5 on Friday

Cheers to the lovely lady creators of this 5 on Friday link-up (hiii Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha!)!!

[Planned ahead and wrote this post on Tuesday! But I already know so many of the week's faves!
Sharing nonetheless...! Cheers!!]

YES. AND AMEN.

I heard this analogy before...but I hadn't seen it in an ecard yet until I spotted it on Ashley's blog Monday morning!! It completely epitomizes my brain ALL the time...especially on a week like this one when we are traveling!

Source : a & o on the go : Check out sweet Ashley's blog!! :)

PACKING

Although packing adds to the situation above, I love packing for our little family of three. (Yes, I pack for my husband and Amelia). I love that the hubs trusts me to pack for him completely...and, let's be real...I love having control of the outfit situation. I said it. But it's mutually beneficial because he'd rather me pack for him anyway!!!! :)

I may have gotten a little giddy deciding on our Thanksgiving outfits.
Read more about them in this post from earlier this week!

VON TRAPP WANNABES

Y'all know I watched the Making of the Sound of Music (Carrie's version) on Wednesday night (duh). I also came across this gem from a few Christmases ago with all of my cousins.

...And in this picture we are channeling our inner Von Trapp family...lined up from youngest to oldest.
We love each other a whole lot. And we are ridiculous together.

 

GAMES

It is no secret that I have loved games my whole life. I'm not a competitve person -- I just think games are plain ol' fun. Every holiday season, us cousins coax our aunts and uncles and grandparents into playing with us. We have the most fun. And there are always tears because of how hard we are laughing!!

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Our family favorites are Apples to Apples, Scattegories, Scrabble, and especially CELEBRITY. Does anyone else play that? You don't need a game board or anything for it. Just some paper, pens, and a hat for shuffling it all up. It's a mix of Catchphrase, Charades, and Password combined into one game. It gets really heated (and hilarious) when our family plays.... :)

HEALTH 

The best for last...I could not be more thankful that my sissy is much healthier this year. She handled Thanksgiving in the hospital last year like a champ. This was after surgery 1 and a day before emergency surgery 2.  SO THANKFUL sissy and I are together at the farm this year!!!

Thanksgiving 2012

Couldn't admire my sissy more!

Read more about Hope's story here and here.

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Happy Thanksgiving (one day later)!!!

When thing are great,

AND when circumstances aren't as we like them,

we have eternal joy in salvation through Jesus Christ!

 Let's spread that joy this season and throughout the year!

Blessings and love and joy to you and yours this holiday season!!

Love y'all!

Thanksgiving Style

--For Mark--Cardigan (Polo - Confession: We bought it in Turkey...I only see similar ones on ebay. ;)) // Button down - got it for 75% off at Belk! (Nautica) // Khaki-colored jeans (Calvin Klein - similar pair here)  

P.S. ...The love for cardigans is all Mark. I have to admit...I had to warm up to the idea of them on guys at first. And now I'm obsessed. He could not look cuter in them!!! He won me over a couple of years ago by looking so stinkin' handsome wearing his cardigan in some of our engagement pictures!! (And the way he says "caahh-digan" is also precious.) Now I'm the man cardigans #1 fan.

 --For Elise--All of these are several years old and not found online anymore! Dress (Nanette Lepore - And it's my sister's. I give credit where credit is due :)) // Crochet Leggings (Forever 21) // Boots (Jessica Simpson) // Necklace TBD (from my mama's closet)  ---------------------------------- 

I had so much fun packing for us to head home for Thanksgiving!! I pack for all of us (Amelia included). I can admit that I love having control over the outfit situation for the hubs. But it is mutually beneficial for us because he'd rather not have to pack anyway. Win-win. :) I'm sure one day far away when we have lots of little Houston kiddos running around, I won't appreciate packing for everyone as much. But for now...I'm loving it!!

Confession: Pinterest inspired my outfit...

