5 Things NOT to do When House Hunting

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It's that time of the year. The time when you reflect about your home and your plans for the coming year. For some- that may mean you are thinking about home improvement projects (we just did that with lots of paint!) And for others, it means buying a new home. The market in our DFW area is so strong right now. I have several friends who are actively looking, keeping their eyes open and (their homes ready) in case they find that perfect property. If you are one of those people, I know how you feel! This is our third home and I have learned so much about the home buying process. So keep reading-- because today I am sharing my top five tips of What "Not to Do" when House Hunting.

Christmas Decorations: Transitional Style

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Fa la la la la.... our tree is up! It is truely the most wonderful time of the year. I love seeing my friend's Christmas trees, looking at Christmas decorations on Pinterest, and swooning over holiday trimmings in my favorite catalogs. There is just something about a beautifully decorated tree in a cozy home.  So today, I thought I would show you mine.  I am calling it "Christmas with the Conners"-- 'transitional' style :)

Elf on the Shelf Name Tags (Free Printable)

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She's back! The Elf on the Shelf has landed! And whether you are a fan (or not) it's hard to ignore all the fun "Elf-ness" that can be found this season in stores and online. My girls were visited by our favorite Elf, Christmas Carol. And she has a new little friend- too. A special Elf just for Maisy. They are such a cute pair!  Like many of you, we named our Elves. The girls sat and thought of sweet names and that was that.

But this year, Afton was worried that although Carol was her elf's "Given Name"--it might not be her real "North Pole Name". So she wrote Carol a note that simply said "What is your real name?". 

Holiday Gift Guide for your Tween

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----------------------------------------------------- Wondering what to get for your tween girl? You've come to the right place! I recently took my girls shopping at Justice. We were on the look-out for Holiday party outfits and gift ideas. My girls have definite opinions about stylish clothing. (Spoiler alert: They loved everything at Justice!) My oldest girl is a tween- that in between age- no longer a little girl and not quite a big girl either. And my youngest seems to be six going on sixteen!

8 Stylish Gifts for Women

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Girl friends, sisters, moms, adult daughters-- here are my favorite "on trend" gifts for the stylish ladies in your life.  Part of this list is made up of things I own and love. (Think Oprah's favorite things-- but written by a stay at home mom). And the other half are items that I would love to own :)

Sources: The Spirit Shirt Red Sleeves, Blanket Scarf, Earrings, Bag, Umbrella, Jewelry Dish, 

Travel Mug, Phone Dock

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars & More

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Our friends hosted a Thanksgiving party on Saturday-- it was a Friendsgiving Party. A Friendsgiving is a fun way to celebrate being thankful, with your friends! The food at Friendsgiving Party is the same as a traditional Thanskgiving meal. But instead of one person being in charge of the entire meal, it is pot-luck style. I signed up to bring a dessert. After a quick Pinterest search, I settled on Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. I liked that they were a traditional 'pumpkin' dessert- but with a twist!

Photo & Recipe via Roxana's Home Baking 

Make It Yours

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There is something about the upcoming holiday season that makes me want to get our house 'spruced' up. (I actually think it started with that new painting in my sitting area.) But it is also because I know we will be hosting family and friends in our home soon. And I want everything to look its best :)

So I have a list of things that I am hoping to get done. And you know what they say about goals- you are more likely to complete them if you share them publicly. That way people will hold you accountable. I am hoping you will be my people! (Who knows, my list just might inspire you to make your own!)

Washi Tape Crafts

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Recently, I was sent the new Washi Tape Crafts: 110 Way to Decorate Just About Anything by Amy Anderson to review. My daughters and I played around with the book - it includes not only ideas, but 10 rolls of tape too! Looking at the book, I kept thinking, "Where was washi tape when I was kid?!". It is such a simple way to craft without making a mess. And it can be done by almost anyone.

Photo via Washi Tape Crafts 

Behind the scenes of a Musical Parody: "Somebody to Love"

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Whoever said cleaning with kids in the house is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos was right! Sometimes keeping the house clean (while maintaining a loving home for you family) can be a challenge. Which is why, when I was approached this summer by Laughing Moms (aka Alisha and Eden) to be part of a video parody about clean carpet--- I immediately accepted!

To see the video click here: https://youtu.be/BOFz0psbGtI

Work in Progress and New Art

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I am not one of 'those people' who moves right from Halloween to Christmas. (No offense if you are!) I just need a little breather in between holiday decor. So on the morning of November 1st, I pulled down all my Halloween decorations and put it in a box. It felt good to have a clean slate in my home again. And it inspired me to move a few things around. I love the feeling that comes from moving around things you already have. This is a 'work in progress' post, so bear with me :)