Christmas-ification

 I've been enjoying making our new home festive for the Christmas holidays. It really is so fun having a fireplace mantel and a bunch of little places in the home that I can decorate. That said, we're keeping it pretty simple this year. Not a lot of Christmas decorations or purchases have been made, seeing as we just moved and have lots of "settling in" to do.

But, I did catch some really great Black Friday sales. And luckily, the things that we were interested in weren't "hot ticket" items, so going out when it was still dark outside didn't have to happen this year. And for that, I was grateful! And I was also a much happier customer!

I got a really great deal at Joann's on berry garland. Weave three strands together, secure with a little thread, and you get the pretty wreath in the pictures above. I love how it turned out!

I also brought back these paper ornaments this year. I really love them so much because they are incredibly easy to make and look so pretty. Each one comes out uniquely different. And they twirl all around throughout the day! Inspiration from Design Sponge.

These paper bags are part of something special I'm doing for Michael. I call it Michael's "25 Days of Christmas". A different bag filled with candy, activities, coupons, etc. for each day of December until Christmas Day. My friend Dani came up with idea for her husband and I decided I wanted to do it for mine. It's been fun planning everything, making the cards, and surprising Michael each day with something different! Michael seems to really be enjoying himself with all this special attention. And he deserves it, with all the hard work he does and how he takes care of our family. He's pretty great, if you ask me.

I'll have to post pictures of our tree and tell the funny story revolving around that. Life is good and fun right now. We're just basking in the snow that fell today, and enjoying the fire Michael made in our fireplace. Perfect day!