Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours the Merriest Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Instagram Roundup

Can you believe there are only 2 more days till Christmas??  Are you all done with your shopping?  Our holiday has been crazy and things haven't quite gone the way we expected them to.  Taking time to spend time with family and friends and reflect on the blessings we have and the true meaning for the season.

My husband and I went on a day date to see The Nutcracker.  I love the ballet and The Nutcracker is one of my favorites.  I have a collection of them and I have read the book over and over.  The dancers were really great and it was a nice holiday date celebration.

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Christmas mugs are my weakness...I love picking out my seasonal mug and enjoying a hot cup of coffee.  I picked up this set of reindeer ones a couple of years ago from LTDcommodities and they are one of my favorite pieces of Christmas decor.

Anyone else crazy for everything chenille??  I just love how soft it is, feels like you are wearing a blanket.  This color block cardigan is from Madison and Mallory and I am obsessed with it.  Check out those balloon sleeves!!

Chick-Fil-A just makes everything better.  Our Chick-Fil-A has got to be the best one around.  They have been doing the 12 days of Christmas and each day they have given away a free food item.  I got a sandwich, iced coffee and a chicken biscuit in that span.  Definitely not going to pass up on free Chick-Fil-A!!

Hope you all have had a great week, enjoy the next few days and celebrate the season! 

Christmas Wish List

I have done this wishlist for a couple years now and couldn't miss this year.  I love seeing what people want for Christmas, it gives me ideas for things I might want.  Definitely not expecting all of these things, just giving an idea to my family members who ask for help ;)

Tennis Shoes:  I feel like a new pair of tennis shoes is always a good idea for a gift.  Mine always end up looking a little worn at the end of the year.  This New Balance pair is really cute and on sale!  Also eyeing these Adidas Flashbacks.  I'm  definitely into the olive color for tennis shoes right now.

Denim Jacket: I have been searching for the perfect denim jacket for years, this one from Target seems to be the perfect one.  It is such a great classic color and style, the fit is beautiful.  A requirement for my perfect denim jacket was to have a pocket inside for my phone.  It's actually not even really a pocket but you know the backing of the actual pocket on the inside makes another pocket (did that make sense?).  It makes a really convenient place to put your phone when walking around.

Nude Eyeshadow palette: I am a big fan of Wet N'Wild eyeshadow.  For the price you really can't beat it.  I have been eyeing this Nude Awakening palette and decided to wait on purchasing it and see if Santa brings it ;) 

Cross Hoops: I love these delicate cross hoop earrings.  They are the huggie earrings so they are close to your ear.  I love the little accent of the cross and I know I will wear these all the time.  

Candy: What is a stocking without a little candy??  My all time favorites are Reese's Christmas trees but my second favorite are these Russel Stover S'mores treats.  Kyle got them for me last year and I LOVED them!  I'm definitely hoping for a few in my stocking this year.

Ring Backpack: I have been thinking about this bag since the beginning of the year.  A friend has it and I always like how it looks.  Don't get excited it's definitely not a real Chloe (no way I would spend that) but it gives the same look.  I really like how you can wear it as a backpack or a crossbody.

Pullover: I spotted this pullover randomly on Amazon and really liked the Aztec vibe.  It is subtlety  western and looks super comfy.

Nicholas Sparks Every Breath: You know this had to be on my list.  I have read all the Nicholas Sparks books so I am really excited to check this one out.  I have heard it is really good!

High Top Slip on Sneakers: I have been looking for a pair of high top sneakers for a while now.  I spotted these at Target and loved their neutral color and simple style.  I have seen them on so many people on instagram so #instgrammademedoit 

Carhartt Vest: Yes I want a Carhartt vest for Christmas.  I have wanted one of these for years.  I finally decided it was time to ask for one.  I have a Carhartt jacket I have had since high school and I love it.  I know I will wear this vest for years and years.

I hope this list gives you a few ideas.  What are you hoping for for Christmas?

