If you want to make Valentine’s Day extra SWEET this year this dessert charcuterie board will do the trick! It’s no fuss and is sure to please a crowd.
This makes such a fun date night in or fun kid friendly activity. It’s easy to throw together and you can purchase everything pre-made to make it easy.
5 Tips For Making A Dessert Charcuterie Board
Mix in fresh fruits, mint and pomegranate seeds. You can use the mint and pomegranate as “garnish” mixed in on top of other treats on the board.
2. Choose a color scheme. This may sound strange to do when it comes to food, but it makes it more pleasing to the eye. This one was pinks, reds and whites to parallel the Valentine’s theme.
3. Layer the different items. There can be some overlap of the items. I chose to make it look more natural then lines up perfectly.
4. Include lots of options so there is something for everyone.
5. Check your pantry/fridge and use items you may already have.
I’ve also rounded up gift ideas for everyone on your list HERE.
If you loved this idea, be sure to check out a hot chocolate themed dessert charcuterie board I have done HERE.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guides- For Her, For Him & Kids
I know there are a lot of Valentine’s Day skeptics out there, but I am a fan of anything that celebrates love. While I don’t think you need to do gifts to show your love it’s always fun to surprise someone with a little something special. (Especially if your loved one’s love language is “gift giving.”)
P.S. If you don’t know what your loved one’s love language is you can learn all about it HERE.
January is all about a fresh, clean start. These pieces are all intentional staple items in both fashion and home decor. Inspiring art pieces to kickstart your New Year with creativity, closet staples to wear over and over, great sales items. Pieces that are the perfect combo of function and design.
** Click on any item to shop.**
January Must Haves
Gold Accessories. This herringbone necklace is the perfect everyday piece. It’s affordable, but looks much more high end than it’s price tag.
Inspiring Art. This tribal art piece was a love at first sight piece! Art is always an investment, but this year I want to curate a few pieces for our home. It makes a home feel more personal and inspiring. If you aren’t ready to make an investment just yet, check out the collection HERE. These fine art prints are super affordable and they make framing simple.
Graphic Tees. New Year, Same graphic tee obsession. I’m obsessed with this designer and love the lighter look on THIS ONE .
Hero Hats. Janessa Leone hats rarely go on sale and their quality and look makes them the perfect investment hat. I’m loving this bone color. My motto for fashion lately is fewer, better pieces. If you love this look, but not the price tag THIS HAT is similar and less costly.
Interesting Sunglasses. Classic, but make it interesting. These Ray Bans are a perfect combo of classic, but on trend and fun. Finding neutral/staple items doesn’t equal boring!
Over The Knee Cowboy Style Boots– I can not believe these are on sale for $52!!!! Everyone should run and get these. They look MUCH more high end than the price reflects. The pull straps and swoop in the front make these so perfect and you can wear them over and over.
Smell Good Essential Oil. This essential oil is an Amazon find and smells just like the Le Labo perfume that is so $$$. It makes your house smell super luxurious. I started by purchasing the small bottle. It lasted me about 3 months so I went ahead and purchased a larger size. It’s become my favorite household thing to have on hand.
Silky Striped PJ’s. Let’s be real…. in the winter when it’s dark at 4p.m. there is a lot of time spent at home. I love that these feel so comfortable and look adorable as well. They are currently on sale for under $80 and would make a great gift if you are in the market for one as well.
Tortoise Shell Home Decor. This Vase is under $30 and SUCH a good find. I recently purchased it for our dining room and went back to get another. Neutral enough to blend with any decor, but also unique.
Design Friendly Storage.– If you are getting your life organized this New Year this piece is for you. It’s a small chest that packs a design punch with all the texture. This is going in our living room to hide tv equipment and cords, but would be great anywhere. It’d make a good toy catch all for your living area as well. (P.S. if you are on the organizing train, be sure to check out THIS POST about organizing your pantry.)
While I don’t believe you need a New Year (or even a Monday) to implement change in your life, there truly is something about a New Year that feels fresh. A clean slate. The perfect time to be your best self.
However, most people never keep the resolutions they set. Then you beat yourself up over not keeping said resolutions, no change occurs, repeat the next year. Ugh. That can feel so defeating. I did this year after year up until recently when I changed my mindset and how I look at New Year’s Resolutions.
In the past, I’ve done a post with things that I’ve learned from the year before. The life lessons I learned the hard way and wanted to take on into the New Year and share with you. (You can read last year’s post on that HERE. )
This year I did a deep dive and realized I’ve kept nearly all my resolutions, and wanted to share some of the ways I was able to do in hopes it would help someone else to do the same.
