Free Printable: 2012 Calendar - New Font

I changed the font on the 2012 calendar to match the font that I've been using in my classroom. The font is called CK Handprint. (You can download the font here if you're interested.)

If you want to download the new version of the 2012 calendar, you can do so here. (All that has changed is the font. Everything else is the same.)

The other version is still available - I won't be completely replacing it.

Happy New Year! =]

My Favorite Things: Top 5 Cleaning Tools

In the spirit of the New Year and getting organized, I also want my home to be clean. Having a dog makes it hard to keep my home clean...especially since he'd cooped up in our apartment all day long. Luckily he doesn't shed a ton. Right now we have two extra dogs staying with us while my brother, his fiance, and her sister are back in Pennsylvania visiting family. I feel like my home is disgusting...so much dog hair. Sunday, when the dogs go home, I'll be deep cleaning my place before I go back to school on Tuesday.

Here are my top 5 favorite cleaning tools (in no particular order):

Microfiber Cloths
I absolutely love microfiber cloths. I use them for everything - dusting, cleaning with all-purpose cleaner, cleaning electronics, dusting and cleaning the windows in my car, and much more. I like using them for dusting because they do a good job of "catching" the dust and not sending it off all over the room (like a feather duster would). They're eco-friendly because you can wash and reuse them. They're not too expensive, and sometimes you can buy them at dollar stores.

Shaklee Basic H2
Basic H2 is super concentrated, so a 16 oz bottle can create 48 gallons of cleaner. You can mix Basic H2 with water to create all-purpose, window, and degreasing spray cleaners. I absolutely love the degreaser. It works so well - especially with microfiber cloths.

Shaklee Scour Off
Have a tough job that needs some tough love? Scour off is amazing. I've used it to clean my oven (which was disgusting, considering I'm sure the apartment owners didn't deep clean if prior to us moving in) and my kitchen sink. It's so easy to use, doesn't kill you when you're using it (I swear, the spray oven cleaners you purchase in stores could be used in a chemical war), and is safe to use in your home. I don't even have to use gloves when cleaning with it. Yet, it's powerful enough to deep clean those tough stains in my home.

Bissell Lift-Off MultiCyclonic Pet Upright Vacuum
Okay, yeah, no kidding...a vacuum. But not just any vacuum. This one is amazing. It does such a good job picking up dog hair - both from the ground and on furniture (with the turbobrush attachment). Plus, it's bagless, which I've learned to prefer. (No more wasted money on bags that are a pain to attach.) I'd say that this would be my #1 favorite cleaning tool if I had to choose one.

White Distilled Vinegar
So many uses. Seriously. I use it once a month to clean and deodorize the drains in my home, clean the coffeemaker, unclog the shower head, clean the dishwasher, clean the washing machine (when I had one), and clean mildew in the bathroom. It's truly an amazing kitchen staple. You can visit 1001 Uses for White Distilled Vinegar for more ideas on how to use vinegar for cleaning, gardening, laundry, health, automotive, pets, and cooking.

My Favorite Things: Erin Condren Teacher's Lesson Planner

Earlier this year, before I even graduated from college, I bought an Erin Condren Teacher's Lesson Planner. I thought they were amazing and really wanted one, so I went ahead and bought one before I even had a job. I figured it'd be okay, even if I didn't get a job, because it's not pre-calenderized (lol, like my word?). I was able to pick up and start at the beginning of the planner, even when I started in November. No "wasted time".

Here's what I love about it.

the personalized cover - and the cute owl

the colorful pages

a student checklist section, with several pages - perfect for recording who brought back their report card envelopes, who's had a turn reading in the window, and more

monthly calendars & "what's going on in..." lists

love the format of the weekly planning pages - I set mine up by hourly time block, and it all works out perfectly

lots of notes pages in the back - perfect for faculty and student services meetings

positive encouragement throughout and lots of planning stickers

a two-sided folder to keep my to-do lists and ideas, a plastic zip pouch, and a 2 year in advance calendar for 2012/2013

This planner is $50 - which is a bit hard to swallow for me...for something that my school actually makes for us and gives every teacher for free - with all of the school events already printed into the weekly calendar. If I'm at my school again next year, I won't buy another EC planner. I used the school's planner last year and it worked perfectly (it has most of the same features as this one, just missing the pockets and zip pouch in the back...and the stickers and checklist section...and I can't customize the cover). But considering that I won't be keeping my planner when the year is over, there's no sense in spending $50 to get it I suppose. (Seems like I'm talking myself out of this...lol.)

