Cozy Christmas Eve Outfit

Today I'm updating this Winter Essentials Post.  I still love this look from a few years ago and am updating it with some new products perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve at home.  Here is the original look.  

And now the updated version:

1. Cellular Renewal Mask

If you're staying in why not do something great for your skin? I love this Cellular Renewal Mask from Arbonne, it makes my skin glow the day after and it feels so soft right afterwards. 

2. Slippers

These cozy slippers from Ugg look like a cute ballet flat. This updated version has a smaller more delicate knit than the original look. 

3. Coffee Mug

This Cute mug features a classic mug shape with delicate metallic snowflakes. Perfect for your evening tea or hot chocolate by the Christmas tree. 

4. Sweater

This oversized sweater is perfect for bundling up on a cold evening but still looks put together. The long tunic style pairs great with leggings.   

5. Watch

This Michael Kors watch instantly dresses up any casual outfit. Just because you're staying in doesn't mean you can't add some bling.

6. Faux Leather Leggings

These faux leather leggings are a great alternative to sweatpants. They're just as comfy but give off an edgy vibe and look just casual enough paired with an oversized sweater. The original leggings from Venus above are still available.  Shop the look below for 2 alternate versions that are great too at a great price.  

leggings

I still love this look, I could just snuggle up in it right now. Wouldn't it make a great Christmas Eve in option too?

The Ultimate Gift Guide for any style Mom

Do you Mama’s out there know what you’re asking for for Christmas this year? Here are some suggestions you may not have thought of but I’m sure you will love. And for the men out there check out this list for any of the special women in your life and I’m sure you’ll be the star gift giver this holiday season.

1. This cute bar necklace is a great gift for the sentimental mom. I love the idea of having the date of your anniversary or children’s birthdays in Roman numeral form. It looks so classic and chic on this super simple bar necklace. Santa, I’ll take one in each color please.

It also looks great layered with other necklaces. 

Roman Numeral Necklace

2. My number 1 favorite item that I use all day everyday is the Ninja Coffee Bar. My Hubby got it for me last year for Christmas and I still love it to pieces and suggest it for any coffee lover out there. Especially you Stay at Home or Work at Home Moms. This is great because on those days you aren’t planning to leave the house it can make your morning a little extra special. Or perhaps you used to get a special latte or cappuccino on your commute to the office each day but now miss that specialty coffee, this machine allows you to make that latte yourself and brew a plain old pot of joe also. You don’t have to have 2 units out on your counter. I love the lattes it makes and it’s definitely great for any pregnant or nursing mamas that love their coffee too. I find decaf tastes much better in latte form than regular coffee so if I’m craving that 2nd or 3rd cup in the afternoon I can whip up a decaf latte. It’s so versatile, it can make single cups or a pot of any style coffee drink you decide. If you decide to get this for someone in your life I know they will love it, and they will most likely use it everyday and think of you! As you can probably tell from the length of this paragraph, I really do love mine.

Ninja Coffee Bar

3. This next gift may be somewhat controversial, but the iRobot Roomba is a great idea to help make your life easier. I do not suggest or condone you guys buy the special women in your life any other cleaning products or machinery or a stand up vacuum, that will probably not go over well. The Roomba however takes that chore and checks it off of your to do list for you and leaves you with clean floors and maybe some extra time to spend doing something you love.

IRobot Roomba Vacuum

4. This Mom planner is my favorite because they seem to have thought of everything. It includes so many pages you won’t see in a conventional planner.

I love that it has special holiday planning sections with meals, decorations, traditions, etc. And how great is that beautiful floral cover. What Mom wouldn’t want to start the new year off a little more organized.

Mom Planner

5. This next gift I love because it is a continuous gift that brings cheer all year long. I love the look of having fresh flowers in my house, but usually end up grabbing some quick at the grocery store as I checkout or go without. These Bulb Gardens from Plow and Hearth are beautifully arranged and a new one arrives each month so you always have fresh flowers without having to lift a finger. 

