...Christmas, Continued

....more personal favorites from this past weekend:)

Christmas: In Pictures

Instead of describing my Christmas in full detail, I thought I'd just let my pictures do the talking. Here is just a portion of what I captured over this past weekend, with more to come...

I hope everyone had a blessed weekend!

I'm LITERALLY dreaming of a WHITE Christmas!

Christmas is literally RIGHT around the corner, and the "To-Do" list seems endless; from peanut butter cup orders, to holiday desserts, to homemade stocking stuffers. Although it's easy to get caught up in the stresses of the holiday season, I've been spending a lot of time relaxing with the Hubby at home and taking time off from my morning runs; giving not only my mind, but also my body a rest.

Today I woke up before the sun and made my way to the nearby shopping center to grab a few last minute gifts before the crowds rolled in. Unfortunately, I wasn't as lucky at the grocery and I found myself squeezing in between people reaching for the cereal, among the long list of other items I waited last minute to get. TYPICAL, TYPICAL ME.

Although the morning was hectic, I'm now settled into my favorite coffee shop taking a break from "To-Do's", for a brief amount of time before it's back to the kitchen to bake up some goodies, and finish wrapping gifts for the family!

I HOPE EVERYONE'S CHRISTMAS IS FILLED WITH LOVE AND JOY, AND THOSE WHO WILL BE BLESSED WITH A "WHITE CHRISTMAS"...I ENVY YOU!

Our homemade Christmas wreathe for this year. I love how it turned out!

Tis the season:For a Christmas dinner party!

Last night Chris and I, were invited to a Christmas dinner party, with some close friends and family. The host and hostess (Rodney and Jackie), went all out with a delicious finger food buffet, desserts,and stunning holiday decor.
It was an effortless amount of fun spent with loved ones, in a fabulous change of scenery; not to mention a blessing/curse in my belly!

HOW AMAZING IS THAT TREE! I MEAN SERIOUUUUUSLY!

All Aboard!

 Keeping with the holiday spirit, the family and I headed downtown for the annual train display at the museum center. With Chris owning the title as a "Railroad Man" these days, he was naturally excited to see miniature replicas, of familiar areas he travels on a day to day basis, and I was delighted to spend quality time with my loved ones.

It was such a lovely way to spend a laid back Sunday afternoon, and after the festivities of the display tour were over, Chris gave me a tour of the rail yard where he works, and fed my brain with some of the history as well. Above all others, the time Chris and I spend just driving around immersed in conversation continues to be the moments I hold most near and dear. I love the idea of having no destination or plan...but just spend an indefinite amount of time to discover one.

Around the house:Christmas Spirit

    

   

Over the past few days, as icky as I've been feeling with this lingering sore throat, I decided to take advantage of  some down time; dragging out the Christmas themed movies, books, and even coffee mugs from my own personal collection. Chris and I have been spending most of our free time, kicking our feet up  and enjoying relaxing date nights IN, with plenty of sweets at arms reach. I can't believe how quickly time is flying by, and how the new year is just around the corner. In the mean time, there are still decorations and gifts, and most importantly new traditions to be made, which is the greatest part of the Christmas season!

Our very first: Christmas tree

Originally, this years Sutton tree was going to be white, but instead we opted for a miniature gold tree I found hidden in my parent's basement. But of course no tree is complete without ornaments, so we headed to the local antique mall to see what vintage treasures we could find. We left with some lovely gold and white bulbs, and an extra amazing tree topper! I'm still in search of some more, but it was a good start to the collection and it was fun decorating our very first tree, with Cee-Cee as our little helper.

Home(made) for the Holidays

The "Christmas Spirit" has officially kicked into gear at the Sutton household. Instead of putting a dent in the ole' wallet on store-bought decorations, I've opted for my own homemade imitations of some of my favorite decor ideas for the Christmas season.

    Stockings from "Target" with self-portraits for identification.

                                                          A personal Polaroid wreathe

                                                     A rustic/modern spin on tree decor.

                                                             Festive pom-pom garland

                    Who said the holidays have to be a budget bender? "Homemade is Happiness"
                                What are some of your favorite homemade holiday decorations?