Goodbye 2011

This last year has been eventful.  We made several life-altering decisions for our family.  Its been quite the ride and honestly, I'm glad its over.  I don't know if I can take another action-packed year like this one just yet.  Here is a recap:

January:  Hubby and I celebrated six years of marriage

February: Started planning our move to the beach

March:  Princess turned three

April:  Got an ipad

May:  Hubby and I had our first overnight away from the kiddos...EVER.  We flew to SC and found a place to live

June:  Started our lives over at the beach

July:  Hubby turned 29

August:  Survived Hurricane Irene (my first!)

September:  Molly turned 30

October:  Princess thinks Halloween is a birthday party.  She tells the other costumed kids "happy birthday"

November:  Handsome turned two

December:  First Christmas at the beach, took a walk on the sand on Christmas Day

Like I said, we've had a lot going on this past year.  I'm incredibly thankful for the many blessings and opportunities my family has had.  I'm excited to see what 2012 will bring!

December Birchbox

I'm a bit late posting my December Birchbox.  There are a number of reasons behind this.  Of course I'm going to blame this on Christmas and all the holiday craziness.  Plus, Birchbox had a bit of a snafu this month.  They chose to give me (among a handful of other subscribers) a brand-spankin' new fragrance as one of our samples.  Its hasn't even been released for sale yet.  Unfortunately, there was a delay in the shipment of the samples, which resulted in the boxes to be late.  To compensate for this, Birchbox and the fragrance company are offering a discount on the full-size fragrance if we wish to purchase it, plus extra points.  (the points accumulate to offer additional discounts on purchases through birchbox.com)  I think the situation was handled appropriately and I am thrilled with my box, once again.  Anyway, here are my monthly goodies:

Ambre Nue is the fragrance that caused the delay.  I love is.  Its kinda spicy, but a bit sweet too.  Its definitely going on my wish list.

EBoost is a health supplement.  It has vitamins and minerals in an orange flavored powder that you mix with water.  I like the concept, but it tastes awful in my opinion.  Its the aftertaste that's hard to stomach.

Oscar Blandi Volumizing Dry Shampoo.  I was really excited to try this out. I'd like to get by with washing my hair less (who wouldn't?)  I think it worked pretty well, but I'm not convinced its the best one out there for super fine hair like mine.

Nuxe Huile OR Multiusage Dry Oil Shimmer is a lovely product that is applied to the skin to moisturize and add a subtle shimmery glow.  You can even add a few drops to the ends of your hair for extra shimmer.  I adore the fragrance and light feel on the skin.

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink is to die for.  Everyone could extra moisture for there lips, and this one adds a bit of sheer color and shine.  Its perfect to wear alone in a single sheer layer, add on the layers for more intense color, or wear over lipstick.

Showstoppers are adhesive strips meant to be applied to keep clothing in place.  I haven't had a need to try these out yet, but I think the concept is there.

All in all, even though my box arrived late, I still adored my samples and wholeheartedly recommend giving Birchbox a try!  Let me know if you have any questions!

A New Christmas Tradition

We had a wonderful Christmas, did you?  I adore watching my kiddos open gifts and smile with delight.  Its now my favorite part of Christmas.

Princess had a good morning.  She woke up to this:

My dad made it.  I found the plans here.  I furnished it from Land of Nod.

Notice all the furniture on the floor?  Apparently, that's where it really goes.  She is obsessed with the mattress and pillows for the doll beds.  Its now up in her room, and she loves it.  Thanks, Dad!

Handsome gift was a bit smaller scale, but he loved it just the same. 

(its an engine house for his trains)

 

The pictures with him playing are all blurry.  He wouldn't stay still.

 

And this is my living room amidst the chaos.

So we did what anyone does when their house is a hot mess: we left.

And did this:

Is this not the cutest baby boy ever?

I am in love with this girl.

Running on the sand is an amazing stress reliever.  I think we will have to make it apart of our Christmas tradition.  Don't you agree?

Christmas Cow

A few weeks ago I tried to take pictures of our Christmas tree.  Hubby was gone, so it was just me and the kiddos.  Naturally, I tried to take pictures of my angels and experiment with different camera settings.  Most of the pictures turned out like crap.  Nevertheless, Handsome stole the show.

Yes, my living room is trashed.  Actually, the toys are picked up.  Its normally worse.  Anyway, Handsome thought it would be a great idea to put lights on Howdy the Cow.

The next logical step was to sit and bounce on Howdy, because that's what two year old's do.  And that's what Howdy is for.

Merry Christmas from Handsome, Howdy, and the rest of us!  We hope your day is full of twinkle lights, simple pleasures, family, and bouncing cows.  Well, maybe minus the bouncing cows.  

Happy Holidays!