His Love Never Fails

On February 14th (and leading up to it), we are flooded with messages containing the words "love," "affection," "care," "adoration," etc. And while I think most of us are wise enough these day to identify the marketing ploy at play, it can still be a rough day for many.

 

I'm not just talking about singles, either. I think about all the guys and gals who are in committed relationships, who in the throes of expectations and misguided needs end up feeling let down and damaged in the wake of the "day of love."

 

A wise counselor (who also happens to be my mother-in-love) has reminded me several times that love is not an emotion or a feeling. It is a choice. It's an act of obedience. Doesn't sound very sexy, does it? Put that on a Hallmark card, right? Haha.

 

But it is correct. Subject to our moods and circumstances, love could never last if we had the option to check out and cash in our chips when things got ugly. (And y'all, they always get ugly. Life...ain't pretty.) Love is a commitment, it is a choice and a discipline, one which will yield great fruit when poured out from a heart that is whole and complete in Christ. Not self-sufficient, not armed with every self-help book under the sun, not subject to the ebbs and flows of another's response to their love. We only need one book to guide the way, one example to follow.

 

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You and I are ugly. We're a hot mess. We strive, we struggle, we sin, and we fail. But Christ loves you. And Christ loves me. Loves us so much, I can't even tell you. Loves us in spite of how we behave, loves us regardless of our performance, loves us so completely that He sacrificed the only perfect man who ever graced the Earth's surface. He did so out of love. Because He hates sin, because He hated to see us perish and toil, and because He is the loving Father who stood in the gap--and conquered it once and for all--for you. And for me.

 

There is so much to celebrate, indeed. The great news? It's not limited to a day. You don't need a red envelope or pink roses to participate. You don't have to be cleaned up and have it all together. And no one can ever, ever take it away. It's a promise you can stand on for the rest of your days, that you can renew yourself in daily--moment by moment, even--and you will be filled with love and joy that cannot be shaken, and is not fleeting.

 

If you haven't already, I encourage you to make this the day that you bow your head and seek Love: Love personified, Love that will never leave nor forsake you, Love that will bestow hope and faith, Love that will reveal true joy. Call out to Him by name: Christ. He is Love that will change everything. Everything.

 

Much love, friends-

{N}

Finding a New Normal this holiday season...

When Mom was sick, we often used the phrase "New Normal" to help ourselves adjust to the changes that were happening. Things were changing for good, and we knew that (whether that's a blessing or curse, hard to say, but I tend to lean toward the former), so we had to remind ourselves that clinging to things of the past would only bring frustration and heartache, and would make pushing forward feel insurmountable. (Visions of full blown, grown woman hissy fits convinced us that we best put on our big girl panties and deal.)

This time of year, it can be tough to feel peace and joy if you're in the midst of settling in to your own New Normal. What I've found interesting is that each year, each new season and ebb and flow, brings its own newness on which to stand. And while looking back can bring sadness, for what's lost or what once was, I remember that this life isn't meant to be static, it isn't mean to coddle or comfort us. If we bank on that, we will have a really, really difficult time feeling like anything more than a buoy that is constantly at odds with the changing tides. There is stability, and there is a foundation that is unchanging...like, from the beginning.

Wherever this season finds your heart, be encouraged that you're not alone. Amidst the twinkling lights and gilded decor, you may feel lonely, sad, anxious, or worse, numb. Those feelings are real, but they're from your flesh. As hard as it is to slow down, do it. (And I am speaking to myself as much as anyone on this.) Step away, quiet yourself, and seek the Lord. Bring yourself to Him, in exactly the condition you're in right this moment, and lay it down. Let Him hold you, hear His promises, and stand on those. Let that Truth be your Steadfast Normal.

Holiday Decor Inspiration

Last year was our first Christmas in our new home, but a mere month out from our wedding and honeymoon, we were frankly a little short on energy (and funds) to decorate and make the place more festive. (We did get our tree up, of course, and loved having those twinkly lights warm up our den and provide a touch of magic when we cozied up in front of the TV. Even Scrappy got in on the action. I'm pretty sure he thought the tree was a gift for him.)