I'd like to eventually create my own planner. My school has a binding machine, so I'd be able to do it really easily and at a cheap price. If I ever do create my own, I'll show y'all. =]

To learn more about this awesome teacher's lesson planner, visit Erin Condren's store.

Disclaimer: I was not paid or sponsored to write this post. I simply wrote it because I love my planner and wanted to share.

Year in Review

What a fantastic year. I started this blog in April, got married in June, and started teaching 2nd grade full time in November.

Thank you to all of my readers. Love you all. What started out as a hobby, has turned into something so much more meaningful to me. I receive tons of emails and comments every week from readers asking for advice or giving me constructive criticism. I love every single email and comment I receive - and read them all, too!

Over the last two months, I have gained a lot more subscribers/followers thanks to Pinterest. Therefore, I wanted to do a little year in review...just to show y'all what was most popular around The Nest Effect.

#5 - My Thirty One Organizing Utility Tote - 5,032 Pageviews

#4 - How I...Organize My Recipes - 5,566 Pageviews

#3 - Free Printable: 2012 Calendar - 7,365 Pageviews

#2 - Project 2.1: Mail Station - 10,732 Pageviews

#1 - October Project: Conquer Paper Clutter - 108,226 Pageviews

And for my 3 biggest blog referrals (the top 3 blogs that brought me the most traffic this year) - which all happen to be some of my favorite blogs:

#3 - A Bowl Full of Lemons

#2 - Tip Junkie

#1 - IHeart Organizing

My Favorite Things: Top 10 Organization Tools

Many people have asked what my favorite organization tools are, so in no particular order, here they are...

Scotch Thermal Laminator
I use my laminator on a weekly basis. It allows me to make several projects - both for my classroom and at home - at a low cost. A 50 pack of 8.5" x 11" laminating sheets is usually around $11 on Amazon. The lamination turns out really nicely.
I like using my laminator for organization purposes because you can laminate a checklist or anything else you use often and write on it with a dry erase marker - saving you paper!

A Good Label Maker
The label maker I own isn't being made anymore, but the brand is Brother. It makes labeling super simple and make organizing so quick. I use my label maker to label hanging files, cubbies, plastic containers, and more. You can also print labels from your computer and laminate them or adhere them with clear packing tape.

Containers/Caddies/Boxes/Bins/Baskets/etc.
I have a hoarding issue with cute boxes/bins/etc. I want to make sure I always have one at hand, if needed, so I always have more than I need (which is a bad habit since I don't have anywhere to store the extras). I love caddies like this one because they're easily portable. I use caddies to store cleaning supplies. (It also makes a spill easy to clean up.) I contain as much as possible in my home (and classroom). It creates less clutter and gives everything a home. I really feel like they're worth investing in if you're new to organizing your home. It is well worth it.

Over the Door Shoe Organizer
I love this item because it can be used for more than just shoes. I have one in the coat closet and one in my closet. In the coat closet it holds Command Hooks, tools, gloves, hats, and other miscellaneous household items. In my closet it holds some shoes, accessories, lint rollers, and other miscellaneous things. I prefer the clear pockets so I can see inside, but they do make really cute organizers with prints and fun colors. I've also seen these used with craft materials and in pantries.

3-Ring Binders
I use binders for everything - my home management binder, blogging/etsy store planner, holiday planner, student info & so many other things at school, tracking our loan payments, etc. (See how I use mine here.) Binders are such an easy way to create your own system for keeping track of things - or even for replacing a filing system (if you don't have a ton of paperwork to keep track of). They're so handy because they're portable and you can switch information in and out quickly.

A Good Daily or Weekly Planner
I don't know how I'd function without one. While I do have an Erin Condren Life Planner currently, I am still in love with the BusyBodyBook (and think I'll be switching back in 2013). (See how I used my old one.) I use my planner to make mental notes on to-dos and brilliant ideas I have. =]
But with a great planner, I also need great pens - colorful ones. I really like Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens and Paper Mate Flair Pens.

Open-Top File Boxes with Hanging Files
My favorite way to use an open-top file box is for my mail station. When they're open-top, they're easily accessible and everyone in your family could use it with ease. Hanging files make organization with a file box a breeze because you can label the tops. (Even my husband can use ours. lol.)
Here's a tip: buy cute and colorful hanging files - it's more attractive and will make you want to use it! =]

Zipper Pouches
Any kind will do - even a small cosmetic bag. I use mine in many different places around the house - to hold my extra contacts and razors in the bathroom, storing coupons in my purse, holding pens and pencils in my school bag, organizing in drawers, holding all of the bits to my screwdriver, etc. Love them. The one pictured is from Carolina Pad - I think it's super cute and may just need to buy it.

