Christmas Recap & After Christmas Steals

Are you guys enjoying your Christmas break?  It’s been a long and lazy last few days around here and I don’t know how many more cookies and cake and goodies I can eat!  I’ve been indulging in everything, but I feel like I need to go on a veggie cleanse soon!  I kid!  I know it’s all part of the holidays and soon enough it will be back to the grind.  But for now, we’re definitely partaking in all the goodies!

I’m one of those people that wholeheartedly enjoys every season and holiday, but there’s that extra special meaning about Christmas that makes it so beloved.  This year was definitely a fun one with Jordan at age 2 and just starting to understand that Santa brings presents on Christmas morning.  James still believes but asked a lot of questions this year.  Regardless, he was happy to accept a new bike from Santa even though he didn’t want to visit the guy! 😉

CHRISTMAS 2018 RECAP

I’ve been off Stories the past few days, opting to put the phone down more while James is home on Christmas break.  But, I’m thrilled to invite you in and share what our Christmas looked and felt like this year.  I cherish these posts because I love to look back at them years later.

CLASS CHRISTMAS

We kicked off our holiday with James’ advent program at school, then the class Christmas party.

Jordan looked darling in the green velvet dress Ali-Shaun lovingly handed down to her!  We love receiving little Abby’s gently worn pieces!  And I know Ali-Shaun gets a kick out of seeing them get a second life.

The party was fun but the biggest hit was the ‘trim the tree’ game and the boys’ team won!

CHRISTMAS EVE

We might have started a brand new tradition this year, with just us girls sneaking off on Christmas Eve afternoon to do a little shopping.  It was so fun to get to have this alone time with her just Jordan and I leisurely browsing and then hitting up Starbucks for a white mocha and cake pop break!

When I look at this picture I can’t help but think how much my baby girl has grown!  She’ll be 3 in February and I just started planning her party!

Yellow Hunter Boots

Top • Similar Scarf • Jeans • Booties 

Shopping is exhausting mama! ha!

These are the checkered frames I picked up to frame our photos with Santa.  I got the last three they had in stock at my store, then ordered three of these gorgeous red frames.  Even on sale, those were a splurge, but I plan to pull them out and display them every Christmas so I wanted frames I would love for many years to come.

I’ll still need more, so I’m on the lookout.

Checkered Frames • Similar Ginger Jar

We came home and got into our jammies for our Annual Battle Christmas Cookie at Aunt Stacey’s house.  But first, we had to make reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn.

Plaid Nightgown

The cookie decorating competition at Aunt Stacey’s is legendary and Jordan LOVED decorating the cookies.  I think she could have done it for hours, so that’s something we’ll definitely have to do more at home.

James was the proud champion this time with his ‘bite-out-of-a-donut’ cookie!

CHRISTMAS MORNING

James woke up at 4:47 am on Christmas morning and I told him it was too early and he needed to go back to bed!  He proceeded to wake me up about every 15 minutes, until we finally got out of bed at 6:30!

The kids’ favorite toys this year were:

James : new football/gloves and soccer ball, Super Mario Brothers Switch game, and a new bike.

Jordan got lots of Peppa Pig and Daniel Tiger toys and a new Frozen bike with training wheels.  She tipped over on it on day one and broke the basket;(

12-inch Toddler Frozen Bike • Minnie Mouse Helmet • Pajama Set • Sneakers

Helmet • Bike

CHRISTMAS DINNER

We usually host Christmas dinner at our house, but this year my brother and sis-n-law in law did the honors.  Below are my two (little!) brothers and their adorable boys! That’s my sister-in-law’s Dad on the far right.

And my cutie sisters-in-law, mom and darling nieces. Jordan adores those girls!

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Since Christmas, we’ve done a whole lotta nothin’, and I’m sure I’ve gained 5 pounds.  Not that great when you have a Fitness eBook to photograph in a couple weeks!  But, I’ve been addicted to drinking a cup of hot cocoa every night with a splash of whip cream! It’s soooo good!

Plush Slippers

The kids are really enjoying their bikes and Jordan got the hang of pushing the pedals forward to get the wheels turning so that made her much happier.  She was getting so frustrated and angry at first!  Those sparkly glitter Vans were a gift from Aunt Stacey and she’s crazy for them!

Peppa Pig Pajamas • Vans

I hope y’all had an absolutely wonderful Christmas and are enjoying this slow time of year!  Have a great weekend, see you back here on New Year’s Eve! 

 

AFTER CHRISTMAS STEALS

NORDSTROM : Half Yearly Sale is bringing it! I might need this white Tory Burch watch and how perfect is this cardigan?!  If you missed it, see my Top 20 Picks from the sale here!

LOFT : 50% off! This is my kinda (pink!) fairisle sweater!

ANTHROPOLOGIE : Winter Tag Sale + extra 30% off. How cute is this petite woven bag?!

JCREW FACTORY : 40-60% off.  The sweetest bow back gingham dress is on sale for $39, normally $79.

MADEWELL : Extra 40% off all sale styles. I tried this floral peplum top on in the store and now that it’s 40% off, I might need to snag it!

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