Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Monday, December 16, 2013

Holiday Toddler Date

On a recent Saturday morning, Jones and I set out on a mommy-son date to new local store, Provisions, and to The Mad Platter.

This was my first venture into Provisions, and Genevieve made us feel more than welcome, which is to say she was very sweet about the fact that Jones wanted to "sample" every.single.thing.inthe.store.  Provisions aims to sell local bulk food and spices, as well as locally produced and farmed produce, eggs, dairy, meat, and bakery items.

And there were plenty of local food items for sampling that day.  Nuts, candy, chocolate covered pretzels, blue cheese with Sallie's Greatest Blueberry + Lavender Jam.

My friends know--and laugh about the fact--that I am usually a strict no "fruit in weird forms" kinda girl.  Meaning, no dried fruit, no hot fruit, no fruit in sauce or liquid, and especially no jelly or jam, typically crosses my lips.  Seriously, it usually disgusts me.  But, because I am an adult and I am all about trying to get my toddler to try new things, I set the good example, and tried the offering of blueberry + lavender jam on blue cheese.  Suddenly, my life of not eating fruit-in-weird-forms flashed before my eyes with a pang of regret.  (Not really).  But, I conceded to the fact that I really liked the jam on top of blue cheese.  I even bought a jar.

We also bought a bag of apple rings candy and some DiPrato's Pimento Cheese.

that's my card, right on top...fingers crossed.
After snagging some cool local food, and vowing to come back closer to Christmas to put together some gift baskets for family, we headed just down the street for the artistic portion of the date.
The Mad Platter pottery-painting studio is totally catered to accommodate kids.  Jones had a blast picking out his items to paint, then picking the colors, and then painting.


I mean, with a potty-training toddler, half of our time is spent in the bathroom, and Mad Platter even makes that easy with a family-friendly bathroom!  (If you have ever potty-trained a child, you get it).

We painted 2 nativity scenes for Jones' grandmas, and he also picked out one small train to paint for himself.

I'm pretty sure Jones' grandmothers were thrilled with their special gift, and Jones & I had an awesome time painting together.  Thanks, Mad Platter!

Friday, December 21, 2012

I Heart Zara

Somehow, earlier this year I was introduced to Zara kids' clothing; I think via this blog, (which I love).  The clothes are really well-made and stylish.  I haven't bought a thing for full-price, as it's a little more than I can afford to spend on clothes, but they have great sales.  

Here's what I scored this morning--their Fall/Winter sale just started, so I got some things for Jones and Baby Girl (Birdie) for next year:
Can't you just picture these with some cute-colored tights underneath?!
I actually want this in my size, but it'll be even cuter on a baby!

Cableknit leggings for an infant. Enough said.
And for Jones:
The boy looks good in blue.
The boy also looks great in a hat; and loves them to boot.


Happy Holidays! XO

Monday, December 10, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Joyful And Bright Holiday Card
Turn family photos into holiday cards at Shutterfly.com.
View the entire collection of cards.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Art , Dogs & a Baby

That's what's on my list for tomorrow--visit the Columbia Museum of Art and shop for the dogs at Pupcakes Pet Boutique with Jones.  Then, tomorrow night we'll indulge at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for dinner with some close family friends, a December 23rd tradition, (or as my Dad calls it- Christmas Eve Eve).

image via here
I am dying to see the Hudson River School Painters Exhibit; just gonna pop Jones in his sling and expose him to some beautiful art.  Then, we'll venture to Pupcakes to get new collars and treats for the dogs for Christmas.

I am off of work and Jones is out of school, and I can't imagine a more perfect day.

Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Card

Merry Christmas!

Photo Card
View the entire collection of cards.

Holiday Movie Love

I have been searching for days for my copy of Love Actually.  I have the DVD case, just no DVD.  It has put a bit of a damper on my holiday spirit, I think.  It is by far my favorite Christmas movie, and I need to watch it.  So, I will be purchasing a new copy later today and watching it tonight.  Merry Christmas to me.  (and you!)




The flashcard scene is the best ever...

Thursday, December 8, 2011

A Very Crafty Christmas

I love the adrenaline and pressure of staying up late to finish holiday projects. I am a holy-horrible-procrastinator by nature, and I get it honestly: I vividly remember my mother staying up into the wee hours to complete sewing projects when I was a kid.  Here are some of the crafts that I am working on (or planning on working on by December 24th!) for the holidays:

image via here

1) Popsicle Memory Game- this one is actually already complete!  The printable pattern and instructions can be found here at a favorite blog, Eat, Drink, Chic.  This is a gift for my 4 year old nephew, Ben.  He is obsessed with anything sweet, popsicles especially.  I got a glass jar with screw-on lid from Hobby Lobby and decorated it with popsicle stickers.  I also Contact-papered the popsicles so they'll last longer.  Really cute, and easy.

image via here

2) Ribbon Wreath- Finished this last night!  Instructions and material list were found in the December 2011 Woman's Day magazine.  Don't have a great picture of the one I did with Candy Cane-striped red and white ribbon, but the one above was created using the same instructions, borrowed from here.  I am gifting this to my sister today.

image via here

3) A-Frame Tent- This is what I am most excited to make (and give) this year...this is for my almost-11-month-old son, Jones.  The complete step-by-step instructions I found here, on one of my favorite blogs, Cakies.  I always loved making temporary pillow-and-blanket forts as a kid, and I hope that he will appreciate this fun handmade tent for years to come.  My husband is handling the wooden frame and I will be sewing the fabric piece.  I ordered the vintage Sesame Street sheet below to make into the tent cover. 

images via here
Pictures to come of the finished product, (but don't expect them before December 25th!)

