HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

I'm ashamed to say that I have yet to mail the first holiday card. To be completely honest, we just took our photos last Saturday. In addition to taking pictures that day, my husband and I also celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. So much can happen in six years and the proof lies in our past photos. Only one year is missing and once you go through the photos, you can guess why...

Christmas Wedding 2005

Christmas 2006 - [4 months pregnant with the twins]

Christmas 2007 [Twins are here!]

Christmas 2008 [Look, we added another!]

Christmas 2009 [This is what happens when you don't have a nap before photos]

Today, Christmas 2011

These people take my breath away...

As my family celebrates the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, we also pray that you too are able to be with family/friends who love you dearly. I thank God for all of you and appreciate the support and encouragement you've given me throughout the year.. I hope I have been able to reciprocate it to you.

Happy Holidays with Love,

Erika

TOP 10 GIFTS FOR GARDENING LOVERS, UNDER $30

written by Abra Lee, Garden Contributor

Some of the best gifts I've ever received have not always been the most expensive ones. True enough, I'd always appreciate another pair of designer sunglasses, but gifts that speak to my love of gardening are often near and dear to my heart. I've pulled together a few of my favorite things, all under $30 and can be ordered online with the exception of two items. If you have more gift ideas to share or questions about any of these selections, please add them to the comments section below. Happy Holidays!

1.|  HORI HORI KNIFE- Japanese for "dig dig" its a must have tool for gardeners, $21.04.
2.| FOXGLOVES ORIGINAL-I love the smooth texture of this brand. I own an elbow length pair in purple, $20.
3.| HERB QUARTERLY MAGAZINE One of my favorite gardening publications, it's very well-written and I read this one cover to cover, $19.97.
4.| AMERICAN GROWN: How the White House Kitchen Garden Inspires Families, Schools, and Communities - I get excited every time I see our First Lady in the White House Garden.  This book contains many images of her tending to the garden and discusses how it has influenced us all to play in the dirt again, $19.80.
5.| 3 WHITE CONTAINERS IN VARIOUS SIZES- I got hip to this from a blog post a few weeks back by colour expert Maria Killam. People often give gardeners interior plants but they don't include a decorative container for the plant. She makes the point that no matter the color, plants will always look good in a white container. I totally agree.
6.| GARDEN JOURNAL Get this for your favorite gardener and write an inscription in it. Tell them to write about what they're doing in their garden, lectures attended, etc, $18.60.
7.|  A vintage garden book (hardback copy)- pick one, any one. Old school garden books are so descriptive and fun to read. Plus they look so classy sitting on your desk. Shop estate sales, your local thrift, or Goodwill for great finds at deeply discounted prices.
8.| GARDEN CLOCHE - Whether you're using it to start plants from a seed or just as a display to cover some of your favorite garden item, cloches' are a plants best friend, $26.97.
 9.| AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP - Gift your gardener with a membership to the American Horticultural Society. It's $35 (so it puts you $5 over budget) but there are so many benefits like: discounts to public gardens, and subscriptions to publications like American Gardener Magazine and others. 
 10.| PHOTOGRAPH AND FRAME - There are many gardeners who don't have pictures of themselves working in the garden. Snap a few candid shots of your favorite gardener and frame the best picture you take. They're sure to love it.

5 WAYS TO STAY SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Dinner with my family is my reward from a long day's work. It's a protected time where we replenish our bodies, release our thoughts from the day, and receive affirmation and love from the ones who care about us most.

Last night was much different. I have to admit I wish the conversation never had to happen, but what my husband discussed with me was uncomfortable, but necessary. As he began to recount his personal stories, those from friends, and from various news outlets, my heart felt almost heavy as a ton of bricks. I lost my appetite. Sure, theft happens everyday. It feels much different when it hits close to home, or worse when it is at your own home. I don't mean to bring such grim news during a happy season, I just want everyone to be both mindful and merry...