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1) Because I always love ANYTHING leopard.2) Because I am also planning on incorporating champs into my life on Thanksgiving. Cheers!3) Because the leopard dress I chose is flowy, comfy, and who doesn't want to wear leggings on Thanksgiving?! 4) ...And I am hoping to borrow a fancy necklace of sorts from my mama's jewelry drawer to complete the Pinterest inspiration look!  Can't wait to see yall's Thanksgiving looks too!  

Safe travels to all of you who are heading here and there for the holiday!!

 

these are a few of my favorite things {stocking stuffers}

 

It's that time again!!!!!

Grab the button above, link it back to Cheers Y'all and Down with the Dearmore's, & share your stocking stuffers...for you/anyone/everyone!

(For more detailed instructions...check our this post!)

Here are my favorite stocking stuffers this year...

 one // The cross. Gold. Love this bangle! two // I am obsessed with this custom address stamp! I should've ordered it sooner for Christmas cards. Still on my list though...I adore it!  three // [Doesn't even need an explanation.] four // My favorite underwear. Because we all can always use an extra pair. Good thing I don't have to worry getting these because Panty Claus visits my family every year. (A weird/creepy/yet awesome family tradition. They come with a bathroom-themed original Christmas carol that you have to sing out loud. On camera. I can't make these things up.) five // Daintiest, cutest knitted ear winter headband. Love the subtle bow. They come in many colors! Thank you, Etsy. six // My most favorite bracelets: Lily and Laura! I have 3 that I wear all the time. More than fair trade wages are given back to the women in Nepal who weave them. Read more about this awesome company with an inspiring cause on their website!  seven // A charitable donation...to any charity near and dear to your heart. Of course I picked the above in honor of my sister, Hope.[Read more about Hope's story here and here.] eight // We always get candy in our stockings. I learned just a few days ago that my hubs got one of these in his stocking every year growing up. My stocking candy of choice? A cow tale. Anyone ever heard of that?! ;)  Can't wait to see your ideas!Don't forget to join us for the last link-up of the series as well! [We'll be sharing <$100 gifts for ANYONE on your list!]  Link-up, buttercups!

bits of weekend thankfulness + a discount code

Hey friends! Happy Monday! I hope this little post finds you well, relaxed, rested, and full of gratitude as we approach Thanksgiving!! :)

Did y'all see this picture I posted yesterday on Insta?

How cozy and lovely was my day yesterday!? I am thankful for our sweet little fireplace. It's something we didn't have in Charlotte, so I am just treasuring its goodness and warmth!! :) 

I added some free tree trimmings to the mantel on Saturday thanks to the merry man at Home Depot who offered them to us (after I told him I was only visiting the Christmas tree tent for the smell...we'll buy our tree next weekend). Loved that little surprise!! 

Let's focus on gratitude for the little things this week. Like fireplaces and tree trimmings and the smells of the holidays. And of course, let's remember gratitude in all of the big things too!! 

And guess what...?! I have a little way to show my gratitude and thanksgiving for y'all!!!

The Cheers Y'all shop moved to Etsy this weekend (EEEE!)...and to celebrate our opening, y'all get 15% your canvas order using the code ETSYOPENING. Visit the new and improved shop here!!

Oh, and don't forget to join Jen and I tomorrow for part 2 of 3 of our Favorite Things link-up! Instructions here!! If you didn't catch the 70+ of us (!!!! so thankful!) last Tuesday, join us tomorrow! Can't wait!!!! 

etsy shop opening!!!

Hey there sweet friends!!

BIG NEWS...

Cheers Y'all [the shop] is now on Etsy!!!

Find the link in the "etsy shop" tab above or right here!

MERRY, MERRY! 

Hope this gold loveliness finds its way to your Christmas mantel soon!!

Oh!!...want a coupon code for your order?! :)

Follow Cheers Y'all on Facebook or Instagram to get the code!!!

5 on Friday

Cheers to the lovely lady creators of this 5 on Friday link-up (hiii Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha!)!!

