Merry Christmas to You and Yours

To all my lovely readers, Merry Christmas to you.

source: 79 Ideas.

I hope you are surrounded by love, family, friends and holiday cheer.

With Love

Today my family is gathering together to celebrate the life of an amazing women, Aunt, Mother, Grandmother, and soon to be Great Grandmother.

My Aunt Julee lost her battle with Breast Cancer (the same type as Elizabeth Edwards and just a few days before her). She was a loving women, who truly was a crafting maven.

July 2009.

She will be greatly missed.

Ferris

Today, I am doing an official shout out to Ferris, the lion cat. Jeremy rescued him over five years ago from under a house. He was just a small ball of fur at the time, and no one thought he'd survive.

Well, he's now a lion cat who rules the roost. We're pretty sure that he's a Maine Coon, I just hope that he's finally stopped growing.



And just to get a better idea of his size:

If you or a loved one are thinking about getting a new furry family member this holiday season- please think about adopting- it's such a great feeling giving a creature a new lease on life.

Ok, off my soap box. Happy Day!

Two Wrongs Make a Holiday Right?

Who says that two wrongs don't make a right???

Years ago, Mr. Spice picked out some awesome fabric from the Crate and Barrel Outlet for curtains in our old office. Well, they turned out rather pathetic. I quickly put up my favorite Ikea Shears and tried to forget about them.

About a year later, I wanted to create a framed magnet board. I bought two magnet boards, deconstructed them, and quickly found out that magnets- even the super magnetic ones- don't work through a layer of glass and paper. Who knew? So for two years, I have had two left over non-magnet boards in our closet.

Well, I got in my head this year that I could combine these two failed DIY projects and create one super cool Holiday* Decor Project. Since we are finally in the grown-up stage in life of sending and receiving holiday cards, I thought it was high time we had a way to display those cards.

So I placed some batting on the 'non-magnet' boards:

Took a panel of the failed curtains, cut them to size, and stapled them to the non-magnet board. Added some festive $1 ribbon from JoAnn's with a glue gun:

And wowza, I created two cute-enough Holiday card displays.

While I say Holiday- I might just leave these up year round to display cards, invites, announcements and what nots- what do you think?

How do you display your holiday cards?

*PS sorry for the less than stellar photos.

Honeysuckle

I am sure you all know by now that Pantone announced that Honeysuckle is the color of the year. At first blush, I wasn't so sure about the color. And then I thought of our bedroom:



Pretty close if I do say so myself. I guess I love me some Honeysuckle. What do you think?

Oh Chrismukkah, How Lovely Are your Branches

Happy Friday Lovelies. We are gearing up for our annual Chrismukkah Dinner! Brisket, Latkes with Apple Cranberry Sauce, Bacon Wrapped Figs and Holiday Cheer are just a few items on the menu!!

In preparation, the tree has been trimmed.

And the stockings have been hung by the bookcase with care.

Now we just have to work on getting Huck into the Holiday Spirit.

I hope everyone has a festive and safe weekend. Stay dry and warm.

Oh, and the Fantabulous Ali @ His Birdies Nest won the Give A Little Giveaway. Thank you to all of you that participated.

Napa Luxury Livng with Erin Martin

Last week, Mr. Spice brought home the latest Napa Sonoma Luxury Living Magazine.

I took it as a sign that he had won the lottery and that I should start to understand how the other half lives.

Turns out that he just wanted to show me an article about an amazing new designer in St. Helena that is changing Wine Country Design. Which was pretty sweet, so I put the idea of luxury living on the back burner and checked out Erin Martin's article and designs. And seriously- she's amazing. Quoting from the Magazine:

It starts with a neutral color scheme, most often tones of white, cream beige, and brown. She keeps these neutrals interesting by layering on textures.