Expanding Files
So good for so many things. I use this one (pictured) from Carolina Pad to organize/store my product manuals. (See my post here.) I also use expanding files to sort newsletter paper, coupons, receipts, and student files. One thing I love about expanding files is the variety of sizes they come in. The ones that I use for receipts and coupons are smaller than those that I use for storing regular size papers.

Command Hooks
I use Command Hooks all over my home. They hold things under my sinks (the Swiffer duster, scissors in the bathroom, gloves, etc.) and in my closets (jewelry, belts, plastic bags, etc.) I even use them for hanging calendars, cutting boards, bath loofahs, and more. I love them since they won't leave holes in the wall (unless you remove them the wrong way...lol).

I would love to know - what are your favorite organization tools?

Q&A: Part 2

To view part 1 of the Q&A, click here.

Organization Related Qs

You have lots of organizational tips and ideas, but do YOU feel like an organized person? 

Yes and no. Right now, my closet is a mess. It's turned into a dumping ground. I tried cleaning it yesterday, and just didn't feel like tackling it. It's scheduled for today's task. I definitely do follow by most of the tips I give. When things get out of order, it makes me crazy, but I'm not super strict with myself (or husband) on keeping things "perfect".

Have you always been interested in organization? 

Yes! Ever since I was little, I've always loved organizing things - especially for others. I wanted to be a maid for the longest time because I wanted to clean other people's homes for them.

What are three tips (or more) that are most important to you? 

- Color code everything. Give each family member a color and stick to it when planning (write in that color). Color code categories when filing. Just color code it all. =]
- Use containers/baskets/bins/etc. to store things in your home. It helps cut clutter - but can also create a dumping ground. Always go through your storage bins on a regular basis.
- Create a filing system for your home. Use a system that makes sense for you and your family. It can be something as simple as a few labeled folders kept in a basket on the table or more complex like a filing cabinet drawer sorted into categories. Paper needs a home - find it one.
- Scan what you can and get rid of the rest. I don't like paper clutter - so I digitize what I can.
Can you tell that paper clutter is my biggest concern?

When you feel overwhelmed by a house full of clutter and disorganization, where do you start? How do you combat the feeling of complete being overwhelmed? Also, how do you stay motivated once you start? 

Start small. Tackle a pile of paper clutter. If you feel okay after that, move on to something else...but not until you've completely finished the first task. If you start something, always finish it. If you decide to tackle a whole room and become overwhelmed, break it down into sections or by task and work on them one at a time. It makes it more manageable and allows you to take a break if you do need one...once you finish the section/task at hand. To stay motivated I always envision what I want from what I'm doing and most of the time I'll map it out or write it down. It keeps me focused and allows me to see that there is an end in sight. Fun music always helps as well.

How do you manage paper clutter?

Check out my October Project that I did this year. It's all about managing my paper and digital clutter. It's also a topic I'll be focusing on during one whole month in 2012.

I love organizing my home, however I never feel like my kitchen is really organized. Any suggestions? 

Label, label, label. Containerize. Consolidate. Keep an inventory. Go through all of your drawers and cabinets - get rid of 7 of the 10 pot holders you never use (and so on). This is my biggest downfall - I love kitchen gadgets/tools. I've (finally) learned to keep a handle on my obsession and stop buying these things. I keep my inventory up to date so I'm not bringing in more food than I can handle (although...I'm deeply embarrassed by my kitchen cupboards right now).

What tips to you have to organize a bathroom closet?

Containerize. One of my favorite things to organize when I was living at home was my parents' bathroom closet. I containerized/consolidate and categorized everything and then labeled. It makes a world of difference. Fold towels and sheets nicely - it also make a huge difference. I wish I had a bathroom closet in my apartment - instead I'm stuck with large under sink storage, but it's not enough for me.

What are your best tips for organizing kids?

Make the organization process simple and fun. They love using recycled materials (tissue boxes can hold crayons and other art supplies) to store things in. Take pictures of the toys contained in a box they can't see through and put both the picture and a label on the outside of the box. If you want things shelved in a certain spot, take a picture of what goes in that spot and tape it on the shelf. The simpler, the better. My 2nd graders love these things that I've mentioned.
I would definitely use print with kids and organization though - it helps with word/sound/letter recognition.