While we trim our tree and hang our garland we should also do what we can to keep our homes and families safe and secure.The folks at Home Security ADT asked me via email to share with my readers how we play it safe during the holidays and everyday. Here's are a few things my husband and I thought of during our dinner chat:

1. When making expensive purchases [think big screen TVs, computers], take extra care in disposing of the box. Use a box cutter to breakdown the cardboard into small pieces, then bag them in a black trash bag. Nothing says "rob me" more than a huge box with a television pictured on the front.  
2. If possible, back into your garage instead of pulling in forward. I personally know someone who was robbed when a thief entered their garage as they arrived home.
3. Do not position your holiday gifts near windows or glass doors where they can be easily seen.
4. Check the locks on every door (and accessible windows) of the house before heading to bed. Make sure your key still fits the door.
5. Keep your porch and other dark corners of your home's exterior well lit to discourage intruders.
 

I'm sure there is more advice that can be added to the list. I want to hear from you. Please share with us your experiences and tips for being smart about security.

FTC Disclaimer: This post was brought to you by homesecurityfamily.com. The thoughts and opinion are my own. My greatest wish this holiday is the preservation of your family's safety both home and away. Be Blessed!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Today I'm celebrating my 32nd birthday with some reflection and hopefully tonight a cocktail or two. Pardon the throwback birthday photo. Two of my best friends threw an awesome dinner party for my 24th Birthday. This has always been one of my favorite pics! Hard to believe that was eight years ago. Sheesh.

 

This year has been good to me. The Lord has provided me with many opportunities to swim in uncharted waters and opportunities to strengthen my faith muscles. I have so many reasons to smile today so that's what I'm focused on. My one and only wish is that you do the same. We only have one life to live. I'm not saying to live life without regard to others, I'm suggesting that within the busyness of life, you stop and take time to nurture yourself. 

With that said, I'm taking my own advice and getting back in the bed today. Instead of a party, I'm having a snorefest in my fresh linens and new down pillows. See 'ya tomorrow.

xo,

Erika

FUN THANKSGIVING TABLES FOR KIDS

I stand corrected. Remember when I declared via video that we would host Thanksgiving dinner at my house?

Well, I was wrong. That won't be happening this year.

My husband kindly informed me that we would be enjoying a catered dinner at his uncle's house who declared that this year would be his last year hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe the torch will pass to us in 2012. We shall see. In the meantime, I didn't want these ideas from my inspiration file to go to waste.

Starting with the kids--they are ALWAYS hungry, right? At least my three fit this category. Snacking, snatching, and grabbing like little vultures circling my kitchen island for a crumb to crunch. Though this idea is for Thanksgiving, it would work for any occasion where you would serve a well-dressed bird.

Get step-by-step instructions on the Parents Magazine website and view other cutesy crafts in their slideshow.

 

After they devour the popcorn, download and print Paper Glitter's free Thanksgiving Fall Kit to keep their little fingers busy.

...and don't forget to make these adorable pilgrim hats to hold the crayons.
Find the instructions here.

If you don't have time to do any of the above crafts, then simply cover the kids' table with craft paper and let them draw, write, and play 'til their little heart's content.

Now that I have children, I try to create memories and traditions for them during the holidays. What are your fondest memories of Thanksgiving when you were a child?

LAST MINUTE HALLOWEEN TREATS

Are you one of those Moms who's always rushing at the last minute to pull together treats for your kids' class?

Hand raised.

Check out Brittany from One Charming Party's super quick and uber cute idea for decorating Halloween cupcakes:

Easy shopping list:


One dozen chocolate-frosted cupcakes
1 Bag of Oreo Cookies
2 Boxes of Reese's Pieces (because you will eat a box while you work, right?)
1 Package of Cute Napkins
*Did I miss anything? This seems TOO easy.*

Shazam! Your kids' teachers will think you are a party pro.

Brittany actually created an entire food station and provides instructions on how to recreate her party.  If we aren't up on our game, she makes Last Minute Moms like us look bad.  At least she's generous and shares her secrets.

In addition to Halloween ideas, her site is filled to the brim with the most adorable ideas for kids parties and entertaining. Can you tell I spent way too much time over there this morning?

What are your plans for Halloween? Please, indulge me.

WISHING YOU PEACE, LOVE, AND JOY!

It's Christmas Eve and I'm in a pensive mood. Thoughts float to you and the heartfelt gratitude I have for you as a part of my extended family. This year has been a remarkable year and none of this would have been possible without your readership, love, and support. Simply put, I appreciate you.

As the day progresses, the night falls and Christmas morning arrives, let us all reflect on those who have been a blessing to us and of course the true reason for the season.