How To Keep Your Resolutions This Year
1.Be intentional with the resolutions you make. Spend some time doing a deep dive into this past year. When did you feel your best? Analyze who you were with, what food you were putting in your body, etc. Make a list of your highs and lows of the past year. Make resolutions focusing towards more of those “high” items. Really understand the resolutions you make before throwing some out there that don’t make sense for you.
2. Focus on a word, phrase or mantra. Before you make a list of goals chose a word or mantra that you want to be your overall vibe for this year. Center everything around that “bigger picture word.” For example, last year I chose the word “intention.” Before I did anything I thought to myself, “Am I doing this with intention.” This year my word is, “purpose.”
3. Be realistic. You can always add to a goal. Don’t set yourself up for failure.
4. Be specific.
5. Set small daily habits that will lead you to your ultimate goals. This one is the kicker. Chose extremely specific, everyday habits that will lead you to your ultimate goal. For example, instead of “I want to lose weight.” Try, “I will to drink my body weight in water each day.” “I will move my body for thirty minutes every day.”
6. Write them down. Say them out loud. Tell Others. Visualize them in every way. Out loud, tell a friend, write them in a notebook. (Don’t forget to check back in on it!) For the past few years I have been doing vision boards with a group of friends in January. We ask each other about our goals, encourage one another and hold each other accountable.
7. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Give yourself grace. If you slip up, don’t give up. You got this!
In the spirit of listening to my own advice of writing your goals down and telling others I’m going to share a few of mine below. I love looking back the next year and seeing my growth, and also love when ya’ll join in so we can hold each other accountable!
*Personal Resolutions This Year*
Words: PURPOSE & SIMPLIFY
To do everything with purpose. To chose going to events, dinners, etc. that have a purpose. To find my purpose professionally and to focus on my main purpose (being a mom and wife) and serving that aspect of my life in the best way I know how.
Less things, more quality items. Clean out house. Simplify the circle. Don’t over complicate things.
Resolutions:
Better skincare. (Wear sunscreen every single day. Take time to do my skincare routine each morning and each night.)
Drink more water. (Drink half of my weight in oz. of water each day.)
More purposeful family time. (Phones down for the first hour Trey gets home from work. Eat dinner together or play with kids with zero screens. )
Servant’s Heart. Truly live this motto. (Be a better friend, neighbor, wife, etc. Show up for those closest to me.)
Professionally- niche down. (Be resourceful and a positive place for people to land online. Practice more purposeful social media.)
Travel. I’m happiest exploring new places or tried and true “happy places.” Make it a priority. (Once a month trips.)
Keep a calm, clean home. I’ve learned a lot of my stress starts with things get out of whack at home. (More picking up as I go. Getting the help when I need it. Monthly closet purges. Once a month organize a new space in our home.)
Practice more gratitude. (Write in gratitude journal daily.)
Any last minute shoppers out there? I’ve got you, sister. These are all hit gift ideas that don’t break the bank and are available for quick, Amazon Prime shipping.
Every year it never fails that I forget a few gifts and go into panic mode. No need to rush out of the house and miss any precious moments with the family shopping around. Add to cart on one of these 5 last minute Amazon gifts under $25 and you are covered. Whew.
If you want to check out a full gift guide list (several have rush shipping options) you can find those HERE.
5 Last Minute Amazon Gifts Under $25
The Best Travel Makeup Case– I use this as my everyday case as well. It’s sturdy so protects your makeup or skincare while traveling (or in my case from toddlers.) The compartments are adjustable so you can customize to your particular needs. Comes in different size and color options as well. SUCH A HIT!
2. Charging Station- This charging station can charge an Iphone, Airpods and an Apple Watch at the same time. No tangling cords or losing cords. It’s sleek and easy. Truly can’t believe that this one is only $22.
3. Yeti Coffee Mug- This thing keeps your coffee warm for so dang long. It’s crazy. This is a really good one for moms that never get to drink hot coffee anymore. HA! It’s a hit for just about anyone though. Great teacher gift, boss or coworker, in-laws- you name it.
4. Water Wow Kids Toy- These are great for kids, especially during holiday travel season. Our kids love to play with these in the car and they only use water, so no mess. You can use them over and over again and for around $10 (for a set of 3) you can’t go wrong. Great stocking stuffer as well.
5. The Five Minute Journal– Not to be dramatic, but this journal changed my life. Practicing gratitude is seriously life altering. What better gift is there than that? It also has a really beautiful look to it so you can simply put a pretty ribbon around it tie a pen on and call it a day.
If you want to bring an instant hit to any holiday party, have a really fun family date night, (or a date night in with your significant other)… I’ve got you covered.This hot chocolate charcuterie board is so easy to make and a HUGE hit! Also, I purchased all of this as is, no DIY-ing. (Because who has time for that this time of year?!)
