Gift Guide For Your Very BEST Girlfriends

Shopping for my girlfriends ranks super high up on my list of things that I LOVE TO DO!!!!! It feels like you are shopping for yourself, but with your friend's favorite colors/style in mind! I find that when I am shopping for my girlfriends, I tend to use the "one for me.....one for you" approach, because who doesn't want to match their best friend?! 

I know that I am totally jumping the gun in the Christmas shopping dept, but sometimes finding time to celebrate with the girls is super hard with all of the family events, holiday parties, and work "stuff" that seems to pop up every single weekend.  Planning a girl's holiday dinner is usually easier the earlier you do it!

So.....here is my list of the goodies that I am planning on getting for some of my girlfriends. And in all honesty, it is basically my very own Christmas Wish List. 

Carry On Cocktail Kit / Scarf / Blanket / Mittens / Necklace / Sweatshirt / Candle / Journal

I have a few friends that travel often, and this is the PERFECT gift!  It is a tiny little kit for you to make your very own Moscow Mule on the plane! And it is so little....and who doesn't love all things miniature! This would also be fun to sneak into a concert, sports game, or movie....just saying!

I am a sucker for buffalo check, and I have a love of scarfs! I live in Florida so we rarely need them...BUT I do have a lot of friends that live up North and are able to wear one as part of their outfit from November-March.  I LOVE this one, and basically any scarf that comes in plaid and doesn't itch!

I have given this necklace to everyone! I LOVE it! I wear mine daily, and never ever take it off! I think it is the perfect gift for anyone and everyone! (not to mention she is my friend, and I love everything she makes)

I LOVE mittens!!!!! I NEED them! I always have cold hands, and I love to scrunch my hands up inside of them! These mittens are on my "MUST HAVE" list, and I think I want to share my love for them with everyone! 

I have entirely too many blankets, and the truth is, I don't care! I will continue to buy them, use them, and I have a love for each and every one of them! I buy blankets for different reasons....1- Outside blanket for sports 2-I AM FREEZING blankets 3-Blankets that fit over my entire family to watch a movie 4-It is honestly not cold, but I want to snuggle so I need a thin blanket 5- Blankets that look amazing on the back of a couch but aren't cozy so I would just prefer to look at them 6- Blanket that is MINE and ONLY MINE and I will not share with anyone! At ALL!  It's a problem really, BUT this particular blanket FEELS amazing, LOOKS amazing, and is just the right size...SO I NEED IT! 

I have loved this candle for years, and they only put it out November-January! I stock up every year, and I have yet to get sick of it! It smells less like a pumpkin cake....and more like the creamiest pumpkin cookie/ice cream/cheesecake EVER! Just trust me!

I love giving these journals/planners to friends and family each year! I feel like they are the perfect size, and always in the best designs! 

LAST BUT NOT LEAST......OUR NEW SWEATSHIRT! This is really for you, your friends, your boyfriend, husband, and basically everyone that you enjoy going out (or staying in) and having a good time with! It makes me giggle, and it is for presale now! 

So go grab some girlfriends, plan a night out, a night in, or just plan a moment to talk on the phone this season!!!!!! 

Christmas Collection 2015

 We announced our Christmas Collection this past weekend and I am SO SUPER EXCITED about each and every one of them! We have some NEW designs and some of our FAVORITES came back to be celebrated this year!  I continue to say that I want to discontinue holiday shirts after each season, but the truth us......our Christmas shirts have become a tradition for so many families! I couldn't take them out of the shop!!!  I LOVE seeing side by side pictures of families in their same Santa shirt for the past three years, and receiving orders each winter as their Little's go up a size.  IT MAKES ME SO BEYOND HAPPY AND HONORED that something as little as our shirt can hold such a fun tradition for so many of you!!!!!!

We have also added back our FAVORITE (yes, they are ALL my favorites) Reindeer Games designs! Jessica Garvin's chalkboard lettering is just amazing, and I think that this design is PERFECT for the entire winter....not just Christmas! I mean, I may have continued to wear mine the entire year, regardless of the season!

This year our NEW shirt is THE MERRIEST!  Who doesn't want to be THE Merriest one out there during the Merriest of months!?! I DO! We have also paired our signature heart on the sleeve, which is just a fun touch! This design is available for infants, youth, and every Merry lady out there! 

