Believe

Good morning and a very merry Christmas to you!

As I sat watching the ThePolar Express yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice that this movie is far more than simply an enchanting tale about a train ride to the North Pole.

The Polar Express challenges us all – both young and old alike – to never lose our sense of awe, wonder, and fascination. For children, these things come naturally.

Josh Groban’s song, “Believe”, truly embodies this idea. It explains how as adults grow up, we forget what it was like to be a kid and believe in something magical. This loss of awe and wonder is tragic.

We were dreamers not so long ago

But one by one we all had to grow up

When it seems the magic's slipped away

We find it all again on Christmas day

This movie reminds us that Christmas isn't just about gifts, great food and a twinkling tree. It's about love. Building precious memories. Remembering those who aren't with us anymore. Staying true to our traditions, a nod to our past. But most of all, it's about family. Without family, we don't have a tangible link to the past or the future. Without family there is no magic and no wonder in Christmas.

I hope you feel a sense of magic and wonder today, as you celebrate the birth of our Christ and are surrounded by those you love. 

Happy holidays,

A Thanksgiving Photo Shoot

Good evening to you and a happy Thanksgiving!  

  With the exception of Christmas, Thanksgiving is a day I look forward to all year.

 I love it because it's pretty much an excuse to spend the entire day with family and eat a whole lot of really yummy food without feeling guilty. These are two things our culture does not do enough of!

My day began with a Starbucks run (naturally), then on to doing puzzles with grandma, eating more food than I'd like to admit, doing a little photo shoot with the sis, making a trip to the movies and ending with a little early Black Friday shopping!

Here's a little look into the shoot I did with my younger sister, Kara. 
How gorgeous is she?!

I hope your day was spent surrounded by those you love and filled with delicious food!

Good night,

P.S. Let the countdown to Christmas begin! 

Is It Fall Yet?

Summer is great, it really is. However, when July hits, all I can think about is fall. I know, crazy right?

 I am and forever will be in love with all things fall. I think it has something to do with the coziness of the season. 

(And possibly because I’m an October baby!) 

Nonetheless, here are a few reasons for why fall is on my mind...

  Cozy clothing.

Comfy jeans, soft sweaters, leggings and boots; all foundations of what like what I wear on a relaxing weekend. 

But in the fall, I can wear it everyday!

 Blankets. 

One of my favorite things to do is wrap up in a blanket, (in my cozy clothing of course), 

and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee; book in hand!

Warm Drinks. 

Starbucks salted caramel mochas, apple cider, tea, hot chocolate, and coffee. Enough said!

    Crisp air. 

Not hot like summer or freezing like winter.

Bright colored leaves. 

Reds, yellows, oranges and browns. In the trees, on the ground, and flying through the air. 
It’s what makes fall so beautiful!

Holidays. 

To me, fall marks the beginning of the Holiday season.
First my birthday, then Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving and of course Christmas!

 The smell. 

Brisk air, leaves, pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla; all leave an essence of fall.

 Fall festivities. 

Apple picking. Pumpkin patches. Football games. Hayrides.
Fall is the best time to bring out your inner five-year-old self!

Only 74 days until fall and I already can't wait!

What do you love about fall?