post #62 - Christmas Recap

Merry belated Christmas, everyone! I hope you're all recovering from the hustle & bustle of the holiday.

I was so blessed to head to Philadelphia and West Virginia this year to be with my extended family. After splitting our 10 hour drive and spending the night in Richmond, we finally arrived in Philadelphia on Christmas Eve. We spent Christmas Eve playing games and eating with my cousins, aunt, and uncle.

{driving through DC}

{brother and me}

Christmas Day was spent helping my aunt prepare to host all of the family at her house. I love going to Philadelphia for Christmas not only for the family time, but also for the delicious Italian food! I'm more than happy to embrace this part of my heritage.

{jo & me}

{my brother & me}

{my cousin doing one of the most important christmas preparation...fixing nails!}

{tomato pie...not the same type of tomato pie we have in SC!}

{cheese}

{wings}

{tons of pork}

{crab claws}

{shrimp, antipasto}

{roast beef}

{endless food}

Not pictured...copious amounts of appetizers floating around + more desserts than anyone could ever eat.

It was so much fun spending time with family that I rarely see, especially my cousin's two precious children.

The day ended with only one minor snafu (a large parmesan cheese down), but it was definitely a great time that we'll look back on for years to come.

{improvising on a dust pan}

{God's work}

After that, we headed back to my hometown - Morgantown, WV. It was quite a long drive back, as we had to take a few detours through Amish country while we were in PA. I've been there before, but it was fun to see my husband's reactions.

{my brother & I loving what we're seeing}

{horses and buggies, anyone?}

It's been great to hang here and just be at home again. Even Milly fits right in!

{out with my brother...I'm getting too old to hang with these youngins!}

Now, we're headed to the mountains for New Years with some of my college besties. We're going to ski and celebrate all of the big happenings of 2013 (including an engagement, yay!) and enjoy being together.

I'm looking forward to blogging more regularly in 2014 - here's to what will hopefully be the best year yet!

xo!

post #61 - Last Minute Gift Idea!

Hi friends! So, I've officially been the most MIA from blogland that I've ever been. Once the 10.5 hour time difference hit me, I realized pretty quickly that any hope of blogging during my work trip was flying out the window.

Now that I'm back, I've been playing Christmas catch up! No matter how hard I try, I always find myself buying last minute gifts - especially for the guys in my life. Luckily, your worries are over - I have the perfect gift for you this year!

As many of you know, last year for Christmas I painted custom cornhole boards for Jordan. He loved them and we've used them tons of times this year! Cornhole is a great party game (many say you improve as you consume, but I'll neither deny or confirm that statement) and it gives us something to do during tailgates and spring/summer nights.

When I was approached awhile ago by Jarrod at Custom Corntoss about reviewing custom cornhole bags, I absolutely couldn't wait to receive them! I couldn't be more pleased with the product I received. Although I haven't tossed them yet (due to it being December and spending very little time outside!), I can tell that they're durable. Most importantly, they look great. See for yourself!

Not only do they make custom cornhole bags, but they also make beautiful custom boards! Remember - this is also a great way to spend some of that Christmas cash that you may have received ;-). Check out their website here, or like them on Facebook here if you're not ready to buy today but want to stay updated on upcoming promotions! 

I know it's a bit late to receive a custom item as a Christmas gift, but I know that all of you creative ladies could provide a pretty picture! Custom Corntoss also has gift certificates, available in many amounts here. 

Thanks again to the gentlemen at Custom Corntoss for providing these fun bags! I can't wait to use them!

Please note: This product was provided free of charge as a promotional item for review, but all opinions within this post are my own!

post #60 - Friday Five

Happy Friday!! I hope you're all having a great wrap-up to the week! Here are my favorite things this Friday...

1. Apothic Red Wine!

Delicious weeknight wine! In fact...one of my favorite things... (pun intended)

2. The Sound of Music - Live!

This is bringing back so many memories! I'm a huge Carrie Underwood fan and she makes the most perfect Maria!

3. Fresh Sugar Lip Glosses

I got two of these minis from Jordan's mom last Christmas in my stocking. At first I was a little apprehensive because of the dark tints - I have them in Plum and Berry, and they were a little brighter & darker than what I normally wear on my lips. I've been wearing them every day recently and love the color and softness of them! I can't wait to add more of these to my collection. 

{find them at sephora - click here!}

4. Christmas Cards!

Our Christmas cards are finally in! I can't wait to get them mailed out (before Sunday!) Stay tuned for a preview before Christmas!!

5. A Saturday with N-o-t-h-i-n-g Planned!

I leave Sunday morning for my work trip, so Saturday is just going to be spent packing and snuggling with Jo & Milly. After my work division's Christmas party on Friday night, I can't wait to finally have a laid back Saturday!

Don't forget to follow along on Instagram over the next few weeks if you want to see pictures from my trip! My posts may be a little sporadic, but looking forward to airport-reading all of your fun posts! 

Xo

post #59 - Life Lately

The past few weekends have been so much fun! 

Two weekends ago, I headed to Charlotte for one of my besties' surprise birthday party. Her boyfriend pulled it off flawlessly, and she was actually surprised!

{beautiful birthday girl + host}

{christmas photo, perhaps?}

{favorite friends celebrating meg's 25th}

{theme of the evening}

{loves}

{little mexicans!}

The next week/weekend, we went to Seabrook Island for Thanksgiving. It was great getting to spend some time with Jordan's family! We were also able to get a little puppy/beach time in, and we took our Christmas card pictures (stay tuned!).

{isn't he the best uncle?}

{beach playtime}

{my pup is the cutest.}

{chilly beach day}

After that, we headed to watch the Clemson/South Carolina game with friends. There was only one happy camper when the day was over...our Auburn graduate! I still can't believe that game!

