Merry Christmas Eve! I've been a little missing in action from this space this season but we've been enjoying the downtime more than you know. Aside from the usual gift-guides, I've kept the cheer to a minimum because we've been celebrating in real time. I'm going on record to say that this has been the most enjoyable holiday season so far! It's been so nice to have Lorelai home from school and jam-pack this month with festive activities (like The Nutcracker and ice skating) but now I'm ready to lay low and soak up the relaxing vibes on the sofa.

The end of the year is always a time for recharging and reflecting. Honestly, I'm most excited to spend the next couple of days looking back on an amazing year and planning for 2017. I'm so thankful that you have chosen to visit this space from time to time and for your continued support. I hope you're enjoying the most wonderful time of the year with your loved ones. See you in 2017!

My favorite picks for the home decor enthusiast on your list. A little function, a little frivolity, all beautiful!

nate berkus leather tassel garland, anthropologie hinged hanging picture frame, anthropologie mod scissors, diptyque baies room spray, byredo bibliotheque candle, 'move and work', cb2 faux leather planner, begg & co herringbone wool throw, cb2 marble cheese server set, artifact uprising brass easel + calendar, williams sonoma marble wine coaster, target marble tray, cb2 stipple bowls, skeem fleur de sel candle, bloomingville cutting board, leff amsterdam brass-plated speaker, detox your home gift set, serena & lily rattan chair, ferm living candle holder, the+radio fm, one kings lane quartz point, byredo tree house candle, target salt and pepper shakers

Shop all of my picks in the holiday home shop!

The month is rushing by pretty quickly, isn't it!? December is always an exciting time and I'm happy to have celebrated my 26th birthday last week, be well into holiday festivity and spending a lot of time sitting with my thoughts and plans for 2017. Things have been changing a lot for me lately and everything is a little up in the air but in the best way possible. The biggest changes have come in the form of leaving my previous position in the bridal industry, re-enrolling in school and getting back to the root of what makes me creatively fulfilled and happy. Sometimes you have to shake it all up to find your footing again.

I've been able to spend a lot of time getting back into my old rhythm, gather a ton of inspiration and make some pretty big plans. While most of December is usually spent in preparation for the holidays, there are a few things I'd like to get done before the new year:

school // I'm through the toughest parts of the process (admissions, financial aid, etc.) but I'd like to figure out a plan for heading back to school in January. It's funny how your perspective on education changes as the years pass and I'm looking forward to approaching a degree with a different outlook on the system. You may know, if you've been reading this blog for a long time, that I started going to school for Linguistic Anthropology straight after high school but found myself a bit displaced by the concept, living in a new country without a support system to lean on. I stepped away from traditional education, landed squarely in family life and found a creative career. It wasn't until recently that I figured out what my biggest pursuit will likely be and decided a degree would help make that a reality. Back to class I go!

creative projects // I'm slowly getting back into creating things for myself and I'm loving it. I have editorials lined up and some ideas I'd love to execute soon. I want to use my time this month to actually schedule and plan these projects instead of just dreaming.

get grounded // Since stepping away from my job I've found myself wanting to spend a lot of time nesting and re-centering. I'm hoping to continue sprucing our place, continue spending a lot of time with my thoughts and dive into all of the things that make me feel grounded. I've rediscovered a love of music and quiet time, found the urge to start bullet journaling and developed a general desire to buck the system. In true introvert fashion, I've turned inward and want to continue doing that work in preparation for the new year.

What are your goals for December?