{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 8 - Gift Given

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the best gift giver. Don't get me wrong, I love to give gifts, and I'm not bad and giving, I'm just not great at finding that gift that makes a person go, "This is AMAZING." 

For those of you out there that need some suggestions, here are some. 

1. Personalized Shirts/Mugs, etc. from PolkaBean

It seems like personalization is one of the most popular things right now. Weather that's personalized shirts, mugs, bags, etc. I'll be the first to say that I love it. PolkaBean is ran by some of my friends in Florida and they have some great items designed, but they also do custom work! They are offering a special 25% off discount to my readers, if you use the code "ASHLEE" check them out! These make the perfect gift for teachers, friends, girlfriends, moms, grandmas, etc. The coupon is good until Dec 31st.

2. A salon day

 

  One of the best gifts my husband gave me was a gift to one of our local salons. It was enough to cover a massage, pedicure and a hair cut. It was the perfect day of relaxation and pampering I wanted! I guarantee any woman would love this!

3. Coupons

 

Sometimes the best gifts aren't actually bought. These coupons are designed for a mom, but could easily be designed for anyone in your life! This is a great gift for kids to give there moms. Or maybe if you are parent, you give an "experience" to your kid instead of more toys, so the coupons may say a coffee date, or a night at the arcade, etc...

These are just some suggestions. What was the best gift you received!

Don't forget about the 25% discount from PolkaBean good through the end of the month!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 7 - Advent

  

I had every intention to blog over the weekend, but decided to go shopping instead. :) 

Every year, I like to pick an Advent Study as a way of preparing my heart for the season. Since Lia is only 1, we aren't doing this as a family yet, but I hope to when she is a little older. 

Waiting Here for You - By Louie Giglio is the study I am working through this year! It seems to be the perfect fit, in preparing and calming my heart!

Other good studies I would recommend. 

I did this one last year!

 

This is from NAPTIME DIARIES

You don't have to use the book for this one, you can just download the SHEREADSTRUTH App

If you have any questions about any of these, let me know!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 4 - Favorite Christmas Goodies

One of my favorite things about the holidays are all the goodies. I know as a health and fitness coach I shouldn't say that, but it's true! Here are some of my favorites. 

1. Poppy-Chow Ritz Cracker
Ok...serieouslly this combines two of my favorite goodies: poppy chow and chocolate/PB/Ritz's into one! Genius

Click Picture to Find Recipe

2. Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

I am a huge sucker for anything salted caramel!

Click Picture for Recipe

3.White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Snaps 

I also love ginger snaps. These are my hubby and I's favorite cookie. 

Click Picture for Recipe Link

There are many more, but these are my favorites. What are your favorites?? I'd love to try some new ones this year!!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 3 - Toddler Gift Giving Guide

I've had the hardest time thinking of presents to buy people this year. I love to give to others, but I don't necessarily like it to be generic, but something they love. 

Here is my gift giving guide for a toddler girl! Toddlers love doing what you are doing. So what is better than a kitchen or a cleaning set! My little girl loves Dora and loves books! She also loves to nurture, so what better than a baby doll! 

Whats on your toddler gift list?? 

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 2 Christmas Picture

If you are looking for Day 1, you won't find it. Yesterday got away from me. So we start with Day 2. 

I can't believe it has been a month and a half since I last blogged. I vowed to myself that I was going to be better about posting, but with so many things going on in my life, this blog seems to be the one that suffers! 

Do you guys do photo cards for Christmas? 

I love them! I love to send them and I love to get them. I usually hang them on my fridge and leave them up for a good 6 months! 

Thanks Michelle for taking such a great photo!!!

Here are some from the past!!

2014

2013

2012

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 23 - Christmas Favorites

I saw this idea over on Oak & Oats and loved it. Here are my Christmas Favorites

Movie: This is a hard one for me. If you read my posts about Christmas Movies you know I love most of them...but if I have to pick, I pick the Family Stone...it has family, humor, it makes me cry and it has romance...while I love Hallmark movies, this doesn't offer the happily ever after. 

Drink: I love me some peppermint...so just a good old candy cane coffee with peppermint mocha creamer. 

Album: I'll have to go with Chris Tomlin's - Glory in the Highest.

Baking: My favorite is Gingersnap cookies.

Tradition: My dad hiding our stockings. 

Ornament: I bought several from the apparent project...they are my favorite. The Apparent Project uses recycled goods and is in Haiti and employees about 200 Haitians. 

Food: Our tradition is Chicken Dumpling soup with appetizers. I love it. 

Smell: My favorite candle is from Bath & Body - Winter

What are your favorites?

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 22 - InstaWeekend

I decided to take the weekend off again. It was nice to be a little bit unplugged. My dad ended up working on Saturday, so my mom asked Lia and I to go to my nieces tournament with her. They played much better this weekend and it is always so fun to see them. Here are some pictures from the tournament. 

While I was getting ready, she wanted to be right by me. 

Troy thinks he is coaching too!

Determination. 

She fell asleep in the gym!

Yesterday, we went to church and just relaxed for the day! It was nice to all be home and tucked inside :)

I'm heading to the tree mom!!

I want to know what is inside :) 

All ready for church!

Red Sparkly Shoes

Before Church with Mommy!

Family Picture

Hope you all had a good weekend! Happy Holiday Week!!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 19 - Friday Favorites

It's Friday!! I'm doing my happy dance! We officially are starting Winter Break! This teacher is excited to relax and enjoy the holiday's. 

1// On Saturday, we traveled to Becker and Rogers to watch my nieces play basketball. It's safe to say Lia didn't suffer for attention! She was so good. Seriously, she is a easy baby!

2//Our little mover discovered the presents. We thought we were safe this year, I guess not.

3//I love how much Cash and Lia love each other!!

4//Sleeping with her daddy. Seriously she just falls asleep so nicely with him. I wish she would do that for me!!

5//Pig Tails - We tried some pig tails!! I love them! Although she has such cute curls that are everywhere (which makes it cuter) I love the pigtails.

Happy Friday y'all!

   

Momfessionals

 

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 18 - Christmas Break Bucket List

Christmas Break (aka Winter Break) is only 1 day away. I can just feel the time and rest, that is needed. We have some fun plans this year. 

If you didn't catch it, I will not be sitting by a pool here in Minnesota, but we are headed south on the 29th :) We would love to see our Fort Myers friends :)