Lifestyle

SLEEP INNOVATIONS: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

12.21.15

Good morning, friends! It’s Christmas week and I couldn’t be more excited — I LOVE this time of year and I’m so stoked to begin celebrating with all of our family and friends. While many of our loved ones live nearby (both sets of our parents live under 15 minutes away), we do have a select few that, sadly, live much further away than we would like — and while I do love hosting our out-of-town guests, well — we’ll just say that our “guest room” has been a bit of an awkward situation up until recently. I would actually like to compare it to

this funny photo

I saw on the

Sleep Innovations’

Instagram that perfectly portrays our once guest sleeping situation — except with blow up mattresses. Now, I know this works perfectly well for so many who only hosts guests once or twice a year, but after running into a similar situation earlier this year where Scott and I were met with the same fate — we figured it was about time to do something about our own guest sleeping situation so that our guests will feel more at home during their time with us (the ultimate compliment, right?)!

Well, in big thanks to our new

Sleep Innovations Mattress

, I’m super excited because we finally have a comfy and cozy place for our out-of-towners to rest their heads while in the city for all the festivities. Truth be told, I thought about snapping a photo of the before, but I’m sure you can understand that the space was just a sight for sore eyes. To give you a visual of our process, we started by unboxing our brand new

Sleep Innovations Alden 14 inch Memory Foam Mattress

, which we picked because we read it was perfect for side sleepers (my sleeping style of choice!). After letting it breathe and fill out for about 48 hours, we set up the new metal bed frame we purchased for the room (inexpensive, lightweight and has room for storage underneath – bonus!), plopped the mattress on top of it — and took a little rest on the comfy mattress before knocking out the rest of the room, haha.

About five minutes later, we were back up on our feet and putting a fresh set of white sheets over the mattress, along with a beloved bedding set that we’ve had since we first moved in together. After adding on a couple of “fluff pillows” and a cozy throw that my cousin gave us recently, we started adding in those little things that really makes a place feel like home. 

We started by hanging a few sets of

Scott’s

Arizona ornament negatives next to the bed. These are usually just throw away pieces, but lately I’ve been loving the look of them and thought they would make a fun and personal decor piece.

A bed just isn’t complete without a bench at the end of it! Using one of my favorite sheepskin rugs and a few odds and ends, we whipped together this little piece of the room quickly.

I get cold so easily, so I always want make sure that our guests have enough covers and blankets to stay cozy — especially on these chilly December mornings. Fun fact — Scott found this metal crate on my parent’s property right after they bought it. It’s from a local (and defunct) egg farm and is dated 1988, the same year I was born!

I was actually never a candle person growing up, but lately I’ve been loving

Lindbergh Candle Co.

and have been obsessed with their scent “cabin.” It makes the whole room smell warm and sweet in an instance! 

After finishing up our new and improved guest room, I figured I better give the bed a test run before our first guests arrived. With a few books in tow, I was ready to spend the whole afternoon here (if I just didn’t have that last minute Christmas shopping to do, you couldn’t have made me move!).

Now that our guest room situation isn’t so awkward, I have a feeling that we’ll be hosting a lot more guest in the coming year. Are you hoping to do the same in 2016? In that case (or if you’re in desperate need of a new mattress), don’t forget to enter

Sleep Innovations’

giveaway by posting a picture of your own sleeping situation over the holidays using the hashtag #SINoPlaceLikeHome via

Facebook

,

Twitter

or

Instagram

(last day to enter is 12/31/15). Participants will be entered to win one of five memory foam mattresses they’re giving away to help makeover someone else’s awkward sleeping situation over the holidays with a customized fit — or with something else extra amazing, you never know! 😉

By entering the giveaway you’re also helping to make a charitable donation, as

Sleep Innovations

will be donating $1 to Stand Up for Kids’ health and wellness program for every use of the #SINoPlaceLikeHome hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from now until December 31. Sounds like a win, win situation to me!

Now, who’s ready for the holidays? I would love to hear your plans, and even what your awkward sleeping situations are when you go home for the holidays.

Thanks to

Sleep Innovations

for sponsoring this post!

-Chelsea xo

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CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN CHANDLER

12.17.15

Good morning! How is Christmas only one week away? I know I say this every year, but the holiday season always goes by way too fast — there just seems to never be enough time to do all the fudge making, holiday decorating, Christmas festivities that I want to do. This next week, though, is going to be the best because we’re going to do ALL the Christmas things, including a holiday pop-up shop for Citizen Home Decor at our favorite Peixoto Coffee this Friday, December 19th, from 5-9pm! If you’re local, we would love to have you stop by — we’ll be selling state ornaments, plaques, coasters, and our newest editions, the Mr. & Mrs. and Baby’s First Christmas Ornaments!


Every year, our little town square hangs the most amazing Christmas lights all up and down our main street. They start putting them up in October and then turn them on sometime in November — making for a very festive and cozy drive as we head to Peixoto Coffee and The Original Chop Shop Co. for our weekly brunch and evening coffee dates. Peixoto has the most amazing winter menu right now, and while I’m not much of a sweet coffee kind of gal, their mint mocha is amazing! They top it with a fresh mint leaf and a locally made marshmallow, which slowly melts into the hot drink — MMM, the best! 


I recently treated myself to this personalized bar necklace from Barberry & Lace, an Arizona native who, sadly, just moved to Vegas! I’ve been wanting one with our wedding date on it for what seems like forever, so when she was having a recent sale I finally placed my order. It’s just as lovely as I knew it would be, and I would highly recommend any of Leigh’s pieces — they’re truly handmade with lots of love, passion and creativity!




Outfit Details:
Free People Boyfriend Cardigan (similar!)
Vince Camuto Motorcycle Boots (similar!)
And there she is — our town’s giant tumbleweed tree in all it’s glory! I laugh at this thing every year, because really, it’s kind of ridiculous! There’s just something about it that I can’t help but love, though. Maybe it’s the history, as they’ve been putting it up for over 50 years, or it’s the thought that only in Arizona would someone do something like this! We’ll just call it desert charm — here’s to a very, merry desert Christmas! Hope you all have a great day!
-Chelsea xo

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THE GOODSONS

12.15.15

Back in November, we went on a photo adventure with our dear friends, Matt and Tish, and their three littles. We headed north to the outskirts of town and found ourselves along the Salt River just around sunset. As Scott and I walked along the river, trying our best to avoid the mud spots and quietly walk to toward the elusive Salt River horses, Tish snapped away and what she caught was pure magic. 





Matt and Tish are now living locally in Glibert, Arizona, and are looking to book for 2016 (local + beyond!). They offer lifestyle portraits (families, couples, newborns etc.), engagement sessions, elopements and weddings. If you’re in need of an incredible wedding photographer duo, or just updated photos of you and your honey, Matt and Tish should be at the top of your list. They’re professional, kind, lighthearted, adventurous, personable and ever so sweet. They made Scott and I feel so at ease during our last, and most recent session with them, and we look forward to having them photographing us for years to come. 










All photos by Matt and Tish, Arizona lifestyle and wedding photographers who are capturing love, beauty and traveling the world.


Be back soon — we definitely have more photos to share!
-Chelsea xo

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RED & BRIGHT

12.14.15

Good evening to all the night owls out there! How’s your Sunday evening going so far? I’m sitting here all bundled up with the heat turned on high — it is so chilly outside! It’s kind of funny to think that many people just don’t know how cold it actually gets in the desert — right now it’s 45 degrees outside and it’s set to hit freezing and below in the coming week. While we don’t usually get snow in our area of the state, we do get very dry, cold days — the kind that can just chill you down to the bones. Every once in awhile, though, we get a freak snow and everyone goes crazy. Its been a few years since our last snow, but I’m hoping for a little dusting to sprinkle on us soon — I say that now and then come Christmas I’m sure it will be 70 degrees, haha. That’s just how Arizona is — so unpredictable weather-wise, especially if you live in the middle and lower parts of the state. The norther part of Arizona is on the Colorado Plateau, though, and has a totally different climate — all four seasons, including lots of snow and changing leaves. Crazy, right? It’s not all cactuses and dirt around here!





Lately I’ve been really digging simple sweaters, lots of layers (especially in the mornings and evenings), skinny jeans and boots — what’s new, though, right? 😉 Fall and winter are my absolute favorite times of years to dress and when I feel most like myself style-wise. I’ve been trying my hardest lately to only buy pieces that I absolutely love and can see myself wearing over and over again — this red pullover sweater Madewell recently made the cut and now I’m wishing I had it in two or three other colors. I got it on super sale, but now that it’s sold out I’ve got my eye on this pretty little number. Ya’ll know this, but Madewell is one of my absolutely favorite places to shop, BUT — I try my best to only shop in the sale section and when it’s an additional percentage off. Every once in awhile I’ll treat myself to something not in the sale section, but that’s usually because it’s on a special sale — that’s the trick to my expensive taste on a budget! Sale, sale, sale!
Ok, I’m ending this chatty post here, but I hope you all have a lovely day tomorrow! Be back soon with a special post! 
-Chelsea xo

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THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

12.10.15

Over the weekend, Scott and I stopped in at the cutest Christmas tree farm just east of where we live. In all honestly, I’ve been a fake Christmas tree kind of gal all my life, but this year I decided we need that real tree experience. I hear they’re messy and a bit of a hassle, but I figured the added coziness was well worth it! So we stopped in at Vertuccio Farms just as the sun was setting and took a good look around, trying to decide on just the perfect tree — and consequently getting poked by pine needles along the way!



I was definitely saying, “this one,” as Scott snapped this photo! Some of the trees they had there were huge, and sadly just too big to fit into our cozy space. We kept looking, though, and I may have touched every tree along the way — I was definitely looking for the softest feeling tree, because one of those pokey suckers was definitely not coming home with us!



In the end, we couldn’t decide on a tree and left the farm empty handed. We actually already have our fake tree up, but I thought it would be fun to add a real tree into the mix. This year I’m really trying to soak in every second of the holiday season, because I know it goes (and has been going) by so fast. I’m actually still trying to decide on our holiday cards, so that may tell you how behind I am at this point — whoops!


Outfit Details:
Old Navy Pom Pom Beanie (similar!)
Madewell Plaid Button-Up (similar!)
Have you decorated for the holidays yet? What’s one holiday tradition you love most? I love that we always check out our cities “tumbleweed tree” every year and always end up laughing our butts off because it’s so funny — and kind of pretty and sparkly too! 😉
-Chelsea xo

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BEANIE SEASON

12.08.15

Finally — beanie season is here! Ok, that may sound a bit silly, but I literally wait all year long for the time to come when I can layer up, throw on a beanie and call it a day. Truthfully, I love hats during all seasons, but there is just something special about bundling up and putting on a cozy hat to keep you warm during the late fall and winter months. We’ve been having some seriously chilly days around here lately, but Scott and I have been enjoying the colder weather so much — we’re definitely desert rats, but it feels so good to bundle up, put on a fire and sip some hot coffee or coco (with a pump or two of peppermint in there!). 


Aside from digging on beanie season, Scott and I have been spending our days working hard at Citizen Home Decor, spending time with family and friends, and slowly getting into the Christmas spirit. On Friday, we took part in the 10th Annual Frances Crafeteria — a local craft fair that is one of our absolute favorites events to be involved in! We had a busy, but super fun, evening down at Medlock Plaza in Phoenix and really appreciate all you local folks that stopped by our booth and said hello! On Saturday, we spent the afternoon celebrating my niece’s first birthday, and then spent the evening with my work family celebrating the holiday season and an amazing year well done! Sunday was our day to sleep in, go grocery shopping, check out a neat tree farm, finally decorate for Christmas and have dinner with some dear friends. This week, we’re aiming to slow things down just a bit, and spend a little more time decorating, starting our Christmas shopping and maybe baking a few festive treats or two — tis the season, right?! 





Outfit Details:
Have a great rest of your evenings, lovelies!
-Chelsea xo

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HELLO DECEMBER

12.03.15

Hello December! We’re only two days into the new month and I can already feel it’s going to be a magical one. This Friday we’re kicking off the holiday season at the 10th Annual Frances Crafeteria — a local craft fair that Scott and I’ve been selling his handmade goods at for the past three years. It’s always a big reunion at Crafeteria, as many of our friends are either vendors or always come out to support, so I’m really looking forward to Friday and hope to see many of you locals out at Medlock Plaza (in the Frances parking lot) from 6-10pm! Scott and I will have tons of state ornaments, plaques, coasters, and our newest pieces — baby’s first Christmas + Mr. and Mrs. ornaments for sale (you can also purchase all of these items online). I hear it’s gonna be a cold one, so don’t forget to bundle up!


Now that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is on its way, we’ve been slowly pulling out all our decorations and starting to “deck the halls” around the Goodson abode. We usually have our tree up and decorated by now, but we’ve just been so busy this past week (hello, Phx Flea + Crafeteria prep) that we haven’t even had time to pull it out of it’s usually hiding spot. Scott did surprise me, though, with the sweetest, fresh mini pine tree a few days ago, which is now sitting on our kitchen counter and adding a little holiday cheer to our place. I’ve never had a real Christmas tree before (I know, I know), so it’s nice to have some fresh pine in our little home!







Ok, I’m headed out to do a few things before I call it a night — meal prep for tomorrows lunches, snuggle our kitties and puppies, work on my new blog site a little bit more (it’s coming along, slowly, but surely) and make sure everything is ready to go for in the morning. Here’s to an amazing month, sweet friends! 
-Chelsea xo

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CITIZEN HD – CYBER MONDAY SALE

11.30.15

Hello, lovelies! I just wanted to stop in quickly to say that it’s Cyber Monday and my sweet husband, Citizen Home Decor, is celebrating with a HUGE sale! His beloved wooden, state ornaments are now 50% off, and all other items in his shop are 20-50%! This is a one day sale, so hurry! Thank you all SOO much for your continued love and support — we couldn’t do this without you!
Be back soon, and happy shopping!
-Chelsea xo

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MY THANKFUL HEART

11.26.15

My oh my, tomorrow is already Thanksgiving and I’ve yet to blog this week — where has the time gone? Things have been crazy busy lately, but also crazy good. Things have been amazing at work, Scott and I have been prepping like crazy for Phoenix Flea and getting ready for Thanksgiving with our families, of course. This year we’re headed to my cousin’s house for an early dinner, and then headed to Scott’s family afterward. Most of our family lives fairly close (all within the same city), so our driving is usually at a minimum on holidays and pretty stress-free — just the way I like it! 

Tonight we have big plans to do some dinner prep and hopefully enjoy a fire with friends. This will be my first Thanksgiving as a gluten-free lady, so I’m taking some extra time to make a few dishes that I know I can enjoy, but also think that my family and friends will like as well — like gluten-free stuffing, pecan or blueberry pie and maybe another goodie or two. During the holidays, I’m all about the sweets, which may be a challenge this year, but I’m up for it! Are there any other GF ladies or gents out there? If so, please share your favorite GF holiday dish with me, pretty please!

I picked up these darling constellation necklaces when I visited Moorea Seal’s brick and mortar shop when we were in Seattle last month and I’ve been loving layering them together every day since. Scott and I had a light constellation theme for our wedding, so I feel like I’m going to be a forever fan of anything constellation. In case you’re wondering, I’m a Taurus and Scott is a Scorpio and our zodiac signs were printed on our wedding invites, decor pieces and more at our wedding! 




Ok, I’m going to wrap this up and head out to start working on my holiday cooking and baking, but before I go, I just want to say how thankful I am for this amazing community we have here in the blogosphere. Thank you for supporting, encouraging and loving on me these past 6 1/2 years — I couldn’t have done this without all of your love and support! Happy Thanksgiving, loves! Here’s to an amazing holiday weekend! 
-Chelsea xo

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THE PUGET SOUND

11.20.15

Happy FriYAY, friends! This is my last Seattle post (finally! haha), and I’m going to try and keep this pretty short since it’s the weekend and I know many of you might be reading this post while riding in the car on the way to dinner or during a couple down minutes before your big night out (or while you’re curled in your jammies with your kitties and Netflix — like me, haha. Just kidding!). Anyways, on our last full day in Seattle we spent 5+ hours driving around my mom’s old stomping grounds — we saw her childhood home, my great grandparent’s home, the park where she spent all of her summer days and the burger joint where her and my uncle ate at as kids. It was a lot of driving, and for a girl who gets awfully car sick — we’ll just say that I had a bad few hours haha. After we ended our journey down my mom’s memory lane, we headed down to the Puget Sound (my favorite in Washington State) for a fancy fish dinner. While waiting for our food to come, Scott and I snuck out to a nearby shore and snapped these photos — it was so beautiful and peaceful out there that I never wanted to leave. 








Hinge Utility Jacket (similar!)
REI Long Grey Sweater (similar!
Seychelles Scoundrel Booties

Our trip to Seattle is certainly one that I’ll not soon forget. We’re already trying to plan a trip back there in March of next year, so until then I’ll be dreaming of this chilly autumn days, walks along the water and all the amazing experiences Scott and I got to have together. Add Seattle to your travel list, folks! You won’t regret it! Ok, I’m headed out! I hope ya’ll have a lovely and chilly weekend!
-Chelsea xo