Welcome 2012!

Recently I learned about a tradition in Japan, one that I would love to start doing in our home. On New Year's Eve, they prepare for the new year by cleaning the home and car, and by stocking their kitchens. The day is called Omisoka, and "oh-souji" or "big cleaning" is done so they enter the new year with everything fresh and new. Isn't that a wonderful tradition?

Our tradition is to get take out from a favorite restaurant, then watch lots of movies until midnight when we run outside to light off fireworks. After the fireworks we come back inside for sparkling cider to toast the new year.

As you can see, we light our fireworks regardless of weather! What is your new years tradition?

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Home projects are on hold as we take time to enjoy and spend time with family and friends for the holidays. Too often I feel rushed during this time of year, and I don't want to miss out on the moments.

Have a wonderful holiday season, no matter how you celebrate! See you in 2012 for more DIY fun.

Dearest Santa, I would love to find this car on Christmas morning:

Source: habituallychic.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Magic Christmas Tree Time Lapse

We have another Christmas tree in our house. It's little, it's cute, and it is magic! We had a lot of fun capturing it as it "grew" using our time lapse camera. Our Magic Christmas Tree came from Amazon.com, but I have seen them on other sites as well. In real life the tree took a little over 6 hours to film, but you get to see the magic happen in less than 15 seconds!

Magic Christmas Tree Time Lapse from Aimee on Vimeo.

I hope you enjoy watching the tree grow! We sure had fun making the video.

Our Christmas Tree 2011

My favorite color theme for Christmas is sliver, white and blue. As you can see our tree is decorated in that theme, with snowflakes and icicles to add to the snowy scene. And yes, if you look closely you will indeed see Santa riding a pink flamingo.

A tree can't be all serious, right?

Hair Twisters for a fun new 'do!

Once winter arrives, with it's cold dry air, the only thing I really want to do is pull my hair into a ponytail to avoid the fly aways and static cling. Recently I got the chance to try a very stylish item that makes a ponytail super fun and interesting.

They are called Hair Twisters, and as you can see, they wrap your ponytail into a metal coil that looks so incredible!

I was sent the 6 inch twister, which is just perfect for creating a sleek side ponytail. I can't even tell you all the compliments that I get when I wear it! Not only is it really unique (I haven't seen anyone else ever wear one in my city), but it is so perfect for keeping my hair out of my way. I've even found that they work well when I am out in the wind, or to keep my hair tamed while biking. All while looking awesome in the process!

The company, Medieval Metal is based in California. You can order them online in a variety of styles, and you can even add charms to the end of the twist for an even more personal style statement! Check out their site for all the options and to order your own. They would make a fun gift for the person who has everything too! http://www.hairtwisters.com/

While Medieval Metal provided the sample for this review, as always, my opinion is my own.

The room of shame.

Please tell me you have a "room of shame" in your home too. A junk room, a catch-all room, a clutter magnet, whatever you would like to call it, we have one. No matter what I try to do, our laundry room seems to collect all the things that don't have a permanent home, or are on the way to other spaces. As you will see, right now it is at it's all time WORST, and doing laundry is nearly impossible.

In the middle of the room, taking up the bulk of the space, are shelves and items that actually belong in my husband's office, but have yet to make their way into it. Then there is the headboard, a project in progress. Oh yes, and of course there is the washer and dryer, a rack to hang clothes on (that is, as you can see, falling apart a bit), and a whole bunch of other things filling the room to the brim.

What you can't see is that there are actually shelves that are nicely organized on that back wall. This room is so completely opposite of the other spaces in our home that I can hardly believe it's in our house!

Do you have a "room of shame" too?

Doggie Devotion

Pets and design don't seem to go together often, but when they do it's always fabulous! We recently got some of the wonderful Fetch! Product Design limited edition “Doggie Devotion” throw pillows for our home to feature on our animal blog.  However, they are just too fun not to share here as well!

 I think they look really fun on our couch, and they are a great conversation piece as well.

Each pillow pillow is hand-made when the customer orders it! The pillows are also durable, very well made, and even hypoallergenic. The collection features sixteen designs, each with an artist-created, one-of-a-kind image of the world’s most beloved dog breeds. The two coordinating pillows with the words “sit” and “stay” are sold separately. And while they didn't have our dog's breed in the design choices, we still love the image of a dog being part of our home in this way.

Pet owners take note, the durable cotton-twill cover is pre-shrunk and washable. You can even choose from red, black or white for the pillow backing, ensuring that no matter what the décor. A “Doggie Devotion” pillow is the perfect addition to any dog-lover’s couch, bed or chair. We simply love our pillows, and think that any dog lover will feel the same way! To order, visit www.fetchedonline.com.

About Fetch! Product Designs Fetch Product Designs was founded in Spring 2011 to create unique, quality, high-end pillows and home décor featuring “man’s best friend”. Each pillow is a distinctive work of art is and is available exclusively through Fetch! Product Designs. Fetch! Product Design pillows will soon be available through product catalogues, scheduled exhibition shows and specialty retail boutiques. Founded by interior designer Angela Carfino-Hines and artist Maria Faith Garcia, Fetch! Product Designs is based in Hacienda Heights, California. Every Fetch! pillow is proudly manufactured in the United States.