December 21, 2015

A Few of my Favorite Things... Christmas 2015

It's almost Christmas. For many, myself included this year, it hasn't really felt much like Christmas yet. 

To be fair honest, I began to feel a bit of Christmas warming my heart over the weekend. Partly because I finally got to spend some face to face time with my girlie, and partly because I finished a large project and I didn't realize how much weight I was carrying on my shoulders until it was lifted.  It was all self-imposed pressure (deadline included!) but it felt oh so nice to wrap it up with a bow and cross it off my list.

So... I wanted to write just a little something today to let you know that I am praying for you. Yes, you.  If you are reading this right now (which - hello... you are!) I am praying for you.

Maybe you too have been grasping for a bit of Wonder and Awe and coming up empty handed... maybe you are frazzled and racing through the month... maybe you are loving all the festivities and activities and are dripping in Christmas Cheer.  Whether it is one extreme or the other, or somewhere gloriously in between, I am praying that Christmas will come... that joy and hope and love will well up from deep inside and no matter your circumstances or situations, the Light of the World will light your path and glory will stream along the way.  

I wanted to share just a few of my Favorite Things this year... and invite you to share some of yours with me too!  Plus... well, a Giveaway, because who doesn't love giving away a gift of two just for fun?

So, first off - a little bloggy 'business'...

I will be listing my weekly post "That Thing I Do Now" early... it's normally a Saturday post but, well - I won't be reading many new posts beyond today or tomorrow this week- so look for that post on Christmas eve! I will be taking a week or so off for the holidays, but will be reposting some holiday posts from the past!  I'm also going to be working on a Year in Review post as well as a wrap up for my OneWord365 (which was Wonder... so good, right? Do you know your word for 2016 yet? I am still arguing a bit about mine!)

Now... on to a few of my favorite things...

This year, as I mentioned, I haven't felt super Christmasy... but these are a few of my favorite things from this season, this year:

1. Mugs, because of course!  It's no secret that I love LOVE me some cute mugs... but these are a few of my favorite (new) ones this month:





2. My Space Heater...

For real... I am not a fan of getting cold. Like, at all. It's a problem when the temps dip down to the teens and camp out there.  You know, for days... but my Honey is brilliant and he gets out our little space heater and literally sets it on my bed side table... he even sneaks in close to bedtime each night and turns it on. He's pretty great. (He's, by far, my favorite thing - all day, every day!) Also... smart man!

3. Adele and Cabernet Matinee Dark Chocolate! Just go... bundle up and head out and brave whatever weather or crowds necessary and do yourself a favor by picking up both of these items! They are great separately, but also - divine together! Enjoy... and You are welcome. 
Oh and this... this was most definitely NOT my favorite thing:
As I said on Instagram... #Hellofromthebrokeside  
Yeah... turns out, we are NOT getting tickets to see Adele for Christmas!

4. Because Traditions, much like 'The show', must go on...





It's been a couple of years now that Christmas has looked different around here.  Our Only Girlie is All Grown Up and out of the house for the second year in a row... plus before that, she had a job that messed with our traditions.  We have been transitioning into #thatemptynesterlife for awhile now.  I'd love to tell you it's easy, but it's not. It hasn't been.  It's good and right and natural... and it's easy(-ier) during other months, but December is so full of traditions that it is hard to let those go.  So why list this in this post of Favorite Things? Because, honestly - I love that I am still doing them... even without our girlie helping to hang the ornaments or light the candles. I'd rather have her here with me, yes.  But the alternative is to just not do them and that is not an option. How would I ever feel warm and fuzzy and Christmasy at all if I wasn't surrounded by memories gone by -- plus, holiday movie marathons? Yes please!

(Plus... she's not gone for ALL of our Reindeer games!)


5. New --new traditions starting fresh and new gifts... 

We started Dad's House in May, so this is our first Christmas together as a church family and we have celebrated together in style with tons of love and laughter... 

I'm also loving new ornaments, new CDs (#HelloBrokenRecord... I {heart} Adele!), and yes - even new SNOW! (Have I mentioned that we will be having a White Christmas?)






Anyway... those are just a few of my favorite things from this month... this season.  

Oh yes... there is also this:

A Giveaway!
   ...because who doesn't love a little Giveaway?  These are a few of my favorite things from this year and I thought if I loved them, maybe you would too!

I know this is a little late for a Christmas giveaway - but who doesn't love getting fun mail in January, right?  

