Friday Five

Keeping it short and sweet and super simple this week because I am exhausted and sobusy!


one.

Including today, I will have seen one of my best friends three times this week! Normally I see her twice a month, so this is really a treat. [even if it keeps me up past my bedtime]

two.

I got Patrick the coolest Seahawks quarter zip for Christmas. It is one of the ones they wear on the sidelines, and I love it!

three.

I am so pumped for a relaxing night tonight. Pat is having guys night, and normally I would opt for girls night, but I think I am really excited to have the house all to myself!


four.

I scored 7 tickets for 5th row endzone to the Titans game. Usually I would be stoked, but due to our current record... No one wants to go watch them lose in the cold. Sooooo, might be donating those and watching from home!

five.

I am so excited about next week. We've got a fun party on Friday, and then off to my grandparents Saturday!! Woohoo!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

Friday Five

Slowest. Week. Ever. Amirite?! I am so glad it is Friday. We are one step closer to Christmas!!! I hate wishing time away, but I seriously love this holiday season! Especially this Christmas, it is going to have extra special meaning this year. Enough of that for now. Here are a few things I am loving this week:


one.

Second Annual Rudolph Run with the best friends a gal could ask for. Come rain or more rain, we will don our favorite Christmas clothes, and sing loud for all to hear to spread some Christmas cheer. I love that my friends share the same love [obsession] for Christmas! And fun 5ks. I guess that is cool too! Here we are last year. This year's ensembles feature light up accessories. Get. Pumped. Oh, and Mexican afterward. Does it get any better than this?! Nope.

 

two.

This girl. I saw her for the first time in what felt like ages, but was really just a month. We try to get together at least twice a month, but sometimes with our crazy schedules, we can only do it once! We can literally just sit and talk for hours, and that is what I treasure most about our friendship. I love that she pushes me, strengthens me, encourages me, and doesn't hesitate to laugh at me and with me.[side note: this pic is from awhile ago]

three.

Every year I get an ornament that is significant of something that happened this year. This year we decided on the one below to celebrate buying our first home!!

 

four.

If you haven't heard this song, you definitely need to listen to it. By far one of my faves of Ed. But, I heard this girl do Stay With Me cover on XM Radio. Holy Toledo it was magical. Even more magical, is this version of Ed's song. I love it. 

five. 

I am currently looking for a devotional. Has anyone read this? I have heard good things about it! Let me know if you have one that you really enjoy!!

 

Hope everyone has a happy, happy Friday!!!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things | Gifts Under $100

gift ideas by sara-lumley

Linking up with our girl Elise for the last installment of Favorite Things. I am sad to see this one come to an end, I just love looking at all of the great ideas! Gifts for friends are so fun! I'm really fortunate to have friends that would love basically anything I would. It makes for fun and easy gift shopping! These are some of my favorites to give people! What are some of your go-tos?!  I love to give a pedicure gift card, magazine subscription, or a good book!

The Thanksgiving to Remember

This Thanksgiving was definitely one that I will never forget. We started the morning off with a 5k and some of the best friends. We had so much fun! We even were on the news.

 

Side Note:

Cant wait for our annual Rudolph run this Friday with the girls!!

 

Thanksgiving Day was great until about 5 PM, when we realized that the mantle was on fire. At the time it was just a small flame, and within a matter of seconds the entire TV was engulfed in flames. At first we thought it was just the candle's fault, but after inspection it appeared as though the Direct TV box had a faulty wire. So, regardless of the cause... don't burn candles near TVs and check your cable boxes/outlets. Here's a before shot. You definitely don't want to see our faces after. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and we got my 2 year old little cousin up from his nap and out of the house just in time! My homemade strawberry cake was a HIT though!!

 

 

The rest of the weekend was calm in comparison. We officially have a few lights on the house! Now, let me slowly ease into this week back from a wild 4 day weekend!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of Year

I love love love this time of year. So here is just a tiny glimpse of what I am thankful for in this season:

Pat. He is my rock. And a great source of my laughter. I am grateful that all the events in life that God planned for us to meet exactly when we did. I cannot wait for the next stage in our lives. This has been the best year with you.

My family. My definition of family has changed in the past year, really in the past 5 months to be honest. People I never really wanted anything to do with have now become a cornerstone in my life. I am grateful that people change.

My best friends. I have found girls who make me want to give more, to laugh more, to cry more, to love more, to be more. Man those girls keep me sane. From running errands while listening to TSwift, to one hour long phone calls, to shopping, to knowing each others Starbucks orders, to heart wrenching conversations. Those people get me. And I know without a doubt, they are the greatest people I know.

My sweet pup. She is like our child. As the saying goes, I hope I can one day be the person she thinks I am, seriously.

My house. That it is cozy and warm and there. Many people do not have a home to spend Thanksgiving in, and I am grateful for mine.

