Go with the flow - Holiday Photo Shoot

We did a holiday shoot with my very talented friend - owner and photographer of Coley & Co. Photography.  She is truly one of the most talented people I know.  Let me tell you, I'm not very good at the whole family photo shoot thing.  I wait to the last minute to do these things and half the time I forget small things like planning outfits and big things like making sure my husband is in the photos. When I did my pregnancy photos and the twins' first photo shoot my hubby wasn't even home for either of the shoots! I barely even brushed my hair the day of the twins photo shoot because it never occurred to me that maybe just maybe we might have wanted a picture of all of us...because I mean why in the world would we want to capture that moment!?  Thankfully my photographer was wiser than me and had me sit in for a few of the photos at least.  But no picture of Joey with the newborn twins.  Worst. Wife. Ever.
This year sadly wasn't any different.  Last minute we were rushing around trying to get dressed - no pre-planning for this group to make sure we matched. Nope, we just grabbed what was clean and what we thought might look nice in a photo and hoped for the best. Thanks to the talent of our friend I couldn't have asked for better photos.  I love them so much I cried when I saw them. The photos are actually a great reminder that we all need to take a step back and just go with the flow sometimes.  We don't always have to plan every part of our lives because sometimes letting things happen naturally really does make for the best memories and photos!

PS on the flip side of not planning, I do highly recommend trying to order your holiday cards in a timely manner so you aren't sitting around praying that they get here in time to send before Christmas like I am currently doing!!!

Lots of Love,

The Brehl Family

Favorite Things Vol. 4 - Gifts for the Creative Girl

1. Stella and Dot leona pendant necklace (This particular necklace is sold out but they have a ton of great options! Or check out a similar version at Shopbop)

2. Madewell sweatshirt dress (unfortunately this dress seems to be sold out online, but follow the link to get the number to a sales representative that will help you track it down in stores.  Or check out this similar version

3. Antropologie capri blue mercury glass jar candle

4. Hunter original tall rain boots in new green

5. OPI nailpolish in an affair in red square

6. Threshold gold dot jewelry box (this cute little jewelry box comes in various sizes, I have the small version which is perfect to hold my earrings on my nightstand)

7. Canon EOS Rebel t3i digital SLR camera with 18-55mm IS lens

8. Burberry small check strap watch 

Lots of love,
 

Favorite Things Vol. 3 - Gift Ideas for the Girl on the Go

1. Starbucks reusable cup (These are only $1 and make great stocking stuffers! Sold in stores)

2. JCrew factory puffer coat (looks like they just sold out of this coat online during  Black Friday/Cyber Monday, but the long version is great too!) 

3. Tory Burch aviator sunglasses

4. Tom's washed camo canvas women's classic 

5. Bobbi Brown's lip balm

6. iPad 2 (or iPad Air for those that need the latest and greatest

7. Kut from the Kloth Dianna skinny jeans 

Lots of love,
 

Favorite Things Vol.2 - Gift Ideas for Staying Cozy

1. Gap plaid scarf

2. J.Crew factory earmuffs (sold out in brown but equally stylish in black!)

3. Bath and body works lavender vanilla sleep pillow mist

4. LLBean 10' shearling lined women's bean boots

5. Sheinside beige long sleeve geometric pattern pullover sweater 

(note takes a very long time to receive from this company so order quick!)

6. Q&A a day: 5-year journal 

7. Loft ponte leggings

Lots of love, 
 

Favorite Things Vol. 1 - Gift Ideas

As the holiday season nears I have decided to do a little series that might help spark some gift ideas.  This week is all about my favorite things, pulled from items I already own and love.  I hope you find something that will help you check someone off of your list! 

1. Serena & Lily Fouta Bath Towels in Dove Grey

2. J.Crew Excursion Quilted Vest

3. Madewell Sidewalk Skimmers in Calf Hair

4. Burberry Classic for Women Eau de Parfum

5. Stella & Dot Pyramid Double Wrap Bracelet

(the green is sold out but this black one is equally as cute)

6. Madewell iPhone Case in Buffalo Check Fire

7. Lindsay Letters Art Print - I love them all!

Lots of love,  

Try it out Tuesday - Marshmallow S'more Pops

My team at work has started "Treat Fridays" where one person is assigned to bring in treats for everyone one Friday.  For my treat day I decided to do s'more chocolate dipped marshmallow pops. I got the idea from another co-worker who made them and said they were incredibly easy. 

Ingredients
1 bag of marshmallows (the large size)
1 bag of milk chocolate chips
Graham crackers (or other topping finely chopped. I used Heath bits of brickle that I had in my cabinet)
Lollipop sticks or paper straws (I used paper straws)

Directions
1. Melt 1/2 the bag of chocolate chips in the microwave. Start with a minute and stir.  The chips won't look melted but once you start stirring the heat from the center starts to melt them.  If they aren't fully melted pop in the microwave for 20-30 secs longer.
2. Meanwhile, crumble the graham crackers in a food processor or blender.  Blend until very finely crumbled.
3. Take one marshmallow and one stick or straw.  If you are using paper straws cut them in half.
4. Roll the marshmallow in the chocolate covering all sides. You can also dip the top of the marshmallows, but I like chocolate so I wanted more chocolate on mine.
5. Roll the chocolate covered marshmallow in the crumbled graham crackers. 
6. Place on wax paper
7. Repeat until you have made the desired amount of marshmallows
8. Share and enjoy!

