OOTD...day 4, and my Inspirational Friend

I know that this is about a week belated and I apologize but I think we can all agree that it has been a hectic one for everybody! The BFF, mBa, and I went to one of our closest friend's, home for an ornament exchange! It was so nice to see eLc because I have really missed her and I love when I can sit down with dear friends to catch up and hear all about what is going on in their lives! She has had SUCH a rough year! Last New Year's Day her father unexpectedly passed away after complications with a heart attack, and then dealt with many personal struggles including a robbery a few days after Thanksgiving. eLc is honestly, one of the strongest women I know! After all of the struggles she has dealt with this year, she has still managed to have a fulfilling and loving relationship with her sweet boyf, welcomed the birth of a niece, and even started her very own, very successful business; all the while balancing college and two jobs! eLc is really an inspiration when I think I have things bad; I can just think about how eLc has put a positive spin on her situation. eLc is an amazing photographer! You can see her work here!

These gifts were so pretty, I had to take a picture! Sadly, I can't take credit for these. My mom is an expert gift- wrapper and takes great pride in it! The pink sparkly bag contained the ornament that I took to swap! I took the Lilly- themed ornament that I made. I posted how- to directions, you can see them here. The houndstooth wrapped present is the hostess gift. I bought eLc a really pretty, ornate, hot pink frame to match her room.

This is my OOTD, I wore this outfit to the Ornament Exchange. Oversized navy cardigan- I think this is from Marshalls/ TJ Maxx. Creme silk ruffel tank- Gap. Jeggings- Target. Boots- Matisse, Belk (these are my favorite boots of all time! I bought them for less than $70 in Middle School and just had the souls replaced last month. They are so me, I wear them all the time and they have so much life left in them!) This outfit was a steal!

who is an inspirational person in your life and why?

Today has been a wonderful day!! We woke up a little after 9am and me and the parents made our coffee and then sat down and began to unwrap presents! I am very grateful for all of my gifts and the family that loves me; it is more than I deserve! After we finished with gifts and stockings, we had to begin cleaning and getting the house ready for all of our family that was coming over for dinner. I went for a run and then came back to help Mom begin cooking and getting ready. Our family came over and we enjoyed a nice Christmas dinner! I am so thankful for all that God has provided for me and my family this year! ps. it's snowinggggg in Charlotte!

After the Christmas Eve service at my church!

Christmas morning, ready to open all of the pretty packages we have wrapped under the tree!

Gift Ideas for Mom

So as Christmas approaches, we all have a certain person in our life that we have tough time deciding the what the perfect gift for them would be. For me, that person is my mother! She is extremely picky and knows exactly what she wants so for me, I have to pick up on certain things she says and hope I got it right! Well this is what I have decided for this year, these are a few general ideas that I think every mother would love {and at a reasonable price, too!} Also, her birthday is late January so I never worry if I got it all for Christmas because I can just make it up in the next few weeks!

Lilly Pulitzer Paley Cardigan--> $88.00

Lilly Pulitzer Daisy Critter Keyfob --> $28.00

Kate Spade gold Knot drop earrings --> $65.00

These are just a few simple examples... I was also considering getting a "Maid for a day" to help her out around the house but I think that I will wait on that until her birthday because it is kind of pricey and I am running out of time until Christmas is HERE... 2 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Weekend

This past weekend, I took a semi- spur of the moment trip to Greensboro on Friday evening and returned early Saturday morning. I don't usually do this kind of thing but mBa just BBMed me Wednesday and asked me if I wanted to go. I actually had a lot of fun; who knew unplanned adventures and spontaneity aren't such bad things after all...
Well when I got home Saturday, I had to get ready for a cookie exchange with some sorority sisters. We had a lot of fun snacking on everyone's delicious treats and catching up. Some of us had been home almost a week so we had a lot to talk about! I made peppermint bark.

Picture Time

December is such an eventful month! Amidst all of the parties, cookie exchanges, shopping for presents, work, and making time to catch up with old friends, we have to find time to squeeze a few pictures in to send to friends and family for Christmas Cards. So my parents and I finally made time and took some pictures last night, late- I know, but here are a few of my favorites...

Family picture...surprisingly, we are all satisfied with this one!

Just me

I'm a true Daddy's Girl!

Love this one of the fam, it's so cute