Down with the Dearmore's: November 2013

{These are a few of my Favorite Things} Stocking Stuffer Favs

Happy link-up day #2!!!! Elise and I were beyond thrilled with all of the participants we had from our first link-up! So, THANK YOU!!!! We're excited today to share our favorite stocking stuffer ideas! We hope you'll join us again! I don't know about you, but I sure loved getting to see everyone's "favorites"! Can't wait to see what you all come up with today!

I couldn't just go with "one", so I added 3 sets....."for her", "for him", and "for the mini's"! Stocking gifts have always been a favorite of mine! Lots of surprises packed into one little thing!!

These are a few of my Favorite Things: Stocking Stuffers

For Her

one two three four five six seven eight

For Him

one two three four five six seven

For the Mini's

one two three four five six seven eight nine

And there you have *most* of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas for him, her and the little ones! Now it's your turn! Happy shopping and browsing!

{it's that time of year}

One of my most favorite things about Christmas time is the cards!!!! I get giddy every time I go to check the mail! I also have so much fun getting to plan and create our cards. Although it is often a hard task to find THE card with THE perfect pictures, I still love it and do it every.single.year! There are sooo many cards out there, but wanted to share some of my favorites from Tiny Prints! Have y'all seen their new collections?!? No wonder I had to create 10+ cards before I came up with JUST ONE! I wanted to share my favorites from each of their new collections!

All That Glitters

Bold Expressions

Simply Chic

Golden Holiday

Joyous Heart

Woodland Wonder

Joyful Holly

Beaming Berries

The New Tradition

Snowy Stripes

True Fir Trees

They also have new trim options this year that makes a card just that much more fun and personalized!

I will not second guess myself, I will not second guess myself.....okay, still feeling confident with my decision, but do you see why it was SO difficult for me to just choose ONE???

If you have not already ordered Christmas cards, you MUST check these out! Tiny Prints have been my most favorite card company for years. They are quality cards! PLUS, you can get 25% off all orders right now using the code: TG13. This offer ends 11/28 AND free shipping on all orders using the code: FS13.

Happy Shopping, y'all!!!!! Tis' the Season!

{five on friday} pics, presents and a big thank you

Happy Friday!!!!! I've been looking forward to this day as it begins my Thanksgiving Break from work!!! Having the next 10 days off {in a row} almost sounds too good to be true! I'm looking forward to lots and lots of family time, eating, Christmas decorating, a mini getaway to the beach, and shopping {but very little as I'm almost all done with my Christmas shopping, yeah!!!!} You know the drill by now....I'm linking up with Darci from The Good Life Blog for another round of Five on Friday! So here goes...

{one}

We received our family pics this week and I could not be MORE excited about them!!! I don't want to give away too many {as I always like them to be a surprise for Christmas cards}! Here is a little sneak peak! :) I can't believe how grown up my Ella girl looks! Tear {but a happy one}!

{two}

This top!! So fun and festive! I'm pretty much in love with it! ;)

{three}

My mouth is already watering just thinking about eating this Sweet Potato Bake Casserole next Thursday!!!! This is by far, my most favorite Thanksgiving side dish! Thank you once again, Paula Deen! If you're still needing a yummy recipe for sweet potatoes, I highly recommend this one! It's always a fav!!

{four}

How cute are Target's newest coffee mugs?!? I LOVE giving personalized gifts, so it makes it that much easier when the monogramming is already done for me! :) Here is a little gift I put together for one of my co-workers {I added a few things at the end, but you get the point}! Simple and inexpensive, yet fun and thoughtful!

{five}

WOW!!! Thank you to ALL of you who participated in our "These are a few of my Favorite Things" link-up!!! I never in a million years would have thought we would have 70+ partcipants!!! If you didn't have a chance to join us this week, it's not too late!!! Next Tuesday, we will have our 2nd (of 3) link-up "These are a few of my Favorite Things": Stocking Stuffers. You can get all of the details here!

Here's to a wonderful weekend, friends!!!!

{these are a few of my favorite things} #1

Happy 1st day of our "These are a few of my Favorite Things" series!!! Today, I'm sharing MY most favorite things! Goodness....it sure was hard to come up with just 10 as there are so many fabulous things out right now {from jewelry, perfume, clothes, scarfs, home accessories....the list goes on and on}! I'm really not at putting a list together for things I want for Christmas....I honestly love being surprised {and lets face it, or maybe its just me, it's kinda hard to ASK for something}, but this forced me to kind of create a Christmas list this year {don't let me fool you, I do like to give out hints here and there!!!} So, lets get this party started.....

1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - One of my most very favorite scents of all time! I usually always get perfume for Christmas and/or my birthday!

2. 2014 Planner - As busy as life is with, play dates, traveling, church events, showers, etc., a planner is a MUST for me! I love the design of this one! Never used a Kate Spade planner before, but I ain't scared!!! :))

3. Golden Monogram Mug - Ummmm.......are these not the cutest mugs you've ever seen?!? Get yours now! They're a limited edition item at Anthropologie!

4. Michael Kors watch - I have been pretty loyal to my Francesca's watches over the last few years, but I have always had my eye on this little gem! I don't even know if they're still "in", but it is in my book!!

5. Monogrammed Clutch - I'm sure by now, you've noticed that I am a sucker for anything and everything monogrammed!! LOVE this clutch! One of my "tops" on this list! :)) {That's the little hint I'm talking about!} hehe

6. Crystal Feather Bib Necklace - Hello, cuteness!!! I'm loving all the "bling" this season!

7. Bow Leopard belt - I'm pretty sure about 1/2 of the stuff I own is leopard, but can you believe, I do not have a leopard belt! Love this look and price of this one! Can't beat $12.99!

8. Kendra Scott earrings - I've always loved the look and quality of her jewelry! I'm loving the simplicity of these "Mother of Pearl" earrings!

9. Stella & Dot wallet - This girl right here is in desperate need of a new wallet! I first saw this wallet last year and loved not only the look and color, but the interior style as well!

10. Anthropologie pajama set - Let's face it, as cute and comfy as the flannel pj's are, they really aren't that practical for very long {for us Houston folks}! It's too stinkin' hot!! Are these not too cute?!!?

And there you have MY most favorites for this season! I hope you'll join Elise and I and link up below!!! If you can't this time, no worries, we still have two more dates to link-up! Happy shopping and happy browsing, ladies!!!!

{Thanksgiving style}

As much as I love, love, love Christmas {Ella and I may or may not have listened to Christmas music yesterday}, I do love Thanksgiving! I've seen outdoor Christmas decorations going up around our neighborhood for the past two weeks....yikes! No, I'm not judging you if you're one of "those"...hehehe, I just think sometimes Thanksgiving is such a rushed away time of the year! Don't get me wrong, I started my Christmas shopping long ago and have been stocking up on Christmas decorations every time I go to Hobby Lobby! In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my oranges, browns, creams, and golds around the house! I didn't add too many new things to my decor this year, but just enough for our little family to enjoy!

My newest wreath! Love the bright Fall colors! My pumpkins don't go away until the Christmas decor comes out!

I went a little spray paint happy once again {with gold of course}! I used some pumpkins I already had from a previous wreath, spray painted them, made this little tag from Microsoft word {yes, you read that right}, added some twine and voila!

Wishing you a happy day! Today, I'm thankful for the COLD weather we're experiencing in Houston! It's a red cup, scarf kind of day! :)

{it's a link-up paaaarrrtttyyy}

Are you ready for some exciting news?!!!? Elise from Cheers Y'all {aka my newest blogger BFF} and I are going to host our very first link-up party together!!!!!! We're beyond thrilled and hope you'll join in with us! We wanted to use today as our announcement! The actual link-up won't begin for another week, which gives us ALL time to get our post(s) together!! Yes....I'm talking about YOU!!! ;))

We hope you'll join us for all 3 link-ups, but feel free to pick and choose! The dates and "titles" are as follows:

November 19: "These are a Few of MY Favorite Things" This is your time to show off what are YOUR favorites lately! This could even be what you're going to include on your Christmas list!

November 26: "These are a Few of my Favorite Things": Stocking Stuffers Feel free to be as creative as you would like to be! These can be stocking stuffers for "the mini", friends, family, etc!

December 3: "These are a Few of my Favorite Things": Gifts less than $100 Again, this is your time to be creative! It's easy to sometimes get a little carried away in "our favorites" list and before you know it, you've gone WAY over your budget! Here's a little way to keep us "in check"!

This really is as easy as 1,2,3!! Once you're created your post, link back to our blogs, post the logo {above} and link-up!!

Can't wait to see all the goodness you come up with!!! Happy Tuesday, Friends!

{weekend happenings}

How is it already Monday?!!? I feel like the weekend just began! And on that same note....how in the world is it already the middle of November?! My oh my, we're gonna blink and Christmas will be here! And speaking of Christmas, stay tuned tomorrow as I {and one of my blog BFFs} have some exciting link-up news to share!!!!

We had a fun weekend with our little fam and some sweet friends! The weather has been gorgeous, so we've tried to get as much outside play time as we can! Here is a re-cap! Enjoy!

1. E and I began the weekend with an early morning run to get donuts! P.S., that purple purse goes EVERYWHERE with us! She is ALL GIRL, I'm telling you! No idea where she gets it from!!!! ;))

2. I turned around while doing some work in the kitchen to find Ella like this! I think she most definitely has the right idea!!!

3. And speaking of all girl....miss priss watched me paint my nails and thought it would be a good idea to sneak back into my bathroom and give her own self a mani and pedi! YIKES!!! One {full} bottle of nail polish remover later, Ella's toes, hands and my bathroom floor were mostly presentable again! :))

4. E all ready for a date night with mommy and daddy!

5. A girl after my own heart.....she pretty much ate a basket full of chips and a bowl of queso to herself {okay, I might be exaggerating a little}, but that girl can eat her some Mexican food {right along with mommy and daddy}!

6. After we got home from dinner, she was wired and ready to watch some TV! I heard Ella say, "Look, mom!!!!!" hehehe.....this child!

7. My little Texas Tech cheerleader finally gave up on football game Saturday! Not a pretty game for our Red Raiders!

8. We enjoyed Saturday afternoon/evening with some sweet friends! Lillie and Jude were AWESOME with Ella! It was so nice getting to chat with friends while the kiddos all played together!

9. My girls loving on each other during the Texans game! Sweet sisters! ;))

All in all, a pretty fun and relaxing weekend! Can't wait to share our fun link-up news tomorrow!!!!

{five on friday} a whole lotta random

Happy Friday! I've been lacking on my blogging lately....it's been a super busy week! I was finally able to sneak a few minutes to write my Five on Friday post! So here goes....

{one}

I have a slight obsession with candles! Always have! I came across what might be my new favorite "year round" candle this past weekend! It's Voluspa Crane Flower. Oh my yummy....I wish I could do a scratch and sniff riiiight here, but since I can't, you have to check it out!

{two}

Speaking of scents...I finally made a trip to Bath & Body Works! Have you been lately?!? They have made lots of changes to the looks of their products and added some new fabulous scents! Currently, I'm loving Amber Blush! It's always hard to just pick one, so it's a good thing they have frequent sales! You better believe I hit up the buy 3, get 3 free! :))

{three}

I came across this idea the other day and loved it so much I had to share! Often times, we're so busy during this time of year {just as I mentioned in my second sentence of this post} that it's hard to take the time to truly think and reflect on all of our many blessings! I love the simplicity of this project! She framed the "I Am Thankful" pic, and attached a dry erase marker to the back with velcro. I love the idea of putting it in your kitchen, a gathering place in your home, so it is a constant reminder! I can't wait to make mine up this weekend! Thank you, Crafty Texas Girls for sharing your ideas and creativity!

{four}

And speaking of blessings, Ella and I got to spend this past weekend with my parents! They have been gone for the past 6 weeks, so we were SO excited to have them home! We also got to see some of our best friends over the weekend! I didn't get to share my normal "weekend" post, but it was just too much fun not to share!

{five}

I'm pretty much in love with anything and everything gold right now {I do apologize if this is the 190th time I've shared that lately}! I've had my eye on this West Elm Stemless gold rimmed set for quite some time! It's a good thing we're close to Christmas, because I'm pretty sure they need to be in my home! ;)) hint, hint hubby and mother dearest!

I love getting to link-up each week with Darci, Natasha, April and Christina! And thank YOU for following along! Wishing you a happy and healthy weekend!

{five on friday} Happy November

Happy Friday and Happy November!!! It's so hard to believe we're already in the month of November! This year has truly flown by! Thanks for stopping by for another Five on Friday post!

{one}
I'm obsessed with this little dress for Ella! I have not seen it in person yet, but will very soon! I sure hope it doesn't disappoint! :) I love the simplicity of it, but still very bold and sweet at the same time! Just pair it up with some black tights, a pair of black mary jane's, and a little cardigan....a perfect little Christmas Eve outfit to me! ;))

{two}
I just learned about Wildtree this past Sunday at a friends launch party. Basically its a lot of oils, spices, dressings, etc. that are a MUCH healthier choice! She showed us the ingredients of basic things we buy at the store {without thinking twice about it} and I could not believe the amount of sodium in each product! One of the most exciting parts to me was the options for freezer meal parties! Sign a sista' up!! If you haven't heard of this product, you should most definitely try it out! A few of my favorites from the tasting party included: Asain Ginger Plum salad dressing, Guacamole seasoning, and Natural Grapeseed oil (this stuff honestly tasted like the butter you put on your popcorn at the movies)! Let me know if anyone is interested and I can get some contact info for you!

{three}
This is my second year to participate with Operation Christmas Child! Samaritan's Purse is a wonderful organization that has sent out more than 100 million shoeboxes (containing all sorts of goods) to boys and girls in over 130 countries. If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen my post this past Sunday about the boxes I'm sending this year. I learned that the least amount of boxes given are for boys ages 10-14. It broke my heart to learn that and to hear that if there isn't one specifically for them, they might have to get a box that was meant for a girl or for a much younger boy. I loved getting to take Ella with me this year to shop for "the boys". It's never too early to start teaching little ones about serving!

{four}
Now that Halloween is over, it's time to find another use for my pumpkins! I think my most favorite I've come across yet is using them as a drink holder....for water, wine, or can drinks! This is a *must* do project for me this month!

{five}

Here is a mini re-cap of our Halloween 2013! Our little Minnie Mouse had an absolute blast! I'm not lying when I say she had an enormous amount of candy, cookies, cupcakes..... You name it, the girl ate it! She thought it was time to eat a new piece of candy after each house stop we made {not to mention the 3 suckers, 1 cupcake, 1 cookie and trailmix before we even left the house to go to our party}!!! Such a fun night!