Eve

*Image & print by dear colleen

Hopefully you wrap up this year on a high happy note and ring in the new year with plenty of champagne and little actual pain. Enjoy yourself tonight!

Skates

*Image & cards by gemini studio

Yesterday my husband and I went and got a little taste of winter here in Texas. We found a local ice rink, rented skates, donned mittens and made slow laps on the ice dodging children. It was a fun afternoon, but we had to quit after 30 minutes because the rental skates were so painful. I even have a killer blister on the side of my foot to show for it. I do miss those wintery moments. Now I have to clean house to get ready for 2011. What are you up to?

Party Hat

*Image by daisy princess

Celebrating just isn't the same without party hats. People around me have figured this out and are always willing to be more festive and don spectacular hats at my parties. I have not yet thrown a hat-worthy celebration while living in Texas (all of those have been back in Seattle) so I've got to hunt down a celebratory hat to ring in the new year. Do you wear party hats willingly?

Carrot

*Image & cake by Trevor Jorgensen

When searching for a holiday dessert we inadvertently struck gold. This spiced carrot cake was amazing and we had to give half of it away so that we wouldn't cave into temptation and eat the whole thing ourselves (we love Cooks Illustrated). This was moist, tasty and something that we'll be baking again. I'm so spoiled to have a husband who is a talented baker. We have the week off together so I'll be posting intermittently because it's not often that I get all of this vacation time together with my husband. Are you planning anything special to ring in the New Year?

Stockings

*Image & instructions via Martha Stewart

Last year I used another, similar pattern to make some simple felt stockings for the holiday. I was pleased with how they turned out. Trevor's is forrest green with a white trim and mine is the opposite. For a splash of color I cut our initials from red felt and attached them simply with a red-tipped pin. I like this idea of the punched details in these stockings. This is something I could easily add to the cuffs on ours. I can't wait to stuff them, I have some goodies up my sleeve. Trevor should be surprised on Christmas morning. Do you still hang stockings?

Straw

*Image by Jeanette Greaves

My sweet mother sent me a care package that included a touch of home for my tree. I remember the straw ornaments hanging nice and high on my family's tree; delicate ornaments far away from children's hands. Now I have some for my very own tree. (Just out of reach of a certain bulldog's mouth). I like building off of my family's traditions over the holidays. What is a tradition you carry on?

Gnomes

*Image & card by Egg Press

Christmas - check. Gnomes - check. Letterpress - check. Perfect! I was so delighted when my little eye spied this card. Two of my good friends dressed up as garden gnomes for halloween and this had their names written all over it. Plus, the card totally fell into my lap and was on sale to boot. Those are just a few things I can't pass by - perfect letterpress printed cards and those same cards on sale. My Christmas cards all made it into the mail, now it's time to finish the New Year's cards (no, I don't send two cards to everyone). Are you a Christmas card person?

Entry

*Image & instructions via Apartment Therapy

While pulling into my driveway the other day I couldn't help but notice that we're one of the houses on the block with nary a holiday decoration on display. When I saw how easy it would be to create this swag of ornaments I was inspired. Now that we have a tree in the living room it's starting to feel like the holidays, we may as well show our spirit to the neighbors too. Do you decorate your home for the holidays?

Wrapping

*Image & crafty instructions via Martha Stewart

I've been lazy - I still have packages to wrap up and ship out, not to mention cards to put in the mail. I thought I would have time until the mail man showed up super early today with a package. Guess I'll have to add the post office to my list of errands to run today. I do love the fact that I slept in today, glorious. Do you get a vacation?

Tree

*Image by Matt Pearson

Today we brought home our Christmas tree. At first I felt bad for not having a tree up, let alone any holiday decorations. When we got to the tree lot and only paid $15 for a $40 tree, I didn't mind so much. Having never purchased a tree that I can remember less is more with me. I used to love trudging out into the snow and sawing down a tree from my own back yard (a ten acre back yard, mind you). This year, thanks to my mom, I have a bunch of beautiful straw ornaments to add to the tree. Now, it's time for lights. When did you put up your tree?

