it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

it's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTmas...

the past two weekends we have done so many CHRISTmas-y things :) i have been in Heaven! i was bummed to be missing out on some of the things at home, so the fam got together & we celebrated our very own charlotte CHRISTmas in more ways than one!

first: Christmasville Parade of Lights with the Romeos

we lovelovelove them... the Romeos i mean! however, the lights were pretty too! downtown Rock Hill is SUPA presh!

next up: Tega Cay Christmas Tree Lighting with AbbyDrews :)

i loved this night, mostly because it was spent with Babs, but also because she makes a mean batch of MUDDY BUDDIES... or 'puppy chow' as she, and many other mis-informed people call it... haha :) we devoured them & watched movies, snuggled up on the couch! 

lastly: Family 2.0 Christmas at the Romoes

SUCH a wonderful night. truly. it just reminded me of how blessed we are. the Lord knew exactly where we needed to be and who we needed in our life. ALL of the people we have met here in Charlotte make my heart happy. blessed beyond anything :)

NOW... only one more full day here in chartown && then we are headed west! to the snow, mountains, family... a colorado Christmas. now THAT is true perfection! 

oh ps... have i mentioned it's getting REAL christmas-y around here? everyone's getting more cuddly & even doing sweeet things for eachother like breakfast in bed! ;)

lovelovelove!

what did you grow up calling this tasty Christmas treat?

muddy buddies or puppy chow?! 

2011 CHRISTmas card.

since they've been officially sent out, I can now share our CHRISTmas card with y'all! It would have been no fun for the people receiving them, if  they would have seen them here first... but i'm SO glad i can finally post! here are a few of my favorites from our backyard CHRISTmas photo shoot! Compliments of yours truly, via tripod :)

 the MUSTaches were a MUST this year :) we had SO many fun pictures with these :) i just happen to LOVE this one.

 i kinda think he is the cutest man alive...

 our favorite 'out take' of the day(left) SUCH a great picture... it's officially on our fridge :) ....and the pets did not make the photo this year... it was a valiant effort, but they weren't having it!

 thank you to our south carolina home for giving us such a beautiful setting :)

 ...and thank you, thank you! for putting off raking the leaves until after we had our picture fun!

 here's what we sent out :) why choose just one when you can collage?

heart happy :)

merry CHRISTmas month!

love, the sals

the lovely poppy.

oh friends! my eyes were recently opened to a WONDERFUL etsy store!

the lovely poppy

get over there && check it out!!! i am in LOVE with all of the beautiful creations. i am currently obsessed with these headbands. gorgeousGORGEOUS. they need to be on my head soooooon!! love.

all photos from 'the lovely poppy' site :)

happy saturday! i am thankful that i have the WHOLE day off, lucky girl.

fun finds!

SO many great finds lately, i am having a hard time narrowing down my CHRISTmas list! i am in total "nest" mode! i don't really want many things for myself, but more for both Chris and I, and our home! I guess this happens when you're older?

these rugs from urbanoutfitters are GORGEOUS, & actually very reasonably priced! the bright ones are super fun, and the cream one is so beautiful & would go in any room!

One of the things I am wanting most is new bedding! I have been eyeing the 'rosette' bedding from Anthropologie all year now! It is waaaay out of our price range, and more than I would ever spend on bedding even if I could... however, it is beautiful & thanks to pinterest, I have found a DIY tutorial. yes, really. I am loving the look of these color combos & rooms! I am hoping this is a project I can do over the holidays! We shall see! in case you fall in love with this bedding too... here is the link to both Anthropologie AND to the DIY Blog i found it on :)

this pillow WILL be on our couch. hands down, how fun!! i found it on etsy, and it has already been sold... but thrift store pillow + stitched on felt letters = precious salvaggione throw pillow :)

PaulaDeen Cookware is DEFINITELY on my wish list! Maybe not for CHRISTmas but it is SO pretty! I haven't decided if I want to mix & match or get all one color, but this filling our kitchen is a dream of mine :) LOVING the 'butter' color and also the 'speckled pear'.

and lastly... new towels and some cozy blankets. there is nothing better than a warm, fresh towel or something to snuggle up in :)

what's on YOUR CHRISTmas wish list?!

decemberrrr.

it's here, it's here! december. probably my favorite month of the year. it is SO cold outside, yet there's so much warmth in our hearts and in our lives! praise God for december! it's CHRISTmas time & we are celebrating the birth of our Savior...

'son of God, loves pure light...'

 THAT in itself is the most wonderful thing to be merry about! Also, the twinkling lights, the snow, CHRISTmas music, warm drinks, cozy fires, snuggling & hugs, loving hearts, giving, quality time, rosey cheeks... not to mention SOCKS, blankets, CHRISTmas movies, scarves & waiting for Santa :)

what is there NOT to love?! i do wish that people would tune into the greatness of our God all year, everyday... but if this time of year brings it out of them even a little, i am grateful for that! maybe this year CHRISTmas will just be the beginning for some, the start of an incredible journey with our LORD! i sure hope so :)

pinterest find of the day: this key is for Santa!

The poem reads: Dear Santa, This magic key works just for you. Please open the door and come on through. Thank you for coming to our house tonight. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Thank you Santa for the gifts you bring. Thank you Lord for everything.

definitely doing this for our littles one day :)