Festive Friday!

The first thing I thought of this morning was that at 3:30 pm today I will officially be on Christmas vacation then the second thought was burrrr it is really, really cold in the house which means the cold front has arrived! Now, with the weather being "winter-like" and the fact that I only have a couple more hours left, I figure the only way to celebrate is to post a bunch of pretty Christmas inspired outfits that I have been obsessing over! I decided to stick with the classic red and green color palette with a little twist. Of course, with sparkle and tartan thrown in for good measure! P.S. Christmas is only 4 days away! :D

 

 I just bought these beautiful emerald green pants from Target and I am in love! This color is all over Pinterest and is even being named the official style color of 2013 and I couldn't be happier as it is not only a lovely color but is also my birth stone! :)

I probably won't be posting as much as during the next couple of weeks as I really want to focus on what this season is all about which is family, friends and faith. I really hope that everybody has a wonderful Christmas and I just want to take this time to say thank you to all of you that read this! It really means the world to me and all I ask is that in all the hustle and bustle you take time to remember what the real reason for the season is.... Him.

Merry Christmas from the Nash's!

xoxo

 

Christmas Wedding

Ok, so I was scrolling through Pinterest and I came across these Christmas Wedding Photos and I have to say I am obsessed.... My wedding day is long gone but a girl can still dream, right???
So, these photographs are just down-right stunning! I love everything about this from the red cardigan and lips to the mistletoe bouquet! Everything about this shoot is intoxicating! Ruffled recently featured this year’s edition of Kaylee and Bobby’s Christmas love affair and it makes you instantly love these two. This is just the kind of Christmas romance that gets me every time.

{Photos by Haley Sheffield via Ruffled.}

CHRISTMAS CHECKLIST

How is it possible that there is only one week left until Christmas? With the deadline fast approaching and this weekend being the Nash/Pinto Annual Christmas Party and then with my Dad coming in on Sunday, the hubby and I just had to take yesterday off. Both of us were feeling a little under the weather and really just needed to get caught up on everything Christmas!

I must say, I think we did a pretty good job as we were able to get our Christmas cards sent out and I officially got all of my Christmas shopping done and all of the presents wrapped which is such a huge feat for me so let's just pause for a second so I can pat myself on the back. :)

Needless to say, I’m very much looking forward to some days off and some time celebrating Christmas with family and friends. How about you? Any fun plans for the Holidays? 

Here is a quick look at what I have been up to lately:

Here are a couple of pictures that went on our Christmas card!

Merry Christmas from Larry!

 This is the latest ornament which I made for my beach-lovin' Mother-in-Law. I am so excited to surprise her with it so don't tell her if you see her! ;D

Here is a close up! 

 

Fancy Word of the Day: Ubiquitous

Fancy word every girl should know: ubiquitous

Why I chose this fancy word: Truth be told, this is a necessity for every busy bee's vocabulary especially this time of year when our to-do list grow every second of the day!

Definition: ubiquitous (adj.) pronunciation: yoo-bik-wi-tuhs

1. existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time

Use this word in a sentence: Whitney's greatest attribute is her ability to thrive while being expected to be ubiquitous in the workplace.

Edible Gift Ideas

It’s probably no surprise that I love to bake and I am sure we can all agree finding ways to give to everyone on the ever-growing list without breaking the bank is a must these days. So, in this post I’m highlighting a handful of my favorite edible gift ideas for your inspiration!

Let's be honest, I’d much rather spend an extra hour or two in my kitchen making gifts, than having to fight for parking at the mall and waste time in long lines shopping for them. I can crank up the tunes (Christmas songs of course!) Heck, I can stay in my PJ’s if I want and even enjoy a holiday cocktail while I bake. What could be better?

Sparking Snickerdoodles :: Bluebonnets & Brownies ~ Amber suggests using red or green sparking sugar for making these pretty cinnamon-spiced cookies all the more festive.

Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar :: Food for My Family ~ Doesn't this just sound yummy and the presentation is adorable to boot!

Homemade Pancake Mix Jars :: Goodlife Eats ~ This festive breakfast mix, not to mention the pretty presentation, is sure to to brighten up anyone’s morning.

Homemade Vanilla Extract :: Tidy Mom ~ This is perfect gift for avid baker and they will never know it comes with very little effort on your part.

White Chocolate Peppermint Dipped Pretzels :: Shutterbean ~ What a neat idea and they look so fancy!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix :: Homestead Revival ~ It's an oldie but a goodie with a little bit of a peppermint twist! You just can't go wrong with some hot cocoa this time of year!

Cinnamon Almonds :: Rags to Riches by Dori ~ This is definitely one of my favorites with festive flavors such as cinnamon and nutmeg. You can package them in a cellophane bag or a cute little jar, just be sure that they stay airtight!

