The Story Behind Our Christmas Card

I've had quite a few people ask questions about our Christmas card this year. I decided to dedicate a blog post to the how, why, etc. First off, we owe a HUGE thank you to my father. My idea would never have been executed without his carpentry skills and incredible patience. I really do think he can build anything.

Is this Photoshopped?
No, other than resizing the photo to fit the 4x6 postcard we mailed, this is all the real deal.

We did not insert our pictures onto this backdrop. We are really standing/sitting behind this photo wall that my dad built. Those are real pictures and picture frames hanging on the front of the wall. We took the glass out of all the frames to reduce glare.

How was it built?
The photo wall is huge and was built in two panels with hinges in the middle. This was done because a.) we had to get it in our car and b.) we have to store it somewhere in our house. It hangs on two six foot wooden poles. Wallpaper took the most patience because of the odd size of the panels. My dad, with Zach's supervision, painstakingly was able to line up the pattern on the edges of the panels.

What will you do with it now?
We plan offering the photo wall as an option at weddings and events that Zach shoots. Minus our family pictures of course.

Who are the people in the photos?
1. Zach holding a pair of very old antlers we borrowed from my dad. Originally, I wanted to hang the antlers on the wall, but that just didn't work. Zach made it work.
2. Zach with Wayne Coyne. If you know Zach well, there is no explanation needed on why this made it on the wall. And yes, we did send The Coyne's a Christmas card.
3. Zach's Mom & Dad
4. Us at Christmas last year
5. Santa.....I mean it is Christmas after all. Zach took this photo three years ago during Downtown in December and was our Christmas card that year.
6. Zach's great grandfather Pat Woolman
7. My mom as a baby
8. My parents, my brother and sister-in-law and Z & I
9. Me in a classic senior pictures pose.

It is a challenge to come up with a creative idea for cards every year. Last year I thought no one would really notice if we didn't send one. I will never make that mistake again. I realized that people appreciate the extra effort. I also learned that my husband and I work well together as a team. Even though we both try and "art direct" at times.....at the end of the day I feel good about what we created together. That may sound weird to most people but we like projects and the challenge associated with turning out something people will enjoy. So there it is. Our card. Merry Christmas, Nash Style.

Best of 2010

It's that time of year again. Time for my annual list of my favorite music from 2010. You can look at my 2009 list here and my 2008 list here.

1. Mumford & Sons - The Cave
2. Arcade Fire - This is by far my favorite album of 2010 and I can't pick one song. The whole thing is knock your sock off good.
3. Beach House - Used to Be
4. Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill
5. Local Natives - World News
6. Black Keys - Next Girl
7. Band of Horses - On My Way Back Home
8. The Fresh & Onlys - Waterfalls
9. Alexander - Truth
10. Cults - Go Outside (technically this album hasn't been released yet, but since I heard the song in '10 I am counting it. You can preview the song here)
11. Warpaint - Undertow
12. Ray LaMontagne - For the Summer
13. Jonsi - Go Do
14. Sleigh Bells - Rill Rill (I hated this album at first. I decided to revisit it a few months ago and found a completely new appreciation.)
15. Belle & Sebastian - Write About Love
16. Vampire Weekend - White Sky
17. Delta Spirit - Salt in the Wound
18. Lykke Li - Get Some
19. The Avett Brothers - Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
20. LCD Soundsystem - Home

On another note, one of my New Year's resolutions for 2011 is to blog more frequently. I haven't been good about updating regularly and I will try and do best in the coming year. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and is surrounded with family and love. See ya in 2011!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year....at West Elm

A few of the things I've got my eye on for the after Christmas sale.

Images via West Elm

Wrist Candy

I'm adding this watch to my Christmas list.

Luxury for the coffee table

I really, really want this book.

We Will Become Silhouettes, Part II

Yes, please. Anything with silhouettes is perfect.

Whimsical, pretty things....

I'm back. Been a while since I last blogged. I have neglected this little corner of the World Wide Web. We've been busy bees. So, here I am with a scintillating post about my new favorites from Anthro. I got my new catalog in the mail today. Yes, I will take one of everything please.


I buy myself one ornament from Anthropologie every year. This will be the one I purchase this year. For about a year, I have wanted some Russian Matryoshka Dolls (Nesting Dolls).

These vases are awesome.