This year, we're more settled into our little yellow bungalow, and I am definitely looking forward to purchasing some new decor to jazz up a few key spaces for the season. Focusing on two or three areas will help me stay within a reasonable budget and really make those spaces feel special (versus trying to do too much all at once, which will inevitably mean storing bins for eleven months out of the year that house mostly junk because I went for quantity over quality).

{Den/Living Room look}

Burlap Christmas Tree // Antique Hydrangea // Mercury Glass Lantern // Faux Bois Mercury Votives

{Formal Living/Dining Room look}

Mini Metallic Pinecones // Antique Bells // Modern Metal Tapers

{Front Porch}

Eucalyptus and Red Berry Wreath // Lit Boxwood Garland

 

These items will inspire some shopping, some crafting, and some repurposing to accomplish a look that compliments our overall home aesthetic, but still reminds us that it's that sweet season of family, friends, love, and lustre.

 

What's your decor approach this year for the holidays?

How to Get Through The Holidays Without a Meltdown: This Little Girl's Entertaining Tips

This time of year just makes my little heart sing with excitement and anticipation. (I am making the concerted effort to ensure that joy stays focused on thanksgiving and time spent with loved ones, and not on the food. But sometimes, I dream of cheese and potatoes. Cheesy potatoes. I'm gonna eat it.)

 

This...is not my tablescape. 

 

To keep this time of year from becoming a festival of frenzy, I have some tips that I wanted to share, all of which I will be employing myself this year to avoid post-holiday regret. Regret not from over-eating, but from acting like a prize idiot because I was so busy being busy and striving for perfection that I blew up and/or totally missed the heart of the season.

 

1. Come up with a Gameplan...and stick to it. Decide what you will do, what you'll do if time allows, and what you need to take off your plate. Make a list if you have to and post it on the fridge, and don't hesitate to recruit an accountability partner on this. Be it your spouse, your mom, your bestie, or that gal from your moms' group who has the only other kid who can't speak French at five, celebrate a win with someone when you pare down your holiday To Do List and own it!

 

2. Teamwork in the House! (Haaaaay!) Before even so much as starting your gift lists or grocery shopping for the feasts that lie ahead, talk to your spouse/live-in-love/kiddos about how they can help. Try to capitalize on strengths and desires in divvying up responsibilities, and learn from previous holidays. (Journal after the first of every year if you have to so that you can embrace lessons learned and make next year even better...not judged by a more perfectly-iced bundt, but by a peaceful household and still being on speaking terms with your team by the time y'all sit down for turkey and dressing.)

 

3. Keep it simple, stupid. If gold-leafing individual Williams-Sonoma pears and penning upon them guests' names in calligraphy is going to make you rage out in a glorious explosion of metallic and ink, DON'T DO IT. Or, bust out that little craft for a smaller gathering that is not dangerously close to Black Friday and Red Cup madness so you can actually enjoy it. However, if you have your heart set on the perfectly gilded pear, drop something else off your To Do list, grab some golden sheets, and start those babies now.

  

4. Do as much as possible the day before. Not terribly ground breaking, but this has made a huge difference for me in those moments when something has gone terribly awry (the recipe lied, the oven wasn't on, I ate all the cheese, etc.) and you find yourself rushed and flustered. In that moment, you may very well throw your carefully-prepared side dish in the bowl from which you usually nom microwaved popcorn, just to get out the door in time so as to not be the last one to arrive. (Note: if you're worrying about that, you're not going to be the last one.) Having your service items laid out the night before (and even placing them where you will want it to be used for the meal itself, if you're hosting at home), will help overcome yet another decision in your panicked state. Also, lay out your clothes the night before. Especially if you're hosting, it never fails that you realize it's go-time as the doorbell rings and you're still in your kitten PJs and fuzzy socks. Set an alarm for 20 minutes before guests are scheduled to arrive (anyone earlier than that should wait in the car...or they'd better have a glass of wine for the hostess), go change into your already-selected ensemble, and have a cute apron on hand that you can use to finish up the meal. Now you're ready to jump right in when your peeps arrive!

 

5. Define areas so guests can gravitate toward where you want them. Don't want guests to hang out in the kitchen while you're finishing up? Don't put the appetizers and wine in the kitchen. Set up some snacks and a small beverage station on a coffee table, sideboard, TV tray if you have to, and nominate a friendly guest to show arrivals the ropes so that you can wrap it up and join the fiesta as soon as possible.