Carmel Popcorn :: Crazy Kirkham Life ~ This is a recipe that is a hit with any occassion. The hubby and I make it for movie nights and it always does the trick for the sweet tooth! We always add cashews for a little bit of a crunch and if you add a cute christmas container it will be a favorite with all of your loved ones! 

Fancy Word of the Day: Fruition

Fancy word every girl should know: fruition

Why I chose this fancy word:
With this being the season of desire and fulfillment and with the season of resolutions upon us I think that this word is the perfect addition to sprinkle our vocabulary with.
Definition: fruition (noun) pronunciation: froo-ish-uhn

1. attainment of anything desired; realization; accomplishment
2. enjoyment, as of something attained or realized.
3. state of bearing fruit.

Synonyms: consummation, accomplishment, fulfillment, achievement, completion, perfection, result.

Use this word in a sentence: After many years of hard work Stella finally got to celebrate her idea being brought to full fruition.

All I want for Christmas....

Robby's mom has a sign like this hanging in her house and it always makes me giggle so when I saw it on Pinterest I knew I had to pin it! It is pretty hilarious but it got me thinking... While I would love to go back to stage 1, I am on stage two and sadly, all I want for Christmas is to be on stage 3. I know I am not the only one, but what I want more than anything is for the holidays to be special again. To see the excitement in our kids eyes on Christmas morning. To be able to go as a family and pick out the tree. I mean, don't get me wrong, as you all know I am a total Christmas freak so we get a tree now but the thought that it wouldn't matter if we didn't kind of depresses me. This is my favorite time of year and I am just so excited to be able to mix our family traditions and even start some of our own for our future minis.

Robby's parents on both sides take Christmas very seriously and always make it a point to make this time of year so special. Every year, on Christmas morning we travel down the street to Robby's mom and stepdad's house where we eat homemade taquitoes. Then, before we open any gifts, Richard reads the Christmas Story from the Bible and then the present opening begins. One present for each kid holds a set of instructions called a "hint" which starts an individual scavenger hunt that leads to several more Christmas themed instructions on where to go next until you finally find the special hidden present. 

Then on Robby's dad's side we have a family bingo game that always gets a little wild. Whoever wins gets to go and pick out a present and it may be yours or it may be designated for someone else. It is really cute! What stage are you on and are you happy with it?

Fancy Word of the Day: Resplendent

Fancy word every girl should know: resplendent

Why I chose this fancy word:
I have been savoring this word as I heard it while watching Kate and Leopold over Thanksgiving break and A. didn’t know what in the world it meant and B. thought it sounded pretty fancy. Since looking it up, I’ve found myself trying to use it whenever possible. I mean, who doesn’t love an elegant way to add a shiny new word to their vocabulary?

Definition: resplendent (adj.) pronunciation: ri-splen-duhnt

1. shining brilliantly; gleaming; splendid
2. having a brilliant or splendid appearance

Synonyms: beaming, brilliant, dazzling, gleaming, glittering, glossy, luminous, lustrous, refulgent, splendorous

Use this word in a sentence: Her husband said she looked absolutely resplendent in her sparkly dress.

Words to live by ♥

"I must learn to love the fool in me- the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wines sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries.

It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of my human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool."

-Theodore Isaac Rubin

Fancy Word: Libation

Fancy word every girl should know: libation

Why I chose this fancy word: I think that this fancy word is quite fitting with the previous post on festive holiday cocktails.

Definition: libation (noun) pronunciation: li·ba·tion

1. A pouring out of wine or other liquid in honor of a deity.

Use this word in a sentence: We celebrated her promotion with libations at our favorite neighborhood bar.

Holiday Cheers!

"One martini is all right. Two are too many, and three are not enough."

- author James Thurber to Time magazine, 1960

Okay, there's nothing wrong with having a fun and festive drink in your hand this time of year. The five cocktail recipes below are perfect to serve anytime throughout the season; from a quiet evening in to a dinner bustling with friends and family. I've also included a non-alcoholic drink as well, so everyone can enjoy! Cheers! :)

5 Holiday Cocktail Recipes:

1. Want a perfectly festive martini for the ulimate sweet tooth? I think you need to try the sugar cookie martini by We are not Martha!

2. A few measures of Peppermint Schnapps turns this mocha cocktail on the rocks by Bayside Brides into a sweet holiday delight. Don't forget to add the crushed candy canes around the rim of your glass; too cute!

3. Chicago Tribune writer Leah Eskin shares her drink of choice for the holidays: a pretty in pink cocktail made of champagne, cranberries, and topped with the zest of an orange. Yum.

4. What could be more joyful than gathering a group of friends and pouring a few of these eggnogtini's? Just saying eggnogtini is fun, isn't it?

5. If you're looking for a great non-alcoholic drink for kids and adults alike, check out this holiday punch cocktail recipe (serves up to 50).

You can find many more fancy and festive cocktails on my Pinterest!

xoxo