This Unfamiliar Road

I am back for the second installment of the Christmas linkup! This week, our focus is Favorite Things: stocking stuffers. So much fun!

Stocking stuffers are my fave because these gifts are typically inexpensive (typically) but require some thought and creativity!


ONE. I am a sucker for Aveda products. These trial sized lotions and lip balm are perfect for dropping in a stocking!

TWO. Am I the only one who struggles with the 4 inches of iPhone cord? I think anyone with an iPhone could use an extra charger...with some extra cord!

THREE. Ok, if you are looking for a nicer gift for the stocking, you can't go wrong with James Avery jewelry. It's unique, well crafted, and won't break the bank!

FOUR. Magazines!! These can be such a fun and personal gift. You can find any topic, too: Southern Living, trashy gossip, fashion, fitness, food & crafts. Tie 'em up with a ribbon and you've got a great stocking stuffer!

FIVE. Did anyone else know you can buy OPI minis? I've just discovered these...so exciting! You can purchase a sampler pack and give someone a variety of colors!

SIX. Infinity. Scarf. Add a monogram for a personal touch! Perfect for cold weather :)

Hope you're feeling inspired by this list. Remember to link up!

Great friends. Great food. Great wine. All the ingredients necessary for another successful "Ciwcle" Thanksgiving party.
To top if off, we had a fire pit, some 90's tunes, and a fun card game.

{here's last year's party}

This year, it was a good old fashioned BBQ and my husband, the grill master, did NOT disappoint!

What I just love about this group of friends is the authenticity. We've been a group for quite a while, so it's a comfortable place to be. I hope everyone has some friends you feel you can just be yourself with.

Guess what? I was too busy enjoying my night to capture any of it. Managed to gather everyone for one group photo :)


'Tis the Season for great friends, great food, and great wine!

This edition of "favorite things" is extra special because I'm joining a linkup over at
Cheers Y'all!



I'm excited because I get to show off a few of my personal favorites...things that are on the top of my Christmas wishlist. Be sure to join in on the fun!



ONE. New Stockings. Am I the only one who was drooling over the PB Kids catalog? Although I do love our Target stockings, I think it's time for an upgrade :) I love this classic style...and I think it would be easy to add to this collection when the time comes!

TWO. Fleece jacket. The NorthFace Osito is nice, and I am loving the fresh grey/white color. It's one of those items I really need but will never buy for myself!

THREE. You can never have too many frames. Especially orange chevron ones. Enough said.

FOUR. Along with a new pair of boots comes the need for boot socks. These are adorable and they look so cozy! I would love a big thick-yarn sweater to go with them! :)

FIVE. We are way overdue for a pop of color in our bedroom. Pillows are a great way to add in some fun and I love how this yellow compliments our grey!

SIX. This mantle. Have you ever had a project you've been dying to complete but just don't know how to get started? Or, in my case, don't want to spend the money on the materials? I just want to have this mantle in my home. And I want someone to do it for me!

Hope you enjoyed perusing my favorite things. Stay tuned for the next linkup in this series :)

It's that time of year again!
Although I'm not ready to begin shopping or deck the halls, I am so excited to pick out our Christmas cards.

I'm usually a Shutterfly girl, but I had fun perusing other sites this year for a little inspiration. Here are my favorites:

Via Shutterfly

Via Minted

Via Tiny Prints

Via Shutterfly

Via Minted

Via Tiny Prints

Oh I can't stand the cuteness!

There are lots of great deals for getting a jump start on your Holiday greeting cards so get going :)

The toddler stage has been lots of fun so far!


As a parent, it's impossible to know what "the best" thing is for your child. It's all trial & error-with products, food, discipline, etc. However... here are some things that have made our lives a little easier...and Peyton's toddler-hood more fun!




Pocket Bibs. You will not survive self-feeding without pocket bibs. Toddler coordination is not the greatest at first, so this is super helpful to catch all the 'extra'!


Fisher Price SpaceSaver High Chair. Speaking of eating...you'll need the proper chair! I love this SpaceSaver chair- it reclines for infant feeding and the back can be removed for a booster later on. This chair will truly grow with your child and it doesn't take up your whole kitchen!



The First Years Jet Stroller. I went way too long without an umbrella stroller! I did lots and lots of research and found that this one is the most budget-friendly with all the bells & whistles. We are loving it!

