I'm so far behind, I think I'm first

This Christmas season, I have been feeling exceptionally stressed. I'm doing more than ever; cooking, baking, crafting, buying, wrapping, and especially traveling, so I think that might have something to do with it. We just finished decorating our Christmas tree last night (which feels like a lifetime ago already), and our decorating of the house earlier that afternoon. On Saturday, I went to Atlanta with Handsome to surprise my aunt for her birthday (sidenote: I called her from the car and we chatted about X-Mas gifts and uch, and then walked up to her door and asked if she wanted some company grocery shopping-the look on her face was priceless!). I got back Monday afternoon and haven't stopped since! Here are some pictures of our Christmas tree- it's a live tree, with lots of feathers, sparkly twigs, and silk poinsettias stuck in for some fullness. 

Our creche

Christmas Eve I'm spending at my Aunt's house-we of course have to watch Santa go by the house on a fire truck that night. It just doesn't feel like Christmas without that! Christmas Day is going to be at my Grandparent's house (9 a.m!) with all 20 of us, breakfast made by me and my dad, and then heading over to my boyfriend's aunt's house for Christmas dinner. I am so excited to see everyone and to give the gifts I've made. What are your plans for the Holidays? 

xoxo, Kate

Inspiration Workshop- Holiday Decor

Today I'm linking up with Gussy Sews for an Inspiration Workshop on Holiday Decor. I've been pinning like crazy these past couple weeks and have found some really pretty ideas. I guess if my house at Christmas had a theme it would be New England-style: lots of greenery, cranberries, and candles. We have white lights on our Christmas tree and outside on bushes and in garland around the door, and we usually stay in the red, white, and green color family. However, seeing some of the fun ideas on Pinterest has really got me thinking! Here are some ideas that I've used and some that I'm incorporating this year.

Wreath I made last year for bf's mom, Arlene (she does a copper -themed tree)

Wreath Mum and I made together

Christmas tree from last year- every year we try to make it different. We have 4 totes of just Christmas ornaments, so we have to be selective. 

Living room

Love this idea! We can never hang ours with regular holders because ours are too heavy with presents!

A great way to save the cards you get from family and friends and look back on every year

Love the simplicity of this- we have an antique wooden child's shovel that we decorate with a swag and hang on our back door.

Stars are perfect at Christmas! 

Handsome and I have been collecting pinecones on our hikes to use in Christmas decorating- I'm doing this with some pops of red.


Tell me about your ideas! And don't forget to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

xoxo, Kate

We Encourage- Take a Deep Breath (PLUS GIVEAWAY!)

Hi there! I'm linking up with Call Me Blessed for We Encourage Tuesday.

from here

Today, I'm encouraging all of you to TAKE A DEEP BREATH. The holiday season is fast approaching, and our lives are filled with shopping, decorating, driving, visiting, shopping, praying, cleaning, cooking, and yes, more shopping. Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. I promise!
In fact, one reason I know it's going to be okay- is this...I'm announcing a giveaway! The winner gets my very special homemade brownies in a festive holiday tin, some some other special treats, and a shoutout right here (see, you feel more hopeful already!). I'm trying to drum up more followers, so, to enter, make sure you're following my blog, and comment below. This giveaway ends December 20th at midnight, EST.
For additional entries: follow me on Twitter, tweet about this post, and/or follow me on Pinterest!
Happy Holidays! xoxo, Kate

P.S. It's Handsome's B-Day tomorrow- love you buddy! Thanks for making these past two and a half years so much fun :)

I am (blank) because...

Inspired by a post on my Southern Twin's blog, A Little of This and That, I decided to follow her lead and be completely honest with you guys. All twelve of you. Now it sounds like I'm going to admit some huge secret, like I'm really Madonna's daughter, or I stole a case of Junior Mints from the local supermarket. Well, I didn't. Not that I'm in the habit of lying either, but I like the idea of learning interesting things about everyone. So here we go...

I am weird because...

I do accents at random times of the day- my best ones are British, Scottish, French, Southern, and Boston (that last one is a given). 

I prefer to listen to classical music when I'm driving.
I can't NOT have something sweet at the end of dinner...I'll just keep eating otherwise. 
I sometimes crack myself up in public places when I'm alone. 
I have a huge weakness for McDonald's sweet tea.  I can go through the drive-through without buying anything else, too. 

I am a good friend because...
I don't bother my friends by calling them/texting them too much.
I'm a good listener.
I offer good advice. (at least, I think it's good advice)
It's easy to pick up where we left off when you see me.
(I started to write my own down and realized I was going to say the same thing anyway, so...thanks April!

I am a bad friend because...
I don't catch up with people enough.

Sometimes, when people text/call/email me, I don't get back right away because I've answered them back in my head...does that make any sense?

Sometimes I overcommit and then secretly end up being angry with the person for asking too much even though I know it's my own fault for saying yes. 
I am sad because...

I only have 12 followers! This is depressing, people. Tell your friends, relatives, neighbors, and that crazy cat lady down the road that they should follow my blog. I have 53 followers on Pinterest and 55 on Twitter- obviously I'm doing something wrong.

My knees have been hurting, cracking, and popping beyond belief lately, to the point where it hurts to go up stairs and kneel in church. I'm scared because my Dad, Grandmother, and Aunt all have had knee surgery. 
I am happy because...
I'm making new friends (yes. I'm aware that that statement makes me sound like I'm 5 years old and it's my first day of Kindergarten)
I have several new books on my Kindle and some of my very favoritest Tea 

I'm crafting and creating and feeling good about myself.
I am excited for...
Christmastime!
Cooking and baking!
Making gifts!

Wrapping gifts!

Going to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations

GOING TO PARIS IN 2 WEEKS. YAY!

xoxo, Kate