All I Want for Christmas

So, the Hubs keeps asking me what I want for Christmas.  Up until today, I didn't really have a list.  But in an effort to give the Mister a break and some solid direction, I've compiled a few of my wants this year! 

1. An Hermes Blanket, because I'm always cold.

2. Tory Burch brown riding boots, because I already have a black pair.

3. A Shoshanna Dress, because I love Shoshanna, it's be perfect for work, and it's on sale! (size 4)

4. A Spoon holder, because I'm tired of having to wipe food off the stove top.

5. A day at the Riviera Spa, because I could use a nice, relaxing break.  (Riviera Spa Escape Package)

6. This fabulous Coat from Cole Hahn, because I've had my eye on it forever--and it's on sale! (size small)

Dear Santa, I promise I've been EXTRA good this year!

Happy Happy Birthday Sky!

Today is my sister Sky's 8th birthday!  I remember the day you were born--you were my little monkey! 

You are beautiful, talented, and intelligent!  My favorite memory of you was the year you were a leopard for Halloween. You were only 2 and you'd run around going "Rahhhh" to everyone....even after Halloween was over.  And, I'll never forget that you are a "life-time member of the TIME OUT club". 

My Little K

Since I'm on the topic of birthdays, I want to say Happy Happy Birthday to my youngest sister, K!  1 week ago, she turned 6, and since I was in Italy, I was unable to blog.

This little girl brings so much joy to my life.  She's funny, smart, and a hoot to be around. One of my favorite memories of her was the first time she met my dog.  She looked at me and said, "What's your puppy's name?" to which I replied, "Sweden".  Then she said, "Oh, then I will call her Sweetie Pie."

Happy Birthday BFF

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Two days ago, my best friend turned 26.  Sorry for being a bad friend and not blogging on your actual day!  We've been friends for a very long time, and as I reflect on all the memories made, I must say that I'm so glad you are my friend!  20 years is a long time to know someone. 

We've done a lot of stupid things (remember when we ditched our frat dates on Bourbon Street, or the time we agreed to be on that tv show, or the time the cops showed up to that party and we all just turned out the lights and stood there still while they banged on the door, our fakes from Arkansas), had a lot of great times (hello Tabb, San Francisco Rose, Wing Dingers, and that time we ditched our frat dates on Bourbon Street), and have done a lot of living!

Summer time at the Rose

"Sarah, if you don't make this throw, we are no
longer friends."  She made it!

Before FIGI Island at UT

 

The Loon

My MOH--at the Rehersal Dinner

I'm so glad to call you my BFF.  Here's to another 20 + years!

Catching UP

Ciao Sweet Friends!  I am so sorry I've not blogged lately.  I've actually just returned from a 2 week trip in the Tuscany region of Italy!

It was wonderful and beautiful!  I can't wait to share all about it with you. 

This weekend, while the Hubs is on a Quail Hunt with the guys, I plan on decorating for Christmas. (That means I'll spend a large amount of time in Michaels buying more decor!)  Have you already decorated?  I feel like I'm a week behind!

While I catch up on work (and sleep and decorating), I wanted to leave you with these amazing images to help you get through the day! 

Source: google.com via Sharon on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Brandi on Pinterest

Source: camillaathome.blogspot.com via Lorinda on Pinterest

Source: luxeandlillies.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Happy Friday and Happy Holidays! 

Why don't you Pray about it?

A good friend of mine posted a quote on Facebook yesterday that stopped me in my tracks.

Source: spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com via Kati on Pinterest

Wow.  I was so convicted when I saw this! 

Let me preface this by saying that I love my family more than anything--blood is thicker than water.  And I am VERY protective of my family.  Even when we rarely fight, we always make up and love each other more than we did before.

But, something recently happened in my family that has really affected me.  (It doesn't even involve me directly.  But it's hurt someone I love so much that I've taken my stance and have drawn a line in the sand...and it's a FIRM, clear line, like the gold line in front of the Alamo that William B. Travis drew.)  This issue bothers me to no end and I just can't seem to get past it.  First, I was completely shocked--utterly shocked, then I was disgusted, then I was really sad, and now, I'm just hurt and angry.  It is insane how much the selfish actions of 1 person has hurt me.  I know, I know, forgive and move on, but I just can't get past this.

My girlfriends have spent hours talking about this with me and giving me advice on how to handle the situation, and for that, I'm extremely grateful.  But when I saw this quote, I realized I hadn't prayed about the issue as much as I probably should have.  To be honest, I bet if I had prayed about this enough, I'd probably be over it by now.  (Wishful thinking...)

So, thanks "C. Jojola" for sharing this quote with everyone--I really needed to be reminded that I can't handle things on my own.  (This is very hard for a TYPE A personality to admit.) 

So, it's back to the good Lord I go:

"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done."        Philippians 4:6

Who Doesn't Love a Little GaGa

Have you heard about Barney's New York "Gaga's Workshop"?  Barney's has worked closely with Lady Gaga to design a range of exclusive, speical edition items which will be available for a limited time only at their "Gaga Workshop".  The workshop opens in 6 days, and for each of the 12 days leading up to the opening, Barney's has released (and will continue to release) a special "Gaga" product.

It's official, I'm "GaGa" for this "Diamond Teacup"!  But, at $65, I'll have to add it to my Christmas List and hope that Santa brings it! 

This teacup, with a "diamond" inside, honors the interview in which Gaga dropped a diamond-like rock into her cup and pulled it from her lips when she polished off her drink.

 I mean really, isn't it fabulous!  And what a conversation starter!  And technically, isn't it a piece of art?!  And since I want to begin to collect art, I need it!

Santa, (or anyone else who loves me and wants me to be happy), if you'd like to purchase this for me, just click right here!