 

And with that said...

 

6. Be present. This is the one I struggle with the most, y'all. But enjoy the company while they're there, and connect with your peeps. Do dishes later, tag team with your mate on duties to split up absence from guests, and feel free to do a quick orientation at the beginning of the evening so that you aren't pulled away every time someone needs directions to the powder room or fumbles with wayward coats strewn over the chairs. When you're done in the kitchen, toss the last of the prep items in a sink full of soapy water and turn off the light. If you think you'll be distracted by a dessert still baking in the oven, choose a dessert that can be served at room temp and slice it ahead of time. Make QT the focus of every decision you make in preparing the meal, tablescape, etc. You won't regret forsaking gold pears for priceless memories with loved ones.

 

{Natty Note: I am BY NO MEANS the hostess with the mostest, and I frequently experience panic and a bad attitude when preparing for any more than two people (because it's not just about the food, of course...it's ambiance, a clean home, enough street parking, etc., etc., etc.), but trying to hang on to these tips will help me keep my eye on the prize and enable me to ask for help when it's needed, or know when something just needs to be skipped.}

 

What entertaining tip has saved your sanity?

 

Foodies looooove Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. The preparation, the smells, the amazing food, the impeccable company...it's just the coziest day ever. And we are so blessed that this year, our first holiday as a married couple, we get to enjoy TWO Thanksgivings: one with his family, and one with mine!

Gorgeous tablescape by Chic Celebrations, blooms by Heavenly Blooms

I know that I'll step up and host one of these days (which I secretly can't wait for), but I do so enjoy arriving at our loved ones' homes, smelling the seasonal candles burning for guests' arrivals, and just watching the smiles and hugs unfold. It's the best!

Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't give proper weight to the food, y'all. (No pun intended...well, yes, it is.) Vegetarian or otherwise, Thanksgiving is a proper feast and I love every second of it. We've gotten quite spoiled by the amazing cooks in our family, and it's so neat to see that more and more fresh, organic ingredients are being invited over to play. Some prefer the classic, bad-for-you-but-oh-so-good versions of sides and holiday staples, so it's fun to see the mix of traditional and foodie flare.

Thanksgiving is when I like to take a chance on some new recipes. Risky, maybe, but I generally go for flavor profiles and techniques with which I am comfortable, so it's never a total stretch. (Going for bold and trying something totally, spanky new would require a dry run, naturally.) 

Our Home Group was commissioned with green bean casserole duty for our community Thanksgiving over the weekend, so I gave Alton Brown's Best Ever Green Bean Casserole a shot, drawn in by it's from-scratch approach and relative simplicity. I was quite pleased with how it came out and really enjoyed the texture and flavors. The homemade onion topping was a little challenging, I will say. But I think I'll just try bigger slices and more turning in the oven next time.

No points awarded for presentation, right?

I'm also going to be making a gluten-free quinoa and red rice stuffing recipe from Williams-Sonoma (though I think they're getting a little fast and loose with the term "stuffing" considering this dish lacks bread, but I think it'll be quite yummy and worth ingesting some good grains), as well as trying the Simple Bites Butternut Squash Gratin. Autumnal produce, panko and parm? Done. I'll let y'all know how these turn out, as well be enjoying them this evening with M's family!

Wishing you all successful cooking/baking, stress-free gathering (especially for you brave hostesses), and (most importantly) a precious day to reflect on the incredible blessings from our Father!

{Friday's Fancies} Autumn Fave

This week's Fancies are all about finding fashion inspiration from our favorite autumn treats. I am definitely a beverage-loving gal, so it should come as no surprise that most of my must-have fall treats are best served in a giant mug, warm and dressed with love. One particular treat that just embodies autumn in my book: hot apple cider. Nom!

Earrings // Bag // Sweater // Skinnies
Polish // Gold ring // Black ring // Boots

What's your favorite autumn treat?

Check out all the other Fancies over at {long distance loving}!

Lessons Learned: Wedding Planning

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~ By and large, everything to do with a wedding costs at least $300. There are exceptions, of course, but spending much less will likely require hot glue, eleventy-thousand visits to the craft store, and less-than-bridal fingernails.

