Let's Take This Relationship To The Next Level

Are you wondering who I'm referring to by the title? Mal from Mal Smiles of course! Do I have your attention?! Since it is "Woman Crush Wednesday", I thought this post would be appropriate. It's safe to assume that we've reached that turning point and gone from "blog besties" to "real life besties". Don't worry, I'm not getting all mushy on you all...that's so not my style. I've done a little research on how to tell if someone is your best friend and it seems we meet most of the criteria. This goes deeper than a mutual love of blogging, documenting life, taking selfies, cooking, wearing leggings as much as possible, and sharing the same twisted sense of humor (basically we are both hilarious). It just clicks, this chick is on my level and I know now matter what we'll always be there for one another. My theory is that we go WAY back -I wouldn't be surprised if we have churned butter together in a past life! How cool is it that blogging and a retirement community have brought us together?!? It's a total bummer being separated by two time zones, but somehow we stay connected and it works!

It was pretty amazing having her here in town over the break and being able to just get together for simple things like running to the store so my Kohl's 30% off coupon didn't go to waste! New Year's Eve was a blast! We celebrated with our boys and our parents, pigged out on yummy Mexican food, played board games and laughed a ton.

Thanks Mal for always making ME smile....okayyy my #WCW work here is done! Head on over to Mal's page and be sure to follow her if you don't already! Also, don't forget to link up with us next week for the EIGHTH round of The Boys Behind The Blog (had to throw in a shameless BBB plug)!

Some "Christmas-y" Things

Looking back at my past few blog posts, it's occurred to me that I haven't shared anything about Christmas! Silly me! This is completely cray considering we celebrated not once, but twice! First I've got to start off with our adorable Tiny Prints Christmas cards!

Even the back is cute! I kept trying to picture what our very first family Christmas card would look like, and they did not disappoint at all! This is one for the scrapbook for sure. 

Christmas part one was down with family in South Florida (on the actual day), and part two was a week after when my parents came to visit. Ella's first Christmas was a memorable one. She may not remember it, but Stephen and I certainly will. I'm SO looking forward to creating our very own family traditions...I'm going all out! I've already got some ideas for next year. Who's counting the days? I AM - only 352 more days! Ok fine, the last thing I want to do is rush this next year. Ella is already growing up way too fast, but it's nice to have something to look forward to! Here are some of my favorite moments from a very special and memorable holiday season...

And of course, none of it would feel complete without baking Grandma's Jelly Buttons! Now my baby girl is a part of the tradition. It doesn't get much better than that!

 

What's cooking this week?

Oh YAY, my first meal plan for 2014! I suppose I better make it a good one and start the new year off right! I just noticed that I'm planning an awful lot of meat-free dishes, so I'm throwing a steak in there for Hubby...

Tonight: Mediterranean Chicken Pizza
Monday: Sweet Butternut Squash Soup, Pecan Pear Salad
Tuesday: Cucumber Avocado Subs
Wednesday: Cannellini Bean Soup and steak for Hubs
Thursday: Veggie Fajitas

This past week has been amazing, we had a great visit with my parents. My Mom's wish was for a picture with Ella by the Christmas tree...wish granted! We had a cozy little Christmas celebration with them on New Years Day. Ella's first Christmas is officially and it was a memorable one for sure. I'm not sure who is happier in this photo!

Grandma and Grandpa spoiled the peanut like it was their job (which I'm pretty sure it is). There was lots of smiles and giggles all week long. We ate a ton of good food, which is all the more reason to kickstart some healthy eating starting NOW! 

We also fit in some serious shopping with gift cards and Christmas cash! I really took advantage of the whole "treat yo self" mentality for both Ella and I! Oh how I LOVE shopping with my girl! Daddy better watch out, we are a dangerous pair! These are some of the goodies we came home with this week!

Shopping by stephanie-skoblicki featuring tortoise glasses

I'm very pleased with our finds! Ella is going to love her Sophie the Giraffe teether I just know it! Hopefully my new running shoes give me the incentive to get back into the swing of things. Since I've gotten an early start today maybe I should get on that? Honestly, it is WAY more tempting to lay around all day (as much as you possibly can with a 4 month old) to rest up for reality tomorrow! Ella is taking her morning snooze and maybe I will too. Run or nap, hmmmmm...decisions, decisions! We'll see! I hope you are all enjoying your first weekend of 2014!!!

The Boys Behind The Blog #8 - {Questions}

Have you been wanting to get your guy more involved in your blog? The New Year is the perfect time to join us for The Boys Behind the Blog. BBB is an easy way to show off your husband/boyfriend/fiance/brother/whoever in 2014! This year kicks off with 5 easy questions about his favorite movies and the year to come.

The Boys Behind the Blog #8:

1. What was your favorite movie of 2013?

2. What is your all time favorite movie quote?

3. What is your favorite type of movie? (Action, scary, comedy, etc)

4. What is your New Year's Resolution?

5. Finish the sentence: This year I will....

Grab the questions, ask your man, and link up with us on Thursday, January 16th!

New to The Boys Behind the Blog? Start here. 

Happy New Year

I've been just a smidge busy enjoying loads of family time...hopefully you are all doing the same! Still, I had to pop in to wish you all a very Happy New Year from my family to yours!