Very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, from our little family to yours! 

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With holiday parties approaching, and all other Christmas events.. everyone is in search of new and fabulous outfits. Some of my favorites right now are classic pieces that you will not regret having in your closet.

Heres is two things on my WISHLIST: ahem (edwin)

CELINE! I am dying to have this bag in all black. DYING! I love the open wings that you can have in or out to versatile the look. GIVE ME!

Kendra Scott rings have been on my wishlist for a while. They are so cute and fun and I loved the layered look of the gold and stone!

Here is whats in my closet:

FUR! fur has been hot and out for years... but adding that pop of color is just what it needs! i love my fur pieces!

on the rave PIKO TOPS! I have about 4 of these and love the way they fit. They are great for layering and look awesome with fun leggings and boots!

I love to pair the next two items together.. Gives that edgy feel and still warm enough with some tights and booties. 

Leather is my favorite. I am obsessed. My skirt is very similar to this one with the pleats. 

What are you wearing this holiday season? 

#itstheholidayseason

Last Friday was 80 degrees. Today... the low is like 40. ugh. Welcome to South Carolina. 

This past weekend, I finally got to put up the Christmas Decorations. Edwin was playing in a softball tournament for Toys for Tots (so cute). So I was stuck to put everything up by myself. I always make someone else put the lights on the tree. well... this time there was no one else. I did EVERYTHING. 

I must say, with my cup of coffee, some Christmas tunes I was rocking it out. 

love my little crazy elf shoes as the tree topper. :)

Sunday, we road tripped it up to Spartanburg to visit the most loved baby in the world. (and cutest)This was the first time Edwin was getting to meet him. He was so excited and of course being such a baby hog. Eli has already gained some weight and is getting more precious by the day. The next time we see him it will be Christmas and that he will be like 3 weeks old! Time is already flying. 

waiting on a MAN

Well.. more like a baby :)

So as some of you may know.. ELI was born yesterday. I am slightly obsessed with him already.

Just to sum it up for all of you-

Candace has been contracting for the past like eh..two months or so. Thanksgiving when we were all together.. they seemed to be pretty close to each other but she just kept on doing her thing. We are all such busy bees and they didnt seem to phase her. Monday mid-morning at work mom called and told me she was going in to be checked and she would let me know what was going on.

Needless to say a little back and forth, back and forth. ELI WAS COMING. They were going to break her water and have a baybay. :) Luckily by this time I was off work and mom, courtney and I RUSHED to the hospital. um... no need to rush.

We got there- and she was already about 5 CM dilated and things were moving right along. until he stopped and made us wait..and wait. Court and I napped for an hour and as SOON as we were getting some deep sleep mom was FREAKING and yelled 'it was time'.

To be able to witness my nephews birth.. was the most special time in my life so far. Josh delivered Eli, so she could have three more people in the delivery room. We were so blessed to be able to love on Candace and Eli as soon as he was born.

Eli Eugene Prince- You are the most perfect baby I have ever laid eyes on. I am so glad I got to see you enter this world and I will never forget it. You are going to grow up to be the smartest, sweetest and most LOVED baby. I cant wait to see you laugh, become a toddler, go to preschool, highschool proms and many more memories. we sure do love you baby e.

Before and After- Excuse the hot mess appearance. It was a long night. 

 

Candace asked for one thing.. CHAMPS toast ha. (only in our family)

Mama and Baby.

Seconds after being born. LOVE!

Goodbye, November

The fact today is DECEMBER 2nd, is blowing my mind. I feel like we just started November. eh.

Alot happened this week, including.. (2 day work week), Thanksgiving with two amazing families and of course Carolina Football.

Thanksgiving was so perfect. We headed down to the farm for lunch early on Thursday. Of course, ate WAY too much there and spent time with Edwin's precious family. love them so much. After lunch, we too high tailed it to Spartanburg to my sisters house (yes, the pregnant one... SHE out of all people wanted to host thanksgiving this year) ha. side note ( ELI WILL BE HERE ANY DAY NOW.) Edwin and I could barley eat dinner we were still so stuffed from lunch. we pushed through! haha. Friday, we got up early and had breakfast and did some lovely black friday shopping. I wasn't looking for anything special this year so I picked up some random things.. here and there.

here is our two families: (missing a few) but sure do love them.

Saturday, was the rivalry game of the year - Carolina v. Clemson. Needless to say, I wasn't too worried. 

Sunday, we headed BACK to the farm to take our Christmas pictures ( kind of late) whoops. here is a (sneak sneak peak) of one: they turned out great cant wait to show you the Christmas cards! 

needless to say... we were non stop on the go! we planned on decorating for thanksgiving in the mix of all that.. but clearly that didn't happen so this weekend I am making a list- cleaning, decorating and more decorating.  LOVE this time of year.

thankful-

Today- I have realized that my life is so much better than I truly deserve. This world is so full of pain, hardship,dishonesty and shame that I have thousands of things day in and day out that I am so grateful for.

I have learned this year that I truly get the most out of helping people. Whether it is by a simple text in the morning, by helping a friend move, but sitting back and listening to someones problem(s). All in all- its doing for others than actually doing for myself. A simple smile in Starbucks in the morning can go a long way.

(Quick side note) One thing I truly miss about working in retail was seeing so many different people, hearing those stories and reaching out and touching peoples lives, WHILE AT WORK. I knew that each day would bring me something new. New people, new stories, new lives. it was all NEW. I loved helping those men find something for their wife, or girlfriend or mom (ah. melt my heart). OR  a mother who came in finding a gift for their daughters wedding day. It meant so much to me. It made me leave work with such a big grin and my heart so full!

back to my list. 10 things this year I have to be thankful for- 

1. I am thankful for my family. My mom and sisters have touched my heart like no other. We have always been so close and looked out for each other. We had each others best interest in mind. My mom brings the warmth to my heart every day. She has taught me how to love and I know that I want to be just like her with my children one. day. Edwin's family is now my family... they have such big hearts and I am so glad to have such wonderful people in my life and i know God has placed them in my life for such a special reason.

2. I am thankful for health. Tragic illnesses are worldwide and this year I have been touched by a few of those. I am so thankful to have my health and be able to wake up everyday and KNOW that I can take care of my body and live a healthy life each day. 

3. I am thankful for faith. This year has been hard for me, I admit to not attending church like I truly want. I am searching for that right church home and its hard. I pray each day that God directs me to where he wants me to belong. I know I can make a difference in someones lives and they can make in mine. I thank him each and every day for showing me faith and keeping me believing. 

4. I am thankful for love. This past year with Edwin has opened my eyes to a new outlook of love. He has showed me how much one person can love someone. He takes care of me, and by a look in his eyes I know how much he loves me. He loves his family and now I am apart of that. So grateful for his tender heart and huge hugs he gives me everyday. Hes not afraid to say he loves me. Hes not afraid to show he loves me. That is what love is. Fall in love with as many things possible. 

5. I am thankful for shelter. To have a home and a warm place to sleep at night is so heartfelt. People take it for granted (as do I). I try to remember that so many people go without. This year Edwin and I have made our house a home. So thankful for that.

6. I am thankful for dreams. One of the most important things to me in life is dreams. No one can tell me how far my dreams can be. They make me function and grow within my self. They always say "the sky is the limit".. no matter what I will ALWAYS have my dreams and where I want to take life. no holding back.

7. I am thankful for school.  To learn and grow with my schooling is so important to me right now. I start clinic in August and I pray that I touch peoples lives with the education God has given me. I can not wait to start in the field that I have dreamed of. 

8. I am thankful for pictures. This may seem silly to some of you. But to me, its a huge part of my world these days. I know I have posted in the past how much my family and especially my mom has brought photographs into our lives. A day  that passes by without a picture being taken is sad to me. I love to look back and see what happened in my life a year from now, or 5 years from now.. Its magical that in today's world you can do that. how special. 

9. I am thankful for my mistakes. Without these , I wouldn't be where I am today. No one is perfect and that is so alright with me. The amount of mistakes I make on a daily basis mold me into a better person. They also show others and help them chose whats right for them. 

10. I am thankful for strangers. My number 10, is pretty up there. Everyday we all pass strangers, on the sidewalk, grocery store or even in your office (which i do alot). Those strangers are someones brother, someones father, sister, mother, daughter. They are put on this earth to make a difference in someones life just like you and me. Turning strangers into friends, or colleagues or even neighbors you never spoke to is what its all about. Building those relationships to define your self. 

