Review: Rugs USA

Do you all remember this post about where to find cute rugs for a lot less than the average price? Well I had been eying the Rockville Beige Homespun Rug from Rugs USA for quite a while and I finally got one! And I totally love it. I have one other area rug in my house that I bought on a killer sale from West Elm and even though I love it too, this area rug from Rugs USA is a lot higher quality. It has a durability to it that my other one doesn't have. I was so excited when I got it to find out how well-made it is. It's easy to clean too! We have kept it in a few different rooms in our house, including the kitchen which I was nervous about with the cream/beige color but even though we've had a few spills it doesn't seem to let anything seep down further than the surface, so it's easy to spot clean. So important in a home that people actually live in, am I right?! I foresee us being able to have this rug in our home for many years to come as our family grows.

Fun and Easy DIY Advent Calendar

I am one of those people who loves tradition. My parents established so many great traditions in our home and I loved looking forward to them each year and being part of something fun. Ever since I was married and had a place of my own I've searched for an advent like my parents had. It was a big "stable" made up of individual wooden boxes, one for each day, and in each box was a candy kiss for each of the kids. I loved it because you could fit a candy for everyone, there was no fighting or taking turns. Everyday was a good day for everyone.

I'm still searching for my perfect advent, but I am really pleased with how this one turned out. It is fun, festive, holds a candy for each member of our family each day, was super cheap to make, adds to the decor in the house, and also keeps track of all the Christmas activities we are hoping to do as a family this season.

Here's how to make your own:

Deal Spotting: American Apparel Groupon

American Apparel Groupon guys! Groupon teams up with American Apparel this time every year and I love them for it. AA makes great clothes and they last forever, I have bought this deal for my husband as a Christmas gift for the past two years and he literally wears one of their hoodies every day during winter. For those not aware they have clothes for men, women and children. They're the best! Take advantage of this deal while it lasts!

Warm and Cozy

Ruffle Socks              Pom Pom Leg Warmers

When the husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas the only thing I could think of was that I wanted some cute boot socks. Trouble is, I was struggling to describe to him what I meant and I didn't want him to go buy regular, plain old boot socks. When I came across these while browsing Amazon today I couldn't help but share in case you have any ladies left to buy for! Aren't they cute? 

How to Stuff a Stocking for Under $20

Stockings are one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning. I have noticed in the past few years since being married and thus in charge of stuffing someone else' stocking, that I tend to forget to budget for stocking stuffers. I am always thinking about all of the other gifts I am buying, budgeting for them, and leaving stockings to the last minute. Then I am rushing to gather things up and I end up spending way more than I should have just due to lack of planning. Not this year. I went on a quest and figured out exactly how much I wanted to spend on each stocking - $20 at the most. I thought it would be so easy but it was actually more challenging than I thought, even after planning everything out. The hard part was not going over-budget because I wanted to buy everything! Isn't it funny how easy it is to justify over-spending when it is on a gift for someone else?

I did it though. I made a shopping list of stocking stuffers I would like to get, and went out to see what I could do with my $20 dollar bill.

My Go-To Christmas Playlist

I love Christmas music! But then, who doesn't? I typically reserve Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, not because I'm a stickler about it, but because it makes it feel special and exciting. Since it is officially Christmas music time, I decided today I would share with you my very favorite songs. If they are new to you, you are in for a treat. 

Christmas Favorites of 2012: 

O Holy Night by Celine Dion

The Little Drummer Boy by Josh Groban 

Joy to The World by David Archuleta

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by NSYNC

Let It Snow by Boys to Men

Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) by Amy Grant

All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

The Christmas Shoes by Newsong

Silent Night by Mannheim Steamroller

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Dean Martin

Where Are You Christmas by Faith Hill

Our Love Is Like A Holiday by Michael Bolton

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Michael Buble  

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra 

I love the spirit of fun, peace and joy Christmas music brings me! Did I leave out any of your favorite songs or favorite Christmas artists?? Please let me know, I am always looking for new greats!

 

If you enjoyed this post you may also love these popular posts: 
Gratitude
Motivational Quotes Free Printable 
Thanksgiving Printables
This post may be linked up to one of these link parties.