What would you suggest as a starting point to organization for a busy working mom?

Start small and create a plan/schedule. Don't feel like you need to get it all done in one day. Your organization system will change constantly if it's new, until you find something that works for you. If it's something you want to do, then use some of your "me" time to tackle it. For me, personally, organization gives me piece of mind - so I'll use my "me" time to organize things. If it's not a priority for you - or your family - then just fit it in when you can. Don't stress over it. =]

What is something I can easily do each day to keep my house organized and not so overwhelming?

Schedule it - add it right to your calendar. Or do a quick, 10 minute run through of your home with a basket in hand. Pick up everything that's in the wrong place/room and then put it all away. If you have children that are old enough to help out, take your basket of items and sort out their items into baskets with their names on them and have them put their own stuff away.

How do you organize your kids' home art supplies? How do you organize what to keep/recycle? How long do you keep art before it gets recycled?

I don't have any children of my own yet, but I'd buy a plastic drawer set and label it with pictures and words for them. If something spills in the drawer, you can clean it since it's plastic. As for kids' artwork - check out this post I wrote back in July about this topic.

What is your favorite room of the house to organize and why?

I love organizing closets. They're fun to label/containerize. Plus, there's so much you can do with a closet!

What is your favorite craft (if any) and how do you organize that? 

I love all sorts of crafts - but mostly paper crafts. I like to organize my crafting supplies in cute picture/shoe boxes from Michaels. If I had a crafting room, that'd be heaven. But right now I'm stuck storing everything in my closet.

Home Life Related Qs

How do you get it all done?

This question cracks me up. Many people asked this one.
Here's the honest truth: I don't. Not anymore at least. I'm taking life as it comes right now, being in a transition with my new job. During my winter break, I plan on reorganizing my home management binder and changing it to suit our "new life".
Over the summer I had all of the time in the world to organize, clean, and keep things in order around the house. Now, I'm lucky if I get everything cleaned every week. I'll keep you updated on the changes I'm going to make to my HMB. I'm definitely going to literally plan out everything for each week - what days to do laundry, vacuum, dust, etc. If I don't, I won't do it.
A HMB definitely helps me keep my mind sane when it comes to keeping my home in order. I keep track of the last time I've done everything - right down to seasonal cleanings (light covers, washing windows, washing curtains, etc.) so I know when things need to be done again. This is actually something I've just started doing in the last year and it makes things easier for me.

How do you clean your home? Do you have a system to it?

I prefer to do the same task all at once all over the house. If I'm dusting, I'll dust everything. Same with vacuuming and everything else. It makes it easier for me to focus on one task at a time. If I try to tackle one room (completely) at one time, I always get sidetracked.

What is a dream splurge space of yours (like a theatre room, crafting room, etc.)?

Definitely a home office or studio of some kind for just me. I'd love the space for all of my teaching materials that I have at home for planning, a place for my crafting materials, and a place for my blogging/etsy store materials. A room just for me. =]

I would love to know how your cleaning schedule looks--daily, monthly, quarterly, yearly.

When I figure it out this week (or next) I'll let you know. It's something I'll be working on for my HMB over break!

How do you keep your priorities in order?

I don't. lol. I try though. Chris and I have made large goals for our life - the main one right now is paying down our student loan debt. So both of us work a lot to bring in as much money as we can to throw at the debt. We both understand if things get put on the back burner because of our stress from work. For example, we both come home and make dinner, watch TV together, and then I blog/search Pinterest and he plays video games. We're okay with that. It's our destressing time. If I feel like I'm good to go on my stress level, I'll tackle other things that need to get done. If I need help, I'll ask Chris and he's willing to help. We have a relationship of knowing (and understanding) what each other needs/wants and we make it work.
I can't imagine what life will be like once we have kids. I know we'll make it work, but it's going to turn our world upside down, I'm sure.
On the other hand, I rely on lists and my planners. When I get to it, I get to it. (Unless it's on a Post-It note - then it's a must do ASAP type of task.)

Do you have a favorite method to organize your finances such as www.Manilla.com? Any thoughts to keep all that incoming mail re: bills in check? 

My favorite method of organizing my finances is Mint.com. It allows me to categorize everything and automatically merges the transactions from both of my bank accounts. It also has an Android app, so I can keep track of things on the go. Mint lets you set up budgets as well, and will let you know when you go over. PageOnce is great too because they send me emails when I receive a new billing statement with my credit cards, internet company, etc. That's the only feature I really use with PageOnce though.