Poetry

*Game via Chronicle Books

I couldn't wait until my friend at work opened this gift. I really wanted to play and make a haiku, but once we rolled out all of the dice it was too overwhelming for a Friday afternoon. The brain drain of actually teaching curriculum on the last day of school before a break, while your colleagues play, is tiresome. Haikus will happen, just not on the first day. I think this is more of a guided zen poetry experience than a game, but so much fun nonetheless. I am so glad I can start revealing the sweet gifts I've found now that some have been given! What are you giving this year?

Hearts

*Image & shoe clips by ban.do

These shoes look like they are ready for a party. Now that school is finally out for the holidays, I too am ready for a party. I have to dress for my husband's holiday work party on Sunday and I'm actually not dreading it this year. I'm having fun dressing up this year and have found some great fun accessories. Not that I couldn't see adding some fantastic shoe clips to my wardrobe. Do you remember shoe clips?

Traveler

*Image by Cuba Gallery

A friend of mine is on his way to Australia & New Zealand. I am pretty envious of the adventure he is embarking upon, but will be happy to read all about his trek. This is a dream destination and I cannot wait to cross it off of my own list of places to see. Where would you love to travel to?

Naughty

*Image & coal by MBellveaux

One year my brother got some coal in his stocking with a warning note from Santa. Really, we just crumbled up some charcoal briquettes and made it look like it had ridden on a sleigh. Would you put coal in anyone's stocking? Have you been good this year?

Trimming

*Image & tape via Happy Tape

Wrapping up packages this year is so much fun. I got my hands on some fun Japanese washi tape and some other fun wrapping accessories and have been playing around with combinations to put smiles on everyone's faces. Ribbons, wrap and gift tags are right up my alley. Now all we need is a tree for some of these packages to rest under. I love giving beautiful gifts. What is your favorite part about receiving a gift?

Texan

*Image & ornaments via National Roper Supply

While killing time at my conference, I stumbled upon these fantastic glittery revolvers. I knew that I wanted one on our Christmas tree this year. I know that people usually think of cowboy boots and hats and stars when they think of Texas, but I think of gunslingers. The tricky part is getting a replica of a revolver home with you on an airplane, you must check it in your luggage - even if it is made of foam and covered in glitter. What is your favorite Christmas ornament?

Ill

*Image & card by Man vs. George Design

So, I go out of town and attend a teaching conference. They make us stay at a hotel that on Friday night becomes infested with children running up and down the hallways, jumping off of their beds, and landing heavily on the floor (the room above ours). No wonder I got sick. Traveling, surrounded by strangers, more germy children than you can imagine... figures. Can you tell this made me grouchy? Thank goodness I have a husband who is now experimenting with soup making. That was nice to come home to. How was your weekend?

Wolf

*Image & print by Corey Godbey

While visiting Dallas for the first time I am sleeping in what amounts to a theme park. Our lobby has stuffed wolves looking down at you when you check in and there is also a water park and all kinds of attractions for children. I guess this could be fun, if I was a kid and I wasn't here for a conference across the street in the super fancy adult-themed hotel... I'll get over it.

Chickpea

*Image by megabeth

Yesterday my husband cooked his first ever vegetarian entree. We had chickpea patties with cucumber yogurt sauce and they were excellent. I am so glad that he had fun cooking and that he too enjoyed our dinner. I am excited to eat more vegetarian options, especially when my husband is behind the idea too (he formerly thought that it wasn't dinner if there wasn't meat). Exploring vegetarian options will make dinner so much more fun. Are there any recipes we should try?

Mail-dog

*Image by Trevor Jorgensen

Odin has a new job around the house that he loves, he brings in the mail for us every day. You should see how proud a mail-carrying bulldog is to run in with magazines and bills. He's even good about not really biting into everything. I wonder what other useful household tasks we could teach this bulldog?