Christmas Must-Haves

Can you believe there are only 8 more days till Christmas?!?!  How did that happen??  I have been trying to spend time and enjoy all that the season has to offer.  I love this season, the lights, the movies, all the treats!  

Here are some of my Christmas Must Haves:

Christmas Movies: I am all about a good Christmas movie...I have watched way to many this season.  There have been some pretty good ones on Netflix this year and is it really Christmas if you don't watch a few cheesy Hallmark movies??  My all time favorite Christmas movie would have to be The Muppet Christmas Carol.  We haven't watched it yet, I like to save it.  If you haven't watched it yet check it out and let me know what you think.

Coffee Mugs:  Can you really get in the spirit without a holiday mug??  I love drinking my coffee out of a cute Christmas mug.  This one is from Target and I'm obsessed with it.  They have so many options this year and I am loving them!  These would also make a great last minute gift.

Cozy PJs: Yes to cozy jammies!!  I love cuddling up in cozy pajamas and watching a movie.  These plaid ones are super cute and perfect for a hot chocolate and movie night.

Christmas Coffee: Starbucks starts serving their holiday drinks earlier and earlier and I'm not complaining.  My favorite is definitely the chestnut praline latte, trust me it's delicious!    

Candles: My husband requests that our house smell like a Christmas tree and this candle does the trick.  So so good, makes our whole house smell like a Christmas tree farm.

What are your Christmas Must Haves?  Let me know down below.

Instagram Roundup

Another week, another Instagram Roundup.

I consider these a little more in depth look into my week and some background on my instagram pictures. Hope you enjoy! 

On today's episode of what's in my Wal-Mart cart: Raisin Bran for my husband, coffee, forks, Oatmega protein bars, bagels, Oatmega protein bars and these $5 clearance mules that just had to come home with me.

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Joy to the world, The Lord has come!

What news could be better than knowing that He has come to save us?

I have really been enjoying going through an Advent Study this season.  Want to learn more?  Check out my post here.

Leggings, booties, and a comfy tunic are pretty much my go-to's.  Dress it up with a denim vest and a cute bag and I'm good to go.

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Rocking the red cup till Christmas...and probably still after.  I'm also completely loving these fur boots, so cozy and perfect for winter!  My corduroy jacket was a favorite find from swap.

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I've been watching all the Christmas movies and we have some really fun Christmasy things planned for the upcoming weeks that I can't wait to share!  Can you believe Christmas is in 15 days??  Anyone else feel behind or just me?

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Hope you all have a wonderful week!  Things might get a little crazy here with Christmas and everything going on, be sure to follow me on instagram to see what's going on in my life.

Black Friday Haul

Black Friday came through in a rush but I managed to snag a few things and thought I would share:

Glitter Wallet: I have been looking for a new wallet for quite some time and fell in love with this one from Burlington.  It has lots of slots for cards, zips and has RFID protection.  They were having free shipping for Black Friday and I got this guy for less than $10!

Essie Nail Polish: I love a good nail polish deal and this one was $3!  You can't beat that.  Hollar is one of my favorite places to get cheap nail polish (that's not cheap).  They have OPI, Essie, Orly and more.

Chapstick: Super boring and random but yes I did pick up chapstick on Black Friday...CVS had free shipping and 40% off and I needed more so yeah. 

Floral Jumpsuit: This jumpsuit was on clearance with an extra percent off and free shipping, so I jumped on it.  It ended up less than $10.  I love a good floral and this style is so pretty.  Pair it with a denim jacket and you are good to go.

Snowman Wreath: We have been needing a new wreath for Christmas and this one was too cute to pass up.  LTD Commodities had free shipping and had their items discounted.  This wreath was less than $10.  

Hulu Subscription: Slightly random but Hulu was having a MAJOR sale on their basic yearly subscription.  Normally it is $7.99 a month, their Black Friday sale dropped it down to 99 cents a month for a year.  That is an $84 saving!

Chenille Cardigan: I am obsessed with anything chenille, it feels like you are wearing a blanket.  I picked up this super soft chenille cardigan when they had them on sale for $15.  They pretty much always have sales going on so go snag one for yourself!