Leap Frog My Discovery House. Peyton got this as a birthday gift and 5 months later, she still loves it! Of course, the buttons and noises are fun-plus it teaches opposites!

Munchkin Bath Scoop. You're going to need a place to store all of those letters! This scoop is a great size and has held up very well. P loves to "tidy up" when bath is over.



Playskool Walk 'n Ride. I just love a toy that will grow with my kiddo! This was a great walk-behind toy when Miss P was first toddling. Now, we have turned it into the rider...and it's a whole new toy! This was actually a consignment store purchase, and well worth it!


Food Pouches. Where would I be without these pouches?! This is an easy, quick snack that P can easily feed herself. And they are super healthy-hiding some veggies with fruits :)

Favorite Books. Peyton has always loved books so we have quite the collection at our house. These are the 4 books we rotate through at nap & bed time...her absolute faves!

There you have it: my must haves for the toddler world. Are there any items that your toddler can't live without?

It's that time again!

ONE. Fave blanket
This blanket was a birthday gift from the BFF and I have been lazy ever since! haha- Seriously, every time I see it folded up on the couch I completely forget about my to do list and just enjoy curling up under it for a moment.

Via HomeGoods

TWO. Target Cartwheel
WHY haven't I discovered this before?! An app where you can add Target coupons to your "cart"-and these are coupons that you actually USE. I am loving this so far. (Note: I was initially turned off because you have to sign in through FB, but it doesn't post anything-it only shows you what other FB friends have saved...who cares?!)

THREE. Happy Anniversary
This week, my BFF is celebrating 2 years of wedded bliss to her hubby. Christa and David are such an amazing couple and they are fabulous Godparents to our sweet P. Here's to many more happy years!


FOUR. New Boots
I was in desperate need of some new brown boots and I found the perfect pair at the outlets! One of those rare occasions where I bought the first pair I laid eyes on-they are comfy and cute! There is something about a good pair of boots that just makes an outfit, right?


FIVE. 17 months
Another month in the books...our little girl is now 17 months old. Can you believe it?! She continues to surprise me every day and I love being her Momma.


Until next week!

As the weather begins to cool, I find myself searching for my favorite fall & winter recipes. I've compiled them all here to make it easier!


Snacks & Meals

Pumpkin Seeds
Yumbo Gumbo
Chicken & Dumplings
Low Calorie Potato Soup

Desserts

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies...and Cupcakes
Easy Apple Crisp

This Halloween was all about the husband Peyton as it was her first year to actually go out trick or treating. We only went to a few homes but I was so proud of my girl-she marched right up to every door, exclaimed "Chee Chee" ("trick or treat") and helped herself to the bowl of candy.
Ben was also super excited this year because we dressed up as Star Wars. Yes, he's a nerd but I love him. I didn't realize the can of worms I opened when I found a Princess Leia costume at a children's consignment sale!
We always get into dressing up, and our neighborhood is full of kiddos (150 trick or treaters this year!) so it's a super fun atmosphere.



What a wonderful night for my little family! I hope that Peyton comes to love Halloween as much as we do!

Seriously, where has this week gone?!

Here's what I'm loving:

ONE. Amazon.com
Yep, Amazon-where you can purchase almost anything! I have been creating a 'gift' list for a few months now-as I think of great gift ideas, I just find the item on Amazon and add it to my list! I also have a Family Christmas Wishlist. I hope this will make Christmas shopping easier this year!


TWO. My job
Although we have been super busy lately, I have had so many moments when I feel that I have truly made an impact in my patient's lives. It's not an easy job, but it's so rewarding. I love that I am in a position to truly help people :)


 THREE. Cloth Diapers
I am way overdue for a cloth diaper update, but we are still in the CD and still lovin' it! We had to buy some disposables for our trip out of town last weekend, and I flinched as I paid $12 for diapers I'm just going to toss.


FOUR. Halloween
Duh. What an awesome night where it's ok to dress in ridiculous clothes and eat all the chocolate you want.
Stay tuned for a recap of our Halloween!


FIVE. Weekend Off
Guess what I'm doing this weekend?! NOTHING. No plans. No work, no road trips, no parties. Oh I'm so excited. In reality, I will stay very busy playing catch up, but I desperately need this time at home to get stuff done! I will really enjoy the chance to unwind and play with miss P.