Like i said, I have thousands of new things each day to be thankful for that God has placed in front of me. These are a few that have stuck around for a while, and I don't think will be going anywhere, anytime soon.

What are you thankful for?

|baby eli's shower|

Welcome Baby Prince-

Saturday afternoon was my beautiful sister's shower. It went perfectly and we had such a good turn out. Since Candace lives in Spartanburg she had all our family and close friends that still live here for that shower. her belly is so adorable. Eli will be here so soon & I can not wait!!

Mom and I set up 'mostly' friday night so we were stressing saturday morning. I was glad we could do it at our house.. Edwin and I entertain alot for just our friends but I havent thrown a party for a bigger group. It was great.

yummy 'mama's mimosa's'

Props to my good friend, sarah who made these cake pops. they were red velvet and vanilla. YUM.

Stroman Stuido's has done it again. thanks stef for the adorable invites.

Edwin took josh to play some golf while we 'showered it up' :)

The Parents to be!

soon to be GREAT grandma. she is so excited to love on baby eli. 

Thankful for my mama and sister to help host. We are so happy for Candace and Josh and cant wait to add the little addition to our crazy family. 

Eli- you are loved so much already. 

weekend recap

Even though its still considered the 'weekend' as it is Sunday, I had a quick break to sit down and of course blogging helps me relax.

Friday night Edwin and I both were in bed ASLEEP by 10. (I am ashamed). But we had a good excuse. we had a really long day on Saturday since those gamecocks whopped that booty during a NOON game. So of course our crew HAS to be in the tailgate spot bye 9. ugh. but, I got through it and had a great time.

we did lots of drinking, corn hole and cheering on those gamecocks. we have such a good group of guys that make those games a great time.

 

We got home pretty late, so we had this PRECIOIUS face waiting on us. Since he is feeling better he gets to sit on the bed before actual 'bed time'. let me just tell you... that is heaven to sweet remmi.

 

today (sunday) we had LOTS of shopping to do (grocery store, finish getting baby Eli's Shower stuff together, and just regular every day needs) Uncle Edwin found this adorable jeans and vest set that he HAD to get for Eli... how sweet. He is gonna be such a great uncle to baby Eli.

 

how sweet. my two boys.

happy welcome.

whew. happy Friday.

what a week it has been. I am so ready for some relaxation and rest. I am writing this post before a much needed afternoon nap. (makes me happy).

A few months back Edwin and I were having lunch at his parents house and I spotted the most beautiful door in their shed. I fell in love and really wanted to use it for something... hm. something. Of course before I could even leave I was racking my brain of what I could re-propose this beautiful antique door into.

I had my mind set on a 'hall tree'. Of course I asked Edwin's Dad if he would be awesome and him and Edwin build me one (of course he said yes). :) A few weeks went by and I honestly forgot about it... Edwin went to the farm to help his dad do something and he got home late. I had dinner made and he said "babe will you help me unload some stuff from the truck?" I probably whined (hah) and went out side to see the most beautiful hall- tree made and ready for me to paint! EEEK!

It was perfect- they built a bench on the front with a seat that lifts up for extra storage. love love love.

I couldn't wait to get to painting. Edwin and I watched a few videos on getting that 'Rustic' look but also painted a pretty color. I must say so myself... we did a damn good job!

I had the perfect place right at the front door to put it so we could store those outside shoes, or hats and scarves for the winter and have a place to sit and put them on.

I found some antique hooks and this adorable pillow to go on it - I love it!

 

 

Much thanks goes to papa rick who loves me enough to put it together (im sure it wasn't the easiest thing) and having a piece of the old farm house in our house for the end of time makes me smile.

love you both!

find your happy. |fair style|.

so- those of you who don't live in Columbia. the fair is in town. eek.

It opened Wednesday- guess who was there that day. THIS girl! My mom got us tickets to see The Band Perry play so why not enjoy some food while we are there. its a must. The show was great & of course the food was perfect. I usually get the same thing every time I go.

enjoying the concert!

um. the corn dogs are one of my absolute favorites. yum!

