Happy Joyful Day

Grateful

2014-09-07T14:58:00.000-04:00

Grateful for a babe who is starting to sleep through the night,

and learning to crawl.

Grateful for cousins who have bed head and make each other smile.

Grateful for long peaceful hikes in the mountains that make me feel strong again.

Grateful for Grandpas and Uncles who teach little boys how to become great men.

Grateful for modern technology so lullabies and bedtime

stories can be heard timezones away.

Grateful for temples because he's mine forever.

"The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers,

but for the world's joy, including yours."

~Henry Ward Beecher

Here's to gratitude turning everything into enough!

xoxo

Remembering Robin Williams

2014-08-15T13:22:00.001-04:00

I am a big Robin Williams fan. I was so heartbroken to hear the news about his passing away. So for our Friday Links, here's to a wonderful man that made us all laugh and take our blues away.

Favorite quote.

How can anyone forget this? Or this?

Genie in the stars.

Spread joy not only through laughter but giving as well.

He was truly Peter Pan.

Lastly, "Make your life spectacular, I know I did."

For me, I will never forget the afternoons my brothers and I spent watching Hook and loving Mrs. Doubtfire. Aladdin was my favorite Disney movie growing up and I always wished the Genie would come visit! The world was so blessed to have Robin Williams share his talents with us.

Curious, what's your favorite Robin Williams moment? There are so many to choose from!

xoxo

(Photos via NYTimes)

Live Your Dream

2014-08-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

Dreams are scary. They're scary because they're big and practically unattainable, or so it seems when you first start out. But I'm a dreamer and I believe that if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough.

This fall, I'm taking a chance on my family's dreams!

It has been the biggest adventure we've taken on yet.

We're moving to New York City!

The city is my favorite place to escape and we're always heading there on our free weekends. I always thought it would be great to live there. I have missed living in the city and having places to walk to.

Yes, it will be quite the adjustment.

But remember how I said I'm taking a chance for my family's dreams? Well, it's my dream to be in New York City but it's my husband's dream to get his PhD.

Believe me, he wasn't sure about it but I urged him to at least apply. Then it was more difficult to make the call when we found out I was pregnant with Henry. Give up our steady paycheck? I look at it as an investment not only for a better job, but as a happiness investment which is worth more than any dollar amount.

When he said that he was accepted to New York University last winter in the field he wants to study in, there was no way I could say no. Let's live both of our dreams at once!

There have definitely been roadblocks, hiccups, whatever you want to call them. As for the Jones, we're taking a chance on our dreams, working our way a step at a time!

The biggest roadblock has been finding an apartment. (Did you know that in New York, most apartments rent out on the same day they're listed?!?) We have a detour planned of having Kevin sublet a room for a month while Henry and I head to Utah to live with family for that month. I think it will be so much easier to find a great place when in the city already! I have full confidence that Kevin will find us a wonderful home to live out dream for the next four years.

We laugh and joke that Henry will start out having a New Yorker accent.

Here's to knowing what your dream is and making it happen! What's your "I've always wanted to do . . . .?" There's no better time than the present!

xoxo

(This is part of Kabbage's "Live Your Dream" Campaign. Kabbage helps small businesses get the funds they need to make their dreams come true.)

Hiatus

2014-08-06T09:16:00.001-04:00

I've been taking an unofficial break since Henry was born. It has been the best break ever getting in sweet baby cuddles, coos, giggles and simply feel renewed. I truly needed to disconnect and have been pretty good about only posting a few photos now and again to Instagram while I enjoy my little baby.

On the other hand, I have really missed journaling our adventures and sharing them with everyone! So get ready, next week I'm back. I want to tell you Henry's birth story and all of his amazing firsts (especially the first time we took him to New York City!). Plus, now that I'm a mama, I've got all sorts of dos and don'ts and what you'll want to register for if you're a new mama or a seasoned mama. It seems that we can never have too many cute baby things!

