Holidays are Here!

I remember when I was in college working at Kohl's Department store this time of year. I HATED the crowds, rude people and all of the craziness that surrounds the holidays. I personally think everyone should have to work a black Friday once in their life. Now that I am off during the holidays I am able to take it all in and enjoy this special time of the year. Don't get me wrong, my Origami Owl business keeps me on my toes, but I have made a vow to myself that I will not allow it to consume and stress me out this year. That being said...here are some things I have been doing to get in the spirit.

Pinterest is once again my best friend during this time of the year. All throughout the remainder of the year I can easily do without the craft sensory overload, but I have managed to find some cute things the past couple of weeks. I love the idea of a Christmas village in your home, but it takes up a lot of room so this is a super cute idea. Choose your scene props, your favorite apathy jars and add baking soda!

Dara and I hosted our first ever Hootie (me) & Tootie (Dara) Owliday Bash this past weekend. We had lots of inventory for guest to choose from, food and of course prizes. Dara's home was decorated so beautifully for Christmas already so it was a perfect back drop. Here is a collage of some of our decor.

I LOVE the teal tree! I convinced Dennis that one day it would be cute in our kids rooms. 

The punch was also a Pinterest idea. It was not only the perfect color, but it was super simple. You will need to mix equal parts of blue Hawaiian Punch and lemonade. It was delicious! 

On Sunday my Mama, Taby and I went to Nashville to Christmas Village. It is located at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. There are over 250 vendors spread out in 4 different buildings. I could have spent lots of mooh-lah, but only managed to buy a few gifts. If you have never been it's definitely worth a trip. I personally love Bell Buckle Craft Fair better, but that is because there are lots of unique handmade items you can't find anywhere else. Once we finished shopping we stopped by Kay Jewelers to get my ring cleaned, it was awfully dirty. It is so funny to think about how nervous Dennis was not to ask me to marry him but because he thought I wouldn't like my ring he picked out. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my beautiful wedding set! He is the most amazing husband a girl could ask for.

Another great weekend in the books...hope you have a fantastic week!

Fall is here...

Wow, time sure does fly by. Dennis and I went on an amazing cruise this summer, celebrated some birthday parties, had some camping excursions and had a wonderful summer with family and friends. I don't think you or I have the time to read and recap the entire 2013 summer, but I can assure you it was awesome. 

I love this time of the year when I get to buy cute fall and Christmas decorations. I personally hate the cold, but there is something about getting to decorate for the holidays that makes life so sweet. 

I am not a particular fan of Halloween, but I couldn't resist taking a picture of our little pumpkin!

While Mama, Taby and I were in Chattanooga this weekend I snagged this little steal at Southeastern Salvage downtown. The price tag said $39.99, but I got it for $27. The awesome thing about this chalk board is that it is really light. The frame is plastic so it will be perfect for a kids room one day. I googled ideas for the fonts and art design...I think it turned out pretty cute!

I also think this board will be perfect to one day use to update my pregnancy week by week. Although I don't know when that time will be Dennis and I are very hopeful and know that God will bless us at the perfect time. 

With that being said, I am making it a priority to keep doing my weekly blogs. I know one day it will be so neat to look back on. Hope you have a wonderful fall weekend! 

Are we in Hollywood?

This summer I wanted to take the kiddos on a mini vacation so that they had something fun to remember the summer by! I booked an awesome little room at Willow Brook Lodge in Pigeon Forge. I got a great deal and the kids had a blast in the pool, definitely recommend this place. 

We were only there for the weekend so we had to squeeze in a lot of activities in a few days. We got there on a Friday and passed the wax museum that says HOLLYWOOD across the front...the kids thought we took them to Hollywood for the weekend. I should back up and mention that the whole way there they had no idea where Aunt Kayla and Uncle D were taking them. They got mystery clues along the way...it's the little things, right!? Friday night we rode go-carts and Saturday was a fun filled day at Dollywood! 

Warning: Lots of pics to come....

