Don't Forget About Your Pet!

Waggo Rope Toy / PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness / Holiday Peanut Butter Treats / Travel Bowl/ BarkBox / Wire and Dine Elevated Pet Bowls

It may be the "Susie" in me, but I am excited to fill Mya's stocking. Spoiled dog alert! Here are the things I have for Mya. My favorite idea is the BarkBox (just one month) because a percentage of proceeds goes to help animal charities. PetBox.com is also a good option, you can buy a box for as low as $4.95 with an online coupon. I already have the bowl and harness for Mya, so they won't be in her stocking. These are just some ideas if you don't have anything. Are you getting your dog anything for Christmas, or am I the only crazy one? On Mya's my wish list is a new elevated dog bowl set for her.

Our Weekend

On Friday night I was invited to a ugly sweater party with some of my girlfriends from high school, it was such a fun reunion! But before the party, I needed to meet up with Cam and Jordan since they were giving me an envelope that said if they were expecting a boy or girl! I was the only one who would know, so I made this box for their gender reveal party on Saturday.

I painted blue and pink polka dots on a plain box and cut out a heart from black construction paper. It was a pretty simple project. Dustin and I filled it with BLUE balloons. I wasn't sure what Jordan's reaction would be since she (and her mom) were convinced it was a girl. I am happy that they were all SO excited! Although Jordan was in shock for a while, gone are her plans of a pink nursery. It was my first gender reveal party, very fun!

It's a boy! I also made this banner for them to hold after they saw the blue balloons.

On Sunday, we invited friends over to watch the Gonzaga game and BBQ some ribs and brats. It was a good weekend! How was your weekend?

Elephants

I realized something this week. I need people to talk about my mom more. Not in the context of "how are you doing?" This isn't because I want sympathy or need attention. I just need her to be talked about more, especially this holiday season. The holidays feel like a big elephant is in the room.  Love you mom, it surely doesn't feel like 7 months have gone by already.

Our December

Hello! We are almost half way through December and time is flying! We had fun cutting down our tree and our outside lights have been put up as well (no ladder needed for Dustin). This past weekend was Dustin's company holiday party and we have a few more coming up later this month. We are looking forward to the annual Gonzaga "Battle in Seattle" basketball game, Cam + Jordan's gender reveal party and multiple family Christmas celebrations! We have already gone to Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna, watched Christmas Vacation and Rudolph. I'll get into my baking full force this weekend to start making gifts for co-workers and friends. I really want to go ice skating at some point as well. How is your December shaping up, what traditions do you have?

Stocking Stuffers and Under the Tree

Weather Proof Slippers / Dart Board for his Garage / Unique Flavors of Beef Jerky / DeWalt Worksite Radio + Charger / Favorite Seasonings for his Grilling Obsession / Moose Mug from his favorite Christmas Movie / His Favorite Seasonal Beer / Vintage Bottle Opener

Above are some fun gift ideas for your significant other, dad, brother or friend! Now that Dustin and I are living together, I try to not get any knick knacks, since I don't want clutter hanging around. Here are some gifts he's has loved in the past and some I think he will love this year! Other fun ideas would be a weekend trip, a race entry, show shoes or lift tickets for a fun day of snowboarding together!

'Tis the Season

'Pom Stripe' Woven Throw / Capri Blue Candle Varieties / Golden Monogrammed Mug/ Flannel Sleep Pants / Soft Hair Ties /  Philosophy Skin Care / Traveling Gifts / Trinket Tray / Initial Disk Necklace / Hunter Boot Socks / 2015 Day Planner

I've enjoyed perusing other blogger gift guides this holiday season and thought it would be fun to make my own! Here are the things that have caught my eye throughout the year that I believe would be a great gift for any friend, daughter, mother or significant other! All of these would make perfect gifts and they are all $50.00 or less! 

Recipes to Make

Fig + Pancetta Flatbread with Goat Cheese - made this already, SO good!

One Pot Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac

Breakfast Pull-Apart Bread - Sunday morning football breakfast?

Simple Sesame Noodles - made this in under 10 minutes last night!

Surviving Winter

If you are living amidst cold temperatures right now, here are a few items that will help make winter a bit less harsh!

1) Bag Balm is by far the best for dry skin and lips! I use this each night to prevent skin redness and irritation. I also apply this on my dog's nose as well, did you know dry noes on dogs are extremely painful? Purchase at Costco!

2) Jojoba and Tea Tree Oil. I get both of these at Trader Joe's. I apply Jojoba to my face in the morning as a moisturizer and Tea Tree to my face at night to help control acne and keep my face from drying out.

3) Moroccan Oil is a great product for your hair! I often stray away from hair products since they left my hair feeling oily and greasy. This doesn't leave any residue and keeps my ends looking healthy in between trims.

4) Brisk Running Gloves. These are the best! Keep your hands warm and also use your smart phone at the same time.

5) Infinity scarfs will keep your neck and ears warm when you walk to work in the mornings and home at night. I love the selection and price at H+M.

6) Hunter boot socks. I got two pairs of these last year for Christmas and they are super cozy and warm. I also love this brand from Costco. Very affordable and great for any other pair of boots.

7) Emery boards, as weird as that sounds. My nails are very brittle and chip all the time during winter, which then snag on everything! For the days when my nail polish is wearing off and when I haven't had time to apply another coat, I am always thankful for keep one of these in my purse.

Last but not least! Water, drink up!

Sun River