Glossy, matte, and milky finishes in comfortable design. Here's some of her work:

Umm. Yeah. Kind of ridiculously fantastic. Thanks Mr. Spice for the design inspiration today- it rocks my socks. And please, let me know when I can start living the Wine Country Luxury Lifestyle!!

Afternoon Love.

Hi Lovelies. It's cold and raining here. Just wanted to post that I'll be closing the Giveaway for Give a Little. Noon, PST tomorrow.

Also, you can now follow me on bloglovin. Go check it out. Join too.

Style Board: Guest Room #3

Hi Lovelies, for this Guest Room we fly from Seattle to sunny Miami and the home of Marissa at MarissaMakes. This Guest Room is even more exciting because we get to see my first after!! Whoot Whoot. Ok, on with the show.

This is another guest room with a fold out couch- much like the folks at Young House Love. Since they had just painted the room Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray (which is more of a tan) and the floor is a tan/gray, Marissa was thinking of using eggplant as the pop of color. Marissa also told me that they really wanted some pillows, a rug, and a table lamp for a dresser they already owned, and a full length mirror.

As you can see below, I included some unexpected colors, and I tried to incorporate the different items that they wanted, while staying at a decent price point. I knew that not all of these might be what they were thinking, but I had such a good time pulling it all together. The best part about the all the options- I think you could really mix and match all the designs.

Just so you know, I used the Ben Moore's Edgecomb Gray as a background for each picture, and as a place holder, I used this sleeper sofa from the CSN Stores, which I thought was cute at a reasonable price. While I did include one floor length mirror, generally I like to spend limited funds on other items.

Here they are:

#1 Modern Eggplant.

CB2 Hopscotch Rug, $199; Urban Outfitters Shelf, $28; Crate and Barrel, Hoopla Lamp, $70; West Elm Vase, $9-39; Urban Outfitters, Velvet Pillow $32- Purple Silk Pillow $50; West Elm, Ice Pillow, $29; Target, Atom Floor Mirror, $129

#2 Modern Green.

West Elm Milk Bottles, $19-24 ; Target, Dwell Pillow ; Target, Merekesh Pillow $25; Target Sevilla Pillow $25; CB2 Lamp, $70; West Elm Tray $23; PB Teen Rug, 5x8, $129

#3 Unexpected Pink.

CB2 Hub Mirror, $29; West Elm, Pebble Rub $199 5x8; World Market Pillow, $16; Target, Lamp $60; CB2- Gray/White Pillow$30; PB Teen, Organic Love Pillow $29; CB2, Gray Pouf, $80

#4 Eggplant and White.

West Elm, Round Table Lamp $59; Urban Outfitters Duvet, $19 ; Urban Outfitters Shelf, $28; CB2 White Pillow, $39.95 ; West Elm Milk Bottles, $19-24

Overall, I tried to stick with the items and colors that Marissa wanted, but I also introduced her to a few more colors. This let her think outside the box and she came up with her own perfectly chic guest bedroom inspiration. Here's the style board that she did all on her own. And click here to see the finished project- I love that she was able to hang up some posters that she already owned.

Emmy rug from Crate & Barrel, Interlocking shelves at BB&B, Hoopla lamp in amber from C&B, Mirror from Target like this but round, ~30" wide, Basket with khaki floral lining from Target (to fill with welcome stuff), and a few posters that they already owned, including this Ork Poster (which may also be hanging in our house as well!!)

I am beyond impressed with the final results, and, of course, I am super excited that the room has a San Francisco flair. Super cute, no??

What colors are you drawn too?

Style Board: Guest Room #2

Hey Lovelies, today I am going to finish up the Forty20Four Style Boards (check out their first guest room here). Tomorrow I am going to showcase the style boards I did for the fantastic Marissa at MarissaMakes.

Here's the Forty20Four Second Guest Bedroom:

Since this is their second Guest Bedroom, they didn't want to put a full bed in this one, but they also recognized that they needed to make the futon look appealing for guests and as an extra sitting room. Oh, and they also didn't want to spend a lot of money.

