Last Minute Valentine's Ideas

Well hello! I promise I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Who knew all the appointments, classes and tours that come with expecting babies!? Not me...obviously. I told my husband it is like having another full time job just keeping up with appointments. Y'all never warned me!

Well I am back today to talk Valentine's Day. My mom always made Valentine's Day special. She still makes a pot roast and her most delicious heart bread to this day. We will be gathering with family on Saturday night to celebrate.

Last year I hosted a Valentine's Tea for all of my sweet friends. You can see the details Here. I so wanted to do that again this year, but really at 28 weeks pregnant... I don't have the energy. So I have been searching some fun last minute ideas to share with all of you instead!


1. Peanut Butter Cup Rice Crispy Treats
Of course I had to start with something yummy! I think I might have to make this tomorrow and I can guarantee I will be eating half of the recipe myself! Stop on over to Inspired by Charm for the details!

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2. Free Printables:  Valentines Cards & Envelopes
These are absolutely adorable. I love that they can be interchanged and feel more personal than buying a card from the store. Plus they save big money! Have you noticed how expensive cards are now a days? Download this full set Here.

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3. 52 Reasons I Love You

What a fun and inexpensive gift idea! You could create this for your significant other or for your child. I started working on this one for the Hubs. We will see if I can finish it in time. All you need is a deck of cards, a hole punch and a ring clasp (which you can find at staples). You can either type the words or write them with a sharpie. Tutorial Here. 

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4. DIY XOXO Table Cloth or Runner

What a fabulous idea! If you are staying in for Valentine's Day this year or just want to make breakfast extra special for the kids, why not create your own table cloth or runner. It doesn't have to be expensive. Use an old sheet or left over fabric laying around the house. Add some black paint and presto......

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5. Donut Hole Breakfast Skewers

These would be so easy and so much fun for kids. And...the fruit counteracts the donuts...right?

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Also...do you need a little help on what to wear for Valentine's Day? My friend Megan put together two great outfits that are casual enough for a stay at home party or a night out at a friend's house. You can check out the sources here. If I wasn't preggo I would be buying that adorable Red Cami! And how comfy does that heart sweater and boyfriend jean combo look?

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So what are you all up to for Valentines this year? I am thinking we are going to celebrate tomorrow night and try to avoid some of the crazy crowds. Or...we are going to order pizza in with a movie. That actually sounds so delightful! 

XOXO

A Look back at 2014 {Top 10 Posts} According to you

Well hello and Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season. It was great to put most technology away for a couple of weeks and focus on time with family and friends. I am anxious for this new year and what it will bring. I always love a fresh start...don't you?

Today we are taking a walk down memory lane. This past year has been full of ups and downs, but without your support of this little blog I wouldn't be doing what I love. Even though I didn't crank out as many posts as previous years, there were still quite a few that were memorable.

Below are the top 10 posts of 2014...according to all of you!

10. A "Spotted" Nursery Closet- I love this sweet little closet and now that we only have a little less than 4 months to meet our babies, I am so glad I finished this when I did! Can't wait to share more ideas and nursery projects with you all this year! Let's just say that there are TWO little cribs set up in the nursery and I can't help but stop and peek in from time to time.

9. Adding Character to your home {Furniture in the Bathroom}- This post was full of great inspiration when trying to add a bit of character to a bathroom. I love the idea of adding a vintage or industrial piece for that unexpected look. 

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8. Outdoor Dinner for Two- I enjoyed created this little dinner for two on our patio this summer using the limited edition green Ball Jars. Using what I had and nature around me made for a romantic summer evening. 

7. Top Design Mistakes {Rug Sizes}- This post is also full of inspiration and ideas on what to do and not to do when it comes to adding rugs to your space. 

6. DIY Colorful Fruit Umbrellas- I got my craft on and created these adorable umbrellas using Scotch Blue Painter's tape. It would be a fun project to do with your kids! Pick a favorite fruit and create!

5. How to Decorate & Style Shelves- I find that built-ins and coffee tables can be a bit tricky to style. In this post I gave you some ideas on how to use what you have around the house to decorate and style your shelves in 7 steps!

4. Master Closet Organization- I was determined this year to get our master closet in order and I actually accomplished what I was set out to do! Our closet was a walk in, but a very small walk in. And with babies on the way we had to move some of our dress clothes and other storage items that were stored in the guest room, into our closet. So I shared some great tips on how to organize a small closet without spending an arm and a leg! See for yourself....

