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Winter crushes.

February 6, 2015 / By Courtney / 28 Comments

Winter gets such a bad rap (especially around here), and while I completely agree, I also think it’s important, day to day, to focus on the little things that can make you happy during this God awful season. So without further ado, here’s what is currently making me smile.

1. After eight years of wearing the same worn down pair of (disgusting) Uggs I thought it was time to invest in a new winter boot. I’ve been digging through 2 feet of snow in the woods looking for baseballs (don’t ask) in these from Sorel and my feet have stayed nice and warm and cozy every time.

2. This oh so tropical candle takes me away…

3. You can look at snow two ways: 1. pure and pretty or 2. dirty and slushy. I buy white tulips religiously (at Trader Joe’s) as a reminder that winter can be beautiful and that spring is around the corner.

4. Happy Socks! Why are these so amazing?! I have no idea but I’m totally smitten with them. This pair rocks.

5. I’m pretty sure I would be in a mental institution if I didn’t have my Le Creuset dutch oven to slow cook and simmer and make soups in. In the winter, it’s what I do.

6. Religiously, I put B down for his nap, do my chores (cook/clean/laundry/bills), and the last 1/2 hour or so I cuddle up in my living room with this fuzzy snow leopard throw to recharge for the second shift. Obsessed.

7. Pinot Noir. Is it winter without it? That answer would be no.

8. On a recent trip to Sephora, B decided it wanted ALL THE NAIL POLISHES AT ONCE so needless to say, I had to get the heck out of there. While I thought I was grabbing my normal ‘a perfect world‘ moisturizer I realized when I came home I had this from Origins. Huh. No wonder it seemed more expensive as I was paying/frantically re-stacking nail polish bottles/sweating. For the price, I would probably go back to my normal pick, although in the dead of winter this sure was a treat.

9. Taylor. She gets me – the boys – even M, every time. Every song. Just think about this winter without ‘blank space.’ I know. Horrid.

What’s getting you through the season? I’d love to hear!

The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do, it supports my blog and for that I thank you.

Reclaimed giveaway…!

January 5, 2015 / By Courtney / 40 Comments

What a fun way to kick off 2015 with a giveaway, don’t you agree?

Vintage/antiqued/industrial letters are all the rage. Popping up in well designed rooms from nurseries to family rooms, they provide a unique stamp of individuality. Love them.

We’ve partnered with my favorite local shop, Reclaimed, to bring you the opportunity to win a unique piece for your home. And these aren’t your cookie cutter mass produced letters. No, these are the real deal… repurposed from actual Chicago businesses that have upgraded their lighting from neon to LED. Cool.

Want one? Of course you do. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me which letter you’ll choose and where you’ll display it in your home. Personally, I’ve got my eye on a large ‘G’ for our new mudroom.

Now I know you want to increase your odds of winning, and that’s why you’ll want to follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below to get an additional 4 BONUS entries. Remember, the more you enter, the better your chances of winning this awesome prize!

Be sure to get entered to win before next Sunday night, January 11, at 11:59pm EST. I’ll randomly select a winner whose name will be announced Monday morning on my Facebook page. Be sure you’re following me there so you don’t miss out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway rules: No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US residents only, except where prohibited by law. Giveaway will run from January 5 through January 11, 2015 at 11:59pm EST. A single winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter (powered by Random.org) and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest do not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion.

Deck the halls – holiday home decor.

November 28, 2014 / By Courtney / Leave a Comment

It’s funny – as obsessed as I am with Christmas, I really don’t go all out with the holiday home decor. I get confused when I see Christmas art, pillows, blankets… lamps?! Let’s get real. I’m all about adding a few festive things here and there, but the holiday season isn’t about redecorating. At least, not for me. So here are some fun and simple ideas for decking your halls this year.

1. A festive candle burning while you decorate the tree? A must. The red color and scent (pomegranate + spruce) just nail it.

2. We have this felt garland hanging in our family room and I could not love it more.

3. This is the first year ever I will be purchasing a wreath, and I just can not decide between #3 and #9 (first seen at ImperfectPolish)! This one is live, so the scent will be unreal.

