Find Beauty Friday

Happy Friday! Today I am linking up with Aimee for Find Beauty Friday!

This Friday, as I am experiencing my first real winter with temps in the negatives to 20 degrees for the highs, I'm dreaming about our travels earlier this year, and the warmer weather!

Today, I share with you a piece of Ireland. We stayed in Killarney, you may remember the Killarney National Park as one of the scenes from the movie, P.S. I love you, where they meet at first.
They also had the most beautiful Catholic church in the town, which is where I share the beauty with you, on this Friday morning! Warning, I made this photo as big as I could! Enjoy!

 

Hope you guys have a great weekend!

25 Holiday Questions, you know you want to answer these too!

 

I just woke up from sleeping 12 hours, TWELVE! This never happens people! I get back spasms pretty much every hour and they will wake me up, cause me to get hot, then I have to find the comfortable spot with half sheet, half quilt covering me, and then get back to sleep. It's a process! And I normally sleep 7 hours. BUT TWELVE! I'm so happy, I woke up thanking the Lord above something fierce for this gift of sleep! That being said, I have to tackle household cleaning today, finish a few orders, wrap a few gifts, and then try to be proactive on upcoming projects and blog posts! I think I can, I think I can!

Today's blog post is a fun one! I love Christmas and the birth of my Savior, Jesus, which is the reason for the season, but it's still fun to do a list of Holiday questions! Here goes!

 

25 Questions: Holiday Style

• Eggnog or hot chocolate?

EGGNOG! My Grandmother, God rest her soul, made the most incredible eggnog from scratch. She would also add quite a bit of whiskey, which kept you warm she said. People would come to her house just for the eggnog! I was lucky enough to watch her many times and write down the recipe!

• Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

"Santa" a.k.a. ME, wraps them and puts them under the tree. We don't have kids to hide them from, but it's hard for me not to spill the beans, so the faster their wrapped and under there, the less tempted I am at revealing them before Christmas!

• Colored lights on tree/house or white?

White lights are my favorite, but I do like the bright purple colored ones! I feel like they just came out with that color- right?

• Do you hang mistletoe?

I never have! I probably should!

• When do you hang your decorations up?

This year, I hung them up super early so we could enjoy them more! I don't believe in the whole waiting until after Thanksgiving because that's not even a month! And I want to and would rather celebrate Jesus' birthday longer than separating it from Thanksgiving. (I'm part Cherokee)

• What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

We don't really have/haven't made any traditions as far as Christmas holiday food yet. Thanksgiving's menu is pretty traditional.

• Favorite holiday memory as a child?

Traveling from Atlanta to Louisiana so we could be with all of our family is my favorite memory.

• What is on your Christmas wish list?

Mainly my favorite candle, Circle E Candle, in Peace scent! LOVEEE ITTT

• Do you open a gifts on Christmas Eve?

Nope not usually.

• How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Same as anyone does, ornaments, bows, no ribbon. This year the colors are an ice blue, red and a few green ornaments.

• Snow? Love it or dread it?

I would've said love it being that I never really had snow longer than a day every other year. But, now that I live here, I'm starting to turn to the dark side and say..... dread!

• Real tree or fake tree?

Mine is a fake white one. I would love a real one, but too much mess, fire hazards, smallish apartment.

• Do you remember your favorite gift?

Hmm I can’t think of one particular favorite, Christmas is about so much more than gifts and I really dislike the fact that I have to get more gifts on Christmas than on people's actual birthday! You could make me something out of pipe cleaners and I'd be just as touched as if it were diamonds!

• What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?

Celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior with family! How incredibly blessed are we that God gave his only son for us to have everlasting life?

• What is your favorite holiday dessert?

EGGNOG!

• What is your favorite tradition?

As I mentioned before, we haven't really made our own traditions yet, but we will!

• What tops your tree?

I have a big red glittery bow on there now. I haven't found the perfect angel.

• Do you prefer giving or receiving?

GIVING! I love making people happy!

• What is your favorite Christmas song?

Oh Holy Night, it makes me tear up every.single.time.

• Candy canes, yuck or yum?

Yummm

• Favorite Christmas movie?

Umm, The Grinch! The cartoon one. I've loved it since I was a child!

• What do you leave for Santa?

Nothing!

• Do you have a Christmas morning tradition?

Not yet. I want to make one with Chris now.

• Do you prefer to shop on-line or at the mall?

Online! Or mall if it's before Thanksgiving!

• Christmas letter or Christmas card?

Christmas card. Although the more I get from others are picture ones. So I guess I'll jump on the bandwagon next year and send out picture cards!

What are your favorite things? Comment below! Especially comment if you are going to do the holiday questions so I can go read yours!

Recapping

Many of you already know, I visited my family in Louisiana for Thanksgiving. I had a great time and it was much needed. I feel like Cajun people are just so different than anyone else. For instance, you drive down any 2 lane road and everyone automatically waves at each other. It's sort of protocol. Everywhere else I have lived, not just Illinois, people in the other car will look at you like you are crazy if you wave at them! Maybe it's just different and I shouldn't think to much into it, so I won't. Sufficed to say, every once in a while I need my Cajun batteries recharged, so I pack a bag and head to La.

This trip was laid back with tons of delicious Cajun food I can't get anywhere else, so I did enjoy myself! I also didn't take as many pictures as I would've liked, but I'll share a few with you!

The sound of really loud Oinking woke me up one morning. Since it is the country, you never know when the neighbor's pigs will break out and eat the pecans out of your yard.

 
 



Needless to say, we couldn't finish our cupcakes due to a sugar coma.

 

Taking crazy photos with your Goddaughter is mandatory these days.

If you are ever in Louisiana, and around the Opelousas area, stop in and get some boudin from Ray's. I CRAVE this stuff & my Mom and Brother spoiled me this trip- they had it waiting on me in the truck when I got off the plane! YUM!

 

Seeing your hyperactive nephew shy and not saying a word because you came to eat Thanksgiving lunch (if you want to call that slop a "lunch") with him at his school is priceless!

I hope you guys enjoyed family and friends for Thanksgiving. Now on to Christmas! Is everyone ready- presents wrapped & halls decked?

Let's be friends blog hop!

Welcome to the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

A blog hop is a set time frame for current or aspiring bloggers to find new blogs and quality content. It is a great way to make new friends and find inspiration! It is also a fabulous way to promote your own blog and posts.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 43rd Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

Join us every Tuesday at 9am (MST). This blog hop focuses on content. I love the idea of blog hopping, but I love the idea of reading posts and quality content on new blogs I've never been to even more. Instead of simply linking up your blog button, you are now able to link up your favorite post you recently wrote. Have a delicious recipe to share, DIY tutorial, or heartfelt post? Share it with us! All hosts and co-hosts put up some unique and fun content from the past week. Make sure to check them out. P.S.- you may still link up your blog button and blog name, but it is encouraged to link up your favorite post instead. You will get more page views and interest if you do so! Some of the most successful blog hops I have participate in focus on content rather than just exchanging follows. You never know who will become a loyal follower or pin that delicious new recipe you posted!

The BEST part of this blog hop? Each week there will be a WINNER! That's right, each week we will choose one lucky blog to feature from the previous week's hop. This hop receives thousands of page views every week, so your blog will have the chance to be center stage for free. You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win.

The last exciting change is that the co-host spots will now be available to all sponsors of All My Happy Endings or The Dwelling Tree. If you are interested in co-hosting the blog hop, email Tiffany or Mandi about sponsorship opportunities and how to co-host the weekly hop!

Let's Be Friend's Blog Hop Guidelines

1. Link up your favorite post from your week.

2. Follow your hosts and co-hosts.

3. Grab the button and post it on your blog so we can share the love.

4. Visit 3 other blogs and follow them along!

5. Tweet about this blog hop, using #letsbefriends

6. Pin the button on pinterest so we can spread the news! 

 

<a href="<a href="http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/tiffanycutcliff/media/BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg553/tiffanycutcliff/BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png" border="0" alt=" photo BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png"/></a>"><img src="http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg553/tiffanycutcliff/BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

***Once a week, one blog will be chosen to be the featured blogger from the previous blog hop. You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win.

Meet your hosts:

The Dwelling Tree: Blog, Bloglovin'

All My Happy Endings: Blog, Bloglovin'

  

and your co-hosts:

I am Mrs. K: Blog, Facebook

Simple Moments Stick: Blog, Bloglovin'

Back Home Again: Blog, Bloglovin' 

Artsy Cajun: Blog, Bloglovin'

***This weeks featured post from last week's hop:

Notes from the Nelsens

Maggiano's Rigatoni "D"

Oh, yum. Have you met Heather and Matt at Notes from the Nelsens? They are adorable! I love so many of the recipes they post. This one definitely caught our eye. I love pasta. Especially on cold days like today, where it is zero degrees outside! I want to try making this. Thank you Heather and Matt for your yummy culinary skills. 

Go check out the awesome couple at Notes from the Nelsens. They have great giveaways, fun DIY tutorials, and awesome recipes! 

Keep posting awesome content! You make it so fun for me to read all your posts! 

*Remember YOU can be next weeks winner! :)

We have ourselves a little plan

Good Morning!  Ginny and I have decided that we will stay in the house today, only going outside for  her "needs", we will watch The Sound of Music, we will finish Etsy orders,  write a couple of blog posts and drink pots full of tea all day. Oh, and she may or may not be given a few extra treats just because she's so cute when she wants to cuddle you! 

