Top Baby Names Of 2011!

I love this list. No idea why. I think it's because I was a Sociology major in college and I wonder about how society influences us!! I must say I know a ton of Sophias, Isabellas, and Avas! I get a slight sense of satisfaction in seeing my kids are not in the top 20! What do you think of this list? Anything surprise you? I saw Kaylee on there and about fell over. See how the news creeps in? (Casey Anthony's poor daughter).

 

Top 100 names of the year

Girls' Names Sophia Emma Isabella Olivia Ava Lily Chloe Madison Emily Abigail Addison Mia Madelyn Ella Hailey Kaylee Avery Kaitlyn Riley Aubrey

Boys' Names Aiden Jackson Mason Liam Jacob Jayden Ethan Noah Lucas Logan Caleb Caden Jack Ryan Connor Michael Elijah Brayden Benjamin Nicholas

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my dear readers out there....thank you for listening, reading, commenting and being great bloggy friends. I hope this 2012 brings you everything your hearts desire.

For me that means:

More chances to wear Lilly

Some time with The Mr. on a fabulous beach

Happy times with the kids

and maybe some Michael McDonald...cause I love him!

What would you like to have in this New Year? (we will get to resolutions later). What's on your hearts desire list?

Christmas Recap and a let down?

Christmas was fun around here but busy. Got my purple and pink tree up early this year...

Mantle was ready for Santa to come fill the stockings!

And when Santa came the kids went crazy.

Later that day in Lake Arrowhead we opened even more presents and got to have a blast with family....

But after it all....sitting here I feel a little...Holiday let down! So many fun events, so many great times and then a kind of silence! Are you feeling it? I think this means it's time to kick it in gear for 2012. I need to get those resolutions brewing. How was your Holiday?

White Elephant Party

I went to three white elephant parties this year but this one was hilarious and fabulous! Our host, Shannan, is a Cordon Blue trained chef so the menu was outstanding! She made White Truffle Risotto. I am telling you, you have NOT LIVED, until you have had it!!

Served with shaved white truffle on top as well as truffle oil! I DIE! So good. Shannan is all about the details and as you know "Love Is In The Details!"

She also served lamb. So good! We could not have been more happy for girl time. She had poppers for us with gifts inside.

We rocked those silly crowns and then moved on to the gifts! Normally a White Elephant is defined as a gift no one wants that you re-gift. Each person brings one wrapped gift. You determine in what order you will take turns choosing gifts. The first person opens a wrapped gift and the turn ends. The second person then chooses whether to open a wrapped gift or "steal" a previously opened gift. If a person has their gift stolen, they also have the option of choosing a wrapped gift or stealing an unwrapped one. When a wrapped gift is opened, the turn ends. When all gifts have been unwrapped, the game ends! You can imagine how rowdy it gets.

We play with nice gifts so even higher stakes! We set a limit of $30 and people brought gorgeous things! I brought a silver plate leaf server from an antique shop and Shannan picked it and loved it. 

Even "Frenchy" the dog though the evening was a hit!

Gingerbread Party!

Bestie outdid herself again at this years Gingerbread Party. Such a great idea and the kids had the best time! 

Coco couldn't wait to break into the candy...

She made placemats for each of the kids. Could you die?

She had our adult buffet set out with my hostess gift to her from last year! But hubby was drooling over the ham she was cooking.

The kids had a ball.

So did us girls.

And Coco got to be with her Bestie too.

Life is good.

Best Christmas Music- EVER

I have to say I am really in the spirit this year.
Feeling thankful and happy to see so much joy in my childrens faces. We are literally pumping the Christmas music out of every corner of the house and every car ride. I am loving it!

I love Christmas music and have my usual favorites. The ones that just make me tear up, or smile even in the worst moments! Here are my top 5 this year:

1. The Christmas Waltz by Frank Sinatra- His voice, and the words...love it. "It's that time of year, when the world falls in love....."




2. Have Yourself A Merry Christmas - James Taylor version! Have you heard this? So sweet.





3. This Christmas- Donny Hathaway- Brilliant!!



4. Most Wonderful Time of the Year- Can't get this one out of my head! Landon's favorite!



5. Oh Holy Night- This is the Mariah Carey version. I tear up every time. The words are so powerful.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! 

 

 

 

One Fabulous Mom's Christmas List!

Just in case in anyone's reading.....HINT!

Here are some things I am wishing and drooling for!

1) Tickets to the Michael Jackson Cirque Du Soleil show!

I saw a five second clip of this on the news and nearly passed out. I want to go!

2) Monogrammed Bracelet!

From here! http://www.dannijo.com/product_info.php?products_id=620

3) Tory Burch Leopard Flats!

4) Brown Leather boots by Steven Intyce

http://www.zappos.com/steven-intyce-cognac-leather

5) Kate Spade Black Heels- Licorice

Those are just a few things I am dying over. What's on your list?

Holiday Gift Guide For Toddlers!

I thought I would share with you what Miss Coco will be getting this Christmas as well as some other things I just think are the best!


Can't beat this princess tent from Overstock.com! $29! http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Discovery-Kids-Indoor-Outdoor-Princess-Play-Castle/5307188/product.html

You can bet I got this on cyber Monday! This bounce house is for two or three kids and makes playdates a snap! Blows up in minutes!!

Got it on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bounceland-Castle-Inflatable-Bounce-Bouncer/dp/B001EHJ7GG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323309393&sr=8-2


Coco thinks she is moving to Paris asap and who am I to judge....

Now the even offer dvds 1-6!
http://www.amazon.com/Early-Lingo-Colors-Shapes-French/dp/B004GIIVTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323784758&sr=8-1

Coco loves gummies and since these are healthy they are going in her stocking! Yeah Tasty Brand!

 http://www.amazon.com/Tasty-Brand-Organic-0-8-Ounce-24-Count/dp/B004U49T36/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323784880&sr=8-2

Coco played with these Mega Blocks at Uncle Wakeys house for hours! Had to get her some from Santa!!

Get them here: http://www.amazon.com/Megabloks-80pc-Mega-Bloks-Pink/dp/B000MDOYZW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323785022&sr=8-2


And of course many princess things for my little lady because she is my princess.

 What are your little darlings getting? I will show you my wish list next!

Christmas Tea- Peacock Theme!

I have been a busy bee, shopping for Christmas, working and juggling fun activities like the yearly Christmas Tea!


I absolutely feel so honored I have been able to host a tea table three years in a row! This year was a Peacock theme. I think JoAnne, my co host and I outdid ourselves!!

Take a closer look:

Notice the peacock napkin ring holders and each guest received either a peacock necklace, or earrings! Custom made! How fabulous is that!

Other tables nearby were great too. Look at this one with the boas!

Here's a more classic one....

Aren't we a cute group! All my preschool Mommie friends. Love them! At the church service before they always read "A Cup Of Christmas Tea". This is one of those read aloud books, where you realize just what Christmas is all about. Perfect to give to a girlfriend!! Get it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Cup-Christmas-Tea-Tom-Hegg/dp/0931674980/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323307894&sr=8-1

What fun events are you going to this season?

And The Winner Of My Papercourt Press Give Away Is:

Shauna at Satori Design for Living!!! Congratulations darling! You have won 50 Holiday cards of your choice!!! Quick like a bunny email Courtney at: courtney@papercourtpress.com and give her all your info!! So happy for you!!!


Thanks to Papercourt Press!

I might have to head over there now and buy one of these monogrammed phone covers!!!