Hope everyone is having a wonderful and relaxing Christmas eve. Today I am just hanging around the house and enjoying being off work before heading to my parents' for dinner and fun.

The house has looked especially dapper this holiday season. It is has been so nice to come home to a warm and inviting inside. I am kinda sad that I will have to take it all down soon. I actually asked Chris if we could be those people who keep their tree up until like March but he quickly put the kibosh on that idea. Bummer.

But for being first time holiday decorators, I think we did a pretty good job with minimal expense, either borrowing or using items that had been passed down to each of us. The only thing that was bought this year was our tree and our stockings.






Chris and I were lucky that our parents collected ornaments for us each year since, we also have a few home made ornaments too.  Below are some of my favorites...




Grover! This is actually Chris' but my family has Bert and Ernie ornaments that we all fight over. I was so tickled when he brought this out.


Chris and I decided that each year we would get each other an ornament. I found this awesome glittery pencil in my stocking for St. Nick's day this year. I got Chris a Cardinal's World Series ornament to commemorate the awesome 2011 season, but it currently wrapped under the tree waiting for tomorrow. Shh!!


Another one of Chris' ornaments. I love the colors and the sequins.


My grandma gave me this ornament when I was in grade school when I played a variety of musical instruments...flute, piano, bells, and percussion.


There are quite a few penguins on the tree being that they are one of my favorite animals. This guy just looks so jolly!


A student of mine gave me this glass ornament this year and I absolutely love it.


Chris' mom collected quite a few of these rocking horse ornaments from Hallmark over the years. We are told that some of them are actually quite valuable. We have about 15 or so spread over the tree.


We put our Christmas cards up on our "mantle". I've seen a lot of great card holder ideas on Pinterest but never got around to making anything. Maybe next year.


And the house wouldn't be complete without some Christmas subway art. I found this over at Eighteen25. They have a totally cute new year's one I plan on printing soon for 2012.

Well, that is the tour. I have meaning to take some pictures of our outdoor decorations but haven't got to it yet. Maybe tonight!

Have a wonderful Christmas eve!

Happy holidays!

I am finally on winter vacation and I am loving every second of it. I slept in today, cleaned the house really well, and just generally enjoyed myself.

It was made even more pleasant when an early Christmas gift from my mom and dad was delivered mid-day.


I was so happy when this little pink box was dropped off. What is it you ask? It is a Birchbox. A "monthly delivery of high-end beauty samples from the newest and best brands, plus plenty of expert tips and tricks." I originally heard about Birchbox from The Small Things Blog and knew that this would be right up my alley. I love trying new beauty products and this is the perfect answer. And lucky me, I got a 12 month subscription. :)


Inside my first BirchBox were 6 samples, I've used about half the items so far because I was so excited!

1. Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink - Woah! REALLY bright pink lip gloss in the tube. But I was pleasantly surprised when I put it on, it made my lips a perfect shade of pink. I wore it with just my foundation and bare lids with mascara. Made my low-maintenance look really come together. Will definitely go into daily rotation.

2. Laura Gellar I-Care Waterproof Eyeliner in Navy - Loved the navy color, really made my eyes look brighter. Waterproof but came right off with eye makeup remover.

3. Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo - Haven't used yet since I had clean hair, but will definitely give it a shot and see if it compares to the Tresemme version I currently use.

4. Harvey Prince Yogini Perfume - Smelled good, not sure about it yet. It takes a lot for me to try a new perfume since I can get headaches from too strong of smells.

5. ShowStoppers Designer Fashion Tape - The sample contained two strips of double stick nude tape. Don't know exactly when I will get to use these since most of my clothes fit well but they will be nice to have on hand.

6. EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster - This is a powder pack that you mix with water that says it is "packed with a mega dose of nutrients. Maybe I will save this for new year's day when I might be feeling a little sluggish after ringing in the new year. :)

Now that I have received my Birchbox, I went to their website and created my beauty profile so that my samples are more tailored to my skin type, preferences, etc. And if I like any sample enough to want the whole thing, I can buy them right from the Birchbox website, have them shipped free to my door, and earn loyalty points towards future purchases. These would be great gifts for any gal on your Christmas list. Who wouldn't love getting some sweet beauty swag in the mail every month?

All in all, a pretty sweet gift, thanks mom and dad! Have you gotten any early Christmas presents? The boyfriend won't even let me touch any of mine under the tree. Only 1 more day!

Last month I told you that No Fast Food November was in effect due to a St. Louis Cardinals playoffs/World Series induced spending spree. I am happy to report that it was a success...kind of.

The good news I went from spending $237 in the month of October on fast food/meals out to only spending $74 during November...so it wasn't completely no fast food but it was a 69% decrease in money spent on fast food. Go me!

From E-Pins.com

However, with eating at home came an increased grocery bill for the month - usually we spend around $200 for the month for meals at home but it November we topped out at right around $350, a 75% increase spent on groceries. So even though we have may spent a little more, I definitely feel better about cooking more at home. My body felt better too, my pants fit a little looser and far fewer tummy troubles.

The plan is to continue with "No Dining Out December" however I am finding the holiday season to already be tough on the schedule, meal plan, and the pocket book. It my hope that sending my intentions about  not eating out into the blog world will help keep me committed to my goals.

