DIY Pomander Balls // Deck the Halls {Christmas craft}

Show of hands, who's done decorating for Christmas? If you're like me than you've just begun, haha. In the spirit of holiday crafting, I'm so excited to introduce you to today's guest poster, my kindred spirit, Dana. When I need my eco-conscious questions answered, she's my go-to. Everyone needs a Dana in their lives. She agreed to share an easy, low-waste DIY holiday craft for orange and clove pomander balls!

Currently 019

Finally got my scheduling down and was able to join in Anne's Currently link up, on time! I hope this sets the tone for the rest of the month because I need it 

Wrapping |

We do a book advent and I have yet to wrap any of our Christmas books!! I'm sorry, but with Thanksgiving being late this year combined with decorating for Christmas early (never again! Lol) I am completely confused and now behind.

Baking |

It's the second annual Sweets and Cookie Exchange at Cindy's house this Sunday and the girls and I are making Oreo fudge and baby cakes (which are actually cookies). I'll share the recipes in a recap post next week!

Lighting |

In an effort to root the true meaning of Christmas in our children's hearts, this is our second year of following Marty Machowski's Prepare Him Room and lighting a weekly advent wreath.

Sending |

As early as I got our Christmas cards printed, I have given out exactly one. Mailed those babies out yesterday and hoping they make their widespread destinations.

Enjoying |

The fact we are in school/work for three weeks until we're off for another two! I feel spoiled and yet crave that home time!

What are you celebrating this month?

  
   

Thoughts on Simplifying the Season // Blog Hop

This marks the second Christmas that we have been living in Arkansas. The second round of holidays I have been without my mom and gramma. Brian without his mom and stepdad. Is it weird I still feel untethered? For the sake of sounding like a baby, I have never not been around my family and it feels completely unnatural.

Merry Mail 2019// Our personalized Christmas cards from Basic Invite

This post is sponsored by Basic Invite. All opinions are my own. 

This year has been the earliest I have ever gotten my Christmas cards printed. Like, Who Am I right now? To say I'm impressed with myself is a huge understatement, haha. But I can't take all the credit (only the coordinating outfits, photo shoot location and bribes for smiling are on me) the real MVP is Basic Invite.

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

Our first Christmas in NWA is in the books. It was a bittersweet celebration as we make our own traditions here in Arkansas away from our California Family but I have to keep reminding myself new and different isn't bad and to enjoy the process.

I mean <3 Just look at his face!

Cookie Exchange // chocolate cherry shortbread {recipe}

This past weekend we enjoyed our very first Cookie Exchange! Now, I've been part of a virtual party before, but let me tell you, a real one is so much tastier! I'm still savoring the last ones and rationing them out, ha! 

Sending Christmas cheer // Our Christmas cards 2018

This post is sponsored by Shutterfly but all opinions as always are my own.

I made myself a hard and fast promise this year. After all the hecticness of a summer move; the acclimation to a new state; the start of a new school year; and all the ensuing feels of celebrating our first holidays without our California families, I committed to sending out Christmas cards BY December 1st. With Shutterfly, I have met my goal and surpassed my own expectations. Hashtag winning.

The beginning of Christmas traditions

The advent season is so short that we like to start celebrating the day after Thanksgiving, which I lovingly refer to as “Christmas Friday”. As my kids are get older keeping the Christmas spirit alive has become a personal goal. Here are a few things we do in our home during December. This post is sponsored by Package from Santa. All opinions are my own.

Our Christmas cards 2017

I'm banking on everyone having received our Christmas cards as not to spoil the surprise ;) Thanks to Shutterfly for the beautiful cards. All opinions {and cute family} are my own. 

Is it a surprise we went with Shutterfly again for cards?! I mean, with how amazing Clark’s birth announcements turned out, I would be crazy not to.

I feel like the card designing process is something I look forward to every year. It's the one thing solely in my control versus the crazy that is family photos (I'm still traumatized over our two sessions!) With all the fun finishes- glitter! Foil! Die cutting! It's no wonder it takes me several hours playing graphic designer. I actually had 14 different cards ready, down to card liners and envelope designs (with addressing done! What a time saver!) to which I had Brian pick the winner.

I was drawn to gold foil like a moth to a flame but surprisingly, Brian went with a non-traditional greeting; I just love the message and it's uniqueness! 

Wishing you & yours a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas cards 2016 | 2015

   

   

Picture Perfect gifts with Mpix

How are we only a few days away from Christmas?! I'm shocked but feeling prepared, which is another shocker. Can I confess something? I’m a last minute shopper. Gasp! I know it seems unlikely considering how Type A I am but that's just how I roll. But not this year! Thank you to Mpix for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Nope, this year I have all our gifts purchased, wrapped and ready to go! Why is this year different? I outsourced! (This was a MUST having a baby and all.) And I went for heartfelt with photo gifts!

I was recently introduced to Mpix earlier this year and I have to say I am so glad I was! The quality is great, the turnaround time was less than a week and the prints were packaged securely so no bent edges or scratches.

I went for 8x10 and 5x7 mounted enlargements, two with the canvas finish. I also had 2 metal ornaments made but those I kept for myself ;) I know our family members who are receiving these prints will love them. After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words. With a wide range of products including super cool wooden prints and fun 3D statuettes that were seriously calling to me, you will surely find the perfect gift! 

If your'e looking for a printing company, look no further! You'll be one happy Mpix customer. 

   

   

Package from Santa // a review

Kinsey got the sweetest letter in the mail (it isn't everyday she gets letters just for her!) Just look at that happy face! What was in the letter you ask? A personalized message straight from Santa himself!

Guys, I can’t say enough good things about Package from Santa! The whole process was easy; from selecting the letter format I wanted (I went with the Christian theme but there were six others to choose from) to filling in the personal details (I will note any company that includes the eye color as specific as “green-blue” will always be dear to my and Kinsey’s heart! Now that is attention to detail!) Nothing was left out and the quality is amazing.

I’m saving the call from Santa for Christmas Eve but Kinsey viewed her personalized video from the jolly Elf. She was so quiet while she watched and when it ended she announced, “Well, I'm not surprised he knows my name, he’s Santa.” Can’t argue with that! I was amazed by the editing, it was flawless.

Do yourself and your child/ren a favor and get Package from Santa! You still have three more days to order to get it in time for Christmas! Order at Package from Santa and save 25% OFF your order when you use FAMS17 at checkout.

Bonus, use this link to personalize your own Nice List Guide! I made one for both girls already :)