Christmas Down

My commute involves the following: Take the 24 to 18th. Get off and get Starbucks (Grande medium roast in a Venti cup), then either walk (or if I get lucky take the 6) to Delores Park where I catch the EA Shuttle down to Redwood City. Recently, I've not been so lucky and I've had to walk to the park. Walking isn't the issue - it's only about 10 minutes. I just feel better about myself when I can successfully coordinate 2 buses and a Starbucks trip.

Either way, since I've been walking I've noticed all of the Christmas trees, wreaths, and decorations all over the place. It looks a bit like a Christmas massacre and it's so sad! All that love and excitement while it's in the house then just tossed out like your wide leg jeans. I just love the holiday season and I'm not ready for it to be over!

(Merry)^10 Christmas!

Isn't this insane?

I ran past this house a few weekends ago, and I couldn't help but take a picture. You can't tell, but there are people right outside of the frame in what I can only describe as a power supply company truck's crane...thing putting up MORE stuff at the top. Like - these fools weren't messing around.

I'm used to seeing this amount of Christmas spirit strewn across massive houses and their yards (or small cities) but never this much this dense. It was nice though and it definitely put me in the Christmas spirit, but kind of made me a little sad that I didnt't have my own space to decorate but also a little relieved that I wouldn't have to take anything down either!

#that'sokay,right?
#charlieboewnchristmas
#leaveittothegays

...A lot like Christmas

Every time I said I was excited about it, someone would comment on how much I was going to hate winter in NYC. They would say things like: "You think you're going to look cute, don't you? You won't. You'll look like ass just like everyone else." OR "Have you ever BEEN in NYC in the winter for longer than a week?" OR "You're going to be freezing with a million layers then how as hell in the subway and you're going to always have snot dripping from your frozen nose...". Fa la la la la. La la la la. I would always counter by saying I'd rather freeze my butt off than spend another hot/humid "winter" in Louisiana.

Well, good thing I basically did no shopping in NYC for winter gear before I moved. I'll be enjoying a winter wonderland on the other side of the country where I can look forward to cool crisp days and nice chilly nights, but nothing too extreme. No wait. That's summer. No...it's winter. Or wait...it's all year. Regardless, it's hard to not get in the holiday Christmas spirit regardless of the temperature (re: Louisiana) as long as lights are up, Christmas music is playing, and Starbucks is using their holiday cups.

The other night, I rode through downtown Mountain View in search of a new book after just finishing Tina Fey's Bossypants*. I rode my bike down, but when I got to the main street, I locked it up, got a coffee, and strolled around enjoying the season's decorations. I think it'll be a bit of a sad Christmas for me since I'm not going home this year, but I think it'll be one I'll never forget. I've enjoyed being alone, having time for reflection, and not feeling so anxious if I'm not constantly on-the-go. It's weird...but I like it.

*That's one of my I-moved-to-Cali-and-I-want-to-change-things-about-myself hobbies. I've always enjoyed reading, but found it difficult to find the time. Biking is another. Hanging out with Joan and Ernie would be a third.

Lord it's like a [Moss Family] Christmas...

Christmas morning, Beau and I ate breakfast and hung out with the Hollands and Jenkins until about 10am, then we hopped in the car and drove westbound for THREE hours to get to Lake Charles (Beau's hometown) to visit his dad's side. TOTALLY worth the drive! The whole Moss family is awesome and reminds me so much of mine: loud, funny, big (in terms of quantity), and craaazy! His aunts, uncles, and Mimi are all wonderful, but it's the cousins that bring the family gatherings to another level. I think there are two thousand 17 cousins on that side, and they're all around the same age, and are all great. For this Christmas, even cousins from out of state came in to visit, so we got a chance to visit with everyone...and had they not, Jingle Booty would have never been introduced to my life...

So I know I have mostly random food pictures, but I get a little nervous whenever I whip my camera out at a party - I feel like everyone's watching thinking, "put the camera up, weirdo". Furthermore, it's hard to take pictures when I'm laughing hysterically. Amongst other games, some of Beau's cousins created a little game called "Jingle Booty". The idea of the game is to get as many jingle bells out of an empty Kleenex box that's belted to your butt...by shaking it like...a salt shaker. It. Was. Hilarious.

After the family get-together, Beau and I met up with his dad, stepmom, and twin brothers for a little gift exchange at their house. Amongst other things, they gave us an incredible patio set (table and chairs) for our newly poured patio! Yay yay yay! Then that night, we slept like kings in their new addition/guest house they just finished building! It was so neat to see Mended Nest furniture in it's natural habitat (I recently finished an end table for Beau's stepmom).

So all in all, I think this was one of the best Christmases I've ever had. Seeing my family and both of Beau's in one weekend was exhausting, but so much fun. We're blessed for so many reasons, but family has to be my number one. We love them all. Merry Christmas!

Christmas with the Jenkins and Hollands!

So after spending Thursday night and Friday morning in Covington with the Caraglianos, Beau and I headed south to New Orleans to visit the Jenkins (Beau's sister's family) and the Hollands (Beau's mom, stepdad, and brother). Laurel, Beau's sister (Jenkin's Family Journey), lives in a beautiful house on Fairway Dr., and that's where we spent Christmas Eve and day. We had such a great time sitting around drinking wassel, playing with Beau's niece, Isabel, and enjoying family talks and yummy food.

