Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!  I absolutely love Christmas, and in my opinion it came a little too quickly this year, but that's okay.  Have a wonderful holiday and I'll be back on Monday! 

P.S Since I never got around to posting all of my vacation photos (I'll do that, I promise), here's some pictures from Italy and Switzerland.  xo

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 {Last Minute Gifts}

My comeback to the blog world has come a little late for an actual gift guide.  But for those of you who are still searching for last minute gifts or stocking stuffers, well, I have your back.

1. Starry Necklace (JCrew)
2. Glittery Iphone Case (JCrew)
3. Unique Laptop Case (Free People)
4. Puzzle Necklace (Anthropologie)
5.  Maui Perfume (MCMC)
6. Stripped Slipper (JCrew)
7.  Zodiac Sign Bracelet (Free People)
8.  Funny Book (Amazon)

All of these places offer next day shipping for a small price!  Or head to your local store to pick up these gifts.
What are you giving for Christmas?

An Untraditional Christmas

My Christmas was anything BUT traditional.

No hot chocolate.

No roaring fire.

No snow.

Now bundling up in scarves and boots.

What it did involve, however, was a day at the beach, hours of watching Law and Order, sweet potato apple soup, and lots of love from my family.

Here are some Christmas photos from Florida

 how was everyone's christmas?

i'll be back tomorrow with one last post before 2011- the year in review!

xoxo

and in case you're interested: Christmas in Florida 2009

Merry Christmas!

the house all decorated across the canal from us

I'm wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas filled with love and family and friends!
xo

Christmas Eve

I can't believe it's Christmas eve.

Tonight, as I sat around the table, laughing and enjoying the time with my friends and family, I realized the most important gift that I have been given at Christmas is the opportunity to be with those I love.

Even though I'm not spending the holiday at home, and even though it won't be a white Christmas, the opportunity to spend it in Florida with my grandma and uncle is what means the most to me.

What would make it better would be if my other family could be here, but since they can't, we will call them tomorrow and wish them a merry christmas.

There's just one person who we won't be able to call.

For those of you that haven't read long enough, or just don't know, last year my grandpa died.

He had been sick with diabetes for a while, but his death was completely unexpected.

He called me on a Friday night and told me he loved me and was proud of me.

I didn't think anything of it, but told him I loved him too.

By Sunday he had had a major heart attack and was in a coma.

He died that Thursday night in February.

We were so close.  I miss him everyday.

I'm not meaning to make this a downer post.  I love Christmas.

But I want to remind everyone to say I love you to those who are at your dinner table tomorrow night.

I would give anything for my grandfather to be at one more Christmas dinner.

His jokes and smile lit up the entire room.

I posted this last year and I thought I'd post it again.

It honestly makes me cry every time I read it.

The Christmas Poem

I see the countless CHRISTMAS TREES around the world below 

with tiny lights like HEAVEN’S STARS reflecting on the snow. 

The sight is so SPECTACULAR please wipe away that tear 

for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year. 

I hear the many CHRISTMAS SONGS that people hold so dear 

but the SOUND OF MUSIC can't compare with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.

I have no words to tell you of the JOY their voices bring 

for it is beyond description to HEAR THE ANGELS SING. 

I know HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME, I see the pain inside your heart 

for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.

I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR or the PEACE here in this place 

Can you just imagine CHRISTMAS WITH OUR SAVIOR face to face

I'll ask him to LIFT YOUR SPIRIT as I tell him of your love 

so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your HEARTS BE JOYFUL and let your SPIRIT SING 

for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN and I’m walking WITH THE KING.

-----

Christmas always reminds me to cherish the family you're with, and to love every second of it.

I know the holidays with family are stressful.

But I love every minute with my crazy, loud, family.

I really do.

Merry Christmas Eve!

A Lovely Little Video

I found this video over on Janis' blog.  It's so lovely and it brought me to tears, so I have to share it with all of you.

 merry christmas eve eve!

