My Rustic Mantel

Welcome to the second Christmas Cheer link up party!  Today, we're sharing our mantels!  You all got a sneak peek of our mantel on Tuesday, when I showed you the pinecone wreath that I made.  Now I get to show you the rest!

I told you before, that I wanted a rustic and neutral theme this year.  It seems with having a child now, that this is probably the last year I'll have such a mature palette, so I took advantage.  The years to come will burst will color, I'm sure!  ;)

Here's a closer look at the beaut of a wreath.  I really didn't change too much from our fall mantel, other than adding some burlap ribbon to the vase and candle and including my favorite Christmas candle--Frasier Fir.  It's the BEST holiday scent ever.

I also added some bling to tie in my mercury glass to the pinecone garland.  All I did was punch out some circles from glitter paper and attach them with tape to some yarn.  Super easy and I think it makes the mantel look a little more festive.

Here's a close up of the mercury glass candles {from Pier 1} and the Frasier Fir candle.

And of course, a sneak peek of our tree {Christmas Tree link up party next Tuesday!}.  You can see we carried the burlap into the tree.  Expect more metallics and neutral colors.  Kind of in love!

We skipped out on stockings this year due to my lack of being able to decide and not wanting to spend tons of money on stockings that we may never use again.  But I don't think I'll miss them too much this year.  Again, it will be come more important as Ethan gets older.

Alright, now it's time for you to head over to Ten June to link up your mantel!  Can't wait to check them out!

And grab a button if you like!

xo natasha

Baby Ethan: Week 23

Weight: 13 pounds 8 ounces...which is 1 pound and 6 ounces over what he weighed at his 4 month appointment.  I am one happy mama over here!  :)

Health: Still happy and healthy!

Sleep: We had a couple rough nights in our transition back from Thanksgiving, but we're getting back into a routine.  Usually waking up twice a night {around midnight and 4-6am}.

Social: We've been happily decorating for Christmas and listening to Christmas music!  While I'm not the best at singing nursery rhymes, I have NO problem belting out Christmas music!  Ethan will like all things Christmas...oh yes he will!

Diet: Still breastmilk...about 6-7 ounces when he gets it from a bottle.

Clothes: 3-6 months in most clothes...though some 6-9 too!

Baby Gear Love: With baby becoming more and more interactive...we're getting lots of use out of his toys.  He really loves his activity mat and jumperoo!  He also likes the Lifefactory teether {I think teething is in our near future!} and really any hanging toy that vibrates when he pulls on it.  Maybe we need to look into vibrating teethers?!

Crying: Just when he's tired.

Likes: Smiling and laughing!  He cracks up at practically anything.  And I can't lie...little man lights up when he sees me when I pick him up from work and I just love it.  He also LOVES to kick.  And baths.

Postpartum: I think the hair loss is starting to lessen...thank goodness!

Milestones: Ethan's getting close to scooting when on tummy time.  Other than that...the constant and hysterical laughing is pretty new!  And he'll lock eyes with me across the room.  His hand-eye coordination has developed immensely! 

xo natasha

DIY Rustic Pinecone Wreath

Welcome to the first round of our Christmas Cheer Link Up Party!  

Today, we're talking all things DIY and crafty.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not very crafty...it actually tends to give me anxiety.  I usually prefer to buy something pre-made because I already know how it turned out!  And of course, I want my version to be perfect {#perfectionistproblems}.  Anyway, I am SO happy because I am actually really happy with the way my Christmas Craft turned out this year.  It literally puts a silly grin on my face when I see it.  I would say that means success!

I thought a pinecone wreath would be perfect for this year's craft, especially since I'm going with rustic and natural touches.  And being that we live in Tahoe, there is no shortage of pinecones.  I literally picked the ones I used here from the parking lot at work.  

Another reason why I'm not very DIY-friendly, is because I forget to take pictures of "the process"!  But here's a rundown of what you will need:

Pinecones

Metal Wreath Frame {mine is from Michael's}

Wrapping Wire

Scissors

Hot Glue & Gun

Faux Moss

Burlap Ribbon

Wine {optional, but often times necessary!}

This project costs less than $10...maybe even less than $5 if you have everything but the frame.

First, arrange the pinecones how you want them.  I placed the largest pinecones first and then filled in with the smaller pinecones.  Attach the pinecones with the wrap wire.  I used two wires per pinecone to make sure they were secure.  Simply wrap the wire several times and cut off the excess wire at the ends.

Next, use the trusty hot glue gun to secure the smaller pinecones in the gaps.  It kind of works like a jigsaw puzzle.

Last, nestle the moss into the exposed gaps so that you can no longer see the metal wreath beneath.  Apply hot glue where necessary {and try not to burn your fingers!}.

Note: your glue gun WILL end up covered {and looking a bit grinchy!}

You can use the pinecone wreath as a centerpiece to display candles or other decorative holiday goodies.

Or...

Attached a burlap ribbon and hang over your mantel!

Ta dah!  I used a regular over-the-door hanger to hang the wreath from...any lower and I don't think it would work.

You'll get to see more of this beauty on Thursday when I showcase my entire holiday mantel!

So, now it's your turn!!  Hop on over to Hi Sugarplam! and link up your holiday crafts!

And be sure to prep for the rest of our holiday link parties!

xo natasha

Her Christmas Wish List

Hi Friends and Happy December!  This is my favorite month of the year...obviously because of Christmas, but also because it's my birthday month!  :)  AND Ethan turns 6 months on my birthday...isn't that cool?  We're share half birthdays!

I'm going to put together a couple gift guides...one for her, him, and baby {the one I'm most excited for!}.  Here it goes:

Heartbreaker Sweater: I've been eying this sweater from J. Crew, but got super excited when I found its twin at Forever21!  You better believe I scooped it up!  I'm also digging all things Fair Isle print lately...especially these leggings.

Capri Blue Mercury Glass Candle: I love mercury glass and I love this scent...win-win!

lululemon Yoga Mat: I've ben {trying} to get more into yoga and pilates lately.  I think this mat would definitely motivate me!  I'm also eying the wunder unders!

Fringe Keychain: MadebyGirl has the cutest accessories.  Love this mint fringe keychain!

Rifle Paper Co 2013 Calendar: How cute is this calendar?  Perfect for your office space.

Leopard Belt: I need a leopard belt...it's the perfect accent.  So are these leopard flats!

iPhone 5: Totally scored the new iPhone at my family's Christmas!  How I've survived without one this long is beyond me!  ;)

Moto Boots: It seems every year, I have a special pair of boots on my wish list.  This is the pair this year.

Posh Wallet: I actually already bought this in black for my early Christmas/Birthday gift.  It has the cuuuutest gold polka dots on the inside.  Love!

Young House Love: A staple for any blogger.

Barefoot Contessa's Foolproof: I LOVE Ina Garten.  Her recipes are easy and she uses simple ingredients.  Definitely want to add her latest book to my cookbook library!  

So there you have it...what is on your Christmas wish list this year?

xo natasha

PS...find me over at Crazy Wonderful to see what my perfect Christmas would look like!

And don't forget that tomorrow kicks off our Christmas Cheer link party!  Be sure to link up your Christmas Craft over at Hi Sugarplum!  ;)