O' Christmas Tree... O' Christmas Tree

Isn't this just the most glorious time of the year?

Sure, summer is fun.  Fall is beautiful.  But Christmas time -- it's just magical.

It's the sound of Christmas music.  It's driving home from work & admiring all the Christmas lights.  It's the glow of the Christmas tree, shedding it's hue throughout the house.  It's cuddling under your favorite blanket, drinking hot cocoa, & watching your favorite Christmas movie... It's the fact that people, around this time of the year, seem more kind & generous -- it's like each day leading up to Christmas has a bit of magic sprinkled through out it.  And it just puts you in a good mood!

Another thing that puts me in a good mood?  Getting our Christmas tree.  I look forward to the day every year.  We bundle up, hunt for the perfect tree, & then head to breakfast to fill our bellies before the decorating begins.

Last weekend, we cut down our 5th Christmas tree as a married couple -- and it literally took us 4 minutes.  Seriously, 4 minutes.  I think that's like a record or something.

So let it be remembered, that the Christmas of 2015 -- that was the year it took us 4 minutes to find, agree on, & cut down the winner.

Amen to that!

A look back: the beauty in the sky

December, for me, is generally always a time for reflection.  Even among the craziness of Christmas shopping, decorating, candy making, and attending parties & gatherings, I always make time to take a look back.

As 2015 comes to a close, I’m remembering the stunning sunrises, sunsets, & skies that I got experience this year (most of them in my own yard!)

Below is a sampling of the memorable skies that I was fortunate enough to capture on my iphone throughout 2015. 

These images were all originally shared to my Instagram account (follow me by clicking here, or search for katie_mydarlingdays)

How blessed are we to be surrounded by such beauty?!  Amen to the skies in 2015, they were good to us! 

A Season of Thankfulness

Sometimes, it can feel like our world is crashing down.  A bad day, a bad week -- maybe even a bad month.  

Personally, our days may be difficult – work is stressful, family obligations seem overwhelming, and we’re forever searching for more time in the day.

Nationwide, we fear school shootings, we listen to politicians who are undoubtedly swayed by special interest groups vs. the overall good for mankind, and our media outlets seem to focus more on the latest design of the Starbucks cup than they do about the growing number of hungry & homeless people right here in the USA.

Globally, there isn't a day that passes in which the evening news doesn't make us cringe.  From the recent attacks in Paris & Lebanon, to the endless fighting in the Middle East – I think it’s safe to say some of us are living in fear.

We wonder when the bad day, bad week, or bad month will end?

But, even amidst our bad days & the crises of the world, we still have SO much to be thankful for.  I’ll bet 98% of the individuals reading this post have a roof over their head, a refrigerator full of food, and family & friends who love them unconditionally.  I’ll bet 98% of the individual’s reading this post have the freedom of religion, speech & the freedom to be whatever they aspire to be.  We have to remember that even when it feels like our world is crashing down, there are always beautiful, kindhearted souls who are willing to help.

Look for the helpers.  Be the helper.  And be thankful for all things.

The wonderful ladies over at Lolly Jane designed this printable.  I adore it so much so that I wanted to share it with you.  It's a free printable, click here to download it!

This season, let’s remember to count our blessings.  Even among the brokenness, let’s find beauty.  Let’s remember that we still have so much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Happy Sunday.

Last weekend I had a really nasty stomach bug, and have been feeling a bit queasy all week, but I think I'm finally on the mend.  My appetite is back, and this winter fruit salad with lemon poppy seed dressing looks amazing to me right now!

I love how Julia styled this pretty Old Navy scarf -- the pattern mixing & the POP it makes against the snow has me lusting over this look!

I'm not the biggest Bloody Mary fan in the entire world, but these look so good to me!  Maybe it's the cute napkins... or the pickle :)

Pie stencils -- perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

I'm getting the itch to plan a winter vacation, and this graphic about airline legroom has me intrigued.

Inspiration: Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Now that Halloween is over, I feel like everyone is skipping over Thanksgiving & focusing right on Christmas.

That's fine & all (I love me some Christmas, too) but let's not look past the next holiday... THANKSGIVING!

It's not about the sales...
It's not about football...
It's not about deer hunting...

It's about counting our blessings, spending time with family, & giving thanks.  And we celebrate by eating lots of yummy food!

Juicy turkey with mashed potatoes, grandma's stuffing, and pumpkin pie... the thought of it is making my mouth water!

In my family, my sister always hosts Thanksgiving, but if I had the chance I'd love to put together a fall inspired tablescape.

For fun, I've gathered three of my favorites from around the web.  Designs that are magazine-worthy, no doubt, but totally doable for the "average joe".

image via Jenna Sue Design

Wood box centerpiece filled with things from around the yard -- pine clippings, berries & pinecones, along with some candles.  Woven pacements & a burlap runner -- so darling!

 image via Julie Blanner

I love that this centerpiece uses apples instead of the traditional pumpkins.  Add in cheesecloth & seeded eucalyptus & you have  a simple yet stunning tablescape!

image via Thoughts from Alice

Quintessentially fall, this tablescape screams Thanksgiving: pumpkins, gourds, & mason jars.  I love how rustic it is!


What one is your favorite?