I have also become completely coupon obsessed this last month with shopping for groceries, not "Extreme Couponning" obsessed but I definitely go on the hunt for coups when I know I am about to shop. One Target trip I saved $30 because of coupons, my 5% off Target debit card, and sales running in the store. I was so giddy after that trip!

Also, I tend to holiday shop on-line just because of convenience, so far I have made purchases from Sephora, Bare Escentuals, HP, Amazon, The Limited, Finish Line and a few other places with coupon codes found on RetailMeNot - usually saving the cost of shipping to as much as $70 (The Limited) all because I took 5 seconds to look and see if there was a code. If there is a promo/coupon code box on the checkout page, it it worth looking around for one...you never know what you may find!

So what about you, any good savings tips to offer? Great deals scored? Let me know!

Another year almost come and gone again. It is hard to believe that 2011 will soon come to a close. But before I go into a complete retrospective I should let December actually begin. :)

Recently, I have started reading a new blog called The Small Things and absolutely love it. Kate posts great hair tutorials, beauty tips, clothing ideas, and just general cuteness. Last month, she introduced me to the monthly calendar wallpapers by Smashing Magazine. 30 FREE calendar wallpapers available for every month. They are so beautiful.

This is the one I chose for December.


It makes me think of when your blur your eyes when looking at Christmas light and see all those little round orbs.

Choosing only one desktop was difficult so I think I will have to pick another for my home laptop too!

You should go visit Kate @ The Small Things and check out Smashing Magazine desktops right now, have a great day!

Have you ever taken on a craft project that you just couldn't finish? You start with such enthusiasm and then the excitement wanes and you're left looking at a half finished project for weeks on end?

I recently experienced some crafter's fatigue after starting a gargantuan autumn wreath for my front door. First, I have to play the blame game as to why it took sooooo long to finish this project.

I blame Martha Stewart.

Usually, I hail Martha. I gladly drink her brand of homemade kool-aid out of her perfectly color coordinated glasses. But her recommendation for wreath sizes was too much for this unsuspecting novice. Her advice was to measure your door and then subtract 6 to find your wreath size. My door was about 30 inches, so I bought a 24 inch grapevine wreath.

But I can't blame Martha for it all. Martha didn't know that I would be covering this wreath with tiny felt rosettes. Of course I found my inspiration on Pinterest. I loved the color, the cuteness or the rosettes, everything.

Via Little Things Brings Smiles

I started by just making rosettes while watching tv. I built up a collection of about 150 different sized rosettes and decided that should do it.



I was wrong. It takes a sh*t ton of rosettes to cover a 24 inch wreath. 


This is where the crafting hiatus took place. For SIX weeks, this wreath sat just like it is in the picture above, in my living room, just staring at me. I just couldn't bring myself to finish the wreath in a timely fashion.

Until last week. I pushed through and finished up the additional rosettes needed to make my wreath door-hanging ready.


 And it looks great! I love the gray and gold combo with the navy blue door. And Martha was right, a 24 inch wreath looks wonderful on my door, anything smaller would have looked pretty dinky. I'll never doubt you again, Martha!

Unfortunately, I'm only getting to enjoy this wreath for about a week longer since the Christmas wreath will be going up after Thanksgiving. But I think it will return after Christmas time.

I am so excited for holiday decorating in my first house! Pinterest will be responsible for decorating my house this year.

Hope you have a happy weekend!

Linking up with:

Have I told you that I am trying not eat out in the month of November? Well, I am. And I have even given a cute little nickname...."No Fast Food November"

The month of October was a wreck on my personal eating habits, I blame it mostly on being too tired and of course the St. Louis Cardinals post season. I just wanted to come home with some Jack in the Box or Wendy's or McDonald's or...you get the idea, and veg out in front of the tv. And while the fast food wreaked havoc on my body (why, hello extra five pounds) it also took a sizable chunk out my income...to the tune of almost $230! To be fair, my fast food trips were usually feeding Christopher and myself. But still...OMG.

Here enters No Fast Food November.

And so far it is has been delicious and on track, I have only eaten out for a school lunch with my co-workers and a bachelorette party this weekend.

Some ways I am staying on track included buying a Crock Pot. People at work couldn't believe I didn't have one. I made a delicious pot roast with potatoes and carrots last night. Swiss Chicken on Friday night. And tonight....Houlihan's Potato Soup.

I followed the recipe I found on GroupRecipes.com and I kid you not, it is the exact same as Houlihans. It was heavenly! Chris had never tried it before and easily ate up two huge bowls. My man was impressed.

It did take some time to prepare though. The recipe says 40 minutes, but it was more like and hour and a half from start to finish. This was mostly due to the fact that I added bacon (which is shown in the picture, but not in the recipe. Trust me, spend the extra time and add the bacon, it's worth it!) Luckily, I had the good sense to bake the potatoes yesterday. But it was a fun, Chris helped cook and it was a nice little Monday night.

Did I mention there were leftovers? I now have my lunch for tomorrow, score!

So far, I have spent more money on groceries, but I feel better about myself for not hitting the drive thru and hopefully I will be able to keep my promise to myself. Something to aid me in my plan will be next when I spend the WHOLE WEEK with my students in the woods. Yep, it is Outdoor School time. And there is no fast food in sight. Thank goodness!

What about you? Cook anything good lately? Or have you fallen into a fast food rut?