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Browse through tips & tricks I’ve gathered after years of design, DIY & homemaking. From food to products to family fun, there’s a little bit of everything on the blog.
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20 FREE HOME CATALOGUES
I think we forget that catalogues are free & a wonderful resource when it comes to home inspiration. Whether you’re shopping from them or not, they are full of thought-out vignettes styled by professionals.
I recently asked my Instagram followers if they receive any catalogues. I was surprised to find that most of them (60%) did not. I grew up thumbing through catalogues on the kitchen counter. American Girl Doll, Delilah, PB Teen, Boden, DownEast and more. Despite never buying a single thing from a catalogue as a child/teen, I always enjoyed seeing how other people put things together and what was “out there.”
I still receive catalogues, and what a joy it is to find something in the mail that isn’t a bill! The thrill!
I think we forget that catalogues are free & a wonderful resource when it comes to home inspiration. Whether you’re shopping from them or not, they are full of thought-out vignettes styled by professionals. I enjoy thinking about how I can replicate what I see on the pages in my home with what I already own. In case you’d like to dabble in the world of catalogues or add to your repertoire, here are 20 free catalogues you can subscribe to today.
Pottery Barn Kids (Pottery Barn Teen is online only now)
What would you add? What’s your favorite catalogue?
EMMA’S PICKS: AREA RUGS
Today I’m sharing six area rugs that have caught my eye recently. Hopefully they inspire you, too!
Today I’m sharing six area rugs that have caught my eye recently. Hopefully they inspire you, too! While my home certainly has its fair share of neutrals, I love a bold rug. Think of them as wallpaper for your floors—instant personality & warmth. There are some high & low budget options and you’ll find the links by clicking on the rug photos. Enjoy!
Let me know if any of these catch your eye, too!
xo, Emma
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DINNER 2024
One of my very favorite times of year is when school starts again. The fresh school supplies, tidied backpacks, and structure speak to my soul (as does more time for myself).
One of my very favorite times of year is when school starts again. The fresh school supplies, tidied backpacks, and structure speak to my soul (as does more time for myself). New Year’s always feels a bit abrupt and out of place to me. My New Year’s is Back-to-School…which is probably why we celebrate it as a family.
Each year on the Sunday before school starts, I set a fun table and cook a family favorite for us to share one last summer meal and talk about what the year will bring. This year’s theme was “practice not perfection.” I made up some sweet little menus and had them printed on cardstock at Staples. I think printed menus are one of the simplest ways to make a meal feel fancy for low effort and expense! I printed mine in a 5x7” size, but you could do any size you like.
You can grab my eraser graphic below in two sizes. Print it as back-to-school art or print it on the flip-side of your menu! It’s yours for the taking.
Each setting included a paper placemat, a menu, a freshly sharpened pencil & a Pink Pearl eraser. I found the darling acrylic milk cartons in the Target Bullseye section months ago and knew they were made for our annual dinner. Keep your eye out for those throughout the year at Target, or there are these glass ones on Amazon. Blue gingham napkins my Grandma made me when I got married tied it all together.
For the centerpiece, I kept it simple. A white gauze table cloth is a great staple to have in your linen cabinet, because you can use it for any celebration you can think of. I gathered mine to be a runner, raided the fruit drawer for apples and used alphabet cookies as confetti (which, as it happens, is all my 2-year-old ate anyway). Some extra ribbon from teacher gifts looped down the middle added a little more dimension.
For food, I served my oldest’s favorite: grilled cheese & tomato soup. This soup recipe never fails me, and if you aren’t cooking your grilled cheese in the oven yet—repent. I used some parental license and added peas. For dessert? Warm chocolate chip cookies & ice-cold milk.
While we ate, we showed our kids the erasers and gave each member of the family a word that would be tricky for them to spell. When each person spelled the word wrong, we practiced erasing and trying again with help. We talked about perseverance & apologies and all the lovely things erasers can mean. Each year we try to have a conversation that will strengthen our kids for the challenges ahead. Then, each kid in school gets a pin for their backpack. For now, that’s just our Kindergartner, so he got a cute enamel tiger this year.
After dinner we have a special prayer as a family and call it a night. It’s a simple tradition that I’ve come to look forward to as much as any major holiday. I hope it’ll inspire you to add simple traditions that work for your family.
xo, Emma
MY AMAZON PRIME DAY PICKS
It can be overwhelming to sort through all the Prime Day deals, so here are a few of my home decor favorites that will work hard for you and your home. I’m deciding between many of them in my own cart!
