For the lovers...

Happy Valentine's Day.

I recently listened to a wonderful sermon on marriage titled Beautiful Marriage: By design from May 23, 2010 [in case the link does not take you straight to it]. I recommend giving it your full attention and listening to the entirety of this sermon, but if you only have 9 minutes and you are a woman, you can start at minute 35 and listen to the end.

It's powerful, because our words and actions are powerful to the men in our lives. It's good for me to be reminded of this.

Happy Valentine's Day.
XoXo.

Merry Christmas.

I have yet to send out a formal Christmas card. My holiday photos have always revolved around this guy. This year we gave him his present early, a 3 foot raw hide bone, peanut butter flavor. He's not sure what to do with it, but he loves it.

Our Halls are Decked.

Christmas is going to be here in 19 days.

[ insert: Stop this train.]

I decorated. I've been shopping. I have a great Christmas mix I've been enjoying. Here are some photos of my Christmas decorations:



I made this little reindeer when I was six!

Does anyone else feel like this Christmas snuck up on them?

I also plan on trying to make my mom's cinnamon pecans for my coworkers. Are any of you giving gifts to people in your office?

I'm ahead of myself.

How is it that my mind is already looking forward to Valentine's Day? Well it's not all that surprising, it's how I work. I prefer to have events to look forward to. I must scheme, research and be prepared, yes that's me. I have these photos to blame for my premature planning for Valentine's Day celebrations with Tony.

Oh, what I'd give for a sparkly coat like Ms. Kate Hudson
This image will be burned into my brain for inspiration when I'm suffering through my kickboxing class. Of all the images featured on this post, this this recipe is probably the easist to accomplish, compliments of The Barefoot Contessa. I plan to whip up this dessert for the big day. Anyone out there already planning? Want to share some ideas?

Hello 2010.

I hope you got to spend your New Years Eve doing this: To my parents, I wish you a very happy 30th anniversary. Your commitment has been a great example for me and Dale. Love you both.
xoxo,
Ash

Deck the Halls.

Our halls are decked, our presents are wrapped {with the exception of a few remaining items I still need to purchase} and the photos of Buster are the closest thing I have to a family Christmas card for 2009.
I cannot wait to shimmy home for Christmas this year. 

*ps: I think I hate the new editor format on blogspot. Does anyone else think it is not the most user friendly? I cannot find spell check and the preview option does not display the same way it is published. I think I'll be switching back.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.

I could not even wait for the day after Thanksgiving to start the Christmas decor. My sweet husband had a Christmas tree waiting for me to dress up when I got back in town on Sunday night. He was very opposed to decorating before Thanksgiving, but I disagree with that rule- the same way I disagree with no white after Labor day- puh-lease.

Country Living has added some unique inspiration

Do not forget the more inconspicuous spaces to dress up. I usually spend more time at the kitchen sink than I'd like to, but it's bearable with some embellishments to admire {so I tell myself}

Enjoy your Thanksgiving

" Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever." Ps 118:1

Thanksgiving Brainstorming...

This year the Wingate's and The Cortese's will be celebrating Thanksgiving in Tallahassee. There's going to be a crowd (15 people + 3 three dogs) but how often can two families collaborate? My sister in-law, Amy, gets equally excited about entertaining so I wanted to post some pics of very do-able, inexpensive centerpiece ideas (most of them are straight from the backyard).

I probably will not look at recipes. Mostly due to the fact that my mom and Nanu are a well-oiled machine and have memorized the standard, delicious Thanksgiving meal.

Other Week/Weekend activities include:

Running in the 5K Turkey Trot on Thursday morning

Girls- getting and decorating a Christmas tree on Friday; Guys- golfing

Tailgating extravaganza for the FSU vs. UF game on Sat