Holly Jolly Swap!

Hey y'all! Hope everyone is having a great week!

I was SO excited when Ashley, Crystal and Emily first started talking about this Secret Santa thing...I LOVE Secret Santa! So of course I signed up! I had so much fun shopping for my partner and reading new blogs!

I really enjoyed getting to know Heather from From Here To There during the process! I didn't take any pictures of what I sent her, but I sent a Lilly journal, photo book, a luggage/passport set and some of my favorite lip balm! I really hope she enjoys it! 

This is what I got!

Some ADORABLE note cards from Lemonseed & Co. She knows me so well because if I had a choice, this is what I would have chosen! The frame is more of a pinkish red than the picture shows.

So who was my Secret Santa??

The lovely Kate from Cocktails and Friendship!  I was so excited to see that it was Kate, because I read her blog everyday! Thanks Girl!

Did everyone else enjoy their gifts?

xo Julia

Our Christmas!

Hey y'all! Happy (day after) New Year!  I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Years Eve!  Sorry I've been a bad blogger :( Things have been so busy around here! But, now that things have calmed down, I've been reading your blogs and have loved finding out what you all got, so I thought it would be fun to share some highlights from our Christmas too!

For starters, Neil and I usually stick with opening presents on Christmas morning, because it's more exciting that way! But this year, our church was having a Christmas morning service at 9:30 am, so we decided it would be better if we all opened our gifts on Christmas Eve.

Kazy was ready to open gifts even before we were!

We had huge stockings this year! Partly because some gifts didn't get wrapped in time, so the perfect solution was a jumbo stocking!

Some of my Christmas goodies! Complete with a Nook Tablet (which I love!), some Lilly stationary, scarves (I think I got 7!), super cute jewelry including some Swell Caroline monogram earrings and a Star Fish jewelry set. When we went to my moms house (post coming soon!) we also got some great gifts, including about 10 kitchen appliances! More on that in a few days!

Neil's Christmas gifts included lots of clothes from L.L. Bean and Brooks Brothers, a new Fly Fishing rod, along with a new fly tying kit (which he put to good use right after he opened it!) and other fly fishing accessories. A leather man belt (he loves it!), accessories for his gun, several books, all of which I highly recommend and lots of other goodies here and there! Oh, and a R/C Helicopter, because, no matter how old they are, every boy needs a real toy on Christmas, or that's my opinion anyways!

P.S. The Christmas Story movie was playing the whole time we were opening gifts. Is that a tradition in your house too?

Now on to Christmas Day....

We all woke up early, earlier than we wanted to, but that's ok. It's like Neil told me, "Jesus did so much for us, the least we can do it wake up a little early and go to Church!" So, that's what we did!

The service was short and sweet, our Pastor told the Christmas Story, which I never get tired of hearing, and the man who usually plays guitar on Sunday mornings, got up and sang a beautiful version of "Mary Did You Know".  Overall, it was probably the Best, but also the only, Christmas morning church service I have been to!

After Church, we all went to our favorite Chinese restaurant! I had never done that before, but I had so much fun! When we got there, we were the only ones there so far. The Chef was standing at the door and welcomed us with a big "Merry Christmas".  The food was delicious and it totally beat standing in the Kitchen all day cooking!  That is Neil's cousin, Leah back there...I guess she thought something was scary..? And, yes, I tried eating with chop sticks but only made it about 3 minutes before I gave up.  

When we got home, Neil and Kazy went out side to try out his new rod. I couldn't tell who was enjoying it more! Oh, and don't worry, there was no hook on the line, just a bit of yarn!

I hope y'all had as good of a Christmas as we did! And I look forward to reading more about what you got! Did any of you get some of the same things I got? What was your favorite gift this year?

xo Julia

$5 Jewelry? Yes Please!

Hey everyone! I'm sure y'all are busy getting ready for Christmas. Can you believe it's almost here? Only 2 days left!

While I'm still not quite finished with my Christmas shopping, I was able to get a little bit done (for myself) at a Masquerade Jewelry fundraiser!  Neils mom went to one last weekend and said it was great, so of course, I had to tag along this weekend! What did I find? Jewelry, scarves, collegiate apparel and accessories and more!  This isn't the kind of stuff you would expect to find for $5! 

