Sights of Christmas 2012

We spent Christmas at our house this year, with just the four of us. It was my favorite one yet. I remember our first Christmas as parents, when I didn't think it could get any better. But every year since then, the magic grows. Now, we have two little faces to watch while they open their gifts, and I can't even contain the joy. 

While one of our boys was all about his gifts, the other was clearly about all things edible. There aren't many pictures from the day without him holding food of some sort. Good thing Santa filled his stocking with his favorite squeezie smoothies.

We are leaving the hubs family in NY today and headed to Ohio to see mine. Getting to celebrate Christmas 3 times is really fun, too! Now that we're all healthy, after a few days of the sickies, I'm praying we stay that way. I'm ready to ring in the New Year without a handful of garlic oil and vitamin C. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Snow + Neutrals (A Fashion Post)

Coat: Kenneth Cole c/o GigaSavvy, Lace Tunic: H&M, Leggings: Old Navy, Boots: Target, Scarf: Molly Suzanne

I just got this toasty warm new coat and couldn't wait to try it out when we got to NY. After the 16" of snow that fell during the big storm this week, I was glad I had decided on the fully lined, wool option. I love the putty color because it matches everything! The fit is great and it's super comfy. 

Something about being out in all that clean, white snow is so purely magical. Not magical enough to live in it all the time again, but magical nonetheless. Isn't hubs hometown, NY adorable?

I received this coat in exchange for my review and my honest opinion. I was in no other way compensated. 

InstaFashion: Winter Edition

Lately as seen on Instagram:

Errands. Top: Target, Jeans: Paige Denim, Boots: 6pm.com, Necklace and Ring: Molly Suzanne

Running Style. Top: Nike, Tights: Old Navy Active

Christmas Shopping. Pants: Old Navy, Shirt: Gap, Vest: H&M, Boots: 6pm.com, Bangles: Molly Suzanne

Solo Grocery Run. Leggings: Old Navy, Denim Shirt: F21, Sweater: F21, Boots: Target,  Necklace and Bracelet: Molly Suzanne Hat: Vintage from my Great Aunt

Christmas Eve Wear. Pants: Old Navy, Shirt: c/o Oasap, Sweater: Old Navy, Shoes: DSW, Bubble Necklace: Molly Suzanne

Neighborhood Christmas Party. Dress: Hazel and Olive, Necklace: Molly Suzanne

My green skinnies and little red bubble necklace carried me through the holiday season! We are currently buried in 13" of snow in the hubs hometown, NY. Celebrated a late Christmas with his family, then we're off to Ohio to celebrate with mine as well as meet my new little nephew when he decides to show up! If you're on twitter or Instagram, you can follow our trip with the #wfamilychristmasvacation hashtag! Be back soon to share some pics from Christmas. It was amazing.

The Big Jolly Man in the Bright Red Suit

Over the weekend, we took the boys to see Santa at a garden center near our house. They have the most amazing decorations and we were told the Santa's there are the best.

Just a few minutes after getting in line, Cooper spotted Santa, making his way to the sleigh. 

His popcorn eating excitement at just a glimpse of the man in the red suit, was about enough joy for my entire Christmas season. 

The line was long. Only 12 people ahead of us, but it took us 90 minutes. Long enough for us to seriously question why we were there and to decide we were ordering chinese food for dinner. We were in line long enough to make friends with the family behind us and have them snap a family shot.

When it was finally our turn, Cooper did his precious hand talking, telling Santa about his 10 list and all the things on them. 

Following that, I was surprised at what happened. No blood curdling screams. No simultaneous sumo holds and tummy tickling. Just two kids smiling with Santa. 

Who cares if 1 of them happened to be wearing only 1 shoe. 

Sponsor Spotlight and a discount!

Meet Jen. Voice behind the blog, Mama Said They're Be Days Like This. She is currently a full time Mom, full time employee, and a full time student. She loves snowboarding and reading and still finds time to blog! Read her blog all about her busy life and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Remember Callan's Little Man Mustache Bash? It would't have been possible without RV Parties. The party kit was perfect as well as the amazing backdrops. RV Parties is your must shop stop for all things party. 

My absolute new favorite shop, is Hazel & Olive. You'll find amazing, boutique style clothing at a fraction of the price. In addition to buying off their new site, you can snag some fab finds on their popular Facebook auctions. Follow along on Instagram and Twitter for some great chances to win shop credit, too!

These are some of my favorite pieces from the current line. You can also see some pieces that I have and love here and here.

Wilson Custom Prints specializes in completely custom pieces. Their framed collages are completely handmade and unique to their shop. They can also create vinyl banners for your party or business. With all the specialty work they do, it's amazing that their prices still rival the competitors!

If you are interested in sponsoring, click the link below and use the code MERRY for 25% off all ad space through the end of the year! 

Our Christmas Cards: 2012

Even though I was late ordering cards this year, they arrived earlier than I expected and most of them have been shipped out. I happen to be pretty impressed with myself for handwriting all the addresses in 1 night, too. 

Here are the cards we ended up with. 

Since my ham of a son is quite the photogenic one, we had to stick this picture on the back. Constant laughs, this one! 

Disclosure: The pictures in this card are the result of 4 different photo shoots, 2 outfit changes, some really bad attitudes and 1/2 a bag of chocolate chips. 

P and G eStore: Essentials online

Have you heard of the P&G eStore? It's been created by shoppers with shoppers to be a premier online retail site with new and better ways to shop online. All your favorite P&G brands all in one easy location. 

I know with kids, it's always easier to shop online, saving time to do things they want to do. I would much rather shop online, but will only do it, if it's not going to cost me tons more. With P&G's eStore, it actually saves me money! Everyday, they offer:

Free shipping with orders over $25

15% off your first purchase using the promo code A9Z-MN5-KY3-ISA

Free samples with every order

You are able to use P&G coupons towards your purchases and there are many rebates and sales going on right now! There is a $15 mail-in rebate available between 12/25 and 1/5/13 on Crest, Scope and Oral B products. I've been using these Crest 3D White strips and a $15 rebate on them is an amazing deal! 

And just in case Santa forgot to get batteries for all those toys, you can buy value packs of Duracell and get free Pamper's gifts to grow points. You can also enter a sweepstakes to win a $100 value pack of batteries. I don't know about you, but the way we use them around here, that would be an awesome prize! 

With plenty of other brands, like Cover Girl and Tide, you can stock up on all your essentials as well as some great stocking stuffers without ever leaving the comfort of your jammies! 

I participated in this post as a member of BlogHer advertising. I was compensated for my sharing my honest opinion.