Our Week in Pins and Photographs

Ever since I had a place of my own I have been looking for an advent calendar that is just like my Mom's. I guess it's sentimental because no other advent is ever good enough! However, when I came across this idea on Pinterest I fell in love with it. It is so clean and simple, yet beautifully done. It's pretty disposable and easy to make.. right up my alley. I am totally going to do this until I find my perfect advent. Thanks, Lovely Things!

 

Holiday Gifts for WHOEVER under $25

1. Scratch off World Map Amazon, $19 - 2. Nostalgia Electrics Ice Cream Maker Amazon, $25 - 3. Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning Amazon, $7.25 - 4. Retro Pop Phone Handset Amazon, $10-$20 - 5. Milk and Cookies Face Mug Uncommon Goods, $18 - 6. Timex Retro Calculator Watch World of Watches, $23 7. Time's Up Deluxe Amazon, $28 (Okay, it's $3 over. Worth it though! Favorite. Game. Ever.)

We hope you're stuffing yourselves and enjoying your families!

We really want to take this time to let you all know how much we love and appreciate you. Pretty Providence has been a huge blessing in both of our lives this year, and that is largely thanks to the wonderful readership we have found. We just want you to know how much it means to us when you follow the blog, leave nice comments, send us emails and genuinely care about our lives. We care about you, and wish you all the best during this wonderful holiday season!

xoxo,

Jessica and Sarah

A few links you might like pertaining to gratitude:
Free Thanksgiving Printables
Gratitude not Jealousy
Motivation: Gratitude

Holiday Gifts for HER under $25

1. Rose Tights Charlotte Russe, $5 - 2. Polka Dot Sweater Forever 21, $17.50 - 3. Mittens Asos, $14.07 - 4. Design Sponge at Home Amazon, $22 - 5. Mastering the Art of French Cooking Amazon, $22 - 6. Black and White Skimmer Urban Outfitters, $19 - 7. Rose Colored Glass Drawer Knob Urban Outfitters, $4 - 8. Washi Tape Set of 7 Rolls Amazon, $8 - 9. Melanine Batter Bowl World Market, $13

Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Picks!

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday?? Where has the time gone? Anyway, I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year (just helping a lot) but I thought I would post some tried and tested classic Thanksgiving recipes for those of you who are hosting and still don't have your menu's completely rounded out. Hopefully these ideas will help!

Lion House Rolls

Antipasto Kabobs and Buttermilk  Ranch Cheeseball

Cranberry Spinach Salad

Green Bean Casserole

Pomegranate and Apple Salad

 Sweet Potato Casserole 

 Candied Sweet Potatoes

  Classic Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Classic Stuffing

 Turkey

Cream Cheese Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Are any of you drooling yet?? Because I think I am about to go eat my whole house, or in the words of Jesse from the parent trap, "whip up everything we've got." Do any of you have a favorite dish or part of Thanksgiving that you look forward to every year? For me it is the sweet potatoes, I love them so much, I would literally make both of the kinds above and eat half the pans myself! 

If you enjoyed this post you may like these other popular posts: 

The Best Apple Pie Filling

Banana Cream Pie 

Thanksgiving Printables 

10 Cute, Creative, DIY Packaging Ideas

This post may be linked up at one of these fabulous linky parties, check them out!

Tips for Shopping Black Friday Successfully

Although I really wish that they wouldn't start black Friday deals etc. until after Thanksgiving (so that everyone could enjoy their holiday) for someone on a tight budget it can be hard to pass up the opportunity of once-in-a-year type savings. Black Friday shopping has been totally polarizing for me in the past, it is either amazingly successful or an appalling waste of time. Here are a few things that will hopefully help you avoid the second type of experience.

1. Review your list of needed items. Whether or not you have an actual written list, you probably have a mental list of items you need, people to buy for, gift ideas etc. There is no way you will be able to find everything on your lists on black Friday, so you will want to focus on things that are typically expensive.

2. Check stores ads ahead of time to see if any sales match items you need. If there is a match for an expensive item on your list, that will probably become your priority. If not, see what few items will give you the best overall savings. For example, last year my husband really wanted a specific Nintendo game that had great savings, so that was my primary focus. This year, Luke has outgrown most his clothes and we still don't have what we need for Nora so my focus is much more general, clothes the kids need.