Let's meet back here this coming Monday, okay? You bring the hot chocolate and I'll have the posts with pictures waiting just for you.

xoxo

Every Mother Counts

2014-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

He made me a mother. Not in the way I planned, not in the way I expected. In fact, not even in a way the doctor had expected. But he still made me a mother. They said he was supposed to be born on April 4th or April 6th, it ended up being the 5th. They said he would be too small and have no problem coming out. He ended up being too big (8 pounds, 5 ounces!) and requiring an emergency C-section. But no matter how you look at it and how many twists and turns we went through to get him here, he made me a mother. I will forever love my Henry and he will always be my son.

Did you know that one woman dies every two minutes from complications during pregnancy and childbirth? Go here to find out more about how to make a difference. We couldn't have made it without the amazing team of health care professionals who helped bring Henry into the world.

Alt Summit believes every mother counts. It's the month to celebrate mamas!

xoxo

Simple Things: Sunday Best

2014-05-04T19:45:00.000-04:00

"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world."

xoxo

Finding JOY in the ordinary

2014-04-28T09:12:00.000-04:00

Hello dear! I'm still taking a little break to enjoy some little snuggles and maybe a nap with my new babe. In the meantime, I've asked a few bloggers to share how they find JOY in their every day life. They are amazing and I hope we can all apply their tips to our lives! I'll be back soon with an overload of baby photos. Until then, enJOY! xoxo ~Lis

Hey y'all my name is Paige and I blog over at Moments for the Journey. I am a born and raised Southern girl currently living in Ogden, Utah with my hubby. When Lis asked me to guest post for her I was thrilled, and I am so excited to be here with all of you - her lovely readers!

Do you ever feel like your life is too boring - too ordinary?
I know that I have. I have the tendency to look at my life and see all of the things that aren't "just right" or super exciting. I see the unfinished kitchen in my house that has been unfinished for over 3 years. I see the constant dust on my furniture that appears two seconds after I dust. I see the old decor of my home that looks nothing like the beautiful homes on Pinterest. I see my normal daily routine of work, home, clean, and sleep. And I see the typical night at home with my husband that is boring and ordinary.

Here's the thing, if I based my joy off of the way I negatively view these ordinary aspects of my life I would be an extremely unhappy person all of the time.

So instead I have chosen to find joy in the ordinary moments of my day. Instead of thinking "Ugh I hate this kitchen. It's so ugly." Every time I walk in it I find joy in the fact that the kitchen, although unfinished, looks ten times better than the disaster it was when the hubby and I bought the house. Instead of seeing my daily routine as boring, I intentionally look for moments - big and small - that make me smile. Instead of thinking that my evening in with my husband is boring, I take pleasure in just being with him.

God blesses my life in so many ways; He gives me so many ordinary moments take joy in. The older I get the more I realize that true joy does not come from things. True joy comes from God. Psalm 16:11 says, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

God is the source of true - real - joy. Do you struggle with finding joy in the ordinary?

Simple Things

2014-04-27T14:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we were in for a treat! After spending so much time away from everything trying to recover and taking care of our new Henry, it was finally time to get out for a little bit. We decided to take Henry right into the heart of Philadelphia. His first visit to Reading Terminal Market and surprise, spring finally decided to come to Philly! The blossoms are finally in full bloom.

I love my men.

I'll be back to blogging this week and have a few guest posts in store as well. So happy to finally have Henry here! Beware of the overload of pictures coming to this blog!

xoxo

Introducing Henry Storey

2014-04-16T21:49:00.001-04:00

Oh, we are in love. Our Little Man finally came and we could not be happier. Right now, we're busy getting used to having a newborn around and I'm recovering from the birth. But in the meantime, here's our first family home video that we took while we were in the hospital. About day two (out of five) I started to get a little bored of being in our room even though I couldn't move. So what's a girl to do when she's stuck in her hospital bed? Make video of everything that's going on around her. Especially when it captures those first few moments of us being a family together. Hope you like it!

xoxo

Dream Nursery {and Win $90}

2014-03-28T01:10:00.000-04:00

When it's your own baby that is coming soon, I can see how easy it is for parents to spend a lot of money! Well, in my dream nursery, here are a few things that I believe are worth the investment. Some of these were even given to me (which is so kind of everyone!).