Cycle

*Image & print by slightclutter

My room is an explosion of laundry. I can tell where my husband stands when he gets home from work every day because there is evidence of him shedding, just a pile of shirts ties, socks and pants. I think that he actually wears about 3 outfits a day - one for work, one for work-out, and one for sitting around. I don't mean to complain, but I hate laundry and it always seems to sneak up on me. Our house has a cycle and it is dirty once again. We kept it tidy for a while and then then laundry monster started to sneak in. How do you manage your clean house?

Fr. Rog

*Image by Cheryl Jones

Yesterday we lost our dear dancing Fr. Rog. He touched and influenced countless lives of students at Seattle U and people all over. In one of his last letters to us all he reminded us to love ourselves and one another. His light, love and passion for life along with his affinity for movies and pop culture will be missed. I think we're all speculating on what his first dance moves in heaven would be.

Indulgence

*Image by kern.justin

Ever since we bought a huge tub of vanilla ice cream for Thanksgiving I've been indulging in a little every evening after dinner. Not the best habit to start in the evenings. Especially not the best habit considering all of the other holiday eating I will be doing to celebrate this December. I guess I'll just have to run a little further and take the bulldog on more walks. I do see myself scooping some of this creamy goodness into some hot coco. Do you have an evening indulgence?

Red Ribbon

*World AIDS Day

Today is World Aids Day. The theme this year is universal access & human rights. Having known people living with AIDS, I see the education of the public and the world and access to medical care as an achievable goal. I'm usually not one to use my blog as a soapbox, so you can decide for yourself. Check out the website, learn something, and possibly make a donation.

Ida-snow

*Image & card by brooklynbookbinder

If I were in Idaho, this is what I would be doing today. My mom said she was going to sled down the driveway to the car and I'm jealous. Maybe next week when I go to Dallas I'll see some snow. Haven't seen snow in two winters now.

Snowy

*Image & stamps by Yellow Owl Workshop

Usually a Seattle winter includes much gray, drizzle and cold. This year instead of rain they got snow for Thanksgiving. I know not everyone was happy to be home bound, due to the cold, but a week off can't be all that bad. My week off is over and I am headed back to work with the children. I can't say I am excited to be up early this morning, but I can also begin my countdown to winter break. It was fantastic seeing my family and hanging out with friends, now I have writing cards, wrapping gifts, and mailing packages to look forward to. What does your December have in store?

Bro

*Image & card by byvik Ink

Happy birthday little brother. Hope California is treating you well. Hope someone baked you a pie or put a candle in something else wonderful to eat.

Thankful

*Image & card by Cottonflower Press

Today is a good day to reflect on all of the things that make your life worthwhile. I am grateful for such an awesome group of friends and family who constantly remind me why my life is good. I am glad to be greeted on a daily basis by snorts and wiggles from the bulldog (not the husband). I am lucky to have a beautiful home to live in, even if the location is far away from the beautiful Northwest. I have my health, I have everything I want and need, and I am loved. What are you thankful for?

Torture

*Image via Cooks Illustrated

Having two pies in your house, freshly baked and not being able to eat them. That is akin to torture. We're pre-making much of our Thanksgiving meal so that tomorrow is less grueling and daunting, but that doesn't make me salivate any less when I see a pie sitting on the table. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Potter

*Movie in theaters now!

Last night I spent an evening out at the movies. Harry Potter and a pitcher of butter beer? You got it! My viewing experience was enhanced by seeing our flick at the Alamo Drafthouse, which is a theater plus a full service restaurant all in one place. The movie was full of beautiful interesting scenery and, I believe, did a good job staying true to the novel. I can now see why they chose to split everything into two films and agree with the decision. Not really a spoiler, but I sure am glad that there wasn't a thriller to-be continued ending to keep me on edge until July. Are you a fan?

Parents

*Image by Will Cheyney

Today my parents are flying in for another visit. Last year they came for Thanksgiving and it was a blast. This year we have more to show them and they get to sleep in an actual bed! (The bed we ordered last year was delivered on the day they left...) I am so happy to be able to host my parents and to give them a break from all that they do. I can't wait to see them both today. Who will you be spending the holiday with?