~ Choosing bridesmaids dresses from a department store is a bad idea unless you have everyone's sizes and order them the second you see that they're available. Dept. stores just don't keep stock like traditional bridal retailers, so you may end up in a pickle.

~ TheKnot.com is just a bad idea. It's insta-stress and will make you feel like you're about three years behind on planning the second you log on. Pretty photos, yes. But, whoa, holy task-apalooza!

~ Having an RSVP option available on your website before sending invites is not the best idea ever. Create some confusion, it may.

~ Registering is way fun-slash-dangerous. Taking a deep breath and reviewing one's registry after coming off the complimentary cappuccino high is probably a good idea. (Everyone says that now is the time to request all the fancy crap you've always wanted; meanwhile, it's hard not to feel a little cray for zapping a gravy boat that costs $130.) (But seriously, it's gorgeous.)

~ Burlap is a special kind of stinky. But oh, the texture.

~ 3 months in normal time = plenty. 3 months in wedding time = OMG, you don't have a photographer yet???!!??  Aaaaand, cue nail biting. (Again, not so bridal.)

~ Our friends and family are amazing. (This isn't new to me, but seeing how everyone has stepped up and gone so far above and beyond to  make this time more precious for us has been...just...no words. No tears in the office. Talk amongst yourselves...)

To be continued...

{Friday's Fancies} Memorial Day Weekend Travel

While I imagine many of y'all have big plans to hang by the pool and enjoy some frosty adult beverages this weekend, M and I are embarking on our long-awaited vacation to the Pacific Northwest. In other words, we're trading in pina coladas and sunscreen for strong coffee and hoodies. And truth be told, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Tote // Sunglasses // Top // Studs
Denim // Watch // Shoes

I broke form a bit to incorporate a little patriotic love into my FF look. This get-up would be perfect for flying into West Coast coolness, and a sturdy tote is one of my must-haves for traveling. Low fuss-factor and comfy shoes, that's the way I roll when on the road.

I'm looking so forward to exploring Nor. Cal, Oregon and Washington with my honey, and I've got some exciting news to share with y'all in the near future, so stay tuned!

Check out the other fab Fancies over at {long distance loving}

Little Girl Celebrating

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Today is Use Your Words, Little Girl's 3rd birthday. What initially began as a project to keep me writing has become an outlet and a community that I cherish very much. Thank you all for the years of support, love, inspiration and blessing of knowing that y'all read my words.

Here's to many more!

A Good Friday, Indeed

Today is the last day of my juice fast. I'm honestly surprised I made it the whole week. Despite an often growling stomach, I feel great. I've dropped a few pounds, my skin is clear, the whites of my eyes are actually white, my energy has been great (earmuffs, dear coffee), and my whole system feels clean and light.

Moving forward, I will definitely incorporate juicing into my regular diet. The benefits are clear and I know I am doing my body good. I am still holding off on some foods until M has finished his fast (he's halfway through three weeks!), but I know my first few bites will be pretty sweet. (Side note: taking communion on Wednesday while fasting was something special. This was the perfect week to sacrifice.)

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I'm looking very forward to a weekend of relaxing, reading, chatting and enjoying the sunshine in M's new hammock. Something about laying next to my honey, the sunlight streaming through the beautiful boughs, watching the pups frolic around the yard...it's good for the soul. I can hear the Lord so vividly in times like this. And that's exactly what I'm craving right now.

Here's a lovely weekend. I hope you make some time to be still and enjoy the simple pleasures. Sunday marks a glorious celebration for us all, and I wish you a blessed day of worship, fellowship and thanksgiving!

{Friday's Fancies} St. Patty's Day Sass

St. Patrick's Day is the perfect holiday on which to rock one of my favorite colors: green. (In fact, it's kind of a rule.) This look doesn't exactly scream green beer and Irish-themed shenanigans, but it's nevertheless a classic nod to the occasion. 

Sunnies // Studs // Sweater // Necklace
Ring // Tote // Skirt // Flats

If you're feeling festive, add a Strongbow to the ensemble and you've got yourself a sassy, fun look that will spare you a pinch. (Though there is no guarantee that you won't be drunkenly heckled for drinking sissy beer. Own it, y'all.)

{Heart} You

Photo by me. Cappuccino by M.

Happy Valentine's Day, dear readers! Whatever you're up to today, whoever (or whatever) you have to love on, I wish you a lovely day. If you're feeling down or have certain expectations for today, know that you're loved very much. There's so much love to celebrate, and a sweet day is in the details: swoony music, candles, a cup/glass o' your fave beverage, and quieting your heart to embrace the moment.

As for me? I am very thankful that my honey is on the mend and looking forward to dinner tonight. We're going to a sweet little bistro in the Fairmount District. And y'all, I'm wearing red and pink. (Well, more like a dark fuchsia.) Can you tell I'm excited about my Valentine?

Lots of love! xo

Lookbook: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just a week away, and though I imagine M and I will stay in or do something low key (that's how we roll...plus, crowds make me stabby), I still ponder the perfect outfit for a Valentine's date. While most nights in generally consist of me curling up under a blanket in PJ pants, a giant sweatshirt and my hair in a ragamuffin bun (poor M...), I think it's nice to dress up for a proper date, even if you're just cooking together and dining quietly as a couple. My rule of thumb: if we're eating at the table, comfies can wait; if we're eating in front of the TV, bring on the stretchy pants! 

I typically avoid looks that are too cutesy or precious (because I'm petite and want to avoid pats on the head and cheek pinches), so in the spirit of V-day, this ensemble captures the flirtiness of the occasion while still managing to be simple and appropriate for a domestic date...

Lancome Juicy Tubes // Alice and Olivia tunic // 1928 vintage heart necklace
Feather wrap ring // DSW Crown Vintage wedge // Mademoiselle body oil

No-nonsense pieces, kissable lips and shimmery skin...all good things. Valentine's Day is a romantic day, indeed, and tasteful styling can still be incorporated into an ensemble fit for gazing into each others eyes and holding hands over candlelight. (Such a girl, seriously.) This dress is romantic while providing coverage, and these wedges will do wonders for the legs. There is more than enough going on here to convey feminine beauty without flashing too much skin, especially if you couple this look with a heartfelt love letter (to your man, your bestie, your parents, whoever you chose to love on this year!) and an environment cultivated with care and warmth. Now that's sexy, y'all.

Side note: if y'all haven't already, be sure to check out Anna's weekly installments of True Beauty Files over at In Honor of Design. It's so encouraging to see her adorable looks (as well as those of the many gals who link up with their creations) and reminder that you can be classy and fashionable. 

What will you be wearing this V-day? (Sweat pants and a tee is a perfectly acceptable answer, yo.)

You're invited...

Given the ability to teleport and a space in which to host, I would throw a marvelous soiree for us to celebrate together all the lovely winter babies' birthdays during these first few weeks of January! I'm thinking tea sandwiches, macaroons, profiteroles and champagne cocktails served out in the garden.


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Sending birthday love and wishes to...

April at The Happiness Habit (Jan. 5th)
Lisi at The Beauty File (Jan. 6th)
Meg at Henning Love (Jan. 10th)
Alexa at The Short and Sweet of It (Jan. 10th)
Kendralyn at Jersey Love and Laughter (Jan. 13th)
Rebecca at The Vintage Bicycle (Jan. 17th)          
Stephanie at Big Mario Life (Jan. 13th)
Kate Middleton at...um...the palace* (Jan. 9th)

I'm also sending birthday wishes outside of the Blogosphere to my dadoo (Jan. 13th), Uncle Mark (Jan. 5th) and M's adorable niece Braiden (Jan. 10th). 

Aaaaaand I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that tomorrow is also this little girl's birthday. It's my 30th, y'all. Thir-tee! (Stay tuned...I'm sure I'll be reflecting my arse off tomorrow.)

That's a lot of celebration in a matter of weeks, huh? I say we join together, bust up a pinata (which in my dreams is filled with makeup and puppies**) and send some happy vibes to this birthday bunch. Are y'all with me?! You bring the party hats!

Repondez, s'il vous plait,

*OK, so the Duchess isn't a blogger, but I heart her.
**No animals were harmed in the daydreaming of said pinata beating.

Au revoir, 2011...bonjour, 2012!

