Our First Married Christmas

Who knew a married Christmas would feel so different than a dating Christmas?! Besides the obvious fact that Austin and I live together now, somehow Christmas this year feels so different than the last. It's fun to think of new traditions to create together and prepare for the season, until... dun dun dunnnnn... you realize you're newlyweds and don't collectively own any holiday decor. Ha!

It had really never occurred to me that someday you have to buy your own Christmas stocking.. something we haven't done yet because I'm hoping the pretty Anthropologie ones will go on super sale. Thankfully, Austin and I were able to borrow some fun holiday decor from both of our moms — in addition to a few items we purchased — and our Christmas collection is off to a good start. I posted about it on my Instagram, but even though we have the big tree this year, my favorite is this tinsel tree with inoperable lights. I just love the look of the wiry silver branches.

For an affordable "centerpiece" solution, I dug around in the pile of extra branches at Lowe's, and we used some ornaments we didn't hang on the tree. It's fun to watch the sunlight reflect off of them in the morning; it lights up the whole living room!

Our little nutcracker friend is a nod to Austin's childhood collection. He's received a nutcracker from his grandma each year for Christmas since he was born — plus a few others from family and friends — and now he has over 30! I think it's 34, if I remember right.

To be honest, my favorite trees are made up of memories shared over the years. Special places, an ornament you picked up on this or that trip, and references to traits or interests that make our loved ones unique. But those are the trees you have to earn, over time, and I'm excited to collect all of those experiences together. A funky tree is just evidence of a full life. 

So, here we are. New last name, new traditions. Gingerbread house making, prime rib on Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve service at ET (my home church), stockings, egg nog, chicken cordon bleu on Christmas, and a nutcracker collection. Hey, I may be closer to that full, eclectic tree than I think. Merry Christmas, friends! I hope your holiday season is everything you wish it to be.

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Queen City Gems, Vol. 2

Not to be overdramatic or anything, but every single person I know is really talented. Ha! That being said, I'm excited about this queen city gems post. If you missed my last one, you can check it out here. There are so many people doing cool things around this sweet little town of mine, and I love to see where we, as a community, are going. Here's some things I'm particularly pumped on this week:

Rove Coffee Opens in the Springfield Airport
So now there's at least 2 things to Instagram at the airport, by my count. The carpet (of course!) and Rove Coffee. I got to talk with their manager, Katilyn Palmquist, last week, and she so thoughtfully described the meaning of 'rove' that I nearly had to grab a tissue. Read what she had to say over on Feast.

Shailey and Katie on "Mixing Styles" in a Home
I've mentioned it before, but two of my great friends, Shailey and Katie have a podcast together. (In fact, they interviewed me on it recently!) But that's not what I'm here to talk about today. Nope, in their most recent episode, Shailey deals with how to mix styles in your home. And you should listen, because she is an interior design wizard and really knows her stuff. It's true! You can listen to it here or on iTunes.

D. Clea Launches Single for 'Loyal', From Upcoming Album, In Health

Remember that comment on how EVERYONE I KNOW is talented? D. Clea released a beautiful new single today, with a music video shot and produced by Locke and Stache. If you're keeping track, my husband owns Locke and Stache with two fantastic business partners, so of course I'm biased toward liking their work. But Darien's voice is sweet milky honey, and I'm convinced you'll all like this video even if you're not as biased as I am. Below is a screenshot from the video, which you can watch here.

That's all for today! Let me know of any other cool SGF happenings here or send me a DM on Instagram. xo!

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An Easy Veggie Recipe for Eating In

Each year, millions of students head off to college, warned about the “freshman 15”. What nobody tells you about, friends, is the dreaded NEWLYWED 15. I’m kidding, of course, but gettin’ hitched and moving in with a man is a big lifestyle change! It takes some adjusting to. Since Austin and I got married in late October, we’ve been steadily approaching the coziest time of year, and snuggling while eating pizza just sounds more fun than snuggling while eating.. veggies.


But, we all have goals in life, and one of mine is to eat more veggies. SIGH. Pizza, don’t worry, you are still my first love. For this post, I’m working with Made In Cookware. In their own words, it’s “professional cookware at an amateur price.” And—hey—I think they’re right! I used the 10-inch pan to whip up one of my favorite easy, veggie-friendly recipes. (I made this dish once before on the blog, so you can find it in my ancient history archives from 2014. Aww! Here’s the link.)



In my opinion, the two best things about this frying pan are that it’s oven safe and dishwasher safe. Since it’s stainless, I won’t hesitate to throw it in the dishwasher. Usually, I like to hand wash my nonstick pots and pans, so the surface stays better longer. So, I feel like this is a “Made In” bonus! Less time washing pans; more time to make… out?

What easy veggie recipes are you making this season? Lemme know in the comments! xo.

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