I'm finally 39 weeks pregnant, dilated a centimeter (better than nothing, right?) and counting down! It looks like Little Man will be making his big debut next week. So it had me thinking that it was high time we finally put together his nursery.

Babyletto Crib | Sailboat Mobile | Zinc Letters | Oceanic Alphabet Poster |

Whale Bookends | Octopus | BabyBjorn Bassinet | Bookshelf | Lamp

I'm going for a simple nautical theme because I want Little Man to remember to dream. Soon I'll be reading him stories of Peter Pan and Captain Hook, sailing away to dreamland.

Now for the fun part, know anyone that needs a little extra to pamper themselves? Maybe order one of the baby things above? Of course you do! Enter below for a $90 Paypal giveaway which you can use literally use for anything! I've teamed up with these lovely bloggers to make your prize great! Good luck!

Happy Joyful Day // My Life as a Long // A Sorta Fairytale Marry Mint // Becoming Adorrable // A Hundred Tiny Wishes Notes from a Newlywed // Sprinkles & Sundresses // Lavender & Light a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo

His and Hers linkup

2014-02-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

It's been way too long since Kevin and I wrote a post together. Depending on how long you've followed our journey you may remember that he actually had a day of blogging to himself each week (my favorites are here and here). But then time of course escaped us and I haven't been journaling on this space as much as I would like to be. Having both of us blog what we're feeling right now, has reminded me to live in the moment! Kevin says he wants to start having his own day again, so it won't be the last time you hear from him! :)

His thoughts:

I am an engineer at heart (and I always will be).

I want to live in the same place for more than a year.

I have everything I need.

I wish I had more opportunities to read.

I hate riding a bike into a cold wind.

I fear getting stuck.

I hear humanity in a cacophony of urban voices.

I search for meaning.

I wonder about the stars.

I regret eating greasy Mexican food (but I do it anyway).

I love exploring new things.

I ache when I eat ice cream too quickly (it hurts).

I always keep up with the news.

I usually look for the good in people.

I never start a book without finishing it.

I rarely leave room for dessert (I usually have to come back later).

I am not always as confident as I appear to be.

I lose track of time (often).

I'm confused when people willfully ignore reason.

I should run the marathon I started training for a year and a half ago.

Her thoughts: (with a side of pregnancy cravings!)

I am about to become a mom in a little over a month (counting down the days)!

I want to be a great mom and settle down somewhere.

I have large cravings for mac and cheese.

I wish I didn't have to quit my job but it's for the best.

I hate this winter weather, it has snowed so much in Philly.

I fear that I won't be enough.

I hear that we're supposed to get another storm in on Monday (boo).

I search for anything inspirational.

I wonder where life will take me.

I regret not exploring more while we've lived in Center City.

I love to shop and plan on doing lots of it this weekend.

I ache in my shoulders.

I always love to read good books and am getting ready to read a few.

I usually want to eat ice cream unless it's 20 degrees outside.

I never miss an episode of Downton Abbey.

I rarely eat broccoli unless it's covered in cheese.

I am not always on time.

I lose memory cards for my camera (not so good).

I'm confused when Kevin starts talking about engineering.

I should go shopping tomorrow for baby stuff that I need.

Ha! I love our honesty and makes me laugh because it really shows what we're going through right now.

xoxo

P.S. We actually graduated college together and did a His and Hers announcement. Here's our first His and Hers post. It's still always better together!

Now it's your turn!

Encouragement

2014-02-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Because on bad days, we all need a cookie. Happy Wednesday dears!

xoxo

Five Dresses to Kick the Winter Blues

2014-02-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone else fed up with the snow? Or is it just the pregnant lady? This winter has been one of the snowiest winters ever in Philadelphia. I think that's saying something, because the weather records go back really far.

I'm really excited that spring clothes have come out, even though there is still snow on the ground. What's that? We might get another four inches this week? Sigh.

