CHRISTMAS CARD 2017

Hi friends! I am a little late for this post because I spent the weekend visiting family and I just arrived at my home sweet home! When I saw that Sarah and Victoria's linkup today was to share our Christmas card, I knew I had to participate. Christmas cards are one of my favorite things to give and recieve this time of year. I also love to look at our past cards and see how we (I really mean my husband, cuz I still look the same!) have changed! Since we were in need of some professional photos and of course it was a no brainer to use one for our card!

PS I tried to make the image larger but it looked blurry :(

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING TIPS

Today I am linking up with Sarah and Victoria for their Most Wonderful Time of the Year linkup!

Other than Friendsgiving, we won't be hosting any holiday gatherings this year. However, I do have 2 baby showers I am either co-hosting/hosting, in the next couple of weeks, and you better believe I try to implement some of these same tips when planning those as well.

These tips are ones that I have learned over time. I have also come to learn that you don't have to use all of your fancy dinnerware in order to have a beautiful party. There are so many options for plastic/paper dinnerware that can look good and all you gotta do is toss in the trash! Easy clean up- sign me up :)

You would never know these are disposable! You can get them on Amazon. 

Tablescape from Friensgiving where I used paper napkins instead of cloth ones. 

1. Party prep- Get as much as you can done ahead of time. I have often procrastinated and then feel like I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off throwing clutter in closets. Out of sight, out of mind! If someone offers to help, take them up on it. Whether that be set up, bringing a dish to share, or helping with clean up.

2. Food- What's on the menu? This is probably one of the things I spend the most time on. This can range from a sit down dinner to finger foods or even a potluck! Whatever the choice is, I want the food to be plentiful and enjoyed!

3. Atmosphere- I like to set the mood with music, lighting and festive fragrances. I want my home to feel inviting! Let your guests known where the restroom is and make room in the coat closet if you have one. If someone is new to the group, try to help them connect with someone else! I have been to parties where the only person I knew was the hostess and it can be awkward!

4. Decor- It doesn't have to be expensive but a little can go a long way!

5. Relax- This is an important one for me. Be intentional about truly enjoying the party! People can sense when you are tense! 

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

Happy Monday! In the spirit of all things Christmas, I have been giving some thought to some items I would like this year. Now, I don't really "need" any of these, except for the canisters, but I would be excited to receive them!

First up is this sweater from Target. I saw this in the store but the fabric has a bit of shine and therefore I passed it up. However, I have seen it on some people and I think I would love it. Now I just hope it's not one of those itchy sweaters. It's a great price too!

I would like to start wearing lipstick on the regular, especially in the winter when my skin is super pale. Here's a lipstick I have had my eye on, by Beautycounter in the shade Rose, and I think the color would be perfect!

This tote is definitely a splurge item that I totally fell in love with the moment I saw it! It is by Madewell and is perfection! I have been carrying a dupe that I bought at Walmart and while it is totally functional, I will have to replace eventually :). 

Now you know you are getting old when storage containers make the wish list! Ha! My pantry is in dire need of organization and I need some of these to get started! 

I have already started using some of my gifts this year. When your mother in law comes to town and she lives on the other side of the country, you get to have an "early" Christmas :)

CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year and Christmas is hands down my favorite holiday! I love everything about it, the parties, the music, decor and the atmosphere it creates! My mother in law was just visiting recently and helped me decorate my house so that I could post my pics here. It makes me so happy to light up the tree first thing in the morning. Nothing like cozying up with a cup of coffee and the twinkle of lights!

I am looking forward to making the most of the holiday season :)

ON BEING A STAY AT HOME WIFE

November 20th marked 2 years since I left my last job. That is the longest I have ever gone without being employed. The reason I left that job was due to a relocation, and I figured once I got settled in our new home, I would then begin the job hunting process. However, that is not what happened and here I am 2 years later. But I feel I am right where I am suppose to be. Don't get wrong, not being employed for so long was a huge adjustment for me, initially that is. I am a person who thrives on routine and I always figured that as long as I don't have children, there is really no reason for me to stay home full-time. I like to contribute financially to our family and I like interacting with others. I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough to do to keep me busy and content, but little did I know the Lord would provide plenty for me to do. He has truly grown me these past 2 years and taken my focus from that of self preservation to one of service. I have been able to travel, spend time with family, work on a professional certificate, volunteer, serve others in different ways, make sure our household runs smoothly, attend a women's bible study and so much more. I am now more comfortable being completely financially dependent on my husband (although he would argue that my wanna be independent self sometimes emerges!). It's amazing how my perspective has changed and I have tried to focus on what the Lord has allowed me to accomplish during this time. With that being said, we are getting ready to move early next year and I would be lying if I said I wasn't researching employment opportunities in our new location. I am ready for what the Lord may have for us. Whether that be working full-time, starting a family or continuing my education. We may not know what tomorrow holds but I know that His plans are perfect.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday ya'll! I am loving today because my husband is off for the holiday weekend! The sun is out and we are planning on a chill day (per his request) and I am ok with that! We have a low key weekend but I am hoping to complete most, if not all of my Christmas shopping. A girl can dream right?!? I've got some goodies on today's Friday Favorites list that I am truly loving right now!

