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holiday décor and ramblings

If we are judging by the weather solely, in Atlanta where a slight chill on the wind this time of year makes seasonal sense to light a fireplace,  indulge in a TV show and a mug of hot chocolate, this  year it is beginning to NOT look a lot  like Christmas.

The weather has been so warm that I am really having a difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit. The elves have moved all of maybe 10 times total and within the same 5 feet radius. I’m pretty over them at this point.

I’ve managed to sprinkle a few Christmas decorations about here and there.

Holiday home decor

I’ve visited homes this season that put my meager decorations to shame. I’m okay with it, because I’m planning to hit up the after Christmas sales and pick up some good ornaments and other decor for next year. I’ll refrain from showing you a photo of the tree because well frankly it looks like it belongs in a Kindergarten class

Holiday home decor

I let Addison decorate the tree this year, and it is full of her handmade decorations. Each child got two years and this is her last. Next year I see visions of a beautiful well coordinated pre lit false tree with cascading ribbons and glass ornaments. I’ll get them individual tress for their rooms next year that they can decorate.

Holiday home decor

A few touches here and there have given our home some Christmas cheer

Holiday home decor

On this 22nd day of December I’m happy to say all of my Christmas shopping is done. I know I said I wasn’t a fan of online shopping. I lied.

I did everything online and it was the best thing EVER.

Holiday home decor

We refrained from going overboard this year. Each child was granted three things that they really wanted. Two of the items my son wanted still needs to be purchased from the store and we’ll grab those items today.

Holiday home decor

We’ve gotten a plethora of Christmas cards over the past few days. My stepdaughter wasn’t with us over Thanksgiving and I didn’t feel comfortable sending out a photo card without her in it.  I’ll set up my tripod over the next few days and capture a photo of all of us and send out New Years cards instead.

About Christmas dinner? I’m not cooking.

I’m sure we’ll have people over but that job will be on my husband this year. He might want to get out to the grocery store because if I had my way we would be putting our legs up under another family’s table in exchange for washing the dishes and bringing a dessert.

How are your last few days of Christmas prep going? Are you done shopping? Are you just getting started?

What’s for dinner? I might fall through!

 

Holidays Living

fab top five christmas gift guide

The most wonderful time of the year comes with the responsibility to purchase gifts for the secret santa exchange, teachers, family members etc.

This month the Fab Top Five is giving you our top picks for easy and affordable Christmas gifts for the plethora of people on your list.

As a busy mom on the go here are my picks for must have items to make life stylish and convenient.

Gift Guide for Moms on the Go

 

  1. While waiting at a lesson and listing to a podcast or talking on the phone hands free these gold earbuds and microphone set are everything for just $9.99
  2. Don’t take a chance on remembering those spur of the moment thoughts and tasks. This Kate Spade notepad is perfect to keep in your purse or car – $14
  3. Keep your pens, lipstick, earbuds or any other necessities in this “All the Stuff I Need” pouch that you can grab and go when you don’t absolutely need your purse – $12
  4. I have discovered the crossbody bag and it is my favorite for hands free everyday use – $39
  5. For drinking on the go this mug not only steeps tea leaves but can also take fresh coffee grounds. Great for that tea and/or coffee lover on the go – $15

Lashawn’s Top 5 Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life

Photographer Gift Guide

  1. FujiFilm X100t Mirrorless Camera  http://amzn.to/1OI2USK
  2. Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II Zoom Lens  http://amzn.to/1IqKBSA
  3. Artifact Uprising’s Lay Flat Photo Album http://bit.ly/afuprisinglayflat
  4. The Kelly Moore Esther Bag http://bit.ly/kellymoorecamerabag
  5. Manfrotto Compact Travel Tripod  http://amzn.to/1IqLb2K

Bernetta’s Top Five Favorite Things

Christmas Gift Guide

  1. Apple Watch Sport 38 mm in rose gold $380  http://amzn.to/1XyjnjS
  2. UP3 by Jawbone activity tracker $140 http://amzn.to/21v9UJC
  3. UP3 by Jawbone activity tracker $140 http://amzn.to/21v9UJC
  4. EMU Australia Little Creatures boots $85 http://amzn.to/1Ip13Tq
  5. LuMee Phone Case $49.95 http://amzn.to/1NHtdv7

Kita’s 5 Gifts Under $50

Kita

  1. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime: Comfort Classics, Freezer Food, 16-Minute Meals, and Other Delicious Ways to Solve Supper! 17.99  http://amzn.to/1QjUS4m
  2. Swissmar S8117 Universal Can Strainer 16.95 http://amzn.to/1Q4Povx
  3. WeMo Switch, Wi-Fi Enabled, Control your Electronics from anywhere, Compatible with Amazon Echo 42.00 http://amzn.to/1N7LWdP
  4. PowerLine PowerCup 200/400 Watt Mobile Inverter with USB Power Port 90309 27.00 http://amzn.to/1Tpbzui
  5. Amazon.com Gift Cards – In a Gift Box – Free One-Day Shipping 50.00 http://amzn.to/1PDYS0Q

MJ’s Top 5 Gifts for Girly and Geeky Toddlers

MJ

  1. 8 Piece Tegu Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set, Tints http://bit.ly/Tegu8PC
  2. Geeky Girly Tee $18 http://bit.ly/GeekyGirlyTee
  3. KidKraft My Dreamy Dollhouse with Furniture $114.99 http://bit.ly/dreamydollhouse
  4. Ferrari 458 Italia Radio Control Vehicle $19.97 http://bit.ly/RemoteFerrari
  5. Basic Roominate $19.95 http://bit.ly/roominatebasic

 

*This post contains affiliate links

 

Living

ramblings

Lawd. The whirlwind of Thanksgiving is over and now we are on the race to Christmas and the start of a new year.

This weekend was full of family and fun but I am ready to get December started as I am working on something new that I can’t wait to share with you all. It may be ready before the end of the year but for some reason for the ease of things I may hold off until January 4 to roll it out.

I am so excited for the new year. Something about Mondays, the first day of any month and the beginning of a new year make me feel like I have an official new start to make awesome things happen.

One thing I want to start doing more in 2016 is reading more than just fiction. My first book is Year of  Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Thanks to Amazon Prime I’ll have it Tuesday.

Speaking of getting my thoughts in order for 2016 I need to start planning a vision board party. I did one last year. I need to pull it out to see what came of my vision for 2015.

I’ve been on way too many Youtube channels about planning. I just ordered a laminator. Not sure what I am going to do with it but I’ll let you know.

I forgot to move the elves last night and had to think quick on my feet.

How was your Thanksgiving?

 

 

Living

saturday snapshot

A few weeks ago I shared a few photos from the fall photo shoot I did of my children. While at the park my son had the genius idea to re-create this photo I took of them in 2011 and I thought it came out super hilarious.

It’s amazing how fast they grow!