merry christmas!

What a whirlwind this year has been!  It is crazy to think that in just a few days, we will be welcoming in the new year.  This year has been one of the most memorable of my life because it is the first year I have shared with Tom from beginning to end.  We have shared so many amazing experiences and have fallen more in love each day.  We will be ringing in 2014 at a friend's wedding and it seems like a fitting end to this year to be celebrating love.  This was our second Christmas together.  And to be honest, Christmas time can be stressful.  Trying to accommodate each other's families and split time with both, shopping for twice as many people, making food for all the get togethers, double the work parties...it can get to be too much.  It becomes so easy to get caught up in the chaos of it all and forget the reason for the season.  At times, I was certainly guilty of this.  But I was able to step back and embrace all of the love and laughter we shared with both of our families and it gave me a glimpse of all the support we are surrounded by.  We shared great food, funny stories, warm hugs and lots of smiles and laughter.  I hope that your season was filled with the love and happiness of friends and family to carry you into the new year!

gift guide for pets 2013

Looking for gift ideas for Fido?  These are my top 13 gift picks for Christmas 2013 for the fur baby in your life, cat or dog.  There are items that will fit any budget ranging from $12 to $160.

1.  Custom Pet Pillows | Uncommon Goods | $45
2.  Sandy Paws Print Kit | Uncommon Goods | $12
3.  Merry Woofmas Assorted Dog Treats | Frontgate | $40
4.  Pyramid Stud Dog Leash | C. Wonder | $28
5.  Red or Green Bobo | PetSmart | $10
6.  Kate Spade Saturday Pooch Parka | Kate Spade | $45
7.  Calabash Cat Pod | Kitti Craft | $160
8.  Soggy Doggy | The Grommet | $80
9.  Catnip Catfisher Doorknob Hanger Cat Toy | Remmeer | $14
10.  Porcelain Geo Bone Dog Treats Jar | C. Wonder | $40
11.  Kong Glide 'N Seek | PetSmart | $25
12.  Grumpy Cat's Odor Eliminator | Grumpy Cat's | $15
13.  Paw Plunger | The Grommet | $30

gift guide for her 2013

Looking for gift ideas for your mom, sister, best friend or ideas to give your man when he is shopping for you?  These are my top 13 gift picks for Christmas 2013 for the ladies in your life...whether she is a hostess, a decorator, a book worm, a traveler, a fashionista or a techie.  There are items that will fit any budget ranging from $5 to $225.

 

1.  Sterling Silver State Love Heart Necklace | Etsy | $45
2.  Seaside Nautical Studs | Forever 21 | $5
3.  Tick-Tock Clock | Anthropologie | $24
4.  Ticket Stub Diary | Uncommon Goods | $12
5.  Vintage Brooch Wine Stoppers, Set of 3 | Cost Plus World Market | $18
6.  Landmark Ring Dish | Anthropologie | $12
7.  Kate Spade New York 'Gramercy Grand' Bracelet Watch | Nordstrom | $225
8.  Gold Mirrored Tabletop Tray | Cost Plus World Market | $30
9.  Puppy Bookends | Anthropologie | $68
10.  Sweater Stone | Vat19 | $7
11.  London iPhone 5 Case | Anthropologie | $38
12.  How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World | Amazon | $13
13.  Adulting:  How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps | Amazon | $12

gift guide for him 2013

Looking for gift ideas for the man in your life?  These are my top 13 gift picks for Christmas 2013 for the men in your life...whether he is a dad, micro beer lover, weekend warrior, sports fan or techie.  There are items that will fit any budget ranging from $5 to $250.

1.  Kobalt Hypercoil Work Light | Lowes | $25
2.  Estate iPhone 5 Case | Fossil | $25
3.  Townsman Automatic Leather Watch | Fossil | $245
4.  Hand Warmers | Target | $5
5.  iPhone Alarm Clock Dock | Uncommon Goods | $40
6.  Home Plate Doormat | Uncommon Goods | $22
7.  Wooden Beer Tote with Bottle Opener | Uncommon Goods | $40
8.  Personalized Men's Leather Valet Tray | Etsy | $40
9.  88 Great Daddy-Daughter Dates | Amazon | $9
10.  Handy Dad | Uncommon Goods | $15
11.  Authentic Stadium Cuff Links (10 stadiums to choose from) | Uncommon Goods | $170-200
12.  Monogram Mug | Anthropologie | $8
13.  Fifty Shades of Bacon | Amazon | $10

a thankful year indeed

This year I have an enormous amount to be thankful for.  I have a good paying job, a nice warm cozy home, my family and friends are in good health and I am in love.  This girl has nothing to complain about!  I have always been a huge fan of the holidays.  I generally start watching Christmas movies in October and don't stop until February.  Although it's easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the holidays, I find that the happier I am in life, the more I want to give and the less I want to receive.  I have Tom to thank for the majority of my bliss.  He has filled my life with more happiness than I knew possible.  This year I can honestly say, I would be perfectly content without receiving a single gift and simply enjoying his company and our families.  God has blessed both me and my family with allowing us time to spend together and give thanks while enjoying delicious food and conversation.  We celebrate Christmas with my father's family on Thanksgiving and this year both Tom and my brother's girlfriend were able to join and meet the extended family for the first time.  Having them both there really brought home what a great year it's been for my family.  I also got to spend time with Tom's family decorating their tree.  They have welcomed me into their lives graciously and I enjoy any time I get to spend with them.  Even Jack, their Australian Shepherd,  has made me feel like a part of the family with his sloppy kisses and tail wags.  Even though this entry is a bit late for Thanksgiving, I think it is fitting that I am posting it on Giving Tuesday.  I hope you found time during your holiday season to give back, whether it be by donating to your favorite charity or helping an elderly neighbor.  You will always get back more than you give when you do it for an unselfish reason.  Give thanks!