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christmas

Under The Spell

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We were under the magical spell of Disney on Saturday.

12 hours of fairy dust, smiling faces, skipping, jingle bells and feeling like a kid again!

There is nothing like Disneyland at the holidays.

It’s MAGIC {to infinity and beyond}.

It’s our little family tradition that we go during the holidays right after they set up the winter wonderland and right before it gets super hectic ~ usually the week before Thanksgiving. We’ve found that this works great and the crowds are still doable. We were able to go on a record 14 rides with 6 of them being new to the kids so that wasn’t too shabby. Holden was tall enough for the Matterhorn, but still isn’t too sure how he feels about the {snow monster}.

We were able to catch the holiday parade which I love {if that won’t put you in the holiday spirit, I don’t know what will!} and also the fireworks display and {snowfall} in the evening.

It was so so wonderful.

{NOT my favorite ride!}

{cuties on the carousel}

{this is ALWAYS how Holden exits the park}

*****

A magical time had by all!

I want to thank Jay for working so hard to make this little day trip possible for us.

These are the memories that the kids will have forever and it is so fun to relive Disneyland with them and see it again through their eyes.

Until next time….

Percentages

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100% of our out-of-town guests have arrived.

90% of our gift shopping has been achieved.

25% of the food shopping for the next 3 days has been completed.

Absolutely 0% of the 90% of the gifts have been wrapped.

That leaves lots of stuff to do today!

Factor in a haircut for Elliott, 4pm mass and 11 guests for lasagna dinner tonight.

Jay will get the turkey in the brine and help Santa by picking up a surprise for under the tree…

Coffee is brewing.

Lots of it.

*****

Night One was a success with Ameci’s pizza and Sonoma Salad : Chardonnay and Blue Moons : A plate of Italian Wedding Cookies, macaroons, jam thumbprint cookies and saltine toffee.

And Toy Story 3.

{Elliott & Holden enjoying the movie with Grunc, their Great Uncle}

*****

Spending the holidays with family……

110% HAPPINESS

Merry Day Before Christmas!

Traditional Or Trendy?

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As I am here putting certain things away and exchanging them for all things Christmas, I am noticing that I am extremely traditional when it comes to our holiday decor.

Lots and lots of red and green. Oh, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I do notice that I also LOVE holiday decor that steps out of the box…a themed tree, choosing a non-traditional color scheme and carrying that throughout the house, simplicity when it comes to decorating or completely over the top.

I am attracted to it all ~ tastefully speaking, of course!

But, our home is traditional…and I wouldn’t change it at all. A lot of our things have been passed down from generations, special gifts from family or friends or things that I have carefully chosen or kept throughout the years to bedazzle our nest during this magical time.

This is not to say that maybe when the kids are older and I have a little more time {and money}, I most likely will step out and dabble in something new. Maybe our traditional tree in the living room and a special themed tree elsewhere…choosing yellow, orange or lime green and building our decor from there.

There are literally a gazillion magazine spreads that I adore ~ here are just a few:

{all gorgeous images via}

LOVE the grouping of three skinny trees!

I’ll just “Keep Calm and Dream On”.

Speaking of “Keeping Calm”, check out what I made here:

I just need to figure out how to insert the candy cane image.

And speaking of tradition, nothing is more indicative of the holidays as peppermint!

Here are some of my current faves:

…and I haven’t picked these up yet, but you can bet they’re on the list!

*****

How do YOU decorate for the holidays?

What I’m Dreaming Of Wednesday {Holiday Edition}

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No, it’s not going to be a White Christmas here in So Cal, but I am already dreaming of all my holiday favorites.

I know we still need to give thanks, roast our turkeys and prepare all the accoutrements, but I promised myself again this year that I am going to plan ahead, get things done early, brace myself and ENJOY every minute of the holidays.

I’m dreaming of {in no particular order}…

Taking the kids to see Santa:

{via}

Sipping Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate:

Holiday Shopping:

{via}

Baking:

{via}

Christmas Lights:

{via}

Giving to those in need:

Sending out Christmas cards:

Wrapping & delivering gifts:

{Country Living}

Picking out our annual personalized ornaments:

{via}

Christmas Music:

{via}

Watching this:

Decorating the house:

Toasted Panettone on Christmas morning:

{via}

Spending moments with family & friends:

I love this quote…but I believe there’s a typo, no?

{via}

SIX weeks from this Saturday…..

Bring on the red & green, the peppermint, the gingerbread, the egg nog, the sparkles, the wreaths, the garlands, the pine cones…bring on the holiday cheer!

What are you wishing for on this Wednesday?