Love to All,
Erika

DESIGN INSPIRATION AT THE NAIL SALON

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to you all. Though I would love to be at a beautiful beach resort, I have to wait just one more month!  To tide me over for a while, I will settle for a mani/pedi in Essie's Resort Collection. With names like LAPIS OF LUXURY, PLAYA DEL PLATINUM, AND TURQUOISE AND CAICOS, I'm ready to pack my suitcase!!

For those like me who cannot escape to paradise, find decor inspiration in The Resort Collection's color palette.  This palette is the perfect jumping off point for a tranquil bedroom like the one below designed by Patricia Gray.

Need more proof that inspiration can be found at your nail salon? Consider Essie's The Wedding Collection...

...then take tour of Jill Stuart's apartment featured on Elle Decor.

photography / simon upton

 

Need a break from decor? Schedule a pamper session with the ladies using Essie's The Summer Collection...

...take a hint from the color names like HAUTE AS HELLO, KNOCKOUT POUT, and VERMILLIONAIRE and head to the movies to see Sex and the City 2.

What are your plans for the Memorial Day weekend? Whatever you do have a safe, enjoyable weekend and please thank our men and women in the armed forces for their contributions in keeping our country a safe one!

CHRIS WARD, GUEST BLOGGER

Hello. This is Chris, Erika's husband.  I'm sure you were not expecting to see a post from me, but I got permission from her to share my thoughts on Mother's Day...

A mother is a person that doesn’t get enough credit for the work she does.  I am proud to say I am the man I am today because of the values my mother instilled in me at a young age.  She has since passed but still lives within me as I go about my everyday life.

This day is also special to me because of this beautiful lady in my life, my wife Erika.  She is a tremendously gifted and caring human being that I’m so dearly in love with.  As you already know, we have 3 beautiful children ages 3 and under so there is never a dull moment in the Ward household.  

credit:katlyne hill photography

Most of you know Erika through this incredible blog that inspires and provides great design advice. I know her as someone who takes care of our children, keeps our home beautiful and clean, cooks fabulous meals, runs a great design business, and keeps me happy in more ways than one (ooh yeah)! For anyone that has had the privilege of meeting Erika, they know that she is beautiful woman both inside and out. She's genuine, has a pure heart, and motivates people not just in design but in any area she feels she can contribute to their lives. What Erika means to me (and our household) is just plain and simple, “I CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT HER!” She is my rock and helps me to maintain focus on my duties as a husband and provider. I greatly appreciate her and thank GOD everyday for bringing this special woman into my life. She's someone I can grow young with.   Today I celebrate and thank all mothers for all they do, and I especially thank the mother of my children for all that she does for us. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

In Love...Happy Valentines Day!

In honor of loving the one you're with or even just loving yourself, here are a few thoughts on making this Valentine's Day and everyday special...

1. Fresh flowers

image credit

2. Candlelight

3. Put your overhead lights on dimmers

click here for a cheesy, yet effective demo!

4. Sensual, scented candles/oil burners

5. Music

click here for a sample

6. High Thread Count Sheets

7. Photos and Momentos

image credit

8. Breakfast in Bed

Hotel Palomar, Midtown Atlanta

Did I miss something? What ways do you like to make yourself or your significant other feel special?

Welcome 2010!

Well it's January and who doesn't love a fresh start? While some reject the idea of making a list of New Year's Resolutions I find that when I write them down, I complete 90% of the list! The 10% I didn't do will be on this year's list (smile)*. So here goes...

This year I resolve to:

1. Not be embarrassed when my children throw temper tantrums in public.
2. Enjoy the simple things in life.
3. Continually challenge myself in the area of creativity.
4. Keep a (rough) daily schedule for myself and the family.
5. Not be preggers this year and look forward to returning to my "former glory*."
6. Enjoy a weekly date night with the husband even if it's just a candlelight dinner at home.
7. Travel more, now that I've made a decision regarding #5.
8. Make good use of every room in my house.
9. Make someone's day, everyday.
10. Organize more play dates for my munchkins as well as for myself!

*BONUS* Make 2010 the best year ever!

Thinking Happy Thoughts...oh yes, and Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone joy and happiness during this holiday season. Even if times are a bit tough, remember what's truly important...the love and family and friends. And if they too by chance are having a meltdown, just think happy thoughts! Take it from me!

Holiday Cheer captured by KATLYNE HILL PHOTOGRAPHY