Christmas Cards, Kay's Way!

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing AG jeans, a shirt from Target, a sweater from Anthropologie, and G Series Shoes.

Every year around Thanksgiving, I address and send out my Christmas cards. Christmas cards are a lovely way to keep in touch with family and friends that you don't see often and I love looking at each card to see how my kids have grown up over the years.

Cards can be as formal or as informal as you like. I typically order mine from Shutterfly because I can upload pictures that were taken on my phone. They can be of a special event (this year I used pictures from our debutante party in May) or a compilation of pictures from the past year.

I usually order mine in the late summer, as they usually have a special going for Christmas cards before most people have started thinking about them.

Here is our card for Christmas 2015.

Christmas 2014

This was the year of Riley's debut and I used a family photo 

taken at Steeplechase in October 2014.

Christmas 2013

This was the year of Tyler Rose Festival---I loved using several

 different pictures from the event.

I love these return address labels from Expressionery.com. They're actually stickers, which are fabulous because they keep the envelope closed and add another element to the card.

Yesterday I sat by the fire while I addressed my Christmas cards---comfortable in an over sized sweater and leggings. Even this glamour girl has to dress comfy and cozy once in a while!

I like to hand write the addresses on the envelopes---it does take longer, but I find it to be more personal.

Poppy, one of my cats, was there all day for moral support.

Last night I made Lemon Rosemary tilapia fillets from Central Market and an arugula salad with mushrooms and parmesan.

Ray Conniff singers had one of my Daddy's favorite albums

and I love all the songs on it.

Kay's Favorite Design Magazines

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing an Ann Taylor wool top, Ann Taylor 

skinny jeans and J.Crew flats.

I talked earlier in the week about my favorite design books. Magazines give me something different than design books and that is their fresh perspective. I love opening my favorite shelter publications and seeing advertisements for lines I like and dissecting each project, deciding what I like about it or what I would have done differently. Here are my three favorites:

1. Veranda. At it's heart, Veranda has beautiful appointed, traditional interiors. However, I love that, while sticking to their original decor values, they are somewhat of a chameleon, mixing in contemporary, rustic and regency interiors. 

You'll see things in Veranda that are bright and colorful like this cover of this issue.

Mixed with interiors in a rustic French country style like this spread.

2. Traditional Home. I adore Traditional Home and always have. Their interiors span the country---which I really like about them, and whether they lean toward one style or another, everything is always inherently traditional.

Beautiful imagery and inspiration abound in Traditional Home's pages.

3. Architectural Digest. Another favorite of mine, and I love most of their projects, although I do not mind saying that I wish they would branch out more past the New York apartments like Traditional Home and Veranda do. There is more to interiors than just New York apartments (albeit fabulous!) and the other two magazines showcase things more like what I do. I do love the articles that AD puts out on vendors and they have some of the best advertisements.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!! We sure did!

Tonight I am off to a deb party, so I will not be cooking.

I did not cook Thanksgiving dinner last night but we had 

a wonderful family lunch at Rivercrest.

Classics never go out of style! This song is a perfect fit

 for wrapping presents or doing Christmas cards.

What do your holiday weekend plans look like?

Five Things I am Thankful For!

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing a Vince leather skirt, a Rebecca Taylor 

silk blouse and Prada shoes.

Aside from saying what I'm thankful for in my prayers today and aloud to my family at the dinner table, I thought I would repeat my blessings here.

1. My twins, Riley & Harrison. A lot of people say this, but they are truly my miracles. I was told that I had a 3% chance of having them. THREE PERCENT! Out of 100! I was so grateful that I was able to conceive them and deliver two beautiful, healthy babies. Aside from that, they have grown into two smart, wonderful and successful adults and I cannot wait to see where they go from here. I love them more than anything in this world and they are today, and always my most treasured blessing.

2. Owning My Own Business. When I went out on my own 13 years ago, I never dreamed that I would get where I am today. So many people want to be their own boss, and I am fortunate and blessed to say that I drive my own ship. My business has taken me places I never thought possible and I can't wait to see where it takes me next!

