What will make you proud in a year?

Hello Lovelies,

Here we are with a new beginning quickly approaching with the New Year, and I ask you...what will you do today that will make you proud in a year?  My bucket list of dreams and aspirations is overflowing and full of things that would help improve relations with God, family, friends, and community.  However, when I think of things that I could start today for myself that would make me proud of myself in a year, well, that's a little tougher.  Here are three that I came up with that are in no particular order...

1.  My health - I'm sure by now we are all familiar with the "Holiday Fluff" that is gathering round our tummies from all that baking and those delicious dinners.  I actually think that the fluff comes with the territory.  But once that New Year hits, many of us are looking into quick fix diets and skinny serums that will melt away the added pounds.  I know that I could be proud of myself if I made healthier eating and exercise habits.  I'm not talking about a diet per se, but a dedication to healthier choices such as daily exercise and an elimination of trashy snacking.  I'm sure after a year, the changes would speak for themselves.

2.  Follow through - If I set goals and actually made it a priority to achieve them, well I'm sure my happiness would improve threefold.  I have so many ideas and aspirations for myself.  If I committed to at least a few of them for a year, my quality of life would improve...plain and simple.  Who doesn't like things checked off their list?  

3.  Giving more - Without going into too much detail, because I believe what we give should be only for the recipient and God to know, I feel I could always do more.  I feel like if I went above and beyond what I even thought I was capable of then the blessings could be immeasurable.

So there you have it.  The question is now what will I do with these thoughts that I've shared with you?  Well, I feel that I have no other choice but to put them into practice and seal it with a pledge from #2 on my list.  What will you start today (or on New Year's Day) that will make you proud of yourself a year from now?

My Small Slice Of Christmas

Welcome readers to my little slice of Christmas.  I have only posted a few (bare bone) photos of my home that can be found in my house tour tab on the the bar above.  Since then I've added some furniture and little trinkets but it's no where near being done.  There is still a floor to be put down, and paint to be picked out.  I'm sure the room will change about a gagillion (yes that's a word) times before I utter the words "finished".

However, we all have to start somewhere, and although my home is not in start-up stage, it IS in transition.  Therefore, I bring you just a sample of my Christmas set-up.  I feel I owe you at least a glimpse.

My favorite ornament on our tree ;-)

I just had to add an ounce of seashells.

My home is coming together bit by bit, and I want to assure you that these are the first pics of many.  My ideas are endless, and I feel as if time is on my side.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I'm linked up at...

An American Tragedy...

Normally I would be posting my DIY pick of the week.  I can't bring myself to post about something that we could make with our hands, when our hearts are aching for the families of the lost children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Instead what I will post is in tribute to the little Angels and brave souls.  This incident is one of the worst things I can remember.  I can't imagine being a parent to one of the little kids who lost their lives that day.  The thought keeps running through my mind, "What would I have done if that was me?"

All I can do, is let it be a learning lesson for me.  It should be a learning lesson for all of us.  Life is short and our time on Earth is limited.  I hug my kids tighter and tell them I love them over and over since the tragic day.  This incident has had such an impact on not only myself, but countless individuals around the U.S.  While shopping and working, I no longer look at small children as just cute little people, they now look like precious, fragile, little angels.  Their parents are being kinder and more patient with them.  They are holding their little ones' hands or cuddling them in their arms, as opposed to plopping them in the carts and giving them iPads to play with.  I see a shift in parents' affection towards their small ones, and it's sad that it took something so inhumane to open our eyes.  I can see God working through it, and changing hearts.  He is always close to us, and constantly reminds us of His love.

God took his little ones home instantly.  It brings comfort to me knowing that they are with our Father.  They are safe now.  What hurts my heart is the loss that their families must feel.  My daily prayer is that God pours his love and protection on all of the families involved for the rest of their lives.  That He shows them that His plan (although we don't understand it) is perfect for each one of us, and that when we get to Heaven it will all make sense.  I can't wait for the day when evil is defeated and banished from our presence forever.  God is Good and Forever shall He Reign.

Stocking Stuffers for under $20 bucks!

Shop these items below

Hello, I'm Natalie...and I'm an Amazon woman.  Yes, I enjoy shopping on my electronic devices.  I browse at all hours of the day.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a problem.  I'm hopelessly addicted to online shopping.  I say it beats the heck out of rush hour traffic, and playing bumper carts with frazzled people.

With that being said, I'd thought I'd share some of my little finds with YOU.  Let's just say I've taken some of the work away for you, and picked out ten nifty little items that make perfect adult stocking stuffers (or gifts) for him/her.