Somehow it’s already holiday season! Did this year fly by for anyone else too? This is always such a hectic time of year full of events, parties, and holiday get togethers. It’s by far my favorite time of year and I LOVE finding that perfect gift for all of our loved ones, party hosts, etc. If you don’t have time to spend hours upon hours scouring the internet for the perfect gift… I got you. I’ve searched long and hard, reached out to ask on Instastories, begged all my friends, and the holiday gift guides are finally here! It means so much to me when ya’ll shop these. Happy shopping!
Side note: We are going light on our shopping within our own family this year and will be doing more “experience” based gifts. (We are taking the kids to Disney! EEK! I’ll also be doing a full post on some experience gifts as well. Stay tuned.
A Neutral Thanksgiving Tablescape With Mackenzie Childs
Outfit:
Tablescape:
Mackenzie-Childs makes some of the most beautiful handmade dining pieces I’ve ever seen! I wanted to use their classic sweetbriar collection that can be used all year long and make it have a Thanksgiving twist to it. This year I went with a bright white and clean Thanksgiving Tablescape.
You can also check out last years peacock themed tablescape HERE and another rustic tablescape (plus an amazing apple pie sangria recipe) HERE.
If you really want to make a statement this Thanksgiving, try a charcuterie runner instead of a more traditional one. This one was made by the Nashville Cheese Gal and was INCREDIBLE. I’ll be working on a full post with how to execute the best charcuterie board ASAP!
A simple pumpkin on each plate makes things festive. If you prefer choosing the seating, you can use a gold sharpie to write names on the pumpkins.
The beautiful florals on the glasses paired with a huge bouquet of flowers picked from Natchez Glen. You can easily make your own using lots of eucalyptus to inexpensively fill a large vase.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and family, but setting the scene can make the day even more special! I hope everyone gets lots of quality time with their loved ones in this season!
FLORALS: Natchez Glen House
CHARCUTERIE: Nashville Cheese Gal
Huge thanks to Mackenzie-Childs for the beautiful table setting.
Honestly, I’ve been trying to order less on Amazon. I’ve been more careful on waste and particular about ordering things that get a lot of use. SO… these are the best of the best!
Coffee is a lifeline at this busy time of year. This milk frother is amazing! It will trick you into thinking your drinking a fancy $10 coffee from a shop. (It’s also currently on sale.) I also love these drawer organizers to hold coffee and tea essentials. This cute reusable cup will help cutdown waste, and makes an awesome holiday gift!
Black Hat– You can wear this all fall/winter. It is a really great quality and a piece you can have in your closet year after year.
Essential Oil– It smells just like Le Labo’s Santal Perfume at a fraction of the price. You can put this in your diffuser and your home will smell AMAZING. Perfect for holiday season while you are hosting guests. (They will be so impressed!)
Velvet Hangers– Nothing slides off these. Once you’ve switched you will never use a wire or plastic hanger again.
Since hosting season is here I had to share these square wine glasses. They are classic with an interesting twist. Also, this gold flatware is the best price I’ve ever found. This is for a set of 20!! If you need to host a crowd this is a must have.
Matches- I use these for decoration, but they also pair well with a candle for the easiest hostess gift. It’s one of those things I buy a few and have in the closet for last minute gifting.
This month’s last Amazon must haves is the smart mouth toothpaste/mouthwash. My dentist put up an IG story saying she used it and I purchased. It’s great!
After a crazy 16 weeks in the Wilson house of non stop travel we truly enjoyed a weekend home doing all the fun fall family activities! This weather is amazing and makes us want to be out and about.
If you are looking for ideas to bond as a family.. I’ve got you covered!
10 Fall Family Friendly Activities
Pick fall flowers. (Nashville friends, Amelia’s Flower Truck & Natchez Glen House are great options!)
Go To A Pumpkin Patch. (We love Gentry’s farm!)
Go To A Farm. (Lucky Ladd’s Farm is truly a treat. SO. MUCH. TO. DO.)
Build A Haunted House Cookie House. (Similar to a gingerbread house. (Trader Joe’s sells them or you can find it on Amazon Prime, HERE.
Bake Pumpkin Bread. (Even better, bake a few extras and deliver to your neighbors or a nursing home.)
Go On A Picnic. (We went on one to Arrington Vinyards. Truly amazing! The kids can run around and you can sip on some wine. We packed a charcuterie board for us and a kid friendly one.)
Carve (or paint) Pumpkins.
Go To Boo At The Zoo. (One of our favorite family traditions every year!)
Go Out To Eat, Sit Outside. (The perfect time of year for a patio!)
Go On A Hike. (You could even put hot chocolate in a mug for a post hike treat.)
I hope everyone soaks up this beautiful fall weather and gets outside to make precious memories with your loved ones!
