five.

For five years we have lived together. We have worked hard to build a home. We have learned that we can make anywhere a home, as long as we are together. He has made me breakfast and presents and left love notes and took busy moments to pull me aside to give a really long hug. Every day I have known that he loves me because he shows me in everything he does. I truly, truly, still cannot believe that he chose me. 

a day in pictures

I've had my new lens for a day and a half. Clearly I don't know what I'm doing yet but learning is so fun!

Saturday started off with an amazing brunch with an even more amazing family. We just laughed the whole time. I really wish I got some pictures -- I always feel so awkward pulling the camera out in a restaurant.

We came home and took a walk downtown so Josh could get his hair cut. Phoenixville you are so photogenic. 

The day ended with some friends and a pit bull that I love a little too much. Sauce is pretty ridiculous around other dogs (ie. picking fights non-stop ... thankfully he never does any damage) but has finally settled down around Izzy. It was the best night.

winter break

Right now we are nearing the end of our winter break -- aka crunch time. The downstairs soon-to-be bathroom is being worked on and I'm trying to get the upstairs hallway in order.

It's really gloomy from all the snow -- but lots of coffee and taking pictures is helping me get through it. 

Speaking of taking pictures! I just ordered a new camera lens (thank you family!) which I am peeing my pants excited about.

Here are some pics from around the house. Things not seen: a mild construction-dust-induced temper tantrum(s), a chihuahua that wouldn't leave us alone, and lots of great family time. 

Notes:

1. Best soup.

2. Bathroom drywallin'.

3. An air plant ornament that my friend Katy made ... I know, right?!

4. The "deer" that Josh made from cardboard ... it totally looks like it's from a kit! But no!

5. My desk -- after all the wrapping and presents were cleaned up. Finally.

here

Here's the thing -- the last few months have been really hard.

When we came back from Florida last summer, I think we left a piece of ourselves there. It would be an understatement to say that I haven't felt like myself ... and therefore haven't shared much here.

I love the little family we have created so much -- and we have learned a huge lesson -- you have to work hard at happiness. Not a day goes by that those words don't ring in my head. Because it's so true ... happiness doesn't just come to you ... you have to work for it. Hard. And create the life you want. 

We are getting braver and braver by the day. We have put it out there to the universe that we would like to spend some time in warm. Because you only live once ... and we would like to spend it outside. 

wrapping

My favorite holiday pastime: wrapping presents. This year I spent a total of $5 on wrapping. Brown craft paper from the dollar store (that can be recycled) and a pack of brown bags (also can be recycled) from Michael's with a 40% of coupon.

We took craft paint and dressed them up a bit using some holiday colors. The stamp was a gift from a friend ... and it looks so good on brown paper. Also, using a white gel pen makes all the difference... it looks so nice that you don't even need a tag.

Don't forget the washi tape! Which makes anything! look! pretty!

Happy wrapping ...

Ps. IKEA had some great bags this year. We grabbed a pack for some of the bigger gifts. 

a veg thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving for the first time this year. Luckily for us, our family was willing to go meatless! We tried a Field Roast and it turned out pretty good. The other dishes we made were Barefoot Contessa mac & cheese, eggplant rollatini, stuffed mushrooms, brie and artichoke stuffing, corn bake, string beans with shallots, twice baked potatoes, and beet and goat cheese salad (which I totally forgot about!). Mom brought the (amazing) sweet potatoes.

For horderves ... butternut squash crostini, brie with puff pastry and raspberries, fried artichokes, and caramelized onion and spinach dip. We had so much fun doing it.

We ended up setting up a buffet in the kitchen instead of passing everything around on the table. Also realized we are the worst holiday people ... Josh and I equally hate holiday color combinations -- orange/red/brown, red/green, even easter with the pastels. It was a challenge to make everything look festive without using the typical colors. One of my favorite things I found was this triangle candle holder from target. The green candle holder was a cheapy from anthropology awhile ago. And you can't have a holiday table without a terrarium, right?!

holiday gifts: part 1

Am I the only freak that holiday shops in October?

I know it seems excessive, but it's key in order for me to enjoy the holidays. I hate feeling rushed or doing anything last minute. When I'm rushed I'm not creative ... and actually end up spending a ton more mullah.

So when I spotted these FashionABLE scarves on several blogs (Design Mom is the only one I can remember to link to) we bought a bunch for the holidays. Go on ... buy one for the amazing ladies in your life. You won't be disappointed -- they are beautiful. Did I mention there's a hand-written note from the artist pinned to each scarf?