It can be overwhelming to sort through all the Prime Day deals, so here are a few of my home decor favorites that will work hard for you and your home. I’m deciding between many of them in my own cart!
MODERN BLACK SCONCE: I’m trying to decide between these sconces and the gold ones for my bedroom. I love the shape and two-toned finish of these.
BLACK MARBLE TRAY: This is such a versatile piece. Style it in a bathroom, on a nightstand or even on a shelf. I’m eyeing it for my husband’s bed side table.
WAFFLE DUVET COVER: This texture screams “fancy hotel” to me at a reasonable price, but what really drew me in was the EIGHT ties inside of it so the duvet isn’t always sliding around. I’m sold.
STRIPED THROW BLANKET: Now that we live in Arizona I’ve been drawn to much lighter throw blankets. I love how this throw adds a bright pop of color without being overwhelming.
BLOCK PRINT PILLOW COVER: This one comes in at such a great price and feels down-to-earth and designer all at once.
LOLOI RUG: I have purchased several rugs from this line and they are always winners. They are printed flat weave, so definitely understand what you’re buying before you “add to cart”, but I’ve had no complaints! Very kid friendly.
FAUX POPPY STEMS: So fun for spring and summer. I’m wanting to add some faux stems to our powder room & my nightstand.
GOLD SWIVEL SCONCE: I previously owned a very similar sconce without the swivel. The swivel action on these is a game-changer!
Let me know if you end up finding anything you love!
xo, Emma
BUILDER-GRADE ISN’T BAD
You may have noticed that builder-grade homes get a bad rap in the design community. I’ve owned two basic builder-grade homes in my adult life as well as a 1940s house, and let me tell you—builder-grade has a lot of pros.
You may have noticed that builder-grade homes get a bad rap in the design community. I’ve owned two basic builder-grade homes in my adult life as well as a 1940s house, and let me tell you—builder-grade has a lot of pros.
So before you throw builder-grade homes out of your real estate search or get too frustrated with all the gray…hear me out.
Great Neighborhoods
Now obviously there are exceptions to this, but often builder-grade homes attract a lot of young families. In my experience, this can lead to good (even new!) schools, new parks & infrastructure and neighbors who are in a similar phase of life. Sure, your friend two houses down has the same floor plan, but you might also have kids the same age!
Blank Slate
Another advantage to these sometimes-basic homes is that they are purposefully generic with mass appeal. While that can feel boring at first, look at it as an opportunity to make your mark on your home without too many pre-determined design obstacles. Instead of squeezing your style into a midcentury or 90s home, you have a chameleon of a house that can easily shift into what you enjoy.
Plus, if you’re working with a builder from the beginning, you may even have options to choose from regarding colors & textiles. Strategically choose what feels most “you” to warm things up.
Low Repairs
As I mentioned before, we lived in a 1940s home while in Utah. Although my old lady heart was in heaven, the upkeep was no small feat. Within our first week of owning the home we filed a water damage claim for a leak and also had to have our HVAC overhauled unexpectedly. And that was just week one!
While no home is perfect, builder-grade homes are often newer and require fewer repairs. When they do need tune-ups, they may fall under the builder’s warranty or at the very least require parts that are still very easy to procure (unlike 1940s anything).
Value
While I would love to live in a custom home one day, I see great value in my builder-grade home. The price per square foot was low compared to more unique homes in our area. Plus, we get close parks, a community pool, highly rated schools & fast freeway access.
Don’t underestimate the value of a smart builder-grade buy while you’re young! It just might pave the way for that custom home down the road.
Hopefully you’re starting to see builder-grade in a new light & are ready to style it in a way that feels like home. If you need some help, just tap the “work with me” button on the top right of the screen!
Xo, Emma
ROUNDUP: $25 & UNDER HOME DECOR
I was recently gifted a $25 Visa gift card from a friend and it got me thinking about what I could purchase for my home at that price. I usually put gift cards toward larger purchases, but this time I wanted to see what I could find for the gift card value alone. Everything is linked in case you have a $25 gift card burning a hole in your pocket, too.
1. Neutral Throw Blanket - $14.53
This blanket is a great size for the price, 50 x 60 inches! It’s tones & texture are great year-round, making it a piece that can travel around your home. I’m all about decor pieces that can live many lives.
2. Marble Soap Dish - $22.95
I think a big chunky piece of French soap on this dish would make such a memorable vignette in a powder room. Dramatic in the best way.
3. Oil Cruets - $17.05 for a set of 2
These may be what I end up using my gift card for. I love how they blend form & function. There is a vintage marble turntable next to my range begging for these babies. PLUS they come with 36 labels that have the most common oils, vinegars & syrups so you can customize them to your kitchen.