It was so enjoyable because we had absolutely nothing to do...and major rarity. At home, we usually get stuck working on some sort of project, but there we got to truly relax! We went to the movies a few times and went out to eat, but mostly hung around the house and just enjoyed each other's company. Beau has the most loving family and it's always a joy to spend time with them.

Christmas eve was my favorite day/night. We went to Mass right around the corner and then came home for a delicious Christmas meal...and then exchanged presents! There's nothing like watching a three year old's excitement when opening Christmas presents - I loved it! Of course, Isabel had her presents from Santa on Christmas morning, but these were from Mia (Rose), Bops (Bob), her mommy and daddy, and "The Uncles" (Beau, Bobby, and me). 

So, after enjoying a little more family fun Christmas morning over coffee and breakfast, Beau and I hopped in the car and headed west to Lake Charles, LA for the last leg of our Christmas journey - Christmas with the Moss family!

Christmas at the Caragliano's (Jeri's Corner)

Hello! How was your Christmas? I hope everyone had a great time! As Beau and I were driving home from Lake Charlesl last night, crawling through 3 hours of traffic, we both agreed that this was one of our best Christmases ever. In years past, Beau and I always separated for Holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc., but this year, we decided it was time to stick together and split them up between families. Since my parents got Thanksgiving, we visited Beau's families for Christmas. However, because Beau's very pregnant sister, Laurel, is in New Orleans (which is where his mom and stepdad spent Christmas), I was able to sneak in one night on the Northshore at Jeri and Frank's before heading to the Jenkin's (Beau's sister's family).

We got into Covington Thursday night and left Friday afternoon, so it was a very brief visit, but a great one none the less. We all sat around in the living room (MawMaw included) chatting, laughing, sipping on wine, and enjoying a delicious creamy salsa soup with fresh avocado and cilantro on top. (Recipe coming soon!) Afterwards, we exchanged presents and then sat down for a lasagna supper. Jeri and Frank did a good job this year! Beau and I loaded up on some much needed goodies, but the two gifts in the pictures above I thought were so cute that I couldn't help but share: a little mended nest complete with a tiny "duck egg blue" egg that Jeri picked up from a shop on Lee Lane - Best. Street. In. Covington. She also gave us another cute nest with a little bird candle. Instant obsessions with both, and they're already in our new office!

Jeri's corner time: all around the house were these small arrangements filled with tree trimmings, red berries, and leaves from various plants and trees around the yard creating these mini homemade Christmas bouquets. Where she finds the time, I'll never know, but I'm glad she does because I secretly look forward to these little guys all year. I've never seen her do this, but this year she stepped it up: she took a large vase, filled it with water and trimmings from their tree, wrapped it with burlap, and created a DIY dining room table centerpiece! Jeri's funny: she'll decorate for Fall, but not Halloween, Easter, but no bunny, and Christmas, but no Santa. I love that. This is NOT a blanket statement, but a lot of the Santa decorations tend to be cheesy and not cute. Jeri will decorate with tree trimmings, angels, mangers, and other various DIY decorations and keeps the tacky out of Christmas. I want to be JUST like her!

Christmas Tags

As Beau and I were scrambling the other night trying to get all of the presents wrapped, we realized that we had no way of differentiating between who the gifts were for. Beau quickly made these cute cards, and I thought they were perfect. I know it's a little late now, but hopefully we'll be a little more organized by NEXT Chirstmas, and we'll be able to sell packs of them with all kinds of different designs.

This is going to be our last post until Tuesday after Christmas. Beau and I are going to be traveling for a few days, and I'm thinking that a little present to myself will be taking Monday off. Don't worry - we'll get through this together! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone. Cheers and God bless! Oh - and get ready for a big 'ole Jeri's corner!!

It's the Most Won...Hectic Time of the Year!

Last night was a mess. We had multiple loads of laundry to finish, packing for the extended weekend, wrapping all of the presents, a house to clean, hours of freelance work for Beau, and most importantly: the finale of American Horror Story to watch. If that wasn't enough, I decided to tackle a last minute Christmas order for an custom iPad cover. Clearly, I wouldn't have made it through without a few glasses of wine. After finally getting to bed at 1:30 this morning, I am exhausted today!

I don't know what it was about this year (possibly owning a company), but we both felt extremely rushed this Christmas season. This is really embarassing, but I still don't even have presents for Beau yet! Okay - one I've ordered, but I still have to pick up the other one at lunch...from the mall. That traffic is going to be a LOT of fun. Can it just be Christmas, already!?

We Will be Boarding Shortly...

Danes update! Yesterday, I loaded up the danes it my little Jeep and drove off to the vet for a last minute visit so both Duke and Cooper could get their bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. Beau and I will literally be traveling all across southern Louisiana for Christmas, and there's no possible way we could bring two great danes to my parent's, his sister's, and then to his parents. With that said, we (very sadly) have to board them for a few days over the holidays. I feel TERRIBLE, but we don't have a choice.