Plus, with spring on the way, little man will come and I can wear some normal clothes again. I'm currently swooning over these five dresses with hope that the flowers will be blooming soon.

1. Doutzen Dress | 2. Seville Dress | 3. Sightsee What I Mean Dress

4. Quincy Dress | 5. Breton Tunic

Here's to spring coming soon!

xoxo

(Top illustration found on Pinterest)

Brokenhearted

2014-02-05T00:46:00.001-05:00

I would have to say that I move a lot. I've moved 11 times since I've been married and that will be five years this coming May. It hasn't been the easiest road but I got used to living with very little and quickly packing things up as we went. Some moves were easier than others because they were close by. Others were to different states and eventually across the country. I was never sad about moving and always faced it with adventure (even if it meant living out of a box most of the time). Until now.

Moving to Center City Philadelphia was one of the best things that Kevin and I have ever done for ourselves. Yes, our parents told us not to move here. Yes, we were crazy. Yes, we never thought we would live here. Two kids from Utah who really hadn't spent much time in Philadelphia before moving there, made the plunge.

But that was just it. The city of Brotherly Love wasn't judgmental of our past, in fact we found that it embraced it. Philadelphia is not any ordinary city, if you can make it here, you can pretty much make it anywhere. No one judged us by our past, they only wanted to see if we could make it now.

Thank goodness, we did more than just make it. Philadelphia is where we rebuilt our relationship, redefined our marriage, lived with very little, got by on nothing but love, kindness, forgiveness and sweet moments. No, it hasn't always been easy. There have been numerous breakdowns on my part, but I have never felt more loved and respected than I have here. Plus, there was Kevin's long commute, two hours driving or an hour on the train. Both long and taxing.

There's also something about being able to walk outside of our apartment and to be right there in middle of everything. I thrive off of the city, being able to take evening walks, always headed in a new direction. When the weather was warmer, it was nice to walk past so many historical sites and to find different murals on the walls of old buildings.

Philadelphia is where we decided we were going to be an official family, making room for a little one.

It breaks my heart to have to move out of the city. Not to mention, the building we live in. It's convenient and we've made our small, unfurnished apartment ours.

It's funny how we get attached to things, isn't it?

In all the moves I've made, this is the first I've been able to really call home. I'm so heartbroken that I have to leave it.

This is where we grew to become a family. Philadelphia healed our hearts and brought us back together forever.

xoxo

One Little Word for 2014

2014-02-03T18:43:00.001-05:00

January was one of the hardest months of my life. I chose my one little word long before it was the New Year and wanted to have a goal to become stronger.

While I am so excited that this is year that Little Man will be born, the last few months of pregnancy have really hit home. Nonstop nausea, long hours of sleep, exhaustion, bouts of depression, meltdowns, blood tests, endless doctor visits, it has been extremely hard. I've learned that I have to take care of me and then let everything else practically fall by the wayside.

It hasn't been easy. Especially when I'm used to being the one who takes care of everyone else. Especially my husband and the cleaning of our apartment.

But I'm slowly learning how to pull myself back up, how to live with the pain and to do what I can. (Someone lied to me by saying that the first trimester is the worst, it's the third for me). Thank goodness, this is only temporarily and that April will hopefully be here before I know it.

As always, what I've learned from the past, there is still joy in everything.

January was the month with the ER visit.

A well deserved cupcake after it.

Homemade breakfasts for dinner made by Kevin (I'm now hungry).

Crazy snow days but thankful that Kevin was able to stay home and
walk with me in the sun.

A favorite brunch place with lots of light and green on that snowy day.

Warm cereal and homemade mushroom soup. You can't beat it.

The smile from this guy at brunch because he's starting to hear back from Grad Schools. I'm so proud of him (even if it means two moves with a new baby

in one year, wish me luck!).

Also, the month of the a fire in our building. It was oh so cold, outside. Thankful for firemen who answer the call and made sure that we were safe. It reminded me to remember what matters most. I have to say that it did spark anxiety for this future mama.

Restaurant Week at The Melting Pot (and I'm still hungry). A great highlight

and oh so good.

