Favorite Things 2016

This week Melissa at 320 Sycamore is hosting her annual Favorite Things party.  This year she asked me to join and I’m so happy to be apart of it alongside some very talented bloggers!

  When I started blogging in 2010 I joined Melissa's link party by adding a list of my favorites, you can view my old post here.  

Join us this Thursday by sharing a post of your own, then add your link to her blog.

Here are a few of my favorites from IKEA and Trader Joe's...

Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite stores to stop in. Only a short drive away, the market stocks the most interesting items that most grocery chains do not provide; like convenient frozen meals and wine or cookie butter ice cream! My favorite products to stock up, however, are everyday items.

I love filling my home with fresh flowers. Their floral section is incredible. They have beautiful flowers for great prices.

Also, these lavender dryer bags are a favorite. They have a soothing lavender scent that is subtle. I like to tuck a sachet under my dogs' beds to keep them smelling pleasant in between washes.

 My dogs LOVE these peanut butter treats. It's not too often that they have them, but when they do, I'm sure they would go through a box each if I let them!

Trader Joe's sells an assortment of greeting cards for just 99 cents. They're unique, so you won't find them anywhere else. I love the artwork and style too much to want to give them away though. Their quality card stock can be framed as art; a classic DIY idea. The colors complement a couple rooms in my house. I cannot wait to find the perfect frame and hang them up as art pieces!

Here's my favorite greeting cards found at Anthropologie.
  

I framed a few to display around the house.  So much cheaper than buying framed artwork!
  

Ikea has so many hidden gems. Since it's such a large store, you have to do a little digging and get your creative juices flowing to figure out what works in your space of interest. For me and my family, we needed a better way to organize our shoes. We used to keep them in the garage, but since we renovated it into a bedroom, our shoes needed a new place to rest.

These white wire baskets are absolutely perfect as a shoe organizer.

They are very inexpensive, minimalist in design, and sleek enough to slide underneath our beds. Though I'm not sure of their true purpose, these baskets became a staple for organization.

Thank you so much for stopping by, friends! Please visit Debbie at Refresh Restyle to see her favorites. Here's the schedule of the other ladies who will be sharing this week too.

Monday, November 14

1. Jessica at 4 Generations One Roof

2. Kristen at Ella Claire

3. Desiree at The 36th Avenue

Tuesday, November 15

1. Mallory & Savannah at Classy Clutter

2. Brandi at Don't Disturb This Groove

3. Debbie at Refresh Restyle

Wednesday, November 16

1. Janna at Yellow Prairie Interiors

2. Andy & Candis at Old Home Love

3. Kelsey, guest posting on 320 Sycamore

Holiday Gift Ideas from UncommonGoods

It's officially the season of giving and I cannot be more excited. Finding the perfect gift is a fun adventure that involves a lot of care and thought of the other person in mind.

Today, I’m happy to share with you some fabulous gift ideas from the online shop UncommonGoods.

UncommonGoods was created in 1999 to offer consumers original designs by independent makers. Products that express individuality and creativity, while also making a positive impact on people and the planet.

UncommonGoods has gifts for every type of loved one, from book lovers to mini chefs to the sports fanatic.

1.Home Plate Doormat 2. Garden in a Can 3. Great Moustaches Mug 4. Personalized Family Pillow

5. Espresso Pop Chart 6. Self-Watering Planter  7. Fire Escape Shelf  8. Caterpillar Bud Vase 

9. Floral Duo Embroidery Hoop Art 10. Nesting Stoneware Mixing Bowls

Since I know a lot of people who enjoy quirky conversation starters in their home, I picked ten original gifts that are eccentric and range in style. Having that unique piece incorporated in with your usual decor makes for a fun addition that will surely turn heads.

 With so much variety, you're bound to find a special item to gift this holiday season.

Prices have a wide range, making your options endless. 

If you are indecisive this year for what to give your loved ones, let UncommonGoods help you make the right choice. 

*This post was sponsored by Uncommon Goods. The featured items are all gifts I would personally recommend.

N.Y.C. and H&M Home

Hello friends, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.  I spent the holidays visiting with family and friends in New Jersey.  It was an enjoyable trip with my daughter.

While visiting N.J. we took the train to N.Y.C.  I made a promise to my daughter for her 18th birthday we could explore New York.  My sister, niece and cousin tagged along making the entire experience even more memorable!

We visited on December 26th, so all the Christmas decorations were still up.  The streets were crowded, but there was so much to see.  N.Y.C. is seriously so beautiful at Christmas time. 

My niece!

My cousin!

My daughter!

My sister!

I've been admiring H&M's home furnishings for months, online.  I was so excited to visit their flagship store.  The entire fourth floor is dedicated to their home collection.  Lots of beautiful home decor ideas.  It's easy to stay within budget with their affordable prices.

Me!

Thank you N.Y.C. for such a great time!