Before long she will be 16 and really driving.....ugh!

Yep, Dennis and Daniel were on that Tennessee tornado!

Horrible pic, but the only one I had....can you tell I took it? ha

They had such a good time and I hate seeing how grown up these two are now! :( Anyways, once we left Dollywood they swam for a while and time for dinner and of course go-carts, AGAIN! 

They really do love each other....lol

These two and my nephew Malachi mean the world to me, to see a smile on their face makes me the happiest Aunt ever! 

Crusin' through life!

Well hello world...it's been a while! Not much has changed in the White house except for the fact that we are always on the move these days. My Origami Owl business is doing very well, we bought a camper and went on a nice little vacation (just the hubby and I)! I cannot believe this summer is slowly ending...where does the time go? Here are some pictures from the past few months to catch you up...

Took the kiddos to Pigeon Forge for the weekend...more to come.

Bought a new camper!

Malachi turned THREE...more to come!

Father's Day 2013

Spent some time on the honey farm with my Papa!

Monica and Josh had Miss Ryleigh! 

Fourth of July at the campground...

Lazy 4th of July...

Had a blast at the Origami Owl conference in Phoenix, AZ

Set sail with Dennis last week for our first cruise...

See, we haven't been up to much! lol More post and pictures to come of birthdays, trips and more...have a great weekend everyone! 

Love is in the Air...

I had a little OCD moment last weekend and had to organize and clean every closet, drawer, nook and cranny in our home. The best part was that I was able to follow through with a couple of Pinterest ideas I had floating around in my head...The first is just a $3 frame from Wal-Mart that I put a cut up $1 Valentine bag in and $1 pack of Expo markers. Dennis and I have used this every day...we are both excited to see what each other write. He wrote mine the other day and it said "I love you because...you fixed me a hamburger steak!". Only my hubby! The second is just a $2.98 heart that I found at Wal-Mart and used some left over burlap from the bridal show to make a cute Valentine decor for our front door.

I have to share with you part of my birthday present from Dennis. I was so excited to get these new iPhone covers in the mail yesterday. I am sure you can guess why!





This one actually has a pink "K" on it!





Well we are headed to Chattanooga tonight for some Origami Owl parties. The best part is that I get to see my little sis and Miss Paisley! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!



Origami Owl Conference...

I was able to attend my first Origami Owl conference in Nashville at the end of January and have a few pictures to share. We all had a great time and I am so honored to be working for such a wonderful company. I set many goals while at this conference and I know it will be amazing seeing them all come to light!

I have a wonderful team and I know that we will all SOAR in 2013!

January has come and gone....

Dennis and brought in the New Year at home in our nice warm pj's! We have both set many goals this year for ourselves and marriage. We know 2013 will be filled with lots of new things and much love and happiness.

After Christmas Destiny and I went shopping for some supplies I needed for an upcoming bridal show. We made it a girls day and I love spending time with her. I realize through my niece and nephews just how fast kids grow up.

One of the things I wanted for my bridal show booth was cute fabric bunting (flags). I knew what I wanted, but it took us a while to find just the right fabric at Hobby Lobby. I made it back home and loved the way all the fabric looked together. Here's your supplies:



4-5 different types of fabric, ribbon and stitch witchery (awesome!)



You will need to cut the fabric in to triangles.. I just eye balled the size and went for it.

Next, you lay out your ribbon on an ironing board and put a strip of stitch witchery along the bottom of the ribbon. You will then need to align your flags along on top of the stitch witchery. By the way, if you are not familiar with stitch witchery, it is a fabric type adhesive that bonds fabrics together when heat is applied.

I made about 3 yards of the fabric bunting and LOVED the outcome at the bridal show!

We had our first snow of the year in January and I was sure surprised to see my hibiscus blooming that my Mama got me last year. This is the only plant I have not killed and I think it is because it is a tropical plant. I told D that it would be best for me to move to a tropical climate so that I could better take care of my plants...him and Mama agreed!