Friday 5+1 (5 Things I Love + 1 Thing I Don’t)

Happy Friday!

Are you loving all of the holiday tours that are going on right now?  Oh. my. goodness.   So much inspiration out there, it’s overwhelming!  People have really stepped up their game, that’s for sure.

Let’s get on with this week’s 5+1!  This post contains some affiliate links.

Caravan Shoppe Christmas Prints
I have been a fan of Caravan Shoppe for awhile now, and have used their prints in my holiday decorating in the past – blowing them up to large engineered prints like this one:

They have added some new prints to their arsenal, and you won’t want to miss them!  The great thing about Caravan Shoppe is that you purchase, download and print.  No waiting around for the Fedex truck to deliver them to your door.  They’re inexpensive, and high impact – my favorite combination.  

Check out their fun new designs here.  How cute are they?  Any quote from “Elf” makes me smile.

They’ve also added these adorable placemats to their collection:
People, I can’t say enough good things about the Light Keeper Pro.  While putting up our Christmas tree this year, we had some major issues with some of the sections not lighting.  At all.  I went into a mini-panic, thinking we might have to go out and buy a new tree – it was that bad.  The Light Keeper Pro is like a magic wand – I don’t understand the science behind it, but suffice to say, it works. 
So don’t throw your tree or your lights in the trash – try the Light Keeper Pro first.  You’ll be amazed.  For real.
My Annual Cookie Exchange
Every year, I host a cookie exchange, and it’s one of the highlights of the season for me.  My friends joke that they clear their calendar for it each year, and it’s so much fun to gather with this wonderful group of women and catch up on life (and drink wine).
Too often, we get too busy to spend time together, and this party is a great way to reconnect.  And you walk away with a boatload of cookies, which is always a plus.
I’ve made my cookies, and you can see my favorite recipe for dipped gingersnaps here.  I’m normally a chocolate lover, but the flavor combination of these cookies is so good.

Trucks + Trees
You know from looking at my Christmas tour for this year, that I’m loving all things trucks and trees.  Had to share the one that got away – I should have bought this cute kitchen towel from Fleurish when I had the chance!  Lesson learned – when you see something you love, buy it before it’s gone!

Quince and Quinn
A friend of mine introduced me to this gem – Quince and Quinn – in Hyde Park (near Cincinnati), and oh my goodness – what a feast for the eyes!  Even the name is perfect.  It’s a shop that used to be a church, and I could just walk around and take in all of the beautiful styling.  It’s that pretty.

Even their flowers are gorgeous!

My +1 for the week is Christmas Tour Intimidation.  I know that I feel it – everyone’s homes look so perfect, and it can leave you feeling like yours isn’t good enough.  

Like I said before, the bar has been raised, and each year you feel like you need to reinvent yourself just to keep up with the trend.  If it makes you feel any better, this is the behind the scenes of my tour.  True story.

I should have taken a photo of the basement.  Whoa.  Suffice to say, it’s worse than these photos.  

So there, I just aired my behind the scenes dirty laundry.  If you’re feeling intimidated, rest assured, the reality behind the camera could be very different. 🙂

Have a wonderful weekend!

7 Comments

  • Reply
    Andrea at Opulent Cottage
    December 4, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    You just made me feel a LOT better! Imagine all of that mess, but without the basement, because we don't have them here in Dallas. We are literally kicking things out of the way to get through the house lol. It's all so worth it though, right?! Have a great weekend, Jenny! xo, Andrea

  • Reply
    Vel Criste
    December 4, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    LOL! I have a lot of the mess too!!!! The result was worthwhile for your home for sure Jenny! I love that Caravan shop! I'm gonna go gaga for next year with this for sure!

  • Reply
    Kris @ Driven by Décor
    December 4, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    Quince and Quinn is my all-time favorite design shop! I've been shopping there for years and could pretty much furnish my whole house with that place – I miss it. And oh my gosh, my house is actually looking just like yours and my in laws are coming to visit in an hour… yikes!

  • Reply
    Calypso In The Country
    December 4, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    LOL – you made my day! You should see my office at the moment…wrapping paper, bags receipts, boxes…no order whatsoever! I love those Christmas prints…and the Elf quote! Enjoy your weekend!
    Shelley

  • Reply
    pam {simple details}
    December 5, 2015 at 12:21 am

    Haha! I couldn't be more thankful for a basement! Have a wonderful time at your cookie exchange, I remember pinning your cookies last year! 🙂

  • Reply
    Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    December 5, 2015 at 1:41 am

    i totally suffer from CTI. the struggle is real.
    and those cookies!!!! yum!!!! loved all your trucks with trees, too!

  • Reply
    M&M FASHION BITES
    December 8, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    Cute photos 🙂
    BLOG M&MFASHIONBITES : http://mmfashionbites.blogspot.gr/
    Maria V.

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