This is the second year we have taken our own "professional" photos. And by professional I mean, put my Canon on a stand, pressed the self timer and posed on a blanket in the park.

Some of them came out not too bad and were able to make it to our Christmas card. Blanket for the win.

And it wouldn't be photos without a little bit of crazy mixed in.

Christmas Decor

With the addition of our Christmas tree this weekend, we have finished the house for Christmas. We had been needing a new tree for a few years but never really made the plunge. But after most of our floor was covered with artificial needles last year, it was obvious it wouldn't make it another year.

We were able to grab a 7 foot tree at Target for under $50. Right up my alley. Not prelit because I like to torture myself making sure the lights are just perfectly placed while also untangling at the same time.

I am not sure I will ever have that Instagram perfect tree of matching ornaments and just the right amount of lights, but this, this is perfect to me. It has our wedding ornaments, some colorful ball ornaments and Batman to round everything out ;)

These are my favorite Target Dollar Spot find. Small tiny stockings. And what would it be without the furry animals to join. Clearly, I win at Christmas decor.

I added some leftover ornaments to this bowl to compliment my poinsettia case. It was my mom's so I always love to have that out at Christmas.

We do not have a fireplace to no burlap ribbon to show or stockings hung with care. But I did put a small tree in our kitchen. So there's that. 

There are a few other odds and ends here and there. I must admit, as much as I love Christmas I wasn't all in it this year. Fingers crossed next year will be quite different. 

What's your favorite Christmas decor?

8 Christmas Traditions for Couples

I am big on traditions. There are moments from my childhood that

//Decorate the tree
Add some merriment. Even without kids, decorating the tree can be fun. Open a bottle of wine, put on the Santa hats and deck the halls.Enjoying it this much now means it will be even more enjoyable for your kids.

//Christmas Cards
It's a great way to get to snuggle up to your sweetie for those photos. And if you're anything like us, it's also a great way to get a laugh or two. We never sent them out when I was younger so I wanted to start this when we got married.

//Christmas Eve by the tree
We like to be home late Christmas Eve, by the tree, watching It's a Wonderful Life. Or rather, I made my husband like this tradition. The moments before kids where we can relax and enjoy the season before the rush of Christmas hits at midnight.

//Driving around to see Christmas lights
It's a tradition you can start when you are cramped up in your apartment as newlyweds, talking how someday you will decorate your house that way. Before you know it, it turns into a tradition with your children in the backseat sipping cocoa. Ours is Christmas Eve after we leave his parents.

//Warming up by the Fireplace
It can be real or fake. Roast some smores, sit in front of the fire and share about Christmas past. Childhood stories, stories about your future Christmases and what they might look like.

//Buy an ornament that represents your year
If you take a holiday picture every year, it's easy to make an ornament that shows off the Christmas card photo.  I always buy an ornament that shows something that happened the past year. One year it was our wedding another Disney and this year, well I haven't quite found the perfect one yet. I am even more excited for what kinda of ornaments I can add next year.

//Stuff the stocking
As much as I love presents, there is just something different about opening up a stocking. It's the small trinkets or practical gifts that lie inside the cloth lining. It's usually where we gift our ornaments, add some chocolate and even socks occasionally. Plus, we even stuff one for our current little baby.

/Christmas Get together
Hosting one at your house as a couple is a great way to have friends over during the holidays. It can be a themed get together {ugly sweater, swanky cocktail, etc.} or just a casual get together. Plus, everyone gets to see all those decorations that took awhile to put up!

These are just a few traditions you can start with your significant other. If you're really feeling fancy, you can even go ice skating or snowboarding.

What are your couple traditions?

A Christmas Card to You

Last year we started the tradition of sending out a photo Christmas card. It was just our wedding photos and did the "Married Christmas." This year, I really wanted to do a Christmas photo shoot. Blanket included.

But then, I had a few stitches put in my face and lost half my eyebrow. Needless to say, I wasn't in the mood to be all cutesy and get my pictures taken with serious roots and half an eyebrow missing.