3. Master Bathroom Updates {Painted Vanity}- After living with our builder grade bathroom for 6 years, we decided to make some changes. We added some color to the vanity using Sherwin Williams- Urban Bronze and lightened the walls using Sherwin William's- Shoji White. We added an oriental rug and some new artwork. Even though we still have a bit to go in 2015, I am liking the new and fresh updates!

2. Flip House #5 {Before & After}- We completed our 5th flip home this past spring. It is always fun to look back on the homes that we buy and sell to see how far we have come. We are hoping to add at least 3 more flips this year....so stay tuned for updates as we move along. To see all of our flip homes click HERE.

1. Keeping Organized in the New Year- This was the top post in 2014! I guess many of you like to get your organization on. Well this post has plenty of ideas including some free printable labels, organization tips that you can complete in 5-10 minutes and some of my "go-to" organizational items that I use over and over.

So there you have it! Thanks for following along in 2014! I am excited to see what 2015 has in store for this blog.

Do you have any suggestions or posts that you would like to see more of from Eat.Sleep.Decorate? Any blogging series that might peek reader's interests? I am open for suggestions.

Tomorrow I will be back to share my 2015 House Goals. Happy Monday!

Easy Thanksgiving Tablescapes

If you are anything like me, life can get crazy busy and you forget all the detailed pieces when it comes to entertaining for the holidays. This year we are actually going to be out of town for Thanksgiving, so I didn't have to come up with a tablescape for guests. I am kind of sad about it. I love setting my table and making it pretty. So this year I am living through inspirational pictures like the ones below.

With Thanksgiving only ONE week away, here are a few quick and easy ideas to make your table look festive without much trouble.

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Take a trek into your backyard or neighbors yard. It is amazing what inspiration you can find for a centerpiece. Grab a stem of colorful leaves, a branch of magnolia or a bunch of pinecones. I love the organic feel of bringing the outdoors in! 

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Emily created an amazing centerpiece from discounted ornamental Kale from Home Depot and craft paper as the table runner. Genius!

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I also love the idea of using what you have in your refrigerator. Grab some colorful fruit to lay on top of garland or tie a sprig of rosemary to a cloth napkin to add interest. 

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This is a neat idea of gathering branches from outside and spray painting them a bright color. It creates a sort of art piece right on your table!

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We can't forget about the kiddos! Did you have a kids table growing up? We sure did!
This idea is absolutely adorable. Grab some brown or white craft paper (or wrapping paper) to cover the kids table. Use jars from around the house for art supplies. This will keep them busy a little longer so you can enjoy your scrumptious meal and the paper helps with clean up. Win Win!

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How about spray painting a charger with chalk paint? Rather than a word, you could write the guest's name on the charger with chalk marker to help identify where everyone will sit for the meal. I also like the idea of using ribbon and yarn that you have laying around the house to wrap the cloth napkins and silverware. Nothing fancy, but helps add so much character and texture.

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Free Printable

This is a great way to get everyone involved in an activity while waiting for the meal and takes the place of a normal place mat or charger. Click the source link to download your own!

As you can see, it doesn't have to be expensive to look amazing. Using what you have around the house is your best bet before going out to buy something. 

What ideas have inspired you? Any tips and tricks you have used over the years to help with the stress of having company?

Laboring Away Blog Hop {Good-bye Summer..Hello Fall Tablescape}

I hope you all are having a fabulous long weekend. Can you believe that summer is coming to an end? It always seems bittersweet to me. I love summer, but am usually very ready for fall to come. The cooler weather brings color, football, texture, warmth and naps on the couch!

Today, I am honored to be a part of a fun blog hop featuring these amazing ladies:

Each of us are sharing a DIY that we have currently tackled. Make sure to hop on over to each blog for a special DIY as well as lots of inspiration...you won't be disappointed! Sarah from 702 Park Project, Mary from Lemon Grove Blog and Brittany from Brittany French. Some talented ladies!

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Today I am sharing a "So Long Summer, Hello Fall" Tablescape. Since I am a HUGE fan of mexican food, I decided to create a sort of nacho bar theme. And the real reason...I have been dying to use my plates and bowls from Mexico!

All of the bright colors still remind me of summer, but the added texture with the napkin ring and place mat overlay bring in a bit of fall. The green place mat is actually a napkin draped over the side of the table. The little overlay was made on my Silhouette and I love how it adds another layered element. Can you believe that those navy and white striped napkins are actually paper napkins from target? Yep! The sunflowers also say summer, but the burnt red color says fall.

