Happiest of Fridays to you my friends. I told you I would be a bit light on blogging as I am soaking in this time with the family. But I have a few things on my mind and thought I would toss them all into one blog post today! Hope you don’t mind.
HONESTY: I want to get something off of my chest. I have debated mentioning this but think it’s really important. I think the holidays are magical and so much fun. Really, to me, they are the best time of year. But the truth it they are also a very difficult time of year. Beneath the twinkling lights and hustle and bustle there can be pain and sadness. I a not talking anything major, but I am saying that if this time of year stirs up emotions about loved ones you’ve lost or challenging situations in your life, you are not alone. It is magical. It is exciting. And it is extremely emotional. I feel deeply and wounds from my past seem to be reopened a bit during this time. I try very hard to look at all of that from the perspective of gratitude. The reason we all experience pain, loss, you name it, is because we have loved. We found something to be so special and wroth our time that we allowed our hearts to hurt. And that, is actually a very beautiful thing. In the true meaning of Christmas, I wish you not just the magic and the glow of twinkling lights, but a touch of healing and an ability to honor all that you feel during this time. I know I am trying to.
INSPIRATION: What a week it’s been in blogland with such beautiful homes. I think it’s even more fun to look at some of these spaces in awe but to realize that they too become messy and chaotic. And each blogger would tell you that.
The room above belongs to Kristin. Jaw dropping. Other rooms that had me drooling are here, here, and here. Just wow! And have you seen these DIY ornaments. Gorgeous.
INSIGHT: I adored Lauren’s article on how her blog has evolved. I think it’s spot on and so true for most bloggers. By nature, a blog is an extension of ones self. At least when it is done right. And we, as people, change and grow. That is the beauty of both human nature and blogging. So if any of the blogs you read change over time, I hope you’ll embrace that and realize that it’s because the real life person behind the blog is evolving and changing. That’s a beautiful thing.
DISTRACTION: In keeping with the theme of honesty, I love a little distraction from every day life and for me that is fashion. I LOVE pulling together outfits. I am currently packing for our getaway. Thank you to those who helped me decide on a dress. I went with this one but paid my local dry cleaner/taylor $20 to even out the hemline. A good tip if you love a dress but don’t love the hemline. It’s relatively inexpensive and can change the entire look.
CONGRATS: And I announced the winner of the Kirkland’s gift card! Was it you? Go see. If it’s you, please shoot me an email so we can get you shopping!
And now it’s time to go see about a boy. Wishing you all a wonderful Friday and weekend. Hard to believe we are less than a week out from Christmas. If you are new to this space of mine, here are some recent holiday posts:
Home Tour 2014 | Cranberry Ginger Cocktail | Our Christmas Table | Shopping Guides
Love that you always take the time to keep things real Courtney. I think many of us struggle this time of year. Yes, it's a happy time of course, but also difficult for some. I know that I try to keep it hidden, but it's always hard on Christmas to know my brother isn't there to share in the joy with us.
Thanks for sharing this with us today. 🙂
Love this Courtney!!! I lost my grandma during the holiday season and it always stirs up some sad emotion.
Sending you a huge hug and warm wishes to your family this holiday season!
xoxo
cristin // simplified bee
Yea, you went with the metallic one! I can't wait to see your photos.
You're right, the holidays can be a heavy time, too. It can be a painful time for many. Thanks so much for your post.
Merry Christmas!
Thinking about you, friend…the holiday is such a hot-pot of emotions, for sure. I hope the good ones overwhelm you this year! Thank you for sharing my ornaments, too! xoxo
Thank you for this post Courtney. I will be attending the funeral of a young man tomorrow, 24 years young. This is the second year in a row that I have had to attend a funeral of a young person and dear friend's child. It really puts things in perspective. Yes, it is a joyous happy time. But, I also know so many are hurting, missing loved ones or battling illness, or stationed overseas protecting our freedom so we can celebrate. Having faced my own health scare a few months ago, I truly have different priorities this year. Merry Christmas sweet friend, and may you find comfort in His arms.
Your post is beautiful, Courtney. The holidays do bring out so many emotions.
I am SO glad that you had the hem fixed on your dress! When I looked at the photos I really liked that metallic dress but the hem was driving me crazy. Enjoy your getaway at Christmas.
Your honesty is so true my friend – I also don't have too much that comes up this time of the year but my small little things have me thinking and feeling a lot more at this time of year – the excitement and joy and twinkling of lights definitely help ease the pain though. I absolutely love stalking beautiful Christmas decor x
Thank you for sharing this! So important to keep it real in the blog world. I struggle to keep up with my blog…and often feel down over the fact every other blogger I follow manages to keep it all together and fresh and new. I'm like "HOW?!".
Thank you friend!!
xo,
Sam
Your pictures are very thought provoking. Where were they taken?
Thanks!
Teresa
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I love how real you are in this post. The second Christmas was over last night, I was so sad! The joy that fills little ones hearts and souls (and mine) was just too big for words yesterday! Thank you for sharing that these life inspirations, distractions and changes are all around! Your pictures are simple fabulous of the streets!
I've seriously shut it down the past couple weeks, played with my girls every single time they asked, and just have generally enjoyed being almost completely unplugged. Because, you know, that practically NEVER happens:) Just catching up a bit now and saw this – thanks so much for the compliment and link! Hope you had such a happy Christmas with your lovely family and that we have a chance to connect again in 2015!