Random thoughts on a brilliantly sunny Saturday morning:
1. I am equal parts happy and sad this morning. Yesterday was our last football game. The last game Westleigh will ever cheer. The last game Whitney will ever high kick at. Tears are running down my face as I type this.
But with the tears for the end of a chapter?
Came a sigh of happiness for all the wonderful things just ahead for those amazing, incredible, sweet daughters of mine.
2. I tried a chin mask for the first time this week. It was equal parts hilarious and awe-inspiring because it worked so well. My gobble is (temporarily) gone.
3. I am ALMOST done with my Christmas shopping. If you need any ideas for hard to shop for people on your list? I have done the research and now I am officially an EXPERT. Just message me and I’ll be your personal shopper.
4. It was an amazing week on the blog. Truly. We talked about this super simple ceiling DIY project and I shared some of my best budget gift guides and we discussed how the blog got started and took a mini Christmas tour of the house.
5. I also shared my heart over on Instagram this week.
Y’all. There is SO MUCH Christmas perfection everywhere we look. EVERYWHERE. But truth? The most beautiful decor of all?
Decorating from the heart and remembering the real reason for this wonderful season we call Christmas.
Don’t let the perfection overwhelm you.
Just come sit by me.
I’m so imperfect it will make you feel so much better. 🙂
And now?
Let’s see all the amazing things I found for us from around the internet this week.
This beautiful Christmas table.
And it’s under the stars.
This yummy Christmas bread.
It would be perfect for Christmas morning.
See the recipe here.
This beautiful Christmas front porch.
I love that plaid doormat.
See the entire Christmas porch here.
And this cozy home playlist.
Nothing says Christmas like a little music.
And in random news:
These adorable mug cookies
This gentle reminder
These scandinavian trees
This beautiful front door
How to hang garland on a mantel
These chocolate covered oreo snowflakes
Look at Windsor Castle at Christmas
These vintage-inspired gift bags
This southern Christmas house tour
This oversized wreath (you’ll never guess what they made it from)
How to decorate a tree with ribbon
And y’all. I just discovered a new blog for us.
Wait until you see her Christmas home tour (even the computer screen is pretty).
And one (two) more for the road:
And in case you needed a little Christmas decorating help, I have a couple of fun ideas for you.
Here’s a video I just filmed on Facebook of the SIMPLEST bow ever that doesn’t even need wire.
You can see it here.
And if one video weren’t enough?
I also filmed this video on Facebook about how to use scrap wrapping paper to decorate the top of your gifts.
You can see that video here.
My best friend is hard to buy for. Do u have places to recommend to shop at online? Sherry
Sherry, I like to use https://society6.com/ as a resource. It's a community for artists where their images are placed on all sorts of different things--bedding, kitchen items, masks, you name it, they do it. You will find things there that are different from anything you would see in stores and you are supporting an artist at the same time. There is a WIDE variety of styles (you may need to screen some of them carefully) and I have found the products to be of good quality. I just purchased a cutting board for my college friend--it had a horse motif on it and she loves horses. KariAnne, thanks for another fun lineup! Still love your plates. And the Scandinavian trees .... yum. I'm veering toward simplicity lately.
Another great Thistlekeeping with lots of inspiration, I sure wish I could eat some of the Christmas bread. Happy Holidays
Hey, I am usually the queen of shopping, but not this year! I supported monasteries all around the United States, buying candles, cheeses, soaps, jellies, breads, cheese crackers, pound cakes, cards (but no fruitcake!!!), etc... And, I am wrapping the gifts in TJ's paper bags with fabric ribbons. That's it, like it or not. While sick recovering from covid, I hand-stitched fabric stars and made two "puff star fabric" wreaths as gifts for my brother and my best friend, too. I noticed Etsy has wonderful "puff star fabric" wreaths, too! Not being able to socially distance safely in stores and being careful where we go to stay healthy, I did everything early and on-line.
Wow! Your Christmas decorated proch is totally fantastic! Wish I had one like yours....
[…] KariAnne Wood […]
Fabulous as usual! quick question, Where did those cute red and white plates come from? I think I need those. Thanks love you
Friend, if interested, I would think your daughters could be cheerleaders at Baylor or at least inquire....then you and all of us will see them on TV!! =)
Great edition of Thistlekeeping! I so appreciate the playlist! Happy weekend!
Loved the gentle reminder post. Happy to say I've experienced nearly all of those special moments. Have a fabulous week, Karianne!
Okay, wait... I was just realizing... you and your hubby are going to be empty nesters! Welcome to the club! It's bittersweet, for sure, but it's all good, too! Thanks for sharing, friend!
I've already used the wrapping ideas~ so adorable!!! Thanks for always being a cheerful, smiling friend! Love your blog so much!!!!
I have a 14 year old grandson who said he does not need anything and does not want anything. How unusual is that! Anyway, grandma is going to do something! Do I give him just a gift card? I do not want to give him something he may not like or use but maybe some small items in addition to a gift card. He plays football, baseball, basketball and video games. He is a straight A student. Thank you for your help!!
Hi! Wonderful post (as always thank you!), I just gotta' know, what brand of chin mask did you use? I have a gobble that could use a little less wobble :)
Ok, this edition was fab, as always, but I have to mention how pretty you look in the last video!! A Norwegian Princess!!! xoxo
KariAnne, I loved the wrapping paper ideas! And thank you for always being so encouraging and uplifting! Btw...I would love to know what weight loss program you are on!! You looked so great!
KariAnne, You are one busy girl. Loved all the inspiration today.
Another one loaded with some wonderful ideas, so enjoyable and loved the videos, you look great, so proud for you.
A thought on having a playlist. I use Pandora on my Roku. I have two Christmas stations I started. I listen to them when decorating and even in the summertime when I want to be in a Christmas mood. I also have Pandora on my computer, so when I'm baking Christmas cookies, I take my computer into the kitchen to listen. I love my Pandora! 😁❤
WOo - such fun and beautiful features, and congrats on your shopping accomplishments - you rock! It's going to be a last minute Christmas at our house this year, but I'm trying to get into the spirit! :) Thanks for the help!
It is tough watching your kids grow up and journey away from you. As mothers we protect, love and nurture our children. The transition to independence is bitter sweet. Those of us who have walked this path join hands with you in understanding and love. Thank you for the weekly summary. You know I love and savor them. You are the best!
KariAnne, I see that a reader already asked but could you please share the source of the turkey gobbler chin mask? I actually need this more than Christmas decor ideas 🥴 🦃