New year, new you. Isn't that what we always hear? And as we wrap up 2018, some of our clients are already getting a jump start on their newness with all kinds of projects. Good thing, we like it busy with a side of chaotic. For those of you mulling the idea of updating your home in 2019, we pulled together some of the top home decor and design trends that we are gravitating towards. Some of them (minimalism) (?!!) just aren't our style, so we'll smile graciously and wave to the all white lacquered room as we pass by. Hopefully this will give you some inspiration for getting your own project started. Or just call us. We'll always make room for one more! 

Bathrooms

Two of our favorite bathroom trends are floor to ceiling wall tile and matte black hardware. For greater visual interest, we picked two different tile patterns from Ann Sacks. Ceramic tile flooring that is made to resemble wood is also a top trend for the bathroom. Stick with light colors for an open, airy feel. While we love the matte black fixtures, it's always fun to mix up the metals as with these brass accents in the light fixtures, mirror and hardware. And don't be afraid to have some fun by incorporating a bold wallpaper, especially in a powder room. 

Kitchens

OK, so we have thing for blue in the kitchen. Seems as though we are not alone in that as  blue cabinetry is one of the top kitchen trends for 2019. Along with patterned tile backsplashes and waterfall countertops, today's kitchens are anything but plain Jane. And the same wood textured tile we loved so much in the bathroom is also the perfect flooring for your kitchen. How cool is it in black? 

Living Spaces

Turns out that another big decorating trend for 2019 is pattern mixing. Hello, have we met? Glad to see you've joined the fun! It's no secret that we love pattern and texture, and we will mix anything we love with anything else. Don't be shy! Go for it! In other trend news, statement light fixtures have moved beyond just the dining room. I know we all love our ceiling fans but give these beauties a try. On the more elegant side, curved barrel style chairs and Art Deco style curved sofas are an upcoming trend. Combine with brass accents and you have a chic space to serve those retro cocktails.  
Need help with an upcoming project? Contact us here, or email. We'd love to give you a fresh start for 2019!

News flash: Kids are on Christmas break starting next week. You know they are excited, but you might be panicking a little bit thinking about what you are going to do with them all day. For like 10 days. The best part about this break is taking advantage of the opportunity to slow down. Once the hubub of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day has passed, there is no rush for anything. Lazy mornings, a second cup of coffee, PJs all day. But, when you get bored with that, we've got some great ways to spend family time together over Christmas Break.

1. Take in a holiday concert or show. No matter where you live, there is a church, school, community theater, dance group that has a concert or performance of some sort. Sometimes even for free. 

​2. Go caroling. OK, maybe it's hokey but getting a group of friends with or without kids to go caroling around the neighborhood is the best way to spread Christmas cheer. (Remember Elf?) Some spiked cocoa for the adults will loosen them up just enough to belt out their best rendition of Rudolph.

​3. Check out the holiday lights. Traffic around the neighborhoods that have the best lights tends to slow down a bit after Christmas. Don't forget to check out public spaces and office buildings for some amazing light displays.

4. Read. Read all those books collecting dust on your nightstand. And choose a book to read as a family and spend time each day taking turns reading aloud. Check out our favorite books here. 

5. Cook a big breakfast. Get the whole family involved in preparing a breakfast feast. Eggs, french toast, fruit, biscuits, oh, and maybe a mimosa or two for you. 

6. Plant tulips. Winter is the perfect time to plant tulip bulbs and then enjoy a nice surprise in your garden come spring. ​

​​7. Enjoy a Netflix movie marathon. Star Wars, Harry Potter, Hunger Games. Pick a series, pop some popcorn and snuggle in for a cozy family night on the couch.

8. Go ice skating. Most cities have a local mall with an ice skating rink, or a skating center with open ice hours. You'll fall, you'll feel ridiculous, but you'll also laugh and for a few minutes feel like a kid again. 

9. Go to a sporting event. Speaking of ice arenas, check out a local hockey game or basketball game. Even during the holiday break, most college teams still have games on the schedule.

10. Purge & organize. I know, I saw that eye roll. Just pick a room, or a closet, or your pantry. Start small. It'll feel SO GOOD once it's done! 

11. Do a puzzle. Our family LOVES puzzles, and it's pretty normal to have one going at all times. And to sit down at it and still be there 3 hours later. 

12. Do an art project. If you haven't seen Shauna's dot paintings, they are super easy for pretty much any age. After all, it's art, there are no rules. 






​​Take a breath. Enjoy your family. Remember that memorable doesn't have to be expensive. And have another mimosa! 

We're always on the hunt for new and inventive cocktails, especially for the holiday season when there is so much entertaining to do. Simplicity is the key so you spend less time shaking and mixing, and more time drinking and mingling. We also figure there is no need to reinvent the wheel and so consulted two of our favorite spirit brands, Tito's Vodka and Firestone & Robertson Distilling (makers of TX Blended Whiskey) for their recommendations on holiday bevvies. 

Tito's Pecan White Russian--Vodka infused with toasted pecans adds a warm, smoky flavor
INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz toasted pecan infused Tito's Handmade Vodka MAKE IT!
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1/2 oz half & half

DIRECTIONS

• Just add toasted pecan infused Tito's Handmade Vodka and coffee liqueur to a rocks glass over ice.
• Top with half & half (or a non-dairy substitute).

Tito's Harvest Punch--Bubbly and spicy. Perfect for a crowd.
INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz cran-orange infused Tito's Handmade Vodka MAKE IT!
• 1 bottle prosecco
• 1 gallon apple cider
• 2 12-oz bottles ginger beer
• 3 apples, sliced
• 2 oranges, sliced into triangles
• 8 cinnamon sticks
• Cinnamon sugar, for rimming glass

DIRECTIONS

• Add ice in a large bowl and pour in apple cider, prosecco, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and ginger beer.
• Add apple slices, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks.
• Give the punch a stir and serve with cinnamon sugar-rimmed glasses.

F&R Edelweiss--The addition of St. Germaine adds a slight floral note
INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/4 oz. TX Whiskey
• 3/4 oz. St. Germain
• 2 oz. Cranberry Juice
• Mint leaves and cranberries

PREPARATION
​Mix ingredients in a shaker, shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with mint leaves and cranberries.

TX Toddy--The perfect remedy for those winter colds. But, don't wait until you have one to imbibe. We like English Breakfast for the tea.
INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. TX Whiskey
• 1/2 oz. Honey
• 1/4 oz. Lemon juice
• 3 oz. Hot Tea

PREPARATION Mix TX Whiskey, lemon juice, and hot tea in a glass. Drizzle in honey and garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

F&R Pumpkin Espresso Martini--Dessert and coffee all in one glass. 
INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. TX Whiskey
• Spoonful of pumpkin pie mix
• 1 oz. espresso
• 1/4 oz. condensed milk
• Pinch of nutmeg

PREPARATION
​Mix ingredients in a shaker, shake with ice and strain into a glass. Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top to finish.

Lastly, Kalen wanted to share a beverage that is a holiday tradition for many, wassail. This recipe came from my family and I distinctly remember walking in to my grandparents' house on Christmas Day to a house filled with the scent of apples and spice. It is a non-alcoholic drink, but we've recently discovered that it tastes pretty amazing with a shot of TX Whiskey. 

Wassail
INGREDIENTS

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1/2 c. lemon juice
• 1 1/2 c. orange juice
• 1 orange, sliced

PREPARATION
Simmer apple cider and spices in large saucepan for 3 hours. Add juices and cook until warmed through.  To serve, pour in to punch bowl and add sliced oranges. Serve warm.​
Happy Entertaining!