What are you making this holiday season?

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas Rush

I am so ready for Christmas this year!  All of my shopping is complete as of today.  Jealous?

Since I'm finished, I thought maybe I'd help out some of you who may not be...some of my favorite last-minute gifts to be found in Columbia:


1) Go to the All Local Farmer's Holiday Market TODAY!  4-7 PM, 711 Whaley Street.  From the website: "It should be a delightful evening of local artisans, fresh local food, wine tastings and a delicious dinner from the always-wonderful Gervais & Vine!"   Find handmade items, flowers, wines, and fresh foods to make awesome gifts for anyone!

2)  Need something for mom, grandmother, sister, or best friend?  How about gorgeous, always stylish, (and on sale), suede gloves from 2 G's Clothing Company, 723 Saluda Ave in 5 Points?!  The staff is so friendly and helpful, and the prices are always affordable--everything is on sale right now!  (I just bought gloves in black there yesterday for my mom--they also had brown, camel and red--$30).  And they'll wrap your gift for free!

3) Just the Thing! is having a Buy Two Get One Free Sale on Wire Bangles and Stretchy Necklaces:

Wire bangles

4) My mom was headed to Tic Toc Candy Shop on Santee Ave. for some last minute stocking stuffers and gifts when I talked to her a bit ago--what a great idea!  (Hope she gets some things for the grown-up kids in her life).  (Images via Tic Toc's Facebook page)

 For the kids...


And the grown-ups.
These look ah-mazing--I have been craving Rice Krispy Treats!
Inspiration for me and Ben for tomorrow--these are for sale!
Having kids around, (and in my case, almost around), really does make Christmas seem so much more fun.  On Friday I am going to make a gingerbread house with my 3 1/2 year old nephew, Ben, (pics to come on the blog!)  I'm sure it will prove to be super-messy and fun.

Tonight the hubs and I are going to have a marathon-wrapping party until it is all done.  We have wrapped nothing yet, so we have piles of things to wrap.  I'm also going to make and ice gingerbread cookies tonight :)

Tomorrow night my family is going out to dinner with our close family friends, the Nunn's--it is a tradition of ours to eat with them on December 23rd every year.  Ruth's Chris, here we come--yum!

Friday night I will be at my sister's house for a Christmas Eve dinner, and then Christmas day we will make our rounds to all of our family's houses to share meals and open gifts. 
Whew--I am excited.

What are your holiday plans?  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
XO

Monday, December 20, 2010

8 Weeks and Counting...

Here's the most recent pictures of the baby bump at 8 months (32 weeks)--
it feels more like a baby mountain now:

Cat, Taylor & me (and Jones, in the belly)
me & James

I am feeling pretty good these days; I try not to complain too much because I am certainly feeling much better than I did for the first 16 weeks, but sleep is pretty uncomfortable these days, and the heartburn is ooc...hormones are still crazy, but at least James has learned to adjust to them.  (I have a great husband who has been really supportive throughout this whole pregnancy; thanks for that, hon).

So, as the weeks dwindle and Jones' appearance becomes more and more imminent, it is certainly "on the brain," and I just felt like doing a little post detailing what I have loved the most about being prego and what I miss the most being prego:

LOVE-
1) Knowing that a real-live baby, that is equal parts me and James, is actually growing inside me.  What a miracle.
2) Feeling said baby move, kick, flutter, and yes, sometimes scratch inside my belly.  It is indescribably amazing.
3) Having grown so much closer to my husband, knowing that we have created a life and we are in it together to raise this baby and make him the smartest, most amazing human we know how to raise.
4) The smiles from strangers as they catch sight of my belly.
5) Knowing that this baby will grow up with all of his family around him--my parents, James' parents, our sisters and most of all his cousins, Ben (3) and Taylor (6 months).

MISS-
1) Having my body work the way that I'm used to it working and look like I'm used to it looking (ie. being able to sit up from a lying down position without having to roll to one side or the other; standing up from a sitting position without having to ask for a helpful tug).  Cankles are no fun.
2) Sleeping on my belly.  I am a belly-sleeper by nature and I miss it terribly.
3) Running.  (Yes, I really do miss it).  I know some super-women who are able to run throughout their pregnancies, but I have not been one of them, and I miss it.
4) Alcohol.  I have abstained since the day I found out I was pregnant and I really want champagne soon.  And an extra-dirty vodka martini.  Or three.
5) Caesar salad.  No one told me until I got pregnant that this was something you shouldn't eat--(a true Caesar dressing has raw eggs in it, so to be safe you shouldn't eat it).  I miss it.
6) My clothes.  Obviously I have maternity clothes, but I am cheap and hate spending money on something that I will only wear for a few months, so I have a set number of outfits that work right now. 

