grateful: Valentine's Day Recap

I was extremely blessed this year.




Rainforest Alliance Certified flowers from T (plus flowers from my Daddy delivered to my work!)...


...an antique book of poems...


...pewter candlesticks from the Shirley Pewter Shop for romantic dinners for years to come!


...complete with hand-dipped candles similar to these!

T also gave me chocolates, some books on tape for my ride to work, and a new "bride and groom" charm for my charm bracelet. How blessed I am to have T (and Daddy!) in my life!

How was your Valentine's day?

Merry Christmas, friends! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday with your families. See you in a few days!

details.

Life is pretty crazy down here right now, but I'm trying to stop and smell the proverbial (and literal) roses. Some details from my day:


T went out to pick up some groceries last night, and came home with these. They weren't artfully arranged or even seasonal, but they were just what I needed in my countdown-to-Christmas frenzy. I love that boy.


All of our pretty Christmas glasses (a gift from my mother) and dishes are washed and put away; there won't be time to do it later, since I'm working the day after Christmas up until we leave for our little New Years getaway.


Now that all my cards are sent out (as of a week ago, thankyouverymuch!), I can look at all of the Christmas cards we've received from friends sans a single pang of guilt. That little blue crèche was a gift from my Grandmother; it sat in the window of her living room every Christmas for as long as I can remember.


We hung only a few ornaments this year (on the ficus in our living room).


Of course, we always keep a little bit of Santa Fe close at hand (another gift from T's stepfather).


I've got my Vermont Originals hat...


...and my Hunter boots, all ready for whatever weather Christmas brings us here in Virginia.

When you finally get a chance to stop and take a breath, what details from your day will you make time to enjoy?

grateful.

With little over a week to go until Christmas, he giving has already begun in our family! Between T's mother and father, and my parents (who all live in different cities), we can't be everywhere at once on Christmas day. So, our gift giving gets spread out over all of December!

Our first gift of the season:



Isn't it beautiful? Travis' step-father made it to our exact measurements. I love it! We're going to use it in our kitchen for cookbooks and pretty kitchen things. The shelves are adjustable to accommodate Veganomicon and I Know How to Cook!

This isn't the first bookshelf my future SFIL has made for us. He made this for T for our college graduation:

(excuse the top shelf mess...T just sold all his law books from this semester, and we haven't "refilled" yet!)

This is my favorite part:

It's a tiny piece of marble from our college library steps that future SFIL found while they were renovating our junior year. He picked it up and saved it for two years for this very special project!

I love handmade gifts. What's your favorite handmade gift you've received?

wish: day 4

battle of the bulge by makingstuff on Polyvore.com

Patagonia Women's Coolweather Tights
$95 - patagonia.com

I'm going to need something to get myself to run in the cold Virginia winter!

Original Bobble Red Filtered Water Bottle
$9.99 - centralchef.com

Still on my list...

Eco Jute and PER Yoga Mat
yogalifestyle.com

I've been needing a new mat since my sister's dog attacked my old one, and I love that this Jute Mat is all natural!

Foam Roller
gymsupply.com

I get a little territorial about the foam roller at the gym, so it might be healthy for me to have one at home, too. It's like a mini back massage I can give myself after a long day!

Valeo Wrap Around Wrist Support - Unique Fitness Concepts
uniquefit1.com

To help my down dog, crow pose, and all the other asanas that rely on my spaghetti-wrists!

Iron Bound Gym Pilates Gift Card
ironboundgym.net

I would love a gift card for private Pilates lessons at my gym!

What helps you fight the "battle of the bulge"?

wish: day 3

home for the holidays by makingstuff on Polyvore.com

Premium Goose Down Comforter - Medium | Eddie Bauer
$259 - eddiebauer.com

White and down-filled, and I'm happy!

J.A. Henckels Twin Gourmet 18-Piece Block Set with Instructional Knife...
$240 - amazon.com

We're working work hand-me-downs right now, ladies. I need a real knife (set).