Quattro anni

This was us four years ago today, at 1:oo in the afternoon. Everyone says their wedding day was perfect. Ours really was. It was one of those rare days in Oklahoma.....70's, blue skies and no wind. I truly think when you can say you found that someone who makes you better than you were, you can't ask for anything more in life. I am one of those lucky people. If I told you we are just as happy today as we were four years ago then you would know the whole story. Lover, thank you for being my husband. Even when it's hard. I wouldn't want to take this journey with anyone else.

Happy birthday to my best friend. Thank you for agreeing to marry me on your birthday. I hope four years later it was the best gift you ever received.........aside from a Canon 1D Mark IV.

I'm back!

I've been on a bit of a blog hiatus. I honestly didn't think anyone would notice. Apparently, I was wrong. A few of the six or seven people who read my blog were curious as to where I have been and eagerly anticipating a new entry (hate to say I don't think this one will redeem myself). I have been busy. Whew. So, here I am. Back in action.

GAP changed their logo. Kind of weird. I am just not "feeling" the new logo at all. It doesn't evoke any emotion in me. Except for maybe confusion and it's boring. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I guess I am wondering why the GAP felt the need to rebrand themselves. What do you think?

The return of frizzy hair and pimples

I've got a serious bone to pick with the beauty care industry. I've been living in deep-seated denial knowing this day would eventually come. ::::pause for effect:::: My favorite styling product and face soap have BOTH been discontinued. That's right. Why must they get rid of every product I fall in love with? I truly do not understand. I realized both were getting a little harder to find and would stockpile when I was in a store that carried them both. While in CVS this evening, I got a rude awaking. No more to be had.

Any woman will tell you she has spend countless amounts of money and time researching, sampling and testing just to find that one product that works with whatever her 'thing' is. I just happen to have two 'things'. Finicky curls and sensitive skin.

I don't want gel or mousse. I want a nice cream that is going to make my curls bouncy, non-frizzy and most importantly non-crunchy. This isn't the 80's. I really think the haircare industry thinks every woman has straight hair. Which is just a shame. We curly headed gals are a cash cow. We will drop the bucks on that one product we think will make our curls look their very best.

I've only touched on 50% of my current situation. I can't even begin to imagine what my face is going to look like at this time next month. I foresee a return to adolescence right around the corner.

You may have stopped reading this rant a few paragraphs back. Could I blame you. However, I can honestly say this is something that angers me. And my other half as well. Poor Z. First his brown, Gap flat front pant and now his favorite socks. Between the two of us we are first in line to board the bitter bus. I have literally watched my husband for all four years of our marriage mourn the discontinuation and try to replace the only pair of pants that fit him well. Laugh, but it's kind of sad. However, there is something about getting my distaste out there that almost makes me feel better. I am sure that will wear off as I am squeezing the last few drops from my product reserves.

Fall Preview

Since tomorrow is the last day of summer I thought I would share a few of my "wants/already purchased" for this fall. I am loving what is out there right now in the way of fall fashion.

I seriously cannot stop thinking about this camel leather bomber.

I wanted one faux fur piece for fall and this turned out to be affordable.

Tweed blazer. Goes with everything. Enough said.

I love this skirt. It reminds me of a picture I saw of my grandmother.
She was a very classy dresser.
She wore something similar with a pair of spectator pumps.

On the hunt for a long denim shirt that I can wear with
leggings and brown boots.

The Suburbs

Seriously can't stop listening to this cd. I previewed it on NPR before it was released, but had no idea I would love it this much. I haven't stopped listening to it since it arrived in my birthday package a few weeks ago. I love the entire album.
Favorite songs: #3 (Modern Man) &
#15 (Sprawl II - which reminds me of an old Blondie song)

Great video. Even better song.

Natural

images via VivaTerra

Good stuff

Mary Louise tonight.....

......followed by Julia tomorrow night.

The evolution of my favorite toy as a child

Barbie has changed a bit.

She is so sophisticated with her bob haircut and black cocktail dress.

Smoky gray nails

I am currently on the hunt for gray nail polish. I have yet to find the perfect shade. Not too blue, not too taupe. Just a prefect charcoal gray is all I want. It has proved much more difficult than anticipated. It showed up on Who What Wear today and just intensified my need to find this polish. Before Saturday, please! And under 10 bucks. As much as I love Chanel....I am not going to pay $23 for a bottle of polish. I am no Rachel Zoe. These aren't the best photos but I love Gwyneth, love her style and her gray nails. The search continues.