Brother

*Image & tree via Branch

As the holidays approach I often think of my brother and his view of Christmas trees. His birthday is usually on or just after Thanksgiving and when the holiday decorations come out I remember him urging us all to plant a tree for Christmas instead of cutting one down. I wonder if he would appreciate his own little tree in a sustainable bamboo pot? He should be going home for the holiday, but I think he'd dig that I was inspired by him. Do you cut down a Christmas tree or assemble one from a box?

Off

*Image by masone

What a week, and now a break. I can't wait to sleep in and read books and hang out with my folks and eat pie. I have a bunch of great things to be thankful for this year, I should start writing them down. What is on your list?

Komforte

*Image & chocolate via Komforte Chockolates

Today I am in need of some comfort. I'm currently slacking off in a planning meeting because my lunch is two minutes away. All I can think about right now is chocolate and happy hour. Thank goodness I just have to get through one more day of teaching before I have a week of vacation. Yes, you read that correctly - I have a whole week off for Thanksgiving. What more could a girl want?

Whiner

*Image via Greer Chicago card by Bella Muse

I have got to change my mindset. Only three more days of work until I get a nice break to hang out with my parents while they are in town. Man, do I need to clean my house. Right now I'm still shuffling around the house trying to ease my sore quads as my muscles remind me of what I did to them on Sunday morning. I can't be a whiner, I have to stop being lazy, I have to clean my house. What is your least favorite household chore?

Boots

*Image via Zappos, boots by Camper

I've wanted a pair of boots in my wardrobe for a while. If these boots were a table saw, I know my husband would have had them ages ago. I think that these mid-calf boots are pretty sensible, cute and they're comfortable too. Now, I just have to find them on sale or convince my husband that I need yet another pair of shoes.

Finisher

*Image by Trevor Jorgensen

I did it! I finished. I even came in close to my original goal time at 2:21:19. My estimated time running is closer to 2:15 though because I had to stand in line for a potty break (thank goodness they had those!) Today I am sore but proud, wearing my race shirt to school to hobble around with a grin on my face. Thank you for the encouragement, there were so many of you on the course with me.

Race Day

*Image by Y.X.L

Today is the day. My first ever 1/2 marathon. I'm excited and I know that I am ready. While you read this I am probably nervously chatting with the other people in my corral (apparently tens of thousands of people run this race). While I am out there on the road I wanted to let several people know that they inspired me and that I will be thinking of them:

Laura got me thinking that I could even do such a distance and inspired me to run further.

Josh and Julie wake up at the crack of dawn to make it to two spinning classes in a row, on weekends even. They will be present in my early morning endorphin surge.

Ryan would have already completed his race if it wasn't for that stupid foot injury, I'll run this for you too.

Sondra completed her first triathlon this summer after an amazing transformation, I'll think of her anytime I'm headed uphill and will keep running.

John was my first ever running buddy and is always uplifting and good for a laugh, when my ipod streams out amusing songs that make me smile it's him.

Mary is a fighter and always pushes through her toughest battles and will remind me to fight.

Lea Anne is a sounding board and the voice of perseverance I'll hear her pushing me toward the end, knowing that I can make it.

Karen has gone 60 miles, more than once, she'd kick my butt if I couldn't make a measly 13.1.

Colleen is my cheerleader she is consistently encouraging me in my efforts and reminding me to have fun, I'll see her in the crowd along the course.

Sandra might actually be out there cheering - a real live fan! I couldn't ask for more.

My Mom has been to almost every race I've competed in over the course of my 30 years. She'll be getting my mile by mile updates and I want to continue to make her proud.

Trevor will be waiting to cheer me through the finish, and has helped me get there over the past five months of training.

Thirteen inspiring people, one for each mile. I can't wait to finish.

Trained

*Image by Unprompted

Five months of early Saturday mornings. Mornings that started out sweltering and are now pleasant and chilly. This is the first Saturday I can recall sleeping in since before summer started. It was good to lounge and feel rested, too bad all of my good sleep still ended before 7 o'clock, just in time for what would have been my morning run. Race day is tomorrow. Can you believe it?