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My dear readers/bloggers,

I cannot thank y'all enough for the encouragement and inspiration over the last year. Your comments absolutely brighten my days, and your posts remind me just how extraordinary people can be. I value you gals and guys very much, and look forward to sharing more laughs, loveliness and friendship in the coming year.

2011 was a very blessed year for this little girl. God has been so good to me and my family, and I know that 2012 will be another year of great challenges met with great faith. I'm thankful for every moment.

Y'all be safe tonight, wherever your celebrations take you. I'm looking very forward to kicking off 2012 with y'all next week. Until then...

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...celebrate and get your sparkly on!

Much love,

This calls for some bubbly and a party dress!

New Year's Eve is a special night, fashion-wise, because you can get away with a whole lot of sassiness in the name of celebration. Party dresses, sparkly accessories and glitter galore abound, and when you add sparklers and champagne to the mix, you've got one heck of an evening!

Since my honey is out of the country for NYE, I decided to for-go a night on the town in favor of a chill evening staying in with some friends and their kiddos. (Not gonna lie, this homebody loves any excuse to lay low.) So while my celebratory get-up will look a lot like this...


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...paired with Hello Kitty slippers and a ponytail, I had to throw together a little something for my inner fashionista...


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...paired with a smoky eye and messy chignon. This is a good mix of sexy and sweet, in my book, and would be comfortable enough to last the evening without undergarment mishaps or freezing my rear off. (Stylishness and wearability are not mutually exclusive in my closet, y'all!)

Upon M's return to the states, we're going to celebrate 2012 (as well as my 30th, eep!), so there will be plenty of opportunities to bust out the party dress after this weekend! Meanwhile, I'm looking very forward to the laughs and good times that will ensue on Saturday as my friends and I play games, watch movies and enjoy some cocktails and snacks.

It's gonna be a great new year, I can just feel it!

What are you wearing for your New Year's festivities?

Christmas Spoils

To say that I am blessed is an understatement. I am positively spoiled. The sheer volume of gifts, on top of the thoughtfulness with which each item was selected, was nearly overwhelming. In the sound words of Wayne and Garth: "[I'm] not worthy!"

Cuddled up at work with a few of my gifts.
Anthro scarf & Natalya's Studio cozy

A sample from this year's collection o' lovely gifts: J. Crew Majesty peacoat, proper pajamas, Hello Kitty slippers and ornament, food processor(s), gorgeous graphite date book featured here, Sur La Table measuring cups and spoons, bamboo cutting board, I Love Your Style, cozy scarves, framed photos of me and my honey, and a stash of my fave candies (Red Vines, Heath bar, Almond Roca, Mounds) to last me months! See? Spoiled.

Fabulous gifts aside, this Christmas was wonderful for many reasons...
~It was my first with M; truly a holiday to remember.
~My dear Mamaw had a scare on Christmas Eve but recovered completely to join us for Christmas lunch.
~My brother was able to fly in from Cali.
~I was blessed with some absolutely fantastic moments with the kiddos.
~And most importantly, every celebration began with prayer, thanking God for the gift of His son, that we may have life because of Christ. A family rooted in faith is an immeasurable gift.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend of celebration and love, and that it continues into this week and the new year. We truly have so much to celebrate, every day. Enjoy the time of rest, for those of you cuddled up and disconnecting for a few more days.

Christmas Blessings

Though the time has slipped away from me a bit this year, and I don't feel like I got to do everything I had hoped for this season, I am so incredibly thankful for all the memories I have made in the past months. God has blessed my life with the most wonderful, loving, giving people, and I don't take a second of their time or an ounce of their grace for granted. This includes many of you lovely bloggers! Y'all enrich my days, inspire my daydreams, and encourage me as true friends.

Keeping with this week's Christmas Traditions Series, I will share a few of my favorite Christmas customs:

Decorating the Christmas tree can be a pain in the rear, no doubt. But my mom, brother and I tried our best over the years to make it a special occassion. We put on some holiday tunes, poured ourselves an ice cold Coke, warmed up some queso (we classy, y'all), and engaged in playful banter as we assembled the many limbs of our giant tree and struggled to get the lights perfectly distributed. (Watching 3 slightly OCD folks trying to string lights is a sight, let me tell you.) The shenanigans are part of what makes this event so memorable, and the ornaments themselves embody many fond memories and silly inside jokes. (Bobby Digital snowman is one of my faves. Love you, Brov.) Mom's memorial ornament hangs front and center of all of the family's trees, and her love and laughter are still felt year after year. 