These are three of my favorite things from 2015:





Every Little Thing by Deidra Riggs - You guys! You know I love Deidra and this book is so full of goodness (and here's a tip - she is right now writing her second book and it's gonna be A. May. Zing.!)  The subtitle reads: "Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are."  I read this first on Kindle in an advanced version, then 'in real life' so I could mark it up and underline all the things. But this one here is new - and ready for your own highlighting and dog-earred-paging ways!

JOYN Hobo Bag - JOYN India block-printed fabrics are handmade in the foothills of the Himalayas, each inch is blocked by hand and each yard is spun and woven by hand. The more hands that it takes to make a JOYN product, the more jobs that can be created and the more lives can be restored. At the heart of JOYN lies a desire to see lives restored... To see those with little opportunity have the chance to dance for JOY!  This is an amazing company and the actual products - oh my stars! I have two bags and a few scarves and I love each one of them! I know you will love this bag!

Lyrics for Life by Dayspring - It comes as no surprise that I am a huge fan of words... and lyrics are even better... and worship is my jam... and Dayspring? Well... I love Dayspring! I have several Lyrics for Life wall art in my home! This is a gorgeous piece and can sit on a table or desk, or hang on a wall... what a great reminder through out your day! "Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that You're my God." 

* This Giveaway is for US residents only. (Again... so sorry... international shipping is bossy and expensive!)

Enter to win here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway



The Winner will be announced next week!

Merry Christmas, my friends!


P.S.  I'm linking up with these lovely writers:

The Community over at #SmallWonders


Kelly Balarie for #RaRaLinkUp


Jennifer Dukes Lee for #TellHisStory

Holley Gerth for #CoffeeForYourHeart


What about you, friends? What are some of YOUR Favorite Things this Christmas?

37 comments :

  1. Anything Fair Trade Friday, peppermint lotion, space heaters yes yes!! milk chocolate caramel candy, letterpress block sets, willow tree nativity sets...oh the list could go on and on!

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    1. I just knew you were my people, Kristin! xoxo Merry Christmas, my friend, and good luck in the Giveaway!

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  2. I loved this post! It was such fun to read. Of course, I can relate to a space heater because mine follows me :) And I can so relate to the entire "empty nest" thing even though our home emptied out 2 years ago. I LOVED decorating for Christmas with our kids. But you know Karrilee, God deposits tenacity into our spirits to keep on & to keep celebrating & to wait for the joy which comes in the morning, Christmas morning. We can do it, friend. May you & yours have a wonderful & joyous Christmas! Blessings!

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    1. Oh Amen... we can do... because He already has! And really, no matter how old they get, or how far they move - wherever we are is always Home! Blessings right back to you, my friend! Merry Christmas and good luck!

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  3. Beautiful Karrilee! Thanks for the prayers! My favorite things are pumpkin spice lattes, posole (a New Mexican soup w/red chili) and looking at Christmas lights.

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    1. Thank you, Robyn! Mmmm - PSL and Christmas Lights are two of my favorite things, too! I don't think I have had posole - but it sounds like one of my favorite things! Yum! Thanks for sharing and good luck! Merry Christmas!

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  4. A few of my favorite things this season has been enjoying my grandson (will be his first Christmas) and carrying on our own family traditions. Love this post Karrilee. Thanks for offering the giveaway!

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    1. Ooooh - those are some Favorite things, for sure!!! xoxo Love you so, Barbie! Good luck and Merry Christmas!

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  5. YOU have become one of my favorite "things"....so many wishes and prayers to you and yours, sweet Ms K!!!! (((xoxoxo)))

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    1. YOU just left my favorite comment! xoxo I love you so and am oh so grateful for your friendship and kindred heart!

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  6. Blessed friend - you are always SO encouraging. I love that your words DO speak life. Ahhh ... favourite things. There's a list. You know (I know you know). But from this year? Hmmmm ... let's see: connecting with writer friends INRL at Faith and Culture 2015; new peeps in the workplace that have made life cheerier; finally getting a leather cuff from Farm Girl Paints; Adele's new album; Tokyo pen shop and all their deliciousness; and finally, discovering She Reads Truth (as in getting some of their study sets) - they've been such an encouragement this year. I'm not even going to go into the actual books that would have made the list, because again, you know! Thank you for hosting this beautiful give away. What a treat it will be for someone! Love you!

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    1. What the what? Are you on my blog? ;) I have missed you, friend! And oh my goodness YES to all your Favorites listed!!! I was just rereading my Faith and Culture posts this morning and GAH! It was so good! Love you so and I am praying for you and your guy and your girlie, too! Merry Christmas and good luck!

