Friday Confessions

 Happy Friday friends! It has been a week since the New Year has begun and I'm finally getting around to showing this little blog of mine some love! But, better late than never right! Today, I will participating in my Friday confessions...

I confess... I'm "sending Josh to camp" this upcoming week to learn some old fashioned wood working! His Uncle is really crafty and joked over Christmas that Josh should come and spend a week with him to learn how to build things. Well I fell head over heals for the idea and after discussing what Josh could potentially make and his availability, Josh is heading to camp this Sunday. I'm really excited to see what he can create and I can't wait for the new pieces that he is making to enter my home!

When I was at Hobby Lobby the other day, I saw this cute little wood panels. I'm hoping Josh could make this or at least the wood paneling for it :)

I confess... I've been spending entirely way too much time on FaceBook recently! I'm constantly checking it and it is taking up way too much of my time. So, I'm gonna start working on only checking it twice a day... once in the morning and once in the evening! Wish me luck. Anyways, a benefit to checking Facebook regularly is you get to be tempted by every video by Tasty and you get to read a lot of funny things (below is one of those funny things).

I confess... over break I barely walked anywhere! So, I'm happy to be back in PA where my daily average is 8,000 steps and I usually walk 4-5 miles a day. Cheers to losing the four holiday pounds I packed on this year (sugar cookies are my weakness)!

I confess... all I want right now is a good cup of hot cocoa! Did anyone watch The Polar Express over this holiday season? Well, they know how to make animated hot cocoa look enchantingly delicious. If anyone is seeking my friendship, a cup of hot cocoa with some whipped cream on top is a sure in!

I confess... I leave for my staff retreat tomorrow and thus say goodbye to this man of mine! We got to spend a few days together when I moved back to PA and it was beyond marvelous. We went running, cooked delicious meals together, and watched a lot of movies. My favorite sous chef is the best guy I know and I couldn't be happier with him by my side!

There you have my five Friday confessions! I hope you all have a wonderful Friday, weekend, and life in general. As I get back into this thing called life, I promised I'll be around way more. Having two and a half weeks off was just way too good for me. And sitting around on a computer writing, when I could have been with family, friends, or binging on netflix just won the battle for my time!

xoxo
- Alex

Merry Christmas Darling

Merry Christmas blog land! It's officially Christmas Eve and I have a plan to get the most out of Christmas Day. It goes like this... go to sleep really early Christmas Eve Eve... like 8PM early! Wake up at 6:30AM naturally on Christmas Eve, by the rain tapping your windows (White Christmas are so over rated, right?). Work like a little Christmas elf on Christmas Eve. Attend holiday parties in the evening and deny coffee politely when it is offered. Exhaust yourself by 9PM, thus forcing yourself to fall asleep by 10PM at the latest. Then, get as much sleep as possible so you can wake up as early as possible and help with the Christmas festivities and give your presents. 

Now, I realize in probably five years I'll re-read this advice when I have children and I'll laugh because all I would have to do is add one child to this plan and boom I'll be ready for bed at 9PM every night... but, for now I'll savor the moments when I plan to fall asleep early! 

Anyways, I am enjoying this holiday season. I have been home for a little over a week now and have enjoyed my time off. I've been sleeping in, knitting squares (literally... because I can't knit), watching movies, reading books, baking, snuggling with my puppies, and have been getting in to this Christmas spirit. 

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year! Partly because I have two weeks off, but also because of all of the traditions. I'm really looking forward to the next 48 hours spent with all of my family members, as many sugar cookies as my eyes can see, and time spent learning how to cook a Christmas year with my mom.

As I write this post from the comfort of my parents' sofa I just saw the funniest little Today Show advice on how to have a "Hassle Free Holiday." They featured different topics for example, teaching children to give thanks, dealing with a mean relative, and appreciating your significant other. My dad and I really chuckled at the signifiant other advice on ways to not let your significant other get lost in the holiday happenings.

