thanksgiving week

After a two month hiatus, there is nothing like the beginning of the holiday season to kick start a family blog.  We have spent the last week enjoying lots of time with both of our families, relaxing, and getting ready for the marathon that is December.

Elia loved playing with her cousins this week, especially Madeline who taught her all about being a two-year old.  Elia can't wait to try all of her tips out when she turns two this spring.  She liked seeing Griffin, too and if you ask her, she would be happy to confirm that he is a "bebe", as she stated every time she saw him.

The girls kept busy playing with marshmallows on Thanksgiving before we settled in for a delicious meal followed by much-needed naps for kids and grown-ups (at least me, not sure about the others, I was too busy napping to notice).

Tradition called for the annual cutting of the family Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.

It was cold but Elia was a trooper and helped us pick the perfect one.

Today, we went to meet a reindeer.

Look closely and you'll see is in the background, she was not at all interested in petting the creature but we sure enjoyed looking at them.

The train though, she would have watched the train for hours.

After dinner tonight we got to work on trimming the tree and I have to tell you, we have discovered a better way to add lights to your tree.

Look at all of those lights!  We have never been able to achieve such full light coverage without the configuration of the lights being quite visible before.

The key? Add your lights vertically.  Stop wrapping your tree with lights and just go up and down.  It works and it's easy!  Thank you, Real Simple, for the tip!

Now we have ornaments to add.  Happy Thanksgiving and may your holiday season be filled with joy!

holiday cheer: home decor

Technically, this is a lifestyle blog and, you may have noticed, our current lifestyle is baby. Still, life can't be all bottles and diapers so I thought I'd write a few posts on holiday goodies and ideas.  It's a little early to post about Christmas but, of course, it's always good to be prepared and I know that I will be cutting down my Christmas Tree in just over a week. Plus I spotted this today so I'd say the holiday season is upon us!

I'm one of those people who loves a festive home but doesn't like to go overboard with decor. A few baubles here and there, a few gold and silver accents, a live Christmas tree, and some evergreen-scented candles and I'm good to go.

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1. Illume Balsam and Cedar Garland Glass

I got last year's version of this candle as Christmas gift and I loved the look of it so much [gold polka dots - what's not to love?] that I kept it out on my desk all year long. The balsam and cedar scent fill our living room with the scent of Christmas all season long.

2. West Elm Boxwood Round Wreath

In my opinion, boxwood makes for the perfect wreath. Faux or real, it tends to look great and doesn't need to be accessorized with extra glitz. Hanging one each of the small and medium above a fireplace would be so darling. These wreaths would also be great on a front door in the spring - I have a similar one on our door.

3. J.R. Watkins White Pine Hand Soap

J.R. Watkins is the best and their White Pine Hand Soap is no exception. It's a limited edition to get to Target and stock up!

4. West Elm Papier-Mâché Animal Sculptures

Okay so maybe this doesn't quite fit into my subtle holiday decor aesthetic but last year I kept seeing white reindeer busts pop up and this silver version is so fun. Plus, who isn't looking for something different to put above their mantle?  This fits the bill.

5. Threshold Faux Fur Ivory Throw

Nothing says winter wonderland like a cozy fur blanket. At $34.99 the price is right on this one so cuddle up!

6. Threshold Pine Tree Snowglobe

Snowglobes remind me of childhood; there is something so magical and enthralling about the snow falling around the figurines. The white tree puts a grown-up spin on a childhood favorite.

7. Lindsay Letters O Holy Night Canvas

Beautiful song, beautiful lettering, beautiful art. Lindsay Letters prints are scattered around our home and I've had my eye on this canvas for a while. For a more economical option, check out her prints and make sure to browse her shop for other holiday and home prints.

I hope you like these goodies and have a fabulous time decking your halls in the coming weeks!