holly jolly christmas

*loving philosophy peppermint bark shower gel 
*a new mini santa = childhood nostalgia , my husband finds it creepy, lauren loves it - the girls win, it stays
*introduced lauren to the muppets, i'm sure i enjoyed it more but she loved dancing to the songs
*lots of time at home this year - blankets, twinkle lights,  pajamas, playtime
*where did my baby go? little miss independant
*going to see santa = a total fail.  lauren would not let go of me but i did manage some pictures in front of the gorgeous tree because well my tree will never look like this and in case you are curious i still have no ornaments on mine

i did manage 1 christmas craft (thank you pinterest)
again i let go of expectations, as you can see from my horrible cutting job (it was 1am and i of course couldn't find any good scissors) - i kept telling myself, she's only 1 and wouldn't care
she still liked it, best $3 i have spent - it has kept her very entertained in the kitchen while i cook
 next year i will definately make a nicer one

making spirits bright

the hustle and bustle has begun
i have no craft projects, december daily or perfectly decorated home to share
i am limiting my time on pinterest and blogs because they make me feel inadequate
i felt like a rockstar because i actually ordered my christmas cards before december 1st
but they along with everything else are sitting on my kitchen table waiting to be addressed 
my tree is up and has lights but still not decorated
i'm constantly tripping over jingle bell elmo and a christmas train
but this year i am okay with it

i made a list of everything i really wanted to do this year
making it simple
and sticking to it

i loved nora's manifesto and decided to "adopt" it!

a little homemade - only 2 craft projects planned

create family merriment - our bucket list - visits to santa , peanuts christmas display, holiday magic at the zoo

keep cozy - more nights at home , movies with twinkle lights, under my favorite blanket on my couch - perfect 

give well - santa letters from work and i volunteered to do a food drive for the chicago food depository

carry on traditions - gingerbread house party, holiday baking with mom

twinkling lights - everyday and night i am home they are on!

enjoy the details - a christmas house - one full of jingles, constant christmas music (lauren now points to the ipod to turn it on if music is not playing), shreds of ribbon and wrapping paper being found by a toddler, peppermint bark in all forms, lots of candles, batches of chex mix (its getting to be an unhealthy obsession), mismatched ornaments, christmas books everywhere, and the constant sound of elmo singing jingle bells  

this year i have seen and heard so much bad news and there are so many in need
i am really trying to take in all my blessings and enjoy the magic and details of the season that make it special

Happy Thanksgiving

FAVORITE day of the year!  Early morning baking and then the traditional cinnamon rolls and macys parade with a little one by my side.  A day of indulgence I am so ready for some yummy food (mashed potatos, rolls, and cheesecake!), relaxing with family, football and holiday movies. 
Wishing all of you a wonderful day of family, friends and food!

*thankful*

a full heart.so many blessings.my baby girl who makes everyday a joy.my husband who puts up with my many moods and crazy ideas.my parents who still do so so much for me and spoil their granddaughter rotten.siblings who i adore.nephews who live too far but make me smile.friends near & far. a roof over my head. a warm bed. a full grocery cart and then some.traditions.holiday weekend plans. the frivoulous things.red cups.gossip magazines.lipgloss.pretty paper.going OUT to the movies. cheesecake.manicures.flannel sheets.trader joes.cheesy christmas decorations that will go up just to make my baby girl smile.did i mention long holiday weekends?!

right now

having your washer & furnace break on the same day & being told they both need to replaced - not fun
the plan to buy new bedroom furniture next Friday - not happening
throwing a temper tantrum like a 2 year old - that would be me
remembering to put things in perspective and be grateful for what i do have and all my blessing

moving on...

1 week until the Thanksgiving - are you as excited as I am?!

planning holiday baking
wanting someone to pay me to stay home - i have so much more fun , am much more productive & so much happier i get to spend time with the little one - or at least a more flexible work schedule
listening to christmas music, the jingle bells on the door entertaining Lauren
drinking water
wanting a cherry coke
anticipating the holiday weekend - morning traditions, the parade & cinnamon rolls, lots of good food, family, game night, shopping, dates with james bond & breaking dawn date
missing friends near and far - which hopefully won't be too much longer because
excited for time with two of my favorite people in january and a taylor swift concert
as barb stated "it will be like NKOTB all over again!" - the 13 year old girl in me is giddy
burning lots of candles
loving thick socks, extra layers, morning smoothies, chex mix, homemade nachos, scarves, hats & gloves
trying to start christmas shopping
needing to get back to a workout routine and new winter coat (recommendations?!)
enjoying nashville, holiday hustle & bustle, watching my baby girl learning to walk, football with tony
making lots and lots of lists
obsessing over a new wardrobe ,this new kitchen tool, making soup (yesterday it was pw's roasted corn chowder- can you say delish?)

crumbs...

do you read jessica's blogs?
if not you should
http://www.howsweeteats.com/crumbs/
i mean how can you not love a person who starts her blog like this and screams her love for pacey witter

and she has amazing recipes too
http://www.howsweeteats.com/

and i am so making these for thanksgiving
http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/10/sweet-potato-and-honey-dinner-rolls/

music love

someone discovered music comes out of an ipod