Holiday Shopping Spirit

Ready or not, Christmas is coming. Well, Thanksgiving first.

Stores are decorating and preparing for the increased visitors, while families are beginning to make their lists.

I am a fan of getting my Christmas shopping done early. Not too early, like shopping in July, but I usually start the beginning of November.

I mean, why not. Who likes to wait in long lines, fight for parking and deal with lots of people? I guess I do that on Black Friday, so I don't want to deal with that while shopping for gifts in the Christmas spirit mood.

The only shopping I usually prepare to do late is, Christmas shopping with my aunt and sister. It's a tradition. My aunt decided one year, instead of getting us impersonal gifts like gift cards or something we won't like... Let's shop together! What a great idea! Lightbulb moment, people.

My sister lives in Nashville, so she doesn't make it home til a couple of days before Christmas, we pack or schedules tight and end up usually shopping two days before Christmas.

But, it's great. We usually start shopping around noon, grab a bite to eat, then shop so more. Although we know what we will be opening on Christmas Day, we are able to make memories and spend time together.

I like a good deal. Err, scratch that. I love a good deal. My momma taught me right. Shopping two days before Christmas allows for some dag-on-good-deals.

Today, I begin my Christmas shopping at J. Crew. Their holiday bags and boxes are so cute!

Keep calm and shop on, people.

Adorable. 

Create

Two back to back craft nights? What is this?  

I love it, actually.  Who doesn't like to be creative? 

Awhile back, I made a set of coasters.  It was fun. I gifted a couple of sets; they got raved reviews! 

So, I decided to gift some more! A set for my grandmother, aunt and dear friend.

Aren't they cute?

My church small group had a girls night tonight. God sure is blessing me with placing amazing Christian women in my life! 

We completed this pinterest craft. It was so easy, inexpensive and quick. Below is my final product. I love it. It's functional and cute. 

We used tin trays from the dollar store, and chalkboard paint. Well and a cute burlap bow, to make it girly! That's it. Talk about a craft, anyone can do. 

Chalkboard paint does the trick to make this functional.

Crafting is good. It's good for the soul. Craft some.

Invest

I invest. In a lot. 

Jesus
Family
Friends
Relationships
Life
School
Work
& TV shows.

Errrr. Wait what. TV shows? Yes. It all started with LOST. Remember that TV show? 

Lost was a drama series containing elements of science fiction and the supernatural that followed the life of the survivors of the airplane crash flying between Sydney and Los Angeles, on a mysterious tropical island somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean. They ended the series after 6 years and 6 seasons without asking my opinion. Offended you ask? Of course. I digress.

So after Lost was no longer, I found something else. Parenthood. My life changed dramatically when I switched TV shows. When I watched Lost, after every episode, I would say "Whatttt." Now, with Parenthood, I cry. Every. Damn. Episode. 

Parenthood is an American comedy-drama television series.  The show is modern and fresh. Real life issues and real life love. The show focuses on a 3 generational family named the Braverman’s. I feel a part of the family.  

Parenthood is a an instant classic and hooks you right in.  Parenthood is the best it’s ever been, lately. It keeps getting better. A new episode airs tomorrow, hence the reason for the post! 

Excuse me while I get the tissues ready.  

a moment.

Taking a moment to reflect on who is really in control. It is evident in my daily life, that I am not the one, in control.  We all need reminders. Reminders that ground us and bring us back to the center.

The point where we all realize who really is the one orchestrating this grand life. 

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power,
And the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
For everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;
You are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;
You are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power
To exalt and give strength to all.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Keep Calm & Pray on

Yesterday was election day. A luxury to say the least, that as Americans we can have a say. Yes, of course I voted.  But that is not the point. 

I have things to be thankful for today. I think back to my week spent in the beautiful country of Haiti.  They have a corrupt government which dictates day by day living.

  

As I sit here composing my thoughts, I am kind of being a baby. So with that said.

Today I will being prayer for our nation and President. 

I still love the state of Ohio.

Life in a box

I could get used to a life in a box.  Well box seats that is.  At THE Ohio State University Stadium.

I have been lucky enough to watch 4 buckeye games on the 45 yard line in the box seats with my boyfriend, David.  This time, we brought the two biggest buckeyes, (minus myself), my parents.  My mother is an OSU graduate and my father is a die-hard fan.  

So let me give you the details about the box suites. 

Parking right outside the stadium.  

Escalator ride up to the box.

Privacy of your own bathroom.

Food and drinks.

Instant replays on the tv.

Comfortable and roomy seats.

Hot chocolate, it was cold on Saturday. 

Unobstructed view of the entire game. 

Great perks. Totes.  

Cutest parents in the world. This is where I get all of my buckeye blood from. 

David & I.

Script Ohio. So close to the field. 

Go Bucks!!

He was all about the fan photo!

Hello November

I love the month of November.  For a number of reasons.

Thanksgiving. 
Black Friday. 
The two are the perfect pairing, really. 

My birthday is this month.  Birthday months are the best. My mail box and inbox are filled with birthday coupons. Like I need another excuse to shop. I digress.  

The tradition continues in the month of November. THE Ohio State University plays the state up north.  This year I will be at the game with my lovely sister who is a buckeye grad. 

Happy November!

On a side note, I started the month out with a perfect day. I ventured down to German Village today. I had lunch with a friend at a local deli called Brown Bag.  Amazing eats and an amazing atmosphere.  After lunch, I made a stop at Pistacia Vera. Why? Because when you're in German Village, it is a must.  

Pistacia Vera is the perfect dessert boutique.  Everything is handmade and delicious.  My favorite on the menu: Macarons.  Yes, to the foodies out there.  There is a difference between Macaroons and Macarons  in not only the spelling of the words but meanings.  

The Macaron is their signature. It's a light nut meringue sandwich cookies with buttercream filling.  

They're beautiful. 

Starting from the top left.
yuzu pink guava
black raspberry
pumpkin spice (fall favorite)
pistachio (signature flavor)
buckeye
bourbon caramel pecan 

You can gift these, you know.