I've died and gone to heaven!

Do you think I could talk my dear husband
into buying me this Mongolian Lamb Vest.
Oh! My! Word!

Master Shopper

I look forward to this show all week long. I adore Keith Johnson, head buyer for Anthropologie. The show chronicles his adventures in the quest to find the perfect and unique items to sell in the store.

Traveling + shopping + Anthropologie = 30 minutes of pure bliss.

Man Shops Globe airs Wednesday on the Sundance Channel.

Super Sized Episodes

Project Runway - Season 8
July 29 - 8:00 (note: the new earlier time)
Each episode will be 90 minutes long!

Agate cuff

The perfect accessories can make any outfit better.

October

How lame am I for being excited about a month that is still 3 months away. October is shaping up to be an even better month than normal! Here's why.....presented in list form.

1. I'll be spending the evening with these guys on October 4 at Brady Theater in Tulsa. If you don't own this album, you should.

2. Tickets go on sale this Friday. I almost drove off the road when Zach called me today. I was dying to see them several years ago when they played in Norman. The show was sold out and I was devastated. My mission is to get tickets this time. I will get tickets and enjoy an evening at Cain's on October 11 with some friends.

3. Zach's cousin, Cassie got engaged. To Ben. They are adorable. They asked us to shoot their wedding. And their engagement pictures. October is their month. Meaning they can have us at their disposal to go explore and find cool places to document the start of their new life together.

4. Zach and I will celebrate our FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Woot. We still like either other. Double woot. The time has flown by. That isn't meant to be some corny statement that all married couples are supposed to say. I really feel like we just got married. I am thankful everyday for this man.

5. Zach has a birthday. He turns 31 on the same day we celebrate our anniversary. Poor guy can't win or get a day all about him.

6. It will be fall. My favorite season. The weather can still be nice enough to wear shorts, but you might need a sweater at night. I love all things that resemble fall. Thanksgiving, tailgating, the leaves changing, pumpkins & mums, apple pie and all the lovely smells associated with the season.

My living room was depressed

In desperate needed of a switch up, I found these bright pillows at Pier 1. Primary colors always signify summer is in the air. I have Marina to thank for scoring me the sheep skin rug to complete the look. I love that thing and cannot stop touching it. I am pleased with the end result and think my living room has been successfully pulled out of its funk.

Summer

images via Anthropologie

Modern meets rustic

image by jen ramos

I really love this office. This woman/girl/lady has really great taste and a snazzy blog to boot. I have been wanting to incorporate a small set of antlers into our home decor and this is the look I am going for. Modern mixed with a few of rustic touches. Ever since we got married and combined households, our taste has always been very eclectic. I asked Z what he thought about the antler idea and if he thought it was too weird. Normally, a question like this is met with a response similar to this "whatever you think." This time he said, I don't think our house is weird enough. This is why I love my husband. I can never anticipate what he will say next.

TOMS Wedges

Scored me a pair of these.
I really wanted black but settled for orange pinstripe.
Apparently, they are in high demand and sold out in most stores.

Girlfriends

I have some really amazing friends. Simply put, yes. Cliche, maybe. But when said aloud, that statement speaks volumes when I reflect on the last few weeks. I am surrounded by an incredible group of girls that get me and love me even when sometimes that is hard to do. They were right there by my side as I faced a rough patch. Listening, offering words of encouragement, lending shoulders to cry on and just plain ol' caring about what was going on in my life. When you are in college you think you have all these wonderful friends. As you get older (and wiser) you begin to realize those people are really nothing more than acquaintances. Your real friends are the ones who see you through break-ups, marriage, death and all the other stuff in between. So I dedicate this blog to the girls in my life. You know who you are. You are all so very special to me. I never take a single day I have you in my life for granted. A thank you could never really be enough. oxoxox

Summer Flicks

One word. Aiden. I am so exited.
Sadly, I will have to wait until I return from Italy to see it.
Doubt I'm winning any sympathy.

No explanation necessary.

I loved this book. Really looking forward to the movie.
Julia Roberts is the perfect lead.

Fun stuff

I like this clock.....

.....and this dress

.....and this one.