Goals for the New Year

The truth is, I've never been a huge fan of New Year's Eve. I dread it almost
every year. It's one of the busiest days of the year for the healthcare industry
and I still shake my head to all the reasons why. Just because I'm not a fan of
New Year's Eve, it doesn't mean I'm opposing the New Year. I know I'm not the
only one that views the New Year as a new beginning. This year I've decided to
boycott resolutions and set some prospective goals for the new year. Hopefully,
by this time next year I will have met some of these goals and can go back and
reflect on how the goals made an impact on my life.

In no particular order...

Goal #1
Deep clean & organize every room in my house
     Do you ever stress about all the things in your home that need to be done?
I do. I've always thought that I would sleep better at night and be able to
enjoy life a little more if my house was a little more in order.

Goal #2
Save more money
      I wouldn't call myself a huge spender. I rarely spend money on material
things for myself. Every once in a while I splurge and when I do, I always end
up calling someone and confessing. Spending money on myself makes me feel
guilty. I really don't know why it has that effect on me but it does. I always
relate the money I've spent to how hard I worked to obtain it. My focus this
year will be to save more money so that I can contribute more to my retirement,
savings, and donations.

Goal #3
Drink more water
    I used to be so good at drinking water. Lately, I've fallen into the habit
of drinking 2-3 caffeinated beverages a day. My goal is to replace these
caffeinated beverages with water.

Goal #4
Go on more date nights with my husband
     During our marriage counseling, the pastor that married us told us some
great advice. He encouraged us to set a time each week for "us" time. I think
every couple needs "us" time. We started out taking one night out of the week
where we would go out on a dinner date. It didn't have to be fancy, in fact most
often it was Mexican food (it's my favorite).  When we first moved to Memphis,
we knew no one so weekly date nights was a pretty easy thing to do. Now that
we've met some amazing friends, we have a hard time getting some one on one time
together. Going forward, I would like to find a healthy balance between "us" and
"friend" time.

Goal #5
Memorize more scripture
      There have been so many times when I've been reading my Bible or listening
to a sermon and thought "I need to remember this verse". There are countless
verses that have a tendency to speak to you. There is nothing more glorifying
than hearing someone quote scripture from memory and apply it to the situation
at hand.

Goal #6
Pray more & worry less
    Throughout my day, I often let things worry me. Sometimes, I recognize it
enough to make a mental note to pray about these things. My goal is to pray more
and worry less even if it means stopping and praying during the exact moment the
worry approaches me.

Goal #7
Start sewing again
      My mother in law taught me to sew a few years ago. Sewing is something
that really gives me peace. I love seeing the finished product of something that
you've worked hard at creating. It's truly rewarding. My problem is that I have
a tendency to start a project and never finish it. Hopefully, I can get back
into the swing of things and become a better seamstress.

Goal #8
Call my Grandmothers once a week
     My Grandmothers are getting older, and I know I need to check in on them
more. The truth is, I think about them often. I know someday, I'll regret the
times when I didn't take the time to pick up the phone to call them.

Goal #9
Donate
    There are so many people in this World that are less fortunate than we are.
I have no reason not to share with those who are in need.

"It's not about how much you give but how much love we put into giving" Mother
Teresa

I'll Be Home For Christmas

No matter where we live, we will always call Montgomery, Alabama home. Christopher was just telling me the other day that Home is wherever we are together. It was such a sweet thought, but it was also reality. A reality, that after living away from our hometown for two years now, is still very hard to get used to. Nevertheless, we are very excited to come Home for Christmas.

 

Christmas Eve will be spent at Christopher's parent's house. Christmas Day, we will be brunching at my parent's house followed by the exchanging of gifts and finally a wonderful Christmas Dinner.

 

Confession: I am most looking forward to the day after Christmas. I have absolutely no plans other than to sit in my jammies and enjoy my morning coffee with my Momma. We will probably  decide to get out and about at some point during the day but who knows.

