Happy New Year: 2017

Goodbye 2016! It's bittersweet to say goodbye to the year that turned my life upside down! Even more so to know that this year has taught me so much about myself.

To ring in the new year we are just spending some time all snuggled up.

What I'm wearing: Trouvé Off the Shoulder Tunic, and LEMON 'Frosted Swirl' Over The Knee Socks

My 2017 Inspiration: Word, Phrase, Verse

Last year (this year, 2016) I wanted use a single word for the year. However, I'm not sure if it was maturity, or even the understanding of what a word for the year meant. Radiant, did not come out of me in 2016, and if you say it did, I'm not sure you seen my year. I had moments, but honestly I forgot about my word.

Instead of like last year when I just randomly picked a word I liked and thought I could make it work, I chose to sit down and spend some time deciding on the year for 2017.

2017 Blog Goals

While this is not my most productive year in blogging, it is the year that has taught me the most. While sometimes there are moments I get frustrated and don't want to blog anymore, but that's usually me discouraging myself. So this year I am making goals for the new year for this blog and a few others.

Perhaps you can incorporate some of these goals into your blog plans for the year.

Sticker Shops Used in 2016

The gift that a lot people chose to get me this year? An Etsy gift card. Why? Because.... I BUY ALL THE STICKERS!!!!! Seriously, I have an obsession with planner stickers. I have no self control when buying kits, icons, and decoration stickers. Stickers in your planner? Yes, I'm 26 years old and I adore placing stickers in planner! Proud Sticker Layer!

So what stickers do I use the most? What shops? Who would I purchase from again and who would I not?

My 2017 Planner

With 2017 just around the corner, it's time to let everyone know what planner I'll be using in the new year! Did I go with a Happy Planner, Erin Condren Hourly Colorful, or a Simplified Planner from Emily Ley? It wasn't easy for me...

And the winner to be my planner...

Merry Christmas!

Today has been an interesting Christmas Day! But you know what despite the more darker moments, we are grateful for the Christmas that the Lord gave us. We are truly blessed.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. - Luke 2:14

Advent Christmas Eve: Christ

Merry Christmas Eve! Tomorrow is Christmas! The day of Christ's birth! There are four comings of Christ. The first is His coming in the flesh, His birth, which we will celebrate tomorrow! The Second is His coming into the hearts of all who believe in him. The third is His coming at the hour of death to all who know Him as Lord and Savior and the fourth is His coming at the Final Judgement.

This advent season say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the gift of His son.

My Letter to Santa: 2016

When was the last time you wrote a letter to Santa, Saint Nicholas, or Father Christmas? I write a letter every year with my girls. I've always known how important it is a write a letter to Santa. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Grown-Up Christmas List."

This is my letter to the big man in red...

Fourth Week of Advent 2016: Joy

Joy to the World the Lord has come! And what a wonderful world it is, even with everything going on in it. It's still beautiful, and there can be peace found on it. It's something to be proud of this time of year.

Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Christmas 2016 Survey

It's less than a week away until Christmas!! Are you excited?! Have you finished your shopping? As the temperature drops, I feel a deep need for warm blankets, hot chocolate, and little naps by the fire. Cozy sweaters and tall boots. Twinkling lights and comfort food. A great level of peace can be felt in this time of year.

If you are not in the Christmas spirit yet what's stopping you? Celebrate in your favorite ways! Keep memories of loved ones alive with how they liked to celebrate! Enjoy the questions below:

Running Recap 2016 & Running Plans 2017

How does the saying go? Find Three Hobbies You Love: One to Make You Money, One to Keep You in Shape, and One to be Creative. I have the middle one and I'm very blessed by it. I run and I love it so much.

You can just run in your neighborhood, or at your gym. I do that, but it's because I'm training for my next runDisney race!

Couple's Christmas Bucket List

Thanks to watching Christmas movies all of my life, I believe that winter is the most romantic time of the year. Not necessarily the Christmas season, because I believe there is a reason that Valentine's Day is in the winter months as well. And I feel like couples should really take stock in the winter season for romantic moments.

Vinny and me  decided to do a couple's bucket list for Christmas. I really like how it turned out.

Third Week of Advent 2016: Love

Love is all around us, but especially God's love. His wonderful plan of salvation was because of His great love us. To receive this gift of salvation, all we have to do is believe and receive.

And from far away the Lord appeared to his people and said, “I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness. - Jeremiah 31:3

Healthy Christmas Snacks

One of the things that really make the holiday season for me is the food. Let's face it; Christmas comes with images of hot chocolate, red cup Starbuck drinks, cookies, and candy. But let's say that you are already contemplating the New Year's resolution of eating healthier. No one says you have to stay away from the yummy treats of the season just watch when you consume it and how much!

Enjoy holiday snacks, but make sure you're also getting three healthy meals a day with a balance of fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy.

Our Disney December Trip Recap: Dec 8 - Dec 11

What happens when you mix two mid twenty years old and one of their fathers and let them loose in Disney World for two and half days? Do they get anything accomplished? And mix in that the two twenty years old are engaged. Oh yes a fun trip.

What all can you possibly get done in two and half days? Well for us? A lot!

My 20 Favorite Things About Christmas

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

While this song has some interesting things as favorites, I have a few of my own favorite Christmas things. There is nothing better than the Christmas season to me. Christmas is just the most beautiful holiday. So here are a few of my favorite things.

So settle in and enjoy the views of what makes up Christmas to me.

Second Week of Advent 2016 : Peace

Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility; that sounds really nice doesn't? What if I told you that you could possess that? Believing and turning to the Lord will do just that. No, life won't become easier, that's not what peaceful is. Peaceful means finding the tranquility and quietness in the Lord while you have time with Him.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! ” - Luke 2:14

My Favorite Christmas Ornaments

All of the turkey is gone or is in some kind of other dish, let's bust out all of the holiday decor! My trees has actually been up since before Thanksgiving Day. That's right, trees, with a plural on them. I have roughly somewhere between 25-30 trees from 1 foot to 15 feet tall. I have four 15 feet trees that I just love. I have also loved the idea of a Christmas tree in every room as a kid. I kept the promise to myself. I even have one in my laundry room, and one in every single bathroom. But what about the sparkly and pretty things that go on the tree?

There are so many ornaments in my house. Some are from my childhood gifted to me from my parents, and some I make new every year with the kids (kitchen tree with cinnamon ornaments and cookie ornaments.) Regardless of what kind of ornaments here are some that I hold close and dear to my heart.

Winter At Disney World

People are weird about their vacation weather. I am a person who is hot natured so I enjoy a good cold and cloudy day. Or give me a freezing day with sun shine! That's just me. So what about Florida in winter? Will you need a coat? Can you wear shorts?

I fully understand I am the only person that hopes it's cool when I go to Florida. That's alright, I get it that most people (most of them being too young or too old) think that when you go to Florida it should be 70-90 degrees. Not me, which is why I love Florida in the winter! Because they have cold snaps!

November Favorites and Lookback

Goodbye November, Hellllloooo December! Welcome back after a year! I have missed you so! I am one of those people who wish we could keep the Christmas lights up year round for some sparkle and shine in our lives! But we can't, so I'll just keep adding glitter and shining bright myself!

What races did I do this month? How is Vin? Did we go to North Carolina even though the mountains were mostly on fire? Answers to all these and more in this month's favorites!