My suggestion was to use this room as another portal to show off their love of travel. I love the idea of grouping all of their favorite travel posters together in a collage on one wall- and to round out their collage by maybe blowing up a few of their favorite travel pictures and frame them. As for the standard Ikea chair- A quick fix would be to drape a throw over it. Or spend more money and recover it.

I also think that the white coffee table looks fantastic in the space. And to bring the whole travel look together I suggested getting some great travel coffee table books for the second shelf, or investing in some Shutterfly books of their travels to really show off.

As for the 'guest' part of the room: that futon is screaming for some big pillows (20" or 26") with a great throw nearby- so that last minute over night guests could easily be accommodated.

Here are two ideas:

#1 Eclectic Greens and Blues. This board uses a lot of the stuff they already have, including the amazing fabric that Catherine got in Africa.

Here's the color inspiration for one bold wall, and click here to see an amazing use of kelly green:

And here's the board:

UO, Velvet Pillow, $32; Urban Outfitters Floor Pillow, $28; UO Viva Italy Poster, $32; Other Thoughts (not pictured UO Tapestry, $38)

#2 Travelin Orange. I know, orange again, but I kinda love the Tapestry from Urban Outfitters, and as you'll see in the next post, I love those poofs from CB2.

Stand in Futon. CB2 Pillows. London, $35 and Shaggy, $50

PB Teen Pillow, $15; Urban Outfitters, Atlas Tapestry, $38; UO, Velvet Pillow, $32; CB2 Pouf, $80 or a cheaper UO ottoman. Great Throws, WE $79, CB2 70, WE $47, Z Gallerie $70; Z Gallerie, $70 Birds

The second one is more punchy and fun, but I love that the first one really showcases that fantastic fabric from Africa.

What do you think? Are these rooms too loud for your taste? Or would you love to spend the night cuddled up on the futon?

Holiday Giveaway: Give a Little- Closed

Hello Lovelies, Happy Monday!! I can't wait to share photos of all the decorating that went on this weekend at the Sugar and Spice Household.

But before I talk about me, let's talk about you! Today I am hosting a small giveaway to show my appreciation to all of you.

When I saw these ornaments from Pottery Barn, I about died with excitement. Each year I try to get a few ornaments to add to our collection, and these four little ornaments not only spread the holiday cheer they also giving back.

"Give a Little" Ornaments benefits several organizations across the country, each focused on bettering the interior comfort and style of shelters and recovery homes. With this twinkling reminder of the true spirit of the season, giving will remain central to your celebration.

So if you want one of these little bits of glitter, follow my blog, comment below and tell me which one you would want and why.

Oh, and I can't help but share the other ornament I bought at Nordstroms for me:

I may have a new blog name, but I'll always be Mrs. Peep Toe too.

From Jolly to Holly Green

Green is one of the color of the seasons. In fact for all of us that have a tree each year, it starts to take over our homes this time of year. It's a color that stands out in a crowd or looks completely fantastic just on it's own.

From Jolly Green:

Seasonal Green:

Holly Green:

To a peak:

Doesn't it look like a green present just waiting to be opened?

Are you sporting more green in your home over the holidays? We are off to get our tree tomorrow-- can't wait!!

Happy Friday Lovelies.

*sorry if this post was in your reader a few days ago- I may have pressed publish too early. opps.

Style Board: Guest Room #1

For this project, I felt like I rummaged around the Fourty20Four house and rearranged things.

Here's the problem: Last year, Catherine and Micah built a house from the ground up. It's totally impressive and I am beyond jealous!! The good news is- they've been documenting their entire experience of a life time at Fourty20Four blog. The result is AMAZING. The not so good news, they were a bit lost on what to do with their two Guest Rooms. You can see the current state of the rooms right here.