My neighbors. I have said it before, but dang those people are becoming some of our closest friends. We love getting to do life with them.

For the future. I am excited about the life changes that Pat and I are experiencing. And I cannot wait for the next year and stage of our marriage.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hug your loved ones extra tight this week. Make time for the people who matter most to you.

These are a few of my favorite things: Stocking Stuffers

stocking stuffers by sara-lumley


Stocking stuffers are my absolute fave! So naturally, I love this week's link up! I just think they are so fun, stuffing it with all the goodies you know they love!! Here are a ton of ideas for your stocking, or your guy's. And in my case, I can never forget the pup! She is the queen of the house, after all! Gift cards are always great, especially if you know a specific store that they love, but never want to spend "every day money" on! I love the idea of a back up iPhone charger, I mean how many times would that come in handy?!

What's on your list?!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!



 

Friday 5

It's FRIDAY!!! Which means, there are only 4 more Fridays until Christmas. Let that joy sink in for a minute!

This is how ready I am for today to be Friday.....

one.

"If you're gonna be a homebody, we're gonna have a house party" // Sam Hunt

As our neighbor calls it, it is Paintmeggedon weekend! We are having a few friends over literally all weekend, and we are going to knock this painting party's socks off. We've decided on Revere Pewter [color in the middle, ignore the blue-- they swatch lied], and I finally found a high top table that will fit our awkward dining space! Words cannot express my excitement to get that builder's paint outta here.

two.

Anyone that has had a conversation related to clothes with me knows how much I have wanted a green jacket. I have been eyeing one in particular that was a whopping $110. Haha, No. I went to pick up my mom's birthday present yesterday, and my eyes went straight for the jacket... ON SALE. 70% off. How could I not. They had two left. So, obviously [please excuse my mirror selfie]....

 

three.

HTGAWM. Real talk: I wasn't sold on the first episode. However, after each episode I have become more and more hooked. I still haven't seen last night's episode, but I had 3 theories until this morning. I added another theory this morning. We are watching it tonight, and I am pumped to see if any of them are right?! IF you haven't seen last night's, what's your theory?!

four.

I have never had White Chicken Chili, but I will definitely be trying it tomorrow. I figured what better way to bribe people to help you than with food?!

Via

five.

These are a few of my favorite things Link Up. If you missed last week's post, check it out here. Come back next Tuesday for Stocking Stuffers Edition!

Happy Weekend Everyone!! On a side note, did anyone else catch the Pitch Perfect 2 preview?!! I immediately sent it to one of my best friends, Jordyn, and told her to mark it in her calander for a girls night!!

these are a few of my favorite things

Linking up with one of my favorite bloggers today for the annual These are a Few of My Favorite things.

these are a few of my favorite things by sara-lumley

 Argento Vivo monogram necklace / I have wanted a necklace like this for awhile, and I think now is the time!

Enamel cast iron cookware / I have a 7 quart dutch oven, but mercy is that thing heavy. I want a smaller one for meals, to use on more regular basis!

Planner  / It's no secret that I have been on the hunt for a planner. Well, I think I found a winner thanks to A Touch of Grace blog, Design Love Planner is exactly what I am looking for!


Leather Wallet / I am in need of a wallet. While I don't necessarily need it to be Coach, I really like this style!

Capri Blue Candle / Because this is one of my favorite candles and I am out of my last one! They have these at a local store near me, but I know you can get it off Amazon.

Drinkware /  Antrhopologie always has the best gift ideas. I absolutely love these wine glasses. I am in need of some basic wine glasses for our mini bar/coffee station, but these are so much fun! 

Ambre Oil / These are the best fragrances since I don't know when. They are organic and enhance your natural smell. Now, I know that sounds so weird, but seriously these scents are amazing... I have gotten more compliments on this! My fave is the brown and orange! 

Knit Throw / Every girl wants a knit throw. Let's be honest about this!!

Sweater Socks /  Because these things just look warm and cozy. 

What are some of your favorites this holiday season?!!

Weekend Recap

Helllllllo freezing Monday.

This weekend flew by way too fast! I was planning on a "do nothing" sort of weekend, and those plans quickly changed.

Friday I had the day off with Lila, she had surgery to remove a mass on her side Thursday. Poor thing was pitiful. She is feeling much better, and chasing toys like there is no tomorrow. Our neighbors [their dog, Lucy] even got her a little treat! Seriously, how thoughtful. It's little things like that that mean the world to me!

 

Saturday was off to Christmas Village. I went last year, and honestly didn't really think it was all that people made it out to be. The only reason I went this year was because a few of my girlfriends were going. Company definitely made it worth it! We had so much fun! Here we are minus one girl, red cups and all.

