CHRIMBUS.

So as fast as they come, they go.  I always go through this slight depression after the holidays are over. So much preparation for this one single day.. and then, it's over. There's nothing really more to look forward to after the new year.  This year, however, I've decided to pick myself up quicker than usual and embrace 2014.

This is the first year I'll have money. I'm making "big girl" money.  Last year was the best year of my life. I grew up, got educated, moved out, and moved on. To cap it off, I  turned THIRTY! 2014 has a lot to live up to. That's why I'm crossing two things off of my bucket list to begin the year: I've booked a flight to NEW YORK on Valentine's day. So, I'm finally going to FLY AND visit NEW YORK.

Guys, I'm so excited.

baking cookies for santa!

henry was dutifully watching for crumbs.

part of our tree.

i seriously love this guy.

purty

christmas eve present

leaving the reindeer some food.

cookies and hot chocolate for santa.

santa came! before the madness.

i had to wake him up at 7:30.

he wakes up for no one.

so excited.

this is the best feeling as a mom.

henry looooved his toys too.

on the way to warner robins.

love her.

photo bomb.

luke got a scooter.. but caleb and i liked it more.

the holidays really are the happiest time of the year.

We've been having a blast this holiday season! There's so much to do here in Atlanta and I'm not even sure we'll get to it all! Last weekend we went to a place called Global Winter Wonderland. It was incredible. I'm not easily impressed however, I was truly blown away. I think maybe we'll go again! It's a pop up carnival/circus/lantern extravaganza in the Turner Field parking lot. Have to admit it was a little bittersweet to be next to the Braves stadium and knowing it won't host many more games.. but that's another discussion. Bitter feelings here!

This weekend we went to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for the light show. It was .. ok. I would have much preferred to go to Calloway again. It was much better but my family came up and hung out so that was nice. We had a good time!

I did a web site a little while ago as a side project for a salon in Midtown. We exchanged services for payment so I've had a pretty large sum on a gift card just waiting for me to get some hurrr stuff done. I finally bit the bullet and cashed some in. I feel so good again. I feel like my old self. Amazing how a hair cut can change that! I'm going again the day after my birthday to get some color and a keratin treatment. As of right now my hair is au natural.

As if that isn't enough, I went to see Butch Walker for a Christmas concert........ SO GOOD. How can I have seen him so many times and he's still amazing? I never get sick of it. Not only that, I convinced my cousin Samantha to go with Sarah and I. It was her first time. I was excited FOR her. haha. The we went to Clermont Lounge, naturally. I love that place. It was just WAY too crowded.


And of course, here's a photo dump!

this was contributed during a recent throwback thursday. 

That's right.. kindergarten. 1989. 

I was top seller for the school 

and won the "brand new on the market OG Nintendo" !

The remnants of sickness.

He stayed up way too late the night before this and I told him he wouldn't be allowed to go to Global Winter Wonderland if he didn't jump in bed for a 30 minute nap to get in a better mood. He was serious about going because he was out in 2 seconds.

This is just one of LANTERNS at Global Winter Wonderland. 

That's the White house and Luke for proportion.

We had so much fun!

Another lantern!

And a Fellini's pizza date after.

For years I've wanted someone to ride this with me because it's my absolute favorite ..

 but no one would ever because they hate it. 

I begged Luke and he did. HE LOVED IT. 

We rode it twice! (his idea)

Weekends are the absolute best. 

This is one of the views outside of my window at work. 

Atlanta has been miserable this past week. 

It rained for like 2 weeks straight it felt like!

I just love a beautiful mess app.

Oh! We saw The Man at Global Winter Wonderland. 

I posted this on IG to show people I dress like a big girl for work sometimes.

We can wear whatever we want.. jeans.. sure. 

But recently I've been putting in some effort and it makes me feel good.

This is my crazy kid at the Botanical Garden.

And my little crazy kid when I came home for lunch one day.

It's very hard to leave him.

And this! Is my hair cut! 

If you need a salon, 

James Madison Salon

can hook you up!

..And I did that site.

This was our pregaming for the Butch show.

We've known each other a loooong time.

and we still frands.

And my cousin! Sam! I really love her.

..... and before the greatness started.

Happy HOLIDAYS!!

My job shuts the office down the ENTIRE week of Christmas so I'm so super excited. Not to mention... my BIRTHDAY! Dirty 30.