 

I Can Hardly Wait! 

 

Spending time with family is something I try not to take for granted. It is one of the reasons why I don't catch up with my friends often enough. I try to soak up every ounce of family time when we are in Montgomery. Hope you all can surround yourself with those you love this Christmas.  

 

 

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!

 

 

Oh What Fun

This past Saturday, we attended Christopher's company Christmas party. It was hosted by the owners of the company at their home in Birmingham, Alabama. It's always fun to get a little dressed up for a special occasion. I went back and forth on what to wear to this event. Given it was at the owner's home, I did not know how formal or informal it would be. I decided on a cute little shift dress I found at Banana Republic. Nothing too glitzy or glamorous but classic which is more my style. Christopher insisted he get a new outfit as well for this event. Lately, he has been all about fashion. This tickles me because it is a side of him that I haven't seen before. He is typically an extremely casual guy, but boy oh boy, he cleans up Nicely. Take a look...

Christopher and his boss, Brandon enjoying themselves. 

Me and my friend, Meredith.  

We had such a great time meeting more of the people that work for the same company as Christopher. It's always nice to put a name with a face. Thank you to the Chapman's for hosting such a lovely event. Their home is absolutely gorgeous. There back yard overlooks the city of Birmingham. Truly amazing. This picture just doesn't do it justice. 

 

 Hope you all had a fun and festive weekend. 

Cookie Swap

Every year at work, my co-workers and I participate in an annual cookie swap. We are responsible for making half a dozen cookies for each participant. The cookie swap is optional, but what a good way to spread some holiday cheer. Plus... it helps me with my baking skills.

Confession: I LOVE to cook but HATE to bake. 

I've made a different recipe every year. After searching high and low on the WWW (world wide web), I decided to make Almond Joy Cookies. I opted out of making a tester batch. I figured the recipe's good reviews were reason enough to take the plunge and make the cookies.

First, you cream the butter with the sugar

Then, add the egg and cream that as well. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and slowly add in the mixture to form a dough. 

Next, add all of the goodie ingredients (coconut, chocolate chips, and slivered almonds)

Aahhh.... Yum!

Spoon your cookie dough balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. 

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes. 

TA-DA!!!!

This was a super easy recipe that made enough to feed a small village. 

P.S.

The cookies were absolutely delicious!

 

You can find the recipe on Tasty Kitchen

 

Tis' the Season

My office really has a way of getting into the holiday spirit. Each week in December we are given a small gift from the Doctors in token of their appreciation for all we have done throughout the year. They also throw a wonderful Christmas party luncheon. I am truly blessed to work for such a great group of people.

During the 2nd week of December, we have an ornament exchange. We draw names so you know exactly who you are buying for. It is a fun way to buy a small gift for a co-worker without having to spend a bunch of money.

In addition to all of the stuff the Doctors do for us, the cookie swap, and the ornament exchange we also decorate our work spaces. Typically, every work space has a theme. Holiday inspired of course! I must say, I work with a creative bunch.

The end of the year is such a fun time. While it may be busy, we have a great time promoting the Christmas Season.

Christmas Cards

Checking the mailbox just got a little more fun! Holiday cards are starting to roll in and I couldn't be more excited. Holiday cards are something I look forward to every year. People and their families these days... Just Beautiful!!! I thought I would share our Christmas card this year.

2014

Some day, I think it will be neat to pull out our previous Christmas cards and see how much we have changed. I can already see a difference in us compared to last year's card. It is amazing how the years change us.

2013

I've used Minted for our Christmas cards each year. They do such a great job and delivery is in just a few days. If you join their mailing list, they send you spectacular promo codes. Check out their website. They have some beautiful designs.