CARRIE + THE SOUND OF MUSIC
I know I'm a goob in general, but I literally teared up and got chills when I saw this commercial on tv. Then I immediately googled and watched every preview available on NBC...and the tears started. Yep, I told you I'm a goob. I can't help it.

The tears flowed at "Thhheeeee hiiiilllllssss are aaliiiiiiiiive..." I love me some Carrie Underwood. And The Sound of Music is my favorite movie of all time. (Fun fact: When I was in 4th grade, I was Marta in my school's upper school musical. Ha!) I am so so so so excited to watch this!!! And speaking of songs from The Sound of Music...

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS {the link up!}
HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!! Did y'all blow us away or WHAT?! Jen and I couldn't believe how many of you sweeties joined us!!!! We've been texting through the past few days like "WHAAAAAT?!" I mean, we would've been over the moon for ten of you to link up with us. So thank you for making our weeks with all of this linky FUN!

CHEERS*, dear friends! From both of us!
[*Cheers also means "thank you!" The story behind my blog name is here!]
And for those still linking after I made this..thank y'all too! Still growing!! It's not too late to linkylink!

Tuesday we'll link up for stocking stuffers. Think little trinkets of happiness! Then the final installment will be gifts <$100...for anyone! This will help you with those hard-to-buy folks on your list!

Wanna join the rest of us and link up?! All the info you need is right here!

THOSE PJs...

Remember the pjs I wrote about last week that were on sale? Well, I bought them. I asked Mark if he would buy them for me for Christmas. He told me no...because he didn't want to wait till Christmas to have me wearing them! Swoon. Who knew the hubby would think flannel pajamas are so darn cute? Bless him.

No pupjamas to share this week. But a pup on my new pink pajamas works too. ;)

They're still on sale here if you waaaant themmmm....!

BUSTING OUT THE DECORATIONS!
I always decorate before Thanksgiving. I want to give my darling Christmas decor as much time outside of the attic as possible! So far I've only begun with our mantel. I'm loving it so far. Can't wait to hang the stockings! Here's to keeping our eyes set on Jesus through the holiday season as well as through every other time of year!

Want to know more about the banner/garland/bunting/whatever you wanna call it?

I shared this DIY yesterday. And PS, it was <$5 to make.

PANTHERS MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Football is the only sport I truly enjoy watching (which is a total sin to say out loud as a Tar Heel. I know. I'm sorry. I'm owning it.) I've been a Panthers fan since the Panthers began. I grew up going to the games with my Dad (until my brother who is 11 years younger was old enough to go and booted me out of my daddy-daughter football dates. Bummer.).

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Needless to say, I looooved going out to watch the game on Monday.

I also love that I've ignited an "American football" fan in my English hubs. Woopwoop!

...He even asked Santa for a Panthers jersey this Christmas. :)

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As always...thanks for reading, friends!
Don't forget to link up with us on Tuesday for the best little stocking stuffers!!

Keep in touch, dolls!!

DIY Christmas Banner [for under $5]

Yes, that's right. I started decorating last weekend. Started!...I haven't finished yet. Mostly because Mark wanted to watch football, and I cannot bear decorating without blaring Christmas music throughout the house. ;)

I was most excited about getting our mantel set up. So that, of course, is where I began.

Y'all know I'm always up for a good deal. I found a great one for you to recreate for your mantels!!! It's super easy...thanks to a magical thing called gold glitter stickers. Here's how I did it!

Supplies

string/yarn

scrapbook paper (or your backing of choice)

gold glitter sticker letters (I got mine at Michaels)

scissors

tape

I chose this scrapbook paper from Michaels because of the gold pattern...and mostly because there was a sale on scrapbook paper. But more on the price stuff later! ;) There are sooo many different paper options to choose from! A close 2nd to this one was a cute paper with Christmas trees in the background!! And 3rd was alternating between red and green paper...but I couldn't part with my current gold obsession.