We have decided to do a little FREE gift with the purchase of any two holiday items! (if you have already purchased two items, don't worry....you will receive the bag too! :)  There is no coupon needed for the bag, it will just be added to every single order that includes two or more items!  IN ADDITION we have our preorder coupon available using the code "themerriest" for 15% off your holiday items! Preordering is HUGE in our shop because it is the only way to guarantee your size/style.  Once we close preorders, it is on a first come/first serve basis until they are all sold out! ***Preorder deals and guarantee is closed on Sunday November 8th at Midnight.***

I posted this pic on Instagram this morning (@kcsnead) and received a lot of questions about the pants.  I honestly AM OBSESSED with sweatpants and pajama pants and I take a lot of pride in finding the softest pjs every single year! (is that sad?!)  I used to purchase full on festive pj's for my kids and give as a gift the day after Thanksgiving....but we just go with pants now.  My mother in law did buy the CUTEST pajamas for the tween in my house and I am going to have to "borrow" them often!  You can NEVER have too many winter pj pants!!!!!! EVER!  

MEN'S PANTS / WOMAN'S PANTS / TWEEN GIRL PANTS / BOY PANTS / ALL SHIRTS

I can not even wait to see the pics of everyone in their Holiday gear!!!! Don't forget to tag us on instagram at @kcsnead and #saseadecorC

SURPRISE Party!

This past weekend was a GREAT one!  I have been secretly planning a surprise party for Kacey for a few weeks....and it was GREAT!!!!!  Her birthday is really in July, but she wanted to wait until the pool was ready, so that she could have a pool party sleepover!  

I decided that she had waited long enough...so I might as well surprise her with the party!  I had asked her questions for weeks as to what she wanted to do when we FINALLY had a free weekend for her party.  She originally wanted a "Beach Party" theme with all bright colors.....so I went and purchased all of the odds and ends to pull off her vision.  NOT EVEN TWO DAYS LATER.....she came home from school and said that she thinks it would be super fun to have a Halloween pool party because this is the only time she will ever get to celebrate her birthday in October....DONE!  I don't even think I waited a full hour before I packed up all the goodies I had purchased and exchanged them all of Halloween theme!!!!! 

Surprising an 11 year old is NOT easy!  She asked DAILY, "mom...when can we sit down and plan out my party?!?!" and I just wanted to scream, "DON'T ASK AGAIN....I AM PLANNING SOMETHING!"  I also had to invite all of her friends by getting in touch with their moms and telling them to please NOT tell the girls about the party until the day of. (GIRLS CAN NOT KEEP SURPRISES!!!!! :)  

IT TOTALLY WORKED!!!!!!!!! I took away her iPad the morning of the party, knowing that her friends were all finding out about it, dropped her off at her friend's house to entertain her while I set up the house! Chad and Collin were at baseball, so I just turned up my music and went crazy lady style all over the house! 

I have had these cute little vinyl faces for years, and I just add them to random places each year.  They crack me up!!!!! 

I didn't go overboard decorating because I really didn't have much time with her out of the house, but I put up orange lights, added light up balloons to the pool, and made some fun and festive foods!  I wanted to make caramel apples, popcorn balls, and all of the foods that you would typically think of.....BUT Kacey has braces and that would just be awful if she couldn't enjoy any of the goodies at her own party! Instead I made chocolate covered pretzel rods with sprinkles, cut up apples with carmel dipping sauce, a make your own sub station (HER FAVORITE FOOD EVER!), bags and bags of chips, cookies, and instead of a cake.....I made little parfaits with brownies, pudding, oreos, and cool whip!  I felt like it was the perfect amount of food because they were able to sneak downstairs all night and snack, and I wasn't left with leftovers! SUCCESS!!!

I had her friends show up at 4;30 and we hid in the backyard with every camera and video camera ready! I sent a message to her friend's mom and said to come on over.......and ask Kacey to show you the pool in the yard!!! They walked out and we had her favorite song playing (ironically it's FAVORITE SONG by O.A.R), and we SCREAMED SURPRISE!!!!!! It was EVERYTHING I wanted for her! She was honestly shocked and surprised....and PRICELESS!

She ran right over to me and gave me the biggest hug ever and in that moment my whole world was made! 

This was the first party I have ever done where I didn't have ANY crafts or activities planned! It kind of made me sad, but I just wanted Kacey to be able to do what she wanted with her friends!  They swam, did handstand contests (a fave around here), ate, giggled, told jokes, and just had a great time spending time together! SUCH A JOY to watch your daughter have such an awesome bond with a group of girls that she has known for years!  It makes my mom heart so happy!!!!! 

It is safe to say that Kacey had a BLAST with her friends, and Chad and I just sat back and let them be kids and enjoy all of the silly things that kids do!  Just sitting back and listening to them is absolutely HILARIOUS!  

If you have thought about surprising your kids for a bday party.....DO IT!!!!!!!! The amount of hugs, Thank You talks, and smiles that have come from this make me want to do it every year!!!!

Roxy was also totally part of the party!  She stood up there the entire time and barked at the balloons.....jumped in the pool.....swam to the stairs...and repeat! It cracks me up every single time! I swear this pool has made her act like a puppy again and I couldn't love it more!!!!