4. A felt advent calendar trumps all those cheap toy ones. Plus it’s reflective of the whole point of the season.

5. You saw these Mason jar fairy lights on my hostess gift guide, and they will be shining brightly throughout my home this season. Such a fun twist on the traditional candle!

6. I’m all about switching out kitchen and bathroom towels and these are darling.

7. A glittery gold JOY? Perfect for above the mantle.

8. Oh my, this CD. I may or may not start to blast it in late October (I know, I know!). Number 5 and 7 just happen to be my fav. Perfect for decorating the tree, holiday parties, and Christmas morning.

9. Ok, second wreath option – it’s lit up and would look killer against my red door, right? Any input?

What are you favorite holiday decorating tips? Share them with me in a comment below!

*The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do, it supports my blog and for that I thank you.

DIY: Restoration Hardware vintage music pieces.

October 31, 2014 / By Courtney / 9 Comments

Listen, Restoration Hardware. You know I love you. You know I’ll spend good money at your perfectly balanced rustic meets glam store. And yet something stopped me awhile back.

These.

The inner music nerd in me totally fell in love.

But… really? $199 a piece? I needed six for my mantel. That would set me back a steep $1200+ for framed sheets of music. Not cool.

Then I had a thought: I could totally make these. And by me I mean M.

Did I mention I have a pretty hands on crafty husband? I mean, you’d never know it with his current gig, but this guy has distressed a few dressers and glammed up a bar cart in his time. I had no doubt he could take this project head on.

I had the plan. I’m great at the idea – sourcing the music, frames, materials. He just has the patience I tend to, well, lack in order to execute.

So, what do you think?

I personally think he did one heck of a job. And here’s exactly how we did it:

1. Purchase frames (in black), rub’buff, linen mat (in white), and vintage music.

2. Take off plastic from frame and rub on rub’buff until desired antiqued gold effect is reached.

3. Let dry.

4. Complete project by framing vintage music with glass, mat, and frame.

Total cost for the entire (6 piece) project? $75.00. Take that, Restoration Hardware.

XO,
C

Holiday Gift Guide: Minted (plus a giveaway!)

October 27, 2014 / By Courtney / 54 Comments

Yippee – it’s time to kick off the 2014 holiday season here at ALFS! Hopefully you’re like me and completely Christmas obsessed, and my sharing gift guides before Thanksgiving doesn’t scare you away. I’ve got so many great ideas I just had to start early. We’ll be sharing ideas for your little one, your grandparents, your sister, your husband, that cool hostess who has everything – the list goes on and on!

To kick things off, we are showcasing some of my personal favorites from Minted. Have you heard of them? Their work and design is exquisite – incomparable to any other on the market. Here are my favorites this season:

1. Minted’s real gold foil stationery is beautiful. How chic is this design? Perfect for that special friend, mom, teacher, hair dresser, etc.

2. Kids need stationery too, and this classic floral print is absolutely beautiful for a young girl.

3. Sometimes even boys need to write out a note (perhaps an apology?). Have them do it in style.

4. These room signs are so darling! Love the fort look for boys.

5. I (almost) want a third child solely for the chance it would be a girl and I could hang this on her nursery door.

6. This brother print kills me. Perfect for a shared room or play room. Don’t worry, they have one for sisters, too!

7. This super manly buffalo so needs to be in your husband’s office ASAP.

8. And last but not least, this super cool notebook serves so many purposes: journal, day planner, address book.

Did I mention that Minted is offering a $150 shopping credit to one lucky ALFS reader? Use it for holiday cards, gifts, home decor, whatever you like. To enter to win, simply visit Minted’s website and have a look around, then come back and leave a comment telling me how you’ll spend the $150 if you win!

Want to increase your chances of winning? Of course you do! Follow the very simple instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below for additional optional entries! There are 7 possible entries, and the more you enter, the better your chances of winning!

Just be sure to get entered by next Sunday night, November 2, at 11:59pm ET. I’ll announce the winner Monday morning on the ALFS Facebook page! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only, except where prohibited by law. Giveaway will run from October 27 through November 2, 2014 at 11:59pm ET. One (1) winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter (powered by Random.org) and once verified, the winner will be notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest do not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Rafflecopter’s Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion.