Christmas gems.

This version of "The First Noel" sung by five sisters. (Check out their other Christmas songs, too!)

A beautiful (free!) printable for your home.

The cutest little gingerbread house making party & tips for hosting your own.

A list of ways to help others this Christmas season.

A fool-proof three ingredient fudge recipe perfect for that holiday treat exchange or girls' night activity.

The most beautiful sage wreath I've ever laid eyes on that would be perfect for the holiday season.

A whimsical holiday tabletop idea to help get your creative juices flowing.

Ugly Christmas sweaters that everyone needs in their life!

This cute DIY Christmas "chalkboard" sign perfect for indoors or outdoors.

Frozen hot chocolate for a cozy night in.

Adorable rustic stars you can make for cheap to hang around the house or on your tree.

This Star Wars gift guide that has me laughing.


image via

Christmas break in Salt Lake City.

I wrote about the first part of our Christmas break here, but I should probably write about the second half of our trip before February rears her pretty little head.

Our Utah trip consisted of:

• Comedy Sportz with family
• exchanging gifts
• playing board games
• eye appointments for Ben (he got PRK while we were there...it's like LASIK)
• Netflix binges
• shopping and running errands
• visiting Temple Square and doing baptisms with everyone for the first time!
• meeting up with family and friends
• family pictures
• touring my dad's new office building
• reading by the fireplace
• face masks & fingernail polish
• trying new restaurants
• Cafe Rio pork salads

It's never fun to say goodbye, but fortunately it usually isn't for very long. :) Until next time, Utah!

Christmas Break Hangover.

Oh, what a great Christmas break we had! Hanging out with our families, Cafe Rio trips, shopping, movies, lots of running around and meeting up with people, and being serenaded on the ukulele by my sister who came home from Hawaii! I can't wait to share pictures and stories, but first, I need to fill my fridge with food and catch some z's. :)

Christmas in Denver.

This year we're hanging out with Ben's family in Denver for Christmas, so we packed our bags last Friday and flew out early, early Saturday morning. No one should ever have to get up at 3:30 am on a Saturday. ;) Needless to say, we both slept the whole 2 1/2 hour long flight instead of watching a movie on the iPad or reading.

Since being here in Denver, we've been playing this game nonstop, eating yummy foods, and finishing up Christmas shopping and wrapping. Saturday night Ben's parents took us to the Denver Botanic Garden to see the fun Christmas lights and oh, how pretty they were! We've watched a few football games, been to a few makeup stores, and had the chance to visit Cafe Rio last night. :) 

Vacations sure are the best!

girls' night Christmas party!

I'm all for girls' nights, and I'm all for Christmas. Combine the two and you've got yourself a pretty fun and festive evening! My friend, Lauren, and I decided to make it happen, so we threw a few games and activities together, and set up a hot chocolate bar. Homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, and cinnamon sprinkled on top...combined with Christmas cookies? Too much goodness. And probably a thousand too many calories. ;)

The best thing we did was slap some wrapping paper up on a wall, hang some colorful lights, and buy photo booth props from the dollar store. So. Much. Fun! Such an easy and fun activity, and now we have (a million) pictures from the night!

 (If you want to know more of the specifics, check out my post here!)

need some stocking stuffer ideas?

Today, my new friend, Alyssa, is sharing a long and fabulous list of stocking stuffer ideas! My favorites include art supplies for kids, portable chargers for phones (I got Ben one this year...shhhh!), card games, LED slap bracelets for runners, and baking supplies. :) Check out her 60+ ideas and let me know what some of your favorites are!

Stocking Stuffers to Add to Your Holiday Wish List

Author: Alyssa Craig

As you are running around, frantically collecting gifts to put under the tree or to ship to loved ones who live far away, don’t forget about the stocking stuffers! While larger presents usually go under the tree, stocking stuffer presents are a fun opportunity to get creative, as they have to be small enough to fit in the stocking! Consider some of these fun ideas and don’t be afraid to think out of the box.

For the Kids

• Art supplies such as crayons, markers, a stamp set, or small paints and brushes
• Bath toys like rubber duckies, boats and bath paints for younger children
• Small stuffed animal
• Fun bibs to replace the ones that are likely well worn
• Magnet numbers and letters for the fridge
• Coloring books of their favorite movie or television show characters

Accessories

• Ties or bow ties for boys young and old
• Compact mirror for the ladies
• Pocket screwdriver
• Clutch purse for the women or a coin purse for the little girls
• Warm gloves
• Scarves, both warm and decorative
• Head wrap
• Mini measuring tape
• Tide To Go pen, a necessity for most of mankind
• Lint roller
• Portable charger for phones and other electronic devices
• Phone case to replace the one that has likely seen better days

Tasty Treats

• Bacon candy canes. Need I say more?
• Astronaut ice cream. Your kids will be telling their friends about this cool treat!
• Candy necklace or bracelet
• Gift card to your loved one’s favorite restaurant or treat store

Beauty/Personal Care

• Teeth whitening. If you don’t have any immediate plans to visit the dentist for professional whitening, consider getting your family member some whitening products.
• Lotions. Especially in dry climates, you can never have too much lotion during the winter.
• Chapstick. For some reason, chapsticks go missing as often as bobby pins and socks. You can never have too many of them.
• Makeup Brush Set. This might be a great gift for a teen who is just starting to wear makeup.
• Nail polish or patterned nail stickers
• Hair ties. Every girl can always use more hair ties.
• Electric toothbrush, for the orally hygienic member of the family
• Perfume or cologne

Entertainment

• A classic book such as Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick, or Tale of Two Cities
• Card games like Old Maid or Go Fish for the younger crowd or Uno and Phase 8 for the older ones
• Headphones or earbuds
• Mad Lib books. These are always a hit at sleepovers.
• Mini portable speakers that can be used with phones or MP3 players
• Bananagrams

Exercise

• LED slap bracelet for bikers, runners, or walkers to be easily visible
• Fit Bit or Nike Fuel+Band
• Wireless headphones they will absolutely love
• Sports watch to track distance, heart rate, and speed
• A note letting them know you have signed them up for an event in which they have been wanting to compete
• Sports socks - a highly undervalued part of any athlete’s wardrobe

Pets

• Chew toys. Festive toys are especially delightful.
• Laser cat toy for both your’s and your cat’s entertainment
• I.D. tag with all of Spot’s information just in case
• Dog cookies so your pet does not feel left out of all the holiday eating
• A holiday outfit or sweater

In the Kitchen

• Reusable cupcake cups
• Mini whisk
• Measuring spoons or cups
• Mug with a favorite quote or picture of their favorite place
• Frother to make your drinks extra fancy
• Hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or cider packets
• Cookie cutters in fun shapes and sizes

Hobbies

• Bookmark for the bookworm in your life
• Mini notebook that can easily fit in bags or purses
• New journal (or diary if it is for a young girl)
• Microfiber cleaning cloths for a camera
• Mini tripod for phones to make it easier to take selfies
• Flash bounce light diffuser for the serious photographer
• Sketch pad and pencils

The holidays give you a great opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care and how well you know them with personalized stocking stuffer gifts. As you catch the vision and start collecting stocking stuffers, your only concern will be if there is enough stocking to contain all these great presents!

ugly christmas sweaters everyone needs in their life.

Lately, I've been researching ugly Christmas sweaters because I think they're hilarious. I feel like stores have been exceeding my (honestly, pretty low) expectations and creating some true masterpieces. No, no ugly Christmas sweater parties for us this year, but maybe you have one coming up! Without further ado, my absolute favorites:

Thanks to Home Alone, this was a common phrase heard around my house growing up. If anything, I need this sweater for the memories, right? ;) Found here. Also comes in red. ($21)

Let's be honest. If you were to wear this sweater of a pug with sparkly antlers, you will be the talk of the party--for better or for worse. ;) Found here. ($27)

There's no denying it. Frozen took over Halloween this year with every little girl dressing up like Queen Elsa, and now Olaf will be taking over Christmas. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Found here. ($25-$35)

Amazing. Just amazing. There's a pocket to put your iPad in, so don't forget to download a fireplace picture (or video for a cooler effect!). I'll be honest, I want this one more than I want a plate of mint brownies...and that's saying something. Found here. ($70)

Nothing says "Happy Holidays" quite like an electrocuted cat (who is still smiling) decked out in Christmas lights! Found here. ($40)

My first question is who doesn't want to wear a kitten in a basket on their chest? My second question is who decided that small animals should be put on Christmas sweaters? Found here. ($25)

Happy 1st of December!

snow, Christmas decor, and ramblings.

// It snowed! It snowed! There's just something about the first snowfall that makes me giddy and even more excited about the upcoming holidays. Plus, giant steaming cups of hot chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon? I'm sold.

// Ben has been in New York City for the past couple of days, so I've been left to my own devices - which usually results in a lot of chick flicks, Honey Bunches of Oats for dinner, and crafts that involve glitter. This past weekend I dragged some of our Christmas stuff up from the basement (gasp - before Thanksgiving!) and got to work. It's a work in progress, but a start's a start. If only I could haul that Christmas tree up two flights of stairs...

// Yesterday I decided it was high time I put on my big girl pants and get myself over to Home Depot to buy some window insulation kits. These are the kinds of things I usually leave for Ben to do, but with him gone for a few more days and the apartment being a drafty 67 degrees on a good day, I took matters into my own frozen hands. I'm happy to announce that I can now insulate a window all by myself and it doesn't even look half bad! Feeling kind of invincible--and warm--right now.

// I'm sure most, if not all, of you have heard about the Ferguson happenings over the past couple of months. (Ferguson is 9 miles from our place.) Basically, it's the Trayvon Martin case all over again. The grand jury is supposed to announce in the next week whether or not the officer who shot Michael Brown is guilty, and regardless of the decision, major rioting and violence is expected throughout the city. If you're the praying type, would you mind saying a few prayers for the police officers and National Guard members that will be responding to the events, and maybe St. Louis in general as well? Thank you, thank you! Also, if you have any great 72 hour kit tips feel send them my way as I put ours together in the next day or two.

// Since I can't end this post on such a somber note, I have to share this video on how to lose a million dollars (and a car!) in a matter of seconds. Bless him.

christmas break {denver edition}.

Ben and I are really fortunate to be at a university that gives employees and grad students several weeks of vacation time each year.  We had the opportunity to spend a week with Ben's family in Denver and a week with my family in Salt Lake City over the holidays, and we sure enjoyed every single minute of our break!  It's always nice to get away from home for a bit and be around family. :)

We spent Christmas Eve over at Ben's cousins' house where we had a dinner, played some Christmas songs on chimes, watched this movie for the first time, and had a Christmas program.  It sure provided entertainment (I think my favorite part may have been the electric guitar accompaniment to "Carol of the Bells")!  Later that evening, a few of us decided to go to a candlelight ceremony at a Presbyterian church because Ben's aunt and uncle were singing in the choir.  The arrangements were beautiful (lots of them were arranged by Mack Wilberg, who is amazing) and the accompanying orchestra was talented beyond belief.

Between playing this and watching movies all week, we did some shopping, reading, sleeping in, and more shopping!  It was just a terrific week, and I'm so happy that I get to call these wonderful people family.

merry christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

We can't help but feel so grateful for the birth and life of our Savior,

and we hope that your holidays are happy and bright!

Love, Ben & Lex

i swear the holidays revolve around food.

// My work had an As Seen on TV themed white elephant Christmas party. This Perfect Polly was too good to pass up, even though the Walgreens cashier judged me the whole time I was checking out.

// Peppermint cheesecake!  Recipe here.

// Cheesecake, again.

// We attended ward temple night last night and loved the holiday lights on the trees!  It isn't Temple Square by any means, but it's a good substitute for now.  :)

Not pictured, but we went to PF Chang's with some friends over the weekend and holy cow.  I didn't remember how delicious that place can be!  (I don't know if it's a local thing or what, but they gave our friends who had never been there before each a giftcard.  Maybe go see if your local PF Chang's is doing the same thing?)  Run and get some lettuce wraps and Mongolian Beef.

And happy holidays! :)

a Christmas cookie exchange.

Dinner and a cookie exchange with friends during the holiday season?  Too perfect, I tell you.  These ladies came over with plates of brownies, and cookies, and toffee, oh my!  (I have 3-4 dozen leftover cookies/treats sitting at home in ziplock bags on my kitchen counter, if anyone's interested??) 

I just love Christmas, and cookies, and these fabulous friends of mine.

9 gifts you shouldn't be buying in sincerity for loved ones this holiday season.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Atrocities like these shouldn't be wasted.  Please, folks, go to white elephant parties and spread some holiday cheer with these bad boys.  Brought to you by the internet and some very creative individuals out there.

a post about Christmas and how great life is.

So good news over here... we have heat again!  Both furnaces went out last Saturday and we've been snuggled up in blankets and heating up rice bags constantly.  Our downstairs thermostat read 39 degrees at one point, so that was fun. ;)  

On another note, Christmas decorations are up (all 5 of them, ha) and Christmas Pandora stations can be heard at all hours of the day!  Hot chocolate has become a regular, and you can find a Christmas movie on the tv every evening over here!

A few days ago we got together with some friends to watch the live Sound of Music on tv.  (Which was fabulous and wonderful in every way possible, so go watch it now if you missed it!)  As Ben and I were walking home hand in hand, it was snowing, and eerily quiet and peaceful.  The alleyway behind our house was beautiful with all of the powder covered tree branches, and it was undeniably one of those moments where you can't help but stop and think "Man, this is the good life!"

I hope your holiday season is peaceful and not too hectic.  :)

our first Christmas.

(That's half of a dollar bill... a "half dollar.")

Hope you all had the merriest of Christmases!  We have sure been enjoying our time with our families and friends--those we love and have been missing.  The first part of our break was spent in Utah with my family, and we're currently in Colorado staying with Ben's family.  :)

a week late.

We were lucky enough to be able to drive out to Denver to have Thanksgiving with Ben's family this year, and found that the 13 hour drive wasn't as bad as we thought it would be!  We are so grateful for our healthy bodies, schooling/work, a place to live, our families, and more importantly, our religion.

We spent Thursday getting ready for Thanksgiving, getting together with extended family, playing games, and eating yummy food.  Friday, we headed out to brave the Black Friday crowds and shopped for over 5 hours, napped, ate Cafe Rio (I about died and went to food heaven), and saw Wreck-It Ralph.  Saturday included another trip to the mall, more naps, some yummy Chinese food, and games with the cousins.  We spent Sunday in the car driving home and thinking of what we'd spend our money on if we were millionaires.  :)  It was a fun trip and both of us were grateful to get away for a little bit.

Recently, things have been gettin' a little Christmasy over here in our apartment...

and we are loving it.  I can see some Christmas cookies and Christmas movies in our future...

Happy December 1st!

oh, hot fudge.

Last night we invited over some friends and had ourselves a dessert waffle par-tay.  Instead of buying hot fudge, I wanted to try making it and found a "to die for" recipe.  We're up to our eyeballs in hot fudge sauce right now (I like to think of it as a beautiful mistake :) and probably should have halved the recipe, so we'll be putting this stuff on everything for the next few days.  Spaghetti with hot fudge sauce (Elf moment), meatloaf with hot fudge sauce, cereal and hot fudge sauce.  Mmmm.  Or maybe we'll just have to start giving it away.  But do yourself a favor and go make this sauce right now!

Ingredients
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. butter
4 c. sugar
2 c. evaporated milk
1 t. vanilla extract
1/8 t. salt

Directions
1.  In a large saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and butter.  Cook and stir over low heat until melted.
2.  Gradually mix in the sugar and milk.  Increase heat to a boil.  Cook, stirring constantly, for 8 minutes.  Remove from heat, and then stir in vanilla and salt.  Serve warm.  Store in refrigerator.

This would be 1/3 of it, and there was plenty.

We also bought a Christmas tree and put it up a month and a half before Christmas.  (Yes, we would be some of those people.)  In our minds, it's a justified decision seeing as we'll be gone for Thanksgiving and the time around Christmas.  We are putting off buying ornaments until after Thanksgiving though... if that makes it any better!  Yay for the holidays!