4. Stylish Safety Matches - $23.99
The size of this amber glass jar is substantial and I’m a sucker for modern typography on glass. It’s a niche love, I know. The matches are a 4 inches long and the back of the bottle has a place to strike your matches! Display this bottle next to a candle for a functional vignette.
5. Ginger Jar - $25.32 (usually $49!)
A ginger jar is a transitional decor staple in my opinion. They are so versatile that you really can’t go wrong. Some are more stylish than others and this one fits the bill. Its pattern feels organic and hand-done, plus it’s almost never priced this low.
6. Brass Footed Frame - $14.99
This frame’s unique shape makes it great for layering in front of mirrors or larger art. Fill it with a family photo, a dried botanical, a miniature painting—the sky’s the limit with this cutie.
7. Iron Tripod Planter - $20.00
I love how unique this planter is. I value having pieces in my home that not everybody has and this fits the bill. Any plant would be lucky to live in this pot.
8. Matte Black Volcano Candle - $16.00
Volcano candles are by far my favorite of all time, but the matte black jars are new! I think they are a great way to add a little modernity to vintage pieces. Stacked on top of some art books? Shut the front door.
9. Faux Poppy Stems - $19.99
I’ve had my eye on these for months now. I love that they have curvy stems like real poppies. I’m willing to bet that after a good fluff and some water in a vase they look very real. Just read the reviews!
10. Glass Cloche - $21.43
A glass cloche has been on my thrift list for over a year now. I haven’t given up the search for one second-hand, but I might be ready to buy this one. At a darling home decor & candle boutique in Cody, Wyoming, I saw them cover their candles in cloches and it was love at first sight.
I’m still debating between the cloche & the oil cruets for my gift card…what’s your pick?
Xo, Emma
PEACH PANTONE PILLOWS
Have you seen the Pantone 2024 color of the year? If you haven’t, here it is! Peach Fuzz.
Have you seen the Pantone 2024 color of the year? If you haven’t, here it is! Peach Fuzz.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I painted my powder room this exact color about a month ago. I love it! Just in case you’re not quite up to diving into bright pink paint, here are 9 throw pillows in this peachy Pantone shade.
A throw pillow is a great way to test out colors & trends without a high level of financial or emotional commitment. All of them are linked below. Enjoy!
xo, Emma
MY TOP 5 HOME DECOR PURCHASES OF 2023
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about which pieces I’ve enjoyed most in my home. When it came to new purchases, these five items came out on top.
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about which pieces I’ve enjoyed most in my home. When it came to new purchases, these five items came out on top.
They have all added personality to my home & made it feel more “us”. Even better, all five exceeded my expectations upon purchase (all were ordered online) & I feel they have held their quality and value with use so far.
Without further ado & in no particular order…
Emma’s Top 5 of 2023
1. Funny (but classy) Powder Room Art
At first glance it looks like any old portrait, but on the double-take it’s a whimsical nod to potty humor. My five-year-old thinks it’s hilarious & I don’t disagree.
2. White Accordion Peg Rack
I have many vintage peg racks I’ve thrifted, but I needed something more crisp for my entry. I love how this classic shape is elevated with the white finish—it adds so much texture to the wall without being overwhelming.
3. Acrylic Hardware Pulls
At just over $5 a piece, I was skeptical—but they feel heavy & were an instant upgrade in our powder room. They are a great way to tie in all the brushed nickel door handles in builder grade homes.
4. Green Velvet Pillow
Green is my favorite color, so I’m partial, BUT this pillow is so affordable for the quality—I love the invisible zipper closure! A velvet pillow is a great way to go with solid colors since it adds texture & depth.
5. Hammered Gold Lamp Base
Its round shape & metallic finish add so much drama to my entry. I love how it bounces light next to the mirror.
Even when it feels like not a lot changed in my home during this busy year, it’s fun to see what did! Home wasn’t built in a day. Here’s to 365 more days of slow-but-steady building!
xo, Emma
DIY POCKET ADVENT CALENDAR
I have always loved the practice of an advent calendar. Big or small, I think it’s such a lovely way to turn hearts to Christ. I’ve done a lot of informal advents with my kids (think grocery store chocolate box), but this year I finally have my ducks in a row enough to think bigger.
I have always loved the practice of an advent calendar. Big or small, I think it’s such a lovely way to turn hearts to Christ. I’ve done a lot of informal advents with my kids (think grocery store chocolate box), but this year I finally have my ducks in a row enough to think bigger.
