Christmas Goodies

Long time, no see! I hope you all had the most amazing Christmas, surrounded by those you love! Christmas is hands down my favorite time of the year, and I'm sad that it came and went, but you better believe our Christmas decorations will be up until the New Year!

I wasn't going to write a post about what I got for Christmas, but I really made out this year so I need to share some of them with you! If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen my favorite things, but for those of you who don't....enjoy!

J and I exchanged presents on Saturday, which is totally normal because I'm the most impatient person e.v.e.r. He did really great picking out presents for me this year, but my favorite by far, is this wedding countdown calendar he made for me....

Every month starts off with a countdown to our September 1st wedding. There are hilarious pictures sprinkled throughout and the boy did well with my favorite chevron pattern as the background. It's obvious that he put a lot of thought into this present which is why it means so much to me. And what a great way to keep track of wedding planning memories!

Sunday was our family Christmas party for my Dad's side of the family. That's when my Dad gave me another one of my favorite presents...

....A KEURIG! I've been wanting a Keurig for a loooooong time, and I finally have one of my own! I'm obsessed! I can't stop making coffee, hot chocolate, chai tea, and hot apple cider. I'm going to need to seek professional help sooner than later.

On Christmas morning, I opened presents from my Mom. A few days before Christmas, my Mom put this ginormous present in front of the tree, and I spent hours trying to figure out what it was. The moment I opened the present, I instantly fell in love...

It is a gorgeous full-length mirror that opens up into a ton of jewelry storage! Seriously, the perfect present for me! J bought me a beautiful jewelry holder that hangs on the wall for my birthday last year, and with my ever growing jewelry collection, I was having to store some of my jewelry in plastic tackle boxes in a drawer. Now, I have plenty of space to organize and display my jewelry! I'm going to fill up that mirror quick!

What were some of your favorite Christmas goodies?

OHP: Christmas Edition

It's the most wonderful day of the week! No matter how many times I participate in this lovely link-up, I never get bored....likely due to my Pinterest obsession! So whatcha waiting for? Join in on all the fun and share your weekly pins!

Etsy Gift Guide

Every year, I want to pull my hair out over buying the perfect Christmas presents for my family and friends. Please, tell me I'm not the only one who stresses over this?! I'm always on the hunt for something unique. I love buying presents that I know people haven't seen on the shelves of every other store in the mall. That's why I always turn to Etsy. While spending hours some time on Etsy, I came across some items that would make the perfect gift for anyone this holiday season.

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This chunky knitted bow scarf from ThreeBirdNest is on my Christmas wish list! I am head-over-heels in love with it. Cute, warm, unique....what more could you want? I'm actually in love with everything in the ThreeBirdNest shop, so if you're in need of something special for your sister or best friend, go check it out!

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Looking for a unique idea for a newlywed or an old friend? How about a recipe box, like this one from sewindieshop. I love the idea of giving someone the gift of a recipe box or book with a few of your favorite recipes inside. This is also a great gift for a bride-to-be....like me!

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Ladies, we all know how hard it is buying a present for our better half. You ask them what they want and their answer is always "I don't know." Well, how about some beer soap. What man would not want to lather up with a bar of soap made with beer?! Etsy offers a ton of different shops that sell beer soap, but this particular 6 pack comes from peculiarpotions. You'll never have to beg the man in your life to take a shower ever again....

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I am in love with these coffee sleeves by BabyofftheHook! These would make the perfect stocking stuffer for the coffee lover in your life.

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Do you know someone who loves to entertain? How about a set of monogrammed plates from NOLASalvageCreations? Any hostess with the mostess would love to show off these beauties! This would also be a great idea for a bride-to-be with her future last initial. I personally would die over these monogrammed 'B' plates for when I become Mrs. Barber.

What are your go-to Etsy shops for gift giving?

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Now that Thanksgiving is over and gone, I can be open with my obsession with the Christmas season and all it entails without being shunned by family and friends. If I had it my way, we would be living the Christmas dream 365 days a year. But since no one has made me Queen of the World (not yet, anyways), I have to be okay with busting out as much Christmas cheer as possible in the month of December. In honor of the holiday season, grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy my list of My Favorite Things: Christmas Edition...

Christmas Decorations

There's nothing I love more than a lit Christmas tree and some festive decorations. This pictures above are from last Christmas, but don't worry, this year our tiny apartment is looking just as festive! Our Christmas tree is a little bit on the Charlie Brown side, but the thing has character.

The First Snowfall

Again, another picture from last year. Technically, we had our first snowfall this past Friday, but in my opinion, if it doesn't cover the ground, it doesn't count. Now, don't confuse me for a snow lover, because that I am not. I just love the first snowfall, when all the trees and the ground is covered in sparkly, white snow. Once it gets all brown and nasty, I'm over it.

Hallmark Christmas Movies

I'm a sucker for cheesetastic Hallmark Christmas movies. In fact, I watched three of them yesterday. Who cares that you know exactly how they're going to end, nothing is better than a weekend filled with Hallmark Christmas movies!

Elf

I could say Christmas movies in general, but Elf deserves its own category. I could watch this movie every day. My love combined love for Christmas and Will Ferrell puts Elf at the top of my list. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Sugar Cookies

Enough said....

 

What makes your Favorite Things: Christmas Edition list? Happy Holidays!

 

Trouble In Paradise

You guys, something serious happened this weekend. A serious ripple in the smooth ocean that is mine and Justin's relationship. You would think that after almost three years together, we would know a lot about each other, but apparently, that's not the case. Let me set up the scene for you all...

Friday night, Justin and I went to listen to a concert that his brother was playing at. On the way home, I started flipping through some radio stations when I remembered something that makes me oh so happy. I'm sure we all have those local radio stations that start playing Christmas music the day after Halloween. For some people, that's like Hell on earth. Well, I happen to absolutely love Christmas music. I could listen to it all year round!

So, of course, I flip to the Christmas radio station and am just overcome with happiness. You have to be heartless to not feel that immense joy when you hear a great Christmas tune....

Unfortunately, my fiance is a heartless grinch!

I can tell he's staring at me out of the corner of my eye, and when I turn to look at him, expecting to see hearts and unicorns in his eyes, all I see is disbelief and annoyance. These words came out of his mouth:

"You're one of those people?"

Umm excuse me? Those people? Yes, actually, I am one of those people, and proud of it! And why does he not know this about me? We've spent two Christmases together already!

After explaining my love of Christmas music and the holiday season and why I think it should be celebrated year round, he has the nerve to say this:

"I just don't think I can get past this. I'm not sure how we're going to move forward. We need to seek professional help."

Professional help? Maybe he should just grow a heart!

But ladies, I have good news. They always say there's a rainbow after the storm, and whoever "they" is was right. Since Justin is the best fiance and always gives me what I want, he let me listen to Christmas music several times over the weekend. I think he's finally coming around on the joyousness that is the holidays! I guess he does have a heart after all...

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