3. Pick a few (I try to keep it at 2) stores you are going to patron. I have found that if I try to go for too long I become useless. I wander aisles, forget what I need, become grumpy etc. There have been a few years where everyone present wished we had stopped one store early. Don't let it get to that point, leave yourself wanting more and reveling in your successes, not cursing yourself for going out in the first place.

Our Week in Pins and Photographs

Please exercise pin etiquette. If you like an idea, click to the source and pin the original post!

Mug o' Mac...this is easy mac but ummm better? Because there are no mystery ingredients. The blog it was pinned from has been discontinued so I don't know who to give credit to... but I might love them! I'm going to try this today! Supposedly you microwave 1/3 cup pasta (whole grain), 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup 1% milk, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on high for 2 minutes then stir. We'll see! I love the idea.

Also this is one of those "why didn't I think of this?" things... When you are going on vacation (like I am this week!) arrange your clothes in outfits folded on hanging shelves. Then just lower into your suitcase. You pull it out and hang it up in the closet when you are there, no mess, no unpacking!

So... this happened. I was at a stop light and when the light turned green I started to go through it when all of a sudden I found myself facing the wrong direction and on the sidewalk next to the intersection. Yeah... the other driver had decided to go through the light even though it had turned red and a collision ensued. We were both blessed not to have been hurt. Oh, and there was a gallon of blue paint in there with me...! You can read more about the accident & my thoughts on my other blog if you want.

I am so excited for next week. Thanksgiving guys! I am going to Colorado with my in-law side of the family because my husband's brother and his lady have decided to get married the day after Thanksgiving. It is going to be such a fun trip, extra reasons to celebrate! What are your Thanksgiving plans?

I love reading. It is my favorite hobby. I have to strictly limit myself to how much I can read every day or I would get nothing else done. There is something about the cooler weather that makes the pull to snuggle up with a blankie and a good book even stronger. I will do anything to get my little munchkins to read. I feel like it has shaped me in so many ways and is so much better than plugging them in front of the TV. When I saw this print I thought it would be adorable on Nora's bookshelf in her room. Find the image here.

 

In the effort to get my kids to love reading I plan on having a bookshelf in every room. (We do so far!) Books can be expensive though, and our book collection is something we have built up slowly over time. I love when I find a great book at a garage sale or thrift store, but I never buy a book I don't like just to have a book. What use is a collection if it isn't put together with quality items? I loved this list of 75 books that build character, and I can't wait to pick out a few for Christmas gifts. Thanks, No Time for Flashcards! 

My week was busy and fun! Bryce and I went on a double date with our good friends Pam and Scott on Tuesday, and I had something going on every other night (which never happens) so it went by fast, but I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend with my boys. I can't believe that I am 34 weeks today! Where has the time gone? With Luke, my water broke at 34 weeks and 5 days...so let's all pray that next Saturday baby is still inside me and we will consider making it to 35 weeks a big success! Partially due to this, and partially due to the fact that Bryce's family is all coming down to celebrate Thanksgiving (yay) we are setting up Christmas early this year. I will post more pictures of my decor (and how I spent very little muhlah on it all) once it's all up, but for the meantime here is a picture of the little man basking in the Christmas glow.

 

If you want to keep up with me during the week I'm on instagram as baije1. I love you guys and I just want you to know how thankful I am to have such a great community supporting this little blog of ours. 

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! 

Holiday Gifts for HIM under $25

1. Pick Punch Amazon, $25 - 2. Bacon Salt Sampler  Amazon, $13 - 3. Gingham Tie  Amazon (many colors to choose from) $16 - 4. Plaid Shirt Old Navy, $20 - 5. Cardigan Forever 21, $23 - 6. Ron Swanson Tee Amazon, $25 - 7. The Complete Darwin Awards Amazon, $25

Easy and Delicious Banana Cream Pie

My husband is a serious pie lover. Pie was never really my thing, and I am still not a pie making connoisseur by any means, but I have learned a few things for my man. For those reasons, this recipe is my best kept secret. He loves it, and has no idea how easy it is to make. 

