Merry Christmas, baby!

Wishing you joy on this Christmas day and everyday! 

Love, 

The Hamiltons 

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. - Luke 2:11

Five on Friday: Chistmas-y things

How in the world it's already December 18, I have no idea. This Christmas season has just absolutely flown and I feel like we haven't really done the Christmas-y things we usually do! (Other than watch Love Actually: that is a must. Anyway.) We've been so busy with work, making progress in the nursery, and a smattering of Christmas events that I would love to have a weekend to just relax in our own home, sit by the tree sipping hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies but I don't think it's in the cards this year. Maybe next year when we have a 10 month old?? (HA!)

ONE. 
Being in my third trimester, I didn't have the energy to put up alllll the Christmas decor I normally do. Notably absent: our second Christmas tree, aka the "fun" tree with all our random ornaments from over the years. Truly, it was more the thought of me taking everything down at 36 weeks pregnant that sealed the deal for fewer decorations than normal! But here's our tree and stockings: THREE little stockings this year! So exciting.

TWO. 
Christmas Cards are my FAVORITE! I hope this tradition never, ever goes away. Or goes to an all-eCard format. Oh, the horror! Our cards are en route from Shutterfly as we speak and I plan to bust them out over the weekend.

Our cards and Advent calendar/tree

THREE. 
Parties, parties everywhere. Between company parties, cookie swaps, book clubs and family stuff, 'Tis The SEASON for sweets and overeating. Gotta say: living gluten free definitely removes a lot of the temptation!

FOUR. 
The nursery is really taking shape! I can't wait to get it all done, but for now I'm happy with the progress we've made in such a short amount of time (about 5 weeks). All the furniture has arrived, it's painted, I've found a rug I don't hate and the decor is starting to come together. When it's done, I know it will be my favorite room in the house.

FIVE. 
Here's a sneak peek at our maternity photos (that doubled as our Christmas card shoot). It was fun to document this sweet season with a pregnant belly and I know we will cherish these photos forever! Will share the rest soon :)

ENJOY the last week before Christmas and remember the reason for the season!
xo
KH

Linking up with

 April, Christina, Natasha and Darci! 

On my wish list & gift list

It's on, girls: the race to Christmas. I hate to call it that, but it's the truth! If you started shopping before Thanksgiving, good for you! I usually have about half of my shopping done by now but have been a little distracted by baby stuff to get too much done. But, I do have an idea of what I'm buying for those on my list, especially the ladies (is it just me, or is shopping for men the hardest thing EVER?).

This year, as I do most years, I plan to gift a lot of monogrammed items. Truly, this is the best way to say "I really thought about you and what I was going to buy you because monogramming isn't instantaneous." Amiright? Buying monogrammed gifts definitely requires a little foresight; you can't swing by the mall en route to the Christmas party and pick up a last-minute monogrammed gift. And it's special, because it's basically one-of-a-kind.

As I've done the last two years, I plan to purchase several Christmas gifts from Marley Lilly. ML has the best selection ANYWHERE of monogrammables, has a pretty quick turnaround time, has a low threshold for free shipping ($50!), and almost always offers a free gift with purchase. And they are HQ'd right here in the Palmetto State, and it feels good to support a local business!

Here is my top list of things I'm wanting from Santa...and that I will probably gift to others!

ONE. Monogrammed Tassel Keychain
Let's start with the basics: a lovely monogrammed disk with your choice of 22 color combos between the tassel and disk. I LOVE my orange one because, hello, Go Gators! This gift is perfect for basically anyone - teachers, co-workers or boss, babysitter, mom, friend, MIL, December graduate, etc. The real beauty of gifting a keychain is that it's ONE SIZE FITS ALL! That takes the awkward out of the situation. And right now it's $12.99 so you can buy one for all of the above.

TWO. Monogrammed Herringbone Vest
I've been wanting this black-and-white vest for 2 years and I just need to buy it already! But Marley Lilly complicated life when they added the tan option. Which to get?? Either way, this vest is classic, goes with anything, and can be worn to the office or on the trail. Also, this is currently on sale for $39.99, the cheapest I've seen it ($30 off!).

THREE. Monogrammed Scoop Sweatshirt Tunic
This thing looks crazy comfy. If I paired this with maternity leggings, I doubt I'd ever wear anything else (sounds like danger ahead to me). I love that this is long enough to cover your behind when wearing leggings, and looks cute with flats, Bean boots, wellies or sandals. This is a great gift for anyone who likes to be comfortable. $39.99.

FOUR. Monogrammed Printed Pullover
I love the orange and navy pattern on this pullover (close enough to Gator colors!). My mom could use a new gameday top or two, so this would be perfect for her! $69.99

FIVE. Monogrammed Baby Bloomers
Now that we have finally decided on a name for baby girl (will reveal soon!), I want to monogram EVERYTHING. To me, nothing is sweeter than little monogrammed bloomers! Love the seersucker fabric - so classicly Southern - and love that they're only $19.99.

Hopefully this list will give you some ideas as you finish up (you overachiever, you) or, eh, just start your Christmas shopping. Happy shopping!

xo
KH


Marley Lilly provided a product sample for this post, but the opinions are mine...and I really love ML!