And the kicker is, they are all less than 20 buckaroos!  Maybe you are searching for little extra tidbit gifts like I am.  Well, look no further...these are some great deals!  As a matter of fact, a couple of them are less than $5 bucks!  Happy shopping divas!

Holiday Memories

White winters in Las Vegas are few and far between.  When they do occur, we make the most of it.  We build little snowmen, throw on a scarf and mittens, and sometimes there is even enough snow that sticks so that you can actually sled down a hill (if you can find one).  There was only one time (when I was a wee girl) that we actually spent a holiday at a cabin in the snow.  This photo actually brings back memories of that time long ago when we stayed in Big Bear, California.

I can remember it being picturesque and serene.  All of the chimneys had white smoke streaming from their tops.  All the kids sledded, while the adults sipped hot cocoa while watching from the porches.  There is something about snuggling up in a cozy cabin while the snow is falling outdoors.  The hugs feel warmer, the food tastes better, and a crackling fire...well, there is no other sound you'd rather hear.  If I had the chance to do it again...I'd probably add a nice hot soak in a tub to the list :-)

There is nothing like a walk down memory lane during the holiday season.  Tell me, what is your favorite Holiday destination?

Cinnamon Donut Holes

Welcome Ladies (and gentlemen) to my kitchen as I put my little spin on monkey bread and donut holes.  My reasons for coming up with this little concoction are many.  First, my son LOVES monkey bread and begs me to make it nearly every weekend.  Second, my tummy was rumbling and my taste buds were craving cinnamon rolls.  Third, I had plenty of baking supplies to play with in my pantry and my fridge thanks to Thanksgiving and my crescent roll splurge at Costco.

Perhaps you have these ingredients still taking up much needed space, and your tummy is a rumbling as well.  In that case, Cinnamon Donut Holes are a perfect remedy.

Ingredients

Donut Holes

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Pillsbury crescent roll packs
•  1/4 cup butter

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1- 8oz pack of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1 cup of confectioners sugar
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix sugars and cinnamon in a bowl till combined.

Take individual crescent sections and roll them into balls.  The dough will be moist and sticky.  You roll each ball in the sugar mixture until completely coated and place into a 8x9 greased baking dish like so...

Next, you will melt 1/4 cup of butter and add it to the sugar mixture.  Stir until it has a caramel consistency.  Pour evenly over the donut holes.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until browned.

While the donut holes are baking, you can work on the frosting.  In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.  Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar until nice and smooth.

When the donut holes are cooled they should pull apart easily.  Plate individual servings and place a dollop of frosting on top!  Yum!  

It's a tasty and easy dessert that puts the word comfort in "comfort food".  It's also perfect for Christmas morning, or a cold winter's night...Enjoy!

I'm linked up at...

My DIY Pick of the Week - 12/10/12

Good Afternoon Dolls!

My DIY pick of the week belongs to Amy over at Woodlawn Lane, for her amazing DIY Upholstered Headboard.  I can't tell you how many times I've viewed a "version" of an upholstered headboard and thought to myself, "I'm going to try that".  I had just really had no idea of how to tackle it.  

Amy made the impossible...possible!  Her tutorial is easy to follow and there are also other crafty tidbits on her blog that you could very easily wish to add to your to-do list.  Not to mention, that her entire room makeover is to die for, the headboard was just the cherry-on-top!

So hop on over to Woodlawn Lane and give Amy a visit.  You won't be sorry, just be prepared to lose at least an hour taking in her ideas and giving her blog a look see!  Thank you Amy for sharing your expertise!

Dressing up for the Holidays

So it is no surprise that blog land is filled to the brim with homes that are decked out for Christmas.  It is my favorite time of year to blog surf for that very reason.  However, as we deck the halls and trim the tree, I can't help but wonder if I'm the only one thinking about what I'll be wearing this Christmas and New Year's Eve.

I've been doing most of my shopping online this year, and I've been app browsing as well.  Shop Style is one of my favorite apps to browse.  Not only do they have apparel and accessories from nearly every store and designer, but they also have items for your home (hot dog)!

I'm tossing around ideas for my look this Holiday season, some of which include...

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Have I mentioned that I have a "thing" for pencil skirts?  

These tulle skirts are just screaming at me "Buy me, buy me"

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Of course I could always play it down a little and opt for a pretty sweater...

(Oh and just so you know ladies, I've seen this beauty for sale at Costco for $24.99.)

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I could even combine a sweater and a skirt.

The options are endless!

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Whatever the choice ends up being I know it will be classic.  Happy Shopping Ladies!