when and now

I’ve been reading on Facebook and in blogs what everyone is and has been thankful for with the holiday season upon us, and so naturally I’ve been thinking about all that I appreciate in my life. Instead of detailing each and every thing that makes me smile from day to day I decided to make a list. I’m sure I’m missing many, many things but it’s a start and it’ll continue to grow for the rest of this Thanksgiving week and for the rest of my life.

I’m THANKFUL for …

• Being married to a wonderful man and having a relationship where I fall in love deeper every day
• Having two amazing parents who love and support me in everything that I do
• My close relationship with my five incredible siblings
• Being an aunt to the two most precious little girls
• Being a part of a big family
• My genuine friends - both near and far
• My faith and my desire to learn more about my religion
• A new job that will help me grow professionally and personally, and where I can make a difference
• Being a homeowner in a beautiful part of the country
• Being healthy enough to do everything I want to do
• My experiences as a marathon runner and a field hockey player
• Chocolate indulgences
• Good books that I can’t put down
• My TV show lineup
• Laughing with my loved ones
• Singing and dancing with my nieces in public
• Making a meal that makes everyone happy
• A good night’s sleep
• Sunday fun days with my husband
• Social media to keep in touch with friends and family

… and LOTS more!

Please think about all your thankful for this holiday season and find love in your heart to brighten someone else’s day. Make someone thankful for you. :-)

Chris (my husband) and I bought our first home in March of this year. Before that, we lived in a couple apartments in Raleigh. It’s tough to decorate an apartment. You don’t have a lot of room to elaborate and there isn’t much opportunity to experiment … besides, you DO want your security deposit check back. Apartment living is cramped and the holidays quickly pass by, at least in my experience.

NOW, that we are homeowners I’m viewing the holidays in a completely different way. I get to really decorate and make our home, well, home-y. :) Some of my cousins bought me a Southern Living magazine subscription for my wedding and the last issue really gave me some good (budget-friendly) ideas! I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and try some out.

This is definitely my favorite. How cute are these, and they’d probably only cost about $15 per jar with all the supplies.