let's decorate!

Christmas is less than a month away and there is so much decorating to be done! Tay and I are hoping to get our tree over the weekend and I might pick up a wreath from Trader Joe's soon too. My goal is to do as much DIY as possible to make our first Christmas memorable and our home cozy. Of course Pinterest and blogs are PACKED with incredible and unique craft ideas. I barely know where to start!!!

Project #1: I saw this precious advent calendar on Oh Happy Day and knew I HAD to do it. Tay actually didn't know what an advent calendar was...so I'm excited to make it for him :) The tutorial includes the printable download which makes the project a piece of cake. And I have a bunch of muslin bags left over from my wedding favors so I will only need to purchase the iron-on transfer paper! And here's another sweet advent calendar I've admired since last Christmas...

Project #2: This mini Christmas tree paper ornament tutorial from The Sweetest Occasion looks so cute & easy! All you need is printed paper, ribbon or Christmas tree hooks, spray glue & glitter, and the FREE Christmas tree template. We literally have about 8 ornaments to our name so these will surely fill up our tree!

Project #3:  These sparkly acorns can be purchased on Etsy, but I am determined to collect and decorate my own nuts! Well maybe I'll just buy a pack at a craft store...either way, another cute ornament idea with the most essential holiday ingredient - GLITTER!

Project #4: I rarely get bags at Trader Joe's, but if I do, I know I can always use them as wrapping paper for gifts! Lovely Indeed has two great posts about how to re-purpose the paper- found here and here!

Project #5: This card garland idea from Martha Stewart would work perfectly with an unused vintage frame we have! All you need is some Lametta tinsel. I'm really hoping we get some holiday cards sent to our new place, otherwise I might take some from my parents... :)

Project #6: Colorful, felted garland seems like the perfect addition to a newlywed Christmas tree! Tay and I thought about doing the classic popcorn & cranberries garland- but we're a little worried about the bugs that would bring... I saw this picture on Pinterest and found the tutorial on PapernStitch, although I would recommend reading these instructions first! Seems simple enough!

If you have any unique holiday craft ideas, please send them my way!

// Top photo via Gatsby & all his Friends //

thankful for friends

Photo from idealistically via Strikes Our Fancy

Today I am so grateful for the beautiful and hilarious women in my life - my best friends. You girls have no idea how much I value your honesty, integrity, and loyalty. In a world where so many people settle for shallow friendships, I am beyond blessed to be surrounded by friends who strive for a deep closeness with God and one another.

the free spirit, Erin

the fearless one, Carol Anne

the Jersey girl, Jessica

the sweet hipster, Jenna

the happiest wifey, Lauren

the fast talker :) Candice

the storyteller, Christy

the world traveler, Alexandra

the foodie, Amelia

the comedian, Emily

I love you ladies and you all hold such a special place in my heart!!

thankful for family

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo from Souder Photography via Style Me Pretty

I hope your day spent with friends & family is memorable and full of joy! I am very grateful to go home for the holiday and spend time with my amazing family.

the matriarch - Paula Clifford (my granny)

Momma & Daddy Paul

special memories at Cape Cod with big sis Liz

fun times at Lake Martin with little sis, Lauren

Daddy Ron, about to walk me down the aisle

Thank you Granny, mom, dad, Liz, Lauren, Mema, Papa, aunts, uncles & cousins for being such wonderful people and always celebrating in the joys of life with me! I love you all dearly.

thankful for love

Today I am most thankful for the love of my life, Taylor. I could not have dreamed up a more perfect soul mate and best friend. I am so blessed to have found my husband at such a young age and I am constantly humbled by his selfless heart.

Taylor,

Thank you for loving God more than anything else on the planet.
Thank you for working so hard to make sure we have what we need.
Thank you for always listening to my thoughts, feelings and dreams.
Thank you for never letting me quit on anything.
Thank you for not just making me feel pretty, but telling me so :)
Thank you for putting up with my decorating and accepting the 8 pillows on our bed.
Thank you for staying up with me to watch one more episode of The Office.
Thank you for getting up extra early to make us breakfast
Thank you for asking me on an adventure. It's been better than I could have hoped or imagined.

Love,
ML

P.S. Baby you da best. xoxo

// All photos by Our Labor of Love //

thankful for nature

Photo taken at Chateau Versailles, France. Summer 2010

Today I am so grateful for nature. Nothing helps me feel closer to my Maker than running, hiking, and exploring through the great outdoors. I have been blessed with many opportunities to travel all over the world and to see so many of God's glorious creations. When life gets hectic or I feel like I've been staring at a computer too long, I know it's time to get outside.

Top of the Eiffel Tower, Paris. Summer 2010

Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Summer 2010

Yvoire, France. Summer 2010

Pretty flower in Switzerland

Roman Forum, Italy. Summer 2010

Fira, Santorini. Summer 2010

Oia, Santorini. Summer 2010

Athens, Greece. Summer 2010

North Georgia. Fall 2010.

Austin, Texas. Fall 2010.

Colorado. Spring 2011.

Independence Pass, Colorado. Spring 2011.

There are so many beautiful spaces and places to be grateful for. What are some of your favorite places in the world?

thankful for peace

a quiet time with Tay at Watson Mill Bridge

Thanksgiving always seems to sneak up on me and I have been wanting to express more gratitude outside of just that day. And honestly, just one week is not even enough time to meditate on all that we have to be grateful for. I've been blessed with many gifts- family, friendships, a place to live- and when I forget those things, I focus on things I don't have and become selfish and greedy.

Today I am most grateful for the peace that comes from the Lord. Without prayer and mediation on the Word, I wouldn't be able to fully enjoy this life, understand my purpose, and appreciate the grace I am so unworthy of. And without grace, I would never experience the glorious freedom of forgiveness!

Photo from Pinterest

"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness 

will be quietness and confidence forever."
-Isaiah 32:17