ONE

This sweater from Costco! Let me tell you, I have worn it like 5 times in the last week. It is super soft and very comfortable. I think its versatile and can be worn for lounging or paired with some fun sneakers for a more casual look. I am hoping to add more colors to my collection!

TWO

Pumpkin bread mix, also from Costco. Just a handful of ingredients and very moist and delicious! 

THREE

This show was recommended by Emily and we are hooked! We love military shows and this one does not disappoint. If you haven't watched it already you need to check it out!

FOUR

Happy 242nd Birthday Marines! My husband and I are both Marines so today is a day for celebration in the Marine Corps community. Semper Fi! 

FIVE

I recently got these as an early Christmas gift (there is such a thing in my world!). I think these are going to be put to good use especially when we relocate to a colder place next year. I will be freezing in style :)

  

Have a great weekend! 

PREPARING FOR OVERNIGHT GUESTS

In a couple of weeks, we will be hosting overnight guests for several days. I want to make sure that our home is as inviting as possible and I am in the process of making a to do list on how I plan to accomplish that. Because of our lifestyle, I have traveled quite a bit in the last 15 years, so I have been both the host and the guest. I know my likes and dislikes about being a guest and therefore try to incorporate or avoid certain things when I am the host. I would like to think that I am an easy guest! Hehe! Not everyone has a designated room for guests and that is ok! If all you have is a hide-a-bed or air mattress, that can be overlooked just by making others feel at home :) It doesn't take much to be hospitable!

Guest room- clean thoroughly before guests arrive. This means dusting, changing sheets and vacuuming. Have extra blankets and pillows available. If you are able, it is helpful to provide some empty drawers or closet space so guests can unpack their bags.

Guest bathroom- is cleaned and stocked with clean towels, toiletries (soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, razor, toothbrush). You can also add some fun lotion/soap for an extra touch! 

Reading material- if you know your guests like to read specific magazines, books, or newspapers,  you can always have some on hand. 

Wifi information- make it easy for your guests to connect to your wifi. Some people like to print it out and place it in the guest room. #genius. I found this cute sign at Wifi guest password sign!

Food- I always ask guests what they would like to eat while they are here. I have a lot of picky eaters in my family and therefore don't want to purchase food that is not going to be eaten. They are more than welcome to help themselves to whatever is in the kitchen. One of the things that I always request as a guest is coffee and Natural Bliss vanilla creamer. I also bring my Keurig on roadtrips! 

Temperature- I don't particularly like freezing or burning up so I usually let guests control the temp in their room. I also understand that electricity can be expensive so of course this is not an option for all. 

Have realistic expectations as to what the schedule will look like while your guests are visiting. Especially when dealing with jet lag! Make sure everyone knows there is room for downtime if needed! 

NOVEMBER GOALS

I can't believe it's November already! Bring on the most wonderful time of the year! Since I am not much of a Halloween person, this is when the holiday season officially starts for me. This November will be especially busy as my in-laws will be visiting so I have lots to get ready for! I want to be better about setting goals on a smaller scale and I have tried to do monthly goals in the past, but haven't really focused on them. I am hoping this month will be different, considering all I have going on. Although my list is short, its gonna take some work! :)

1. Get my house ready for our guests. 

2. Host a Friendsgiving AND Thanksgiving (this makes me tired just typing out!)

3. Complete my Christmas shopping. 

4. Prepare for hosting 2 baby showers in December! 

5. Implement a fitness routine. 

On top of that, we also have to prepare for an impending move at the beginning of the year. Oy! I am going to take it one day at a time, give myself some grace and truly enjoy the season! 

