DIY to TRY: Ornaments

Welcome back!  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Last week was a little blog break for me as you may have noticed.  I took some time to clear my head, brainstorm for a better blog, and naturally spend time with family over the holiday.  Sometimes a time out is just what is needed. Some years it takes me a bit to get into the Christmas spirit, but this year once we checked Thanksgiving off the calendar, it was game on.  I'm not one to do any over the top decorating, but I do love me some white lights, gold everything, and Christmas music filling the air.  It just puts a smile on my face.

I'll be DIYing some ornaments as I seem to do just about every year, but before I share those later in the week, here's a round up some awesome DIY ornaments that may also make their way onto my tree.

**Please be courteous and click through to the original sources and pin from there.  Thanks!!**

Clay ornaments aren't anything new, but they're still one of my favorites.  Simple and elegant with endless ways to adorn them.  These feathers from 100 Layer Cake are a fun twist on a classic.

While these aren't currently a DIY, that's where my mind went as soon as I saw these on Modcloth.  Chop a stick, sand it smooth, paint it with fun patterns, sand lightly for distressing, and add hook.  So cute!

Another simple twist on a classic is these Kate Spade inspired ornaments from Hi Sugarplum.  So simple yet so fun.  I'm clearly a sucker for gold and white... especially with polka dots.

Origami ornaments are another that seem to win me over every time.  While quite involved, these origami ball ornaments from Giochi di Carta are gorgeous.

For a slightly simpler version, these paper diamonds from Design and Form would look wonderful dripping from any tree.

And since I clearly can't get enough gold, isn't this starburst ornament by Brynne of The Gathered Home simply divine?  I came across them when she shared them on eHow a few months ago, but she's sharing them over on her blog today too.

What are you planning to DIY for the holidays?

Podcast Love

Podcasts are addictive listening.  It starts with one podcast, then snowballs to 6 or more in no time.  Personally I'm always looking for new ones and I know some of you are too, so let's share the love.  Here's what's currently on my listening roster.  Share what podcasts you're loving in the comments below! Design Minds

Style Matters: These local ladies talk all about WHY style matters.  What does it mean to us personally?  It's not all about something pretty or expensive or impressive- it's about how style makes us feel.  AMEN!  Each week they talk to a different guest about what style means to them.  Now in their second season, the guests just keep getting better and better!

Small-Business Rock Stars

Being Boss:  I cannot say enough good about this podcast.  Insert all the heart emojis and that might be a start.  This podcast has also given birth to an amazing facebook group of listeners and like-minded bosses- which is actually where I connected with the Style Matters ladies.  If you want to be boss in a job you're passionate about just give a listen- whether you have a side hustle, are freelancing, or full time, there's so many take-aways.  Plus Emily and Kathleen are so hilarious.  No more gushing required- just go listen and you can thank me later.

She Percolates:  In full disclosure, I wasn't sold when I listened to my first episode since these ladies don't have soothing radio voices, but ya know- who cares!  When I really listened to the content and got to (virtually) know these ladies, I kept coming back.  They don't sugarcoat life or success but have frank discussions about success.  The first question they always ask their guests is "what is your definition of success?"  Each week, I try and come up with what my own definition of success is, but it seems to change week to week.  In a nutshell, She Percolates discusses how success is different for everyone.

Elise Gets Crafty:  Along the same lines as the previous 2 podcasts, Elise chats with small-business owners.  Not as chit-chatty as all the ones above since it's just her and the guest, but that mean's there's less filler chat and more useful stories.  I love hearing about the paths people took to reach success.

General Life Inspiration

The Lively Show: this was the first podcast I listened to and it got me hooked.  Jess talks to guests from all walks of life about how to live life with intention.  Sometimes she's focused on business, other times family, or finances, or beauty.  Really any topic that might help you live your life more intentionally, she's probably touched on.  Let's be frank- who doesn't want to live there life a little more intentionally and maybe be a bit happier?

Intellectual Stimulation

TED Talk Radio: This is the most recent add to my weekly listening.  Each episode explores a topic and pulls from several TED talks.  My favorite so far is "The source of creativity."  Just very interesting adventures into interesting topics.

Now I want to hear from you!  Do you love these podcasts or have others that you think I should add to my list?

Crash! Modern Cozy Chic

My friend Jen graciously let me come Crash! her home just before she started packing it all up for her impending move.  As an interior designer too, she definitely has a natural talent for an effortlessly chic space, but guys, you're gonna die over her little guys nursery! (*metaphorically only- please don't actually die over a room*) As this living room clearly shows- the key to using several colors in a room cohesively is to have something to unify them all.  In here it's the center pillow and the artwork.  And hello 6 patterns?  It doesn't look crazy or busy, just modern, cozy, and welcoming.  Well done, Jen!

Statement lights and large artwork are my current fave for any dining room- the right art and lighting can make a space!  And who are we kidding, I'm always a sucker for antique home details and molding.

I'll stop beating around the bush, though, the real show-stopper in the home is the dwelling of the littlest resident.

I dare you to try and find a more stunning crib!  He's a lucky little man.

Mod crib and a vintage dresser?  He'll be the coolest kid on the playground.

Thanks Jen for letting me share!  Pop over to her new site, Vibrant Way Interiors and say HI.  Good luck with the move, Jen and I can't wait to see what the next home looks like!