christmas jolly

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty stuck in the Christmas mood. With the family love, presents, food, and time to relax, I don't want this season to ever end! I'm a little late with this Christmas post, I know, but I guess with this post being up, I feel like Christmas must really be over. Procrastination or just plain denial. What do you think?

The morning was spend with my family. A little more celebration than we had on Christmas Eve, it was a great start to the day, especially since my Steve Madden's greeted me there. EEE! The day was spent with my grandparents and what a great time that was. There was plenty of laughing and family drama, but that's how it always is and I did not expect anything different. The evening was spent with Jared's family and it was great. With someones first Christmas in order, all eyes were on her and she soaked up every minute. I think everyone in the room was jealous of all the presents that baby got!

With the Christmas festivities basically over, I am sad to bid it farewell. But I am so happy that this Christmas was one to remember, and I cannot wait for more Christmas's to come. What would a Christmas post be without some insta pics?

follow along @amyjpalmer if you'd like!

I guess it would be appropriate to say (even if a little late), Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

'twas the night before christmas

earrings: Target shirt: F21 blazer: F21 skirt: Target bracelets: F21 watch: Fossil tights: Target shoes: Charlotte Russe (oh and please don't mind the paleness that extends my top into a turtleneck, not all us floridians can keep up their summer glow)

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE! And I for one, can say that I am so excited. Even though part of my day will consist of working, the night time on Christmas Eve is when all the traditions start!

One of my favorite traditions is the Christmas Eve service. I look forward to it every year. It is a time for me to really reflect on what this season is all about and everything I have been blessed with. I saw a saying on pinterest that read, "What you are taking for granted, others are praying for." Christmas Eve and Christmas is more about the hustle and bustle, presents, and cookies. It's about being thankful for all you have and spending time with the people you love. Most importantly, it is recognizing the birth of our Savior and the life that he has eternally given us.

After the service, there is always take-out from Chilis (a newer tradition that quickly became a favorite) and opening presents on my side of the family. Christmas music, hot chocolate, and twinkle lights in the background are a must.

I am just giddy right now thinking about it. I hope every one's Christmas Eve is just magical, and their Christmas Day even better.

What are some of your traditions that you just can't wait to do? C'mon, I know some of you put on those onsies and sing Christmas carols.

kraft paper and touches of red

As Christmas is getting closer and closer, time is also fleeting. Just yesterday, I finally finished all my wrapping! It feels as a chore has been checked off the list and a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

But let me tell you, I have come to LOVE wrapping. I love personalizing every gift with a little something different. Since working at a place with complimentary wrapping, I've had my fair share of practice. This year, I really enjoyed putting my own spin on a part of my favorite time of year.

With touches of brown, polka dots, and red, these are my favorite gifts I have ever wrapped. Too bad my man who loved Christmas like a five year old will not appreciate the art and tear right through it. I guess I better stare at it while it lasts, huh? Enjoy! And have fun with your wrapping this year!

DIY christmas ornaments

When you make something you just LOVE, and are oh so proud of, it's hard to stop looking at it (maybe I'm just that proud of myself for making something I actually want to keep). I find myself walking over to the wreath where these ornaments are now displayed and stare, just stare at them for a couple minutes. First of all, I want to give all the credit for the idea of these ornaments to the talented and gorgeous Kelli Murray. You may remember THIS post, where I shared some of my favorite Christmas season DIY's and I finally got around to making my favorite one.

Like I said, I just adore how they came out. Putting my personal spin on the ornaments with some gold paint, and adding my own touches, I will surely treasure these for years to come. Want to know how to make these babies? Kelli featured a wonderful tutorial right HERE showing you how.


Here are the basic supplies you'll need:
>sculpie
>cookie cutters (different sizes if you want)
>rolling pin
>a straw
>twine
>sharpie paint pen (extra fine)
>gold paint and pin head for small dots (optional)


In the end, have fun with these and design to your heart's content! There's still time before Christmas to make some last minute personalized gifts for friends and family. And trust me, making a letter and some messy leaves is something anyone can do.

What do you think?

a video i wish i could show you

hat: Walmart shirt: F21 bracelets: Style Lately & vintage scarf: Walmart skirt: Gap shoes: Target

First of all, this outfit is a miracle. Why? Because there is only one item from Target in it. However, there are two from Walmart. Is that a good trade? I'll let you decide on that one.

Last night was Jared's work Christmas party and I pride myself on being the best mingler (is that a word?) I've ever been. Usually when I do not know to many people and especially when Jared is by my side, I am a bit reserved and let him do the talking, which he does sooo easily and it's not fair. He is one of those people who could talk to anyone. Whether he knows them or not he can just strike up a conversation. Just another thing he is good at. I'll add that to the already growing list, along with the way he was breaking it down to the electric slide on the dance floor. I have a video that I would love to show you all, but I'm pretty sure he would kill me.

Christmas is a week from today! I just love this season and I can't believe the most special day is only a week away. Happy Tuesday!

friday favorites: DIY christmas & winner announced

There is just something about Christmas that gets me in the crafting mood. Maybe it's the glitter, the frosted  trees, or the abundance of cute ornaments. No matter what it is, there are a lot of crafts I want to conquer when I have a moment to myself. So here is a compilation of my favorite DIY's this season.

These super cute DIY globes include traditional or whimsical Christmas trees, but really, you would use anything. How about your child's toy? Or some cute bunnies or deer? Learn how to make these at Always Swell and The Kinch Life.

This glamorous tree looks easy to make and wouldn't a few in a cluster be pretty on an entry way table? Learn how to make it at Pretty Little Inspirations.

This advent calendar is a more time intensive project (and it's a little late already) but what a good idea to remember for next year! Learn how to make it at A Beautiful Mess.

Gather some baby food jars and make one for every day in December. Light one each night for a countdown to Christmas! Learn how to make these at Roadkill Rescue.

Tree skirts are such a fun way to customize your Christmas tree, and really the possibilities are endless. These are a couple of vintage inspired DIY's (and who doesn't love anything that's vintage inspired?) Learn how to make these at Smile and Wave.

These ornaments are just the most gorgeous around in my eyes and when I can spare a moment, I am definitely going to make these. You can customize them any way you want and even use the little ones as gift tags. Great right? Ornaments are from Kelly Murray's Blog and the DIY is featured on A Beautiful Mess.

I would love to know of any other Christmas DIY's that you think are just fabulous. Because you know, I need another project to envy and wish I had time to do. I hope these inspired you guys to make something fun this season!

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The winner of the She Makes Hats Giveaway is

Tiffany H.

Congrats girl! Shoot me an email at

amyjpalmer54(at)gmail(dot)com