MY MEAL PLANNING GUIDE

If you know me well, you know that I am not a fan of grocery shopping. There's nothing that is more frustrating than having to make multiple trips to the grocery store throughout the week. I blame my self since the last few months have been busy with a lot of travel. When my husband travels for work, I get lazy with meal planning or fill up the social calendar which results in making meals to share with others. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind socializing but my waistline tends to expand a bit in the process. Hehe! Enter my new meal planning guide. I have come up with a plan that I hope to stick to as much as possible in an effort to be less wasteful, spend less money and hopefully lose a bit of weight. So without further ado, here is what I am hoping to incorporate.

I am only listing 7 meals since breakfast is usually eggs, toast or oatmeal. My hubby doesn't usually eat breakfast so I don't feel as though I have to cook every morning and I usually pack him a lunch if we have leftovers from the night before. 

1- meatless 

1- crockpot

1- dining out (hubby quickly mentioned this would be an indulgent meal too!)

3- focus on lean protein, carbs and healthy fat (this will take some getting used to)

1- indulgent meal (think casserole or cheesy)

Here is the list of meals I have planned for this week 

Monday- scalloped potatoes following this recipe and adding diced ham https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/scalloped-potatoes-recipe/

Tuesday- hamburger for me and pigs in a blanket for him, with potato salad (world series game)

Wednesday- chicken cooked and sweet potato mash 

Thursday- crockpot fajitas over brown rice

Friday- dinner with friends (chili, loaded potato and salad)

Saturday- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/vegetarian-linguine

Sunday- pork chops, pinto beans and mixed veggies

I realize that this doesn't necessarily fit all of my criteria, however, I have learned to be flexible so that is what I am doing. Also, I am not a registered dietician so I am just meal planning according to what we like to eat and some research I have done, mainly when trying to figure out the whole protein, healthy fats and carbs.  I am also hoping to incorporate a fitness routine so stay tuned for that! :)

WEEKEND RECAP

Hubby has been training for a 50K for the past 4 months and race day finally arrived! We left on Friday and lucked out with sunny weather and a peaceful 6 hr drive to Spokane. While there, we stayed at The Beehive, a little cottage which I found on Air B&N. It was perfect! I could tell that the host truly put a lot of thought and effort into making it a cozy, home away from home experience!

                            

                                       

Once we settled in for the weekend, we headed out to dinner. Hubby chose to eat at Olive Garden, stating he had to eat all the carbs, in preparation for the 31 miles he would need to run on Saturday. I happily obliged and dinner was tasty! After dinner, we headed to a movie which was only playing in select theaters. After the movie, we headed back to our rental and headed to bed. We were totally wishing we hadn't stayed out so late :(

Saturday morning came quickly. We had a quick breakfast and then made the short drive to the race location. After checking in and once the race got started, I headed back to the house to get ready and kill some time before I had to return to the 22 mile mark! I hung around with the race volunteers until my hubby came through and that meant only 9 more miles to go! I can't even imagine running more than 4!! He finished strong and I am so proud that his hard work paid off :) We celebrated with dinner at Outback Steakhouse and went all out! After dinner we spent some time at Barnes & Noble (because we don't live near one so we have to take advantage when we can) and then went back and chilled for the rest of the evening.

Sunday was spent at an early church service and then we grabbed lunch and headed home to pick up our pup! Of course, we had to squeeze in like 3.5 hours of the World Series before calling it a night! We are glad to be home and looking forward to a low key week.

CREATING A COZY HOME

Those who know me well know that I love a cozy home! Just the thought of it instantly brings a smile to my face :) I want my home to be inviting and for others to feel just as cozy as I do when they are visiting. These are a few of the things I have incorporated into my home that help me truly enjoy the space.

Comfortable seating and throws- We purchased these chairs (they recline!) earlier this year and we spend quite a bit of time here chatting, reading books or searching the internet!

Candles- Give me all the candles! I love them and try to light them as much as possible. They instantly create a cozy atmosphere!

Lamps- When I wake up in the morning and come downstairs, I turn on a lamp and have my quiet time. It takes me a minute to actually wake up in the morning so the last thing I want is bright light everywhere. I actually need to invest in more lamps for my living area. 

Throw pillows- Such an easy way to change up the look of your decor. I think pillows make a sofa more inviting and give a more completed look to a living space. 

Baskets- I love to put my extra throws in a basket. I purchased mine at TJ Maxx. They always have a great selection at a good price.

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Slow music- I like to play music throughout day and some of my favorite stations on Pandora include Hymns 4 Worship and Sara Bereilles. 

There you have it! Hope these ideas help you create a cozy home :) and I will leave you with a picture of someone who loves a cozy home maybe a little more than I do! He he!