It got me thinking... that really the holidays should be stress free! I mean sure there are meals to prepare, relatives to catch up with, and presents to purchase and wrap. But, the true meaning of Christmas is joy! So, that is what I'm going to bring to this Christmas' celebrating... tons of JOY! So, I hope you all have a joyous holiday and bring holiday joy to others as well.

Happy Holidays

This is my first holiday season away from a Catholic school... Since Kindergarten I have always attended Catholic school. I remember making advent wreaths, singing Christmas carols, and Santa even visiting school. When I got hired to work at public university, I didn't think much about how working at a public institution would impact my faith. I remember acknowledging that there weren't any crucifixes already hanging in my apartment when I moved in, but I just hung my cross and went on my way. As this holiday season started to approach and my desires to Christma-fy everything in my life grew stronger, I started to evaluate how saying "Merry Christmas" played a role in my life. 

Now, it's no secret on this blog of mine... but, I love Christmas. I love baking cookies, listening to the music, and finding that perfect gift for someone. I love sending Christmas letters with kind notes in them. I love meeting up with friends and being reunited with family members. I love reading my Advent devotional with my boyfriend and talking about how Jesus plays a role in our lives. I love ripping off the links on my Christmas chain and counting down the days until Jesus is born! And I used to love saying "Merry Christmas" to every single person I came upon. But, as I learn more about myself and this big world with a ton of different people in it... I have felt the profound call to wish people "Happy Holidays." I still profoundly love Christmas and will continue to relish in the holiday that promotes love, family, and giving. But, I think I can truly promote this giving holiday by meeting everyone where they are at. 

I snagged this from Facebook and really liked it!

So, I wish you a Happy Holiday. I wish that you are filled with the joy that the holiday season can bring. Whether you celebrate Christmas with a Christian mindset, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, St. Lucia Day, Bodhi Day, Sol Invictus, Yalda, Yule, Pancha Ganapati, Chalica, Soyal... etc! So, for the remainder of this holiday season I am going to read and learn about a different "holiday" every day. My goal is to learn more about other faiths, traditions, and practices. I also hope to continue to learn how to be more inclusive of everyone who I come across. The true meaning of Christmas to me is spreading love and joy to every single person I meet. So Happy Holidays, friends!

Weekend Recap 12/7/15

Happy Monday friends! And Happy Last-Work-Week-Until-The-Holidays! I've been loving life over here in PA and this Christmas/Advent season has been beyond lovely and full of so many amazing blessings. This weekend was truly full of holiday spirit and I cannot wait until I get home and can see my family and friends!

On Friday, I took a couple of RAs caroling at the local nursing home. We were hoping to recruit some students, but no one showed up! So, we took what could have been a bad event and turned it into quite the performance. Also, on a side note I would love you all to try to sing Frosty the Snowman completely... turns out there is a whole section that I completely forgot!

When we got back I enjoyed celebrating my awesome DAs for DA Appreciation Day! We had a huge party and it was really nice thanking them for all of their handwork and dedication. Immediately following that I went to the RA Holiday Social! We built human snowmen, had mini snow-ball fights, cookies and hot chocolate, and enjoyed a few hours of quality bonding. I seriously appreciate these RAs of mine and I am so blessed for a great staff to start off building my supervisory style.

On Saturday, Josh came up and brought up this adorable and totally vintage manger scene for my Christmas tree. Josh and I love the holidays and every tradition that comes with it. This manger scene reminds me of my mom's! I can't wait to go home and see everyone. I'm definitely missing Christmas in MD, but Christmas in PA has turned out to be quite wonderful.

After the manger was set up and Josh and I cleaned my apartment, we were officially ready to host this year's Christmas Party with all of our friends from college. I had twelve of the greatest friends come up and we hit it off. We made mozzarella cappers bites, buffalo chicken dip, holiday guacamole, and pretzels with queso. I love hosting, but I sure don't like the mess that comes with it. Especially when you don't have a dishwasher... but, now is not the time for complaining. I am just so grateful that I got to see all of my wonderful friends and made new memories. I really miss this group of peeps and I'm looking forward to New Years Eve and seeing them all again.

