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Christmas

Bonny Doon, Holidays

Christmas tree farm – year 3

 

This year marks the third year to the Christmas tree farm up in Bonny Doon {omg, we’ve been here almost 3 years?!}, but this time we brought Jace face {duh}! It’s not like we’d leave our child at home for a tradition like this, lol. Last year I promised myself I would go for the beachy tree this year {its bristles look like pieces of coral!}. Of course Rob didn’t want to go for the sea foam color so we found a greener one with the same unique bristles and called it even. And I’m so glad we did. It smells so good and up in our living room, it’s like we’re living in a Dr. Seuss book. The branches and bristles at the top wisp out like feathers. The texture is beautiful and after two weeks this tree still smells amazing. Thank God we haven’t had any visitors staying over at our house, or else they’d be sleeping right next to it, ha. It’s a little overpowering. Maybe I should have asked what kind of tree it actually is. Next year I guess ;) See past year’s Christmas tree farm adventures here and here. Again, real trees are the way to go. Hope you all had fun picking out yours this holiday season.

{little boy sure likes his cuties.}
{there she is!}

 

{my kisses aren’t amusing to Jace, obviously.}

 

 

{Jace hated the hat, can you tell? But no matter, I strapped that thing on him to keep his little ears warm.}
December 18, 2014 by
Giving Joy

How to wrap up wine for a Christmas gift

You know those kitchen towels I block-printed? Well, here’s what I did with them! I used them to wrap up wine and am planning to give as gifts this holiday season.  I call these my easy and extra gifts for anyone this year. Good as a hostess gift, or for neighbors, your hair stylist, anyone really. When in doubt, give wine, I say.  In this quick how-to video, I’m using a cheap bottle of Charles Shaw for my example. For your wine gift, be sure to pick out a special bottle, one that is delicious. Don’t gift cheap wine for Christmas! I didn’t want to talk on this video {lol}, so I picked out a cheesy Christmas song instead. Biggest thing, is to fold the tea towel in half first, then start rolling the wine up from one side. Let me know if you have any questions. The gift giving season is officially here, friends! I cannot WAIT to share the joy. 
December 2, 2014 by
Holidays, Jace

Christmas in September

Mr. Jace got an early visit from Santa Claus while in Arizona this month. A friend of our family wanted to stop by to meet our little man and showed up dressed like Santa Claus, an identity he’s trying on this season at some of the local hospitals in Phoenix. Jace wasn’t scared at all. He was giddy and curious and happy. Couldn’t stop petting Don’s beard, oops, I mean Santa Claus’ beard ;) I seriously cannot wait for Christmas. We are going to go crazy with the Christmas fun with Jace. Watch out little boy, the holidays are almost here.

{best friends!}
October 1, 2014 by
Friends, Santa Cruz

Our Christmas visitor

We had a visitor this past weekend, and oh, how we love visitors!! My friend Sara stopped into town to spend a day with us, so we tried to get in as much as possible, at some of our Santa Cruz hot spots. Starting with Bocci Cellars for lunch and bocci ball – of course!
 {we got our game on — so much fun! Rob looks like he’s carrying fire in this picture, ha}
{after, we went downtown to get her a card started at 99 Bottles of Beer, walk the town and people watch.}
{last stop before heading back to the beach house was Marianne’s, for some serious scoops of ice-cream}
{I ate every drop. Fast. Ha. Did NOT feel well after, and was in an ice-cream coma for the rest of the night.
Thanks Miss Sara for spending the day with us. Love you!}
December 30, 2013 by
beach house, Holidays

Christmas at the beach house

 

 

Christmas morning we woke up early, brewed some coffee, and quickly got on FaceTime with our family for gift opening. Almost felt like we were together, even though we were apart. It was hard to say goodbye; I miss them so much.

After gifts we went into breakfast mode. I made Heather’s B&B Potato and Boursin Frittata {with a side of bacon;)}. It’s seriously the most delicious breakfast casserole you’ll ever taste. I highly recommend! I might just make it again this weekend, ha.

{couldn’t resist these fox pajama pants for Rob!}

 

 

This year Rob and I exchanged one “big” gift, and then stockings. We of course had to hang one for little boy, and for the pups. We all made out this year. Rob did particularly well with mine!

 

 

 

 

Tacoma was trying so hard to get both the ball and bone in his mouth at one time. hahahahaha

While searching for a fun recipe for Christmas dinner, I stumbled upon The Pioneer Woman’s chocolate peppermint cupcakes, and now I wish I hadn’t. They came out sooo good. Eating 4 cupcakes is like eating a slice of cake, right? Riiiiight.

After scarfing down a few cupcakes, we headed out to catch a matinee showing of American Hustle. Amy Adams’ hair stole my heart. I really think I need some hot rollers now. I mean, wow. Look at her hair! Just wish the movie had more of a *punch* at the ending …

After the flick we took the dogs for a long walk on the beach to watch the sunset. It was one of the clearest days I’ve seen here in the Cruz. Just beautiful. You could see the entire coastline of Monterey Bay. God graced us with a gorgeous Christmas day in honor of his son. Thank you for such a warm, loving day.  We are truly so blessed, in so many ways.

 

For Christmas dinner I made spaghetti & meatballs {another Pioneer Woman recipe}, and we had a picnic in front of the TV while we watched The Blind Side {one of my stocking stuffers and favorite movies!}. I love any pasta dish by Mrs. Drummond. Probably because she almost always uses wine ;)

Not sure you were interested in the mundane details of our Christmas day, but I look forward to looking back at this special day. Our first Christmas away from family, and before we become a family. Crazy to think about it like that, but it’s so true. Next Christmas it won’t just be us. We’ll have a son {ahh!!}. Hope your hearts were warm this Christmas! Ours sure were!

December 28, 2013 by