THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

I’ll bet my bottom dollar that the title of this post made you sing that song in your head! It’s a good one, though, right?! What’s your favorite christmas song or album?!

This time of year starts to get REAL on Christmas eve’s eve, as there’s only a little bit more time before the 25th arrives. What are some of your family’s Christmas traditions? I’d love to hear! Personally, I like to read the “Christmas story” and remind myself of what we are celebrating. I love all the secular stories and decorations, but the true story behind it all is even more wonderful and inspiring.

Between wrapping presents and spending time with family, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the blogosphere. I’ve read a great deal of interesting and inspiring posts that I wanted to share with you all.

1. ON BLOGGING AND SLOWING DOWN: I loved reading Erin’s post about slowing down in the blogging world. I love how she said, “there is more noise, and my ears are tired.” As such, her resolution for the upcoming year is to slow down and live slower. I loved reading her thoughts and think the new direction she is taking with her blog is incredibly inspiring.

2. ON SELF PROMOTION AND VANITY: I loved reading Shauna’s response to a thought-provoking question asked by one of her readers. She makes an excellent point when she sais that if you don’t believe in it (your brand/blog/talents), nobody else will!

3. ON ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS: I’m obsessed with how Mrs. Lilien styled her Mingle Bell Rock party. These pictures just simply make me happy! Let it snow, let it snow. Let it glow, let it glow!

4. ON MY EVER-EVOLVING WISHLIST: I about lost my cool when I ran across this Saffiano leather camera bag by ONA! It’s the perfect solution for a chic and functional camera bag!! LOVE.

5. ON FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS: A COUNTRY ROMANCE: Ohh emm gee. This wedding just stole my heart. Do I know these two love birds? Absolutely not! But I hope they don’t mind if I share this link to their BEAUTIFUL wedding photos. Tell me if you were as enamored as I was. Sigh. Such a fairytale! And I love how personal every single detail was! Nothing too over the top, which makes it even better.

photo credits: Glitter Guide Tumblr // Ikea via Babble // Caroline Herrara Pre-Fall 2013 // I am baker flickr // A Cup of Jo