Monday, November 30, 2015

Thanksgiving {& Holiday Weekend Whereabouts}

How has Thanksgiving come and gone already?! We started celebrating the holiday on Wednesday night and the excitement continued through last night finishing off the weekend with a dinner with extended family for the holiday.

Thanksgiving Eve
The holiday started about 1pm on Wednesday for me when my parents came to pick up Stella and I to head over to their house - Derek was meeting us after work.  In the mild weather I got in a nice walk with one of my best and oldest friends and then logged in some lounging time before helping setup for dinner and mixing up some apple cider sangria - definitely didn't disappoint.

We had our "Thanksgiving Eve dinner" with a spiral ham and some of the usual Thanksgiving sides alone with a dessert buffet.  Post dinner we set up the family Christmas tree and watched Miracle on 34th Street.


Thanksgiving Brunch
Since Derek and I were heading to be with his family for Thanksgiving dinner, we woke up and after a lengthy walk with the pups got things together for a little Thanksgiving brunch {scrambled eggs, donuts, pumpkin bread, cheese & canadian bacon pinwheels along with apple cider sangria and egg nog}.  I loved enjoying this new tradition and of course watching both the Philadelphia and New York Thanksgiving Day Parades.


Thanksgiving
We arrived into New Jersey a couple hours before dinner and had time to visit with Derek's family, enjoy some appetizers and play outside with his nieces and nephews.  After all sitting down to dinner it wasn't long until pajamas went on and I got some coloring in with his nieces while some others played cards amongst watching football games and other things.


A Night with Friends
After more time spent hanging out with his family and playing with the kids, we headed over to one of my best friend's houses (the maid of honor from our wedding) for the night and had some appetizers, dinner and plenty of wine with her, her boyfriend, family and friends.  It was such fun catching up with everyone.  We didn't take a single photo (quite unusual) so this shot of the next morning enjoying breakfast sandwiches and coffee WITH the pups at the table will have to do.


Penn State vs Vermont
Penn State usually plays one hockey game a season here in Philadelphia and we were lucky enough to use Steve's work box for the second year in a row yesterday to take in Penn State's hockey team play Vermont in Philadelphia - they usually have one game a year down here.  It's always fun to indulde in a little "stadium food" - the strombolis were such a treat amongst chicken, salad, pizza, chips and dip and last but not least… cookies.  We ran into two friends and had a great time catching up in addition to the family time.


Other Holiday Weekend Whereabouts 
We spent Saturday with Derek's family some more before heading home to have a very lazy Saturday night complete with soup and dinner at one of our favorite local spots, football and falling asleep on the couch.

Yesterday we ran into the mall to make a visit to Lilly Pulitzer for some free gifts (and free Christmas wrapping!) and I think another new tradition was born - we got to the mall right as it opened and didn't have to battle a single line but still took in lots of sales.  Last night we got together with 15 of my aunts, uncles and cousins for a family dinner to finish off the weekend.

It was such a blessing to see so many people over the weekend and enjoy the holiday and time off together.

Thanksgiving morning walk - burning some calories before indulging in extra calories.

College game day of course, I'm not sure what we'll do once it's over - the games this weekend were fantastic to watch.  We'll not Penn State's loss to Michigan but I guess they are the #5 team for a reason.

Getting a little help bringing some of our bags in.

Home sweet home.  It was nice to relax and catch up on all our time away on Saturday night.

It's always a treat spending extra time with these little guys too… 


Make sure to stop back by tomorrow for a fun new giveaway! 

'Tis the Season

Linking up with Biana & Meghan this lovely Monday.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Friday's Feature: All of the Sales!

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year - the sales are unbeatable. Buying for others, buying for yourself - this is the week to do it! My favorite stores offering sales are listed below… 

Ann Taylor -- 50% off {Code: CELEBRATE} 

Banana Republic -- 40% off everything {Code: BRFRIENDS}

Bauble Bar -- 30% off everything {Code: THX}

DSW -- 30% off two pairs of shoes

Gap -- 50% off everything {Code: HAPPY}

Gigi New York -- Free Gifts with Purchase at $100, $200, $300, $400, $500 Pricepoints
{See gift list here}

J.Crew -- 30% off {Code: HOLIDAY}

J.Crew Factory -- 50% off + Free Shipping on $50+ {Code: SHIPGIFTS}

Kate Spade -- up to 75% off selected items {all sales final on the 75% items}

Kendra Scott -- 15% off everything {Code: SALE15}

Loft -- 50% off everything {Code: TURKEYDAY}

Nordstrom -- Up to 40% off Certain Items 

Old Navy -- 40%, 50%, 60% off

Stella & Dot -- 25% off {Prices reflect discount} 

Steve Madden -- 25% off + free shipping {Code: GIFT}

Tory Burch -- Spend $250, Receive 30% off + Free Shipping {Code: THANKS}

Tuckernuck -- 15% off sitewide {Code: CYBER-15}, 20% off $200 {Code: CYBER-20}, 25% off $250 {Code: CYBER -25}, 30% off $1000 {Code: CYBER-30}

Vineyard Vines -- $40% off sale items {Code: Gobble2015}

West Elm -- Up to 25% off {Code: MOREISMORE}


*Ray Ban's are currently 30% off too! 

Christina Loves… Wine! {Holiday Gift Picks}
A new touch to my typical Friday posts.  My complete gift guide with a little something for everyone on your list will be up next week but on Friday's from now until Christmas I'll also feature a specific category (because I only do things in theme).  Today, one of my favorites… wine! 