Calphalon Unison Nonstick 12-in Round Griddle at Calphalon Store
calphalon.com

Nonstick, and nonchip. Please? It would make my tofu so much yummier.

The Met Store - Pineapple Candleholders, Large
metmuseum.org

Moving to Williamsburg has increased my appreciation for all things pineapple. I adore these candlesticks from the Met!

Nantucket Gourmet Whale Cutting Board
nantucket-gourmet.amazonwebstore.com

Another one that's been on my wish list for a while. I love how it has clean lines and whimsy at the same time.

What would you like to add to your home this holiday season?

wish: day 2

cold hands, warm heart by makingstuff featuring a barbour activewear

Barbour Jackets Thornproof / Barbour
$439 - orvis.com
Barbour activewear »

I know I already have enough winter jackets to take me well into middle age, but...

Long John Top In Organic Cotton Product Information
$42 - hannaandersson.com

I have loved this color combo for years (and it might be time to upgrade from the Child's XL set!)

Steel Stanley Thermos / Stanley Thermos -- Orvis
$39 - orvis.com

Another classic. Perfect for outdoor events and trips to the farm.

Long John Pants In Organic Cotton Product Information
$36 - hannaandersson.com

To match the top, of course!

Buy Smartwool PhD Running Light Micro Socks at Road Runner Sports
$13 - roadrunnersports.com

After T's father & stepmother gave me a pair for Christmas two years ago, I've been hooked.

Buy Womens Smartwool PhD Running Ultra Light Micro Socks at Road...
$12 - roadrunnersports.com

No, really, they're amazing.

Wool Hats | White Wool Hat | Ajax Flap Hat | Vermont Originals
vermontoriginals.com

Actually, my alma mater has its own custom version, and that design (similar to this one) is on my list this year!

What are your favorite cold weather necessities?

wish!

I am so grateful for all the blessings I have already received this year, and so my family and I have decided to keep Christmas givings light. I have a few special things I'm asking for (and a few special things I've picked out to give), but that doesn't mean I don't like window shopping! Just for fun, I've put together a few "themed" Polyvore sets, so stay tuned this week as I share one a day!

What's on your wish list?

make!

I am always on the lookout for simple and practical holiday gifts, and I think this is a perfect example. A friend made this lovely holiday decoration by tying together some sprigs of rosemary and a few chili peppers with coordinating raffia ribbon. Not only is it a festive decoration for a kitchen or door, but it can be "used up" after the holidays are over!

What is your favorite simple or practical holiday decoration?

make: Shutterfly!

I am so impressed by Shutterfly's Holiday Cards this year, and I am so excited to be included in spreading the news!



I have been sending out my own Christmas Cards since I was 15, and I have tried every approach in the book. I've done handmade, computer print out, photo cards, you name it. Inevitably, I put hours of work into something (either by hand on online), and it still doesn't turn out quite as I was imagining it.



I think this is why I'm so impressed with Shutterfly's collection this year; the cards are beautifully designed, and, from my past experience with Shutterfly, I already know they will be well executed. I'm particularly excited about the designs printed on stationery cards; I just love the weight and feel of those cards, something you miss out on with with the cards printed at home or on photo paper (although, the photo cards on Shutterfly are pretty great, too).



Every year my sister makes a calendar for each member of my family, using new and old family photos. This year, I plan to make one for her, and I'm can't wait to get started playing around with the designs on Shutterfly! Plus, if I can get my act together before midnight tonight, I plan to use the coupon code MYCALENDAR, to get it for free!



*Shutterfly is offering free cards to bloggers this year. Find out more here!

grateful.

Spending time with my favorite cousin.


Preparing dinner with my father (even if I didn't have any turkey myself).


Opening the first present of Christmas with my mother, sister, and Grandmother.


Helping T with his pool cover golf swing.


Spending time together.


Until the last flames of the fire pit have disappeared.

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving!