December // What I Read

Emily of New Moon 

by L.M. Montgomery 

I began the month reading a L.M. Montgomery classic. Although Montgomery is widely known for her beloved Anne of Green Gables series, she wrote several other works including the Emily of New Moon books. 

A New Christmas Tradition

I recently came across an Iceland Christmas tradition and right away asked Josh if we could incorporate it into our family traditions each year. He sweetly agreed. My parents have already been gifting a new book to each of their kids for a few Christmases now but I adore the idea of Josh and I exchanging a new (or old) book every Christmas Eve and passing that tradition along to our children one day. I am completely, ridiculously sentimental so adding special, unique holiday traditions brings my heart joy. 

My Hearth & Hand Favorite Picks

Like every other Fixer Upper fan, I headed straight for my local Target as soon as the Chip and Joanna Gaines' new home decor line, Hearth and Hand, hit the shelves. I also browsed online for far too long, just soaking in all their beautiful home goods. I went ahead and splurged and picked up a few things, and then returned some of it to the store, and then later picked up a few more things.

Oh, the vicious cycle. 

Holiday Gift Guide and Shopping Small 2017

One of my favorite things about Instagram is discovering small companies. A few of my absolute favorite shops are from stumbling across them while scrolling my feed. I love finding new unique and ethical places to shop. I thought it would be fun to include them in my holiday gift guide this year!

November // What I Read

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter 

by Kate Clifford Larson 

My first book for November was about an iconic Kennedy. I had never known much about Rosemary and after reading this book I now understand why. Rosemary was born with a mental defect and learning disability that left her limited in social situations and stunted her overall development. The story of her birth was very telling as the midwife did not feel comfortable delivering the baby until the doctor arrived. In so doing, she did her best to push the baby back into the womb prohibiting her natural birthing experience. It is believed that this aided in her mental deformity.