Cue, 2 1/2 weeks before Christmas and not having any Christmas cards. With a little self-timer and photo editing magic, we pulled it off.

The crazy cat lady in me bought a mistletoe headband for Lily to wear in hopes we could kiss under it. This is how that turned out...

These were all the other rejected Christmas card entries.

This one made it in the finals.

Have yourself a very Merry Christmas!

10 Reasons to Love December

Happy December everyone! Tis the season am I right? In case you aren't sure why you should love December as much as me, let me give you 10 Reasons to prove my point.

Decorating for Christmas
Growing up, decorating for Christmas was always a tradition. It meant hot cocoa, yule log on the tv and a lot of Christmas music. I love transforming our home into a Christmas wonderland and it is always a great family tradition for many families to do this all together. Making the best Christmas tree or cursing at knots in the Christmas lights.

Christmas Traditions/Activities
Most Christmas traditions involve the whole family and have been around for years. It's always fun to look back on these as you get older. Driving around to see Christmas lights, Christmas parties, gift exchanges...the list is endless but they are always favorite parts of my December.

Winter Wonderland
The first big snow usually happens within the time frame of December along with more frequent showings of the white stuff. It's great to see snow adorning the branches and brings with it a sense of peace. Before we have to brave it and drive in it, of course. I am hoping to capture a few good shots of the snow this year on a snow day I might actually get!

25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family
Even if you own all the movies they play continuously, there is just something so exciting about the start of this yearly tradition. Cuddled up with hot chocolate, lights twinkling and The Santa Clause playing.

It's Not Bikini Season
Want that extra piece of pie? Sure, why not. There is nothing fearful about being in sweatpants and covering up with sweaters as there is in the summer when you face the dreaded string of the bikini. See ya in April, bikini.

Commercials
All commercials become a lot more festive this time of year. They aren't just background noise but ones you actually want to watch. Coca-Cola Polar Bears perhaps? Or maybe the timeless M&M commercial.

Christmas
Family. Food. Giving presents. All around cheer. Can there be anything better in December? Oh, yes, actually...

My Birthday
Age is just a number. Especially when you are creeping closer to 30. Yes, you should love my birthday too. Something exciting might be happening around here!

New Year
What's more to love than New Year's Eve? Kiss with your sweetie at midnight, cheers of champagne with your friends and family to start a brand new year.

A gift for YOU and YOU and YOU!

Anne | Emelia | Meagan | Kasey | Heather | Sarah | Jenn Rachael | Jae | Sabrina | Krista | Lindsay | Vivian | Becca

a Rafflecopter giveaway


What do you love about December?

The Heart of Christmas

If you are planning on shopping this Thanksgiving, I just ask you this. What's the reason? If you will be leaving a Thanksgiving dinner with family to buy the hottest item this season to have under the tree or in your home, shame on you.

Yes, I said it. I come from a place where the presents under the tree don't mean the most. When I remember my past Christmases I remember the memories, the pictures, the videos, the laughs and smiles of my mom. I can't tell you what I got but I will always remember the last holiday season with my mom. That's what you should be worried about this holiday season. Will your child be wondering where you are at the dinner table? Will a family member's last holiday season be spent yelling at a retail employee because something didn't go their way?

Many people say they can't afford Christmas and that's why they rush out to shop the deals. Since when do we have to "afford" Christmas. Chrristmas isn't bought, it's felt. It's felt when we spend time with our family during the holidays. It's spent teaching our children it's better to give than receive. It's felt when children are happy with whatever is under the tree that Santa was able to give. It's teaching children that there is no price tag on Christmas.

All I am asking is for everyone to remember the Heart of Christmas this season. It's not about the gifts or money spent. It's time we stop and remember that.


I’m gonna make a wish this Christmas
I’m gonna say a little prayer
I’m gonna stop here for a moment
Before the moment disappears

The world’s in a hurry this December
City streets and shopping malls
I wish we could slow down and remember
The meaning of it all

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

-Matthew West "The Heart of Christmas"

How to Save Money This Christmas

The most wonderful time of the year is popping up in stores everywhere. We are just weeks away from the biggest shopping day(s) of the year and from putting a serious dent in our wallets.

