Winter Wonderland

I have this odd quirk that I have to un-decorate from a holiday the day it ends. I can't stand to see Christmas decoration on the 26th. My husband does not get it. I swear he wants to run away when he hears me talk about bringing down the bins to pack up the decorations.

The up side to un-decorating Christmas is that I get to decorate for January! I hosted a brunch this year a few days after the new year so I added some new things and had some motivation to get everything up and ready!

I love mercury glass and have been picking up pieces throughout the last couple months.

Pottery Barn has the best selection.

I found this vase filler at Z Gallery and want to fill my whole house with it. I despise fake plants but loved this because it is shiny and looks like paper but has a lot of texture and dimension. 

Snow frames on the table behind the couch.

These wood pieces are usually on my mantle but didn't have room for them this year. Found them at an antique store and love them!

The banner is made from burlap, twine, and paint.

A student gave me the frosty owl for Christmas this year so I added him to the mantle.

I also found the white snow balls at an antique market and love them! There are also glittery little birds near them but hard to see.

White felt snowflakes and silver garland are scattered on the mantle.

I kept my snowman collection up after Christmas, hoping it still works with the winter theme for January....

Pottery Barn pillows

 I hosted the small brunch a few days ago and had so much fun putting the table and decorations together.

I borrowed some supplies from my MIL's party pantry and used what I had to make a pretty festive and inexpensive brunch.

Turquoise square chargers, blue plates, and white napkins with silver borders.

I used my dining room table because it can seat a lot of people.

I found these sparkly silver trees from Crate and Barrel after Christmas for under $1, they are supposed to be ornaments but I cut off the string and used them as place cards. I was unsure of who would be able to make it the day of so instead of names I put little cards that said "hello 2013."

Flowers are always a must for any gathering at my house. I am no florist but went for it on my own this time. I was very pleased! I got my flowers at Trader Joes and only spent $16. I was able to use flowers from the yard for filler to add some other colors. I went with white and light blue flowers, hydrangeas and button mums. 

These little mercury glass ornaments were from Paper Affair after Christmas and have very pretty details on them.

I LOVE the centerpiece. It is a silver Target tray, big brown pine cones, small frosted pine cones, and silver jingle bells. I added in some mercury class candles and a big painted pillar with a candle in the center

The vases were from Michaels after Christmas and have silver details at the top.

I love that the monogrammed 'H' on my chairs blended in perfectly!

'Cheers to the New Year!'

Centerpiece in the kitchen for the food table. 

This antique bird tray was a lucky find in Palm Beach years ago, so glad I could use it again!

I added in lavender and rosemary from the yard.

I served champagne with peach juice and orange juice. 

We also had flavored water; cucumber mint and lemon lime.

Maple, brown sugar, and bacon glazed biscuits.

Strawberry poppyseed salad with pecans.

Sausage balls

I made the crack potatoes, a must for every occasion. 

Monkey bread

I have no idea the name of these. Some french thing- Croque Madam....no idea.

They were buttered bread with egg yolk, ham, cheese, and a white sauce.

Potato and honey baked ham quiche that was to die for.

Sweet baby Asher joined us for brunch! 

It was a great morning with wonderful women in my life. 

I am so thankful for the relationships that God has placed in my life over the past couple years from work. We all share a love of food if you can't tell!

I have been blessed with such a long and wonderful break from work, tomorrow is my first day back. I have to admit that I am super bummed about getting back into my work routine. I really struggle with finding balance at home and at school. I am always tired and mentally exhausted after teaching all day. 

Lately my biggest struggle is the battle between food and exercise! 

I don't do New Year's Resolutions and really don't care for the holiday. This is a battle that I have all year round. Do I eat super healthy and work out every day and try to completely change my body? OR Do I have a balance of food and exercise and enjoy things. The real problem is that I think about food all the time and live to eat instead of eat to live.

Does anyone else have this dilema? 

I have eaten like a hoss over this break, it was amazing. 

I just tried a new recipe tonight and will share later!

I am going to finish my break off with a Sex and the City marathon.