Let it Snow

sweater: c/o shein This last weekend we got our first snow and it was so beautiful! We got a good amount of it and the trees and grounds are covered.  I knew it'd be beautiful in our new house but I didn't know that I would enjoy it this much.  (Come February I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune, but I am loving it right now.)  This sweater is perfect for winter and even better for a snow day.  Big and cozy, and I definitely put leggings on as soon as we got home from church.  

Let's hope it stays for Christmas!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Every year the day after Thanksgiving we get our Christmas tree and it is my favorite day of the year. We go to the same place shortly after they open.  We pick out our tree, along with my parents', sister's and brother's, then eat homemade donuts and hot chocolate.  That night we go to my parent's house for pizza and to decorate their tree.  It is such a special day to me and I love that we are continuing the tradition with all of our kids now too.

This picture comes with so much volume!

Cheers!

Decorating our tree the next day

This site could not make me happier. Merry Christmas!

Curling wand

My ability to do hair is just about as good as my ability to do make-up, which is just about none.  I feel like I can curl my hair with a standard curling iron, but almost always it ends up in a pony tail. Party because I don't feel like I have time or reason to do my hair most days, but also because I don't know how to do it.  I haven't spent much time trying different products or ways to do my hair, so when I recently received the Sapphire 8 in 1 curling wand from Irresistible Me, I wasn't sure how it'd go.  It took me a few tries to figure it out, but now I am really liking it and am trying to step it up just a little in my hair routine.

The curling wand has 8 different attachments, so you can find which one works for what you want. I've only tried a few so far, but like looser waves/curls and found the second biggest one seems to work well.  I need to try the bubble one and the ones that are more narrow at the top.

The curling iron heats up SO fast, in under a minute, which makes it easier to use when you have time.  You also don't have to hold the curls very long, so again quicker.  Since it's a curling wand there is no clasp for your hair, so you have to hold the end of your hair with your hand (using a glove so you don't burn your fingers).  It felt a little awkward at first and I watched a few videos to see how to do it.  I'm sure the more I do it the better and faster I'll get.

I'm excited to try the other attachments and expand my hair styles from low pony tail and top knot. What are your favorite hair products?  What about favorite dry shampoos or hair spray? I could use both of those!

Failed quiet time, a cute new top and a lot cousins

 top: c/o shein

Our weekend has been filled with a cousins sleepover, another cousin's birthday party, little sleep, church, this new cute top (only $14), and a failed attempt at toddler "quiet time," hence the three year old next to me watching the ipad right now while I type this.  That'll teach her right? ;) 
But we have our first snow fall and it is just beautiful.  Since the day we closed on our house I couldn't wait for the first snow.  Our house is full of windows and our yard has so many trees that I knew it would be beautiful.  I am loving it and feeling excited and grateful for this holiday season. 
Hope you have a great start to your week! 

Hot chocolate party

 vest: mint julep

Thanksgiving week is full of so many family traditions and I love it.  Last year my sister had a hot chocolate party and it was so much fun, she did it again this year and I'm sure every year to come. As the cousins get older, these things are getting more and more fun, as they look forward to them and get so excited.  She had a ton of yummy appetizers and treats, and is a master at dipping things in chocolate.  Addi and I made these cute Christmas tree brownies and they turned out great and were easy, and she loved to help.  The kids "watched" a Christmas movie and played.  It was a great way to start the holiday month!