Holiday Gift Guide: Part Two

Tonight's gift guide include my favorite things for the men, women, and children in your life!  

1.  Crinkle Herringbone Scarf, $58

2.  Personalized Notecards, $100

3.  The Fold Wallet, $95

4.  Gothic Graphic Tree Tee, $20

5.  Ultra Slim Watch, $204

6.  Cashmere Zip Sweater, $89.50

1.  Pretty Penguin Books, $20

2.  Recycled Canvas Tote, $120

3.  The Perfect Nail Polish, $14

4.  Garden Pearl Ring, $198

5.  Gorgeous Underwear, $24

6.  Babycakes Vegan Cookbook, $24

7.  Snowball Mittens, $65

8.  Love Thermal, $25

1.  Organic Goose, $35

2.  Crochet Bear Hat, $15

3.  Heart You Mittens, $16.50

4.  Giraffe Tee, $20

5.  Make Your Own Bandages, $4.99

6.  Baby Sperry Shoes, $28

---------

So that's the last of the gift guides!  I had so much fun doing this. 

For more holiday related gift giving:

My Wish List

Holiday Gift Guide Part One: Gifts that Give Back

Holiday Gift Guide: Part One

Whenever my friends or family say that they don't want to exchange gifts, I get slightly disappointed.  It has nothing to do with me not getting anything for the holidays.  

The thing is, I love getting people gifts.  I love searching for the perfect one and seeing their face light up whenever they open it.

It truly is one of my favorite parts of holidays and birthdays.

This week I'm featuring a holiday gift guide in two parts.  I know this is a little late, but for anyone who left their shopping up until the last minute, it's perfect!  This is also great for January birthdays.  One part, which will probably come tomorrow, will feature gifts for mom, dad, siblings, pets.... you name it, it'll be here!

Tonight's is a little more close to my heart.

I love gifts that serve two purposes.  Gifts that give back are perfect because the receiver will love her or his new scarf/shoes/shirt, you will feel good knowing it serves two purposes, and someone in need will be getting their own gift.  

Here are my favorite gifts that give back to the community!

1.  Sac Chantal, $34

This gorgeous clutch is created in Togo by Chantal who wanted to create a batik business.  With the help of Nest, she has been able to provide employment for women in her village.

2.  Pink Dots Boy Short, $22

10% of the profits of all of Pact's underwear go to one of their nonprofit partners, which range from forest protection to urban renewal.  

3.  Classic Cords, $54

I always talk about Toms' shoes on here because it truly is amazing.  For every shoe you purchase, Toms gives a pair of shoes to a child in need.  

4.  The Original Whistle, $34

The Falling Whistle movement has brought be to tears, and I plan on purchasing one soon to support the movement.  Each whistle purchased is bought to protest the war in the Congo.  100% of the proceeds go to help children whose lives have been torn apart by the senseless war in the country that needs peace.    Read this to learn more.  

5.  Rug Pillows, $29

I think these pillows would make the perfect gift for a friend, niece, sister, cousin, or daughter.  All of the proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Hospital to help find a cures for pediatric diseases.  

6.  Miles Glasses, $95

For anyone who wears glasses, Warby Parker is the perfect place to get them.  For each pair of glasses bought, Warby Parker gives a pair of glasses to someone in need.  The best part is, you get the frames, lenses, and shipping all for $95.  Give the gift of a Warby Parker gift card to let the receiver find their perfect pair!

7.  Bitter Orange Candle, $35

Candles are always one of my favorite gifts to give and receive.  One of the reasons I love the site Gifts that Give is because everything on their vast site gives back to a charity of your choice.  By purchasing this candle, or any other one of their fabulous products, the site will donate 20% to a school or charity of your choosing!

8.  Hugs and Kisses Pendant, $140

This gorgeous pendant spells out hugs and kisses in braille!  I think that is such a unique touch to an already amazing necklace.  On U Jewelry is donating a portion of the proceeds to the American Foundation for the Blind.