Either way, the vet visit was a hot mess. Clearly, half of Baton Rouge had the same idea as us because the vet waiting room was packed. Worst of all, I was that person with the bad dogs! Duke was okay...sort of, but Cooper was terrible! Literally, he non-stop barked and shrilly whined from the moment we got in until the moment we left. My arms are sore from them pulling on my leashed trying to play with other dogs. Omg, I was so embarrassed. They're lucky I love them!

My favorite part of a vet visit - weight in time. This time around, Duke stayed about the same - just under 150, but Cooper grew tons - he's now weighing in at 120 at just 10 months old! He's going to be huge, and I can't wait!!

PS - please excuse our floors in these pictures. Things have been INSANE at The Mended Nest with last minuted holiday orders.

Christmas Card!

As you know by now, through The Mended Nest, llc, Beau and I create...pretty much everything under the sun. Repainting furniture, custom invites, photography, and DIY tablet covers are only a few of the things we can now add to our resume. However, custom announcements and invitations are our bread and butter. This was part of the original plan we had for The Mended Nest, and it's something that we still love doing.

Above is an example of a custom Christmas card we were asked to make for our great friend, Lissa Weston. She loved the cards (and we couldn't be happier either). They came out looking great! It's always so much fun to work with Lissa, and we're looking forward to all the work she'll bring our way!

If you're interested in a custom announcement, invitation, etc., please email us at themendednest@gmail.com!

Deck the Vases with Boughs of Faux Holly

Colder weather is upon us; unfortunately that means that flowers are freezing to death (too morbid?) and I don't have any more fresh flowers for my house. Sure, I could buy them, but it's always a hassle. I either have to make a special trip to the florist with in my nonexistent free time or pick some up when I'm at the grocery. The only problem with the grocery is that I try to strategically get them at the very end of shopping so that they're not out of water too long, but I ALWAYS forget to go back and get them! So what's a guy gunna do?

Try using the holly you can buy at any Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or even Walmart or Target. It doesn't die, you don't have to change out the water, and you don't have to throw them out! Plus, as long as you're keeping it simple, they'll look surprisingly chic.

DIY - Christmas Wreath!

Greetings! Yesterday, I was asked to make a Christmas wreath for a dear friend, and before doing any research at all, I said of course! I love wreaths; not only are they beautiful (at least most of them), but also very important to society. I mean, without them, how could we possibly know what season it was when driving down the street? Christmas? Easter? Fall? Mardi Gras? Think of the chaos.

After saying yes, I did a little research on Pintrest, and discovered wreath ideas that I had never seen before. Originally, I was going to make out out of Christmas tree branches, holly, etc. However, I loved the more modern/2011 versions I saw on the website, so I decided to move in that direction. Again (and to be totally clear), I completely credit Pintrest.com and the awesome people on there who take the time to share their ideas!

So here's what I did...

- Purchased round wreath (I couldn't find styrofoam, but that would be ideal)
- Covered in strips of linen fabric to create an earthy look
- Wrapped (twice) yarn around the wreath. Any pattern would look great (stapled in the back to hold in place)
- Once complete, I made all of the yarn roses (tutorial coming soon...hopefully tomorrow!)
- Hot glued them onto the wreath
- Added the holly for a little extra kick

What do you think? I love it and (as always) want to make one for myself. However, more than that, I want to make one for YOU! If you're interested, please email us at TheMendedNest@gmail.com! Note: there are many color/yarn/fabric options available.

Price: $47 + tax

Ornament Tradition

Every Christmas growing up, my mom (Jeri) would give my brothers and me a special ornament to remember each holiday season. Not only did it help us start our own collection for when we moved out on our own, but it gave us something special to look back on the fun times we had decorating the tree with Christmas music blaring in the background. There were usually tears at SOME point, but all I remember is the laughter, fun, and love.

Beau and I have carried this over into our Christmas each year, and I'm so happy we did. The tradition is so dear to my heart, and it's something we'll do when we have children of our own. Like I previously mentioned, each time you pull one of these out of your Christmas box, you'll be able to reminisce on each Christmas season. If nothing else, It keeps your tree from having boring, matching green and red ball ornaments!

Pumpkins Out, Tree In

Howdy! Well I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving week - Beau and I certainly did. I'm sure we gained a collective 30 lbs at least! Not only did we go to Covington for my family's dinner, but we also attended two friends' Thanksgiving parties. The food at all three - OMG! Thank God all that eating is over, and I have a solid month of working out/running before Christmas feasts begin...or maybe just more eating.


Well, Friday morning, Beau and I went down to Louisiana Nursery to pick out our Christmas tree! Clearly, we didn't waste ANY time (I joked with Beau saying that we got it so early that it'll be nice 'n dead by the time Christmas comes!) Last year, Beau and I traveled to Covington to cut down a tree from a Christmas tree farm, but since we were just there for Thanksgiving, we opted for less driving and to stay in EBR. It was so nice decorating - it's one of my favorite parts of Christmas! We turned the lights down, had seasonal candles burning, Christmas music on, and we pretended like it wasn't 75 degree outside. Happy Almost-December!