Christmas Cozies

If you followed my Instagram stories then you saw that we got a kick-start on putting up our Christmas decorations this past weekend. I tried to locate as many boxes of my decor as I could, but I’m definitely convinced that Matt trashed a lot of it while we were moving (insert mega eye roll). He clearly just doesn’t get it. 😆💃🏼🎄🎅🏻🌟

Alas, I will just have to buy more 😁 In case you were needing some ideas or inspiration or a fire lit under your behind to get your in the Christmas spirit, I put together a favorites list of the Christmas decor I LOVE (some of it I already use, some of it has been added to cart). Our indoor decorating theme has been neutrals, champagne metallics, lots of lights, and I’m loving touches of magnolia flowers. On our front porch I have been incorporating more reds and that magnolia wreath is on my front door. I still have lots to decorate so I’ll definitely share in stories as I update! 🎄

Target is currently having a sale on garland and wreaths BOGO 50% and the softest bamboo joggers and crew pullover top are 50% with my code COAST50 🤩

Shop My Favorite Cozies by clicking on the item listed below

Barefoot Dreams cozy blanket the BEST 😍

Copper Candles love these vessels

Light Up Pillows can’t get enough twinkle ✨

Bamboo Joggers and Crew Pullover (use code COAST50 for 50% off!!!!)

House Slippers (I have had mine for several years and they never die. I wear them SO much because my feet are always cold)

Red Christmas Mug so cute

Woven White Christmas Tree Collar this is the closest one I could find to the one I purchased

Decorated Garland bogo 50%

Twig Napkin Ring love these

Firecracker Lights these are so cool 💡

Gingerbread Stadium Decorating Kit cute alternative to homes

Decorated Wreath I love this one

Pompom Plush Throw cozy vibes

Starburst Christmas Tree Topper very similar to what we are using

Merry Mug love it

Flocked Pencil Christmas Trees these are cute

Faux Fur Robes I wear mine all winter long. So warm!

Magnolia Wreath on my front door

Prelit Garland great for mantles, handrails, everywhere!

Good luck decking your halls! ❤️🎁✨☃️🎄

THANK YOU for being here 🤗 and for following along! Tag me as your decorate so I can see what you do!

Loves and hugs,

howdy, y'all 👋🏼

Come on in and have a sit. My blog recently turned one year old 🎉 so I figured it was a good time to have a “coffee chat” ☕️ and share a few of our recent family photos. What a ride 2020 has been 🎢 It’s been a crazy year and one that none of us are likely to forget soon. 😅 I don’t know what 2021 will bring, but I know that my hope is in Jesus. 🙏🏼

Here are some random facts about me: (1) I was a teen mom (2) I played piano with weekly lessons from age 5 to 16. I even did a few competitions, but now I hardly ever play 🎹 (3) I went to college on an academic scholarship but I was BROKE AS A JOKE and had to be on welfare to provide enough for me and my son until I graduated with my Master’s (4) I married my prince charming, Matt, when I was 32 years old (he’s 2 years younger than me) 🐆 (5) I am an eternal optimist. 😁 Can’t help it. But I wasn’t always this way. (6) My vice is sweet tea 🥤 I very rarely drink coffee and if I do its decaf. (7) I went to Kazakhstan for 6 weeks as an exchange student in the fall 1995 🕌 what a life changing experience it was (8) I love getting to chat with people on instagram about construction, home design, home decor, and all the things. I just keep coming back for more! ♥️

I know that Jesus LIVES because I have experienced his mercy, his grace, his forgiveness, his love, and his miracles so many times in my life. I have been through the pits of hell on earth and I’ve walked some dark lonely paths. I got pregnant at 18, got divorced at age 19, raised my son as a single mom for 13 years, I’ve been broke and on welfare/food stamps, I’ve got dating horror stories, experienced a shattered heart, I’ve walked through gut-wrenching grief, unbelievable betrayal… and those are just the experiences I’m comfortable sharing online 😧😅 But really, it’s been a long, hard journey but God has made a way for me and he has built so much beauty out of the ashes of my past. I have made so many messes and mistakes but He loved me even at my worst. In my twenties I really strayed from my morals and my faith so many times but God always brought me back. And I am so thankful for that kind of love. In my thirties I have REALLY been driven to my knees and learned how much power there is in prayer and worship. 🙏🏼💒♥️

In 2014, my life was forever changed when I started dating Matt. He is the most honorable, dependable, moral, safe, stable, kind, protective man and I am so lucky to be his. He is just a saint and although he is not perfect he has the most pure heart and his friendship is so much more than I deserve. He is always a voice of reason and wisdom when I need it most. 😘

Here’s some random facts about Matt: (1) he graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado and now has a Master’s degree (2) he has wayyyyy better vision than me because he had corrective surgery (3) He is meticulous and finds his peace in having order, organization, and cleanliness (4) He is a beacon of morality and goodness (5) He hates spending money on anything, but especially himself. He loves to save. (6) He was a standout football 🏈and basketball 🏀 player throughout his middle and high school years (7) He loves being outside any chance he can get and he has a weird obsession with our lawn/grass. ⛳️🌱

I hope that if you are feeling anxious, lonely, sad, hopeless, etc that you find solace in prayer and giving it all to God. He is the creator of all and we are all his children. He loves you and he wants to be your Savior. Nothing can separate you from the love of our Heavenly Father. This world is crazy but there’s hope in Jesus 🤗♥️

here’s a prayer I wrote for us today:

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us another day. Thank you for all of my provisions. Thank you for my job, my spouse, my kids, my family and friends. Lord I ask you today to give me peace that only you can. Heal my heart, Lord, and help me to forgive those who have failed me. Please protect me today in whatever I do. Lord please heal our land. Please give us love for each other instead of unkind words. Please mend our broken hearts. We ask that you protect babies and innocent children from the harshness of this world. Dear Lord you are the way maker and miracle worker and I cast all my cares onto you. Please forgive me of my sins and make me more like you.
In Jesus name, Amen ♥️

THANK YOU so much for being here! It is such an honor for me to get to share our home projects, gorgeous inspirational designs, and talk about all the tips/tricks/trends in home building. You can find me on Instagram @summer_onthecoast or CLICK HERE

Much love and many thanks,

My AMAZING Prime Favorites

Amazon’s Prime Days are upon us and I wanted to share my must-haves, recent orders, current “in cart” items, and overall fave picks so far. I always like seeing what other folks are using lots of… so I hope this helps you if you are needing ideas or on the fence about a purchase. Amazon Prime makes up an exorbitant amount of my online shopping and I think most folks can relate to that. I buy everythingggg on Prime (except my weekly Target delivery orders) because it’s SO DANG CONVENIENT. Anywho, if you have any questions about any of these, please email or DM me! {CLICK PRODUCT NAME LISTED BELOW TO LINK DIRECTLY TO PAGE and I’ll also add swipe ups for easier shopping to my INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE}

BEAUTY PICKS

• OLAPLEX Hair System 3-4-5 (I rotate through 3 different shampoo systems and Olaplex has restored so much damage I did to my hair and I am a BELIEVER (OLAPLEX 4) (OLAPLEX 5)

• NARS concealer is my current go-to for every day dark circle coverage and for some reason I always order mine on Prime

• ZENAGEN has been a game changer for me since I started using it back in January 2020. I have shared it on my Instastories before because if you have suffered from {postpartum} hair loss, this is a must. I am SO glad my hair dresser shared it with me

• ORIBE Gold Lust Hair Oil has been on my Prime rotation for probably the past 5 years. LOVE IT.

• TINKLE Razors for at home dermaplaning.

• QALO rings Matt and I purchased ours before we said our vows in 2015 and we both wear them regularly. They’re super cute and comfortable.

• NAIL Polish Lamp My bestie Hess got me into using these several years ago and I don’t know how I ever did it before. Makes the process so much easier.

EATING

• TRAEGER GRILL If you saw my instastories recently you already know our cheapo outdoor grill got blown off our porch during Hurricane Sally and it died, so now we’re in the market for a new one, and I’ve been totally influenced into wanting a Traeger so I’ve got my eyes on this

• NUTRIBULLET We routinely make 3 smoothies every morning (one for Matt, Thomas, and me), so this guy gets a work out at our house and he’s lasted several good years for us. Definitely recommend if you love smoothies like we do!

• HOT CHOCOLATE K Cups I am not a coffee drinker, but give me ALL the hot chocolate, especially when it’s fun flavors like this! I bought this set last year and Im ordering again for this cold season

BOOKS

I am totally digging coffee table and collectible books right now, anyone else? I have a massive wish list, but here are my TIP TOP PICKS

• MAKE LIFE BEAUTIFUL This is a no brainer, right?

• PLATTERS AND BOARDS I had several people recommend this to me when I was planning to make my first grazing board, so I’m super stoked to thumb through it!

• MAGNOLIA TABLE

• MAGNOLIA TABLE VOL 2

• HOME BODY

• LIVE BEAUTIFUL

• ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 100

HOME ORGANIZATION

In my spare time, I am obsessed with editing and organizing my home and while we don’t have a Container Store in my little town, I have been perfectly pleased with my Amazon organizing finds

• MAKE UP STORAGE

• LARGER MAKE UP STORAGE

• FINGERNAIL POLISH ORGANIZER (Did you see mine recently on my Instastories?)

• PANTRY ORGANIZERS

• FOOD STORAGE ORGANIZERS

• DRAWER ORGANIZERS

• REFRIGERATOR ORGANIZERS

MY MORE RECENT 3 PURCHASES

• BASKET

• PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

• EUCALYPTUS WREATH

MY MASTER BATHROOM ITEMS (Linked in my last blog but to make it easier on you, linking them again here)

• JETTED TUB

• TUB/BED TRAY

I bought SO MANY fixtures and finishes off of Amazon while we were constructing our home. I got some great deals on plumbing fixtures, cabinetry hardware finds, etc. If there is anything else you would find helpful for me to post, just let me know! THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE

HAPPY PRIME SHOPPING,