My main goals are to help my kids think of Jesus, serve other people & feel the magic of Christmas. It also needs to be SIMPLE because December as a mom is an Olympic event.
I’ve had my eye on this pocket advent calendar from Gathre for years, but I decided to go the DIY route. I ordered this one from amazon and added some numbers myself using my Cricut. (P.S. I’ll have a supply list at the bottom of the post, so don’t stress about making your own)
Next, I figured out what I wanted my advent cards to say. I decided to base them off of my favorite Christmas quote:
“This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise, Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.” —Howard W. Hunter
Isn’t that lovely? This quote gave me just the right amount of prompts for the 24 days once I added a poem at the beginning & split the last task into two days. I made each prompt the size of a business card and printed them off at Staples, then cut them myself. You can download my prompt cards for free here.
Now that each day had a little theme, I went about finding items for the pockets. Some days are simple, some more elaborate. It keeps my kids on their toes! Here is the list with the prompts & what I put in each pocket:
Day 1: Poem about giving our hearts to Jesus, DIY felt/paper hearts or heart candy
Day 2: Mend a quarrel, bandaids
Day 3: Seek out a forgotten friend, red string or ribbon to tie around their little fingers
Day 4: Dismiss suspicion & replace it with trust, paper clips to build a little chain as a family & talk about trust
Day 5: Write a letter, crayons and paper we already have
Day 6: Give a soft answer, pom poms
Day 7: Encourage youth, the phone number of a cousin or friend to send a pep-talk to
Day 8: Manifest your loyalty in word & deed, paper crowns (crowns symbolize loyalty)
Day 9: Keep a promise, light-up rings (ring pops would work, too!)
Day 10: Forgo a grudge, faux olive branches
Day 11: Forgive an enemy, a little white dove
Day 12: Apologize, a bar of Dove soap
Day 13: Try to understand, a mini microscope (to see from another perspective)
Day 14: Examine your demands on others, a kid-friendly magnifying glass
Day 15: Think first of someone else, I didn’t want to make this too easy on them. I’m going to leave this day empty and have them help me come up with how they can do this.
Day 16: Be kind, pom pom bees
Day 17: Be gentle, toy sheep
Day 18: Laugh a little more, some handwritten silly jokes
Day 19: Express your gratitude, blank “thank you” notes
Day 20: Welcome a stranger, a small gift card to give to someone in need
Day 21: Gladden the heart of a child, punch balloons
Day 22: Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth, a ticket to play in the snow with Mom. If you know, you know.
Day 23: Speak your love, phone numbers of grandparents to call & some candy
Day 24: Speak it again, phone numbers of different grandparents to call & a clicker counter to help them count how many times they can say “I love you” throughout the day
Once I had all of my supplies, I tucked them in the little pockets. I wrapped a lot of them and kept some things like the dove and olive branch open for color and texture. I hung it up to one of my cabinets with a clear command hook and I can’t wait to use it with my kids! I’m hoping it’s a tradition that we can keep for years to come.
COST
I spent approx. $55 on this project. $25 for the pocket calendar and $30 for the items that go in it for two children. What’s great about this DIY is you could spend much more or much less depending on your goals for the tradition.
SUPPLY LIST
Felt numbers from a cricut or Etsy
Printed advent cards, cardstock, double-sided, flips on long edge
Felt/paper hearts
Red string or ribbon
Paper clips
Crayons & paper
Phone number of a cousin or friend to send a pep-talk video or voice message to
Ring pops
Dove soap bar
Handwritten or typed jokes
Blank “thank you” notes
A small gift card for someone in need
A “ticket” to play outside with a favorite grownup or another way to enjoy the outdoors
Phone numbers of various grandparents/loved ones they enjoy calling
And that’s it! It took me a few hours in total, but I’m hopeful it’s something we will use for years to come. I can’t wait to see their little faces each morning!
Enjoy!
xo, Emma
EMMA’S 2023 GIFT GUIDES
There are about a million different categories I could make gift guides for, but I decided to stick with what I know best. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for the kids, men & women on your gifting lists.
There are about a million different categories I could make gift guides for, but I decided to stick with what I know best. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for the kids, men & women on your gifting lists.
FOR LITTLES
Sometimes aesthetically pleasing toys get a bad wrap for being boring. While I don’t think all toys need to be stylish, I do enjoy purchasing toys that are fun to display on shelves and in our playroom. Each item on this list is both lovely AND fun.
Terrier Rocking Horse: We bought this for our youngest last year and he is finally getting really interested in it. I would say the peak age for this toy is about 2 years old. I love how sweet it looks in his nursery. This would be a great gift for a baby to age into throughout the year.
