My Fifteen Favorites - My Christmas Wish List

Hey friends, this month we've super sized our usual 'My Five Favorites' since
we're sharing our Christmas Wish Lists and it's much more fun to have a list of
fifteen than five, right? I have a combination of personal and home items, and I'm betting
 after I see my stylish pals' lists mine just may hit the twenty item mark!

Kris @ Driven by Decor

Lisa @ Shine Your Light

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

I'm sure you're all familiar with our darling guest, this month we're excited to have
 Courtney @ A Thoughtful Place sharing her wish list too!
I can't wait to see what treasures she's found. She's got a knack for pulling off that
 chic effortless style, whether in fashion or her design choices as she decorates her
family's new home ~ just check out her fab kitchen!!

  Ok, let's get started....
   
#1

Belted Wrap Coat with dramatic shawl collar.

#2

Statement Bib Necklace described as a warrior princess vibe,
 love it dressed up or down.

#3

Emily McCarthy Bamboo Bangle and Monogram Link Bracelet

Lots of fun colors and monogram styles!

#4

Free People Twirl Around Poncho

This is one of my favorite brands for sweaters, always cozy and unique details. 

This one is so cute from the back! 

(Nordstrom Rack is a great place to find this brand at a discount)

#5

Fleece Hooded Pullover with Mid Rise Compression Leggings

Have you guys tried any of Old Navy's activewear, they get tons of great reviews.

#6
The Lou Loafer in Animal Print Calf Hair
Looks like something French women would wear.  

#7
Bristal Ankle Strap Pointy Toe Flat
A girl can't have too many shoes ~ I like charcoal suede.

#8
North Face Tech gloves for exercising on chilly mornings.  

#9

This fun phone case makes me smile!

#10

A Beautiful book is always on my list, pretty fitting, right?

#11

Anthro Capri Blue - Volcano Candle

This is the scent you smell in Anthropologie stores, pretty lid on this one.

#12
Mongolian Faux Fur Throw 
Yummy texture and machine washable ~ win!  

#13

Faux Python Tray

The large tray is on sale, but it's big, would be great for a larger coffee table or ottoman.

If you recognize this from my fall home tour, I borrowed my friend's. :)

#14

Gold Hinged Metal Pull 
Am I the only one that thinks a few of these would be a great stocking stuffer?
They're fabulous and a steal!

#15 

Boho Kilim Nagar Indoor Outdoor Rug
SUPER excited about this one ~ I may have had to order it on Black Friday.
Fingers crossed, I'm hoping it works with my blush walls.

Stop by and check out these talented friends' favorites:

Kris @ Driven by Decor

Lisa @ Shine Your Light

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

Courtney @ A Thoughtful Place

You might like these previous Five Favorites, too:

Recipes for the Holidays
Entertaining Accessories
Displaying DIY Artwork
Ways to Mix Metals

DIY Projects

Fabric

Decorate an Outdoor Space
Pillow Projects
Decorating for Spring
Decorative Accessories
Home Organizing Tips
Quick & Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas

Paint 

You can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest. 

15th Annual Girlfriend Party

Happy Friday friends!

I'm sharing some highlights of my 15th Annual Girlfriend Christmas Party,

 but be forewarned - THE PHOTOS ARE B-A-D!! 

I'm SO sorry, I would normally skip the post rather than use photos like this, but so many

 of you have asked about the gifts, and menu. I tried to quickly snap a few with my phone

 while greeting the girls, getting drinks and putting food together. My house was dark and

 when I lightened them it went from bad to worse, so forgive me!

The Hostess  

My friends said I looked like a 1950s housewife, cooking in my dress and heels, 

with a drink in hand. Haha!   

The Invitation

"Spread Cheer" with an appetizer spreader attached, details here. 

The Drinks

Pomegranate Martinis

Wine

The Menu

Stilton Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Grapes with Goat Cheese & Crushed Pistachios

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Mini Twice Baked Potatoes

Artichoke, Mushroom & Roma Tomato Pizza

Zuppa Toscana 

The Dessert

Coffee with Baileys

Warm Molten Chocolate Cakes 

The Girls

My beautiful girlfriends gathered together. 

The Buffet

Simple decor of evergreen branches, clear vases of pink flowers, and candles down the

center of our island. This was before the food was out and arranged.

On the silver tiered stand I serve the soup in ramekins and then use it to serve

the Molten Chocolate Cakes when they come out of the oven. 

The Gifts

Each girlfriend brings five gifts (all the same) and draws five names when they arrive,

 those names will be the recipients of their gifts. We go around the room and each one

of us tells what our gift is and hands them out. Our limit is around $5 - $7ish, but not 

everyone sticks to it, and we have some savvy bargain shoppers.  

   

Plaid Scarves

Coffee Mug with Chalk for a message & Cocoa Mix

Seasonal Candle 

Movie Ticket 

Seasonal Room Scent (Winter) - Bath & Body Works

Mix of Chocolate covered espresso beans & peppermint candy & cute socks

Pretty glass tray

Book - The Magic of Tidying Up

Fig Jam to tie in with the 'Spread Cheer' invitaion

True Blue Spa Hand Lotion 

Clean Freak Dry Shampoo & Headband (my gift)

I'm blessed beyond measure to have these wonderful friends in my life, some

 of them since our kiddos were babies, and others since toddlers. Our get together is

my favorite way to kick off the holiday season! 

 Switching gears...

if you've been following along with 2015 Christmas Home Tours today is your

chance to show us your beautiful Christmas decor!

Link up at Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life Link Party today to share yours!

Stuff We Love ~ My tried and true favorites just for me!

These are my favorite posts anytime of year! I love finding new-to-me

items that come recommended from bloggers, so I was thrilled when Sarah 

at Thrifty Decor Chick asked if I'd like to join her and few others.   