Though the best holiday moments are spent surrounded by family, I also cherish the quiet times, snuggled up on the couch in a big blankie, watching Christmas movies with my mister, and hearing the fire crackle in the background. I relish that moment when I look around and just sigh, knowing how blessed I am to experience such warmth and joy. My home is truly a retreat for me, and seeing it lit up and decorated with lights and bows is like walking in to a big hug every evening.

Christmas 2011

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite evenings of the whole year. Not because of the promise of presents the next morning. (Though, trust, my family never lets us down on the present front. They spoil us rotten, naughty little elves!) It is one of the few, treasured days of the year when the whole family gets together, brings delicious appetizers and snacks to our spread, catches up and exchanges gifts. (We draw names now that our family tree has expanded its limbs. I'm so thankful for this generation of kiddos who have breathed new life into our celebrations. And they have bouncy houses at their birthdays. Holla!) We have really pulled each other close (even closer than before) to fill the gap in our hearts, and I could not ask for a more fantastic group of people to proudly call my family.

I pray that you and your family enjoy the weekend ahead and remember all the blessings given to us all. We are loved by the ultimate Father and fortunate beyond measure, wherever life finds you this year. Hold each other close and bask in the love of the season.

Merry Christmas, my dear readers!

Guest Blogger Series: Anna's Christmas Traditions

It's day four of my guest blogger series for the holidays! I hope ya'll have enjoyed posts thus far from Stephanie at Big Mario Life and Amanda and Elizabeth at Do I Even Like This? Their stories have been so sweet and remind me exactly why I love this time of year so much. Anna's post today is no exception.

Bloggers like Anna create such a wonderful sense of community within the blogosphere. Her blog, In Honor of Design, is one of my must-reads and reflects so well her great eye(she's a graphic designer), elegant taste, and humble, wonderful heart. (I can imagine she's a fantastic mama.)

I am lucky to come from a family with ten brothers and sisters! We have many traditions and Christmas is now a rare time where we can all be together under one roof. Our Christmas Eve traditions I look forward to year round...and now my husband does too:)

We all dress up and attend Christmas Eve Mass. On the way home we drive through the neighborhood to spot out all the best Christmas lights. As soon as we walk in the door at home, all hands work together to prepare a Christmas Eve feast of our favorite appetizers. We will then gather around the fireplace in the family room and do our annual gift exchange. This is by far has provided my most favorite Christmas memories.

My siblings and I are all very close, and its beautiful to see how each person (now including husbands and a few babies) really makes such an effort to pick the most special gift for the brother or sister whose name they drew that year. It has brought tears to my eyes on numerous occasions. We end the night with carols around the piano and leaving out cookies for St. Nicholas of course;) I am getting excited just thinking about it!

Um, does anyone else want to join Anna's family? Carols around the piano?! Want. (Nevermind the fact that I'd be lip syncing. It's the festive principle!) I am really tight with my sibling too (though there are only two of us), and so appreciate the close bond that I am blessed enough to share with my brother. I know not all family members can forge those relationships, so it's quite a gift to be so connected to your kin. Thanks for this warm story of holiday love, Anna!

My Day In Pictures

I don't know about y'all, but I've so enjoyed the Christmas traditions posts over the past few days! I didn't want to totally mail it in on my blog duties, though, so here are a few snapshots to fill y'all in on my day thus far...

My co-worker's pup Oliver stopped by for a visit. Dude loves him some pearls.

Sipping on a Venti black iced tea so this old lady can make it through the evening. (Our office Christmas party is tonight. Woop!)
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Listened to The Civil Wars and drove around with the windows down during my lunch break. Refreshed my soul.
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A look at today's get-up (approximately). I went for classic and festive, something that would transition from work to play. Bring on the tasty eats and fancy cocktails!

 Hope you are having a wonderful week and take a moment to enjoy the spark in the air of the Christmas season!