It’s just about December … WHAT? What happened to the 2018 year?! Now that business is starting to slow down for the winter season, I am looking forward to reflecting on the past months of business and personal life to bring myself back to a state of humility. Don’t get me wrong, I try not to oversee reasons to be grateful in my life, but when I’m “GO! GO! GO!,” it’s easy to get sucked into checking off the to-do list. After this week, I’m looking forward to finding ways to donate time to my local community. 🙂 I love this season!!!

Let’s catch up from this past week!

COFFEE TALK

MOCHA MOMENTS
THE SWEETER MEMORIES FROM THIS PAST WEEK

1
365 DAYS

This was Alex and my first photo together on top of Old Rag last November. 🙂 Exactly a year ago today, we met at Deja Brew for a coffee date, and since then my world never looked the same! God sweeps me off my feet every time, and the way He brings people in and out of our lives with a purpose. Alex was not brought into my life by coincidence. I have prayed for a man like Alex in my life, and God answered. This past year has been incredible and definitely a learning experience going from Alex living in Virginia to moving 1,000 miles away back in May. Now that we are less than THREE weeks from seeing each other, I can hardly contain my excitement as the months seemed SO long when I had to say, “See you later!” back in August. But I knew then and now that he was worth the wait. 🙂 Just 19 more days to go!!! Happy One Year, babe!

2
GRATEFUL FOR FAMILY + FRIEND TIME

During the crazy fall wedding season, I don’t prioritize time with family and friends enough. It’s a hard balance, and I’m still struggling. However, I’m SO grateful that this winter season

3
THANKSGIVING FUN!!!

I love the Holiday season. 🙂 Apparently, Ollie does too (as you’ll see below)! But I like to rather think that the Holiday spirit comes naturally to him because he was born on Christmas Eve! 🙂 I started Thanksgiving on a great note when my brother and I ran a 5k Turkey Trot together — Although, I about died because it was SO cold and I made the amateur mistake of wearing too many layers. It’s okay, though, because I worked off the pumpkin pie I wanted to indulge in later that day … and the pecan pie. 😉

Ollie wanted everyone to feel welcome in our house!!! HAHAHA!

My sister is somewhere under him!!! Ha!

I did the adult thing and hosted Thanksgiving at my house. I even made the turkey and a homemade pumpkin pie! 🙂 YUM. 

4
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!!

I LOVE this time of the year! The day after Thanksgiving, my house turned into Christmas land once again. 🙂 You’ll find me working next to the Christmas tree the remainder of the year because I love the cozy feeling with the lights on and candles lit. Also, my Dad said I would need help putting up the Christmas tree… *CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.* The first try while chatting on the phone with Alex, I had it standing up straight! I patted myself on the back. 🙂

5
SEVENTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MINI SESSIONS

I cannot believe I just completed my SEVENTH annual Christmas mini session day!!! 🙂 It was a success as it was SOLD OUT in a short matter of time after making a public announcement! This year, I took on 16 wonderful couples/families!!!  I’m incredibly appreciative to those who supported my business by coming out and making the most of our short time together. 🙂 The only problem with 15-minutes is the short amount of time to chat! I could have easily hung out with each person and enjoyed the beautiful day!

ESPRESSO MOMENTS
THE BITTER MEMORIES FROM THIS PAST WEEK

1
A PUPPY OR THE GRINCH?

Like I mentioned above, Ollie was born on Christmas Eve, so this is his real first experience with Christmas … Or I guess, the Christmas decorations! He’s doing the best he can, but I’m seeing how some of these new “toys” are intriguing to him. It’s something different every day! Like this morning, I found him trying to steal pine cones from my coffee table display. It dawned on me that he had an OBSESSION with pine cones down in Florida in Alex’s backyard!!!! It’s also a haunting reminder of that time I was locked out of Alex’s house chasing Ollie around the front yard because he wanted to play with the cones in his house. So, that was the end of pine cones for that display because I’m not playing that game around my house. 😉 Haha!

** An update about the “OY” pillow — It’s appropriate to leave it as is. 😉

2
WINTER SESSIONS

Winter is showing early signs — Especially, after the winter snow storm, we had a little over a week ago. Last Tuesday, I made my way up to the top of Skyline Drive, and it was so so so cold/windy! I’m grateful my couple toughed through the cold conditions to make it work!!! If you missed it, check it out HERE!!!

HAPPY MONDAY!!