But this wasn't my first time making the thermostat into a work of art. 

Here's the one that came with our before we switched it out. It's crazy what a simple frame can do.

I also got tired of these basic builder's grade knobs on our laundry room doors,

so I replaced them with some gold vintage-y knobs from Anthropologie.

And I flipped one upside down because I'm cool like that.

 I also added some shelves to our bedroom, you know,

 just to have something sweet to look at while in bed. Aren't we cute?

I also managed to buy my very first orchid. 

I was holding out for one on super sale, and I finally found one for $4 at Kroger. Hi-five!

Of course, Kroger always has the cheapest fresh flowers around. Check out my last bounty for $8. Not too shabby huh? Actually, I think Kroger has made me into a fresh flowers snob. I mean, why purchase artificial when the real thing is so inexpensive and adds so much to a space? I also think it took away my husband's ability to surprise me with fresh flowers because I always buy them for myself. Although a nice bouquet that I can split up and arrange myself would be a nice little gift every now and then. :)

Okay, that's all I have for you today.

 Are there any little details that make you feel more chic at home?

This year I went quite simple with the tree and only used the blue ornaments from our collection. I was also inspired by the feather ornaments I saw at West elm that happened to retail for $9 each! If you know me, then you know that I'm a frugal gal! I opted to make not one, but TWELVE similar ornaments of my own for only a dollar each by purchasing clear glass ornaments and filling them with white feathers from Michael's. To add some sparkle, I added some leftover chandelier crystals that I was given during my internship.  

Oh, I also got quite creative with gift wrapping this year - i.e. I got lazy on Christmas Eve and decided to use my fabric samples in combination with a piece of ribbon. Honestly, it was the easiest gift wrapping technique I've ever used, and I can't believe that it didn't occur to me earlier - so chic and simple.  I wish I had taken more pictures, but here's a picture of Brandon loving up on his gift to give you a good idea.

And I don't know about you, but New Years really sneaked up on me! We had a small gathering of friends and Brandon made the best punch ever! It was truly divine. If you're interested in "Shark Bowl Punch" with a surprise at the bottom (gummy sharks) here's the recipe.