2018 Best Nine

2018 is coming to a close! This year was one of the most eventful of my entire life and while these nine moments do tell part of the story this year, there is a lot these quick nine photos don’t share as well. But starting with what is included β€” lots of highlights! Dale graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, matched at KU Med in Kansas City, we celebrated our three year wedding anniversary, had an amazing time in Europe (and on a few other trips!), and I had a great year of growth and new opportunities at Hallmark. The part that is missing is all the ups and downs that came along with these events.

Letters Are Lovely | 2018 Best Nine

Change can be exhilarating and exhausting. On top of all these huge life event we bought our first house, dealt with the death of my childhood kitty, Bonnie, and spent countless ordinary days with family and friends that were some of my favorite moments of the year. I’m thankful for 2018 and all the growth, and now I’m also fully ready to ring in this new year!


December Around The Web

Hello, friends! December is always a whirlwind and this month I was extra grateful to be able to spend so much time with family and friends. We celebrated my mom’s birthday, I went to a gingerbread decorating party, went to several other holiday parties (including one with Dale’s co-workers, an ornament exchange with college friends and the Jingle Ball), and ended the month with all our traditional Christmas festivities. I also love all the holiday inspiration around the web this time of year. While some of these finds will have to be put on hold until next year they are just as lovely!

  • First up, this adorable A-Frame DIY. Definitely on the list to make for next Christmas!

  • Also, these cookies.

  • One of my favorite Christmas presents I received. Our kitty Otto has been extra ornery lately, only fair to warn visitors.

  • Hoping to make this recipe with the pecans I received this season from my mother-in-law.

  • My all-time favorite pants in a new pattern.

  • Already re-labeled all my spices with this handy label maker!

  • Loved this article, Dale and I watch Love Actually every Christmas Eve Eve when we exchange our gifts.

  • Just what I need to head into the new year.

  • Maybe Miami needs to be on my travel wish list for 2019?

  • This recipe is one of my new favorites, easy and healthy.

Happy Holidays!


November Around The Web

Hi, friends! I took last week off from the blog to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family. I love all the traditions during this season, and we were lucky that Dale had the day off on Thursday so he could join in all our festivities too! This month I hosted a baby shower for one of my best friends from college, celebrated Friendsgiving twice, and started decorating out house for Christmas for the first time. At work I’ve been busy working on Christmas product for next year, so my holiday spirit is in full swing! This was a also a big shopping month for me as I started buying presents, and a few things for myself as well. This Blue Clay face mask from Herbivore has by far been my favorite beauty find the month:

Letters Are Lovely | November Around The Web
  • Next year I would love to make a wreath or swag for my door during November. I love this swag for inspiration!

  • Grace’s Cat Lady Gift Guide has been one of my favorites so far

  • We have family in Chicago so I am bookmarking this guide for our next visit!

  • The perfect potato soup for a snowy day in, my favorite recipe we tried this month

  • My New Year’s plans may need to include a champagne tower this year…

  • Beautiful Fall color inspiration

  • I never would have paired disco balls and died palm leaves, but it’s a new favorite

  • Cocktail tray inspiration perfect for December parties

  • Last, but definitely not least, we have started a few updates on our kitchen! I just ordered this sink and faucet, so a full recap after we finish is coming (hopefully) soon!

Thankful for you!