Kickin’ Off the Holidays + TBB Asks

December is here!  We have already watched Elf once, the house is decorated (mostly) and Christmas gifts are arriving pretty much daily.  I’m sure it won’t be long before I’ll realize I’m not quite as on top of everything as I feel today but right now I’m enjoying twinkle lights and soaking up the season.

Thursday night I attended a women’s event at a local church all about preparing our hearts for the holidays.  I even stepped out of my comfort zone and gave 5 tips to dressing with joy for the holidays during dinner.  Our local boutiques were gracious enough to provide some holiday looks for a few sweet friends who agreed to model.

Holiday AttireFriday night we headed to our very favorite Christmas part each year where we were able to catch up with dear friends we just do not see often enough.  The hostess makes all the food herself and it’s the same every year with maybe a few new things.  Keith seriously even marks this one on his calendar every year it’s that much fun!

Saturday morning I headed to Dallas to celebrate my friend Lisa’s 50th birthday!  We met when I was pregnant with Jordan 28 years ago and it’s one of those amazing friendships where no time really passes when we are apart.  We always pick right back up where we let off.

And as if this wasn’t all just enough to fill my soul for the entire month of December, I met one of my very best friends from high school for lunch on Sunday.  The last time we were together was 20 years ago in New York City and it was a sweet reunion.  I don’t believe I have hugged someone so long or so hard in public in a really long time!

My only regret is not pulling out my big camera for any of these!  In fact, I didn’t even pull out my phone because I was 100% engaged for a change.  Regardless of the picture quality, the quality of the moments was super special.

Now, come join The Blended Blog and answer a few questions about how you holiday!

TBB Asks Holidays

One | I’m not a huge fan of peppermint but definitely keep some candy canes around the house this time of year!

Two | Now that the kids are older we don’t rise super early.  Typically I’d say around our usual weekend wakeup time.  Christmas morning is my absolute fave though and I seriously love our chaotic Christmas morning picture the best.

Three | Evidently I DID do some black Friday shopping based on the packages stacked in my front room!  Of course I did all of it from the comfort fo my bed in my pj’s.  My best bargain was on Tumi brand backpacks I was able to cross off my bigs Santa list!

Four | Yes!  My tree was up on the 25th!  Now, there appears to be some lights out and I’m debating if I ignore it or try to address it but other than that everything is merry and bright!

Five | Absolutely I do!  Pinterest is seriously such a resource especially this time of year.  If you need some inspiration you can check out my Christmas board or the holiday gift idea board.  I can even help you Unshelf Yo Elf if you are still having some magic at your house for little ones! Or you can head directly to see my Elfin Memories and a little of how the Elf grew up with my kids adding some acts of kindness when they were a little older.

Six | Definitely glam over here!  I grabbed this red top and this tank and have already sported both!  Of course my splurge was on a new little black dress I’m in love with.

Seven | Heck no to wrapping my stocking stuffers!  By the time those suckers are heading into the stockings Ms. Clause be tired.

Eight | I love all Christmas music and a mix of both.  There are 5 CD’s I’ve owned forever and I keep them in my car year round so I’m all ready to go when December 1st gets here!

Nine | We have enough fruity people and nuts in our family…no need for cake!

Ten | Don’t I wish!  Nope, do not have even half done but I work best under pressure!

Eleven | Well, never say never.  One year we had an amazing snow at Christmas but it is a once in a 100 year kind of thing,

Twelve | Now that my kids are bigger I can’t say any of these shows make the rounds at our house.  In fact, I may be ashamed to say I’m not sure Carly Jo or Dillon have ever seen the Charlie Brown Christmas.  Hmm…may have to have some forced family fun this week.

Now it’s your turn!  Grab the graphic and share your answers over at The Blended Blog!