Gold Rush: What I'm Loving Fridays Linkup

Wow, Christmas came and went quickly! I pray that each of you had a tremedous time celebrating the birth of Christ with your families.  Our Christmas was lovely (despite the fact that my hubby got the flu!).
 
As I was packing to head to my parents house for the holidays.  I realized something... I'm falling in love with Gold!!! That is huge for me.  My entire life I've been a silver type of girl.  Everyone in my family knows to never buy me gold jewelry because I don't like it. I cannot pin point exactly when my heart started to soften towards gold.  It could have been when I purchsed this Michael Kors Rosegold watch. 

 When I bought it, I thought it was pretty and trendy.  But when I wore it for the first time, I fell in love!
 
I'm thankful that my husband and my sister, unknowingly, encouraged my new love with these lovely Christmas gifts!
  

 

                                                                       Michael Kors Gold Jet Setter Tote          Cheetah Print "Bling" Iphone 5c Case

 

I find myself gravitating towards gold accessories more often when I'm shopping these days. So what about you, what are your feelings about gold accessories??

 

Linking up with Lulu, What I'm Loving Friday's and Simple Sequins.

 

    

A Few Sweet Gift Ideas

It’s Christmas Eve Eve, can you believe it??? I was very intentional about starting my shopping and wrapping early this year so that I wouldn’t end up frantic on Christmas Eve.  And yet, still, I have wrapping left to do! I am however, done with all my shopping, so I will celebrate that victory!

I am one of those people that enjoys buying gifts for EVERYONE I’ve ever met (ok, perhaps I’m exaggerating, slightly), which has been challenging for me this year since my hubby gave me a Christmas Budget (yuck!).  I especially wanted to do something nice for the lovely ladies in my church life group and a few of my friends at work.  There are 13 ladies in my lifegroup and about 5 coworkers that I wanted to bless with something special.  So trying to fit 18 extra people in to the Christmas Budget seemed nearly impossible, BUT thank the Lord for fellow bloggers and Pinterest.

For those of you that may still be searching for something small and sweet (pun intended) for your friends/family here’s what I chose!

For the ladies in my life group, I put together cute Facial Scrub bags.  What woman doesn’t love a great exfoliator?? And this one is edible! It was super easy and only cost about $12 to make 12 bags.

Supplies:
*Clear cellophane bags

*Ribbon
*Lemon
*a few tsp of sugar
*small Ziploc bag

I used the snack size Ziploc bags and rolled them to fit in the cellophane bags.  However, if you can find the tiny sealable jewelry bags that would be ideal.  It would also be a nice touch to add a cotton round to the bag. I think they turned out pretty cute.   

I found this facial scrub on one of my favorite blogs, Maskcara, which is where you can find the cute tag.

For my coworkers, I decided to find an edible gift. Although, I do not like fudge when I saw this White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge, I thought why not?? 

 This was my first time ever making fudge and I’ve heard it can be tricky.  Maybe white chocolate is different, because I thought it was pretty easy! The recipe and ingredients are listed here. Unfortunately, I still don’t like fudge, even the white chocolate kind, just too rich for my taste. Per my husband, it turned out delicious! I will say that I liked this fudge more than any I have ever tasted. And it looks so pretty and festive!  

 

Hope these ideas help you out in the final 48 hours before Christmas!!

Linking up with #fundaymonday.

 

Christmas in New York!

This week, I am thankful for the Lord reminding me of His sovereignty.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a planner, I love to plan.  It actually brings me great joy.   I plan everything, in detail, including vacations. I completely understand this little trait could drive many people crazy but thankfully my family and friends are extremely accommodating to my intense desire to plan. 
 
You can imagine my response when my friend asked me join her on a Birthday Celebration Trip  to New York! Her desire was to spend a long girls weekend in New York City enjoying all the Christmas sights.  We only had a few months to plan but that was not a problem.  Our departure date was Saturday, Dec 7 and by Dec1 we had all the major components booked and a detailed itinerary in place.  All that was left to do was be excited (and pack)! Nothing could stop us!
 

But then... the weather in Dallas turned on us. The temperature dropped from 80^ₒ to 28^ₒ in less than 72 hours and then came the rain and the ice and the news reports of hundreds of cancelled flights. Our high spirits were quickly sinking.  In the midst of trying not to worry that our well planned vacation may be cancelled, my thoughts drifted to Proverbs 16:9, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Despite all of our planning, the only One truly in control is the Lord. I accepted the fact that there was a possibility our girls trip would not happen.  I was disappointed but content with however the Lords plan unfolded.  As it turned out we did get to go! There were some hiccups along the way including multiple cancelled flights and delays but we made it there and back safely and had a great time! Here are some highlights from the trip.

 Our hotel, Room Mate Grace, was super cute and modern located right in Times Square.

 

View from Central Park

  

Times Square at Night

We explored the City via Subway!

 

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the Holiday Lights Tour.  This is one of Macy's several gorgeous window displays.

 
 

           

                                           Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 

 

 

              We met SANTA @ Macy's Santaland.  Talk about an extravagant display, beautiful!!



The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular absolutley lived up to the name.

The finale of the show was a living nativity scene complete with a real camel!

 

 

The weekend in New York was really fun and I am so thankful that the Lord provided for safe travel so that we could create such wonderful memories!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

I absolutely LOVE Christmas and the whimsical/magical feeling that lingers in the air all around us each day of December.  It makes my heart glad each time I smell pine and cinnamon in a craft store, see the sign for peppermint mochas at Starbucks, and I squeel with excitement each time I notice new shimmering Christmas lights wrapped around houses and trees in our neighborhood.  I'm drawn into the sparkling christmas trees in every store and it takes every ounce of self disciple for me to wait until after Thanksgiving to start playing Christmas music.  There is sheer joy in my heart almost every moment to be honest.  Joy that I am anxious to share with everyone around me.

However, in the midst of all the "commercial/manufactured" joy that comes along with this season, the greatest possible joy any person can have is a lifelong personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World!! I was contemplating what a special time of year this is for most people but especially for believers. This a chance to openly celebrate and praise our Savior.  I've decided to make it a top priority for me to share share share the GOOD NEWS of Christ this holiday season because He is the true Joy of the season.  I believe that during this time of year people's hearts are softened and more open to hear about Christ.  So look for every oppoortunity to tell the people in your life what you are really celebrating during the most wonderful time of year! 

How do you plan on sharing the Gospel of Christ this Christmas season??