By the light of the tree.

So its a lot Charlie Brown. 

But it's all lit up and it makes me so happy as I sit here in its glow. 

I totally simplified this year and put up the least amount of Christmas decor I have ever done (or not done)... mostly because I don't have the energy, but also because I need some new decorations. 

But I love our sparse little tree dressed with only ornaments that tell a story. 

The children love hearing about each and every one. Everyday.  

    Happy December! Let the joy and merriment begin!

 PS. our computer crashed  last week (THE WORST) and the new one's arrival isn't scheduled for another two weeks still. Ugh.

So don't expect much from me anytime soon, not that I have been very present anyway... Though I do have lots to share, especially if you want to hear about my growing baby. Exciting! Big plans in the mix to start the nursery soon.

The perfect Thanksgiving Table.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and I have been looking for tablescape inspiration everywhere.

These are a few of my favorites.

 

HGTV

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Design Sponge.

 

EAD

 

 

Centsational Girl.

Martha Stewart

Happy Thanksgiving!

They don't call it The Windy City for nothin'!

OH MY GOODNESS this place is freezing!

When Ben said he had to go to Chicago for business, I jumped on the opportunity to tag along, you know, kinda like a babymoon-- just me and my guy... And even though I got some major anxiety as it came time to leave the kids (picture Ben practically dragging me onto the airplane), we are having an absolute blast! But really, how could we not? It is everything I hoped it would be and more. Delicious food? Check. Incredible shopping? Double check. Phenomenal landscape? You got it. We aren't here long enough. I kind of wish I could make it a regular visit... Today while B was doing boring business stuff I got to shop at my favorite stores all. by. myself (!), without kids (though I miss them terribly), nowhere to be and no time constraints. Dreamy.

We will be home soon with full tummies, tired legs and practically empty wallets.
But next time you hear me complaining about cold Utah winters, remind me of The Windy City.
Really though, I would hop a plane any time, any season to be back.

Moisturizing bliss.

I am so loving this stuff right now. I received it as a gift for my birthday and I can't say enough about it. 

Winter hates my skin, BUT lately the two have been getting along better. And I only have this lotion to thank. (Actually, I only have Kilee to thank since she gave it to me.) 

 It's good stuff. 

Treat yourself to some body butter BLISS.

Or ask Santa to.

Pillow talk.

Being pregnant, I haven't had much energy to do anything beyond things that have to be done  
(like cooking, cleaning, errands, playing with the kids etc.).

But recently, energy has finally started to kick back in!

I have no major deadlines and I am extremely antsy to get momentum going back in the direction of our house projects.

TONS of projects, big and small.  But I just can't decide where to start.

So when I am feeling helpless or indecisive or overwhelmed... meaning not enough time and/or money...

I make PILLOWS.

Somehow it makes me feel like I've been productive. They liven up a room and give it a little bit more personality. 

This week, I changed up a few things in the kids rooms, you got it, with PILLOWS.

 
So next time you come to my house--- if I have lots of new pillows..?
It probably means I've been feeling overwhelmed.
 

DIY Tinted Mason Jars.

Mason jars are so useful for so many different things, right? 

I was browsing through Momtastic and thought these were so fun! In rainbow colors like this, they look kind of springy, but how fun would a whole bunch of green ones be with your Christmas decorations?

Or if you haven't been lucky enough to find your own antique blue ones, you can at least fake it and make some! 

Click here for the tutorial.