Monday, December 29, 2014

Scenes From Our Christmas || Gloria Ferrer

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Ours was so nice, I would like to say it was relaxing but are the holidays ever relaxing with the little ones?  Either way it was a fabulous week with family, friends, and lots of love, laughter and fun.  The biggest miracle of all is Matt was able to get and up walk after a few weeks flat on his back.  He is still in major pain and having numbness but this is a vast improvement we are so thankful for.

The night before Christmas Eve my parents always host a party.  It is a fun way to kick off the week of Christmas.

Gloria Ferrer was sweet enough to send a few bottles of their Champagne for us to enjoy. I knew I had to share with my mom and sister as we love Champagne!  I have to say I tried and loved all three types.  All were crisp, not sweet and perfectly bubbly.


This one was probably my favorite though!
 Pouring up the Goria Ferrer Champs for our guests!


The food spread from our party was pretty amazing.

I was proud of the appetizer I made, my favorite stuffed endive lettuce.  We put olives in the middle to make it look kind of like a wreath.


On Christmas Eve my favorite tradition is my dad takes my sister and I shopping for Mom.  We love the one on one time with my dad and helping choose gifts for my mom.  This was Frances Moon's first year going with us!


Later that day we went to church and opened some gifts with my brother and sister. 
 The whole family and yes Sterling is in a bath robe- my sister gave him that as a gift and he immediately wanted to put it on:)

 Then Sterling was ready to write his note to Santa and put out cookies and milk.


Santa gifts were a hit.  They each had their own individual Santa gifts and then a kitchen set to share.

I love this picture of Sterling walking in, he was so surprised and excited.  The beauty of Christmas through a child's eyes.


The biggest hit was the piano and guitar from Serena and Lily.  I may regret this in a few weeks when the noise won't stop- haha!

We made our favorite Breakfast Casserole for breakfast.


My favorite mustache man up and standing (the stache was joke for Christmas and promptly shaved off).


Christmas Day Happy Hour. I got those cute napkins in my stocking and couldn't wait to bust them out.


Frances Moon in her smocked dress.  I don't dress her in smocked clothes often but when I do I forgot how sweet they are.

Matt and I were kind of obsessed with Sterling's lite brite since we both had one as kids and loved it.


The next day we took the kids to visit Matt's old school,  Providence Day.
Frances | Deer Dress | Vest | Tights
Sterling | Tee | Pants

We of course had to check out Daddy's brick.

The next day it was back home and back to reality.  I have to admit I was happy to be back near the water.
The leopard cardigan I am wearing was a favorite Christmas gift. The front is plain black and the back is silk leopard.  Love it!

Enjoyed one last night with our tree.  Yesterday I took down all the decorations.  I love Christmas so much but when it is over I am so ready to undecorate and declutter for the New Year.


 Spend a lot of time in my new pjs.  Major love.
Heart Silk PJS || On sale plus use code HOLIDAY25 for extra 25% off.


Happy Monday.





Friday, December 26, 2014

Favorite Christmas Gifts + Sales

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  I know we did, I will be back Monday with pictures from our holiday.  In the meantime I wanted to share a few of my favorite gifts I received because they are all currently on sale!  Today is a great day to take advantage of after Christmas sales.

These  Equipment pjs are the best.  Probably my favorite Christmas Gift.  I have never owned nice pjs before and these make me so happy.  They are so soft and comfortable. Currently on sale.  I am in a size small and they run on the large side.


Tory Burch is offering extra 25% off all sale items with code NEWYEAR.
I got these slippers from TB for Christmas and love them.  Looks like they are sold out online but a similar slipper is here.


I was also gifted the Tory Burch perfume with the free lipstick and let me tell you I love the perfume and lipstick.  The lipstick is the perfect everyday neutral shade and the perfume smells heavenly!  I actually just ordered two more lipsticks in different colors I loved the free one so much.



If you need an everyday purse I love this quilted one.  On sale plus the additional 25% off!
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I had lusted after this Joie blouse for awhile so I was so excited to see my mom and remembered and gave it to me for Christmas.  I even put it on that day.  Sold out most places but a few sizes still left at Neiman Marcus.
 
Neiman Marcus is offering additional 33% off sale items no code necessary items are already marked reduced.
Similar style and look is this Equipment Blouse on major sale.
 This morning I picked this blouse up in the store.  I couldn't resist the neckline.



Another great deal is this Rebecca Taylor Floral Haze Blouse, 60% off.
 
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Nordstrom just started their clearance sale.
Top pick is this Equipment Aubrey Dress on sale for 60% off.  I have this same style dress in a different pattern and wear it all the time.  Such a versatile easy dress.
 

These Vince D'Orsay pumps are 50% off.  I have them in the black and love them.  

