Post-Christmas Confessions

It has been a few days since my last post. I promised myself I would slow down and I did. The spending freeze is going well, and my DIY gifts were loved by all. I have one more gift to deliver, and after that I will be able to post pictures to give you ideas for next year!

Confession: I haven't spent on myself, but I have wanted to. I almost returned a gift to get a credit at Marshalls' just so that I could shop. But I didn't. The thought of shopping sounded great.....but I knew I would regret returning the gift. While I am in confession mode, I have another. I hired my cleaning team back. I just couldn't do it. The kids, work, schedules, all left me exhausted and no time to clean. The pressure was killing me. I think I should have started out with baby steps instead of cutting everything out at once. I am cutting myself some slack on this one.

On a more positive note, I didn't question returning the gifts I am wearing in this photo. A scarf and earrings from my 4 and 5 year olds. They did mommy proud! I hope your Christmas was wonderful and you are well on your way to a happy New Year!

Party Time

I love a party! Especially with my kiddos. I sure do miss this with the older ones. Tomorrow I will be partying down with my Kindergartener.

This has been a busy house this month, has yours? My 11-year-old said in tears on the way to dance, "Mom, we are always rushing around." WOW! That hit me. She is right, and it makes me sad. I love to do for others, volunteer, bake, decorate, wrap, visit, attend parties, etc. But I don't slow down. 

So I ask the question, what are we missing in our holiday hurry? 

Peace, love, joy? Isn't that what Christmas is about anyway? 

So I am going to stop rushing, and plan for peace. I will quit wrapping and start loving. I will slow down, and start experiencing real joy! Speaking of joy, the gift list continues below. :) 

1000 Gifts

61. Tiny fingerprint smudges on clean glass

62. Pot luck brunches

63. Air conditioning

64. Toddler questions

65. Bedtime

66. When littles sneak in my bed at sunrise

67. The smell of freshly washed hair on little heads

68. Little voices singing

69. Snoring little boy

70. A Kindergartner's journal

71. Christmas gifts made by little hands

72. Haircuts

73. Coloring

74. Being read to

75. Christmas cards displayed

New Dress!

Dress C/O eShakti, Shoes: Nine West, Clutch: Victoria's Secret 

I was so excited to finally wear my new dress! What better treat on a shopping fast than to receive a gift like this? You will definitely want to check out eShakti, the selection is incredible and the quality is great. They even provide custom sizing for a perfect fit. Connect with them on Facebook here too!

Awesome and Awkward Thursday

I haven't participated in Awesome and Awkward in quite a while, so I thought I would bring it back due to the amount of good content I have to share.

Awesome:
1. We have almost raised enough money to build a well for an ENTIRE village through The 12X12 Project! Seriously, like less than $900 away from our $5000 goal!
2. My little boy performed in his second Christmas concert this morning.
3. My husband finally returns from a business trip today, thank goodness I need a BREAK!
4. Work is going REALLY well and I have a huge announcement to make come January.
5. The pantone color of 2013 is emerald!! WOO HOO!

Awkward:
1. My hair is growing out, and I have a mullet. Can't wait for my trim tomorrow, she better work some magic.
2. A little old lady had to ask me if I needed help getting up, as she saw me struggling coming up from the bottom shelf at Hobby Lobby. Darn you jump squats!!!!! #totesawk!
3. I only put mascara on one eye yesterday.
4. Neighbors staring at me while I take pictures of myself in front of my house.
5. My three year old told his teacher that my husband and I drink lots of beer. What???? Ha.
6. My legs resemble Big Bird in these tights.

A Day Late

I am a day late. As in I wore this yesterday. I was so swamped that I never had time to post. The good news is I am an outfit ahead now. This week is a busy one for me, speaking of....I need to head out the door now to start my car line pick ups. Hope your week is going well!

Casual Friday

Blazer: Victoria's Secret Catalog, Top: Cheesy NY Tourist Shop, Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
Bag: Coach, Flops: J. Crew, Sunnies: Tom Ford,

Today was just that, casual. After being stuck in the house nearly all week with sick kiddos, I took myself for a treat. My first mani/pedi in about 2 months. It was delighful. I didn't get to my office until 1pm, and I am just fine with that. As for the outfit, putting a blazer with anything makes it work appropriate in my opinion. Have a great weekend!

An Hour and a Half Without Water

Top: Lucky Brand, Skirt: Kensie (Thrifted), Booties: Seychelles, Bag: Kate Spade
Sunnies: Marc Jacobs, Belt: J. Crew, Accessories: Target

Last night our water was out for an hour and a half. It was a great reminder of why I am committed to the cause of clean water, and raising money to build a well this month. I can't believe how many times I walked to the kitchen sink to turn on the faucet, remembering only then that the water was out. It must have been 10 times, no kidding.

This morning water was barely trickling out of the shower head, and instead of getting frustrated, I thanked God. I thanked Him for a hot shower, I thanked him for clean dishes, for laundry, and for quenching my thirst. I prayed for our well, and for the people in India that it will bless. It was awesome!

What perfect timing to be reminded of how blessed I am, and how important this cause is! My tiny little hour and a half without water was NOTHING compared to those who go without it daily.

The Shopping Party

My outfit for church on Sunday!

Courtney and I at Nordstrom's Christmas party

A shopping party at Nordstrom....? Oh no, the ultimate in temptation right?

How could a girl on a shopping fast even consider it? 

For the past two years, my friend Courtney and I have made it a tradition. After waiting in a line wrapped around the building, we are greeted by a number of waiters with hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats. The store is beautifully decorated and a DJ is spinning away. We oooh and ahhh over the displays, and have fun playing dress up.

In the past, I have bought at least a few items for myself, and even stalked out gift ideas to email my hubs. But this year was different. I thought I would feel more of a pull to purchase, but I didn't. As fun as it was to be among the hustle and bustle, I didn't get the urge to indulge as I have in the past. I really enjoyed looking at the clothes, shoes, bags and other accessories. I made mental notes for working the items in my closet. I didn't leave depressed or deflated that I couldn't "shop till I dropped." I felt good, leaving with only two small bags in hand.

Instead of trying on a new dress or shoes,  I found equal satisfaction in refilling two necessities: my favorite lipgloss and eyeshadow. I do love how shopping restraint has made me appreciate the little things so much more. I even found a few gifts for the kids on clearance...score!

I have been delighted to see how far my money has gone this Christmas. This is the first year that we have actually set a budget. I was so scared that a slim Christmas would be such a let down for the kids and for myself. But, I am truly evaluating quality over quantity...and realizing it is time to stop the pattern of overindulging on Christmas. I am even selling my homemade soaps, Classy Sudz, with 100% of the proceeds going to clean water for the 12X12 Project!

It is fun to see gifts piled high and overflowing stockings, but this year the only thing I want to overflow is my heart. We already have so much. I loved this post by Jones Design Company, Four Gifts for Christmas. What a great way to size things down. So I realized, a spending freeze doesn't mean I have to give up the fun of holiday shopping parties, they just become window shopping/fashion inspiration parties for me, and I am just fine with that!

#1000 Gifts
52. Holiday parties
53. Window shopping
54. Closet inspiration
55. Long talks with friends
56. Music that makes you dance
57. Sweet treats
58. A friend that shares the same shoe size :)
59. Makeup
60. Christmas decor