Acrylic Tic Tac Toe: Isn’t this the cutest? My oldest is getting more into games and loves tic tac toe. I would style this on a coffee table or playroom console. The large pieces are nice and baby-friendly, which is always a bonus around here.
Oversized Plush Shark: Good old IKEA. This was a gift from an aunt and I was skeptical at how HUGE it is, but it has been the best toy. We also love the octopus. The kids wrestle it, pretend with it, and it looks pretty darn cute in a stuffed animal bin. I use it to cover all the other less-cute “stuffies.”
Nesting Woodland Animals: I used to have a thrifted set of plastic nesting dolls and they were a hit with the 3 & under crowd. I think this set would be beautiful on a shelf.
Yellow Hammock Chair Swing: This is on my list for my 5-year-old this year (shhhhh!). I have a corner that needs some color and function in his room and this hammock chair brings both. It has rave reviews & I’m a big fan of giving Christmas gifts that aren’t just toys with a million pieces.
Felt Gardening Set: We bought this for my little guy’s first birthday, and it is still played with every single day over a year later by both kids. Fan favorite, 10/10 would recommend.
Home Children’s Book: I don’t own this book, but I’ve had my eye on it for a while now. High-quality books are some of my favorite gifts to get my kids for holidays. We usually thrift our books, so most of our extra lovely hardcover books are gifts.
Wooden Mushroom Kaliedoscope: We received one of these in a craft subscription box and I think it is too cute on a nursery bookshelf. Even better, both kids love looking through it.
Terrier Rocking Horse | Acrylic Tic Tac Toe | Oversized Plush Shark
Nesting Woodland Animals | Yellow Hammock Chair Swing
Felt Gardening Set | Home Children’s Book | Wooden Mushroom Kaliedoscope
FOR HIM
You can probably tell I’m married to an outdoorsman by this list, but I know I’m not the only one! Hopefully these ideas help you find something unique for the men in your life.
Scheel’s Gift Card: I know Scheel’s isn’t nation-wide, but it’s a big deal in our family. Going there is an event and my husband loves being able to browse with some money set aside just for that.
National Parks Pass: This pass pays for itself quickly, especially if you’re within driving distance of more than one park. It is valid for everyone in your car and expires in 12 months.
Resin & Wood Business Card Holder: Give him something that he’ll see on his desk throughout the day and remind him of you. I think the resin and wood combo is just plain cool.
Vintage Pocket Knife: Several years ago I bought Colton a vintage pocket knife at a thrift store and it’s become one of his favorite gifts. Etsy has lot’s of different ones available—who doesn’t love one-of-a-kind?
Melin Hat: Colton has a lot of hats. He started wearing these ones from Melin this year and I love how they look on him. They are waterproof, sweat-proof and they look polished enough to pull an outfit together instead of dressing it down. The cut is youthful & stylish—your guy is going to love it.
Classic Flannel Shirt: Who doesn’t love a man in flannel? A little gift for both of you, really.
Carhartt Long-sleeve Tee: They’re sturdy so they lay nicely and are high-quality. They don’t stain as easily as your run-of-the-mill tee and they work well alone or as a layer.
Man Bag: Colton was skeptical when I said he needed a man bag, but he found this brand earlier this year and wears it everywhere. Plus it’s big enough to hold a diaper and kid essentials—great for young dads.
Sunflower Seed Spittoon: Hear me out. I know this is made for chewing tobacco, but Colton loves to chew sunflower seeds on his commute and let’s just say a stylish solution is in order. This 5oz. spittoon is easy to empty and comes with a cleaning brush. Wives-of-sunflower-seed-chewers unite!
Scheel’s Gift Card | National Parks Pass | Resin & Wood Business Card Holder
Vintage Pocket Knife | Melin Hat
Classic Flannel Shirt | Carhartt Long-sleeve Tee | Man Bag | Sunflower Seed Spittoon
FOR HER
I own a couple of these things, but a lot of them are things I would be tickled to open on Christmas morning. Spoil the lady in your life!
The Sill Gift Card: You can buy plants from The Sill to be shipped, but I bet she will love picking out her own new plant baby with a gift card. (Spoiler: I would!)
Cross-Body Bag: I own this exact bag and it’s been awesome! I almost exclusively use cross-body bags around town as a young mom and I wanted one that would feel elevated with my nicer outfits. Bonus, the faux leather is wipeable. This one survived a pumpkin painting play date!
