Notable Things: We’re In HGTV Magazine!! Plus Cozy Christmas Vibes, DIY Ornaments, Flameless Taper Candles, & More!

Where do I even begin? So much to fill you in on lately! To start…I did a little holiday decorating in our living room!

I told Chris the other day that our house was meant for this season. It just shows off in the fall and winter and I don’t even feel like I need to decorate for Christmas for it to have a cozy Christmas vibe. But when I have the time and the mental space, I thoroughly enjoy taking a day to decorate for the holiday.

This year I kept the decorations simple and mainly in our living room and front entry. This is my first time using faux garland and I gotta be honest….I get the appeal! There is something so special about real garland, and that’s what we’ve done every year in the past, but reusable garland that doesn’t turn crispy has its perks. As for hanging garland…tell me it’s a struggle without telling me it’s a struggle.

Most of the winter greenery you see (the garland, stems, tree, and wreath) is from Afloral and this is not my first time raving about the pieces they carry! Have you seen their winter pine and cedar stems?

Afloral was kind enough to offer a discount code “NS15” for 15% off orders over $75!

Lots of brass accents throughout the room with candlestick holders, bells, and bowls…most of which was thrifted over the years. Oh and mirrors….lots of mirrors. Granted I’ve been decorating with them year round…but they feel extra fitting this time of year.

Onto more exciting news, if you haven’t heard or seen already….

What a “pinch me” moment that has been for both of us. We’re in the latest November/December 2022 Holiday issue and if you want a preview, click here to see our home feature in HGTV Magazine.

Way back in January I received an email from the regional editor at the nation’s largest home & garden publisher. This publisher produces all the big name magazines we’ve all grown to love like Better Homes, Magnolia Journal, Country Home, Traditional Home…etc etc etc.

Truthfully, when I first saw the email I assumed it was a scam and didn’t plan on responding. But later I realized it was real and I sent over dozens upon dozens of photos of our home that she then used to pitch to magazines.

Fast forward 6 months, we received word that HGTV Magazine wanted to feature our home in their holiday issue! *cue an immediate freak out moment* We had just 6 weeks to prepare our house & wrap up unfinished projects for the photoshoot.

In August, a crew of people came to photograph our house – a photographer, a stylist, and 3 assistants. It was a 2 day shoot with an additional 2 days of prep and it was the most eye opening experience for me! I had the privilege of learning what it takes to style a home for a magazine!

HGTV Magazine had a look they wanted for our home, so the stylist brought tons of props, decor, textiles, and lighting to style our home. The care and attention that went into each tiny little detail was apparent and it shows in the photos.

To sum up our emotions: We’re honored and blessed!

• This had me rolling! How did she describe every one so accurately!?

• These smell like Christmas. It’s a hard ask to find a candle that actually makes our entire house smell good…not just a 3ft perimeter around the candle. But when I lit “Snowfall” I was transported to Christmas Eve.

• I’m not sure I’ve ever walked on a softer rug. We just put it in our bedroom and that navy beige combo is really beautiful.

• This boys room is the definition of playful yet sophisticated.

• Holy crap! These are the best DIY ornaments I’ve seen in a long time. They look $$$

• Love, love, double love.

• I keep seeing people raving about these flameless candles. Currently on sale too!