On Sunday morning, I woke up and we made a huge breakfast spread. I now have a ton of pancakes, which I'll probably incorporate into a program this week for my students and Finals Week. After everyone left, St. Nicholas stopped by my apartment and left me the cutest little ornament in my shoes... see what I'm saying, Josh remembers every Christmas tradition in the book.

I'm really looking forward to this upcoming week and enjoying time with my co-workers before I head home for a wonderful holiday with my family. I hope your week is enjoyable and I'll check back in with you all soon.

Balancing the Holidays

Happy December Everyone! I can't believe the holidays are fast approaching... and with that comes my desire to PLAN EVERYTHING. I have about two weeks until I get two and a half weeks off work and I am so PUMPED. However, although I love the holidays today I'm going to talk about something that can put a little joyous strain on the holiday season.

As you all have probably assumed the holidays are probably my favorite time of year. I love spending so much time with the people that I love and catching up with people who I don't see nearly enough. I am also a hard core traditionalist. I love our annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party at my Aunt Paula's and I love our gag gift exchange at my Grandma's! It's no secret in my family that I hold the holiday season with high expectations and want to keep to our traditions at all costs. However, what happens when you have someone in your life who you want to share those traditions with?

Conflict. Now, I don't use the C-word lightly. I know a lot of you may fear that word. But, its apart of our lives and let's face it, it's apart of the holiday season as well. Conflict arises when someone burns the marshmallows on the sweet potatoes (Sorry, Mom I still haven't let that go) or when someone gives you a surprising gift and you have nothing ready in return. Conflict can arise when you're out shopping for that perfect sweater and they are completely out of your size. Conflict can come when you don't cut out enough wrapping paper. But, regardless of whether you're mad at your wrapping abilities or at a relative who continuously asks you what you are doing with your life... it's important for us all to embrace the holiday conflicts. However, :"one does not simply" embrace the holiday conflict. So, it's important to have a game plan on how you'll handle them when they do pop up. 

A common holiday conflict is learning how to balance the holidays with your special someone. After all, out of all of the fish in the sea you have chosen that person to spend your time with. How do you choose who's family to visit, at what time to visit them, and for how long you will stay? How do you manage every family's traditions without hurting anyone's feelings and still being together in the process? I got lucky in choosing a person who shares my love for the holidays and traditions! But, that definitely creates problems when we both want to be in two places at once. For example, I really want to experience Christmas Eve mass with him and his family and at the same time I so desperately want him to open a gag gift with my family. You see the predicament?

3 Tips to Having a Stress Free Holiday Season with 

Your Significant Other & Family

one... plan ahead! Sit down with your significant other two months before the holidays begin. Sitting down early can help you plan in the least unbiased way as possible. Discuss all of the different options and split every event as evenly as possible.

two... go with the flow! Sometimes you can't always be together and that's okay. Sometimes the holiday conversation goes down a dangerous path to "the future" so make sure you're aware of what you are saying and reflect on how what you say can impact others.

three... pack your beauty essentials! I can't tell you how many times this has saved me! I'm a huge napper in the car, but nothing ruins your hair like a static-y pillow. Always carry a few extra bobby pins and some gel. It will help you in the long run when you are driving to two or three different Christmas dinners!

This year, we have both decided to spend the holidays apart, which without a doubt is not my favorite solution. But, it was important for us to recognize how important these traditions are for us and to recognize that one day we will have our own. So, for now we have to do what is best for our families, which is the true meaning of Christmas. It's important to remember that everyone wants to see everyone during the holidays and balancing that is probably the trickiest, but also the best thing you can do!

