Christmas Eve 2012

Merry Christmas from me and my blue-eyed hubby! (Yes, that is his real eye color, and yes, I get to stare at them everyday.)

We were blessed with safe travels and lots of sweet time with family on Christmas Eve. Sometimes the holidays can be draining because of all the traveling, but I feel like this year was less hectic (probably because we had two fewer Christmases to attend than usual--one due to a time conflict and the other will be rescheduled for a future date because my wonderful MIL was in the hospital).

Sister, sister

Me and Gran

A dear friend from graduate school who is from the Congo was supposed to join us, but winter weather trampled his flight plans. The service at church was beautiful, and I got to see a close friend from high school that is expecting her first baby. I may or may not cry every time I see her because there is just something emotional about seeing your best childhood friend pregnant with a child of her own! How did we get old enough to have babies?! In any case, she looks wonderful.

Me and Chelsey (with baby Brynnley)

I hope you all had a joyous Christmas Eve!

Leopard Dress

 

Leopard dress: $27.99 Target, Merona (sold out)

Leather boots: $25 JC Penny, Liz & Co (Black Friday sale)

Initial necklace: $12.00 Whimsy Whoo

I ordered this dress from Target online in September. I l-o-v-e animal print. I also shop on a budget, and I definitely think this dress was worth the price. It's thin enough to wear in warmer weather, but it layers nicely. I usually wear a wide belt at the waist, but let's be honest...a belted waist is my enemy during the holidays. I want to eat my fudge in peace, thank you very much. It's in the 60s today, so I layered a long black cardigan on top (similar here, but mine is from Kohls and probably cost $15 five years ago).

My favorite accessory right now is this initial necklace. I am a slightly obsessed with all things monogrammed, a sure sign of a Southern woman. The best price I have seen on monogrammed necklaces is $50. I would love to spend $50 on a necklace, but I can put together an entire outfit for $50. So this is my compromise, and for $12, I am very happy!

Christmas Party

Let's have a party!

Photo booth fun with my sweet boys <3 

Silly girls!

We hosted a Christmas party for Zach's medical school classmates last night. Photo booths are so popular right now, but we haven't had a chance to partake in any of the fun. Solution? Make our own! The props were rather simple to make, yet slightly time consuming. I think it was well worth the effort; everyone had a great time acting silly and capturing our lovely Christmas fashion. We had delicious catering from a local Italian restaurant, but we ordered way too much. A single mom and her children received an early Christmas meal today.

Family Pictures

Somehow we managed to schedule and take family pictures with both sides of our families this fall. Let's just call it what it is: a miracle. Photo credit to Liz Chrisman. 

My side:

Zach's side: