Maybe it's because I'm another year older and another year wiser but what I'm really asking Santa for this year is to go home for Christmas.
Living 2,433 miles away from family is hard. Living that many miles away at the holidays is even harder. I've lived in California now since August of 2012. That's going on 7 years and I've been able to go back for Christmas for all of them except two. Last year I was seven months pregnant and wasn't able to fly the long distance. We vowed that I'd get home this year again for Christmas. There's only been one other time I hadn't made it home for Christmas and that was right after our wedding. We had just seen everyone 11 days before so we stayed in California for the holiday. This year we just went home for Thanksgiving so I'm really hoping we can get back there again for Christmas. That's all I honestly want. I don't need gifts, I just want the company of my mom and being able to sit in her living room, look at her Christmas tree and play with my son in front of while a Christmas classic is playing in the background.
Is the flight rough? A little. Is it worth it? Yes.
With a 9 month old, you feel like you have to pack everything and the kitchen sink. Trust me, you definitely feel that way when you're lugging the car seat, pushing the stroller, with your diaper bag while carrying your breast pump and lugging your own clothes from the car rental through the terminal but in the end it's all worth it. This last trip was Presley's first time to West Virginia. He actually did really well on the flights (there isn't a straight flight from Sacramento - Huntington) and the car ride to the house (almost 3 hours). He loved being at my mom's house. He loves to interact and play with my mom (which I love).
So yes... that's all I want for Christmas. While people Christmas day will be posting pictures of their fancy purses, headphones, new shoes etc. I'll just be hoping to spend the holiday with my little family.
Do you find yourself wishing you could go home for Christmas if you are far away? I know some people want anything but to be home at Christmas time and the holidays.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner! While I'll be fine with receiving a card with a nice note in it, I thought I'd share some luxury gift ideas. Granted, I would love to receive any of these gifts but with the baby on the way any day, I think we probably won't splurge that much this time around.
The first gift idea... a trip to Oahu to stay at the Royal Hawaiian. While we've been to Hawaii, we went to the big island. I have never been to Oahu and I would love to stay at the Royal Hawaiian. This is where they filmed Gidget Goes Hawaiian and I have loved that movie since growing up. The hotel is the scene of the entire movie and it was actually filmed there.
I mean really... who would turn down a gift of a trip to paradise?
The next luxury gift most people wouldn't snub their nose at... a Louis Vuitton handbag. This particular bag is the Siena PM. It's got a removable cross body strap so you pick how you want to carry it. Sling it over your body or carry it by the handles. Personally, this is my favorite LV print.
La Fleur Bouquets- The Petite Square
Have you seen these flower arrangements? They come in some pretty wild colors. They also last an entire year! These are real flowers! I love the idea of a mixed box of baby blue and white roses. Everyone who ever gets these always raves about how amazing they are and that they actually last an entire year. Granted, you can't remove them from the box if you want them to live!
Quality workout gear. These Adidas Alpha Bounce EM Running Sneaker and the Nike Sportswear Rally Fleece Pants. Both of these can be worn year round and will keep you looking stylish while getting your sweat on.
An extra long weekend in Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg Tennessee because duh... it's my favorite place!
It's been awhile since I've been there any other month besides May, June or November. Trust me, I'll take a trip a trip there anytime someone wants to give me one. I love that area and one day we will retire there.
These are just a few of the luxury gifts, that any girl could want.
This year I have been extremely lax on my Christmas shopping. I literally have two people on a list of about 10 people done. To say that I'm almost in a panic attack over it, would be an understatement. This weekend, I will bravely hit the stores and even the dreaded mall all while being 7 months pregnant. Thank the Lord for the invention of Amazon Prime because without that I don't know what I would be doing. Oh wait, I do know... paying an insane amount for rush shipping.
I've had some people ask me what I'd like for Christmas. Honestly, I don't know what it is about this year maybe it's because I can't go home for Christmas and spend it with my mom and husbandmaybe it's because I'm so pregnant and have had such a hard time with being sick but I haven't really thought about things I would like to have. I just don't feel as festive as I normally do because I LOVE this time of the year. Here's my attempt at my wish list.
1. To spend Christmas at my mom's house!
I've only not been home for Christmas once (technically twice but my mom came to CA so I don't count that one). This will be the second time ever. I'm 33 years old people. This is a big deal to me. It's something about being at my mom's house with her live tree and the stockings and Santa's cookies. I just want to go home for Christmas. (PS I'm not going home because I can't make the long flight at this stage in pregnancy). Cue the tears. Last year with not my husband and my mom it was perfect to me.
2. Amazon Gift Cards.
If I can't go home for Christmas, at least let me shop for free on amazon. I've got a whole wish list of Christmas decorations on there that will keep me occupied.