Thanksgiving Break 2015

Happy Cyber Monday friends!! Hope you are all enjoying the day and the deals... comment below and where you're finding the best steals. I'm the worst at shopping. Even when I coupon, I always seem to spend more money. I need to take a serious class on coupon 101. Anyways, today I'm going to recap about a wonderful few days off. 

On Wednesday afternoon, I went wedding dress shopping with my friend Amanda and after we settled on her dress, we ended up getting together with all of the bridesmaids and tried on potential bridesmaids dresses. These girls are so fun and we are all amazingly the same size... which is really exciting. We tried on probably five or six dresses before we ended up deciding to go back to the first one we tried on. However, we have almost 10 months until the wedding so we have plenty of time to find the best dresses. 

 After bridesmaid dress shopping concluded, I met up with my favorite family to see The Hunger Games! It is our Thanksgiving tradition to go see a movie and we had to go on Wednesday because our schedules didn't align to go on Friday night. I love this tradition and I'm sad that next Thanksgiving we won't have another Hunger Games to go watch. But, maybe another movie will be premiering and we will be able to see that.

On Thursday, we traveled a lot. We went to visit my Aunt Holly's and my dad's mom. The SNL video of Adele's Hello has turned out to be quite the conversation starter and I have shown so many people it. So, if you're wondering were all of the million of views have come from... it's probably from me!

We always end up matching.. even when we don't try!

On Friday night, I drove up to Josh's parents' house and I spent the remainder of the weekend with the. We traveled to Pittsburgh, ate Meadow's ice cream, consumed two plates of stuffing, and did Thanksgiving crafts. I love going up to Pittsburgh and seeing his extended family. We only see them twice a year, so it is quite the event when all of his family is together under one roof.

On Sunday, I finally made it to the gym to make up for all of the stuffing I have consumed over the past few days. We will see how the scale looks tomorrow... except I also consumed a ton of cookie dough today as well. So, the scale could go either way! But, I successfully baked 200 sugar cookies for all of the Ship RAs. We have our end of the year staff wide party, so I'm going to contribute sugar cookies (not gluten free) and cookie word searches to the holiday bags. I have been loving my experiences at Ship and have learned so many cool ways to appreciate others.

An extreme mess

Anyways friends it's going to be a busy busy week! I have a holiday party for my Hall Council tomorrow night, several conduct hearings and settlement agreements, and a friend holiday party to prepare for. But, God is good and it's officially the Christmas season so bring on the holiday cheer. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving friends! I hope you are all enjoying this delicious and thankful holiday as much as I am. Today, marks day 26 of my grateful project and I have been doing pretty good! There have been some days that I have missed people, but I have been working hard on making up for it. I have sent cards, called family members, sent positive text messages and wrote thoughtful Facebook posts. And it has had an amazing affect on my life. Not only am I more grateful to everyone in my life, but I have also been spending more time evaluating who I spend most of my time on/with. When you work as much as I do it can be hard to balance calling your aunt and writing a letter to a friend. I love my work, but sometimes the hours are just not very supportive of a social life. 

However, one thing that I have been forgetting is that my work continuously challenges me to be self-aware. So, my grateful project kind of debuted through a variety of different programs. I have done two of my favorite thankful programs, which have really helped me think about everyone and everything I am grateful for. The first one, was my annual Thankful Tree -- where residents write on leaves what they are thankful for and enjoy some apple pie. The second was Thankful pumpkins -- where they write on orange strips and what they are grateful for coupled with some old fashioned coloring. It doesn't cost much (or really anything) to have your residents and friends reflect on what they are grateful for and it can be really flattering when someone mentions that they are thankful for you :) 

Anyways, blog world! I'm out. I hope you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you enjoy this holiday. 