 

 

 

 

A Few of My Favorite Things

I don't know about you but I personally love this time of year. It all starts with Thanksgiving and ends with a New Year. Christmas is such a special time. It has always warmed my soul. Christmas spirit is everywhere, from the lights on the tree, the holiday photo cards, the decor, and those catchy Christmas songs that consume every radio station. Speaking of Christmas songs, I never really thought of "A Few of My Favorite Things" by Julie Andrews as being a Christmas song. I love the song though. It reminds me of a Christmas that I received The Sound of Music as a gift. I'm not sure I was quite old enough to appreciate it but the music was incredible. Given we have approached the Gift Giving Season, I have decided to enclose a few of my favorite things that top my gift list.

1. Quilted Jackets

The jacket pictured above can be found at Bloomingdales

2.  Gilded Edge Coasters

In love with these coasters. However, I do not think I could ever bring myself to spend the money on these but you can find them at Anthropologie

 

Okay, I have to update ya'll on the find my Momma found on these coasters.

Check out High Street Market. They have these coasters in an assortment of colors. Love some Savings!!!

3. Copper Mugs

These would make any beverage just a little more enjoyable. You can find these at Mark and Graham and the price includes free monogramming. 

4. Cozy Slippers

These are just adorable. I personally love the cold weather but I hate my feet being cold. These would be perfect for those winter months especially in my 1950's not so insulated house. Acorn Slippers

5. Painted Stemless Wine Glasses

 

The creator of one of the blogs I follow paints these. Aren't they beautiful? I'd love to own a set, simply because they are pretty. You can purchase them here: Design Chic
Follow the artist on her blog here: Kendall Boggs Fine Arts and Crafts

6.  Candles

Capri Blue Blue Jean

These candles are some of my favorite. Their scents linger even after they have finished burning. They last forever and fill every room with fragrance.



7. Josie Maran Argan Oil

 

I haven't actually tried this product but I have been wanting to for quite some time. It has amazing reviews and can replace your daily moisturizer and anti aging treatments. At some point, I will definitely be giving this a try. The best price and selection I found on this product is available on QVC.

These are just some of the items I think would make excellent gifts. Most of these items are not seasonal so you can give them to people on your gift giving lists year around. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Birthday Momma

Today is my Momma's Birthday. Yes, that's right, I still call her Momma. I wanted to celebrate her today. She means more to me than anyone in this entire World. Our relationship is one of the strongest I know and I thank God for her everyday. She has always made me feel important, strong, confident, and beautiful. 

I often find myself wondering what I would do without her. It's really a scary thought. I can't tell you how many times I call her for advice or just to vent and she is always there to listen. It is safe to say she is my best friend and she has held that title for as long as I can remember. 

She has taught me countless things and helped mold me into the woman I am today. We share a bond that cannot be broken. I hope one day I can bless and enrich the lives of my children the way she has mine. 

Happy Birthday Momma!

I Love You!!!

Thanksgiving 2014

It has been a while since I've posted 

 and honestly I can't even tell you where all the time went. This time of year has a tendency to fly by. Everyone seems to get caught up in all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday seasons and before you know it, it will be a new year. 

I don't know about you but I was more than ready for the Thanksgiving holiday. Having a little time off of work made it even better and for that... I am thankful. 

Christopher and I traveled to Birmingham for his family's Thanksgiving celebration. His sister was kind enough to host this year and boy did she NOT dissapoint. Given that it was her first time hosting Thanksgiving, she went above and beyond your typical expectations. She is so organized and for that... I am thankful.

Her table was gorgeous. 

I loved all of her fall themed decor.

 The hard work she put into making her 1st Thanksgiving a success did not go unnoticed. 

From left to right:

Ryan, Lauren, Me, and Christopher 

We had way too much food and for that... I am thankful. I think Christopher had to untuck his shirt at this point. God love him. We made sure to hit the gym today though along with the rest of East Memphis (it was packed).

Dinner was spent at my parents house where I was surrounded by my momma, dad, brother, sister in law, nephew, and my two grandmothers and for that... I am thankful!!!

Hope y'all all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!