Friday Five | All things Christmas

Let's catch up with all the Christmas stuff I've talked about so far. Tis the season after all, for all things Christmas that is!

Favorite Christmas Movies

Christmas Wish List

Christmas Ideas for Kids

Our Christmas Decor

If you're looking for ideas that have anything at all to do with Christmas, go check out my Christmas Pinterest page. I have decor, Christmas crafts, recipes, gift ideas, and the list goes on and on.

Visit Miranda | Life in the Lowcountry's profile on Pinterest.

There's also tons of Elf on the Shelf ideas if you need any.

Goodness knows the beginning of December Tarl and I have tons of ideas, come mid-December we're about sick and tired of thinking of things. I've resorted to Pinterest several times and it's always given me the best ideas and Cadence just loves it when she wakes up to see what Olly has done.

Speaking of Elf on the Shelf, here's what our elf has been up to so far.

Wednesday was one of Cadence's favorite Olly days. 

Each year one of our advent things is to decorate a gingerbread house. Well not only did Olly bring us one to decorate but he also showed his off. 

Y'all this tiny gingerbread house was the cutest thing and only $1 from the dollar store (just in case you were wondering).

Thursday morning we caught Olly snoozing. Must be nice to sleep in on a random Thursday ;)

This morning that silly elf was trying to climb up the garland!

We are having so much fun with our advent calendar this year. It's a tradition that we started Cadence's 2nd Christmas. Her first Christmas she was less than 10 days old so we were cooped up in the house like any first time parents, scared to bits!

Each night of December leading up to Christmas day we have something special planned. If you're new to Life in the Lowcountry let me tell you, some nights it's something as simple as reading a Christmas book or watching a Christmas movie and some nights we splurge and go out of town or go ice skating. If you start your own advent calendar, make it special for whatever you and your family prefer. It's all about personal preference and regardless of what you choose to do, ultimately it's about spending precious time with family.

Our advent thus far:

1st - Read and watch Elf on the Shelf

2nd - Watch the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on TV

3rd - Visit the festival of trees

4th - Drive around Savannah neighborhoods and look at Christmas lights

5th - Go to a Christmas parade

6th - Bake Christmas cookies

We had so much fun at the annual parade and baking cookies is always a great time!

7th - Read Luke, Chapter 2 (the birth of Jesus)

8th - Watch a Christmas movie

9th - Build a gingerbread house

10th - Go see Santa!!!

This girl loved seeing Santa! I love seeing her face so lit up!

...and tonight...

11th - Watch a Christmas movie

Tomorrow... 

12th - James Island (Charleston) Lights

We always look forward to our annual trip to Charleston to see the Christmas lights at James Island. They have thousands if not millions of twinkly lights, along with hot chocolate and goodies, train rides, gift shops and a lot of other fun stuff to do. Pics to come!

I can't wait to share with y'all what we have planned for the final weeks of December, stay tuned!

Today was PJ and Polar Express day at school! How nice to be able to wear your PJs all day! This girl was super excited about it and I was super jealous.

By the way, these PJs are on sale at Target, by one get one 50% off. This set is $10, but I got another set for $5. Fifteen bucks for two sets of PJs is a steal if you ask me. Plus they are so cozy and the cotton is nice and thick. Perfect for the winter months!

Happy happy Friday folks! I'm ready to get this weekend started with my loves. I stopped by the bakery this morning and grabbed us tons of cookies for the weekend. Candy canes, Christmas trees, snowmen and gingerbread men. Yum!

xo

Favorite Christmas Movies

Two years ago I posted about a ton of great Christmas movies and my personal favorites! I also broke it down into categories...nothing has changed for me, so instead of writing an entirely new post on Christmas movies, just go read this post from the past and catch up. There are a ton of great movie ideas on there and it's perfect for our advent tonight...watch a Christmas movie.

Here are my top 10 favorite...

So far this year we have watched 1, 6, 8, and 10. Tonight we will watch 4.

A great way to see all these is to just keep an eye out with ABC Families 25 days of Christmas. They play almost all of these. I'll just take a peak a week before and record all the movies we want to see, that way when the urge sparks in us to watch a Christmas movie we have tons on record and we don't have to wait around for them to come on. 

To see ABC Family's list of movies, click here.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Decor

I first want to throw out there that I know these pictures are not the best quality. I'll be real honest with you, I took these late last night knowing that I wanted to show you our decor today and I had sleep on my mind when I took these and didn't think twice about grabbing the Nikon to take good quality pictures, so what you see is what you're getting :) Good ole phone pics. Hah!

I adore decorating for any occasion, but Christmas is my favorite! Each year we always add something new to the decorations. Mine and Tarls first year together we only had enough decorations to fit into a plastic bag. A few ornaments and a strand of lights. After all these Christmas's together we're now up to three storage boxes and growing and I love it!