When we came home on Sunday, we went to get our Christmas tree. See the tree behind me in this picture? It's now in our living room - so. huge. Maybe next year, a 10 ft. tree won't be necessary. Oops! (Let's be serious...we love it!)

{not sure if this choice is a great idea...}

So, that's what I've been up to lately! See y'all on Friday!

post #58 - My Favorite Things - Under $100!

Happiest Tuesday! I've been MIA lately, but have been so busy with family time, getting ready for Christmas, and getting ready to leave the country! And we can all agree - that's more important than a silly blog, right?

I'm excited today to be participating in a fun Christmas Linkup with Elise at Cheers, Y'all and Jen at Down with the Dearmores! I'm soaking up every little bit of Christmas cheer I can! Here are some of my very favorite goodies under $100!

1. Lilly Pulitzer "Tusk in Sun" iPad Case with Keyboard
I've been lusting over this for such a long time! My iPad is for work so I decided on something way more boring for my personal case, but I think it is pretty much the cutest iPad accessory that exists. Ever.
{buy it here for $80}

2. St. Germain
I love this in my summer bubbles, but I think it would be just as yummy in a Christmas cocktail! Sugary rim, anyone?
{in your local liquor store for around $30}

3. Mary Elizabeth Arts Four Seasons Glass Ornament
Is this not one of the prettiest ornaments you've ever seen? I love collecting new ornaments - fancy, cute, sentimental, you name it. This would be a gorgeous edition to our tree!
{buy it here for $25}

4. Nora Fleming...Everything
I received one of these platters as a wedding gift and got a napkin holder from my mom last Christmas. I have lots of minis for lots of occasions and have started really loving these pieces! They are fancy enough to include on a table with our china, but also look precious on a tailgate table.
{buy the platter pictured here for $48. minis are $10-$12.50}

5. Glitter Coaster Set by Kate Spade New York
These would make any cocktail party more fun, and I would love them on my coffee table or bar to add a little glitz!
{buy them here for $35}

6. India Hicks Island Living - Spider Lily Lotion by Crabtree and Evelyn
My college roommate got me this lotion and I've been obsessed with the scent ever since. I'm running a little low and it's definitely on my wish list again this year!
{buy it here for $29.95}

7. Pure Home Luxe Moderne Double Old Fashioned Glasses 
We pretty much received all of our staple food and drink pieces as wedding gifts, but now I'm really enjoying adding some fun pieces to our collection. These glasses are so gorgeous - I would be over-the-moon about displaying this barware!
{buy this set of 4 here for $72}

I've been super, super good this year, Santa! *wink wink*

Come back tomorrow to see what I've been up to the past few weekends!
xo

P.S. Did you catch my last two "Favorite Things" posts? Check out *My Favorite Things Christmas Wish List* and *My Favorite Things - Stocking Stuffers!*

post #57 - New Blog Design is HERE!

Hi Friends!!

Notice a change around here? My new blog design is FINALLY done! After waiting since September 14 (yes, you read that correctly), it's installed and ready to go. I have plenty to say about the process, but that's neither here nor there. All that matters is it's finally finished and I'm out of my boring old design.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and eat lots of turkey! See you bright and early on Friday!

xo -

post #56 - Favorite Things - Stocking Stuffers!

Happy Tuesday!

Today, I'm linking up with one of my favorite bloggers, Elise over at Cheers Y'all! She's doing a series on our favorite things this Christmas. Here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers to give and receive!

1. Cookie Cutters

2. Festive Christmas Tea Towels

3. Fun Socks

4. Gift Cards

5. Cute Undies!

6. Bubble Bath/Nice toiletries

7. Doggie Toys (for the pup's stocking, of course!)

8. Christmas Cheese Spreaders!

Follow Along on Bloglovin, Facebook, GFC, or Instagram to stay updated!!

Did you miss my post about my Christmas list this year? Check it out here!

post #55 - My Favorite Things, "My Favorites" Edition

Happy Wednesday! Today (although a day late!) I'm linking up with my new blog friend Elise over at Cheers, Y'all! This girl is the sweetest and I am so excited for this fun link up!

Here are a few things I'm craving this Christmas:

1. Folding Ray Bans - These are awesome! Haven't seen them yet? They look like normal Wayfarers, but fold in the normal spot (obviously), in the middle, and on the sides! They are basically a little, tiny cube. Talk about convenience of travel! {buy them here}

2. South Carolina Necklace - I've been wanting this for awhile, and it's still on my wish list! {buy it here}

3. NARS Blush - Another thing I've been meaning to pick up for awhile, but haven't been able to commit yet. {buy it here}

4. Cross Necklace - I can't believe I don't have one of these yet! I do have one with a dove that I wear pretty frequently. I know this would become a fast staple piece. {buy a similar necklace here}

5. Dessert Plates - I've been on the search for the perfect everyday dessert plates that will match with our bright white dishes. These are fantastic! {buy them here}

6. Beach Savings - We're hoping to back to our paradise-like honeymoon spot this year, so we're mainly saving cash to help fund our trip.

7. Lamps for our Guest Room - Our guest room needs a ton of work. Unfortunately, it's been a little neglected. We really need some pretty lamps and end tables to make me get the ball rolling on my upholstery project! These are gorgeous - pricier than I would purchase (I'm more of a TJ Maxx & Home Goods girl!) but are exactly the type I'm looking for. {buy them here}

Can't wait for this fun link-up again next week, where I'll be discussing my favorite stocking stuffers, to give and to get! :-) Follow along on Bloglovin, Facebook, or GFC!

Xo - Morgan

P.S. In the market for a new purse this Christmas? Check out this post!