I hope you guys had a great weekend, and are staying warm! Check out our photos and why we decided to bunker down today!

What did you guys do over the weekend? 

Whirlwind

Good morning!  I'm afraid I won't have an awesome post here today and maybe tomorrow.  I've been visiting my family in Louisiana for the last 2 weeks, and took the red eye last night. I'm exhausted! So for the next couple of days I'll be unpacking and putting away, hopefully a catching up on my rest! See you guys soon!

Let's be friends blog hop

Welcome to the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

A blog hop is a set time frame for current or aspiring bloggers to find new blogs and quality content. It is a great way to make new friends and find inspiration! It is also a fabulous way to promote your own blog and posts.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 42nd Let's Be Friends Blog Hop!

Join us every Tuesday at 9am (MST). This blog hop focuses on content. I love the idea of blog hopping, but I love the idea of reading posts and quality content on new blogs I've never been to even more. Instead of simply linking up your blog button, you are now able to link up your favorite post you recently wrote. Have a delicious recipe to share, DIY tutorial, or heartfelt post? Share it with us! All hosts and co-hosts put up some unique and fun content from the past week. Make sure to check them out. P.S.- you may still link up your blog button and blog name, but it is encouraged to link up your favorite post instead. You will get more page views and interest if you do so! Some of the most successful blog hops I have participate in focus on content rather than just exchanging follows. You never know who will become a loyal follower or pin that delicious new recipe you posted!

The BEST part of this blog hop? Each week there will be a WINNER! That's right, each week we will choose one lucky blog to feature from the previous week's hop. This hop receives thousands of page views every week, so your blog will have the chance to be center stage for free. You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win.

The last exciting change is that the co-host spots will now be available to all sponsors of All My Happy Endings or The Dwelling Tree. If you are interested in co-hosting the blog hop, email Tiffany or Mandi about sponsorship opportunities and how to co-host the weekly hop!

Let's Be Friend's Blog Hop Guidelines

1. Link up your favorite post from your week.

2. Follow your hosts and co-hosts.

3. Grab the button and post it on your blog so we can share the love.

4. Visit 3 other blogs and follow them along!

5. Tweet about this blog hop, using #letsbefriends

6. Pin the button on pinterest so we can spread the news! 

 

<a href="<a href="http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/tiffanycutcliff/media/BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg553/tiffanycutcliff/BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png" border="0" alt=" photo BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png"/></a>"><img src="http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg553/tiffanycutcliff/BlogHopButtonFinal_zps99116d5e.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

***Once a week, one blog will be chosen to be the featured blogger from the previous blog hop. You must follow all the hosts and co-hosts in order to win.

Meet your hosts:

The Dwelling Tree: Blog, Bloglovin'

All My Happy Endings: Blog, Bloglovin'

  

and your co-hosts:

I am Mrs. K: Blog, Facebook

Holli's Hoots and Hollers: Blog, Bloglovin'

Simple Moments Stick: Blog, Bloglovin'

 My Show Amanda: Blog, Facebook

Don't Judge Me: Blog, Facebook

Back Home Again: Blog, Bloglovin' 

Artsy Cajun: Blog, Bloglovin'

***This weeks featured post from last week's hop:

The Jelly Jars

My dear, you are an inconvenience

I have to say, I am having a hard time picking a winner each week. After reading so many of your amazing posts, I stumbled across this post. It made me cry. It is so beautifully put, and moving. Any parent will relate. Even if you are not a parent, this is a heartfelt and lovely read. 

I so relate with this post. Recently, I have been amazed with how difficult parenting is. This was a heart check for me. One of my favorite parts of this post reads: "You get in the way of me.  And that, really, is actually the biggest inconvenience of all.You make abundantly obvious the futility of living a life that revolves around me and is all about me and ends with me."

Check out the blog The Jelly Jars, written by 3 sisters who are trying to preserve their sweet lives on one blog. There is some beautiful content on there.  

All of you- thank you from the depth of my soul for the fabulous content you are sharing! What talent, and how fun is it for me to go through all these posts and read! I have been blown away by all of the posts you put up. I am LOVING getting to know so many of you through your lives, recipes and tutorials.

*Remember YOU can be next weeks winner! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

Give a little thanks

Good morning!  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!  We had the traditional feast, and I'm afraid I was too busy cooking to stop and grab a few pics for you. But- I have a huge picture to share that is sort of Thanksgiving related!
This is my second time donating hair to Locks of Love and it honestly makes me feel humbled and very thankful of my hair. So why not donate it once a year? Such a small sacrifice and its going to make someone or maybe a few someones very happy! I will take better pictures later, so forgive the scrunchy face!

Have you guys donated hair or what kind of charity do you participate in?