3. Friends. I am so thankful to have a tight knit circle of close friends. I love how close I am to my friends and they are each so supportive and loving in their own unique ways. Friends give your days color and life, and I am indeed grateful for that.

4. My Burns. While I'm not sure I can exactly be grateful that I was badly burned at age 2, subsequently causing multipe horrific surgeries, I am very thankful that the burns didn't get on my face. I am grateful for the doctors that helped me and that god allowed me to heal so that I could go on to lead a happy and productive life.

5. Dallas Design District. Because of the business I am in, a design district being so close by in Dallas is such a blessing. There are so many designers across the country that have to do all of their work online and out of catalogues/fabric books, and while I do some work that way, it is wonderful that I can drive 40 minutes to one of the most fabulous design centers in the country to see everything up close and personal.

Please share with me in the comments, what are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! 

Last night for dinner I made chicken with fresh rosemary from the yard and 
tomatoes with garlic oil, oregano, parsley, slap ya momma seasoning and Monterey Jack cheese.

 This song was performed on Macy's parade this morning--absolutely love Jersey Boys!

Kay's Favorite Christmas Movies

Editor's Note: Today I am wearing jeans from Ann Taylor, a shirt from Target, a sweater from Free People and J Crew shoes.

As Christmas draws near, I find myself going back to the same five movies that feel quintessentially festive. I thought it would be fun to share them here. If you haven't seen one or several of the films on this list, I suggest you do so this Christmas season.

It's A Wonderful Life

This movie is so magical and it doesn't feel like the holidays have arrived until I've watched this at least once. It is a wonderful, heart-touching story that makes you feel good all over. It is a must see movie. I promise it will become a Christmas-time favorite for you too.

White Christmas

As you have probably figured out by now, I love to sing and dance. This is the ULTIMATE sing-along movie. There are tons of songs you recognize (that probably originated from this movie) and some others that are unique to this movie, but I can't watch this one sitting down. I am up doing my best show-tune voice to "Sisters" and "White Christmas". 

It's very comically advanced for it's time. 

The costumes and set design are also gorgeous.

Miracle on 34th Street

There was a remake made of this movie several years ago and I've never seen it, although I have a feeling I would prefer the original anyway. It is such a whimsical story, and it's really about believing in something. It's a must watch with your family, especially your children or grand children.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

'

This movie is a holiday classic, and one that I will never tire of.

It's better and better each time I watch it. It's been one of my favorites since I was a little girl.

Elf

The rest of the movies on my list are "oldies" and Elf is fairly new, but equally as good. 

Watching Will Ferrell do a portrayal of one of Santa's elves is nothing less than hysterical. It's one of those feel good, wonderful holiday movies that is entertaining whether you're 5 years old or 50.

What movie makes you get in the holiday spirit?

Happy Early Thanksgiving to all of my wonderful readers!

Last night I made turkey burgers and a spinach salad.

Love this song!! A Christmas favorite!

Kay's Favorite Design Books

Editor's Note: Today is the start of Christmas decorating so I'm more casual than usual! Today I am wearing a Theory blouse, Ann Taylor jeans and Taryn Rose flats.

Design Books are a huge source of inspiration for me and have been throughout my career. I adore design magazines as well, but books have a cohesive quality that I find really wonderful. With the holiday season coming up, I thought it would be good to share my favorites! Be sure to gift one of these for the design aficionado in your life!

Farrow & Ball The Art of Color

I have gotten so many ideas for client projects from this book. It is filled with mostly traditional-English inspired interiors. The interiors are absolutely gorgeous, but also very accessible. 

Charles Faudree Home

I love all of Charles Faudree's books and he is hands down my favorite interior designer. This book is my favorite of his. I love the way his French inspired interiors are so full, layered and well- appointed. He is an inspiration to me and I can't help but carefully study every room in this book.

Charlotte Moss Winter House

I love Charlotte Moss' aesthetic, and this book is like eye candy for the traditional enthusiast. 

It has Charlotte Moss' usual pinache, very English decor with her certain flair added, but it is warm and cozy. It makes you want to curl up by a crackling fire with a hot toddy!

Do tell, what are your favorite design books?

Last night I made crab cakes with remoulade sauce and a spinach salad.