Instructions

1. Choose your cutout shape. I used triangles for our fall banner, so I chose this flag-like pattern for our Chrismas banner.

2. Trace the pattern onto the scrapbook paper keeping each flag as close together as possible.

3. Cut!

4. Use the beautiful, sparkly gold stickers to spell whichever phrase you choose! (But check on the back of the pack first to make sure there are enough letters for your creation! For instance, I used up all of the pack's Rs for meRRy chRistmas!

5. Use tape to connect the paper with the yarn. Space evenly between the yarn, leaving extra room at the ends for hanging.

6. Hang that beauty! Merry, merry!! 

 Our Christmas mantel! Next to-do: hang the stockings!

Now onto the price deets...because we don't want to spend over $5, do we?! :)

- I got the scrapbook paper 6 pieces for $1 on sale at Michael's. I only used 3 pieces! The regular price is .60 cents.

- The gold letters were $5.99 (eek!) BUT I used my 40% off 1 item coupon. This week they upped it to 50% one item! So go get those letters! I usually just google "Michaels coupon" on my phone at the store, and the cashier rings up the coupon straight from my phone. You can also find the 50% off coupon here.

- I already had the string from my fall banner, so there was no spending there! 

Here is the grand total...as proven by the receipt! WOOHOO!

Make sure to share your pictures with me if you create a lovely Christmas banner yourself!! Can't wait to see your creations, lovelies!!!

these are a few of my favorite things {my list}

 

OHHHH HAPPY DAY!

It's linky-linkup time! 

Grab the button above, link it back to Cheers Y'all and Down with the Dearmore's, & share your list!!!! We wanna see!

(For more detailed instructions...check our this post!)

Now...onto my Favorite Things Christmas list for 2013!

 one // Neutral. Christmas tree. Monogoram. Throw pillow. So many things I love in one single item!!!(I really love the other monogram pillows on this site too...!! I want to put two on our bed: one with Mark's monogram and one with mine.) two // This is one example of every awesome form of cross clothing out there! I really love them all. I have a pink and red thin, flowy cross tee that I love to wear, but I would love some more snugly cross clothes for this season!  three // One of the thousands of things I learned from my pastor in Charlotte was to memorize your vows and repeat them to yourself (and your spouse!) often. So I all but swooned when I saw this gold and white print pop up on Pinterest. It would be the perfect addition to our neutral colored bedroom! four // Speaking of our bedroom, this is another addition I've had my eye on for a while. These remind me of my Mimi and Papaw's farm house. Mimi has several, and they were my favorite thing to nap on as a kiddo (and still now...)! So they make me nostalgic and they're such a fun texture and neutral for our bedroom. I'd love them on either side of our bed for us to put our bare feetsies on when we wake up in the morning. And this faux sheepskin Ikea version...ca-ching. That's a deal. Yes, please! five // I've been saying I'm going to buy this for all too long now. I have heard so many wonderful things about it. A must read in 2014 for me. MUST read. :) six // You might remember this from my 5 on Friday post. I haven't stopped thinking about it since!! It cracks me up. And epitomizes my homebody-ness. Yeah, the couch in this shirt and yoga pants sounds like a great night to me! seven // I love me some Pottery Barn, but I also love me some PB Teen and PB Kids. This pillow is fresh out of the most lovely PB Teen collection ever. This pillow is my favorite item from the collection, and you can probably guess why. Yep...gold, neutral, and (!!) because it makes me think of England. People say "lovely" there a lot more than they do here. This sweet little word on a pillow reminds me of our family and friends across the pond! eight  (diffuser - essential oils) // This is my big, expensive wish list gift. This thing rocks. I love me some essential oils. And seriously y'all...it makes your house smell like a spa. In the purest way! Essential oils only! Might be #8 in this post, but it's #1 on my list!!!  Can't wait to see your list ideas, lovelies!!!Don't forget to join us for the next 2 Tuesdays as well!  Link-up, buttercups!