My Favorite Room In My Home

My backyard has basically been a mud/dirt/dead grass pit since the end of July, and I have been dreaming of the day that we could jump into the pool and actually enjoy it! WELL THAT TIME HAS COME! (although the outside pool area is not 100% and contractors are still randomly in my yard) 

I have to say.....I was excited and nervous about having a pool.....and it turns out I am still excited and nervous!  I just want it to be a fun, safe, relaxing place for us and our kids and our friends.  I also want it to be pretty...and this stresses me out!  

Decorating inside of my home comes easy to me because I just purchase things that I LOVE and then make them work within my space.  I feel like decorating a patio is a lot harder because you have to find something you love.....that your dogs won't destroy.....and that can handle the Florida sun.....and rain.....and will not need to be replaced every year.  It has been difficult for me to commit to anything!  

Tile (in Lake Blue) / Sectional / Pillows / Fan

 This is the vibe that my patio has....I guess I would consider it beachy, boho, and blue.  I love all things blue because it is easy to add pops of black for halloween, red and green for Christmas, and yellow for summer. I think blue is the easiest color to transition the entire year.  

I picked these tiles out and was beyond excited about them! I LOVE THEM!!!!!! They set the tone for the backyard and make a statement without having to add anything else.  THEY MAKE ME HAPPY!  We went with gray multi pavers because our home is a grayish blue and it was a good match.   The ONLY regret I have with the decisions we have made, is our coping tiles (the tiles on the edge of the pool)! They are a cream, and I have to say that I don't LOVE them!  They would be perfect if I didn't have kids, dogs, and any grass or dirt in my yard....BUT I have all of the above and it shows little paw prints at all times.  Bummer! 

I purchased the pillows from the store and they were on clearance for $5-$10 each.  They only had one out of the showroom and when I asked them if they had more in the back, they literally brought out bags full of outdoor clearance pillows! Worth a shot to check out in your store if you are in the market for outdoor pillows! I feel a little less nervous about them getting ruined when I buy them dirt cheap! 

I have been dragging my feet on purchasing a couch/sectional for the patio because I just can't commit.  (this is an issue for me with furniture!) I LOVE this one, and it is a great price, and would fit perfectly.....I just can't pull the trigger! I can, however, pull the trigger on this hammock! ESPECIALLY since I received my birthday coupon code just the other day! (it was a sign!)

Last but not least...the fan! I LOVE it! Fans are basically the only way you can spend your days on a patio in Florida!  We have a covered patio, and has nice shade after 1pm, but a fan is ALWAYS needed! (even if it is just to push the mosquitos around!) I also love the wood planks on the ceiling in the pic, and can not WAIT to do that on our ceiling!  I feel like it just makes the outdoors sort of feel like an indoor living space...which is EXACTLY what I want! 

Basically....the pool is ready....we swim in it daily and LOVE every single second of it!  I have become a master judge of handstands, flips, dives, and counting how long my kids can hold their breath!  I have watched our 14 year old Jack Russell freak out when her brother is underwater and jump in to save him, while our other (huge) dog is terrified of swimming stays within two feet of the water at all times!  

We still have so much work to do....planting palms, bushes, and grass....BUT there is an end in sight and at least after a long day of planting, we can jump in the nice cool pool to relax!  

I hope to share more pics once it is "finished". (because the truth is....it will always be a work in progress!)

Halloween Is In The House!

I just couldn't wait! I live in Florida, it is still super hot outside, it doesn't feel or smell like fall, and I just wanted SOMETHING that made me feel like it was here! I went full force and decorated the inside of our home last week, and I am thoroughly enjoying it!!!!!  I "surprised" Chad with the early decorations, and he just laughs at me at this point! I think  he is secretly just happy that I went into the attic myself and didn't ask for any help!

My favorite project, so far, is a really EASY one! I purchased these HUGE pumpkin buckets at Target for only $6 each! (they also have orange and white available)  I would love to say that I planted the plants inside of the buckets....but I didn't! I literally just sat them inside of the pumpkins so that after Halloween I can remove and plant the larger plant in the yard....and I will just be honest and say that the other plant will be long gone by then. I can NOT keep these babies alive for the life of me! (strange, I think they actually like to be watered)

I love these little guys, and I am thinking about going back for this little bucket to add a little palm in.  I think they are hilarious and the "hair" gives them personalities! 

I have also switched my shop over to ALL THINGS FALL..and it has me super excited!  I had originally planned on having all NEW designs this Halloween, but I have received SO many emails and requests to bring back our Witch hat for a 3rd year in a row and our collaboration with Jessica on the I Put A Spell On You shirts!  I also would have missed them entirely too much, so they are back!!!!! We have switched a few things around and added a new design or two!  I couldn't be more excited and in love with all of them! 