Weekend Recap 11/16/15

It's been quite the holiday duty themed weekend! I know I'm like way early for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I couldn't help myself. So, on Thursday night I had my annual Thankful Tree and pie program. It's crazy to know that I've been doing this program for four years. It has kind of become a tradition and I loved doing this program on a building wide level. But, sadly I could only stay for a half hour because I was on duty and when the duty phone rings I have to respond! 

Friday morning started off with a bang as I said in my Friday Confessions! All of the Residence Directors and I got together to talk about our strengths that we discovered through StrengthsQuest! It was a great staff development morning that started off with my first caramel brûlée latte from Starbucks! After StrengthsQuest, my RD Buddies and I went to lunch, which was really fun! We ate delicious sushi that I really hope I can eat again soon.

Friday night I was a celebrity dealer for a Casino Program. I only got to deal one hand before I got called away for a duty call, which was probably a blessing in disguise because I was dealing Black Jack and despite what people say that "black jack is a simple game" it's not.

Saturday: Josh came up to visit and we went to the last home football game. Josh is a huge football fan and we really enjoyed snuggling up and watching the game! Ship isn't going to playoffs, but we still really enjoyed watching them win for Senior Day. Following the game, we came home and warmed up. Then we headed to church and had dinner at the dining hall. I have a certain amount of guess meals, so why not enjoy a free dinner? After dinner, we came home and put up my Christmas Tree. I know it is way too early, but it's beautiful and I couldn't wait any longer. Josh and I blared the Christmas tunes and had a blast.

On SundayAfter we put together and lit the Christmas tree, we snuggled up and watched a movie. We were long over due for a movie night and we tested out my new couch, which proves to be very comfortable!

Sunday: I put up the remainder of the decorations including my "Be Merry" sign that I won from a blog giveaway last year. Josh and I are officially decorating next weekend, but I needed to inventory what I need for my apartment. So, what the inventory tells me: I need ornaments, a tree skirt, and garland for my centerpieces. I am also thinking I may purchase a little mistletoe to put up over the arch in my kitchen. Not entirely sure what else I need... hopefully Target won't suck me in too badly!

Anyways, that's all for now folks! I have a fun week ahead full of class, programs, and work! I'm really looking forward to completing the final projects that I have and going home next week for Thanksgiving. Hope you all have a beautiful week :)

Give Thanks

So, now that November is underway I am going to work hard to appreciate this thankful month and try my best not to skip to December the giving month! So, I've decided to make a list of people who I am truly grateful for and do something nice for them during the month of November. My goal is to surprise them with a phone call, letter, or little treat to remind them that I truly appreciate them in my life.

 So, every day for the next month I have chosen 30 people to focus on! I thought it would be hard to choose 30 people to focus on... like do I even know 30 people? But, I realized that the hardest part was choosing only 30 people. So, as my calendar started to fill up with names... I started lumping people in to categories... like "RAs" or "Buddies."To help hold me accountable, I printed off two calendars (one for my office and one for my apartment). I also wrote notes on how I could appreciate these people the most. (I.E. some people may like a phone call or others might like a letter).

I try to be grateful for everyone, every day but sometimes life happens and I forget to call home as often as I should! Hopefully, this November I can bring joy to everyone in small ways!

Am I a Blogger?

I feel like I keep starting every post with... "sorry I haven't blogged for awhile." But, as we all know life is busy. With all of my graduation plans and work that still needs to be done, I have had to pick and choose what I spend my time on and who I spend my time with and sadly the blog has been cut from the majority of my time. However, there is hope! I'm hoping in 32 days when I graduate (cringing as I write that) and when I get settled in my new job, I'll be able to get back to blogging regularly. Until then, here I am writing catch up posts! 

Life lately has been moving really fast. I felt like February was the longest month ever and boom its April. When did that happen. Josh and I keep reminding ourselves to live in the moment. We love the old country song "you're gonna miss this... you're gonna want this back... you're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast." But, seriously if you need a reality check and need a slap in the face than listen to that song! I'm already feeling so somber about graduating and life just needs to slow the heck down!

