Mike & Alison Tie The Knot!

Alison is one of my best friends. 

We met a few years ago at work and become close almost instantly. I met her - at the time - boyfriend, Mike soon after.  

They became engaged and I couldn't wait to help Alison with the wedding.

At first they were thinking of getting married in Southern California. Then there was talks of it being in Mexico.

But then... then I found out we were going to Jamaica!!!

I always have a great time when we're together and consider them like my family. Of course I was excited that I was going to be going to such an amazing place to see two of my closest friends get married!

My wonderful Sister- In-Law, Becky agreed to go as my "date". Took lots of convincing too, right? ;) Also, I must say thank you to my amazing brother for letting me steal her for a bit!

Since I like to make every post have something - even the tiniest bit to do with one of my hobbies, I must share with you the card that I made for Mike and Alison.

The next morning at brunch Mike asked me if I'd made it and when I replied, "Yes", said I should go into business.  

If only I could get paid for my hobbies...

Now a few of the memories from the amazing wedding and unforgettable trip to Jamaica.

Christmas Time is HERE!

Christmas really snuck up on me this year, so it's a good thing that I started decorating the day after Thanksgiving.  I did most of the decorating that first weekend, but added other little touches throughout the month of December.

To me - Christmas isn't the same without having Christmas lights, so of course I have those!

Lights around the front door.

Lights on the balcony railing.

Lights around the bathroom ceiling.

And lights around the dining room/kitchen ceiling.

Also pictured are two of the amazing snowflakes 

that a great friend helped me make!

Oh - and you can't forget the Christmas tree.  

Mine is fake - because it's easier.  As much as I love real trees, they're pretty messy.  I had one last year and my cats knocked it completely over.  This year I decided to get the real pine smell from a tiny miniature tree and a wreath hung on the front door.

And the decorations don't end there.  In addition to lights in many places, I have little touches of Christmas scattered about!

The wooden wreath on the Den door.

The Welcome Sign outside the front door.

Pine Cone Stocking Hangers.

Yes - I know, there aren't any stockings hung yet, but there will be some! :)

Bell Ornaments hung from the hallway ceiling.

(Note: the picture doesn't do justice to what it really looks like!)

And last but not least ... a Santa hat added to a wooden monkey to make him festive for the holidays!

I also kept one hanging bat up from Halloween and added a hat to him too, 

but for some reason I didn't photograph that. 

Sorry!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas - or whatever holidays you celebrate this time of year!