Of course we were still able to get a few cute moments out of our time. Liana helped me bake the cookies in the top picture, which I brought into work to share with my coworkers. Ashton squeezed her into her Christmas pajamas from last year which is why they say 'my first Christmas'. They are size 9-12 months and last year they were way too big on her (she was eight months old) and this year they were too small (she was twenty months old), but they are super cute and have her name embroidered on them! One of Liana's favorite Christmas gifts is her toy kitchen. She has played with it every day since Christmas morning and, as you can see, she likes to stick her head in the microwave! Finally, in the bottom picture Liana is rinsing her toothbrush after brushing her teeth. She slides her potty over to the sink and brushes her teeth all by herself. She loves it! Also, how cute are her little slippers that I got her for Christmas?

How did you and your family fare this holiday season? I hope your family had better luck than mine! x

Hello November!

We all know that October sparks the beginning of autumn's festive nature with color changing foliage, the pumpkin spice craze, and the first appearance of boots in our wardrobe. But the autumnal coziness is undeniably evident in November, with the addition of sweaters and scarves, crunchy leaves, more crisp air, and, of course, we can't forget the delectable comfort feast that is Thanksgiving.

I'll admit that I am not the biggest fan of cold weather. I get cold fairly easily, so I tend to stay inside as autumn approaches. But everything outside is so nice to look at during this time of year. This may be a New England thing, or maybe just a New Hampshire thing, but I grew up around the tradition of "leaf peeping." That is, hopping in the car and going for a long ride just to witness the sheer beauty of the changing foliage. Am I the only one who enjoys this? Yes? Alright then.... moving on.

As for staying in, who doesn't love warming their hands on a cup of cocoa while bundled under a cozy fleece blanket and enjoying a romantic comedy with your partner? I would, except that romantic comedies aren't Ashton's thing, so we usually end up watching Law and Order SVU, Top Gear, or a stand-up comedy. But hey, a girl can dream, right? And pass me a cookie that I can dunk in my cocoa!

Two other hobbies come to mind during this time of year: baking and reading. I absolutely melt over baked goods and love when the scent fills the whole house. Muffins, scones, donuts, pies.... I'll have to do some research and whip up a good recipe to share. A great way to appreciate your warm baked goods is over that book you got earlier this year but haven't found time to read yet. I'm currently looking forward to picking up my copy of Girl Online by Zoe Sugg. I actually received it as a Christmas gift last year and have yet to open it up, but I've heard a million and one great things about it, so that is definitely on my to do list this season.

This year I am five months pregnant as we welcome the autumn season. What a great time to dress my expanding bump in some cozy new sweaters to keep warm. I've been craving a shopping trip and I feel this is the perfect excuse! I'm on the hunt for some black maternity pants that I can wear to work and some sweaters that aren't knitted and see-through (I have a habit of picking out cute knitted sweaters that require a perfectly matching undershirt to show through the holes). I'd also love some new leggings (who wouldn't?) and yoga pants to wear at home. If I'm feeling glamorous I'd like to splash a little autumn color on my nails since they've been lacking attention. Maybe I'll get a little festive with them around Christmas as well!

What are your favorite things about autumn?
Do you have traditions or activities that you look forward to during this time of year?