Anyways, I'm feeling really grateful and mushy gushy after this Easter holiday! I got to see Josh twice over the weekend... once for a day full of adventures, which include a hot lunch date, ice-cream, nature walks, and egg dying with my family and then again for egg dying with his family and bunny cake decorating. We are busy bees, but knowing that we can still make time for each other and uphold family traditions means the world to me. 

 We tried glitter eggs this year... and let me just say they may be beautiful, but they sure are messy! Also a little PSA don't drop your egg into the bowl of glitter... it will get EVERYWHERE. 

 I love Easter. It is probably one of my favorite holidays. I love getting all dressed up for church, finding easter eggs, decorating easter eggs, having an easter basket full of goodies, and spending time with my family. I also am a big fan of brunch... more specifically Eggs Chesapeake... I love a crab cake and a poached egg. I have decided that if I ever become a mother I'm going to request that for my mother's day brunch or breakfast in bed.

 My Easter Basket this year focused on a few cute shirts, a candle for my apartment, and lemon soap. I told my mom I wanted a yellow and lemon themed kitchen and she ran with it!!

 I've also been more obsessed with the color blue than ever before. My boyfriend family always jokes at my obsession with navy blue and I'm here to openly admit that it is bad. I looked down at my Sunday church clothes and was like man, they are definitely right.

Advent Goals

I know I'm a few days late, but ADVENT is officially here and I couldn't be more excited to prepare for the coming of our Savior and to get ready for the holiday season. I absolutely love the holidays and Christmas has always held a special place in my heart. So, this year to get myself in the right state of mind I am trying really hard to prepare my soul for the holiday. This is something I feel like I have always slacked off on. Anyways, to get ready for baby Jesus to arrive on December 25th, I hope to complete and stay accountable on the following things!

Spending On Others, Not Myself

I know it is the holiday season, but recently I feel like I keep making excuses to buy myself something. Whether there was a special sale on clothes at my favorite store or a new hair products. Anyways, I have just become totally invested in Christmas shopping and giving myself little Christmas gifts. Well, no longer! Instead I want to spend on others. Whether that is in the collection basket at church or on my secret santa.

However, spending on others doesn't stop just at money. I also want to spend more time on others, which for me is actually (to me, anyways) way more meaningful. I want to give back to others this holiday season. I want people to know how important they are to me.

Praying More 

I am a big night time prayer person, but how about the morning! I'm really trying hard to wake up giving God the praise and worship he deserves. So, whether I sing my Christian music in the morning or start my day praying an Our Father, I want to work hard in this area of my life for advent and hopefully develop this as a habit which, I can continue in the future.

Reading My Advent Devotional 

Josh and I got advent devotionals and reflections from church last week and we have been reading it together every night which, I have loved. We also pick out key words or phrases that speak to us and it is interesting because when I read it something speaks to me and then I also try to pick out what spoke to him and so far I have been right. It is a wonderful feeling being able to pray with him and have the opportunity to get to know him on a personal level through God.

Less Complaining

I have been bogged down with papers and assignments. I feel like most of the time I have just been complaining about all of the papers and things I have to do. So, I'm hoping to complain less and just be so grateful for everything in my life. When people ask how I am, I don't want to respond with "oh I'm tired or I'm overwhelmed" Instead I want to have more positive outlook on life (which, includes the hard parts).

Being Active

I have been so tempted to just lay around my dorm room, sip hot chocolate, and watch holiday movies. Although, this is a nice way to get ready for the Christmas season I really want to avoid my inner couch potato and get outside. I want to take walks and play games. It is so easy to become sluggish and not live up to your full potential when the weather starts to get cold and I want to avoid that. 

Snowy Thanksgiving

As I stated on Monday, I wanted to recap this Thanksgiving for you guys. It was definitely one of the best thanksgivings I have ever had and I have discovered a new found love/addition for stuffing! But, I'll get into that later. 

