DIY - Christmas Napkin Rings

Last night I was feeling in the Christmas spirit and rather crafty so I decided to make some Christmas napkin rings. I found out this past Monday that Trey and I would be hosting Christmas Eve dinner on the Cuban side with my Abuelos and I was so excited!!! I finally have a chance to use all my fine china, crystal stemware, and fine linens. But, when I set out to get all my things ready I realized I only had 6 silver napkin rings from my registry. I could've swore we got all of them as gifts, but I guess I was mistaken (good gift idea for Trey for something next year ;)... Anyway, I thought a cheaper and more festive alternative would be to make some for myself. So off to Michaels I went and $5.00 and a little scissor and glue gun action later... Voila!

They were so easy and fun to make!

Step one: Cut strands of garland ($1.00 garland ribbon (marked down 50%))

Step two: cut rings off the mini ornaments ($1.50 for a pack of 8 ... also 50% off)

Step three: use hot glue to attach the rings and place the ornaments on the rings... and that's it!

Christmas Time is Here and I'm feeling Bold!

It's the most wonderful time of year and it has just come and almost gone as fast as this year flew by. Gosh, where did 2011 go!? It feels like yesterday that we were looking forward to Christmas last year. I guess time flies when you're having fun and trippin' it around the world. I haven't posted anything this season so I thought I'd share one of our super buy tree (only $30 from Costco and it nearly touches the ceiling!) and our first fire.

And of course had to share a pic of my annual gingerbread house -this time made with the help of my nieces Handley and Harper who came over last Sunday to share in one of my favorite holiday traditions (in place since I used to make them with my best friends Kelsey and Maggie in high school). I can't wait to make it a family tradition!

And last but not least, I have been feeling rather blah about my hair lately. Ever since Trey and I got engaged I have been trying to grow my hair long. That resulted in about 3 haircuts over the last 3 years! (yes, I know... horrible!) But, despite the length achieved I had been feeling that it was looking rather weighed down and just boring when I'd leave it straight. So, I went for it today and decided to get some bangs. I hated bangs as a kid and that was the last time I ever had them, so I took baby steps tonight and just went for the side swept bang. They're hanging sufficiently down in my eye to make this a real challenge for me, but I think I like the change... we'll see when I actually have to dry them myself, but it's always exciting to make a little change. Who knows maybe next time I'll go for highlights for the first time - ooh, how bold!