Who is Masquerade? "Masquerade Fundraising is, by far, the largest $5 Jewelry Fundraising Company in the Nation. We currently have over 40 representatives throughout the continental United States each fully backed by a strong and reputable National Corporation based in beautiful Knoxville, TN. We are dedicated to the Hospital Community and to helping our Volunteer and Auxiliary sponsors meet their fundraising goals." - Masquerades website

Here are a few pictures I took while I was there. (sorry for the phone pictures)

This was from the website. The one I took like this was too blurry :(

These were so cute! It is an earring and broach/pendant set! The "pendant" can be worn on a necklace, but also has a pin on the back so you can wear it as a broach!

These bracelets caught my eye, so I just had to take a picture! The blue and red bracelets hanging in the far box at the top were rope and diamonds. They definitely had a very nautical look, and I kind of hate now that I didn't get one!

Here's what I got!

This is one of the earring and broach/pendant sets. These guys were too cute to pass up!

This Pashmina scarf is just beautiful and feels amazing! I also got a set of small pearl studs.

How cute is he!?  It clips into your purse and holds your keys.

I highly recommend checking their website for an event near you! Every event is different though, as we found out this weekend. Some will have alot more than others and might have different items here and there, but over all they are all about the same. And remember, any purchase you make goes to help fund the hospital where the event is held! There's nothing like buying jewelry at great prices while helping the community at the same time!

Have any of y'all attended a Masquerade Fundraiser before? What did you think?

xo Julia

Dreaming of a White Christmas!

Hey everyone! I hope y'all had a great weekend!

As Christmas gets closer,  find myself praying more and more for a white Christmas! I love to wake up on Christmas morning to a fresh blanket of snow.  If you live up North, snow on Christmas is pretty much a guarantee, but here in Alabama, it's hit or miss.

This is a picture of our house from last year. I'm hoping it looks like that this year too! Just think...our house is a plantation home built in 1820, so it has seen 192 Christmas's! Wow, if walls could talk!

Now on to the Christmas Tree!

This year the tree theme was fruit and berries!  It has a classic, old timey look which I love. It reminds me of the way a tree would have been decorated in our home's time period. Simple and elegant!

Are any of you wishing for snow on Christmas morning?

xo Julia

Moms Christmas Gift

Hey y'all! I hope everyone had a wonderful week! 

On Tuesday morning, Neil and I headed up to Indy to visit my family for 2 days and got back last night. More to come about our trip in the next couple days, but for now, I wanted to share with you a gift I made my mom for Christmas! I made her a recipe book!  It took me about two months to finish it, but mom LOVED it!

I called it "Sugar Maples: A Collection of Family Recipes". My maiden name is Maples and my mom always wanted a bakery called Sugar Maples, so since I couldn't give her that, I decided to make her this!

I used a simple black binder and covered it with scrapbook paper. A Cricut would have come in really handy for cutting out the letters and leaves!

My dad past away last year, and he was the best Chef I knew. This was the little dedication page I put in there for him. The car at the top is a car that he had since he was 16 years old. It's been through everything with him, so how could I not include it!?

I typed out every single recipe, since the book was made up of all the special recipes Dad used to fix, as well as Neil's family recipes and of course some of Moms famous desserts!  I like the book so much, I think I'll make one for myself!

What do you think!?  Did you make any gifts for Christmas? 

xo Julia

Oh, How Pinteresting and WILW!

Today I'm linking up with Michelle from the Vintage Apple for my first ever Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday!  I have seen all of y'all talk about Pintrest, but never signed up. I finally realized what I was missing! Right now I'm waiting on my invite, so the things below will be pinned as soon as I finalize my account!

I am totally in the Christmas spirit and honestly have been since before Halloween!  I know, kind of weird, but I just absolutely LOVE Christmas time. Not because of the whole gift thing, although it's nice, but because of the feel in the air, spending time with family and just the overall Christmas spirit that goes around.  So with Christmas, in my house, comes baking! Here are some yummy looking treats that I would LOVE to make for the Holidays!

Rolo Turtles

 How easy is that! I am 100% going to try this!

Apple Cider Caramel Cookies

These look delish! I love the flavors of fall, and this is sure to be one of my new favorite cookies!

Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Butter Cream

Y'all! How perfect are these!? As you know, Red Velvet cake is a southern staple, and everyone thinks their Red Velvet cake is the best (which I'm sure it is!).  This will be my new unique recipe! Thanks pintrest :) Oh and it's a perfect treat for your Christmas party!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Like I said before, I LOVE fall flavors and Pumpkin is my ALL TIME favorite! I adore any, and everything pumpkin! So these cookies will be a perfect addition to Thanksgiving dessert!

