She Knows TV HomeStretch Season 8: It’s Live

I am not sure if I should celebrate or run for the hills, but my HomeStretch adventure is now live! Rene and I definitely pushed ourselves well beyond our comfort zone. While I can be critical of the crazy amount of make up or how silly I sound on camera, it really was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. I grew as a person and am so grateful to have worked with the entire crew as well as the darling family. You’ll see just how adorable they are. To give you a quick idea, the show is basically two days, two designers, two families, two outdated rooms, and $2000 to transform each space. Because this was the holiday edition, we were also able to make the space holiday ready so the families could enjoy the Christmas season in their home.

…

…

…

…

In case you missed it, I posted more before and after photos of the space here. I also shared a little bit more of the experience. It was without question one of the hardest things I have ever done. And one of the most rewarding. I am so thankful for the opportunity. It really is fun to see Rene in action and you’ll see just how adorable both families are.

to view the show click on episode 1 below:

homestretch season 8: episode 1

homestretch season 8: episode 2

homestretch season 8: episode 3

homestretch season 8: episode 4

homestretch season 8: episode 5

There is even a spot for you to vote for your favorite space {but I like both spaces!!!}.

 

Gift Guide: 10 Gifts for Her Under $100

Hi, friends!!I have finally started my Christmas shopping and it feels so good. I always seem to wait until December. I just like the feeling of shopping when everything is decked out for the holidays. I am either at Target or Nordstrom this time of year! Today I rounded up some of my very favorite finds for under $100. While I actually have some of these pieces, the others I am hoping might find there way to under my tree. Santa {um, honey} are you listening?

…

…

 

cashmere sweater 

These even come in stripes! Stripes + cashmere = awesomness. I love the color selection and feel. I also like that you can dress them up or down.

      faux leather jacket

So it might be faux but I LOVE mine. Mine is slightly different, but this one has everything I love. Gathered at the zipper, flirty shoulders, and pretty zippered pockets. I wear mine all the time. I wore it with a lace dress below when I was in New Orleans. Can’t go wrong with this style of jacket.

 

michael kors leather wrap bracelet

It’s leather. It’s Michael Kors. It’s bejeweled. Need I say more?

kate spade striped wallet

While I don’t have the wallet, I do have the exact same black and white business card holder and I LOVE it. I always get compliments and if it has stripes it’s totally classic and timeless in my opinion.

hooded sleep shirt

Can I wear this all the time? Cuh-ute!!!!! It comes in a bunch of different patterns and I sort of just want to put it on now.

leather wristlet

jewelry case

Thanks to my mother in law, I have a very similar jewelry case. I had no idea I would love it so much. Do you all have one like this? They open up and have a zillion zippered pouches. It is so compact and yet fits all of my costume jewelry when I travel. It really is my new favorite thing. I never took much jewelry when I went on trips as it took up so much room or I didn’t know how to pack it. This is genius. Great great great gift. Thanks, Grandma Sue!!

lip gloss set

I pretty much wear these neutral colors all of the time. If you need a darker lip, a pencil is great with one of these on top. Also a fun gift for any age and is a steal for all of these.

…

gold scroll pendant necklace

I don’t have one of these but always find myself admiring these when I see them on friends. Really pretty.

…

rhinestone clutch

I so wish you could see this clutch in person. A dear friend of mine and I both bought them and I LOVE this purse. It glimmers in real life and is the perfect purse for a dressy event. The reason I love it so much {besides how pretty and feminine it is in person} is that is has a really delicate long gold chain so you do not have to hold it the whole time. It’s great for cocktail parties. I will try to dig up a photo of me with it. Huge fan.

I hope this gave you some fun inspiration for Christmas. Are you well under way with shopping or just getting started like me? Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to pop back in on Monday.  I may or may not have a pretty exciting news on Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Christmas Mantel: Simple & Traditional

Yesterday I showed you how I made our stocking holders this year. So simple and quick. Today I am sharing our mantel. It’s very traditional and pared down this season. I went with two burlap wrapped trees, our stockings and a little bit of mirror embellishment. We are embracing the red and white this year and the bows are in keeping with the color scheme.

 

…

 

I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the gold initials and the joy letters. I like the little bit of glam that they add. Did you see the sale prices I hooked you up with here? The kiddos were very concerned about Santa knowing which “R” stocking belonged to which R, but I made it clear that Santa’s magic lets him know right away. Crisis averted.

 

The burlap wrapped trees were inexpensive finds from Hobby Lobby. I added a couple of red berry twigs to each of them for a little bit of color. I chose not to have lights on them to keep them ore natural looking and to let the tree take center stage. More on that next week!

You can see the outdoor wreaths that are hung on each window peeking through in the reflection of the mirror.

I used gold vinyl for the stockings and it sticks so well. I am debating whether or not to have them permanently embroidered. I sort of like the bling of the gold! We shall see.

 

…

After last year’s colorful mantel, I am really enjoying the more traditional color scheme. I think it’s just the change that is fun for us. And thank you to BHG.com for featuring last year’s merry mantel.

We especially love lighting a fire each night and enjoying the warm glow of the tree and mantel. This is by far our favorite time of year. And if you follow on Instagram, you might have seen a photo I posted of my son reading to his daddy! It’s a big day when a child learns to read. SO exciting and feeling so blessed to be enjoying this time of year as a family.

If you have decked our your mantel, come join the party! Michelle from Ten June and Carmel with Our Fifth House are sharing their mantel loveliness and hosting link parties. Tis the season!