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    2. Yup - that's me. One of my goals this coming year (and might as well start now) is to be a bit more interactive on friend's blogs. And you know, write some more ... ;)

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  7. Karrilee, I still totally LOVE that bag! Can't wait to give my sister to tote one for Christmas. She's commented that I should give her my version of this bag (I got the red/blue one), so I'm sure she'll love the tote!

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    1. ahen... I bought the red/blue one too! ;) And you are right! I am SURE she will love the tote (which I have one of also... and love!) Merry Christmas, friend!

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  8. Anonymous10:39 AM

    I'm loving the new Adele CD and enjoying my new baby niece!

    Kristin Goodson
    lilgoodson21@yahoo.com

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    1. Isn't that CD just so good, Kristin? I am loving it too! So much so that it is kicking out the Christmas CDs that normally are on replay around here! And congrats on your baby niece! Merry Christmas!

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  9. Hi Friend! Those are some of my favorite things from this past year too. Oh and those mugs...so much fun! Just so you know...I am praying for YOU too! Love you!

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  10. One of my favorite things from this year is my Mary and Martha Grateful Hearts coffee mug. Love the detail on that mug. Another favorite is a scarf from a friend -- just the perfect shade of blue.

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    1. OOoooh yes... mugs! Oh and also - SCARVES!!! Great list, Amy! Merry Christmas and good luck!

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  11. I love Every Little Thing. This is the second one I have signed up to win. I gave my copy away and was saddened but happy to give the gift of her words. It was one of my favorite things this year. I loved all your pictures and would love for you to share with us on Wednesdays at Sitting Among Friends. Link up here... http://youresewtrendy.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks so much Jaime! Yes - Deidra is pretty amazing and I am so excited that she is writing her second book and she says it is the book she has wanted to write all along! I tried to link up over at your place but there are some linky issues... I will try again a bit later! Thanks so much for the invitation! Merry Christmas!

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    2. Thank you so much for coming back to link up with us. I am sorry for the tech difficulties. I hope to see you back next Wednesday.

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    3. Congrats Jaime! I sent you an email... I will ship out your prize after the holiday weekend!

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  12. Love this! I've found that God wraps Himself around a transitioning Mama's heart. Not an easy time, but definitely sweet. A favorite thing: Laura Boggess' book, Playdates with God.

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    1. Ooooh - one of my Favorite things is that I got to meet Laura in person at Jumping Tandem this year and yes - she is just exactly as amazing as you would hope! Thanks so much for stopping by, Deb! Merry Christmas (and good luck!)

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  13. Karrilee, it's interesting to me how many folks have written just as you did (myself included) about 'not feelin' it' this Christmas. I originally had some very high (not God) expectations about the 'shoulds', especially for celebrating Advent. I realized they were Jody-imposed and kinda silly. Jesus came for the outcast, the hurting, the broken, the sick...all of us. He came. That's enough to celebrate.
    You have a lovely wrap up here--how generous of you!
    I also shared some 'Favorite Things' this week--blog posts or videos I didn't want folks to miss. Interesting :-)
    Stay warm over there~ Merry Christmas!

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    1. Brrr - it is cold this morning, but I am staying in and cozy and sipping on my morning coffee as I practice what I preach and do a little sitting in silence today... pondering like Mary and remembering that He came... that He is here... and that He is the glory that fills every broken part and binds up wounds and raises the dead to life! Heaven came down and ever since then, God is near! Merry Christmas, friend, and good luck! (Off to read your post before I unplug from screens for a bit!)

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  14. Anonymous9:36 AM

    Merry Christmas, Karrilee.

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  15. I just found your blog and have a big smile on my face. I look forward to reading more and getting to know you better. :)

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    1. Well hey there! I'm always pleasantly surprised to find a local friend in my little corner of the internet! ;) I am so happy you found me! We'll get together in real life soon! Enjoy and Good Luck!

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  16. This year I'm loving my new Pioneer Woman cookbook-- I'm learning how to cook on my own, and her recipes are invaluable! (and yummy!) Love that JOYN bag. My favorite Christmas tradition would have to be Christmas music- this year I listened to Pentatonix's album nonstop!

    Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and happy new year, Karrilee!! :)

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    1. Oh I love Pentatonix! (And the Pioneer Woman! Yum!) Good Luck and Happy New Year to you too, Jordan!

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  17. Audible has been one of my favorite things this year. My husband and I drive frequently long distances for ministry, and that has allowed us to grow together.

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    1. Love that!!! What a great way to travel! Happy New Year!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I always love to hear your thoughts! Remember to: Speak Life - Be Love - Shine On!
~Karrilee~

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