How cold is it you might ask? Enough for the Schullykill River to freeze.

I have a long way to go to becoming strong. I met with a friend and was shocked to see how stable she was. Thank goodness I have her example to remind me what strong looks like and how to be confident. Although, for January, I learned how to be strong and it make through while being in survival mode.

What has helped you through difficult times?

xoxo

P.S. I didn't have a word for 2013 (sigh), but here are my words from 2012 and 2011. This is the first year I've ever participated in Ali's class and I have to say, it's completely worth it! I'm thinking more about my word and how I want to grow this year, time to make something happen.

Happy New Years!

2014-01-13T23:08:00.000-05:00

I'll admit, I'm a little late on sharing this (because of events such as this) but it's time for the NEW! I couldn't be more excited to have a fresh start and again with the changing seasons, our family will be changing again. A new move, a new baby, all joyful moments.

My holiday card this year happened to be a New Year's one since I wasn't sure when I was going to be able to send them out. I was definitely impressed with how cute our cards turned out this year from Pinhole Press. Let's face it though, it wouldn't have turned out nearly as cute if the ultrasound technician hadn't taken such a sweet picture of Little Man's feet.

Oh, we're so looking forward to April! Hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are now enjoying the fresh start of the New Year.

xoxo

P.S. I'll be back to blogging regularly and looking forward to sharing moments of joy with you!

(Top image created by me. New Year's card is from Pinhole Press).

Operation Smile

2014-01-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

"Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft. One in 10 of those children will die before their first birthday. The children who survive are often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. In some places, they are shunned and rejected. And in too many cases, their parents can't afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a productive life."

"Every child deserves access to safe, quality surgical care. Every child deserves a future filled with hope."

The words above are from Operation Smile, a great international charity for children all over the world. It is organizations such as this one, that give so many children hope.

One of my goals for 2014 is to give back.

I'm not a millionaire, but I am starting school again in the next week and will be in need of some textbooks. Campus Book Rentals is the way to go simply because they care in giving back and not stealing your money (like the regular campus book stores). Plus, with renting a book you're only going to use the semester saves money and space.

Here's the perks on why you should rent from Campus Book Rentals:

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices

-free shipping both ways

-can highlight in the textbooks

-flexible renting periods

-they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented

Needing a textbook this semester, I highly recommend renting and giving back at the same time.

xoxo

(This is sponsored by Campus Book Rentals to help me continue with my education. Thanks for supporting sponsors that make Happy Joyful Day possible. Photos are from Operation Smile).

Have a lovely weekend.

2013-12-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I have New Years on my mind. Last year, I didn't want to set any resolutions and just go with it. But this year, I'm ready to set my goals and have something to look forward to. I feel that with a new baby coming, that I need to be organized and have my big projects in place for the year. It's going to be harder once little man arrives if I'm not ready!

Here's a few links around the web to help get you in the New Year's spirit.

New year, new make-up and this Josie Maran kit is perfect and natural for anyone.

Looking back, 10 women who shaped 2013.

19 signs you're doing better than you think.

The lives they lived (2013). So inspiring.

Pantone announced it's color of the year for 2014.

Coupled married 61 years takes "Up" inspired anniversary photos.

13 things mentally strong people avoid.

This dress would be perfect for any NYE party (and it's on sale).

Here's to trying to stay off my phone but yet still document life at the same time.

One Little Word project. I plan on participating this year and you should too! (more on that to come).

20 things to let go of before the New Year.

This weekend, we'll be cleaning up the Christmas aftermath, watching a few movies, sleeping in, staying in pajamas as long as possible and simply enjoying the time together. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

P.S. There's still time until 12/31 to enter the Dose of Charm Giveaway.

(Images created by Glued to my Crafts)

Merry Christmas Darling

2013-12-24T16:18:00.002-05:00

Wishing you and yours the Merriest of Holidays!

xoxo

Tag You're It! Christmas Edition

2013-12-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

This is a fun little way of sharing all about Christmas! My dear friend Lauren from Life Love Lauren, asked me to answer a few questions about Christmas.