On Wednesday...

Josh and I got to my parent's house late Tuesday night and we woke up to a splendid Winter wonderland on Wednesday. It was really nice to see snow for the first time this season, except for the fact that I had a slew of doctor appointment/check ups to go to! But, the good news is that I'm cavity free and loving life! 

When I came home from all of the doctors appointments, Josh and I went out a played in the snow! It was perfect snow for building snowmen and having snowball fights. We both really enjoyed building Chilly (Josh named him) and spending time together.

After, our winter play time was over we got ready to go to the Hons' annual poker night! We went to my aunt's and it was so nice seeing all of the Hons. I wish I saw my extended family more often but, we get together when we can!

Me, my grandma, and Brooke (sister)

On Thursday... 

we ate Turkey! Hahaha but, before Thanksgiving day celebrations happened... I got to spend a cozy morning on the sofa with Josh as we watched the Thanksgiving Day parade and ate bagels from Einstein Bagels!

We left for my Aunt Holly's house around 2 o'clock and we spent the remainder of the evening there. There was so much food present I was such a happy camper. My favorite thanksgiving day dish is my mom's Sweet Potato Casserole. My plate was 50% sweet potatoes, 15% mashed potatoes, 5% turkey, 20% vegetables, and the remainder was represented in gravy and cranberry topping.

I love getting together with the family and Thanksgiving is so special because it is literally all about family and being thankful and well food too! I'm so glad I got to spend Thanksgiving morning with Josh and end the evening on the couch watching football with my family.

On Friday & Saturday...
I worked at the Limited! It was Black Friday but, it wasn't too bad. I think I had two customers who were a little rude but, all and all it was really such a lovely day. I love working there and I'm kind of sad that I won't be working there over the Christmas holiday.

After my Black Friday shift was over, I met up with my family and a few members of my extended family for Mockingjay Part 1! They did an incredible job with the movie and I'm already thinking about when I can see it next. Once the movie was over and all the goodbyes were said, I headed up to PA to spend the night at Josh's! We went up to his family's Thanksgiving Celebration on Saturday, which was an absolute blast. I realized I have a love for stuffing and I'm kind of bummed that I am only now realizing it. I feel like I tried stuffing when I was little and I just didn't like it, but that phase of my taste buds are long gone!

On Sunday... 
I had a day in with Josh! He watched football, I napped, I read books, we did homework, I made us food, and we did Christmas crafts together. It was the perfect way to end break and I couldn't be any happier!

Anyways, that how I spent my Thanksgiving break. I sadly have a baby cold right now!

Hopefully the sniffles will go away soon, but for now I want to hear about your

Thanksgiving! What did you do that made it special (or not so special) this year?

Let's Be Thankful Swap Reveal

Happy Holidays friends! I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was beautiful! I'll be recapping what I did for the holidays later this week but, before I do I wanted to post about the Let's Be Thankful Swap that my blog friend, Meg and I hosted!

We came up with the idea a little over a month and a half ago and I really enjoyed partnering with her! Anyways, for the swap I got matched up with Kelcie who blogs over at Hammers and Hot Plates! It was a pleasure getting to know Kelcie and hearing about all of her favorite holiday traditions and learning the ins and the outs about remodeling their house. You should definitely visit her blog, if you haven't already done so!

Anyways, so what did Kelcie send me! Well she hit the nail on the head, because she got me seriously the cutest holiday must have gifts. She spoiled me to no end and I really couldn't be more blessed and grateful. I still have to drive back to school, so unfortunately I haven't been able to really enjoy the gifts yet but, so far I have just been marveling over the cute plates, the adorable A mug, warm gloves, and Christmas gadgets. Kelcie, also took the time to put my favorite bible verse on book paper. I can't wait to buy a cute frame and display my favorite verse on my wall at school. It was the perfect way to start of the holiday season and I am so happy I got to get to know Kelcie over these past few weeks.