Happy New Year! I hope 2018 is filled with much joy and happiness. 2017 was a year of great change for me and my little family. And even though most of it was “good change” like getting married to my best friend, I don’t do change well. I am a creature of habit. I thrive when I have a routine, and I plan things out. In the new year, I plan to share a little more insight into how I function. But, back to our month in review. December was exciting and maybe even a little exhausting.
Life Updates:Usually, the Christmas season is a busy one, and this year was no exception. First off, I will be completely honest, I am one who loves to get completely caught up in Christmas cheer. I love the holidays, always have and most likely always will. Being that this was Jeff and my first Christmas as a married couple, we hosted Christmas day with my parents and grandma. I readied our little condo for the big day with weeks of preparation. Lots of cleaning and decorating. At the end of Christmas day, everyone was thankful, happy, and sleepy. I think that means we had a successful Christmas celebration.
Earlier in the month, Jeff received a new job as the head men and women’s golf coach atVanguard University, a private Christian university here in Orange County. Being a fulltime college golf coach has been his dream job, and I am so proud of him and his dedication. In January he will officially start, and he already has recruiting trips planned. 
The school where I teach was in session up until the Friday before Christmas, so the minute I was on Christmas break I was in full holiday prep and festivities mode. As it is, my Christmas cards did not get mailed out until December 27th. Oh well, in my family we celebrate Christmas until January 6th, epiphany, so technically I was still on time. You can see a sneak peek at our Christmas card here. 
Since Christmas, I have been filling the rest of my time off with day trips to a few local spots. Last week I went to the Orange County Zoo, which I had never visited before. It is a small hidden gem set in the midst of Irvine Regional Park. I also used my Sea World pass to visit Sea World one more time. I was eager to have a look at my favorite penguins and see their show, O Wondrous Night, the true Christmas story about the birth of Jesus Christ. I have to admit that as a theatre person, I was very impressed, and the live nativity was absolutely beautiful. 
I still have one more week until school starts up again. I’m looking forward to more fun things, including helping Jeff set up his new office, prepare for musical auditions, and plan out the remainder of the school year. I also have several fun ideas for the blog and will be sharing those with all of you shortly in a post. Love It
As I mentioned above, I am a big planner and list maker. One thing I love about the New Year is the purchasing of a new planner and filling it with all the details of the year. To help make my planner even more pretty, it is already color coordinated; I purchased these planner stickers from Michael’s. They come in a value pack with over 30 sheets of stickers. I picked up the seasonal package; other packets include quotes, budget, fitness, and faith.
Just like all of you I have my list of favorite blogs to read through daily. Here are a few links to blog posts and articles I think are interesting and noteworthy to share. Hope all of you enjoy them even though many are Holiday related; it’s never too early to start planning for next year.
- Love this tutorial on how to make your own DIY felt garland. A must for the tree next year.
- Black wrapping paper has never looked so chic!
- A touching note to a loved pet that recently passed. Read it with a tissue. I cherish articles like this because it shows just how strong a bond between human and pet can be.
- I love anything plaid, and thisdownloadable desktop wallpaper might just be my favorite.
- I loved all the holiday home tours from my favorite blogger, like Chris Loves Julia, Garvin & Co., The Inspired Room, Room For Tuesday, I Spy DIY, The Elizabeth Street Post, and Jones Design Company.
- Just a great reminder what to do when life doesn’t go as planned.
- This is such a sweet little tradition.
- Love this guide for how to style a plaid shirt.
- I think next year I might have to have a wrap and wine party like this one. And serve this cocktail drink.
- Completely in love with thisbathroom remodel.
- My NYC studio apartment never looked this stylish.
- This recipe is perfect for a cold winters night.
- Jingle bell garland is a must for next year!
On The Blog
- Now that Hallmark Christmas movies are through I am ready to watch my favorite holiday movies. See my list here.
- I shared the first pictures of our condo decorated for Christmas.
- I shared my favorite chilly day memory walking through a winter wonderland.
