Friday Links
It’s been such a wild week, and I am so thankful that the weekend is ahead. Of course, I have far more on my to do list than I’ll ever be able to accomplish, but that’s okay. Top of our list is putting away all the laundry and suitcases from Thanksgiving and trimming the trees. I also have a spa afternoon booked on Sunday, which I am so looking forward to (thank you Groupon for your awesome deals and thank you Matthew for always being so cognizant of giving me “me time”).
We are also going to be doing Elf on a Shelf for the first time this year (starting tomorrow!), so if you have any tips, let me know. I have been blown away by all the ideas on Pinterest. I think I might start an Elf on a Shelf board.
Okay, onto a few favorite links from the week:
The Christmas Party that Almost Wasn’t – This post really resonated with me probably because we are having a housewarming party next week and I feel overwhelmed about it! Remembering that it isn’t about your house being perfect, it’s about building memories and relationships – that is what I am taking to heart.
Fantastic Christmas music – love this list! My most favorite Christmas album is probably Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas
Free Family Advent Christmas Devotional with Jesse Tree Ornaments – I love this devotional from Ann Voskamp – and it’s free. Also, if you have little ones, don’t forget to buy your copy of Truth in the Tinsel. I am excited to gather supplies and get started on ours this weekend.
Just in case you missed it on Cyber Monday, Matthew and I did a video blog about Gut Parenting on Deeper Family. I love inviting you to join us in the living room as we discuss all things parenting.
If you are still Christmas shopping, how about giving a goat? Love Laura’s heart.
And Angie’s post Love Like This was so, so beautiful. A must-read.
Stephanie’s post Perception vs. Reality from earlier this month hit me hard. I felt like she was writing my story in a lot of ways. For every mom who feels a bit crazy. Read it.
One of my favorite Christmas gift deals going on now are these $9.99 VistaPrint photo phone cases. They look awesome and you can’t beat the price. I get compliments on my photo phone case almost every day. (Today is the last day of this sale!)
Also check out the awesome 25% off Gussy Sews sale going on today and tomorrow (use code HOLIDAY25). I’m hoping Matthew sees this and gets me a oatmeal cowl and/or the romantic grey medium zipped pouch.
Happy Friday! May your day and weekend be filled with love and light.
Sweet photo, Jessica! Hope your weekend ahead is a good and productive one!
Having it all planned out makes it even THAT much more fun! I’ve got a Pinterest board here, too – http://www.one-happy-mama.com/2012/11/elf-on-the-shelf-a-freebie.html. Have fun and don’t forget to document it! I’m sure you won’t though! 
Hugs!
I’ve got an Elf on the Shelf freebie here on my blog: http://www.one-happy-mama.com/2012/11/elf-on-the-shelf-a-freebie.html. It’s a calendar FULL of ideas. I even have a blank calendar that you can download if you want to add your own ideas. This is my second year doing it and I would definitely say to have your ideas ready because last year it was stressful at times coming up with places to hide our elf, etc.
Mariah Carey: Squeee! That is probably our all-time favorite album! I can’t count the number of times my daughters and I replayed “All I Want for Christmas” as we danced with joy and laughter until we were out of breath. Sweet, sweet memories! Hope it brings you and your children as many happy moments as well!