When I receive bills in the mail, I pay them automatically. I pay everything online (except rent). So I just set up the payment for each bill when I want it to be paid, write it on my calendar in my HMB (to keep track) and let the internet do it's magic. I strongly believe in only looking at each (paper) bill/email alert for bills once. I just want to get it over with so I don't forget to pay it.

If you can't go digital with bills, keep a filing system for them. Set up one day a week that you'll sit down and pay bills (this is something I learned from my Dad) and just get it over with. Once it's paid, file it.

What's your secret to staying organized, blogging, working, and running a household? My biggest problem is I'm so tired after work that I hardly have time or the energy to do much more. Any tips?

Finding balance and loving what I do. Because I truly enjoy blogging, I find time to do it when I want to. I'll admit - I obviously not had the time I used to for blogging, but I want to continue it, so I find time for it. The good thing about my blog is it motivates me to keep my home in (some kind of) order so I have something to blog about. If organization wasn't something I enjoyed, I wouldn't bother. If I'm ever burnt out, I step back, assess what needs to be done, and get it over with - then I relax.

Blog/Etsy Store Qs

Regarding your printables - are you a "self taught" kind of person, or did you take classes? 

With everything technology related, I am completely self taught. It's something that interests me, so I send most of my free time exploring the tech world.

Did you do your own {blog} designing? What have you done to get your blog page out there?

Yes, I have designed everything myself on my blog. I'm trying to learn Photoshop, but I don't really have the time right now.
And to expose my blog, I've linked up to parties other blogs host on a weekly basis when I have a project worth sharing. Pinterest has also been one of the biggest exposures for me. When someone pins, it can just go nuts from there if they have a lot of followers. It's viral. =]

When do you work on your blog? Morning or night?

I work on my blog at night. I'm not a morning person, so when I get up in the morning, I get ready and go. I sleep as long as possible. I usually don't begin to blog until 9 PM (which is nuts on my part) - but I schedule all of my posts to post automatically for me - like this one!

Another Personal Q

What are your New Years Resolutions?

I don't have any. I don't like making them, because I never follow them. I used to make a list every year, and it seemed like those things on the list were never accomplished, but the things that didn't make it on the list, did get accomplished. (Reverse psychology?)

I'm more of a goal maker - with deadlines. It helps me accomplish more in my life - in a more manageable way.

Still coming - in their own posts: what's in my bag confessional / my favorite organization tools / my daily and weekly schedule /my favorite blogs.

Q&A: Part 1

I've had quite the response with questions, so I'll break it up into a few posts. On Friday I'll tell you about my favorite organizing tools, since many people has asked that.

Personal Qs

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is Stuart Little by E.B. White. I don't really read any organization/craft/diy books. I spend most of my time reading children's and teaching books. I have recently finished The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. It's amazing. I'd recommend it. (Can't wait for the movies!)

What are your hobbies (other than blogging and organization)?

I'm addicted to Pinterest. Seriously, addicted. I'm a total tech-geek, so I spent a lot of time on my PC. I also love sale shopping, going out to eat and to the movies with my husband, and teaching. Even though teaching is my profession, I would also call it a hobby because I absolutely love it... which is why I spent too much time in my classroom before and after school. I really do enjoy staying home though and doing absolutely nothing with my husband.

Do you have plans for children?

Yep! Maybe in 5 years from now? I'm 24, and would love to have them now, but financially we shouldn't can't. I'm totally bummed by this thought, but when it's meant to be, it will happen. =]

Do you have plans for buying a home?

Oh my goodness - I'd love to buy a home tomorrow, but again, financially we aren't able to. That is definitely on our list of things to buy ASAP so we can stop throwing our money away on renting. I can't even imagine the fun I could have decorating and organizing a home of my own. Oh - and I could PAINT! =]

What made you decide to go to the U of U?

Well, Chris and I started dating when we were juniors in high school. That summer his dad and stepmom visited his aunt in Salt Lake City. They loved it out here and sent us out for a weeks vacation. While we were out here, they took us to the U. Chris and I both knew, even before we started dating, that we wanted to go away for college. I just wanted something different and always wanted Colorado for some reason and he wanted Oregon. So we liked the school and decided on the U. Regrets? Not really. Just the student loan debt we acquired. Should have gone to a community college first. Oops! =]
As of now, we plan on staying in Salt Lake. (Sorry, Mom!)

Work/School Qs

Do you theme your classroom?

