What’s Up Wednesday – December

Today I’m linking up with Shay, Mel & Sheaffer for this months What’s Up Wednesday!  The questions are in pink so check it out and join the fun.  Also joining Jessi and Jenn for What’s Hap- “Pinning” Wednesday.  Plus, be sure to link up your favorite look with The Blended Blog!

What We’re Eating this Week

Seriously friends, I have not cooked a meal in a really long time.  It is not typical and also not my favorite but things have just been a little crazy.  There have been many days we’ve had breakfast for dinner and thankfully Keith has stepped up with lots of steak and chicken on the grill, but I will be super happy to get back to meal planning soon!  I did, however put together some holiday appetizers and they were eaten quickly either because they were delicious or because everyone was starving!

What I’m Reminiscing About

Christmas pictures always get me!

This picture really always tugs at my heart the most.  This was the first year I was divorced and my Meme had past away just before the holidays.  These two were clinging to their momma in more ways than one and really helped me keep breathing for awhile.

While I love our annual Christmas card, I’d be lying if I said our Christmas morning pictures weren’t some of my favorites.  We got out of practice for awhile it seems but last year we got back on track!

What I’m Loving

All is bright at our house and I shared a little piece of our holiday home.  It is my very favorite time of year to sit up late at night and just soak in the peacefulness of the lights and quiet in the house.  This year I put timers on our trees and set them to come on each morning at 5am, off at 8am and then back on at 5pm and they remain on until midnight.  It is seriously the best!  I love waking up to find the trees on and knowing I never come home from work to find them still off.We also shared our annual Christmas card and all the out takes as well!

What We’ve Been Up To

Drinking hot chocolate and all sorts of other holiday fun including a very unexpected snow!

Wrapping gifts!  I decided if plaid on plaid worked with an outfit I could try it out on a present and I’m totally loving how this turned out!  We are also enjoying sweet surprises likes these littles who showed up to wish us a merry Christmas!  And I spent the day with my Mamaw for a little doctor visit but couldn’t resist taking her picture as she was looking rather pretty!  She’s 91 y’all….91!

What I’m Dreading

I wouldn’t exactly call it dread but this year our Christmas will not be nearly as relaxed.  With Christmas falling on a Monday our time with family will feel rushed.  My bigs will be with their dads family and not with us as much and it just makes things a little more hectic.

What I’m Working On

Planning our Christmas Eve plans.  This year Keith’s family is getting together on the 23rd which leaves us free on Christmas Eve and I realized that means I will need to prepare a meal.  I need to get busy deciding on our menu and the schedule for the evening!

What I’m Excited About

My kids are heading to the Belk bowl with their Aunt Amy just after Christmas and I’m taking advantage of them being gone and booked painters!  The bedrooms are the only rooms left to paint and I’m just so ready to knock it all out.

What I’m Watching/Reading

I’ve been on a bit of a reading hiatus and haven’t touched a book in October or November.  So many books currently on my list but it just has not been a priority.    I’ve been reading one of my favorites for the third year in a row and every year I find something new to grab onto.

What I’m Listening To

Christmas music!  I love it all and listen to it every single day.  I literally keep 6 Christmas CD’s loaded in my car all year long and this is the only time I ever use it.  The classics are my favorites!  At work, however, I have been listening to a few Spotify playlists and loving the non traditional songs too.

What I’m Wearing

I shared this simple holiday look with just a few items I grabbed from my closet!  Black jeans and some fun shoes plus a little shoulder?  Works for me!

I’m seriously in love with this poncho!  It is no longer available in this color but there is a gorgeous green too.

Jacket | Jeans | Top | Scarf 

Chances are you will see me wearing some combination of this outfit over and over again!  #sorrynotsorry This jacket is a statement piece and I grabbed in two colors because I love it that much.  My other scarves were feeling a little blue because ever since this scarf arrived this fall it has been the only one on repeat!  I’ve linked a super similar jacket which I also tried on in person and it fits true to size.
But mostly I’ve been rushing home to put on these pj pants which I grabbed in both red and grey stripe.  They are referred to as leggings so I was a little worried they would be too tight to wear around the house but they are not at all.  Even for my bigger bottom half they are flattering!  I’ve been wearing with my Peace sweatshirt and I will say when I wore a white top under the red did fuzz all over it but my top washed up fine.  The sweatshirt also comes in a grey version.  I love it and even with the fuzzing did consider returning it.  Best part, all of these items are under $16!

Shop these looks!

What I’m Doing this Weekend

Christmas until we cannot take anymore!  We will start with Keith’s side of the family which includes 24 great grandchildren!  Rarely do all actually make it but it is always such a fun time.  Then on to Christmas with our immediate family and a quick trip to my hometown to finish up with the Kielman side.  It will be a sprint from Saturday to Tuesday for sure.

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month

I’ve joined a Wellness Challenge through my gym and I’m so excited to have some accountability.  Knowing I will have weekly way ins and be part of a Facebook group where we support each other will really motivate me to stay on track and, y’all, I really need to stay on track.  I put on an extra 10 pounds in 2016 and I’ve kept it on for an entire year.  I am okay with enjoying life and not being my 20 something weight, but I have also seen some spikes in my cholesterol that are not my norm and it’s time to be a little more responsible!  Hoping to share the journey here!

Bonus:  Best Gift You Have Ever Bought a Guy

Y’all, I suck at picking gifts for guys!   But I had to share this one because it still makes me laugh.  The first year Keith and I were dating I bought him two CDs; one was Matchbox 20 (so good!) and the other was Metallica….only it was the censored version!  He didn’t even tell me until years later!

Be sure to linkup your favorite look for the week with The Blended Blog!

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