Ceramic Shell Pin: I’ve been a fan of Krista Coon’s ceramic work for a long time. I think one of her handmade ceramic pins would be a super fun & unique gift. The thing she doesn’t even know she needs!
Instant Camera: There are lot’s of different instant cameras out there, but I love how this one has the look of an old camera. Darling. This gift is great for anyone 10 & up if you ask me. I’m pushing 30 and I’d be giddy.
Pura Car Diffuser: I don’t own any Pura products, but it’s a major wishlist item for me. Their car diffuser is new this year! My kids trash my car. Often. How fun would it be to close your eyes in the messy car and feel like you’re in Anthropologie? I would choose the Pura Car Volcano Scent since it’s the same scent as my fave candle.
Couple Connect: My husband bought this game just because a couple of months ago and it was the most thoughtful gift. There are tons of cards, so we just skip ones that feel corny to us, but a lot of them spark some really thoughtful conversations. Perfect for chatting at the end of a long day without wondering what to talk about. She’ll feel so happy that you’re giving the gift of conversation.
Custom Photo Strips: If you’ve been around for a while, you know my favorite printer is Persnickety Prints. Their 2x8 press print photo strips make great art, bookmarks, coffee table pieces, you name it! Make one of the two of you, her and her friends, her and the kids, the dog, anything! This is a low-effort, high-pay-off gift that will put a smile on her face.
The Sill Gift Card | Cross-Body Bag
Ceramic Shell Pin | Instant Camera
Pura Car Diffuser | Pura Car Volcano Scent | Couple Connect | Custom Photo Strips
That’s a wrap on my main gift guides for 2023! I have a few extra links just for my subscribers, so if you need more ideas for hard-to-shop-for loved ones, you can sign up for Emma E-mail here.
Happy Gifting!
xo, Emma
CHRISTMAS CARD FROSTING
I like to think of Christmas cards as small gifts I’m sending to loved ones. Because of that, I think it’s worth it to make each one feel special.
I like to think of Christmas cards as small gifts I’m sending to loved ones. Because of that, I think it’s worth it to make each one feel special.
From the envelopes to the pens I use to address them, I like to think the palette through. I typically have a design in my head each year, but this year I’m sharing my favorite Christmas card “frosting” items here so you can use them, too.
Before we jump into links, let’s talk postage. USPS releases different holiday stamps each year and some years are more aesthetically pleasing than others. 2023 is kind of a bummer year if you ask me. But never fear—as usual, Etsy has us covered. I bought stamps from a previous year here and they were actually less expensive than at the post office counter.
Now that we’ve got our stylish stamps, here are some other ways to dress up cards!
Green Envelopes: These are self-sealing, meaning you rip off a sticker strip and you don’t have to lick the envelope. A swap that is both beautiful & easier.
Handwritten Cards: Don’t feel up to sending dozens of cards this year? That’s not all bad. Pick up a pack of blank Christmas cards and add your own photo (or not!) to your favorite few.
Kraft Paper Envelopes: These are a long-time favorite of mine. They add such a lovely texture and warmth. Plus, they look darling with white ink.
Custom Address Stamp: This makes addressing Christmas cards quick & fun. It makes me feel like a fancy librarian. Plus, they work for years to come—a great investment.
Instant or Retro-Print Photos: I received a Christmas card from a friend last year that was handwritten and included a quick Polaroid-style snap of their family from an Instax camera (I see those for sale on Facebook Marketplace all the time!). It was my favorite card of the season. Fun cards do not have to be complicated or expensive!
Pre-made Wax Seals: Etsy sells tons of pre-made seals that have sticker-backs. Genius. This Santa one has my heart.
“Teacher Pen”: These are the MVP of Christmas card pens. I use others as well, especially if I want a white or metallic ink, but if I had to pick one pen to recommend, it would be this one. (P.S. They come in red & green, too).
Vintage Holly Sticker Seals: This Etsy shop has lot’s of different options (I bought the pine tree ones for my cards this year) at a great price point. I think a sticker seal adds some nice contrast to an envelope and makes the whole tiny package feel thought-out.
Washi Tape: I love these Rifle Paper Co. ones, but you could go for any washi tape. I’ve used it in years past to seal my envelopes in lieu of stickers & it’s a great option to add some color.
Custom Embosser: I don’t have one of these, but I’ve had my eye on them for a while now. I think it’s such a fun tool to have in your stationery tool-kit. I would use it on the back of an envelope instead of a seal for an luxe feel, but you could also use it on a basic pack of craft store notecards to create your own blank Christmas cards.