I am more than obsessed with those home state wine glasses below. 

{top row} one //  two // three //  four //  five 

{bottom row} six  // seven // eight // nine

For the general cocktail lover - these timezone happy hour cocktail napkins just got added to my stocking list.  Also, these gold accessories are fabulous {drink shakerbar tools set and bottle opener}.  For someone looking for something a little more festive, these martini glasses are perfect to sip a drink from and these drink stirrers are quite merry. 

Other Happeninsgs:

+ Not many "other happenings" today other than continuing to enjoy this long weekend! Continue to enjoy enjoy enjoy your time off and this wonderful holiday weekend!


Did you Black Friday shop - if so, how was it out there?? Or is anyone else an addicted online shopper like me with these sales??


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

On Thanksgiving Eve

We've made it - it's the eve of Thanksgiving, all! The eve of any holiday is my favorite, maybe more so than the actual holiday.  I love all the excitement, the anticipation, the hustle and bustle.  Luckily over here in the Sotherden house Thanksgiving break has already started (well, for me - Derek will be off in the early afternoon) and the holiday starts tonight.  I'll be setting off for my parent's house this afternoon for Thanksgiving Eve dinner tonight and I can't wait to sip on some apple cider sangria, eat more than I should and then enjoy a healthy mix of lounging by the fireplace, online shopping and decorating the Christmas tree.  (We always decorate the day after Thanksgiving but since Derek and I are heading to be with his family Thursday afternoon like last year, we're doing it a smidge early so we can partake too).   By weekends end we'll have visited with I believe about four groups of different groups of family, extended family and friends and I couldn't be more excited! The Eagles AND the Cowboys will be playing tomorrow so Derek and I will be caught up in the football, of course amongst brunch, parade, dinner and plenty of family and relax time.

Last night was a typical Eve Eve.  The washing machine was going non-stop, we were cleaning and getting the house tidy, there were a couple hours spent baking in the kitchen - together, Friends Thanksgiving episodes were playing in the background (anyone else NEED to watch them just before Thanksgiving every year?!), bags were being packed - with one little pup looking confused and the fall candles were burning for one of the final times.  Thankful for the wine to keep me going… It's the little things, right??

Yesterday was also one of my favorite days of the year - my mom's and my "annual Tuesday before Christmas shopping trip." Now, we work together so there are more shopping days together ahead but this was our kick off - every year since I was a freshman in college we set out on this day to get some early shopping done - the sales have gotten better and better each year! This was our NINTH time.


Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! I couldn't be more thankful for all of His blessings today and everyday - the big and the small.  My marriage, family, friends and faith top the list (and of course Stella and Nash) along with working with my family members and having a flexible schedule, our dream "first" home and living so close to my family.  But, also the little things/moments in life too - cuddling with my sweet family in the mornings, hosting events in our home, holidays, our travels, technology to see all of our out of town friends whenever we want, date nights and dinners out, traditions and mama/daughter shopping dates.  The list could honestly go on and on and it will do just that tomorrow when Derek and I pass time in the car playing "the thankful game."

Lastly, I'm thankful for all of YOU readers! The sweet comments and emails that I get daily can really brighten a girls day! This little blog of mine has grown, become a great outlet for me and a space I treasure.  Thanks for reading, I've been so excited by it's growth this past year and cannot wait to continue growing and see what the future holds!

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy - Cheers to you and a very Happy Thanksgiving! Stay blessed!

Today is the LAST day to enter the $325 Nordsttrom gift card giveaway.  The Nordstrom Black Friday sales have already begun (and Ray Ban's are 30% off - mine are waiting for me at the store to pickup!) Don't miss this chance for some extra spending OR gift giving money! 


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Looks & Life Lately {9}

I can't believe that as I'm typing this our little touches around the house of Thanksgiving have already been packed up as the Christmas stuff is taken out.  We mainly go straight from fall to Christmas but I couldn't resist a couple specific Thanksgiving touches.


When we arrived into Long Island a couple weeks ago for our friend's wedding a few weeks ago we set up camp to grab drinks and lunch while watching the Penn State game, of course.


Arriving at work to see that Mom and I are matching with one of our many matching items - leopard loafers.


It's hard to resist a nice bright outfit every now and again amongst the neutrals of this season.  I sure do miss looking in my closet and seeing row after row of bright.


I finally took the time to get some new glasses - long overdo.  Like a year or more overdo.  Loving finally having a bigger and new pair.


Walks with my little lady on the trails by my parent's house this time of the year always make me laugh.  They live right behind a farm so signs like below are just another day in the neighborhood.


A date night with the hubby and cheersing to him and a new raise and accomplishments at work.


Food bank gathering.


We've been going with fall flower types around the house but it's hard to pass up some white roses every now and again.  Classic look.


Grabbing dinner with some of our best friends before everyone else got into town for Derek's 30th birthday celebration weekend.


The girls enjoying a relaxing night at the basement bar - Sotherden's Saloon.


An overflowing shopping cart of decor and wrapping supplies at Target must mean that the holiday season is upon us.


Tis the season for lazy couch cuddles.


And just because she's my favorite… Been loving bar time AND walks with Stella.


Don't forget to enter this $325 Nordsttrom gift card giveaway.  There's a lot of Christmas gifts you can buy with that!