The chalkboard, the "let it snow" snowman, the garland on top the mantle and the twin gold glitter trees is this years new additions. We've always used real inexpensive garland but I wanted to invest in some good, sturdy, beautiful garland this year. This picture does it no justice. It's very full, not as dull looking as this picture makes it seem and it's full of pine cones. I wanted to add some lights to it but I didn't get around to it this year.

This silly girl and her peace sign that she makes in every photo taken - love her!

Side note - we have always loved a real Christmas tree, always! However, I bought a faux tree 4 years ago after Christmas when they went on sale for half off. I wanted to invest in a very nice, very full faux tree that was pre-lit. A lot of faux trees aren't full and you can see right through them, but like I said, I invested a little bit of money (even on sale at half off!) into getting a really good one.

The lights on this pre-lit tree has only lasted us 4 years. Last night once we turned them on, a small section went out. As you can see in the pic there's a little spot that has no lights. I was very upset that it only lasted as little time as it did. I know four years is a while, but if you think about it, that's really only 4 months of lights for the money spent. I know that I can always add a strand of lights to the open section, but Tarl said this is a great reason for us to get a real tree next year. He's right, next year we're getting a real tree!

Normally our little silver sleigh holds hot chocolate, but this year it's holding Keurig cups. It's all about convenience.

For the first time ever, we decorated the outside of our home too. I love driving home every evening seeing our trees in the yard lit up along with icicles gracing our roof. It's simply lovely.

//

Last night's advent was to ride around and look at Christmas lights, but not without getting some ice cream first. Ice cream really does make this tradition stand out :)

...and this morning, Olly and Kristoff were having a snowball fight!

Gifts for the Kids!

Tarl and I have always tried to instill in Cadence gratitude. To be grateful for a gift regardless of it's worth, because in our opinion a gift given should be priceless if it's gifted with love and thoughtfulness. My sisters and mom ask me all the time why I don't dread Christmas like they do (when it comes to gift giving that is) and my answer is simple, because I don't feel the need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I don't spend money and I'm not even saying that I don't spend hundreds, because let's be honest, we all feel the need or want to splurge a little around Christmas time, but, I don't feel like I have to.

If I have a little extra in December, then absolutely I'll splurge on gifts for Cadence, Tarl or my nephews, but bills have to be priority in which case, the kids will get what I financially can afford to give. A lot of people want to spend the same amount of money on each child which I completely understand, it makes it fair. With that being said though, let's say you want to spend $40 per child and there are eight children to buy for...that's a lot of money!

I don't think there is anything wrong with moderation. If Susie wants a play-doh set that is $10 and Sally wants a doll that is $20...if each child is getting what they want, what's it matter if it's a few dollars difference? Just my two cents. :)

Personally, I've never spent the same on each child. If I see something that I think they would like I get it, simple as that. Sometimes it's as low as $15 or less and other times it's upwards towards $35. Point is, get what you can afford! Don't break the bank 

If I shopped for dollar store coloring books with simple crayons I know without a doubt that Cadence would be just as happy on Christmas morning because we have made it very clear to her that not everyone is as fortunate as we are and we should always be grateful for every blessing we receive in life. I feel often times we get so worked up over money spent on Christmas gifts and there are serious problems that we don't even begin to think about. Children fighting terminal illnesses, kids not knowing where their next meal will be from, when you think about Christmas gifts compared to all that, it truly puts things into perspective!

I don't ever want Cadence to forget that the Good Lord has blessed us beyond measure. We may not live in a huge house on thousands of acres, but I know we have a lot more than what other people have and most importantly, we have our health and each other and that in itself is priceless.

I never meant for this post to be as wordy as it is but I just felt compelled to let everyone reading this know, it doesn't matter if you can't afford that huge gift they have been wanting, don't stress yourself! Give what you can and gift it with love...it's truly as simple as that. 

There's an old saying that I adore...

You thought he cared more because he gave you $100 and I only gave you $10.

Truth is he had $500 in his pocket and I only had $10.

When making this list I wanted to cover a lot of things. Price: so these toys range from low to high. Gender: there are toys for both boys and girls. Age: I have an almost 7 year old, so I kept it in that age range from between 5 - 7, but let's face it, what kid (or adult for that matter) doesn't love Play-Doh or hasn't been wanting to play Pie Face?!

1 //2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Elf on the Shelf | Birthday Dinner | Parade

Another wonderful December weekend in the books. Our elf has been up to silly antics too!

FYI - all throughout the day Olly & Anna's tic tac toe game had moved around. We even caught Anna with a marshmallow in hand and a bite out of one of Olly's. Cadence loved this!

I want to have Olly make us a great breakfast one morning. I'm thinking maybe this weekend :)

We also started our Advent Calendar on December 1st. Cadence looks forward to reading what we have planned for each day. Some days it's as simple as reading a Christmas book or watching a Christmas movie and some days it's things that are super special like trips to Charleston to see the lights, or watching a Christmas parade.