Gold Foil Edge Envelopes: Don’t these look like they came straight from the North Pole? I think these would easily take Christmas cards to the next level. Who wouldn’t be excited to see this in their mailbox?
I could talk stationery all day long, but hopefully these products give you some good inspiration for your card-sending this season. Let me know how it goes!
xo, Emma
OUR FAMILY HALLOWEEN COSTUME
This year, I have a feeling it may be my last chance to influence what my oldest son wants to be for Halloween, so I am milking it for all it’s worth. My boys have been very into Peter Pan lately & we just finished the audible production, so it was a natural choice for a group costume.
Last Halloween we had just moved (like 3 days earlier) to Colorado from Utah, so our costumes were thrown together and low-key. Some farmers, a milk maid & a cow. Done. 10/10 recommend for a busy year.
This year, I have a feeling it may be my last chance to influence what my oldest son wants to be for Halloween, so I am milking it for all it’s worth. My boys have been very into Peter Pan lately & we just finished the audible production, so it was a natural choice for a group costume. Honestly, just manifesting that they never ever grow up.
“Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they’re grown.”
— J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Our ensembles are a mix of new purchases, thrifted items, and DIY’s (so basically the same mix as my house!). I love a Halloween costume that doesn’t feel straight from Spirit of Halloween, ya know? Something you can’t buy or find anywhere else after everything has been put together (Hey! Also how I style a home!).
For Peter Pan, I originally sewed a costume out of some estate sale fabric, but it was way too small so I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some felt to make a costume based on this tutorial. One of the easiest sewing how-to’s I’ve ever done. You can do it, promise. Since we live in a chilly fall state, I bought some green ribbed jammies from Shein to go underneath his little tunic, then these moccs from Amazon. A little brown ribbon belt finished everything off.
We already owned a Captain Hook costume, but the coat was too small, so we thrifted this coat and kept the accessories from the previous costume. We added the Shein wig, which really sells it. Who knew they had such cheap wigs? The DIY part of his costume is the shoes. We found some adult tap shoes at the thrift store, then glued on shiny paper buckles—voila!
Mr. Smee was an extra good sport this year—anything for the kids! I bought this shirt on Amazon and used one of my tank tops with a pillow underneath for his belly, plus some shorts & shoes he already owned. I thrifted the hat, then added a pom pom because after a lot of family discussion, it was decided that the pom pom was not optional. Some wire frame thrift-store glasses added the final touch.
And that brings us to my costume, Wendy. Can I just say that I loved being Wendy? She is feminine and she wears fancy jammies. My kind of woman. I also enjoyed having a costume that didn’t require tons of makeup. I bought a blue nightgown from, you guessed it, Shein and some fluffy slippers from Temu. I topped it off with this big blue bow.
All told, it’s my favorite family costume yet. The kids each got to be something they loved that fit their personality & the grown-ups got to add to the fun. Hope this helps your future Halloweens!
xo, Emma
MY FAVORITE IKEA PIECES & WHY
During the thick of our most recent move, the lead mover stopped to look at me and said “You really like IKEA, don’t you?” First off, he was not hired for his design opinion. Secondly, YES. Yes, I do. It’s not for everyone, but it sure is for me. Here’s why…
During the thick of our most recent move, the lead mover stopped to look at me and said “You really like IKEA, don’t you?”
First off, he was not hired for his design opinion. Secondly, YES. Yes, I do.
It’s not for everyone, but it sure is for me. Here’s why…
Kids: Little grimy (and lovely) kids. It’s hard to beat affordable furniture that’s pretty darn wipeable when you have KIDS.
Budget: Yes, there’s a reason it’s affordable. You’re building it yourself, but work is free. More decor please.
Style: You read that right. Style. Sure, it’s not all glamorous, but if you know how to weed through the glossy white laminate, there are some downright classy pieces.
Return Policy: 365 Days. That’s a good long time. And when I’ve had my receipt, it’s been hassle-free returns—open-box and all.
Swedish Meatballs: Eat’em there, then take some frozen ones to go. Don’t forget the lingonberry jam. You’re welcome.
Without further ado, here are my top 5 favorite pieces of IKEA furniture.
THE IDANAS CABINET
I own this piece and use it as a bookcase with games in the bottom drawers. It’s much heavier than I imagined and I love the beige gingham backboard, which I didn’t know about until I started building. The doors open accordion-style & it holds A LOT. As someone who loves books and is prone to picking up knick knacks, this is a staple. Highly recommend.
