Last night, our group of friends had our annual Christmas party...three years in the making. We always draw names for Secret Santa and exchange. Year before last we did an Ugly Christmas Sweater party, last year we did a Christmas PJ party...this year, it was a little more low-key, there's lots of babies now!


Personal Confession: I am not the "greenest" person on Earth. I try to be, really, but I'm a little OCD about notes. Like To-Do lists, notes at work, etc...they have to be really nice and neat. If I scribble notes during a meeting, I will re-write them afterwards to be really nice and neat. I "might" rewrite some things 3 and 4 times. My co-workers all pick on my crumbled balls of notes. I pretty tech-saavy too, but for me, nothing can replace the act of writing something down. I really love it. I mean, I LOVE filling out forms...but I usually ask for two forms, one to fill out and the second to fill out neatly. I know, I'm sorry:) Sooooo...my best friends know this and accept my quirks in love. 


This year, my friend, David Stanfield (a super talented designer by the way) drew my name. He gave me 3 totally awesome gifts:


1. A handmade/illustrated card by David Stanfield himself - super amazing! Picture to come soon. 

2. A beautiful apron from Anthropologie (my soul-store)
I've always wanted a cutsy apron, but never get the nerve to buy one for myself...so now I don't have to wear the Starbucks apron that my husband "kept" after he quit the land of Bucks.


3. This AMAZING journal - "Wreck This Journal " by Keri Smith -  I don't know how I didn't know about this before, but FREAKIN-A, this thing is sooo cute! It's truly going to be a challenge because it goes against everything I stand for with regards to neatness, but I accept the challenge!! There's a whole Flikr community behind this project - take a look! 


I am soo thrilled for Christmas - I love my friends so much and even more because they know me, accept my quirks and STILL love me for who I am:)


Happy Holidays!

Good morning! I've been working on this list since my birthday (back in September) so I apologize for the delay, but here it is, My Top 10 Favorites of Fall. Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year. A lot of people say because of the cold weather and the leaves falling from the trees, it's a depressing time, but for me, the colors of the leaves are gorgeous and the cold weather means that I can wear big sweaters and awesome coats:) Enjoy!


Top 10 Favorites:


10. My Birthday: I mean, my birthday is the first official day of fall, so how could I not LOVE it. This year was so special ...Jay, my wonderful parents and amazing friends surprised me with my very first letterpress. Super awesome!


 9. Pumpkin Spice & Cinnamon Dolce Lattes: I'm sorry, I'm all about supporting my local coffee shops, but there is NOTHING like a Starbucks latte. I'm not sure what makes theirs different but it just is...and I LOVE it:)




8. Theme Parties!! My friends and I love theme parties. For the last couple of years, we have had everything from "Black & Gold" to "Cowboys & Indians" to "Wedding Receptions for Jim & Pam on the Office" to baby showers that turn into CRAZiest of parties. 


7. Gamecock Football: Every year around the beginning of September, I get that feeling...that feeling that something amazing is about to begin...the cold, crisp air starts smelling a little like tailgating and I know, it is time for GAMECOCK football. Every year, we hope to be amazing...this year, we aren't pretty but so far, we've put up 6 wins against some pretty good teams. GO COCKS!

 

6. Fall Fashion = LOTS of Layering: Layering is one of my all time favorite things to do. I like to look down at my waist line and see at least two- three contrasting colors...weird, maybe...but awesome in my mind. I also love mixing and matching patterns, fabrics, etc...but only in my mind...not confident enough to do it yet for real...like this picture from Anthropologie, I WISH I had the gumption to do this.


 
 5. More Fall Fashion = Big Coats and Fancy Scarves: The ironic thing about my obsession with coats is that I only have like 2 coats and one I have had since 9th grade...but no worries, it is getting replaced this year and here is what I'm eyeing at the moment from Old Navy...and this scarf from Anthropologie...yes please.


4. Fall Food = Bring on the Homemade Chili and Soups: Pumpkin Apple Bisque, Smoky Corn Chowder, Baked Potato Soup, My MOTHER & Chris Kincaid's Chili...these are a few of my favorite fall time soups. 



3. BABIES galore! 2009 was amazing for my proverbial family - we have added two very special ladies to our group, Magnolia Louise Godshall and Ethne Rain Calnin. One day, hopefully soon, Jay and I will be able to have kids of our own, but until then, we are working hard to be the best aunt and uncle to these precious babies...This fall, a new face was added to our community...meet Mr. Ames Emmanuel Kincaid. After 20 hours of labor, my dear friend, Rachael introduced us to this little man. It was my first witnessed home birth (the labor part, did NOT witness the actual birthing part) and it was spectacular. 

 

2. TWILIGHT: NEW MOON - I know, its a little crazy and I tried to avoid the madness for as long as I could. I broke down and read the books and have been hooked ever since. I go back and forth from Team Edward and Team Jacob, but November 20th can NOT come soon enough. Please and thank you.


 
1. The best thing about fall is....My Wedding Anniversary: Okay, you can stop gagging now:) But seriously, three years ago, on November 18th, I married the sweetest, most compassionate and amazing man I know...the best part...he loves this CRAZY girl despite her insanity. PLUS, I LOVED our wedding! If I could go back, I might do some things differently, but overall, it was the best day of my life and seeing those big ole' blues as I walked down the aisle is something I will NEVER forget.

I'm actually in the middle of a couple invitation designs, so today I wanted to share one of my favorite things...APRONS. Step aside you feminists and woman activists...there is something quite empowering about cooking and creating culinary delights in the kitchen (um...hello TOP CHEF) and what better way to enjoy cooking than to be SUPER stylish and adorable at the same time.

 

My obsession with aprons is constantly fed by Anthropologie. They have truly made an art with the designs showcased in their store.

I know this is probably nothing new to most, but Etsy.com is such a great website for creatives. Check out some of these two aprons featured on there right now via Pamwares and Sassyapron. Enjoy!