Here's the skinny: 

1 pie crust (you can make your own or use a store bought frozen one, I've done both successfully)

1 package instant banana pudding

1 3/4 cups milk

2 bananas

1 small carton cool whip

Bake pie crust according to package/recipe directions. While crust is baking, whisk pudding mix and milk together until well combined. Refrigerate pudding mixture. After crust is cooled, slice bananas and layer on bottom of crust. Pour pudding mixture over bananas. Spread whipped cream over pudding mixture. Refrigerate for a few hours or until set. Mmmm. I want another piece already. Hope you all enjoy this pie as much as we do!

*This post may be linked up at one of these fabulous linky parties, check them out!
**If you enjoyed this post here are some other popular dessert posts you might like:
Aunt Val's Caramel
Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
Happy Cinco De Mayo, Tres Leches! 
Ice Cream & Cake & Cake

Deal Spotting: Two Pairs of Jeans for $60

Pac Sun has free shipping today (normally around $7) and their Bullhead Black denim is on sale 2 for $59! I love these jeans. I actually own four pairs (wearing the middle pair as I write this!) because the fit is great and the price is even better. I am a picky jeans person too, trust me. I used to spend over $100 per pair until I realized how bogus that was. So, if you are looking for great jeans in a reasonable price range try these out! They have a bunch of other colors and fits too.

Blogging 101

We get e-mails pretty often from new bloggers asking us for tips. We are SO flattered whenever this happens, because we are still pretty new at blogging ourselves! We launched in March of this year and have been lucky to grow our readership a little more every day and have loved every second of creating this little gathering place. So, we decided to put together a post with advice we have been given from other bloggers and some of the stuff we have learned along the way for those who would like to know.

Creative DIY Packaging Ideas, Perfect for the Holidays!

I can't believe how close the holidays are! We are only 6 weeks away from Christmas people. Woo woo. I hope my joy for this season never dies. I am a gift giver. I love finding the perfect gift for someone special. I love sharing treats and other trinkets people may not even want to receive but I want to give! As you can imagine, gift giving can be tricky when you are on a tight budget. It drives me nuts to "waste" money on a bag and a card when that money could go a cuter gift. However, I don't want to give away something ugly either, which led me to my search for cute, cheap packaging ideas. 

I was totally inspired by what I found, so of course I had to share my finds with you guys! I hope you find one you love. Remember, if you like an idea, click to the original source and pin it :). 

Our Week in Pins and Photographs

Please exercise Pin Etiquette: If you like an idea, click to the source and pin the original post!

When I saw this tutorial for making candles in vintage glass I was so excited. I actually have five or six glasses just like these that I picked up at the thrift store once and I see them all the time. I have them, but I've never known what to use them for. So now I can actually put them to use! Thanks Paper Mama!

Holiday Table: No Sew Burlap Placemat

If you saw my post earlier this week on how to make a super easy burlap runner for the holidays, this concept will be familiar to you. It's a super simple burlap place mat, no sewing required, and a great compliment to the runner. Especially if you add a napkin wrapped with the same ribbon you used on the  runner. Matchy-matchy cute table setting and barely any work required!

Free Thanksgiving Printables

The print above comes from the hymn, "Because I have been given much." It is one of my Dad's favorite songs and I can remember him getting emotional when he sang it to us as kids. 

Our whole house has been sick this last week and I have to admit that I was really over it. I was so tired.. not too tired to complain 24/7 though. Then, I was in the bathroom trying to get ready and Luke was at my feet fussing, and I unconsciously started singing this song to try to calm him down and suddenly found myself super emotional. I am grateful that my Heavenly Father used these beautiful lyrics to remind me how incredibly blessed I am. 

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. 

I’ll show that love by word and deed, 

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

Glitter Pumpkin Candles by Vanessa of See Vanessa Craft!

Hello Pretty Providence readers! I'm Vanessa from See Vanessa Craft, where I blog about my love for glitter and glue guns (among other things). A big thanks to Jessica & Sarah for having me on their beautiful blog. I'll be showing you how to make inexpensive Thanksgiving centerpieces. If you are a craft hoarder like me, then you stocked up on faux pumpkins from the Dollar Store around Halloween time. Err, maybe I'm the only one? Luckily, pumpkins are still on the shelves for Thanksgiving time. Go pick some up, along with some glitter and Mod Podge and let's get crafting!