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Lastly, The Nespresso was a gift to myself.  Best coffee ever.  I love the foam or crema on top that it makes while it brews.  My parents had one and I am addicted to the coffee.  If you buy now before January 1st you can get a $100 credit towards pods, save your recepit.  I found they were cheapest on Amazon and you can use your prime account for free shipping.
I have the Chrome Vertoline one that bews regular coffee and espresso as well.
 

If you are relaxing today or just bored take time to browse these sales online, there are some great deals that end soon!




Monday, December 22, 2014

Refreshed + Peanut Butter Custard Pie

 Can ya'll believe Christmas is 3 days away??  This weekend the kids and I decided to head to Charlotte for a few days.  With Matt's back out of whack we werent sure if he would be able to travel so we wanted to visit my parents and then be back to spend Christmas with him if he is unable to travel.  Don't worry he is in good hands being cared for by his parents.  I know I was happy to get home to be taken care of by parents.  No matter how old I get I still love coming home.
 I have been sharing a bed with Sterling since Matt hurt his back so it has been wonderful to have my own bed for a few nights!

 If you travel often or just need a great duffel bag and tote I highly recommend these from Barrington Gifts.  They are such great quality and you can design you own with whatever pattern or colors you want!


The best part about Christmas this year is seeing it thru Sterling's eyes. He is just so excited.  As soon we got to my parents house he started filling his Santa bag with everyone's gifts to deliver:)  The Santa bags are on sale now and I have to say if you travel for the holidays they are great for packing all your gifts in.

 I love this picture of Sterling and cousin Finley copying each other.
Sterling never sucks his thumb but of course wanted to after Finley did!



This is Frances saying stay away from my puffs.  Girl means business with her food.

Of course I had to enjoy one of my Dad's martinis.  He makes the best drinks.
My leopard shoes are Sole Society and they are doing next day delivery if you still need Christmas gifts:)


I picked up the cutest Plaid Dress to wear to a holiday party this week.  I love it because it is cute with tights and lightweight enough to wear this spring too. 


If you need last minute stocking stuffer ideas check out these men's socks by JL the Brand.  They were sweet enough to send Matt a few pairs and he loves them.  I have to say even though they are men's socks I love them too.  The patterns are so cute and different   Check out the whole site HERE

 I was partial to the skull ones:)  


While I was home my mom made the most delicious Peanut Butter Custard Pie, the recipe came from her good friend Anita and trust me y'all it is amaze balls.  I could not stop eating it plus Mom assured me it was easy to make.  If you like peanut butter desserts you will love this pie!!





|| P E A N U T  B U T T E R   C U S T A R D   P I E ||

- 1 package premade refrigerated pie shells (the kind that comes 2 rolls to a pack)
- 2 cups powered Sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
-1/2 cup corn starch
-1 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
-4 cups milk
- 6 eggs yolks beaten (save egg whites for the meringue)
-4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Meringue
-6 egg whites
pinch of salt
a few drops of ice cold water
1/4 cup sugar

Prebake pie shell according to instructions on package- about 10 minutes, set aside and let cool.
Mix 2 cups powdered Sugar and 1 cup peanut butter, until it looks like a Bisquick mix, it will be crumbly.  Set aside.

In double boiler over low heat cook : 1/2 cup con starch, 1 1/3 cups sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 cups scalded milk (microwave the milk about 4 minutes to get hot but not boiling), 6 egg yolks beaten, 4 tablespoons butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.  Stir while it cooks so it won't stick until mixture is thick like custard.

Mix meringue.  Beat the egg whites, pinch of salt and ice cold water until light and fluffy.  Slowly beat in sugar and set aside.
In the pre baked and cooled pie shells spread 1/2 the peanut butter crumbles over the bottom.  Pour custard mixture over this top and spread another layer of peanut butter crumbles (save a few to scatter over the top of the meringue).   Top with meringue and a few crumbles.  Bake at 350 until meringue starts to lightly brown.






Friday, December 19, 2014

Thank You


Wow is all I can say.  Thank you for all your comments, emails , and texts.  I read every single one and they made me feel so much better.  The funny thing is all day yesterday I felt calm even though Frances Moon ran a fever and is sick and I had a million things to do, I felt a sense of peace and I know that was your prayers working so THANK YOU.


Frances had her appointment with the neurologist and we are going to mointer her for the next 3 months.  There is still fluid around her brain but they seem sure it will go away on its on.  She is meeting all her developmental milestones so that is a good thing.  I will report back after our appointent in March but pray the fluid starts to go down.  
I took this picture in the waiting room of the doctors office and it says so much abut Frances Moon.  She is always smiling even when she is sick.  She is such a joy to have in my life and I am so thankful for her.