With all the gifts you have to buy for the holidays, it can get overwhelming and quite costly. Don't worry, there are still ways you can save money this Christmas and not dread the after Christmas bills.

//Set a Christmas Budget
Setting a limit on each present for each person is the best way to not overspend during the holidays. It's really easy to drop extra cash during Black Friday or while your walking around the stores during the holiday season. If you know what you have to spend, you will know when to stop.

//Use Black Friday/Cyber Monday to your advantage
Many stores release their ads early so you are able to really scope out the best deals. It's a great time if anyone on your list is looking for an appliance or electronic item. The rest of the deals are mostly fillers that you could probably grab at better prices earlier in the year. It doesn't mean you have to shop on Thanksgiving though...Thought for another day.

//Consider Gift Exchanges
My family is quite large and buying for all aunts, uncles, cousins became quite expensive. One year we decided to start doing Secret Santa instead. That way we spent money on a  nice person instead of putting out a lot of money for all the presents. This also works for friends as well.

//Opt for Handmade
With Pinterest, there are so many ideas you can whip up. It is great for co-workers, neighbors or hostesses for all those holiday parties you will be attending. They are thoughtful but inexpensive gifts.

//Utilize Your Post Christmas Stash
Remember last year when you grabbed items at 50% off after Christmas? You told yourself those gifts would be great for next year. Make sure you know what you have before you buy. This includes gift wrapping, ornaments and decorations. We are all guilty of the indulgent 50% after Christmas sales.

//Shop Early
Set this one aside for next year. If you are already done by October or beginning of November, you do not even have to worry about overspending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It also allows for less stress not dealing with crowded parking lots and overzealous shoppers.

With these little tricks and tips, you should leave the Christmas season feeling proud that you saved and still had a fun, loving Christmas.

What are your Christmas saving tips?

100 Days until Christmas

I know everyone is just starting to get into the spirit of fall. As am I

I am loving on...

Pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin anything.

Sundays with football in the background.

Sweaters, boots, scarves.

Decorating for fall and Halloween.

But what is even more of my favorite time of the year?

CHRISTMAS.

Today, marks 100 days until Christmas.

And I couldn't be more excited. Just in case you haven't known, I love love love Christmas. The holiday season has always been a special time and I love the feeling of holiday spirit.

From the decorations, movies, parties, snow and holiday traditions, I love it all.

I will be writing all about the holidays coming up over here. This includes Fall Bucket List, Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes, Hot Christmas gift guide, DIY Christmas Crafts and a few more sprinkled in there.

What are you doing to get ready for the holiday season?

A Very Married Christmas

Welcome to my picture recap of our first Christmas as hubby and wife ( yea I say hubby, I'm cool with it)

Christmas Eve was spent with the in-laws (father in law took some pics but haven't got my hands on the yet!)

After we left, we went drving around finding the best Christmas lights and possible houses we want to own one day. Which might be when we are 80, who knows.

Sad this is blurry but it was my favorite

Christmas Day we spent at home, just the two of us.Or should I say 3.

When in doubt, just sit on it.

Am I spoiled much?! Infinity necklace from Helzberg

Last year, our first Christmas living together, Brian wasn't sure of the whole stocking tradition. So I stuffed his and he might have not realized my tradition of the stocking shall we say. But this year, he got it. It's all about combining Christmas traditions together.

Hubby did a girl proud with his stocking stuffers

With our gifts, we said not spend too much. But I always like to spoil him because he never likes spending money and coincidentally I do. So I spend it on him. Plus, this guy let me buy my super nice camera. So he deserved a little something nice.

And I'd say he did pretty well too Side note: Pineapple for HIMYM fans. Couldn't resist.

Gifts from the fam

Jingle all the way and eggnog.

Awkward family photo award. She loves pictures.

Now bring on a birthday and new year!