Not currently, and I don't know if I ever will. I know a lot of teachers who do, and they get so burnt out from it. If anything, my classroom is "themed" fun colors, kid-centered, and organized. (lol) I definitely will theme and integrate my curriculum once I get the hang of things in the future. For example, there are some great units on Teachers Pay Teachers where they them it The Wizard of Oz and then teach a bunch of literacy and math concepts within the themed unit. That sounds like fun.

If you could teach any grade, what would it be?

I'd love to teach 3rd again, or 4th. Loved 3rd grade - didn't like teaching cursive. I loved the independence the kids had in the spring of 3rd grade, so I think I'd love 4th grade. Although 2nd grade is fun. =]

What is your perspective on classroom discipline?

I use positive reinforcement constantly and encourage the kids to be responsible for themselves. I don't have any true classroom rules, just classroom expectations. When students aren't being responsible, they move down the behavior chart, but they can always move back up throughout the day. If they end the day on "teacher's choice", they fill out a behavior reflection. Repeat offenders have to take it home and have it signed, and if that happens, that's usually enough for them to not choose that behavior again.
As for the whole class, if they're just out of hand, I'll take time away from recess - with the opportunity for them to earn it back. When the whole class does something amazing, we pick a number for teamwork bingo. They're working towards 15 minutes of free time - which the activities will all be educational choices.
I also believe that the environment plays a huge role on how students will behave in the classroom. That's why I choose to make everything in my classroom super obvious and easy for the kids to "follow along" in, without making it too juvenile for their level. Being really organized helps as well.

Do you eat lunch in the cafeteria at your school or do you pack?

I pack my lunch every day. I've never even considered eating lunch from the cafeteria. Not that I wouldn't, but I make my husband's lunch every morning, so I just pack mine as well. I just purchased the thermal tote from Thirty-One and absolutely love it. It does an amazing job at keeping my lunch cold with just one cold pack. I'll blog about it soon since it's a newly found fave.

What kinds of things do you like for teacher appreciation?

Flat out honesty - no food, please. So many people give food - cookies, candy, etc. - and it just becomes too much. For example, just last week for Christmas - I received so many food items that, between my husband and I, we can't eat it all. I'm not a huge sweets person, so these things aren't something I'll indulge in. I love school supplies (pens, pencils, Post-It notes, etc.) because they won't go bad, and will get used up for sure at some point. Gift cards are nice, because they will also get used. Although, I must admit, I do still have about 3 gift cards from teacher appreciation week last year that I haven't used yet...just because I received so many. If I had to choose one "category" though, it would just be school supplies. Being a beginning teacher, it's something I totally need.

Tomorrow I'll answer questions related to my blog, organizing, home life, and any others I didn't answer today.

P.S. - If you want to ask a question, leave a comment below and I'll answer it tomorrow!

A New Perspective on Christmas

For the first time in my life, I won't be in Pennsylvania for Christmas. It's strange, to say the least. My brother and his fiance are flying back on Wednesday, and Chris and I will stay behind this year - with 3 pups in tow. Chris and I have never spent Christmas together in the 8 years we've been together. We've done Christmas Eve, but never Christmas day.

So to celebrate our "new" Christmas holiday, we bought a 4 foot, pre-lit Christmas tree from Smith's Marketplace. We bought ornaments from Target, the University of Utah Red Zone store, and Pier One. I have no idea where we'll put the tree and ornaments once Christmas is over... this is one reason we've never had a tree before.

after cleaning up all of the randomness around the tree

my 2011 ornament pick from Pier One

Chris' 2011 ornament pick from Pier One

our 2011 "family" pick from Pier One

the *star* for the top of our tree lol

one of four U of U ornaments that we got on clearance!

my 2011 ornament that my mom bought for me - Vera Bradley

all of the colored balls came from Target in a 50 pack for $15

made by a student & her mom - it came with a Starbucks gift card inside - SO cute!

That's all that we have for Christmas decorations and it's all in that one spot. We just don't have the space to decorate unfortunately.

In other household "new"s (ha, get it?) - we bought a new coffee table from IKEA. Love, love, LOVE it. It was only $20. And while I don't love the white, I figured for the price, I'll live with it and paint the top with chalkboard paint someday when we have kids. (They didn't have a brown that would match our current furniture palette we're going for... Although, we do have a few other pieces of furniture in the living room that are white, so it's not too bad.) And yes, those are place mats underneath. We are still eating dinner at the coffee table. =]