My verdict:  A bit time consuming, but a very yummy snack great for adults and kids. 
My team's verdict: Lots of compliments and members taking home extras for their kids.

Lots of love,

Hanging with Hattie is SnOw Fun!

Over the weekend Hattie and I had a girls day.  We met friends for lunch then headed to the busiest place on Earth - the American Girl store.  Hattie loves looking at the dolls and wants a "new baby" for Christmas.  It was fun watching her face light up looking at all the doll babies and hearing her sweet voice ask sweetly "Can I just hold this baby doll please mama" It was a fun afternoon, made even more fun with the snow that started falling as we arrived back home. Hattie loved it and wanted to build a snowman! It felt like winter had arrived and for the first time in years, I wasn't bummed out by it because winter and snow is such a wonder to kids it's hard not to enjoy it with them.

 

 

 Lots of love,
 

Be Thankful

Be thankful.  Two simple words, yet so many of us, including myself, struggle with the concept.  The desire for more seems to consume my life at all times.  My inbox is filled with marketing emails from my favorite stores urging my desires on and too often I succumb. Too often do I think to myself if only I had this, or this or this then I would be happier.  Rarely do I sit back and count my blessings and realize that I already have too much of this, and this, and this.  But what I don't have enough of is gratitude; gratitude for all of His blessings; gratitude for my loving family; gratitude for food on the table; gratitude for just being able to enjoy this crazy thing called life.  

As I sat and watched the tv show Celebrity House Hunting I came to realize that even when someone seemingly has it all, they still want more. I found myself asking "when is enough enough?"  The answer I came up with is simple.  Enough is enough when we count our blessings and stop to be thankful.

The month of November begins the holiday season that reminds us to give thanks, to be kind, and to love one another.  This year my wish for my family, friends, and all of mankind is to learn to be thankful for not only the things that The Lord has blessed us with, but also for the things we don't receive so that we may open our hearts to accept the plan He has for each of us.  

I leave you with a quote and a simple moderation prayer to say in times when our wants start to outweigh our thanks.

If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough.

– Meister Eckhart

Moderation Prayer
Bless me with the gift of moderation, ability to see clearly when enough is enough, willingness to take only what I need, use only what I must, live on Earth in awareness of my actions' impact. Bless me with a moderate spirit that does not waste.  Bless me with easy acceptance of this way of being.  Amen.

Share your joy with us, what makes you thankful?

Lots of love,

Starting a "BOOvement"

What's a BOOvement you ask?  It's an opportunity to feel like a kid again and share treats with your neighbors.  It's simple to start a BOOvement in your neighborhood, office, or apartment building.  Here is what you do:

1)  Create a bag or basket of Halloween treats and goodies.
2) Create or find a cute "We've Been Booed" sign accompanied by instructions.  I did a quick Google search and found this fun sign by Anders Ruff
3) Print a copy of the boo sign along with the instructions and add them to your goodie bag. 4) Now the fun part! Select one or two neighbors to get it started and drop your packages off on their porch.  Be sure not to let them see you!  
5) Enjoy seeing the "We've Been Booed" signs all over your neighborhood!

A great place to start is  the dollar section of your local Target store or even a Dollar Tree where you can find Halloween themed goodies.
Pencils/Pens
Notepads
Coloring books
Crayons
Reflector bracelets
Glow sticks
Glow-in-the dark fangs
Stickers
Pumpkin scented soap/lotion
Candles
Battery tea lights for pumpkins
Pumpkin carving kit
Halloween book
Halloween masks
Candy
Fruit Snacks
Individually packaged goldfish or pretzels
A package Halloween Oreos
Wine or Beer for the adults
Halloween notecards
Homemade goodies
Homemade Halloween game

Remember, the goodies can be as simple as a small bag of candy as the fun truly is in the act of booing and your neighbors will be excited to find a fun surprise at their door.

Hattie and Harper helped me get the booing started and we delivered goodies to two of our newest neighbors on Monday.  It was exciting to sneak up and deliver the goodies to our neighbors without them knowing. It was also equally as fun getting booed back tonight! The kids were so excited and Harper exclaimed "ooohhh it's Halloween!" when he saw the treat bag!  Our treat bag had eye masks, glow in the dark bracelets, fruit snacks and some yummy candy. The twins loved it!

What are you waiting for!?  Start your own BOOvement today! 


Happy Booing!





Why Hello

Just a few photos to say Hi!   Hope you enjoy.  Back soon with more posts!  

Lots of Love,