As I look at the idea of a "New Years Resolution" in the past, the idea has always been a negative one to me. As I get older, I see more things in my life that I want to accomplish, or see a need for myself in simply, accomplishing- the joy of it and the simple purpose it brings.

So in 2012 I hope to... Pick a volunteer project, get more involved in our church, take more pictures and learn how to use my camera better, be more understanding with my husband and see marriage as more of a two-way street, run a half marathon (and work so I can run a full marathon in 2013!), renovate my blog space/name and write more often, create more (crafts, good food, photos; etc), and remember to be thankful EVERY minute of EVERY day and remember just how very blessed I am.


(Image via Ruffled)

Merry Christmas

I'm back! After a highly busy Christmas season, I have returned here on my very last day of Christmas holidays to post a few things we did to get in the Christmas spirit on our very first one of marriage...
The Christmas decorating started with this "mobile". Nikia and I hosted a Stella & Dot Trunk Show so I made this as a nice decoration for our table full of seasonal goodies... (Try these: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes)

Next it was time for a tree. We decided against a full length one as a)we didn't want to spend a lot of money, b) we couldn't find one that was nice for the amount of money we did want to spend and c)a tree on a table means the puppy can't get at it. Since it was already adorned in both pinecones and the lights, all it needed were some decorations. I traded my super girlie decorations (aka my "single" tree) for some pretty and natural decorations. My favourite ones came from Indigo.

I convinced Dustin to make a gingerbread house with me... I ended up doing the "construction" and he did most of the decorating... funny how that was....

I made "snickerdoodle" dog treats for a couple of our friends and packaged them in cellophane bags with some cute ribbon and twine.

I did some Christmas baking: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies, Mint Chocolate Square, Cranberry Bliss Bars, and Oatmeal Toffee Cookies.

I did all my Christmas shopping in the matter of one very busy day and some additional online shopping. Was surprised but happy to find this super cute wrapping paper at Home Outfitters of all places... then wrapped it up with some twine.

We even dressed Jack in his sunday best for the occasion.

Hope you all had a great Christmas, and enjoyed time with both family and friends! I definitely feel blessed this season.