Style Me Green: holiday

Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

HOLIDAY CARDS AND CARAMEL SAUCE

Last week was a bit of a Christmas prep blur. But I wanted to share our Holiday cards and neighbor/co-worker gifts with you this year. We always do our little gifts in a jar- this year it was caramel. And this recipe was not only easy but super fast to make, so if you are scrambling for something to make, look no further.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup dark karo syrup
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
melt butter, sugar, and syrup, bring to boil. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat.
Stir in 1 can sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla. Let cool for a bit before pouring into jars.

Makes enough to fill 4 half pint jars

After many requests here it is folks our 2013 Christmas year in review card.

FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS GIFT TAGS

I love wrapping presents! I know some people hate it, I used to be one of them, I would shove presents in gift bags with tissue, and call it done. Maybe it's Pinterest, or being surrounded by creative types that has changed me, but now I get pumped to wrap gifts. I usually pick a color scheme to work within and just run wild. Last year it was kraft paper, black, and apple green glitter accents.This year it's all about red and white. I am so behind this year with a lot of our holiday projects, I'm blaming a late Thanksgiving... But, I was able to find the perfect white eco-friendly gift wrap at our local art supply store, and a fun herringbone red ribbon so I hurried to get everything together.

If you are trying to get out of a wrapping rut just pick a few colors and stick to those- mix and match patterns and texture and everything you do will look great.

I created some fun tags to go with our gifts this year. You can download them for FREE HERE!

CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL

Now Through 12/3 take 15% off in the shop. Happy Holidays! STYLE ME GREEN STUDIO SHOP

THANKSGIVING PUMPKIN CENTERPIECE

I like to re-use things if you haven't noticed- not in a weird hoarder, crazy cat lady kind of way, but more in a "I saw this idea on pinterest/Martha Stewart, and was like I can totally do that with something I already have" kind of way. This idea came from pinterest, 2 years ago, yeah - I was pinteresting before it was even cool... haha. (I literally overheard that exact statement at the grocery store a few weeks ago, I maybe rolled my eyes so hard they got stuck.) But, I digress- the moral of that story was I'd been filing that idea away so long and this Thanksgiving seemed like the perfect time to let it be free.

You'll Need:

A pumpkin

Flowers

A Vase/jar/container

Method:

Cut the top off of the pumpkin and leave yourself about an 8" diameter hole. Scoop out the insides. Place a small vase or plastic container inside the pumpkin to hold the water for the flowers. Arrange your flowers.

The whole process ended up taking about 30 minutes. I think I'll end up going back to the floral shop and adding some olive branches and more hydrangea blooms closer to the holiday,for a soft green touch- but I like where it is going.

PUMPKIN BLING

I have an addiction, unfortunately it's not really treatable, considering it involves painting everything gold. From picture frames, to trays, our house is littered with objects that fell pray to my Midas touch. I even think about what I can paint next. (a pile of pine cones in my office is just screaming for a holiday makeover.) This time it was pumpkins. I wanted to add a little glam to our Thanksgiving table, right now the plan is to head toward a bit of a rustic glamour- but it's all still coming together in my head, and I know it actually wont materialize until moments before the meal.

But not all is lost if we bag the gold pumpkins because I think they make the perfect pre-thanksgiving accessory. I've never been the kind to decorate for Christmas before December begins, so these will hold me over quite nicely until I can get my glittery hands on the pine cone pile. I just wish I painted them sooner. Do you have any DIY addictions?

A NEW SHOP AND A GIVEAWAY

I know many of you have been waiting for this announcement just as much as I have. I'm so excited to announce the formal opening of Style Me Green Studio. I founded this business with an eye toward keeping it fun, and fresh, with an emphasis on eco-friendly printing techniques and papers. I felt there was an absence of eco-friendly paper goods on the market, and after the prodding of several friends for custom designs, I was inspired to bring my eco-friendly cards to the masses. And the Style Me Green Studio brand was born.

My philosophy has always been that you don't have to sacrifice style to be eco-conscious. That is what you will find in the shop, a mix of traditional, rustic, and contemporary designs created to highlight your party, or event.

If you are a regular follower of this blog you will notice the blog design has slightly changed to keep in line with the new website/shop. Visit the new site by clicking the home link above. www.stylemegreenstudio.com And for a quick link to the shop visit the shop at the pink link above. I will continue to add more items over the next few weeks so check in on a regular basis. If you are looking for a custom design you can email me for a custom quote starting today! I can't wait to work with you.

Holiday cards are on sale now through November 20th exclusively to SMG followers, just enter code: HOLIDAYS at checkout.

I'd also like to announce a giveaway! Starting Wed. Nov. 13 - Wed. Nov. 20 you can enter to win (25) printed 5x7 announcements. (This can include a holiday, save the date, baby announcement, or invitation)

To enter:
Visit the shop and leave us a comment with your favorite piece. Be sure to include your email so we can contact you.

If you want an additional entry you can share this giveaway with your friends via facebook, instagram or twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #stylemegreengiveaway and tag @style_me_green

Be sure to leave a comment with your email letting me know how you shared so we can validate your extra entry.

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI RECIPE

As promised here is the chili recipe we are obsessed with. It's our family's Halloween tradition to make chili before trick-or-treating. Since we are a bit too old for the trick-or-treating part, we decided that we would just keep the chili part of the tradition alive. So add this to your list of must try Fall dishes!

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked diced chicken
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 TB Vegetable oil (used to cook chicken if needed)
2 cans (15 1/2 oz) Great Northern Beans (rinsed)
1 can (14 1/2 oz) Chicken Broth
2 cans (4 oz) chopped green chilis
1 tsp of each: salt, cumin, oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup greek yogurt (you could also use sour cream)
1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions:
In crockpot place cooked chicken, onion, garlic powder, beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Heat thoroughly. (3-4 hours on low) Or bring to boil over stove, simmer uncovered for at least 30 min.

Remove from heat, add yogurt and whipping cream. Serve immediately.

HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND

I hope everyone has a peaceful and happy Easter

BUILDING AN EASTER BASKET

It was 60 degrees here last week, and I was loving it. But, we live in Idaho where one day you are walking around in shorts, and the next day you are shoveling a foot of snow out of your driveway. There is still hope for us though, Easter is right around the corner. Remember this post from last year on using natural materials to dye eggs? This year I wanted to share a few fun things help you build the perfect basket.

Beatrix Potter Books

Julep Natural Nail Color

Clamp Scarf @ Future Standard

Grey Wool Tweed Tie

Leather Knot Bracelet

Rosemary, Thyme, & Mint Herbal Oil

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Style Me Green just turned 1! I know that isn't long in blog years these days, but I am excited that we made it this far and I didn't give up on it when projects and life got in the way. I have some great giveaways and guest posts coming up in the new year and can't wait to share all of the surprises with you. Cheers to a great 2013!

Don't you love this birthday card idea from Sam Dubeau?

MY HOLIDAY CARDS

Yesterday we spent all day doing our Holiday cards. I was ill-prepared and realized too little too late that I basically had one day to style, shoot, design, print and address 48 lovely cards. Fortunately, we did the same info-graphic style card last year, so we just had to fill in the new details of 2012. Magically it all happened, and I am not sure how I managed to make my office gifts, click here for those, and do 4 loads of laundry as well. (okay so there is a giant pile of unfolded laundry on my sofa right now- but its clean!) I also got a bit cracked out on the entire first season of DC Cupcakes while doing all of this, so naturally I just want to start off the day the right way with a sweet little treat.

Update: If you'd like to order cards with a similar design visit our shop here, or drop me a line for a custom design. stylemegreenstudio (at) gmail.com

ECO FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR HIM

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ECO FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR HER

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HOLIDAY WREATH GIVEAWAY

Excited to announce a giveaway with Opal Design Group. We are giving away $50 to spend at West Elm, Pottery Barn, or Williams Sonoma to one lucky winner. Details below.

CONTEST DETAILS:

Entries are due on December 20th 2012

The Winner will be announced on December 23rd 2012

The winner will receive $50 to spend at West Elm, Pottery Barn, or Williams Sonoma

Simply send in a photo of your wreath to info@opaldesigngroup.com, it doesn't have to be new this year, it doesn't have to be made by you, it just has to be fun, creative, beautiful or festive!

HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY

I think today is the scariest day of the year, even more terrifying than Halloween. I just avoid going out at all. I have never shopped a Black Friday in my life and I hope to keep it that way. But I get it, you can buy toys, clothes, and gifts for deep discounts, on a small budget you can get a lot for your money- and if you have a large family you can stretch your dollar farther. If you do venture out today in search of great deals think about investing in local businesses and keeping your money close to home.

Almost anything you can buy from a big box store can be found at a local mom and pop shop. Those same vendors you saw selling jewelry and hats at the Farmer's Market will likely still have inventory to select from. If you are shopping for someone who "has everything" try donating to a charity in their name. Give gift certificates to local restaurants, and shops if you are unsure of what to stuff stockings with. You won't regret investing in your local infrastructure, I promise. If you just can't find the perfect thing try sites like Etsy, where you can select from many vendors of homemade and vintage goods. Good luck on this day, shop smart, and shop wisely!

SO THANKFUL

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Holiday weekend, and a Happy Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for all of my readers. I couldn't have imagined having this many followers and loyal readers in such a short amount of time. I love all the emails you send me, and have loved working with some of you on your home projects. In the next few weeks I will be sharing some holiday gift guides and tips on hometown holiday shopping and decor.

THANKSGIVING TABLE INSPIRATION

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week, and whether your taste in tablescapes is subdued or sumptuous, get ready to give thanks in style. Check out this collection of photos of beautiful Thanksgiving table settings, centerpieces and accessories for ideas and inspiration.

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! HERE