2. THE LOMMARP CABINET
The LOMMARP Cabinet is another item I purchased when we moved to Colorado last year. I was looking for a wide, tall display case that also had storage and some kid-friendliness to it. I had my eye on this one from Crate & Barrel, but it wasn’t in my budget. Instead, I bought two of these babies and placed them side-by-side. I never secured the top trim so that I could adjust it for them to sit exactly next to one another instead of an inch apart. The trim is just resting up there and no one is the wiser! I love that the base of this display case has doors! I’m telling ya, IKEA designers must be parents.
P.S. Everything in the LOMMARP series is darling. They have cream and blue-green options that are to-die for.
3. THE UPPLAND SECTIONAL
I purchased the UPPLAND sectional for our Utah home in the basement, but it now lives in our main living area. I originally bought it in beige and it was very forgiving and washable. I wanted a darker cover once we moved since our room needed to be grounded. I purchased a cover through Comfort Works, but I can’t say I recommend it. If I could go back, I would have purchased the blue IKEA slip cover pictured above. Much better price point and I bet it’ll wear well.
4. THE UPPLAND ARMCHAIR
Before I link this one, do me a favor and don’t pair this with the sectional. It’ll be too matchy matchy, promise. That said, having the UPPLAND chair in another room brings a sense of continuity in the house with the sectional being from the same family. I've had the old version (EKTORP) for 4 years now and It’s been a dream. I’ve washed it multiple times & it’s my favorite chair to feed babies in, fall asleep holding babies in, you get the idea. Great back and arm support.
And, last but not least…
5. THE DUNDRA ACTIVITY TABLE
This activity table has been great. I was looking for something that wasn’t bright green and painted specifically for trains, and this has been just the thing. It has one huge drawer that pulls out, but the drawer is divided in two. We store our trains and our legos in there, separated. I love how sleek it looks when everything is put away, and it’s deep enough that when I tuck ugly fun toy trucks underneath, you barely know they’re there.
And there you have it. My IKEA top 5. I have a lot of other IKEA items in my home from stuffed animals to pillow inserts to baskets, but I’ll save those for another time.
If you ask me? The secret to using IKEA pieces without having a house that looks like and IKEA is to mix and match and add a lot of warmth through accessories.
xo, Emma
QUICK LINKS
IDANAS CABINET | LOMMARP CABINET | UPPLAND SECTIONAL | UPPLAND ARMCHAIR | DUNDRA ACTIVITY TABLE
CLASSY HALLOWEEN STYLING
Halloween is a favorite of mine. It was never a gory or garish affair growing up. It was popcorn balls & elaborate pumpkins. It was homemade costumes & glittery cheeks. When I think of October, I think of, well, FUN! The wholesome, good-old-fashioned kind
Halloween is a favorite of mine. It was never a gory or garish affair growing up. It was popcorn balls & elaborate pumpkins. It was homemade costumes & glittery cheeks. When I think of October, I think of, well, FUN! The wholesome, good-old-fashioned kind.
Part of the fun is the decorations! Living in the holiday makes a difference for me and my family. Would Christmas feel nearly as magical without the trimmings? No. Other holidays are no different.
MY FALL DECOR CATEGORIES
When decorating my home for the fall, I like to stick to two categories of decor:
General fall decor: These are the items that are going to be up through Thanksgiving. Pumpkins, earthy tones, etc.
Just Halloween items: Unlike the general fall items, these will only be up through Halloween
By sticking to these separate categories, I can easily take down category #2 after Halloween and be done decorating for Thanksgiving. Voila!
Because who needs one more thing to do in November? Nobody. That’s who.
ANYWAYS! Halloween. We’re thinking simple. We’re thinking classy (read: NO CLOWNS). So here are some of my tried-and-trues…
SPIDERWEBS
Stretch these out more than you’re naturally inclined to. It takes cheap spiderweb filler from “Party Store” to “Classy Mansion” in two minutes.
BATS & CROWS
Target & Amazon both sell stick-on bats and crows. One package is not enough. Trust me. Sometimes, the difference between blah and BAM is quantity when it comes to simple decor. I used around 40 crows on my display this year. It set my back $4 and a few minutes.
SILLY TOUCHES
Sometimes it’s good to think small. Tack a little paper ghost to an existing art print. Make a paper mask for that sculpture bust or family photo. Kids are suckers for tiny details. You’ll be a hit.
KID SPACES
Speaking of kids…don’t forget their stomping grounds. The playroom, their bedrooms, even their bathrooms! Of all the people who will love your decorating effort, it’s them. And if you’re like me and struggle with control issues including kids in the styling process, their spaces are the perfect place to give them free reign an ounce or two of design freedom.
Happy decorating! May you have the most magical of Halloweens.