jo's Coffee in Austin, Texas, and the Sam Houston monument in Huntsville, Texas. 

Simple Holiday Decor + Weekend Links

We have so much planning to do for our move to Louisiana! There won't be too much extra time to fully decorate for Christmas or do many crafts, but I did have a moment to squeeze a little something in. I just picked up a Martha Stewart punch and I sprinkled these loose snowflakes all around our home. It took two minutes, and it adds a little holiday spirit to our place.

Oh Target, how I love thee so! Seriously though, this was $4 and I'm in ornament heaven. We also got our mini white tree there too. I will miss getting a real Christmas tree this year, but there's always next year.

Honestly, the Target dollar section is amazing. That's where we found the spinning top, snowflake dish, and tree skirt. The pinecones are from right outside our front door. Who says you can't decorate for Christmas on a budget? 

My mom gave me the stocking that my grandmother knit for me. I love having something that she created. She was such a beautiful, sweet, and loving woman. I will always have this hanging up for the holidays. It is so unbelievably special to me.

Here are some weekend links for you to enjoy:

The world lost an amazing man. You can read and learn more about the life of Nelson Mandela here.

It only happens once in a decade, and it occurred twice just in the past week! The Grand Canyon experienced a rare temperature inversion which created a river of clouds. You can see and read about in this article.

Do you love succulents? Christmas? Well I found the perfect pairing of these two here.

Tonight is the 8th Annual Crafeteria in Downtown Phoenix from 6-10pm. For more information, visit the Frances Vintage blog here. That's where Jason and I will spending our Friday night. I can't wait!

♥ Do you have any family holiday heirlooms that you are currently displaying? Have you ever stuck to simple decorations, or do you go all out?