What I really want for Christmas

In years past, I don't think I've had an exact list of things I actually wanted/needed but this year I've really honed in on what is needed and missing in my life. Here's what's on my short list. They are all based on things I will actually use every day and know won't be wasteful. I'm pretty sure if you live  a life where comfort and simplifying daily life are important, you would be happy if some of these things showed up under your tree too.


Smash and Tess Romper: I have one of these from Andrew last year and wear the absolute heck out of it. It's amazingly comfortable and just the best. I have my eye on the navy short sleeve one.

Dyson Hair Dryer: What else can I say, sometimes you just want a flashy piece of technology. Ive heard nothing but good things from friends who have them and I appreciate the technology behind them. I'm also all for anything that will do less damage to my hair!

Dyson cordless vacuum: As a person who loves to clean, I really hate to vacuum because I have to have the cord all over so to not have a cord is a game changer. This one even turns into a smaller hand-held option too so I can take it out to my car.

Yeti cup: Keeps your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for the WHOLE DAY! I love ice cold water so this seems dreamy. Also lots of room for coffee first and it comes in pink!

Microblading touch up: Microblading is pretty much the only cosmetic procedure I've ever done to my face and I'm so glad I did. It looks so natural and makes a huge impact and lasts for the whole year, if not more. I need a tiny touch up but  I think I can hold out a little bit longer. When I do go back, this is where I go.

Lake Pajamas: Guys. These are THE BEST! I refer to them as the best things that have happened to my adult life. They are amazingly comfortable pajamas and my favorite part is that they come in long lengths (like 35 inch inseam long!!) and super classic colors and stripe patterns. these would make the best gift for a mom. They aren't cheap but they are  so worth it IMO.

Someone to paint/wallpaper my bathrooms: This one can't be bought in a store so maybe if I just leave this hint here maybe Santa will come visit with a paint brush or a few rolls of wallpaper in hand.

Magnetic train set for Athena: I don't like alot of toys in our house and I really don't think Athena needs a bunch of crap in our house to play with. She has a great imagination so I only like getting her toys I really know she will play with. This girl loves a train so I would love to get her one of those old school wooden train track sets with the magnetic cars. If you know of a good one, let me know!

Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions are something you may take for granted until you have your own child. Since having Athena, we decided we needed to keep some of our favorite family traditions going as well as start a few new ones with her so she can share in the special memories.

The first tradition was visiting the Macy's windows. In Chicago this, is a huge event with huge crowds of people to go along with it. We used to go every year with my dad and my niece and nephew. It was tradition to take my niece's picture with my dad in front of the tree, because he hangs the pictures up in order on his fridge and hasn't missed one in 8 years. We also usually get a special ornament to commemorate something important from the year, like buying our new house or our first year married. The Macy's on State Street in Chicago really does have an unparalleled selection of ornaments.

In Utah, there were half as many windows but still throngs of people, especially children. It felt as if every child in Utah was at the window opening this year when we went, maybe because the window displays are made entirely of candy! It turned out to be a very different experience than our usual Chicago tradition but still fun and worth keeping alive next year. And it will be nice to show her that we have proof in pictures that we took her when she was just a few weeks old.

Athena looking unamused to say the least. (Her snowsuit here)

 The next tradition is one that comes from Andrew's side of the family, the cutting down of a Christmas tree. Since I have been with Andrew for 16 years I have participated quite a few times with his family's tree cutting at a Christmas tree farm out in Wisconsin. We usually even cut off rings of the trunk and write our names and years on them to use as ornaments or decoration. 

We tried to make this tradition just like Wisconsin, but last year but we quickly realized that Utah is not at all like Wisconsin. Here, the evergreen trees are up in the mountains. You can get a permit and go up onto public land to cut down your own, but between having a newborn, a Prius and Andrew with a broken foot, a Christmas tree lot would have to do. Andrew's dad was in town with us when we went, so that did help make it feel more like the old days in Wisconsin. We even got a trunk ring to write "grandpa, mom, dad and Athena" on!

My cape (old Forever 21) // Hat  // Athena's pants

 This next one is not specific to any one place or way of accomplishing it.  It's one we are starting this year with Athena. We wanted to be able to tell Athena that she has been doing good deeds for others since she was born, so when Andrew heard that the County Building had three Christmas trees with tags of gifts requested by people in need, we took Athena in to grab a tag for each of us.

My hat, boots, sweater and coat

Here is Athena grabbing her tag.

And I've got one each for Andrew and I as well.

Athena returns to deliver her gift to the Mayor's office.

When we return to Chicago, we have another tradition we started about six years ago that we will get to do again, this time with Athena! We go see the movie White Christmas at the Music Box Theater in Chicago. It's an old theater that puts on a super cute double feature. People get dressed in Christmas gear and bring their friends and whole family.  Last year we didn't make it for the first time in five years because of our move to Salt Lake, but this year we are returning with Athena and will be taking her to the theater along with my dad. We will see how she deals with the whole experience later this week but I'm super excited even if she doesn't make it through the whole movie happily!

So those are our Holiday traditions! What are yours? Any good ones you recommend for a baby's first Christmas?

White Christmas at Music Box Theater

Old Navy hat // Forever 21 Necklace // Ross For Less vest (c/o) // Topshop skirt // Ivanka Trump boots (similar and 50% off!)// Target sweater // H&M gloves (similar on sale) // Andrew Marc toggle coat (66% Off!!)

Like all of you, I have been so very busy spending some of this luxurious time off with friends and family. One of my very favorite holiday traditions is this one I started with my husband the year we got married. For the last 4 years, on Christmas Eve day, we go to the Music Box Theater to see White Christmas! I love that this is something he and I have always gotten to do together, just us, and that we both love it so much. Aside from it just being a fun holiday experience, the movie is such a great classic. It plays as a double feature with It's a Wonderful Life but we just like to go for White Christmas. Durning the intermission there is sing-along-caroling on the screen with Santa too. 

If you have never been to this 31 year old tradition and live in Chicago, keep this in mind for next year. I promise you will have a magical and unforgettable time!