Solar Christmas Lights: What's a Black Friday haul if you don't get a few Christmas items??  I have been wanting solar Christmas lights since last year and these were such a good price.  I put them up on our mailbox and love that they charge themselves and turn on at night.  I'm all about these fix it and forget it lights.

Blue Reflective Sunglasses: It has become a theme for me to buy H&M sunglasses on Black Friday...I just can't pass them up.  H&M had 30% off everything and Free Shipping.  I picked these up for less than $4.  I have been wanting a pair with blue lenses and I love a good tortoise shade.

What did you pick up on Black Friday?  I want to know your favorite find and best deal.

How to do a Christmas Advent Study for FREE

If you aren't familiar with an advent study let me explain.  Advent simply means: "the arrival of a notable person, thing or event".  What event could be more notable than the birth of our Savior?  The first advent happened leading up to the birth of Jesus.  We celebrate advent today in celebration of His birth and in preparation for His second coming.

In the hustle and bustle, shopping, holiday events, travel and everything going on this season I can begin to loose sight of why we celebrate.  Sure I enjoy all the lights, the food, spending time with my family and the gifts but the real reason for celebration is that God himself came down in the form of Jesus, a human child.  The celebration doesn't stop there, the nativity is a beautiful beginning, the real beauty is what happened years later on the cross.  Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice for us, His perfect life was payment for our sins so that if we accept Him we can join Him in Heaven for eternity.  That incredible love is something worth celebrating.

I have been on the search for an advent study to go through this season to help me slow down and think about the real reason for this season.  I had heard of She Reads Truth but hadn't ever followed one of their studies.  They released an Advent study and it is FREE.  You can follow along on their website or download the app.

They also have a hard copy you can purchase if you would rather have a physical copy. 

It's not too late to start!!!

I have been following along everyday and have really enjoyed the message.  Every lesson starts with a few bible verses to look up and then a short message relating to the verses.  I think it is a really great way to add a little something extra to your holiday season and keep your focus on the true reason for Christmas. 

Without God we have nothing, He is the light and the reason for our very life.  Celebrate His love and His ultimate gift of salvation and eternal life this season.

Joy to the world The Lord has come!! 

Instagram Roundup

I know I have pretty MIA lately, holidays and work and everything goes a little crazy.  I'm back this week with an Instagram Roundup.  Here's what's been going on in my life:

This cardigan is super cute and cozy.  It can be worn buttoned up like a sweater or open like a cardigan.  I love the fringe detailing, but I love the price the most.  Y'all I picked this up from Good Twice for less than $12!!

It's December and time for ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS!!  We put up our tree this weekend and I am loving it!

With everything going on I am trying to be mindful of the season and keep the Lord at the center.  His love does indeed endure forever.

We were in Asheville a couple of weeks ago for Thanksgiving and will be back soon for Christmas.  We discovered these fun murals and I loved them!

My mom got us a subscription to Our State and I have been loving it!  The pictures are Beautiful and I love feeling just a little closer to home.  P.S. wanna know how to make this eggnog latte??  Check it out here.

Hope y'all have had a great week and are gearing up for Christmas.  We have lots of fun holiday things planned and I can't wait.  Make sure you are following me on instagram to get a first look.

Goodwill Outlet Thrift Haul and Experience

If you have been around for a while you know I am a lover of thrifting.  I love the thrill of the hunt and finding a great deal.  While I was in NC I finally went to a Goodwill Outlet. Y'all it is not for the faint of heart.  It was a complete mess, people were searching through bins and there was little to no organization.  If you don't know how the bins work they are literal bins of items from Goodwill, you pick through them and then your items are sold by weight.  I managed to find a few items:

Yes to all the Chenille!!  This Alfred Dunner pink chenille pullover had to come with me.

Velvet is another one of my favorites, I picked up this really pretty textured velvet top.

And more velvet...this tank with lace trim is really fun and perfect for pairing under a jacket for a feminine touch.