3. Anything Baby.
I'm so overwhelmed. We don't have the baby's room ready, we don't have any of the furniture yet. We literally have some blankets, sleepers, onsies and bibs. Hang in there baby. I'm working on it! Here in the next 2-3 weeks we will hopefully have a bassinet and a crib. We will also have the room somewhat ready. So anything baby related that's essential is a good thing. BUT hey, I've got my amazon registry done! Including the crib, changing table and dresser.
4. Books, Movies and Christmas Decorations.
I've got a giant list of movies, books and Christmas village pieces that I want. I've added to my amazon list all year long.
This year I'm turning the big 33. While I'm not too excited about the age, I am excited to celebrate my birthday! I always have my mom and boo asking for ideas of things they can get me for my birthday so here's a few things that I would love to call mine.
1. Toms.
I have a pair of canvas shoes that I recently pulled back out and I realized how much I love wearing those kinds of shoes. I recently saw a pair of Toms that would go with a lot of things that I wear and would be great for summer! Their in the color Ash.
2. Village Pieces.
On my recent trip to Tennessee, I was able to get several pieces for great prices. I want to keep adding to it and since all the pieces are so cute, it's hard not to! I got a great Marilyn who stands outside a theater, now I just need the theater! I love this Victory Theater! I also want the Griswold House because I have several pieces from the National Lampoon Series. I would also like to get Boss Shirley's house because I feel it's not as popular and they will discontinue it quickly.
3. Beauty & The Beast Mystery Mini.
I had no memory of ever seeing the original Beauty and the Beast animated movie. I think as a kid, I was just way more into 80s movies so I hardly remember watching any of the "classic" Disney movies. When the new movie came out, we went to see it and I really liked it! Funko came out with these Mystery Mini's of all the characters. Unfortunately, you don't know which one you are getting until you open the box and they made several of them available only at certain stores. I have got the entire set except one... Cogsworth the clock! I keep these little figures on my dresser and look at them every morning when I get up so I'd like to finish my set!
4. Books and Movies.
I love reading and I love movies. I'm still trying to get these movies (I've wanted them for quite some time) and I love books! I've been reading a lot this year! I need several of my favorite author- Stuart Woods.
Of course, I would just be happy to spend time with my boo and my mom! I wish we could spend my birthday together but this year Skype will have to do!
Can you guys believe it's already April? I sure can't! This year is flying by and before you know it, it'll be time to pull out all of our Christmas decorations. We've been keeping busy with work, vacations and tons of extra projects around the house. Easter has sprung and the pollen is in the air! In our house, we give Easter baskets to each other. I always give one to my mom and to my husband. We've been exchanging them ever since the first year we started dating. This year for some reason he's become hard to buy for! I always ask for little hints during the year at things he might like but recently he hasn't asked for anything that I could add to my lists. While that dilemma continues, I had no problem adding things to my massive wish list.
1. Christmas Village pieces
2. Adidas Shoes.
I use to have several pairs of these in the 90's and they were great! They lasted forever. I wish I still had my old pairs. I would rock them now! If my memory serves me correctly, these shoes run a little big so I think I would wear a 5.5
3. Movies.
I love all of these movies! There's several Hallmark movies that I'm hoping they will put out on dvd!
4. Books.
I love to read and these books are some of my favorite series to read. I haven't read any of the Longmire books but I loved the show.
We haven't secured our Easter plans yet but I'm thinking of doing a dinner. Making some dishes and a half of ham. How do you normally celebrate Easter?
Can you believe Valentines Day is just around the corner? 2017 is already moving and grooving. Just as I did with Christmas, I mentioned a few things that I'd love to have for the holiday. Since Valentine's day isn't the same level of Christmas, I kept my list short with just a few options in each category. Now before you think I'm all about stuff just remember I will fine with only getting a card. Who doesn't love a cute card from their husband and mom? With that being said here's a few things on my wish list for the year.
1. Books.
I love books. I could just read and read. I've been wanting this Mars fiction book for awhile (I love anything with going to Mars). I've recently discovered the classic series: The Dana Girls Mysteries and I'm loving how cute they are. Then of course Harry Bosch books.
2. Movies.
I am a sucker for a good Hallmark movie! I especially love their Christmas movies but they also have some other really good ones!
3. Weekend Getaway.
I've been wanting to go to Portland which is close to us so that could be a weekend. I've also been wanting to go to Wyoming which is a little further away but hey... Portland is close so is Seattle which I really liked! I can always make Pigeon Forge a weekend :) I keep hearing about all the updates to the Graceland area in Memphis. I'd love to see all of the changes!
4. A New Scarf.
I love wearing a scarf in the winter when it's cold. I usually wear it all day at my desk too. I only have a few so it's tricky to incorporate them into my wardrobe. I'd like to add a new one or two or three.
5. Christmas Village Pieces.
I put my first Christmas village up this past year and I loved it! I want to add more pieces to it in 2017 and to do that I'll need to acquire more houses, accessories and lighted buildings. I saw this little set when I was with my mom in Pigeon Forge and thought it was so cute!