During this week before Christmas, I am feeling so blessed and thankful for this child, Jones Milledge, growing inside of me.  Thanks for indulging me and reading this post--I can't wait to introduce him to all of you in 8 weeks!

What are you thankful for this Christmas week?
XO, Becca

Friday, December 17, 2010

Black Swan

image via here

I'm dragging the hubs to see Black Swan this weekend--(I'm actually pretty shocked it's already in theaters in Columbia- it's showing at Dutch Square and Wynnsong).  I am super-excited to see this movie-it has gotten really good reviews: here and here.





Can't wait!  We're also visiting with the hubs' grandparents and going to a Christmas party Saturday night.  What are you up to this last-weekend-before-Chirstmas, my dears?

XO

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Homes for the Holidays and a Mini-Vacay!

I am loving all the images of beautiful homes decorated for the holidays on all the lovely blogs that I read daily, so I thought I would share some of my recent favorites with you:
Vintage pom-pom tree decorated with tiny vintage doll dresses via A Beautiful Mess here.
Candace's pretty hand-made doily garland featured via Smile and Wave here.
I am in L-U-V with this!  Hand-made glass ornament garland via Desire to Inspire here.
Tobi Fairley's home via Layers of Meaning here.

I am headed to Charlotte tomorrow morning with my family, and I could not be more excited for 3 nights in a hotel, meals out at nice restaurants, and holiday shopping at IKEA and South Park Mall!  I'll also get to see a college friend and her husband--she's expecting a baby boy in March, so we'll have tons to talk about.

  Look for the "Eating Our Way Through Charlotte- Part II" blog post to come next week.  
Have a wonderful weekend, my dears!
XO, Becca

Thursday, December 2, 2010

My Thanksgiving Weekend- In Pictures

Hope yours was great--my Thanksgiving weekend was just what I needed--relaxing, with lots of fun fall eating and activity to get me ready for the holiday season!  Here are some pictures:

The perfect tree- found at Ray's roadside stand, near the Lowe's on Garners Ferry Road--so affordable!


Our mantle--with amazing blue tinsel garland that James thinks is tacky as hell, but I love!
Homemade pomanders--they smell amazing, and are pretty darn festive-looking as well, if I do say so myself.

James cutting firewood at my Grandmother's farm


My grandparents named their farm after my dad, Steve and my aunt, Becky (Stebeck)

A fun and festive weekend!

Now I'm gearing up for my first-ever Cookie Swap this Saturday, and then our annual Holiday Party Saturday night; so much cooking and decorating (and cleaning!) to do, but I love it!  What are your weekend plans?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thanksgiving Week Excitement

The week has already been busy--here's what has been going on with me:

Yesterday was my and James' 2nd wedding anniversary.  Two years has flown by--and it has been so fun.  I had to teach last night, so when I got home James had Village Idiot pizza waiting (yum-the Hurricane pizza is to die for)*, as well as a dozen red roses and a necklace he picked out from an antique store all on his own.


(He knows me well--I do love a vintage piece!)  He is amazing and thoughtful.  We're going out to dinner Friday night to really celebrate and he says I have another gift coming that night...I am a lucky girl.

This morning I went to the Doctor for my 28 week pre-natal check up.  I had to do the gestational diabetes test, and I passed with flying colors.  Blood pressure is good, fetal heart rate is normal, and all is well with me and Jones.  I am measuring a week ahead of schedule, so he will probably make his appearance well before the February 14th due date.

Over the weekend I made James get the Christmas decorations down from the attic and attempted to start decorating--he talked me into waiting until the day after Thanksgiving for most things though.


And I also attempted to make bread from my starter for the very first time.  The results were less than stellar.  The dough came together well, rose well the first time around, but then I just couldn't get it to rise as much as it should have the second time around, so it ended up very flat, hard and heavy after baking.  I am going to try again tomorrow afternoon.

Looks good here, but wait...
A bread brick.

I am working on the knitted baby blanket--see my progress below.  It's going to take me while, but so far, so good.


I am also going to attempt to make a Peanut Butter Chocolate Tart with a Pretzel Crust tomorrow to take to Thanksgiving at my grandmother's house--I'll let you know how that goes.

Happy Thanksgiving Week, everyone!  If you're in Columbia and looking to shop this weekend, keep your local retailers in mind and support Small Business Saturday!

And, just because-- pictures of some of my favorite boys: my nephews, Ben and Taylor, and James and our dingo, Peach.



XO, Becca

*Village Idiot on Forest Drive has an amazing Monday deal where you can buy any size/topping pizza and get one FREE of equal or lesser value!