9.  Daphne Bracelet, $10

These bracelets would be such a great addition to my growing number of everyday bracelets.  The mission of 31 Bits is to give women in Uganda an opportunity to make a living by creating jewelry and headbands for people internationally.  

I love each and every one of these gifts, not only for their unique designs, but for the wonderful causes and charities they support!  Even if it is a little late for holiday shopping, these are perfect for those who aren't seeing their families on Saturday, who have out of state friends, or who know people with January birthdays!

xo

Christmas Wish List

I can't believe Christmas is only a week away!  I still have a few people left to buy gifts for, so I better get a move on it!

Here are a few things I am really wishing for Christmas this year though:)

{if only I had all the money in the world, right?}

My grandma took me shopping today for my gifts, so I'll do a post on what I got after the holidays....

and this week I'll post a gift guide I have planned!

so exciting!

1.  Necklace via White Owl on etsy

2.  Toms' Baobab Tree Classics

3.  Free People weekender

4.  Necklace via Old Soul New Heart

5.  Audrey Hepburn Book

6.  Toms' Cordones

7.  Sparkly Heels via Free People

8.  Silk dress via Gypsy 05

p.s thank for all of the congratulations about the big news! xo

Oh Hey Christmas

So the month of December has flown by and it's hard to believe that there's is only about a week until Christmas.

Honestly, this year has been hard for me to get into the mood because of all the stress of college decisions.

But I'm hoping I find out soon so that I can finally relax.

Tomorrow's my last day of classes before I get two weeks off for break, which is making me really happy.

While I haven't exactly been in the Christmas spirit, two things happened this week that woke me up to reality and reminded me that it really is the best season of them all.

We have a door decorating contest at school to see which homeroom can decorate the best door.

I'm usually in charge of my room's design and for the past two years we have won, so there was a lot at stake this year!

I think it turned out pretty well :)

We decided to do a Charlie Brown theme!  I love how adorable it looks!  Here's hoping we win.

On Tuesday I woke up to a good inch of snow on the ground.

While it may not seem like a lot, it's was nice for it to finally feel like we were getting something out of this frigid weather.

Seriously, it's been crazy cold and windy.

It's going to snow!

the gorgeous morning sky

Gotta love surprise mornings.

The funny part was, my town was the ONLY town that got snow.

When I got to school, they had literally nothing on the ground.

Crazy!

I won't be seeing snow for awhile - tomorrow I leave for Florida.

Last year I spent Christmas in Florida, and this year I am too.

I can't wait to spend time with my Uncle and Grandma, go to the beach everyday (It's 70 degrees there!), and go to my all time favorite hot yoga studio!

Plus, my parents bought a house there the last time I went down in April.

It's right on the canal and it needed a lot of work, but my mom completely redid the entire place and I'm so excited to see it for the first time!

I plan on doing a lot of shopping to get my room all spruced up!  I can't wait to show pictures :)

I'm off to go back, but I'll be sure to post from down south!

xo

I'm a Lucky Girl :)

Christmas was absolutely spectacular

christmas eve with the family

holiday toms shoes:)

even the dogs were sleepy!

last night in florida with grandma

i was a very lucky girl for christmas

my new slippers are so warm and comfy!

here

here

everything made me so happy but i truly enjoyed spending time with my family in florida!

we got home today and i'm so grateful to be back in my warm comfy bed.  there's no place like home :)

even if it is 20 degrees out!!

by the way... i'm keeping my pink tree up for another week.  just saying!

i honestly can not believe it's the last week of 2009.   where did this year go?

i've been thinking a lot about it lately and this year brought the good and bad.

i'll do a big "Year In Review" post on Thursday... New Year's Eve:)

The rest of the night will be spent warm in bed with my new slippers watching 500 Days of Summer.

I already saw it but i loved it so much i want to watch it again!

