Holly and Jolly.

I hope that your holidays were happy and healthy. We managed to pull off a really fun couple of days with family and friends and ended feeling grateful and loved. This year in the new house felt flush with so many great things. We hosted most of the family for Christmas day and had a great brunch of oysters Rockefeller, homemade pecan rolls, and mimosas with fresh juice. It was amazing! Then we saw more friends and met the newest member of our clan that was born on the 23rd! Here are some photos I wanted to share.

Dancing lights set to music. This place had their own radio station set up!

Waiting for Santa and his reindeer. O was contemplating just how he'd get in the house and avoid the fire in the fireplace. Once he was in bed JJ assembled this awesome train table that he scored on Craigslist. He had it in the house for over a month and could hardly wait to give it to O!

The morning was filled with surprises including my new yellow bike! Which was a complete surprise and about four years in the making! And now O can officially join the families since he has his own work bench and tools. His Papa and uncle know him well.

I just had to include this one. Every time we are inside our friend's home O finds a way to lay on this cowhide. He loves it. It's such a strange thing to me since it's not exactly snuggly, but he thinks it is great. Not to mention that tired out look on his face, Christmas was good to him.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful day with your families. As you can see, we missed out on a full family photo once again so you'll just have to believe that we looked lovely in our matching green accents. Have a happy weekend!

Last Minute Market.

There is just something special about a handmade gift. And if you don't have the time to make it yourself finish up your shopping this Saturday, December 21st at Last Minute Market in Lakewood! 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, 44107. It is a huge show and so much fun every year. This will be my third time participating and I look forward to seeing familiar faces and also getting a few last minute gifts! Check out their website for more details about all the vendors that will be there.

I have lots of great new things for all of the dashing gentlemen in your life, including those of the canine type.

I'll have neckties, bow ties, tie clips, and more! Come by and say hello!

For Wreaths.

Thanks to my Instagram feed I have become aware of so many amazing artists and artisans out there in the world. One of which is a floral designer from California, Moon Canyon. I don't know too much about them other than their amazing and beautiful floral arrangements that they post. I was inspired by a wreath that I saw and I knew I had to make my own version.

Materials:

Grapevine Wreath from Michael's

Trimmings from the bottom of our Christmas Tree

Branches from the tree in the backyard, with berries

Thin gauge wire

Wire cutters

I was out in the falling snow cutting down low hanging branches feeling very merry. I was happy to know that other than the wreath, we had all of the required materials in the house.

I swept the Christmas tree branches along the bottom and secured it with the wire. Then wove the berry branches into the wreath and on top of the greenery. I wanted the branches swept to the side and kind of loose and falling to add to the dramatic look. The lion on our front door was happy to have some company and it only took me about twenty minutes total. Did you make a wreath this year? I'd love to see if you did! 

Happy birthday Dad!!

New Traditions.

We haven't had a real Christmas tree in years but this years. But this year with an eager toddler and a bigger house, we decided that a real one was the way to go. We headed over to the church near our old house last Friday night in the cold, wet snow and picked out a winner. O was so excited "we need a 'tah fa da top!" (translation, star for the top).

When we got home he ran around the house in complete delight (and nudity) to celebrate the arrival of the tree. He helped get it in the house and up in the stand, those photos are excluded due to content…The next day we got a star and had the decorations up by the end of the weekend.

He is mesmerized by it and has to give anyone that comes by a tour of the tree. I'm so excited to start new traditions with our little family. He is so delighted with the littlest things that it really puts a smile on both of our faces. From one happy house to yours, Happy Friday!

The Doberman.

I am the proud aunt of not one but three dogs. And when one of these said pups was in need of something special for the holidays, I went ahead and made it for him. See, Huckleberry Finn's owners are two very fashionable Clevelanders and he needed to hold his own. That's where I came in. 

I have in the past made two dog bow ties for wedding parties but it was done on the sly. I wasn't sure if it was something that I wanted to open myself up to. But once I found the proper gear it turned out to be a pretty fun thing to make! Just look at the handsome face of his! I can't wait to see their holiday card! Way to get in the spirit Huck! If you know I pup in need I have a few extra!

On the Table: Plenty

Feeding a toddler is…difficult. This little boy used to eat just about anything, his taste buds were new and he was happy to have anything flavorful hand scooped into his mouth. These days things are a little more peanut butter and jelly shaped but we do have our moments. 

My brother and sister-in-law gave me the most beautiful cookbook for my birthday when they were in town called Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi. It written by a London based chef and is compiled completely of unique vegetarian dishes that focuses on freshness and variety. I spent the afternoon just looking through it. I found so many things that I would like to try but I started with something I was pretty sure this kiddo would eat. Mee Goreng is a stir fry noodle dish made with bok choy, green beans, and tofu. It was quick and most importantly the kid gobbled it up! Well, the noodles and the tofu but I'll count this as a win. 

Check it out if you are looking for something new.  Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend! There's lots to do in Cleveland so get on out there!

Fall Weddings.

I am so excited to share these photos from this really lovely couple. They were married in October in Cleveland on a Sunday. I first spoke with Danielle in early spring about getting three ties and a bow tie for their ring bearer and from the moment we talked, we hit it off. Suddenly, like old friends we were sharing texts about fabrics, wedding ideas, and a little snark too. Their mission was orange and a minty green/blue for the groom, father of the bride, best man, and ring bearer, They opted for four different but complimenting patterns and it was a lot of fun.

I love the vest and boutonniere combo. Matt's whole look was really fun, you can see in the last photo the chocolate brown Chucks!

It was really great to work with such a fun and sweet couple! I wish you a lifetime of happiness! Thanks so much for letting me share a little bit of your day!

Photos by Danielle Andes.