My 2016 Christmas Decor Plans

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 I have gone through the planning process for this years Christmas decor and I am looking forward to begin the decorating. However I will wait until Thanksgiving is over.

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 I start a little early in order to give me enough time to order samples of any pillow fabric or wrapping paper and ribbon I might be using. 

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The samples have come and the orders have taken place so now I can share with you what I decided on this year.

In my planning process the very fist step I do is start perusing Pinterest for inspiration. I pin what I am attracted to and usually a color scheme will start emerging.  

Just to give you an idea of the process, I pinned over 100 pins to come up with this overall scheme. It takes time and patience, but it is a process I love to do.

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This year was no exception, the color scheme started to emerge. Keep in mind when pinning that you are pinning color combinations that you like, as you can see in the above images they are not always Christmas scenes, but books, a wedding boutonniere, a flower , a wedding..

 2016 CHRISTMAS COLOR SCHEME

 It always amazes me how this evolution takes place. If we go with our instincts a design plan will emerge.

I want to use eucalyptus green in my decor this year and the navy and white are perfect partners with this color scheme.

Once I pin enough images I make a collage to see which elements will work nicely together. 

The wreath you see in the middle of the collage is a long time favorite of mine, by Martha Stewart. 

I have wanted to make this for several years, but it did not quite fit into my plans, but this year it is perfect for my plans.

The wrapping paper I will be using this year as my Ta-da papers are coming from spoonflower. I like to order a couple of Wow papers to add to my mix.

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This first paper is actually eucalyptus, how cool is that? The leaves are just the right colors for my overall design scheme. 

This is going to be beautiful with a navy double face satin bow, or a beautiful silver satin ribbon.

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Here is a basket of my ribbons, and I will be adding some silver to the mix this year along with my signature black and white stripes....

The next pattern I chose to add to the mix features more navy, but still has the green that is needed...

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For those of you who have been following along with my blog, you know my signature gift wrap is a black and white awning stripe and it is always in the mix and this year is no exception....

I will be adding a solid shimmering silver paper to the mix. It is nice to always have something reflective and sparkly under the tree.

PILLOWS

Once I knew that eucalyptus green and navy were the two main base colors, I started searching for some pillows that would add to this mix.

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This first pillow I am showing you felt like it was a MUST, not just for Christmas, but for the entire Fall/Winter season, it just works so well in my home with the other colors and patterns I use.

Once I got the sample the green was a bit brighter, but it is still perfect and the navy background is also just what I needed.

I had a few others in the mix as you can see in the above inspiration collage, but in the end three made the cut.

I like to add a bit of whimsy, or somewhat of a theme, or words so this next pillow seemed simple enough for my design aesthetic, and just the right colors, and theme..

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I just received it a couple of days ago and to say I am pleased is an understatement. All the colors are spot on and work beautifully in my room. It is a wool hand hooked pillow, simple and festive. I think it helps set the mood.

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This next pillow was a shoe-in, nothing says Christmas like a Tartan plaid. 

This particular plaid was the right scale and colors for the other two pillows. They all work well together. 

I think with my blue ticking sofa these will fit the bill nicely.

All the planning is done, and now for the execution to make this all happen!!!

I am almost ready to start my Falalaing For This Holiday Season!!!

 

 

CHRISTMAS PILLOWS CAN SET THE MOOD

Do you need a jumpstart for this Holiday season? Take a look at #4 on my steps to jumpstart your Holiday decorating.

Sometimes art can be in the form of a pillow and that is what I am going to show you today.

CHRISTMAS PILLOWS 

There is one pillow in particular that keeps coming to my mind. It is unusual and whimsical and the Holidays are a perfect time to use a bit of whimsy in your decor. 

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I know this pillow is not for everyone, but you have to admit he is FUN!!!

An entire Christmas room could be planned around him, and I just might do that in a upcoming post. Oh the fun I will have!!

The pillow that can set the mood for your room does not have to be a thematic pillow, it can be a fun festive color, or print like this over sized hounds tooth. 

However it is fun to have at least one themed pillow in your Christmas room.

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I LOVE this pillow, of course it is black and white typography which is a favorite of mine, and then add the pretty tree and we have Christmas on a pillow!! At $9.99 for this cover, I think it is a steal!

Etsy is a place I always check out for pillows of all styles and themes. I find they have a great selection and at all price points.

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I know that plaid is big for this years Christmas element, and the antlers are a staple in many homes so this little pillow is for you that love plaid and antlers!!

I also like to use words or Christmas sayings in my Holiday decor. This can be done with a pillow.....

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There are so many sources, and pillows to choose from. Just start looking and see what you are drawn too and you might just have your inspiration for this years Holiday decor.

If you need a little more inspiration go to my Pinterest board below and just click on it and it will take you to my board...

Christmas Pillows

CLICK HERE↑

Enjoy the Process of getting Inspired!

 

 

A SKINCARE POST: Sheet Mask and Eye Cream!

    

I wish I could promise you a miracle in a bottle, but to be honest we just have to keep trying products to see which one's our skin will respond to. As we age these product may need to change to address different issues.

Our goals in skincare should be maintenance, and prevention of further damage. Let's take care of what we have!! 

NOURISH AND NURTURE 

are the key words!!

At 66 years old I am trying to nourish and maintain my skin. Let's face it what damage is done is done, to my regret. Too many days sunbathing in the 60's!

Lately I have been using the Korean 10 step skincare program and loving it. I wrote about it in this post. HERE!  

I truly feel like I am doing the right thing for my skin and I am nourishing and nurturing it. I actually look forward to cleansing my skin, morning and night. It feels like such a treat to me.

I am still loving the May Coop raw sauce essence and I think I might be addicted to it!

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One of the steps in the 10 step program is to give yourself a sheet mask treatment once, or twice a week.

I am trying several different sheet mask, but so far I am loving one in particular, and have reordered it. At only $3.50 it is a pretty inexpensive facial in my book.

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Give yourself 20 minutes of relaxation while this mask goes to work. FYI, you might look a little scary with the mask on, but trust me it is doing a good job for you so it is worth it!!

I like to do my mask, and use my Crest white strips to bleach my teeth at the same time. Lay back and enjoy a little cat nap.

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Once you take the mask off your face, I like to rub it on my neck and decollete, hands and arms, there is plenty of this wonderfully soaked product to use elsewhere so why not go for it!?

EYE CREAM

There is another product I am very happy with and that is an under eye cream. 

For some reason I have been having sinus problems this last month, and my under eye area was puffy and very dark. 

I tend to be dark under my eye anyway, but add a sinus problem and I look like I have a shiner!!

I read about this natural caffeine based product that also has nutrients in it, and thought it was worth a try.

To be honest the results were pretty dramatic, I could tell immediately that it was working on me. 

It has been 3-4 weeks and it is still a thumbs up from me. 

I am very sensitive to any makeup, or creams around my eyes, and with this there is no tearing up, or itching. I highly recommend this product....

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(Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs while increasing circulation to brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing rosehip oil to make eye area look more awake and more youthful. Truly, 100% Pure.  )

I will continue to try different products, and when I see results I will gladly share my discoveries with you. 

BTW: If you would like to purchase the sheet mask above or try others use this link to get 10% off....

https://share.peachandlily.com/x/On5N0D