I am SUPER stoked about our NEW Trick or Treat tote!!!!!! It honestly isn't just for trick or treating, it is pretty much the cutest tote bag to carry around town!  The BEST PART is that from now until 9/20, we are offering these totes for FREE with any $50+ purchase!!!!! Just add the tote into your cart, and use coupon "TRICKORTREAT" to get it for FREE!!!! (If using paypal, the coupon goes in at the end)

Our preppy witch hat shirts are one of my all time favorites (I say that about every shirt, they are like my children!) and I have already had mine on this season! This year we have added the bright orange pullover! I am excited because I find it hard to incorporate orange into my wardrobe for Halloween! I am waiting for this shirt to go on sale so that I can wear it underneath! It would be PERFECT with the stripes to match the bow!

I also LOVE the I Put A Spell On You shirts so much that I never put mine away with my Halloween decorations last year! There is something about gold foil on black that just makes my heart beat faster! And Jessica's design is pretty much perfection!  We switched the youth shirt from a short sleeve to this long sleeve black style so that they would match a little better.

Last but not least.......we have brought back our best selling Thank Full shirt with a new twist! I LOVE the dark indigo with the gold! There are so many things to be Thankful for this time of year, and this shirt tells the world that you are Full Of Thanks!  I LOVED receiving pics last year of people announcing pregnancies, engagements, and surrounding themselves with people that they are Thank Full For!!!!!! I can't wait to see it all over again in this new style!

I can't wait to hear how you all love them, and don't miss out on the FREE tote offer!!!!!!

Game Day Ready!

I have decided that I basically am awful at blogging and keeping up with life in general when my kids are home for summer vacation!  They are back in school today and I am BACK IN ACTION! 

I have been so beyond excited to share our NEW GAME DAY gear!!!!!!  Jessica and I worked together to design a comfortable football shirt that can show your support for ANY team by layering your spirit colors with the gray and white pullover!  We feel this shirt is PERFECT for going to your favorite NFL game, football party, and cheer on your favorite football player at their peewee or high school field! 

I have received emails for two years asking for a football mom shirt....and I feel like this is EXACTLY what you all have been waiting for!  This sweatshirt pullover has a raw open neck that allows you to layer it over any color tank top to bring in your team's colors! SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!

Game Day Pullover, Hat, Jeans, Converse

I will totally be wearing this outfit on any given sunday, monday, or just about every day!  These Girlfriend jeans are my new favorite, and I have these converse on my Birthday wish list! I already have this redskins hat, and will always be a redskins fan regardless of where I live now.....because you just can't switch teams just because you move! (or when they aren't playing well)

We also felt the need to add sizes and styles for the littlest football fan in your house! I can just imagine layering a tutu or cheer skirt with them! CUTEST EVER! 

Don't miss out on saving 15% off of our shop (expires September 1st) using code "gamedaydeal".  I will be shipping this weekend while supplies last, and the rest will ship out mid September. 

ps- these are good luck! Your team is going to win when you are wearing one! 

pps- These two kids are off to 3rd and 5th Grade today!  Kacey left ready, excited, and couldn't wait to get to her patrol station this morning! Collin....well Collin prefers to be at home or with Chad and I AT ALL TIMES...so he is probably counting down the seconds until school is out. Oh well, I KNOW they are going to have an amazing year! 

Christmas In July Sale

I am AWFUL at keeping up with my blog in the summer!!!!! Between trips, playdates, errands, and just life in general with the kids home.....I haven't made the time for it.  

I just wanted to check in and make sure that everyone knew about our Christmas In July special that we are running! We have collaborated with Jessica again and added to the Reindeer Games Collection!  I lOVE this collection! I love wearing it to cheer on my kids at soccer, baseball, and totally have plans to wear the tshirt in a Christmas run this year! 

This year we have changed the shirt design to a true red football style tee, and added onesie and sweatshirt for your littles!  I love how it is festive, yet subtle! 

Our Santa raglans have always been our #1 seller!  I LOVE that everyone in the family can wear the same shirt! I honestly think it is the cutest thing ever when I get pictures of people visiting santa, on Christmas morning, or out and about in their matching Santa shirts! We have added a pullover this summer and it has been a big hit! 

Christmas In July Gear

I hope you are loving the new gear, as well as the original favorites!    When we opened our shirt shop just over two years ago....we were one of the only shops that sold festive gear for the whole family for each holiday!  Now that there are new shirt shops opening up daily, I know that you have many choices when it comes to setting your favorites up for the holidays, and it honestly makes me so happy and thankful that you are still choosing our designs!!!!! It keeps me motivated to continue adding to our line! 

To thank you, we are running 15% off your purchase until Midnight tonight with the code "santainjuly" so don't miss out!