Lifestyle

DIY Orange Garland

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. Rewind to mid-November when I text our realtor about a house that we fell in love with. A few days later we went to see it. Then, we found ourselves back again for another visit. And by that night we put an offer on the house. Two days later it was ours. Ours. This dream house right before the holidays. Waving goodbye to what we’ve known and ushering in the new.

Between a new home at our fingertips, a six month old and all the joys and newness that six whole months vibrant personality brings, and trying to savor the holiday season, the thought of to-do lists and enjoyment have collided this holiday season. But here’s the thing, this December may be the craziest one to date but I don’t think we’ve ever experienced such an abundance of love like this either. Since it’s Capri’s first Christmas we agreed that some decor should and would make an appearance, even if it was only for a short time. So even though our halls aren’t fully decked, that’s okay. Even though gifts are under a fake tree right now, that’s okay. Even though boxes look like they are the star of the show, thats okay because it gave me the perfect opportunity to stop, pause, and reflect on the true meaning of this season and to slow down. And even though the glitz and glam of it all isn’t present decor-wise, the other night I envisioned something simple, cozy, and welcoming that I couldn’t shake and had to recreate. A few days later I found myself buying some oranges, playing Christmas music and soaking up this season as I strung dried oranges on some string.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________Simply preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Slice (very thinly) the desired amount of orange slices you want to string. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place orange slices on sheet. Place in the oven for about four hours or until dehydrated. Once dried, poke a hole in each orange slice and string through. I like this string the best. Hang with greenery or by itself.

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Also, don’t forget about this giveaway! Only a few more days to enter! xo

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year Giveaway

When I asked my friends and family what giveaway they were most likely to enter, I got the same resounding answer..”Anything from Urban Southern!” And I hear you! Guys, I could go on and on about these ladies and the bags/products. From the sweetest, most personable owners, to the best bags, I love this company! I have talked about their bags before but I’m just going to add two more cents about them for now. I have three of their bags and they have been, hands down, the most durable, versatile, and beautifully crafted bags I have ever owned. And I don’t say that lightly. It is by far one of the most asked about pieces I have ever carried and I respond with a huge smile because I JUST LOVE THEM! In the spirit of the most wonderful time of the year, I’m teaming up with Urban Southern to give one winner a free Ruby-Wristlet Wallet in the color of their choice!

Enter the rafflecopter below, making sure you follow all the steps to be qualified to win. The giveaway will close on Monday, December 10th and the winner will be announced here on December 11th. Be sure to check back and good luck! xo

In the meantime, sign up for Urban Southern’s newsletter to receive 10% off and cross some Christmas presents off your list!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 2018

Somehow it already feels like Thanksgiving was forever ago and it should already be December. Either way, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas might possibly be my favorite time of year. I’m soaking it all up and reliving our November with you. 🙂

What we’re eating this week:My Grain Free Granola for breakfasts and snacks and then……we had my Sausage, Potato, and Leek Soup for dinner!

What I’m reminiscing about:Almost exactly a year ago we announced some big news! 😉 

What we’ve been up to:And now a year later, she was dedicated at church. Life is so crazy and amazing!

What I’m dreading:

Nothing!

What I’m working on:

A meal plan for you! I can’t say exactly when it’s coming but it is! 🙂

What I’m excited about:

                               

 One of my co-workers got the book The Pout-Pout Fish for Capri. Eric and I always quote it because it’s just one of those cute books that get stuck in your head. Fast forward to trying to stock up on some holiday books to have out for Capri (I know she’s so little but it will be fun in the years to come) and as I was shopping I randomly spotted The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish! I had no idea this book even existed!

What I’m watching/reading:

Home Alone 2! It beats the first Home Alone every time! 

This month I finished up a women’s bible study where we read (and watched) Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I’ll keep it short and sweet by saying this study is life-changing is so powerful!

What I’m listening to:

Still this. All day long.

What I’m doing this weekend:

Getting together with friends, family, and doing holiday things. 🙂 

What I’m looking forward to next month:

A giveaway is happening on Monday! Be sure to check back.

Hint: A lot of you had said you would want something from this place. 😉 

What else is new:

I’m slowly but surely moving my recipes here so be sure to follow along. I also got Facebook back if you want to follow along there too!

Follow me on Bloglovin and Pinterest also!

2018 in review:

October 2018

September 2018

August 2018

July 2018

June 2018

April 2018

March 2018

February 2018

January 2018

Cyber Monday 2018

With having a six month old (as of today! gaaah), Christmas shopping on Cyber Monday via my couch never sounded so beautiful. Here are some round ups of my favorite deals today!