Here's the set up: Catherine and Micah are ginormous travelers and they wanted to have one room to display their travel goods, including Catherine's impressive Babushka collection from her time in Russia. Micah also wanted to make sure the rooms were manly enough to satisfy his taste (no pink pillows for him).

Here's Room #1:

Photo from Fourty20Four Blog.

Here's my plan for Room #1: (1) bring in a big blast of color with a duvet- and make that your jumping off point and paint the wall behind the bed a light bright color to avoid the Seattle doldrums; (2) you need full length curtains to polish up the room- IKEA shears work or a fun striped DIY; (3) I don’t think you need two side tables in a guest room, but you do need at least one substantial one. Would the dresser fit between the bed and the window?? (4) make sure the side table has a lamp (the ones you already have maybe perfect), and a cute clock. Oh, and when guests visit- add some flowers. (5) A must for a great guest room- a $30 Luggage Rack- your guest will love you for this one.

As for what they have: a great wooden dresser and mirror. I'd say paint the mirror a glossy white or fun pop color and put it on the wall opposite the door in the main bedroom to add light to the room. And either paint the dresser white or add cool knobs to modernize it.

#1 Buddha Sunshine: With this room, I wanted to be as bright and cheerful as possible to really block out the Seattle Gray.

CB2 Duvet Set- $129; Urban Outfitters Buddha Lamp, $28;

Urban Outfitters, Pillow Case, $28; DIY Curtains, via Heeled Foot in the Door; Paint- Restoration Hardware- Butter. Side table and mirror- already owned.

#2:Pops of color with basics. This one is similar to the first one, but a bit more sophisticated and a nod to their travels.

West Elm Clock Pictured, $34-69 or Z Gallerie Alarm Clock, $30; Ikea, Curtain, $25

C&B, Hurricane Vases, Sale $11 each; Urban Outfitters Babushka Pillow Set, $28;

Urban Outfitters Woodland Duvet, $78 cheaper option- Ikea Duvet, $50 set; Z Gallerie World Globe, $78; Already owned: Ikea Chair, $99 and wooden dresser.

#3 Babushka Central. I made this one just for Catherine-- a Babushka retreat of sorts.

Folk Patchwork Quilt, $128; Scroll Tapestry, $38; UO Gnome Plate, $20; C&B Outlet, Pillow Cases, $7 each; UO Shelf, $28 Lamp already owned, pictured: Target $25

The Feedback: On the right track, but maybe a bit too feminine. I am so used to Mr. Spice who is a big fan of pink, so I understand if I was a bit out of touch on this one. I also know that I went really young and fun on the above boards, so I took a stab at man-ing them up a bit.

#4 Sunshine redo. Another example of a few small changes making the room feel totally different. By changing the pillow cases, curtain and lamp, it's a whole new feel:

Crate &Barrel, light $49; CB2 Duvet Set- $129; C&B, Sheer Curtains; West Elm Clock, $34-69; Paint- Restoration Hardware- Butter.

#5 Orange and Sophisticated. I up'ed the age of the room by a good 10 years with this one, and even Micah couldn't complain with the balance of masculine and feminine. I added weight to the curtains and duvet to make the room feel more grounded.

Any Gray Pillows will do, these are from CB2, Shaggy, $50. Both CB2 and West Elm have a great selection of gray pillows and comforters. You could also go for a Navy instead of Gray. West Elm, Curtains, $35-47. West Elm Duvet $99 or West Elm Quilt Cover, $97; Storage Trunks. CB2 $50-$70; Wall Color Inspiration. Shown: Yam and Cornbread. Ikea, Curtain, $25; CB2- Wall Hook- $20 perfect for a guest towel or jacket. Potential lamp, CB2, $100

I think the last one was a success. Next time on Style Boards, their second guest bedroom.

Is your house more on the manly side or a bit more girly?

Need some style help yourself- email me at sugarspicelivin@gmail.com, and I promise to do my best in solving your design dilemma!

Oh, and check out my guest post on their blog right now!!!