if...

I know this is pretty random, but IF I ever have a little girl, I would like for her room to look like one of these. They just look so warm and cozy.

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no shopping madness for me today

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I enjoyed spending time with family and eating delicious food. Now that Thanksgiving is over, the shopping madness begins. I am always looking for a good bargain, but you won't see me out in the crowds today. Paul and I actually buy at least half of our Christmas gifts online. God bless you if you are out in the craziness today. Here are some online gift ideas for you!

I love all of these prints from Red Letter Words. What a great gift.

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These days, networking is crucial when looking for a job. Everyone needs a business card holder and this one is too cute.

Personalized gifts are always winners. Love this.

Don't forget about these calendars. These make great gifts too.

i like what i see

Lands'End has revamped itself and has a new line called canvas. I found out about it here. I like what I see and I think you will too. Check it out here!

citrus-cinnamon punch

This is the perfect punch for any holiday party. It's simple and delicious and it makes your house smell like Christmas! As I mentioned yesterday, I made it for my niece's first birthday party and it was a hit.

Orange reduction: (makes your house smell like Christmas)

2 1/4 cups fresh orange juice

strips of zest from 2 navel oranges

three 3 inch long cinnamon sticks broken into pieces (I used 5 sticks for more flavor)

Punch:

3 cups fresh orange juice

2 cups fresh red grapefruit juice

1 tbsp grenadine syrup

2 1/2 cups cold grapefruit soda (Fresca)

orange slices and ground cinnamon for garnish

1. Make the orange reduction: In a saucepan, boil the orange juice, zest and cinnamon sticks over moderately high heat until reduced to 1 cup. Strain and let cool.

2. Make the punch: In a large glass pitcher, combine the orange reduction with the orange and grapefruit juices and the grenadine syrup. Stir well and refrigerate until chilled (about 1 hr - I showered and got ready for the party while it chilled)

Just before serving, pour in the grapefruit soda. Dust the orange slices with cinnamon and serve in the punch.

For an adult party, it might taste good spiked with a little cognac:)

a little birdie told me...

that Leighton had a birthday party! I'm a very proud auntie and I love my niece dearly. We celebrated her birthday just a few days early and it was a wonderful first birthday party.

My sister, mom, and I began decorating and cooking Friday night. I must say, we (mainly my mom) made some scrumptious dishes (homemade pesto, baked brie, etc..). Ashley and I stayed up until 11:00 making four batches of this...

while Leighton read magazines (Southern Living - she knows the good ones:) in bed with Grammy and Grandaddy.

Saturday morning came quickly. I was in charge of making the punch. It was citrus-cinnamon punch. I'll share the recipe with you tomorrow. It was easy and quick. Thank goodness.

My sister had the most beautiful and tasty birthday cake made for the party. It was almond flavored and to die for!

Don't worry, she got Leighton a little cupcake to eat.

And boy did Leighton love that cupcake. These pictures say it all.

Watching Leighton open presents was so much fun. She gets really excited about everything. I loved watching her face. She got some great gifts. Some new toys,

some classics,

and some sentimental gifts.

The most sentimental gift was a poem written by grandaddy (my dad) and illustrated by Leighton's poppy. It was just beautiful. Below you see my dad reading it aloud for everyone. I'll share it with you soon.

The party turned out well and everyone enjoyed spending time with sweet, little Leighton.

I know that Leighton probably won't remember this day, but maybe one day when she gets a little older, she will look at these pictures and realize just how much she is loved. She has brought great joy to my life and I look forward to continue watching her grow. Happy Birthday Leighton Capri!

Love,

Auntie Am and Uncle Paul

party

We made it to Friday! I hope you have a lovely weekend. I'll be helping my mom and sister plan, bake, and decorate for my niece's 1st birthday party. What fun! I'll share some pictures with you on Monday.

Happily Grateful

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We have so much to be thankful for. Remember that this Thanksgiving and all throughout the year!

I'm thankful for:

my God who saved me

my sweet husband

family

friends

good health

job

sunshine

families that are serving our country

What are you thankful for?

green bean casserole

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought this would be a good one to add to your recipe box. Isn't it funny how we eat certain side dishes only on Thanksgiving. I don't save this one. Green bean casserole is delicious and easy enough to fix all throughout the year.

What you need:

Mix one can of the soup, 3/4 cup of milk, 1/8 tsp. of black pepper, 2 cans of green beans (drained) and 2/3 cup of onions in a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish.

Bake at 350 for 30 min.

Top with 2/3 cup of onions and bake for 5 more min.

Yummy enough for Thanksgiving and easy enough for everyday!

second home. first choice.

I love that slogan. Second Home. First Choice. At first, it makes me laugh. I'm not sure why. It is so true though. If you are blessed enough to have a second home then it should be your first choice. I think my first choice would be a lake house (dreaming of course), but I sure do love the look of that new england getaway. Where would you want your second home to be?

beach house

cabin in the mountains

condo in the caribbean

new england getaway

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Have a relaxing weekend! Hopefully we'll see some sunshine.

raindrops keep falling on my head

You might need these today!

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