Happy Night everyone!

xoxo

p.s. a big hello and welcome to all my new followers:)

Merry Christmas!

dear readers,

wishing all of you the most magical christmas of all.

i love all of you.

merry christmas.

from my family to yours.

xoxo Jackie

Merry Christmas Eve!

my grandma told me this story that brought tears to my eyes.

a couple of weeks ago she went out to dinner alone.
my grandma has been independent lately, so she doesn't mind doing this.
while there, she saw a father with his two children eating dinner.
she didn't think anything of it, obviously.
the man and his family finished their dinner and left.
she said she had a lovely meal and asked for the bill.
the waitress told her that the man had seen her and paid for her dinner for her.
it made my grandma's whole week.

christmas isn't about money.
but it is about making people happy.
it's about love.
this story made me realize their are some amazing people in the world.

-----------

i'm off to christmas eve dinner with the family.
then we're going to christmas eve church.
it's my favorite church service of the entire year.
merry christmas eve!

Florida Vacation: Day 2

countdown to Christmas:  5 days!

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas....

even the store mannequins are dressed up

yesterday we went to the mall to do some last minute holiday shopping.  i'm not a fan of malls, but it's too chilly right now to go to the beach and i needed to get my sunglasses tightened so to the mall i went!

in loving memory

this picture above holds a huge place in my heart.  i was walking out of a department store with my grandma and sister and saw a donation table for the hospice organization.  well, hospice took care of my grandpa before he passed in february, so my grandma decided to make a donation.  the two ornaments with "pop" (what me and all my cousins called him) are what we put on the tree in loving memory of him.  it was truly a great way to remember him during the season.

after the mall, my uncle agreed to get a Christmas tree for his house.  we went over to the Christmas tree lot and spent the next couple of hours listening to christmas music while stringing lights and decorating.

the finished product

whoa.... can't i help?

i'll be back later tonight!

It's almost Christmas Time :)

whoa.  did this weekend go by fast or what?

sunday morning i woke up to.....

NO SNOW.

so, so sad.

but at least i got to teach my first yoga class since the surgery.  i sure have missed teaching and my students and my sunday afternoon yoga sessions.  it made my whole monday so much more relaxed!

i was so surprised that I got through everything on my to-do list this weekend, because the list was long.  it was so nice to wake up this morning knowing everything was done.  except now i have an even bigger to do list to do before next week:

-  english paper (7 pages... eeek)

-  history paper

-  huge chemistry exam

-  bake cookies for friends birthday

but... i only have 8 more days of classes left before winter break!  loving it :)

last night i was done with everything early, so i decided to bake some pumpkin cupcakes.  i love baking on weekends because then i get to bring it to classes on monday mornings and see if i found a new favorite!

i found an amazing recipe for Pumpkin Pound Cake Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Icing from My Kitchen Addiction.  

the finished product

oh goodness... who could have taken a bite?  :)

they were really sweet... but absolutely incredible!

i also got an amazing early Christmas gift today from an amazing friend.

she had heard how i wanted a pink Christmas tree soo bad... and didn't know I already got one a couple weeks ago

my pretty tree decorated with ribbon

so.... she brought me over this one!

how cute is it!?

now i have TWO pink Christmas trees.  and i love both of them very much.

she also brought me this cutie

love her.

whew.  okay, back to crunch time.  i have a super busy week... but i also have some amazing posts planned :)

night loves!

Oh it's magic!

Yes, I put my Christmas Tree up before Thanksgiving....

i couldn't wait... it's pink : )

and i'm not ashamed to admit i've already watched miracle on 34th street, santa clause, and elf.

three times.

and i've already emailed my letter to santa.

maybe i love the holidays.

who wouldn't?  it's the most magical time of the year.

i was so excited and full of holiday spirit last night that i made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies at 10 pm.

i got the recipe over at My Baking Addiction.  And O-M-G.  They are the most amazing cookies ever made.

they're light and cakey, so they almost taste like a muffin.  oh, it's heaven.

have an amazing saturday! xoxo