Here's been our daily advent treats so far:

1 - Read and watch Elf on the Shelf

2 - Watch the tree lighting of Rockefeller Center on TV

3 - Visit the Festival of Trees

4 - Drive around Savannah and look at Christmas lights

5 - Go to a Christmas Parade

6 - Bake Christmas Cookies

Baking cookies is always a lot of fun and something we do together as a family. I always love the mess memories we make!

7 (tonight) - we'll read a Christmas story...tonight's Christmas story will be Luke 2...the Birth of Jesus. The true reason we celebrate this wonderful holiday!

Cadence's birthday is approaching and for the first time we said we were going to keep it very very simple. So we have dinner along with cake and ice cream planned for her actual birthday with our parents and maybe an aunt or uncle, but other than that, no fuss no muss. No decorations, no paper invitations, no goodie bags, no getting up early to prepare, no extensive cleaning before or after. Just simple, family, memories, some delicious cake, ice cream and a plate full of spaghetti (per Cadence's request for dinner). To be honest, I'm thoroughly looking forward to this. 

Don't get me wrong I adore family, both my side and Tarl's, but to be fair, we both have big families and although we love their company, our house is tiny and I feel like all I do the entire time of her party is pick up, clean up, make sure there is enough food and drink for everyone, etc. I know this is no ones fault but my own. This is just how I was built, but I'm ready to just make a simple spaghetti, and relax. Cadence was perfectly okay with this thought too. She said all she wanted was a special dinner for the three of us at her favorite restaurant, Carrabba's, so that's just what we did this weekend. 

This girl loves Italian food!

Her actual birthday is next week and we're all ready to celebrate this darling girl of ours who completely made our family into the blessing it has become.

xo

My Wish List | Christmas 2015

Tarl and I are very fortunate in the fact that we always get to splurge a little on one another for Christmas. We are so blessed with many things and that thought never escapes me. Christmas will always always always be about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's the entire reason we celebrate this wonderful holiday. 

With that being said, let's be honest, it's always nice to have a little something under the tree, and again, I am so very thankful we are able to do so for one another.  

Here's the items at the top of my wish list...(clearly Kate Spade had a huge influence on me this year)

// 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 //

Worth the mention...1 is on major sale and you can get 2 easily monogrammed by someone who does vinyl work!

I'm also loving these kicks...

here

here

Worth the mention...both of the above offer free shipping!

Thursday Thoughts

I have a love/hate relationship with December.

I adore every aspect of this month, expect for one thing...Cadence always gets sick in December. I don't know if it's the fact that cold season is officially upon us. Not sure the reason, but each December, around the first week, she is sick. If you have Facebook then I'm sure you're aware of Facebook memories, where it shows you what you shared or posted this same day in years past. Well no joke, this entire week, last year, 2010 and 2009 she was sick. The only reason I know this is because FB memories reminded me of the FB posts asking for prayers for her to get better soon. 

Tarl stayed home with her on Monday. I hated leaving her but after the Thanksgiving holiday it was a must for me to work Monday, but I did stay home with her Tuesday and yesterday. The doctors check up went fine. They even did an extensive strep test (where they send it off) and it came back negative. I didn't know this, but that test actually checks for other illnesses...Cadence's came back with some long medical term with influenza after it. My mind immediately went to the flu, but the doctor reassured me it was a very common virus that has to run it's course. So here we are, on day five. Daddy is home taking care of her again today. I hate to jinx myself, but praise the Lord she woke up fever free this morning and said her throat wasn't near as sore as what is has been. She was talking better and even acting more like herself, so I sure pray we are on the tail end of it. 

It's times like these I wish I were a stay at home mom. I hate leaving her. Don't get me wrong, I know she's in wonderful hands...but there's nothing like mama when you're not feeling good!

Although she's been sick, we've still kept up with Olly.

What happens when you're cooped up in the house sick and there's a huge cardboard box? Well duh...you make a cardboard box house, or as we have called it, "Cadence's Candy Cottage". 

Olly was hiding in there!

He was also found in the hutch! How does he open the glass? :)

...and counting down the days until Christmas with us with our advent calendar. Silly elf.

By the way...y'all should see that cardboard box house now. Cadence and I spent all day yesterday working on it. It's amazing what you can create with scrap paper and plastic bags! We even made a chimney with smoke for it. Her and Tarl were going to add some things to it today. Hate to break it to her, but eventually we'll need our living room back and ole candy cottage will have to be taken off, but we'll save that for another day. Let's face it, when our children are sick, we'll do anything in the world to make them feel better or put a smile on their face, even if that means spending 2+ hours decorating a cardboard box.

Once Cadence is back to 100% and I pray that it's soon, I plan to share a whole lot of Christmas goodness on this little ole page of mine. I want to do a post on my favorite Christmas movies, Christmas traditions and even some gift ideas for the kids, him, and my own Christmas wish list!

xo

P.S. Did you catch the tree lighting in Rockefeller Center last night? We did and it was stunning. Imagine having had been there in person!