Vitamix Blender: I feel like I should work for Vitamix because I talk about it all the time. I love ours so much. I use it at least once a day (sometimes two or three times) for smoothies, dressings, and especially this time of year when I blend soups. (I can’t wait to use it for baby food too!) It is so powerful blending up even the tiniest chia seeds and greens. It’s over $130 off today and under $300. If you are wondering whether to get this is a gift or simply for your family, today is the day!

All-Clad Stainless Steel Pan: I talked about this pan in a Friday Favorites a few weeks ago. Yes it is a splurge but YES it is worth every single penny! We use it every day and love the way it cooks. It’s $70 off today and such a deal! 🙂

Keurig Coffee Maker: This is the Keurig we have and it works great for us. It’s a single serve cup and I love it. It’s $20 off today and under $80. Yes. Under $80! I feel like this is a no-brainer as a gift idea or if you are in store for a new coffee maker. (And my favorite K Cups!)

Williams Sonoma: They have great deals in general today. Up to 70% off!

Young Living: They are offer huge sales today! I have come to love their products and use them in almost every area of life. They are offering 20% off select Thieves, Ningxia, and make-up products today only! My favorites from the thieves line? Cleaner, dish soap, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. I love the “Crowned All Over” bronzer also!

Minted: (Where we bought our Christmas cards last year). They’re offering 25% off and free shipping today!

Target: I buy such an assortment from Target (who doesn’t?!) and there are discounts on just about everything, plus an additional 15% off today.

Antique Candle Works: Buy two candles get one free! Yes please! 🙂 These are all over our house and I’m currently burning, “Good Tiding” and/or “Christmas Day” on repeat!

First Aid Beauty: 30% off! Use code: FUNDAY.

What deals did I miss? What are your favorites? Tell me in the comments so I don’t miss out. 😉 Happy Monday!

Holiday Gift Guide

I know, I know…there are a million and one holiday gift guides out there. To be honest, mine might not be much different than someone else’s. BUT..I love gaining inspiration from others and reading what people are finding and loving this time of year from Santa. 😉 So if you like my recipes, or whatever..you may want to know what some of my must-have’s are. So here you have it! These still remain my favorites from March when I did my 100 favorite things..so keep an eye out for them on black Friday and order some stocking stuffers or gifts from your couch! Happy Thanksgiving!Boots/ Alex and Ani/ Coffee/ Milk Paint/ Camera/ Baby Blocks/We Are in a Book!/ Bow/ Teether/ Heart Pant/ Hand Soap/ Smoothing Serum/ Linen Tea Towel/ Rose Baby Pant/ Sandals/Reishi / Himalayan Pink Salt/ Tote/ JarsJuicer/ Pitcher/ Vanilla Collagen/ Cacao Powder/Area Rug/ Simple Green Smoothies/ Nikes/ Nail Polish/ Socks/ Moisturizer/ Vitamix/ Food Processor/ JND Spoons/ Maca Powder/ Coconut Oil/ Cacao Nibs/ Chia Seeds/ Hemp Hearts/ Flaked Coconut/ Clarisonic/ Coconut Butter/ Food Babe/ Moccasins/ VaselineRobe/ Lemon Tea Towel/ Collagen Peptides/ 12 Benefits/ Water Bottle/ Mixer/ Antique Candle Works/ Flaxseed/ Face Cleanser/ Faux Tan / Dates/ Bergamot/ Frankincense/Curling Iron/ Coconut Palm Sugar/ Vitamin D/ Lavanila/ Cork Earrings/ JND Necklace/ Recipe Cards/ Mascara/ Matcha Stick/ North Face/ Bittersweet/ Granola/ Plantain Chips/ Earrings/ Perfume/ Letters to My Daughters

 

   

Lovebug/ Lemon Bow/ Basket/ Sleeper/ Sleeper /Market Tote/ Floral Romper/ Peach Pants/Zippered Pink  /Bamboo Diffuser/ Magnolia Pitcher/ Prep Bowls/ Hunters Boots

I know, I know…there are a million and one holiday gift guides out there. To be honest, mine might not be much different than someone else’s. I love gaining inspiration from others and reading what other people are finding and loving this time of year from Santa. 😉 But you know what? If you like my recipes, or whatever..you may want to know what some of my must-have’s are. So here you have it! These still remain my favorites from March when I did my 100 favorite things..so keep an eye out for them on black Friday and order some stocking stuffers or gifts from your couch! Happy Thanksgiving!