This blog brings me so much joy because of the connections and the community.  I feel like we are all best friends even though we have never met.  I so appreciate you reading my blog everyday and commenting.  I am grateful for each of you and your support. I am so thankful for my best friends who all called and texted me yesterday offering their help to watch my kids, wrap my gifts, and bring me food.   Then when we got home from the doctor these flowers were on my doorstep and I just burst into tears.  They were from Caycee saying she knew I was going through a hard time. I felt so much love yesterday.  It reminded me of the quote " Best Friends make the good times better and the hard times easier."


Yesterday afternoon Sterling and I worked on some gifts for his school party.  I saw these snowman on pinterest and thought they looked cute and easy but mine were a hot mess. The doughnuts kept cracking and the jelly beans would not stay on.  There was powdered sugar every where in my dining room.  But you know what Sterling and I laughed and laughed and had the best time making them- all while we jammed to Taylor Swift (yes I bought the cd). 


Then last night I took the kids to see the James Island Festival of Lights and it was just what we needed.  Sterling was over the moon excited and Frances just kept laughing.  It helped me to lighten up and smile and be happy for exactly where we are right now.  The kids love Christmas and I love seeing it thru their eyes.



I have decided to take a few days off to relax and take care of family.  I will be back at some point next week maybe Monday maybe after Christmas,  but in the meantime I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you get to enjoy and savor these last few days before Christmas.  Before we know it it will be 2015 and we be starting a new year.  Those of you struggling and fighting your own battles this holiday season I am praying for you too.  
Happy Holidays!






Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Truth.


Lately I have felt like Bah Humbug.  I have had a hard time embracing the holidays and life in general.  

I am stressed to max.  I cry at least once every day.  That's the dirty truth and what you don't see.  I wipe my tears and put a smile on my face for my kids but inside I am a mess.   I am a worrier by nature and it is hard not to worry about some of the things going on in my life.

On Thanksgiving Day Matt hurt his back somehow and since then things have gone down hill.  We spent one night last week in the ER he was in so much pain. The ER is not a fun place to be.  His right leg is numb and shooting pain and he is unable to walk.  He has been laid up in bed for almost two weeks now.  He is only able to get up to use the bathroom and that is so painful he then has to lay down again.  My heart goes out to him because I know he is in excruciating pain.  You never want to see a loved one hurt like that ever. He has had one spinal injection that has not provided much relief and we are awaiting another one Monday.  In the meantime he has to lay flat on his back to have any kind of relief from his pain.  He is like a third child at the moment I need to take care of.  I am terrified he is going to need back surgery and I know the recovery from that will be difficult.

Last week we took Sterling to fill 2 of his cavities and they informed us after getting proper xrays while he was sedated he had 6 more cavities that needed to be filled. WTF.   Meaning he needs to be sedated 3 more times and it is going to cost us a pretty penny.  Plus I feel like a horrible mom because he has so many cavities.  They want us to floss every night and flossing with a 4 year old is not easy, I am worried he is going to get more cavities.

I went to see my gyno last week.  They suspected I had an ovarian cyst that had burst. 

Then last week at Frances Moon's one year check up her doctor told us we needed to get another MRI/Ultrasound of her head because it was growing too fast compared to her body.  We already had one ultrasound in July and it showed fluid outside the brain but they thought by now her head would start to even out with her body.   It is still growing off the curve.  Yesterday I met with a neurologist at MUSC.

I came home from the hospital and Frances started running a fever. 

I tell you all this not to get sympathy at all because I realize my problems are small compared to others.  As I sat in the waiting room on the Neurology floor of MUSC waiting for Frances Moon to be seen I looked around the room at all the Moms there fighting their own battles.  Some kids were in wheel chairs and others were visibly sick.  It really put things in perspective for me.  Yes, this is a hard time in my life.  I am taking care of a husband who can't move or do anything for himself on top of my worries about our children. I am damn exhausted but I am healthy.  This is nothing compared to the battles others are braving.  Nothing at all. 

I decided to take a deep breath,  pray, and meditate (thank you headspace app) and you know what it worked.  It reminded me to embrace the real meaning of Christmas and be thankful for where I am in my life at exactly this point.  So what if I have no gifts wrapped and still have shopping to do.  So what if I have piles of laundry that I don't have time to tackle after taking care of everyone.  It doesn't matter at all.  It will get done even if it is last minute. What matters is the time I spend with my loved ones and the attention and care I give them.  Sterling is so excited about Santa and Christmas this year I can't help but smile thinking about his innocent joy.  I want to enjoy the little things and embrace this week leading up to Christmas and I encourage all of you to do the same.  Lets focus on the real meaning of Christmas and be thankful.  


We all have our own struggles and worries and they are real but it is up to us the attitude we take towards what life throws our way.  As my Dad told me yesterday God doesn't give you more than you can handle.  What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. 

I am pretty sure I have been bringing my family (thanks mom and dad and Taylor for listening) down with my complaints so I am turning it around.
 I don't want to be Debbie Downer, I want to happy and joyful.
This too shall pass.