1. What do you love most about Christmastime?

Family, spending lots of time without any interruptions because everyone else is with their family.

2. Do you celebrate the holiday in style or is bah-humbug for you?

Oh, I don't know if our Christmas is "in-style" (we're not the trendy type), but I'm no bah-humbug by any means. I love old vintage decorations that my grandmother bought so long ago and ornaments from my childhood the most.

3. Are you leaving anything out for Santa Claus this year to he remembers to leave you presents?

We've always left some homemade cookies out! I know we'll get more into it once little man joins our family and we celebrate his first Christmas next year. This year, we're going to keep is simple and leave Santa some Oreos.

4. What is the one gift you are most looking forward to giving?

I am looking forward to most giving Kevin his surprise present. We have such a small budget this year with the baby coming, I didn't think we could afford this one gift. Thanks to Cyber Monday on Amazon . . . he's getting one! Since Kevin loves reading the blog, I can't tell you what it is!

5. What is your all-time favorite Christmas movie?

There are so many to choose from! I think an all-time favorite and classic is The Bishop's Wife.

6. What is your all-time favorite Christmas song?

Joy to the World by Jim Brickman on Grooveshark
Joy to The World. Hands down. It's so bright and cherry.

7. If given the opportunity, would you participate in an Ugly Sweater party? If yes, what sweater would you wear?

Of course, I would participate! We actually almost went to one this year, but sadly it happened to be the same weekend I was out of town. I would have dressed up as a Who from Whoville while wearing an extravagant Christmas sweater.

8. Have you started any Christmas traditions this year that you plan on carrying forward?

We started keeping our gifts simple. We gave nothing over the top so it made us really think what that person really wants. With that being said, I actually stuck to a budget and didn't use a credit card. Here's to no new bills come January!

We plan on keeping it simple and instead do more fun family activities. I'm glad we figured this out before little man comes because I want him growing up with realistic Christmas dreams. I'm learning it's about quality not quantity.

9. It's Christmas morning, what does it look like where you live?

Looks like Philadelphia is going to be warm, more like a nice fall day than winter. But we've had a couple of snow storms already this year!

10. You have just found yourself under the mistletoe, who will come up to give you a kiss?

Christmas 2011

My husband Kevin of course! Although, we really like to smooch so you might want to close your eyes. :)

Merry Christmas loves!

xoxo

P.S. We're getting so close to Christmas, I've decided not to tag anyone else. It's time to finish up your list and spend the time with family and friends!

Dose of Charm GIVEAWAY

2013-12-23T01:28:00.000-05:00

Hello loves! As a THANK YOU to all my readers, I decided to join in a Dose of Charm Giveaway hosted by Amy and Paige. I know that you've been busy taking care of your loved ones, so if you win, get something amazing for you! This giveaway has quite the little bit of charm and it's so fun to be a part of this with several of my blogging friends! Please make sure you visit all of these lovely bloggers.

The Charming • A Dose of Paige • The Ranting Latina • Be Blessed, Y'all

Olive + Ivy • Happy Joyful Day • Melissa Faye Blog • Coco and Cocoa

Life with Amberly and Joe • All My Happy Endings • Beauty Style Growth

• Whispering Sweet Nothings

Enter below for the winner-takes-all giveaway! It begins today and ends at midnight on December 31st. Winner will be announced on December 31st via this Rafflecopter widget and by email, but please allow a few days for the conversation to get going with all the giveaway bloggers since it will be New Years!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

xoxo

The Simple Things: Happy Holidays!

2013-12-22T16:20:00.001-05:00

Hello dears!

I have been away doing some more healing, traveling and having a whole lot of family time. I thought I would take a quick minute to share some photos from the weekend we went up New York to make one of my Christmas dreams come true. It really helped my spirit after being cooped up at home for so long.

(Please excuse the blurry photos, but it was better than none!)

Yes, if you know me at all, seeing this tree was a dream come true!

I love Christmas trees!

This guy looked so handsome. I think he looks like a movie star from an old movie.