Sunday I had a wild hair to finally paint. Y'all... picking a color is for the birds. After painting three different spots three different shades of gray, I called it a day and said I would come back to it. I am in desperate need of some paint color suggestions. I'm thinking Revere Pewter from Benjamin Moore? I really want gray, but it just isn't going to match our neutral tones in the decorations.

Tonight we are heading to So You Think You Can Dance show, and I am pretty pumped. I don't have a rhythmic bone in my body, so I love watching people dance!

Happy Monday everyone!

Friday 5

Happy Friday, everyone!

I am currently bundled up on the couch with a post-surgery pup, watching a proposal on Kelly and Michael [yes, crying], and somewhat working from home. Yes, the dream.

one.

I don't know about you all, but it feels a lot like Christmas here in Nashville. I am so excited for Thanksgiving, but if it's cold, I am celebrating Christmas. So, I am taking the fall decorations down and bringing out the Christmas tree. I might just be really excited since it's our first Christmas in our new home. Here are some tree ideas that I am loving [gold and white are just a dream]!

via

two.

 I am officially training. Yes, I have said that before, but my back just wouldn't allow it. However, I underestimated my cold gear layers on this cold 21 degree morning. Check back next week for what to wear when it's frigid out! But, here is my absolute life-saver when outside, gotta keep those ears warm y'all:

via

three.

I have chili in the crockpot, and I am so pumped. I am pretty picky about my chili. However, I found this recipe on Pinterest, and absolutely love it. 

 

four.

This weekend:

Friday- DVRing, wine, and cable knit blanket date with the hubs. [insert praise hand emoji]

Saturday: Decluttering the house. We shall call this "Things that should have gotten lost in the move"

Sat/Sun: Football and Nursery planning. No, not for me. But for a really good friend of mine. The majority of my favorite bloggers are pregnant, and it makes my heart so happy to watch them on this journey. So I love being able to be somewhat knowledgeable about what she's going through. 

five.

This was my favorite link up last year. And I am so excited to join this time around! Check back on Tuesday for a few of my favorite things!

This Sick Beat

Yes, I am still jamming to TSwift 90% of my day.

I just love it.

 

Side Note: 

I stopped paying for Spotify when I realized that artist literally get half of pennies for their songs being streamed.  Kind of crappy if you ask me. So, you go Tay. 

However, I recently read an article from the CEO about the purpose of Spotify 

to create a place that brings people who normally illegally download to somewhat "pay" for music.

Good point, but still doesn't change my mind.

Here are some of my new favorites this week:

 

I am still all things Little Big Town-- seriously this album is golden.

Live Forever & Girl Crush are the best.

 

18- One Direction [Ed Sheeran wrote this]

 

I'm Not the Only One- Sam Smith [his voice, though]

 

Avalanche- Nick Jonas [his whole cd actually surprised me-- in a good way]

 

She Don't Love You- Eric Paslay [I've loved this for awhile, glad it's a single now]

What songs are you loving right now?!

I'm Back [anniversary pictures]

I have solemnly sworn to never fly again this year. 

After traveling to four states in the past three months, this girl is tired of traveling! 

Last week I spent the entire week in Orlando at a conference. 

Pro: Universal Studios. 

That place is fun. 

I am not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, but I do like it. 

The Harry Potter are was seriously the coolest thing I have ever seen.

This weekend was much needed.

Saturday I spent the morning at the vet with Lila, she has a "spot/mass/bump" on her side that just doesn't jive well with me, so we are having it removed this week.

I spent the rest of the day with my sweet friend Jo.

Sunday was spent relaxing, relaxing, and relaxing.

We finally got our anniversary pictures back.

I absolutely love them!!

So, please excuse the picture overload. 

[I swear I will not post all 112... today at least]

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Five

Happy Friday!

The candy bowl is full, our "costumes" are ready, pizza is ordered.

Bring it on, Trick or Treaters!!

one.

Our costumes this year [because Pat is a huge Seahawks fan].

two.

One of my most favorite dips ever.

Can't wait to munch on this tonight.

1 to 2 cans of black beans reduced sodium, strained

1 can of corn, strained

1/2 red onion

1 green or red bell pepper

1 jar of Olive Garden Italian dressing

Mix all together and let chill in the fridge

[I usually put the onion through the processor since some people are scared of chunks of onion]

three. 

Becuase in sales, you can't really dress up.

My work costume.

Presenting: Casual Friday

[shoutout to Blue Avenue for my awesome vest]

four.

Weekend fun.

We are heading to our neighbors after trick or treating for pumpkin carving.

Currently accepting ideas for that.

Tomorrow, one of my best friends is coming over to help me with a little somethin' somethin'

that Pat and I have planned. Stay tuned.

Sunday, wheels up to Orlando for the entire week for work.

five.

Because, it's Taylor Swift week.

And you need this album in your life.