I am loving the mix of both seasons. How about you? Are you sad to see summer go or are you excited for the season ahead?

Don't forget to stop by and see what these lovely ladies have created.... Sarah, Mary & Brittany

Outdoor Dinner for Two (+ A Giveaway)

We have had some unbelievable weather here in NC over the past week. The humidity has been minimal and the bugs have seemed to disappear. So I decided that it was time to move our dinners back out on the patio. And because today is International Can-It-Forward Day, I used some of the limited addition ball jars last evening to help me create a romantic yet relaxed dinner for two.

If you love canning, mason jar crafts, gifts or decorating with these beauties you can follow Ball  for giveaways and LIVE demonstrations going on throughout the day. You can see that all happening HERE starting at 10:00am EST.

• Schedule of events:
• 10:00am - Pepper Jelly demonstration by Chef Sara featuring the FreshTECH Automatic Jam & Jelly Maker
• 10:45am - Tips on urban gardening & herb preservation
• 11:00am - Peach Siracha Jam demonstration by Marisa McClellan of Food in Jars
• 11:30am - Crafting in Ball jars with staff from Martha Stewart Living
• 11:45am - Hugh Acheson Preserving and Mixology demonstrations
• 1:15pm - Special Mixology demonstration with local mixologists
• 1:30pm - Salsa Verde demonstration by Chef Sarah featuring the FreshTECH Automatic Home Canning System

That's Not All my friends! Ball is also giving ONE of my lucky readers all the goodies you see below! I am so in love with my green ball jars and can't wait to start using them more around the house. I also can't wait to try out their new herb products like the Fresh Herb Keeper and Herb Scissors. Who knew they created more than just jars!?

What you will win:

1. 1 case (6) of Quart Sized Vintage Style Spring Green Ball Jars

2. 1 case (6) of Pint Sized Vintage Style Spring Green Ball Jars

3. 1- Five Blade Herb Scissors

4. 1 box (4) Dry Herb Jars with Lids

5. 1 Fresh Herb Keeper

6. 1 box (2) Frozen Herb Starters

Follow the Rafflecopter below to enter! (U.S. Residents Only Please) Good Luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



**A HUGE Thank you to Ball Jars for sending the above products for review and giveaway. As always all of the opinions are mine and only mine. **

Setting the Table For Spring

Hi All! I promise that I haven't forgotten about you. I wish more than anything I could be blogging and sharing some amazing inspiration with all of you each day. But...someone has to bring in some income in order to share my projects! HA! I will be back next week with some spring ideas.

Today I am so excited to be guest posting over at 702 Park Project! I am sharing some ideas for a spring table setting as well as some sources.

Stop on over and say hi to Sarah! She is currently renovating an old four square in Goldsboro, NC! Sarah and her husband have so many fabulous ideas and projects going on. You will want to follow along!

Spring Table Setting


Linked up at: Thrifty Decor Chick

Last Minute Thanksgiving Decor

If you are anything like me I am doing everything last minute these days! I will have to finish shopping for the Turkey and extras tomorrow (the day before) and will have to come up with some sort of centerpiece decorations for the middle of mom's table. If you saw my Thanksgiving Table a couple of weeks ago, you probably thought I was way ahead of the game. Err...not so much since we aren't even having Thanksgiving here this year! I just love putting table settings together. I wish I had time to entertain and switch up my table each week.

If you are running around trying to figure out what to do for your Thanksgiving Decor, I rummaged up a few quick options to inspire you all.


1. Using what you have. Left over pumpkins and/or vegetables to create a neat centerpiece without breaking the bank!

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2. Easy DIY. Spray paint cheap chargers with chalkboard paint and add guest's names with chalk instead of using place cards. I did this with my Halloween Table Setting last year and it was cheap and easy! You could do this before Thanksgiving!

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3. Use Textures. For a bit of an informal look grab a piece of burlap or fabric and drape it down the center of your table for texture and interest. (don't worry about sewing the edges...use a hot glue gun or leave it natural!)

4. Use Mother Nature! Go out and gather neat leaves, acorns, pine cones to create your centerpiece. In the picture below I used magnolia leaves and then added a simple lantern and candle on top. So easy and I didn't have to buy a thing!

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5. You can't go wrong with Candles! Candles create a cozy atmosphere for guests. Load up your table and mantel with as many candles possible.

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Elle Decor

So tell me...are you hosting this year or have you been invited elsewhere? If you are hosting know that decorating doesn't have to be stressful. Just use a few of the tips from above and have fun with it! Cooking on the other hand....good luck! hehe