Pretty As A Princess

Last night was the wedding of Charlie and Cody. It was absolutely beautiful and everything you would expect from the happy couple. The night was filled with love and laughter. A wedding that I will never forget. She looked like a pretty princess.

We have always joked about our "Nativeness". It was fitting when I told her she looked like a pretty she simply asked: Like Pocahontas? Yes, Charlie, just like Pocahontas. I am so thankful to have such wonderful soroirty sisters to share my life with.

Buttons & Burlap, A Pinterest Craft

I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Today I have the opportunity to see a lot of them! This evening one of my sorority sisters is saying her I do's to her high school sweetheart! She has a very special place in my heart. We both grew up in Osage County and share a mutual love for that beautiful place!

A beautiful Oklahoma sunrise!

Speaking of beautiful, here is a picture of my Christmas present from my best friend, Kristin! She is so darn crafty!  I would never be able to pull off something like this, but she does it with such ease.  I have this sitting on my office desk and I must say, it adds some glam!

So shabby chic!

If you haven't realized it by now, it's Friday! Not to mention, the last Friday of the year!

Dutch Apple Cheesecake

On the last day of Christmas vacation, my true love gave to me...a day filled with a shopping spree. A big thank you to my mommy and daddy for the gift cards!

Currently, I am resting my feet at Cheesecake Factory where I just enjoyed a slice of Dutch Apple Cheesecake. Heavenly, I think so!

Christmas Joy

When you are a tiny human, there is nothing more exciting than Christmas morning. I remember not being able to sleep with anticipation of Santa coming and bringing lots of gifts for my siblings and me to open Christmas morning. We wait upstairs waiting for our parents to give us the green light to come down. This was usually around 6:00 a.m. Christmas morning, talk about early birds!

Well, now that I have grown up...a little of that excitement is gone. However I still have an eight-year-old brother, Jack to keep the childlike Christmas excitement in the Long household. What does a right-year-old want for Christmas? I think the list of "don't want " is shorter. He has been pretty good all year long, and I think he was even on the nice list with Santa this year.

Christmas Gifts

There is something about the holiday season that just puts you in a good mood! I have been smiling today nonstop! I just like smiling; smiling's my favorite--good ole' Buddy the Elf.

Any who! Yesterday I was baking up a storm! Ended up making around eight dozen cookies. Hobby Lobby had the most adorable holiday tins, so I snatched up a handful of them. After the cookies were-were done, I stuffed the beautiful tins with the cookies. Some of the cookies are for friends, families, co-workers  and local businesses.

Working With Color

It’s amazing how a few things can change your whole outlook.  This morning I am talking about my current work environment.  It went from being drab—to fab with a few simple steps.  To me, it is all about personalization.  Since you are spending countless hours of your day in your office, you should make it as much you as possible.  Just keep in mind that it needs to be welcoming and friendly.

Since I work with kids, I figured it would be fine for me to have a fun color scheme.  So, I went with my favorites—pink and lots of colors!  Cupcakes are something that I just adore—why not incorporate them into my office decor?  I say why not!  Obviously, I am not an interior designer by any means and I do not claim to be.  The void of color and fun in my office was the deciding factor in all of this.

Son of a Nutcracker

The most wonderful time of the year might as well be renamed the busiest time of the year.  It has been absolute madness around here, and I have loved every single minute of it!  Not to mention, I can watch Elf as many times as I want without being judged since it's Christmas time!

The Shawnee Christmas Parade was towards the beginning of the month.  My kids worked hard on the float for almost a week.  The overall theme of the parade was “A Storybook Christmas.”  We went for something nontraditional like the nutcracker.  Everyone had a different part, and the weather cooperated—it was not extremely cold that night, and I am so thankful for that!  They ended up winning the 2^nd place in the best use of theme category!

This Saturday I am having the first ever ugly Christmas sweater/Christmas cookie exchange party with my 4-H’ers.  I have been getting inspiration from Pinterest and cookie cookbooks! Yesterday I read this all time favorite. I cannot wait to see what the kids come up with. It should be a great time.  I am just really excited to have a few days with family, and I am ready to relax!