Snow Week

I would guess that those of you who live in the Atlanta area have CABIN FEVER just like me.  Today was the first day that I actually ventured outside the house.  I have never been so thankful to go to the grocery store in my life!  I was so happy to see the sunshine today, and I pray that schools are back in session tomorrow.

Now just to be clear, the boys and I have enjoyed our "snow week", but it is time to move on.  (Actually, I should name it "ice week" since we received more ice that snow.)  During our time off the boys have enjoyed sledding around the neighborhood.  We have consumed enough cookies, brownies, and hot chocolate to satisfy our sweet tooth for the next three months.  I have managed to paint a few things in Tripp's room, install a new light fixture, organize our pantry, and drive Jim insane with a new updated "honey-do" list.  Maybe I should wish for one more day home.  Who knows what I could do tomorrow!

Stay warm everyone!!!
Our Southern Nest

Houzz Holiday Idea Book

If you have not found the Houzz website yet, you are missing out...especially if you are remodeling or building a new home.  I love searching their website for ideas and it gets better!  If you sign up on their website, you can save all those wonderful pictures and create your own idea book!  No more searching the web for that picture you saw that one time!  Sound familiar? 

Below you will find their latest post about Holiday Decorating.  I thought I would share it with you just in case you were looking for something to do in your spare time before Christmas. ;) LOL!!!

50 Photos of Amazing Holiday Decorations

Houzz- Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and More»

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My Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

Here is my version of the tomato cage Christmas tree.  I used cedar garland purchased at Home Depot.  I filled in with magnolia leaves that I borrowed from my good friend Beth!  Enjoy!

Christmas Gift Wrapping Party

Would you like to have a Girls Night Out and still get something accomplished on your Christmas "To-Do List"?  I have the perfect solution for you!  Invite a few friends over for a Christmas gift wrapping party!

 Here are a few ideas to get you started.  First, set up a gift wrapping station.  I have used glass vases and canisters to to store gift wrapping paper, ribbons, raffia, pens and shredded paper.  Your guests can pick and choose different combinations to wrap their gifts for family and friends.

There are many ways to make a bow to attach to your gift, but I will share how I do it.  First, I make a loop and gather the ribbon in between my thumb and forefinger.

Then I make a second loop and gather the ribbon again in between my thumb and forefinger.

 I continue to make loops and gather the ribbon in the center.  I like to twist the ribbon before a make a new loop.

 I continue to make loops until the bow is the size I would like it to be.  I like to have an odd number of loops on each side of the bow.  Next, you will need to take a pipe cleaner or piece of raffia to secure the bow in the center.  You can see I am using raffia to secure my bow.

I wrap the raffia around the bow a couple of times and then tie it in a knot.  I like to leave the end of the raffia long because I will then tie the bow to the present.

I will now attach the bow to the present by looping the raffia around the ribbon and tie it in a knot.

You can see that I have attached the bow to the gift and that I have left the raffia ends long.

Next I have made another bow, but this time I use red raffia.  Once I have made the red bow, I place it on top of the green bow.  I use the green raffia to attach to red bow to the larger green bow.  Then I gather red shredded paper in the center and secure it with the green raffia.

All that is left to do is to attach a gift card.  You can see that I used labels from Office Max for my gift cards.  They are cheap and a box contains around 500 labels.  I have been using the same box for a few years. 

I found these 3D stickers at Michael's for 40% off.  I used some of the on my gift labels and to adorn some of the presents.

Most of the gift wrapping paper I have used has either come from Hobby Lobby or from Nashville Wraps.  I ordered all of the Wraphia ribbon, floral ribbon and shredded paper from Nashville Wraps.  I love that company!  I usually receive my order within two days of placing my order!  The large ric rac ribbon that you see on some of the packages came from May Arts.

There you have it!  Now you can host your own gift wrapping party!  If you don't have time this year, put it on your to-do list for next year!

Thanks for stopping by!
Our Southern Nest

PS-  I would like to say "Thank You" to Kari over at UCreate Parties!  She most graciously shared my post with her readers.  I have mentioned her before and if you haven't visited her blogs you are missing out!

Christmas Wreath DIY

I found yet another video from Mr. P. Allen Smith.  In this video he adds fresh greenery to a fake wreath and the end result is beautiful.  It left me saying, "Why didn't I think of that".  Again, thank yo Mr. P. Allen Smith!!!!

Our Southern Nest

Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

I have one more video I found from Mr. P. Allen Smith.  I did this a couple of years ago on our front porch and I think I will do it again this year.

Thank you Mr. Smith!

Stocking Door Hanging

I found this video on YouTube this morning.  I think it is adorable and thought you might enjoy watching!