Merry Christmas from New York! Someone was so nice to take our picture in front of this display right as we were about to take the train back to Philadelphia. It looks like an old fashioned Christmas card.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo

Winter Color

2013-12-12T16:28:00.003-05:00

Hello dears! While walking around in Center City Philadelphia, you can often see some fashionable ladies walking around in what seems to be the same black dress. So when ModCloth contacted me and showed me their Staple of Your Style Dress, I loved it immediately! It's still a black dress but with some color. Yes, please! Here's some fun things to dress it up with which I believe is perfect for work and of course, that holiday party afterwards.

The Details:

Isn't it lovely? You're sure to stand out with a slight pop of color in all the winter drab. Plus, I think just putting it on will make you smile. Stay warm!

xoxo

P.S. This is not a sponsored post. These are just products I love! I created this set using Polyvore. Speaking of which, you should follow along!

Have a lovely weekend!

2013-12-06T00:35:00.003-05:00

Our world lost a great leader yesterday and I want to make sure that we remember him even with all the holiday buzz swarming around us. May he rest in peace and know that he made our world a better place and taught us all the power of one.

Such a sweet photo of Nelson Mandela and Oprah together.

Interview of Nelson Mandela's jailer and their unlikely friendship.

Why Nelson Mandela has six names.

Letters to loved ones from prison.

Be inspired on Pinterest.

More of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela.

Kinfolk came out with the Aged Issue. I'm looking forward to reading this because I bet it has the secret to aging with grace. Too many people focus on what's wrong with growing older instead of what's better.

These guys sure now how play Christmas songs.

Sweet DIY Christmas Garland.

Brown Butter Soft Batch Style Gingersnaps sound nice right about now.

Cup of Jo Gift Guide 2013 is happening now.

This sleeper would be perfect for my little man.

Happy weekend loves! We're heading to the Union Square Holiday Market, even if it's supposed to be raining in NYC all day. I'm looking forward to handmade heaven and cups of hot chocolate to stay warm. Hope you have a lovely December weekend!

What are some of your favorite handmade items this Christmas? I'd love to know!

xoxo

P.S. Top quote designed and photograph by me. The photo of First Lady Michelle Obama, her daughters and Nelson Mandela is from The Times. Last photos are pictures I took last year.

Letters {with a side of pregnancy cravings}

2013-12-05T23:01:00.001-05:00

Lovelies, I thought I would right letters today because my thoughts are always so mixed up these days! I guess it's what you'd call pregnancy brain. Ha! But I'm feeling pretty productive around my studio apartment lately, I'm in for what I'm guessing is the nesting stage. Tonight, I've got Christmas finger jello setting in the fridge for a party on Saturday, started cross-stitching a stocking for the little man in my stomach and I just need to hot glue my new Christmas banner onto some ribbon. We're decking the halls here Philly!

Dear Mr. Jones, You worked late almost every single night this week minus the one where you took me to the doctor. It's all because I wanted to go to New York tomorrow to see the city all decked out and to check out all the handmade goods in Union Square. Working overtime is just as hard as walking through the seven layers of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops and the Lincoln tunnel. Get ready for the crowds and some Christmas fun! Dear Mom, On Tuesday, I'll be in Utah! Looking forward to long late night chats and seeing cute nieces. Please be stocked with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, pancakes, eggs, lots of juice, peppermint ice cream, chocolate sauce, milk, tomato soup, cheese, bread and anything else a crazy pregnant woman would crave. Plan on me getting up at 2 AM and making a small feast for two. Dear Little Man, 23 weeks next week :). Get ready for your first airplane ride and please don't cuddle up right next to my ribs. Daddy won't be there to put his hand on my stomach to make you move. Dear Kevin, Only because you love Christmas finger jello am I making it for Saturday's Ward Christmas party. My first attempt at your family's Christmas tradition is kinda looking like a color mixed up blob so far. Let's hope it tastes good!

What's your favorite Christmas movie? I have too many to name but Elf is definitely up on the top.

xoxo