Candy Acorns

Now how adorable are these!? So simple, just take a mini nutter butter cookie and slightly melt the Hershey kiss and stick them together! These would be a perfect treat for little ones to help with!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

My mom always makes chocolate covered pretzel rods around the Holidays. The M&M ones look really good!

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I'm Loving..... That I have such an amazing husband! xo NMC

I'm Loving..... That our Christmas Open House at the shop is coming up really soon!

I'm Loving.... That my Granddaddy just turned 80! He's going on 20 haha.

I'm Loving..... That the Holly Jolly Swap is going on! How exciting!

I'm Loving..... That I just bought a new sewing machine! It's definitely time.

I'm Loving..... That we are 100% doing Black Friday. Last year was the first time I ever did it, and it was pretty fun!

I'm Loving..... My new sweater I picked up from Marshalls the other day! It's so soft, yet sooo stylish!

Wow...I'm loving alot of stuff right now! What are y'all loving?

xo Julia

A Classy Christmas

If y'all are anything like me, you can't wait until the Holidays!  I love when I hear that first Christmas song on the radio and just the general feeling in the air.  Yeah, yeah, I know Halloween was just a few days ago, but you can't blame me! So while I am in this Christmas-y mood, I'll let y'all in on a few (this is only a fraction of my entire list) things on my Christmas list so far!

1. Triple monogram earrings- Swell Caroline

I LOVE these! I hope I can actually wait until Christmas to buy them.

2. Dotti Earrings- Swell Caroline

These are really cute and will go with just about any outfit!

3. Pineapple Earrings- Swell Caroline

What can I say? I'm a sucker for pineapples!

4. Monogrammed Travel Bag- Marley Lilly

I am in love with this bag! How classy it that!? I like that it is simple and timeless.

5. Monogrammed Scarf- Marley Lilly

I have to have one! I've been waiting for a long time!

6. Pineapple Sandals- Target

I missed out on these in the store, but I can still get them online. Yay!

7. 13" Mac Book Pro- Apple

Neil and I have been wanting one of these, and I think we are finally going to get it!

8. Monogrammed Cosmetic Bag- The Palm Gifts

I really need one of these, and I love that it has my favorite colors!

9. Monogrammed Brown or Tan Ostrich Clutch/Purse - Marley Lilly

I never thought I would want ostrich, but I am really loving it! I can't decide..brown or tan?

10. Headband - High Cotton Ties

I am liking the nautical stripes!

11. Monogrammed Jute Tote - Marley Lilly

I am going to use this when we go to the beach! I'm totally thinking ahead! I want either aqua, green or pink

12. The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach

I bought the "True Prep" book when it came out last year, which was a follow up to "The Official Preppy Handbook" It was written in the '80s but I still think it's a really neat book!

13. Longchamp Le pliage in Navy

I have wanted one of these forever!

14. And of course I want the usual clothes, scarves, shoes, ect.

I think I see a pattern here! I guess this Christmas is going to be my "monogram" Christmas!  Do you like/have any of these?  Do you have any monogrammed items on your Christmas list?

Before I go, I just want to say that I know it can be so easy to get wrapped up with getting and giving gifts, but I always try to find different ways to give back to those in need, and honestly, I'm one of those people who would rather give than receive. It makes me so happy to know that I helped someone.  So, this Holiday season, I hope y'all keep others less fortunate in mind, and try to do something for the greater good!

xo Julia

Once again I have some giveaway alerts for y'all! It seems like there are TONS of giveaways going on lately doesn't it!?  Hey...I'm not complain'n!

1. Hailey from Tied Together With a Smile is having a giveaway for a necklace, $25 starbucks gift card, 2 essie nail polishes AND an item of your choice from Swoozies...oooh I LOVE swoozies! Make sure to swing by her blog for your chance to enter! Thanks Hailey!

2. UGA Bama Belle is having a giveaway for a monogrammed Marley Lilly scarf! Make sure to check out her blog for your chance to win! Thanks girl!

3. Mrs. S over at Everything Girly and Beyond is having a giveaway for an amazing E.L.F. eyeshadow palette and lip gloss set. Sail over to her blog to enter! Thanks Mrs. S!!