It does my heart good to see our home all dressed up for Christmas… I don’t think it’s ever looked finer, especially with that handsome deer back at his post. I am excited for this month, for all the beauty and goodness and hope and joy that December brings. I want to enjoy it fully, and finish it out by planning for a truly marvelous 2015. I’m so glad we’re in this together!

I managed to check off all of my November goals except for organizing a neighborhood luminaria night, which I feel kind of bad about… I think the idea was intimidating to me, so I just kept putting off taking the steps to make it happen. But, friends, there’s always next year – and thankfully I have a few more to go before I’m 30!!

Goals for December:
— Set our budget for 2015
— Make homemade toffee
— Purchase a new Bible that I really love and decide on a year-long reading plan with John
— Send out our Christmas cards with a personal note on each
— Think ahead and be intentional about planning a really wonderful Christmas at our home for (most of) my family
— Dream and plan for what my goals will look like in the new year, considering my ongoing 60 Before 30 project
— Give away as much as we spend on Christmas gifts in our church’s Christmas Eve offering (this year going to Imagine No Malaria)

I would love to hear what you all have planned for this month!

As today is December 1, you may have been expecting a monthly goals post! But since I have the first gift guide ready to go, I thought I’d post it today, so if you do decide to purchase anything from it, you can take advantage of Cyber Monday sales! Goals will go up tomorrow.

A. Southern phrase calendar ($12 + free shipping today only) | Colorful and fun, and perfectly priced for giving to friends.
B. How Marvelous How Wonderful t-shirt ($25 + 30% off with code CYBERMONDAY) | I adore their whole Hymn collection, but feel like this one is particularly appropriate!
C. Citrus recipe box ($34) | This tin has the prettiest colors. Even if you don’t need it to hold recipes, find something else to stick in here!
D. All in one bag ($105 + free shipping today) | Natalie gave this to me as a bridesmaid gift, and though I was surprised at the color at first, I now love it! I’ve used it so many times in the past six months, and it’s really flexible.
E. Hand-painted wrapping paper (price upon request?) | This has to be the prettiest wrapping paper in the world.
F. Kaleido trays (from $16) | I love all of the color combinations and think these would be perfect on a bureau or coffee table!
G. Boxer pajama set ($39) | Don’t mind the sultry VS model – I’ve heard these are the comfiest, cutest PJs!
H. Large cosmetic bag ($22) | The yellow dots are classic and fun, but there are so many other patterns to choose from!
I. Anchinalu scarf ($38) | A beautiful scarf, and it helps create sustainable business in Africa.
J. Soma water filter ($49) | An elegant, filtering carafe, and it helps fund charity: water projects.
K. Floral stocking ($30 + 15% off today with code BLACK15) | They make stockings now!!
L. Vintage mason jars (price varies) | Who doesn’t love a blue mason jar? Personally, I think the legit vintage ones are preferable to the reissued anniversary ones. Scoop up a few at your local flea market or Craigslist, and fill them with something pretty for a friend!
M. Nesting boxes ($54 for three) | The prettiest boxes for storing away less-than-pretty things!

Psst: past colorful gift guides if you need extra inspiration…
2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! John and I are spending the week at home in NC. We’re planning to wrap ourselves in blankets and watch the Macy’s parade this morning, then meet up with dear friends and their family for a hike and turkey dinner this evening. We’re bringing pimento cheese and John’s family’s cranberry sauce recipe!

Clockwise from top left: calligraphy invitation photo by Morgan Lamkin via 100 Layer Cake, fall flowers photo by Kate Osborne via Snippet & Ink, bar cart photo by Rustic White via Style Me Pretty, maple pecan pie from Martha Stewart, candle photo by Rustic White via Style Me Pretty, place setting photo by Aubrie Pick from Apartment 34, grape and apple pie from Bon Appetit, turkey from Food & Wine

Today I’m feeling grateful for my husband, for technology that connects us with our far-flung families, for friends close enough to share Thanksgiving with, for a busy shop, and for our new and super-comfy king size bed (even though we’ve yet to buy a quilt and are still sleeping on it in our sleeping bags!).

P.S. Gift guides are coming your way next week! :)

Emily Ley is one of the loveliest friends I’ve met in my working life. I’ve long been a fan of her and her products, and am thrilled that she had me over to participate in her Simplicity Series! Go take a peek at my “pick six” – tips and tricks I use to add margin and meaning to my life.

P.S. Have you purchased your 2015 Simplified Planner yet? I have a Weekly in my hot little hands (they’re sold out!) and am excited to start adding dates to it!

P.P.S. I mention it in my post for Emily, but this is your yearly reminder to sign up for eBates, if you haven’t already! Earn some money on those online purchases, people!!