You can choose from 3, 6, or 12 month packages and then the anticipation of an awesome gift can last all year. long

Bulb Gardens

Will you be adding any of these to your wishlist this year, or do you see something that's perfect for a special someone?

Baby Shower gifts for Grandmas

A few weekends ago we had our Baby Shower for Baby Groebler.  My wonderful mother and mother-in-law put so much effort and love into planning it.  It was just beautiful!!  In order to thank them for all of their hard work I came up with this little gift to give to them at the shower.  

I found these adorable Vera Bradley small cross body bags/clutches.  I thought they would be perfect as a diaper clutch to take into a restaurant or store quickly and not have to bring the whole diaper bag.  They can then be used after the baby is out of the diaper stage as a small purse.  

I then just filled them with diapering essentials: Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream.  It's that simple.  They were a hit with the Grandmas and a little way to show my appreciation for all of their hard work. 

First Anniversary DIY Paper Gift

On our first anniversary I decided to keep it simple gift wise.  The hubby and I have lots going on right now, fixing up our house, looking for a new house, and getting ready for Baby Groebler #1, so we didn't want to do anything big.  Since the first anniversary is traditionally a paper gift I decided to print out our wedding vows to frame and hang in our bedroom.  

A little background from our wedding last year, We went through and chose all of the parts and pieces of our ceremony so the entire thing was language that we picked out.  We decided to do traditional vows where our minister stated "Do you Erin take Troy..." and we said "I do."  We then wrote small vows that we stated as we exchanged our rings.  This was an easier way to fit in something personal that we wanted to say but in a shorter version. 

While I was on top of every detail in planning the wedding, with lots of checklists, the one piece I did not do until the night before was write my vows (even though everyone says not to keep it until the night before since nerves might give you writers block, it worked fine for me.)  I pinterested some quotes for inspiration and this one struck me since some of the same language was in the readings we chose for the ceremony.  

source

It was important to both of us to stress that we would stick by each other through good and bad times.  So this quote gave me the inspiration I needed to jump start my vows.  The rest came quickly and easily after that.  

So back to the gift part...

I watched our wedding video and just paused and restarted as I needed to to write down our vows word for word.  Next I just typed them in my favorite font (called Roskrift), just changed the size and boldness of key words, and added some cute graphics. 

The graphics I used are from this collection of cute wreaths and vines from Designs by Miss Mandee.  They are completely free to download.  You can check out her site and get them here.  

So then it was just a matter of printing them and framing.  I chose these simple natural distressed wood frames to keep the look simple and chic.  

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Her

Pay attention guys! Valentine's Day is next Saturday.  Make sure you have your plans set and your gifts purchased.  To give you a jump start, today at 29DesignStudio we have gathered some of the cutest and sweetest presents out there that she will love. 

1. PJ Set

These cute pj's will keep her comfy and cozy for a Valentine's night in.  The set even includes an eye mask to help her get a great night's sleep. 

2. Art Print

For the sentimental sweetheart, this print from Minted allows you to upload your photos and they put them into this vintage polaroid heart shape taking the prep time off of your plate, all you have to do is choose your photos.  

3. Phone Case

This cute case will keep her phone protected.  The monogram makes a great gift for your new fiance, get hers monogrammed with her soon to be initials!

4. Perfume This sweet candy like scent is perfect for daytime or to wear on the date night out you have planned for her. 
5. Funny Card Why not surprise her with an out of the ordinary card that will make her lol?  This cute card is just one of many on Etsy, perfect for the funny gal.  They have everything from sentimental  to hilarious to kinky.  To check out all the cards click here.
6. Watch This beautiful Kate Spade watch will show her just how special she, and the adorable hearts will remind her of you whenever she checks the time.  
What are you planning this Valentine's Day, a comfy night in with your special one, a hot date out on the town, or a special weekend away?