I also picked up some plaid Old Navy plaid pajama pants because you can never have too many.

I saw this crazy embroidered Christmas vest peeking out and I knew it had to come home with me.  We do an ugly Christmas sweater contest with Kyle's family and I though this was a contender.  I actually think it is really pretty...is that bad??

My total ended up being less than $5 for all that...so the deals are for real I just don't know if it is worth it to have to dig.

These were not from the bins but I had to share them!  I picked these up from the Dollar Tree and loved them!!  They are perfect for our Ugly Christmas sweater outfits.  I will be sure to post pictures of the final products.

Instagram Roundup

Ok guys get ready for an influx of pictures...I've been MIA for a little bit so I'm playing catch-up.  Here's two weeks worth of instagram:

Christmas drinks are out at Starbucks and I'm feeling the cheer!  I went the day of their release, picked up that delicious chestnut praline latte and managed to snag the free red reusable cup.

What's your favorite Christmas Starbucks drink?

Just casually taking a walk through an apple orchard.  This was taken on our last trip to NC when we went to Grandad's Apple Orchard.

These shoes!!!  Y'all run don't walk, these shoes are less than $15!!

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Speaking of that red Starbucks cup...I had to get my basic picture with it.  Also it's hard to tell on the boots but they have little stud details and they are so comfy!  I got them from Shoetopia and love them!

Y'all I got a picture with Dolly!!  Seriously though how pretty is this mural??

This gorgeous flower display was taken while we were in Atlanta at the Apparel Market.

Yes to new makeup brushes!!  Influenster was awesome and sent me this brush set.  I was already a fan of Real Techniques so I didn't need any convincing.  If you are looking for new brushes check these out!

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I get really excited every month when I get a new Our State issue.  It is a beautiful celebration of North Carolina and I love it!!  I look forward to relaxing on the weekend with my coffee and Our State, makes me feel like I'm back in NC.

I would love to know what you all have been up to these past few weeks, let me know down below!

Trip to NC: Fall Leaves, an Apple Orchard and Murals

It's been a while since I have put up a post...sorry y'all life got crazy.  We traveled to NC a couple of weeks ago and since I haven't posted anything I thought I would share a recap.

I saw this mural on instagram and saw that it was in Asheville, I knew we had to make a stop and see it.  I am a big fan of Dolly Parton, she's done so much for her town, she is so talented and smart.  This mural was beautiful!!  If you are in Asheville it's on Haywood Road by a beauty salon (google it).

This mural was across the street from Dolly so I hopped over and took a picture with it as well.  There are so many fun murals all around Asheville, I definitely want to check them out in the future!

We made a trip to Grandad's Apples on a whim and had such a great time!!  It was chilly and dreary but it was such a cute place!

The pick your own was closed down for the season but it was still pretty to walk through.

They had a small animal area with a couple of goats and a donkey.  They had a feeding station where you paid 25 cents and poured some food in a cup on the pulley then you cranked the pulley and it dumped food for the goat.  He jumped up and ate out of the one we did and y'all I loved it!  

They had so many activites, some free, some you paid for but it was really cute.

They had a little children's area with lots of things to play on and some things to take pictures with...not just for kids.

We also stopped by the bakery and picked up a few things.  I got an apple cider donut and my husband got a fried apple pie.

Yes to apple cider donuts!!  I have heard ravings about these guys for so long and I finally got to try them.  They really did taste like apple cider and they were delicious!

We also had to try some of their cider options.  I got the cider slushie and my husband got the hot cider.  The cider slush was perfectly tart while the cider was spicy and sweet.

You could also purchase apples by the bag.  It was a really fun time and definitely worth a stop if you are in the neighborhood.

You never know what you will see in the mountains, we drove up on three turkeys crossing the road (why did the turkey cross the road?)

My parents got to come up on Sunday and we had lunch together with Kyle's family.  It's hard living so far away from family but it makes you appreciate time with your family all the more.

We had such a great little short trip to NC, always good to spend time with family.  My husband and I always love going back to the mountains.