(Btw, if you haven't seen her kitchen makeover you'll definitely want to check it out! You're welcome!)   

My list isn't for a hostess or neighbor, or your guy, or your little munchkins,  

it's just for YOU!  

I always like to help Mr. Simple out by getting myself a few gifts, he loves my texts:

You just bought me the best present! 

I also, wrap and put under the tree...it's fun on Christmas morning when he gets to see

what he bought me! Bless his heart he tries SO hard, and does well most of the time,

 but it's fun to help him along! :) 

 Pretty & functional get my vote every time, I just now found out  Kate Spade Salt & Pepper Shakers are available online at Bed Bath & Beyond. It might not feel quite as special as

 ordering from the Kate Spade website, nonetheless, they're fun and I love the whimsy they

add to my kitchen vignette.   

 Hands down I get the most compliments on my Stella & Dot Renegade Bracelet,

the spikes give it the perfect unexpected edgy rocker girl look, and I love to pair

it with feminine pearls, lace, florals ~ actually I wear it with everything!    

 I first found out about this fabulous concealer from a blogger post of favorites. :)

I purchased my first tube of  Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Concealer about a year

ago, and just replaced it. It's a little pricey, but lasts forever. The reviews are all 

over the top great! 

"Honey, let's not get gifts for each other this year, let's just get something for the house."

Haha!

If you need a bedroom makeover I highly recommend my go-to upholstered headboard

that you'd never guess was from Walmart! $119 - 4.5 Stars - 1003 Reviews!!!

 I've used it in both oatmeal and gray in these clients' bedroom makeovers, the quality

is awesome and shipping is free.

One Room Challenge Craisgslist Bedroom    

Budget Guest Room Inspired by Williams Sonoma Home

I'm in heaven with the latest design book tied up with a magnifying glass to add 

to my collection! Homegoods has a great selection and the price can't be beat. 

My field jacket is the one I grab first ~ casual, but stylish. I can pair it with 

skinny jeans and heels as easily as jeans and Hunter rain boots.

The faux fur hood adds the perfect touch of glam if you're that girl, and when 

you're not just remove it.  

Isn't it inevitable when you're shopping for others you find little treasures for yourself!

No harm in picking up a few to stuff your stocking. :)

A Charming Charlie's gift card is always a winner.

An oversized 18.5 ounce coffee mug - a necessity! 

Making its debut in 1953 classic red nail polish Revlon - Cherries in the Snow

Kate Spade I-Phone cases    

Gold metallic monogram decal  to give my planner some pizazz.

I can't wait to check out what these stylish ladies have on their lists:

Monday

TDC 

Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body

Nest of Posies 

Remodelando la Casa 

Just a Girl

Tuesday

Two Twenty One 

Newlywoodwards

Evolution of Style

Simple Details

Wednesday

Chaotically Creative 

In My Own Style

Emily A. Clark

C.R.A.F.T. 

Simply Organized

Happy shopping friends! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you're new here take a peek around and

if you'd like you can find me on Instagram and Pinterest. 

Segreto Style

Hi guys, hope your Monday is off to a great start. Our weekends always begin and end

 on the same note pretty much every week. Our tradition for as long as I can remember

 is dinner out on Friday nights, 75% of the time it's Mexican and 75% of the time I order

 fish tacos. :) Sunday evening we go to church at 6:00 and get home and finish up homework

 (truth be told - start homework)! We had a track meet, birthday celebration, work around the

 house, sports practice, a Costco run, all good stuff, just busy like everyone. It was a huge

 treat to carve out a little time to peruse the most beautiful book - and I couldn't help but 

style it on our coffee table. 

Segreto Style by Leslie Sinclair   

I jumped at the chance to review Leslie's book when she asked, I'd heard it was 

gorgeous, but it was so much more than I expected. 

A stunning over-sized coffee table book with 300 pages of exquisite photos

of homes, detailing the finishes that give them a classic timeless style. 

My biggest surprise was in addition to the information and techniques on finishes 

it's a book I'll reference over and over to analyze design details. 

(Also invaluable sources for all paint colors and furnishings throughout the book) 

Just take in the eclectic mix of pattern, artwork and styles in this home, layered perfection!  

Chic, effortless style ~ French and Italian antiques combine seamlessly with modern pieces.

The finishes in this contemporary home were thoughtfully chosen to make the biggest impact.

One of my favorite white paint colors - Benjamin Moore Dove White is shown here.  

Inspiration at the turn of every page! 

"Whether using paint, carpet or tile, creative flooring is a great way to add personality to

 a small space, as evident in this home office with its charming reclaimed concrete tiles." 

 Reclaimed wood beams and plastered walls add warmth to this casual den. 

The small footprint of this living room created a design challenge. The solution was

a daybed that allowed one to see across the room without any obstruction. 

The book also includes some latest design trends ~ this painted bookcase and paneling and

 trim are a beautiful background for vibrant artwork.    

This stunning home is a new build, the homeowner wanted it to feel as though it had

 been lived in for many years. The plastered walls and ceilings create the perfect backdrop.

One of my favorite gifts to give is a book along with a magnifying glass

tied to the package with a satin ribbon. 

This would be perfect for Mother's Day!  

You can find Leslie's book on her website HERE, Amazon HERE
or her blog, Secrets of Segreto HERE

Leslie is as inspiring and beautiful as her book, the mother of three left a successful

 marketing career in the corporate world to start a plaster and decorative finishes

 company, Segreto Finishes. Located in Houston, TX she employs a staff of over 30

 artisans, her company's work has been featured in numerous publications

including Architectural Digest, Veranda, Traditional Home, and House Beautiful 

to name a few. 

Thank you for sharing your book with me Leslie, it was a delight to have

the opportunity to share it with my readers!