We only planned on going that one night. Edwin didnt go so he wanted to go back for lunch. So of course we did. :) 

Someone was very excited!

THIS is my all time favorite item at the fair. besides my obsession with strawberry on a daily basis, how much better can it get with ice-cream and whipped cream?? come on!


It was great. This is the last week it is open. I am making myself not go back.... its hard. Something that good only coming around ONCE a year. its a tease. but I will resist. oh, the little things that excite me. 

twenties.

As a teeny girl, the start of your twenties was when your life was beginning. you knew it all. you should have it all figured out. right? wrong.
Apart of me knew this was going to happen.

twenty.two. I am well set into that year. along with my closest friends, friends who I don't see as much( sad.) and those 'friends' who used to be friends. Set long time goals. finish up school and be on my way to my life of happiness. while i am doing that- I have the pleasure of witnessing the opposite side.

It truly seems as of today (and yesterday) twenties are pushed to make us way older than we are. All over social media (because we all know that it consumes life. - you know it does.) is engagements, weddings and of course babys. twenty.two?

It has honestly become the 'norm'. We tend to compare ourselves to others. whether you are the same age or not. It is just in us. (including myself). Its hard not to. Who has the most exciting life going on. well- look on their Facebook, instagram or twitter. It will tell you.

I have started to think about how easy it is to be changed by our age. (twenties). This molds each and everyone of us. It is sad actually. who is who to tell each other what and what not to do. to tell someone what exactly you should be doing at the age of (twenty. two.) um. not me. because I sure as heck change that mold.

it is very clear to forget that you are your own person. you do your own life. and live how you want to live it. no molds, no contracts, no 'suppose to's' or how people expect you to.

As I am at this very moment so content with my life and enjoying the lives of my friends and family around me. Its important to me to live in the moment. try to strive to do everything on my bucket list (plus some) and know that wherever life takes me. its TRULY okay not to always be dependent on what others are doing at the same time. Life is a hard reminder on how un-perfect each and everyone of us really is. no matter how much we pretend we are.


twenty. two. I'm just gonna do you.

its HERE!

ITS FINALLY HERE! 

My most favorite month is here! October makes my heart so very happy! This month is not only SUPER busy but it brings some of my favorite things back into my life! Halloween is my second favorite holiday ( besides Christmas of course) pumpkins, costumes, fall leaves, warm clothes and of course.. PSL!!!!!!!

i love it all. 

So - our house has been busy busy busy. I am planning a baby shower for my precious nephew and sister!  It is going to be at the beginning of November so I am trying to get everything planned out and done so I am not stressed out the last minute. I tend to do that. yikes. I will of course blog as I move along during that.

I will say- The theme is freaking adorable. cant wait to share with you guys. 

Eli will be here RIGHT before christmas. Edwin and I cant wait to squeeze that baby will love! 

We are of course in the middle of football season so every Saturday (pretty much) is taken up with either going to the game or watching the away game. But of course we have slammed 10000565 other things into our weekends.

What is YOUR October looking like?? Crazy Like ours?

falling in love with fall.

So this week has started some early morning 'crisp cool air' excitement. The thought of fall makes this girl SUPER happy. This weekend I will probably put up my fall decorations. eek. (even though we have ALOT to do this weekend).

anyways- jumping into fall trends there is alot of new 'looks' that are approaching. These are some of my favorite clothing items that have transitioned from last fall that i still like.

a drop waist dress/tunic has been very popular even in the summer.. but how cute would this look be with leggings and short booties? be careful the girls (like me) with a bit of a bootay/hips... these could not look so cute on you. 

of course my love for oxfords still keep on (whew) eveywhere is selling these now. love the bright colors to make those dull fall days happy. 

Leather is a hype right now. leggings, shorts (with tights), even jeans. they are hot and typically look great on any body type. 

This shoe make my heart skip a beat a little. I am in love. throw on a pair of tights and a mustard tunic... ahhh. i need them. (sorry getting a little off track.)

These 'wrap' heels are big right now with any type of outfit.. the wrap around the ankle give the leg a 'longer' look and helps those short girls out with the look they are trying to achieve. 

When I think of fall... i think NEUTRALS. i love this look with jeans and a nude heel. who doesnt have a pair of nude heels right?