Outsiders

*Image via Mikey Burton

I have been looking forward to today since my Out of Print shirts came in the mail. Today I get to wear my new shirt and strut around proudly like the literary geek I am. Not only that, I will have a proud partner in crime. We're even putting together an Outsiders care package for another teacher so we have three shirt wearing fellows in our little club. Do you get to wear fun shirts on Fridays?

Warmth

*Image & thermos via Kate Spade

Kate Spade just put out their gift guide and this thermos stuck out right away. It's pretty, can you blame me? I wouldn't mind some of the other items featured on the list, don't get me wrong. I guess I'm just a practical gal. Have you made a holiday wish list? What's on it?

Bumps

*Image & card by Creativity Cards

It seems as though bellies all around me are expanding and sprouting bumps. When I look at the kids in my classroom I have no idea how these women at school can even think of having children. I think I would go insane if I were to try to teach and deal with pregnancy hormones and changes. More power to those ladies who can stick it out and waddle up and down the hallways each and every day. Hopefully they have some glorious maternity leave to look forward to. Don't get all excited - no bump in my future - not for quite a while. How do they do it?

Time

*Image & clocks via West Elm

Ok, I get the savings now. If I want to be well rested and take advantage of the newfound energy I experienced yesterday I need to get to bed sooner. I found myself distracted in front of the computer and stayed up too late. Now I'm tired. Daylight savings should encourage me to go to bed earlier because it's nice and dark outside. How do you manage the change?

Hour

*Image by Jonk

It was glorious to have an extra hour of sleep and to wake up feeling refreshed this morning. How do you feel?

Bench

*Image & bench via Pottery Barn

Now that my husband has finally finished his car stereo project (after working for over 600 hours) he needs something else to keep him busy. He likes the idea of wood working so I suggested he start with an upholstered bench for our bedroom. This seems like a nice easy project to start out with, and I wouldn't mind paying well under the $400 Pottery Barn is charging (not to mention benefiting from my husband's meticulous hard work). I even found a great tutorial so that I could help out and that we could work together. To what lengths are you willing to DIY?

Fast

*Image by Y.X.L

Today was the last official group run before next Sunday's race and it felt good and fast. Maybe the group was running more slowly than normal, but I think I was running faster. I never thought I would be the type of person to utter, "only 5 miles" but that phrase actually came out of my mouth today. I can't believe how much stronger I feel now in comparison with my first 10k group run this summer. Next weekend is going to be great. What have you done to give you a feeling of accomplishment lately?

Table

*Image & table cloth by Celina Mancurti

With family coming to town to see our new house for the first time I want to make a great first impression and set a beautiful Thanksgiving table. We were given a gorgeous linen table cloth for our wedding, but I love the fun designs, table runners and napkins available on Etsy. The internet has a wealth of great accessories for the tabletop. Now I have to narrow down my favorites. Any pointers for setting a lovely, welcoming table?

Mockingbird

*Image & shirt via Out of Print Clothing

I finally caved in and bought some true English teacher apparel. I now have two book-themed shirts headed my way. I'll have to wait for this beauty, but I do love the new Mikey Burton designs. The best part is that I get to wear these with a nice pair of jeans on Fridays, or with fun slacks or a skirt any other day of the week. I'm such a geek, this is a culmination of two previous posts. Books I like and clothing. I can dig it. Which piece of literature would you proudly wear?

Spa

*Image by Proliphic

When your husband sends you a groupon for a massage or a facial, it's him telling you to go ahead and purchase one for yourself - right? That was my interpretation when I got the very same e-mail in my in box today. Don't mind if I do. Now I have something fun and relaxing to look forward to when my mom comes to town. How do you treat yourself to relaxation?

Mirrored

*Image & mirrors via West Elm

I've been searching for some cool round mirrors for a while now. Lo and behold, there are plenty to choose from in the new West Elm Catalog. I'm feeling inspired to add a few more decorations to the house now that we've got some company to look forward to. These mirrors also caught my eye because of the striking blue wall on which they hang (very similar to my living room). What are your favorite final touches in a room?