a lovely living

Anyone still in a food coma?? Fortunately I was able to manage getting through Thanksgiving dinner (for those who aren’t updated, today marks day 7 after having my wisdom teeth removed), but not enough to stuff myself which I found to be enjoyable. What I really mean is I was able to go all out with a piece of pie for dessert without feeling like I was forcing it down. Ok, I’m probably making some of you sick continuing to talk about food. On to shopping. So how many of you crazies are heading out to fight the crowds today? I’m not a big Black Friday shopper. I’m a bigger online shopper and find that the sales throughout the whole season are pretty darn good. For example, my sister and I already ordered Kate Spade wallets at 65% off…not too shabby. Check out their site for the sale.

I’m spending the day cleaning, doing a little decorating and getting some family photos taken by my sweet and talented cousin….just as soon as I can figure out what we’re all going to wear! In the meantime, you can have a look at the rest of my week…

1. Christmas decorating has commenced. It still pains me, but yes, we have a fake tree. We realized a few years ago that my husband is allergic to pine and my heart broke a little. I love hiking out, finding the not-so-perfect-but-perfect-for-us tree, chopping it down, hauling it home and having the scent fill our home. What I do appreciate, however, is the lack of maintenance and mess and the ease of it all.
2. A snow day this week called for cookie baking. I could not get them out of the oven fast enough for this little lady to chow down!
3. Trader Joe’s has a boxed scone mix that I just tried out this week. Based on the crumbs that were left, everyone approved.
4. My lovely siblings on Thanksgiving Day. I am the oldest out of the batch despite the size of my one brother….yes, he’s really that tall.
5. I don’t make brussels sprouts all that often, but I will surely be making these again. Super easy and a perfect side dish.

Happy shopping everyone! Let me know what you find (online or in-store)!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.

Well, I have survived for three days since having my wisdom teeth removed. Not a whole lot of anything was accomplished by me this weekend, but it did get me looking towards the week ahead (praying I’ll be able to eat by Thanksgiving!) and realizing how much I have to be thankful for. I figured I’d take a few minutes to make a list which includes the ultra-important to the very insignificant yet thankful for them nonetheless items.

I am thankful for:

1. Let’s get the major ones out of the way right off the bat.  My friends and family and the health of all of them.
2. A loving God and the grace and mercy he shows.
3. Food on our table and shelter over our heads.
4. A husband who understands and appreciates my desire to be a full time mom. (He basically had the kids on his own this past weekend and at one point told me how much he appreciated what I do and asked if I was sure I didn’t want to get an easier job ;) )
5. The laughter of my children during the times they are playing nicely together…for the tears that eventually follow sending one of them running into my arms.
6. Old friends and new friends and the way each one touches my life.
7. Family that is now closer than they have been in over a decade and the help that they provide.
8. The numerous times my son gets out of bed for “one last hug”.
9. Sloppy kisses from my toddler.
10. Starbucks eggnog latte’s and eggnog in general.
11. Target (my apologies for being this far down the list).
12. Pinterest, for allowing me to borrow the creativity of others.
13. Chocolate covered raisins.
14. Slow cookers.
15. Scented candles. Especially sugar cookie which I just broke out yesterday.
16. Speaking of scent, the scent of my baby who is losing it by the day. How I wish I could bottle it up!
17. Uggs. No matter how ugly or out of style, they warm my feet like no other.
18. Sweatpants. As much as I love to dress up, my whole family changes into sweats as soon as they get home. This includes my 4 yo son who can’t stand anything else on his legs!
19. A sister who will always tell me the truth and a mother who will only find a way to compliment.
20. In-laws that welcomed me in like their own daughter as a teenager and fought off any other girls that made any attempts.
21. Chocolate chip cookies. Or just chocolate. Or cookies. Ok, I am thankful for sugar…happy?
22. Snow for building snowmen and sled riding and creating the desire for hot chocolate.
23. Sand, sun and beaches that we know are only a few seasons away. Or a flight away. Yeah, I like that better.

I would keep going on but I don’t need to take up your entire day!

So what is it that you are thankful for?

I’ll be back tomorrow with my favorite pumpkin pie. It takes a bit of work, but boy is it worth it! If you haven’t started your pies yet, you may want to give this one a shot!

Well this is one week I was not wishing to rush. Today I am having all four of my wisdom teeth removed and not exactly looking forward to it. My week began full of excitement as my husband and I were in NYC (which you probably know based on yesterday’s post), and is going to end with me looking like a chipmunk. If you don’t get a fashion post next week, you’ll know why!

My week looked a bit like this…

1. It’s a good thing I’m going under because I don’t think I’d let the surgeon in!
2. Call me crazy, but since I’m not going to have the option to eat solid foods, I figured I would try a juice cleanse which I have been wanting to do for a while now. My girlfriend has done it a few times and highly recommended it. I’ll be sure to share more on this once I get through it! They arrived yesterday and are waiting patiently for me to return home puffy faced and thirsty.
3. I was able to connect with one of my best friends from college this week (she’s in the middle) along with one of her close friends from her hometown who happens to now live in my town…small world! Two lovely ladies that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with.
4. My son came home from school with this “H is for Hero” cape. I’m thankful for the creative teachers he has in his life!
5. And of course, NY, where my week began and where my mind will hopefully be during surgery!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth today for High Five for Friday and The Diary of a Real Housewife for Friday Favorites.

Happy Friday, friends! As fall turns to winter I’m doing my best to keep the kids entertained indoors. We’ve spent time at the library, a local science center, ‘picture’ toy shopping (Jack takes pics of the toys he hopes to get for Christmas), and breaking out the crafts at home. Luckily they both enjoy helping me bake as well. As we were making banana bread this week I later noticed a big bite was taken out of a fresh tomato I had sitting on my counter…and then I spotted the spit out bite which was thankfully not in the bread ;) Tons of precious time with my babes but next week Jack and I are taking a quick trip to NYC. It’s based around meetings for him, but I’m sure I can keep myself occupied!

Here’s a glimpse of the rest of my week:

1. Well, I started my Christmas shopping. I had so many coupons on hand that I figured I may as well tackle what I could before the crowds turn crazy. Our kids are at such a great age, where Jack is starting to get the hang of this whole Christmas thing (including what it’s actually about) and Madelyn is still just as excited to play with a box as she is the toy that came in it.
2. I admire all of you parents that so willingly allow your kids to explore their creative side. No matter how often I do it, I still cringe a bit every time. But looking back on the pictures sure makes me glad I do it.
3. Jack insisted on pushing his sister on a quick shopping trip. I think he’s making my job too easy ;)
4. Thank you Anthropologie for reminding me that my birthday is coming up. If I’m going to get older at least I’m going to do it stylishly!
5. We’re ready for snow and we have a few more hills here in Central PA than we did in Hoboken. It’s time to break these kids in!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth today for High Five for Friday.