Stocking Ideas

(Photo: Pinterest)

Christmas is around the corner!  What are you asking for this year?  Is it just me, or are a lot of adult Christmas stockings neglected??   Maybe it's just mine?! 

As a kid, I could always rely on some small gift(s) in my stocking.  As an adult, my stocking simply became nothing more than a decoration for our fireplace.
Well it's time to bring the tradition back to life! I'm asking my husband for some goodies in my stocking this year. My stocking will no longer be for decoration use only! :)

If you're thinking your stocking needs some TLC this year, here's several of my favorite products that can make for some great stocking stuffers:

1.    Alien Perfume- strange name, but I've received a lot of compliments.  I've been using this for years, an oldie but goodie in my book. 

2.  Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant-my absolute favorite.  The scent is heavenly!

3. Diorshow Mascara-hands down the best mascara out there.  Pair it with the Diorshow Maximizer Lash Primer=amazing!

4. Kiehl's Creme de Corps body lotion-a lifesaver during these cold, dry winter months. 

5. EOS lip balm-odd shape, but comes in many different flavors.  Try the sweet mint, it's my fave.

Or if you feel like you've been extra nice this year and not naughty, ask "Santa" for something like a wallet. I recently purchased this Kate Spade wallet.  (What can I say? I'm a sucker for polka dots!)

Any ideas for my stocking?  Any products out there that you adore?

"My Auntie from NY is in...

...and she took all of these adorable pictures of me."

Thanks Katrina-we all missed you!

Hot Chocolate 5K

So I... didn't train as much as I should have for this race.
So I...don't really exercise. That includes running. Sad, I know.

So I ...ate donuts, sweets, (thank you teachers lounge)
and leftover Halloween candy the entire week before the race.

So I... decided to "let loose" at my cousin's daughter's benefit the night before.

What really matters about this race is the fact I have a friend that wouldn't leave my side.

We almost missed the race, ran (like the people in the airport scene in the movie Home Alone) to get to the race, joined a random corral last minute, and danced to Gangnam Style at the starting line. 

Once we began the race, she ran next to me and kept encouraging me to continue. (If it wasn't for her, I probably would've stopped about 10 times!)  Joanna ran a half marathon so trust me when I say a 5K is a warm up for her!

With Thanksgiving around the corner....I am thankful to have such an amazing friend in my life.

PS:

Did I mention how fun she is?  She took this pic w/me even though she didn't break a sweat.

Love you Jo!

Dear Jake, (0-4 Months)

So on Daddy's birthday (last night) we decided to put you in your crib for the WHOLE night!  It was a big deal to Mommy because the sound of you breathing right next to me, made me feel so incredibly relaxed, content, and happy.  

There are things I don't want to forget to tell you--moments that we shared together as a family.  Here is a list that I kept for the past three months.  (From birth till present, in no particular order):

Our families camped out in the waiting room and occupied the entire space anxiously waiting for you to arrive! Two of your aunts stayed at the hospital for forty eight hours, refusing to go home because they wanted to meet you so badly.  You put mommy through 42 hours of labor so I expect for your number to be 42 when you grow up to play sports! :)

Your first cry was the most amazing sound that we have ever heard.  I could finally breathe after so many months of worrying about you!

The three of us shared alone time together in our private room before they took you to the nursery so that everyone else could see you.  Daddy and I had tears streaming down our cheeks, holding you for the very first time together as a family. 

You had on "MC Hammer" pants in the hospital as part of your departure outfit.  You couldn't fit into a newborn size, so we had to put you in three months pants.  I couldn't look at you without laughing because those pants were gigantic on you and it hurt Mommy's boo boo too much to laugh!  

I cried in the car on the way home from the hospital when a Rockabye Baby Coldplay song came on.  It was so fitting and I felt so blessed staring at you.

Daddy went above and beyond taking care of me & you in the hospital and at home. Our love for each other soared and reached an entirely new level.  

You sometimes make this adorable "ahhhh" sound while you sleep. 

Your smiles melt my heart!  You smile the most when you are sleeping, when you first wake up, and whenever you are trying to have a conversation.

You have so many different poses that you create while you sleep. 

You clench your fists while you drink your milk.

I love watching your feet move around while I feed you.  You are so content when you are eating--you get that from me because I love to eat!! :)

When you play "in the zoo" you love grabbing the dangling animals and you try to talk to them. 

I love to kiss your tiny little toes and feet!

There is no one on Earth better to snuggle with than you!

Daddy gives you more baths than Mommy.  Mommy is terrified to bathe you, so Daddy takes over and  is convinced you are the next Michael Phelps!

I love the way you touch the back of your hair.  You make this curious face and it is as if you are thinking "what is this?"   

I love to hold you and dance around the house with you in my arms and when I'm changing your diapers, sometimes I do a little dance by snapping my fingers and swaying back and forth and you always have the biggest smile!

Mini milestones:
Oct. 2nd: you did a 360 on your playmat.

Oct 6th: you turned on your side.

Oct. 11th: you flipped yourself around and landed on your tummy!

I love you so much Jake and can't wait for more special moments with you!

Love, Mommy (& Daddy)

Oz Park

I am sitting on a park bench, writing and this is my view.  A view of nature...an utter feeling of peace from within. This is the first time I have ever done something like this.  I typically don't like to go certain places by myself, and at times I can easily label myself somewhat of an introvert. Too shy to do anything like this solo.  Always caring what others are thinking which can quite possibly be my biggest flaw.

As I walked around taking pictures, I quickly learned that everyone has the same agenda prior to walking into the park--and that is to relax. As I look around, people are exercising, spending time with their children, a loved one, or walking their dogs.  My personal favorite?  People are here to breathe in the fresh air, unwind, and to relieve stress.  That's why I am here!
I had somewhat of a "meltdown" yesterday because I am worried. Worried about a very close family member and worried about what others are going through that are close to me.  I have friendships that I need to invest more time in, and sadly, one that is fading.

See the scarecrow?  

A trip to the park completely clears your mind and you will leave feeling calm and filled with peace.  Doctors should write a "you need a trip to the park" prescription to make individuals feel better!!  

Thank you Oz Park for giving me the courage (hello Cowardly Lion) to write on a park bench and take pictures without anyone by my side. Time to go home (shout out to Dorothy) and see my son's smile that melts my heart (quick reference to the Tin Man).

:)