A Look Back 2014

Hi! Are you still digging out of the holiday aftermath like us? As much as I loved our Christmas decor this year, I feel like I can't get it down fast enough! The fam likes it to hang around for a while but I like to pack it up and get it out.  So the boxes are out and I am fillin' them up.  The trees will stay up a couple more days and then I will have my house back.  Clutter free and ready for a fresh start.  Looking back on 2014 and some of my favorite posts, I am so grateful for all of my readers who have commented, sent me emails/words of encouragement, and supported this little space.  Looking forward to 2015 and all that it will bring!  Happy New Year!!!

Started 2014 with this fab Detox Water Recipe.

These Washi-tape votives  from a Feb 2014 post were featured in my first printed mention in the August All You Magazine.

We survived a long and very cold winter with lots of Skinny Hot Chocolate.

So happy that we took Our Spring Beach Vacation.

Completed a Mudderella-so super fun!

Lotsa cocktails in 2014 like this grapefruit margarita with the best of friends.

My favorite outfit for a summer night out.

Headed back to school in August. Another year older- makes me teary.

Made my favorites in the kitchen.

Ran outside a bunch-which is kinda crazy for me;)  Although, I am doing it more and more.

Made cookies  and checked off do-to lists to round out the year.

Here's to an even better 2015!

Happy New Year!

Christmas Wrap Up

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Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and days that followed!  I wanted to share some snapshots from the last couple of weeks.  It's such a special season filled with lots of fun but now that it's over I think I need a nice long nap:).

Our visit to The Walnut Room for dinner and a visit with Santa.

Spending a day in the kitchen making a gingerbread house and all of our favorite Christmas cookies.

Caroline performing her solo at Winter Wonder Fest -Navy Pier.

Our festive home.

Kiddos sleeping by the tree.

Christmas Morning!!!!

The day after.-Carlton has the right idea.

We had a wonderful Christmas with family and good friends. 

 It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes and bags.  What if our Christmas didn't come from a store?  What if Christmas, perhaps, meant a little bit more. 

 

Traditional Christmas Gifting

A little last minute gifting inspiration for your Wednesday morning!  Ready or not Christmas is next week!-Yikes and so exciting at the same time! I hope you are finding something for everyone on your list. 

Click below for info on all of the gifts above and more:

Super Sales You Just Can't Miss:

• Nordstrom: My #1 place to shop for Christmas! 
• J Crew: Save up to 40% off full  with the code JINGLE.
• Tory Burch:  Shop the new markdowns save up to 50% of new winter sale.
• J Crew Factory: Save 40-60% off everything! 
• Gap Save up to 50% off your purchase.
• Madewell: Save 30% off holiday pics with code WRAPITUP. 

Christmas Cookie Favorites

Happy Monday!!  With a little more than a week before Christmas the pressure is on to get it all done.  The buying, wrapping, preparing is in full swing around here.  Although, we will take a day between now and December 25th to bake.  One of my favorite Christmas traditions with the family is cookie making. I love when our kitchen becomes a cookie factory.  Remember our cookie day from last year?  The kids love to decorate and of course sample their faves.  I love to make cut-out frosted sugar cookies, Oreo truffles, cornflake wreaths and peanut butter kisses.  I also love these meringue cookies that my mom used to make when my brother and I were kids.  I've searched for the yummiest recipes-some are favorites and others are ones I think I may add to the list.  What are your most loved cookie recipes for the holidays?

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Happy Baking!

Don't forget to shop these great sales:

• Nordstrom: My #1 place to shop for Christmas! 
• J Crew: Save 30% off full prices with the code GIVETHIS.
• Tory Burch:  Shop the new markdowns.
• J Crew Factory: Save 40-60% off everything! 
• Gap Save up to 50% off your purchase.
• Madewell: Save 30% off holiday pics. 

Puffer, Puffer Everywhere

I love the look of a puffer vest and there are so many to chose from this season.  They make a great gift too.  I love this red one above and I've rounded up my favorites below.

Click on the images below to shop:

And for the kids too:

Don't forget to shop these great sales:

• Nordstrom: My #1 place to shop for Christmas! 
• J Crew: Save 30% off full prices with the code MERRYMERRY.
• Tory Burch:  Shop the new markdowns.
• J Crew Factory: Save 40-60% off everything! 
• Gap Save up to 50% off your purchase.
• Madewell: Save 30% off holiday pics. 

Enjoy your 

Thursday and Happy Shopping!

Holiday Decor Inspiration

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I just love Christmas time!  Our elf Olivia has been busy keeping watch over the kids. They are definitely trying to be extra good now that she is watching their every move.  None of them want her to give Santa a bad report. :)  So with the extra help, I spent the weekend adding finishing touches to our home decorations for the holidays.   I just need some twinkly lights, soft glowing candlelight, and fresh balsam garland to make me holiday happy!  I also found a lot of inspiration on Pinterest.   I'd love to hear how you have been spending your days this December.

Shop some great items for your holiday home below:

BTW, I was at Trader Joe's the other day and they had fresh boxwood wreaths for $9.99 just like the one on the black door above.  What a steal-yippee!

Kicked Up Hot Chocolate

Happy Friday!  I'm thinking this weekend calls for a festive drink.  This adults only recipe is simple and perfect for an evening by the fire.  If you want the lo-cal version I love this recipe.  If you need a super fun holiday drink for the kids-this one is my fave.

Kicked Up Hot Chocolate

2 cups skim milk

1/4 cup of your favorite hot chocolate mix

1 oz. Godiva liqueur

garnish with whipped cream and chocolate syrup

I'm hoping to finish the Christmas decorations and get a bit of shopping done this weekend.

What are your plans?

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