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holiday confessions || life updates & the end of 2016

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December 21, 2016

It’s been awhile since we’ve done a roundup of confessions, and I thought of some really funny and necessary things to call myself out on the other night while laying in bed, so here goes nothing. A perfect post, right before I leave you to take some time away for the holidays… just you wait 😉

One. We have been living in our home for three years now and still have those pesky paper blinds hanging proudly in our master bedroom. Obviously our boudoir hasn’t been the focus of any decorating… maybe Kendall can help us tackle that in 2017, or maybe it’ll be another year of glamorous Lowe’s semi-permanent window treatments.

Two. I haven’t read any books since October. I was on a role and then completely lost my momentum. Maybe it was due to the fact that so many of my favorite shows came back on so I’m on a winter hiatus… well, unless The Night Before Christmas and the Cravings Coffee Table Book count?? Anyone have some new must-haves to get me going again in the new year???
Three. This is the first year we have pretty simple plans for New Years Eve and I’m kinda happy about it.. sad that I most likely won’t get dressed up in a fancy outfit (like the ones I posted Monday) BUT equally excited to have the option to call it an early night after dinner with friends, dress in some comfy pajamas, and rent a movie with a heaping tub of popcorn… my goodness when did we get so old?!?!?!?!

Four. The fourth quarter has absolutely taken its toll on me… owning a retail business is crazy the entire year, but when Q4 shopping rolls around, it’s insanity times 100. Between holiday events, personal obligations, blogging gift guides [I know you’re sick of them too], and all the other “stuff ” that comes with the holidays, I’m ready to take a few days off and spend some quality time with my little ones and Jeff. On the agenda??? Jellystone’s Dancing Lights of Christmas Tour, plenty of cookie baking and mess making, the Predators Smashville Outdoor Rink for princess ice skating and snowman building, movie watching, Predators Hockey Game with Mimi and Pappy, and loads of playtime with all our Christmas gifts I’m sure!

Five. Cooking in the winter is not my favorite thing… am I the only one that doesn’t like to fix dinner during cold months?? You can only cook so many soups and crock pot dinners to where you’re completely burnt out and in need of something different. Now baking on the other hand, that’s more like it … I’m planning to make my favorite Peppermint Poke Cake for Christmas Day at Gran and Papa’s house and I might devour the entire thing myself–no willpower I promise. 

Six. I’ve been slightly off the radar for a few weeks now and it’s because I gifted myself an early Christmas present… we are going to Turks and Caicos in January and you’ll most likely be wondering if something is different with me, so I’m spilling the beans. This gal got herself a breast augmentation two weeks ago and so I am still in recovery mode while things “settle”. I’ll be doing a full post on the matter to talk through the details/my decision on why I chose surgery/etc, but let’s just say I’m SO happy I finally did it because it’s something I have been wanting to do for many years. And yes, I might have done some celebratory shopping, too! P.S. I know this is a very touchy subject for some, and I appreciate everyone’s viewpoint, but can we keep it polite?!?! 

Seven. And finally, I’m confessing some holiday specifics I’m itching to discuss. I hate stick-on bows, despise Josh Groban songs on Pandora, refuse to eat black eyed peas for New Years, can watch The Holiday and Love Actually over and over again and not get tired of it, don’t understand why people still sell fruitcake, want to throw away our elf Roxie, and I’m SO thankful Santa isn’t bringing another live animal to our house this year… we are sticking to American Girl Dolls and dollhouses instead 😉 OK, now I feel much better!!!!

Anything you’re dying to publicly share??? I promise, it feels good!!

  1. Ashley Robyn says:

    I am sure that owning your own shop is not always sunshine and rainbows and can only imagine how crazy this time of the year is. It's a blessing and a curse I'm sure. I am officially obsessed with those bralettes now and once I have this sweet baby girl and figure out what my new cup size will be, I will be getting them asap.
    I think my Christmas confession is that no, I don't really want gift cards for christmas but I also am not going to ask for specific items because I know there will be some judgy eyes. So bring on the gift cards.

  2. Laci Murray says:

    Here's my confession!! I NEVER BROUGHT OUR ELF OUT THIS YEAR AND DO NOT EVEN FEEL BAD ABOUT IT!!!???? I am a horrible parent but my plate has been SO full and the stress of the Elf might have sent me into a place I do not want to go! Merry Christmas!

  3. "B" says:

    Currently nursing baby #3 (reiterate non-stop nursing for almost 5 years) I cannot wait to get a little lift in the nearer future after we determine family size. No judgies here and cannot wait to see your new confident self 🙂

    My Christmas confession – I hate buying presents for the in-laws! Ugh, I don't need anything – JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT/NEED/LOVE. You know damn well we are getting you something. And also I'd love for a bralette to fit me but they don't seem supportive enough … I am going to have to look into this more.

  4. Kelly says:

    Once I get done breastfeeding baby #2 I'm totally getting an augmentation! Hope your recovery is going well – would love to hear insight whenever you've gone through the process to see how it's really like! Also love those bralettes!

    I debated over getting an Elf on the Shelf the year I was pregnant with Lilly and one day decided… eh, I think I'll opt out of this tradition! No regrets here. I def see the utilitarian function but I'm not that creative to come up with 24+ ideas a year, and we travel so much around the holidays it's just not worth it!

    • thanks Kelly!!! i will definitely be sure to make a detailed post about my experience… hoping to help others in the process, too!!!

      smart decision on opting out… the idea is great, but the execution makes me insane each year!!!

  5. Tess says:

    Your January trip – SO jealous! And we are laying low this NYE too and I'm totally ok with it. In fact, I really don't like the over-hype of that day anyhow but I will take the excuse to splurge on some nice champagne!

  6. Bec74 says:

    Boob job!!! Nothing to judge, I say good for you! I've had many friends get theirs done, I'm just waiting for the right time and I'll get mine!

  7. I had breast augmentation almost exactly 4 years ago. Best decision ever!!! And like you it was something I always wanted so after I knew we were done having kids, I went for it. Good for you!!! Hope recovery is going well. Love reading your blog and your real, honest confessions.

  8. Kelly-Belly says:

    Everyone is reading The Couple Next Door. I've got it on hold at the library, but I might just go out and buy it.

    Congratulations on the other thing…bring on the swimsuit season right? Ha, ha…you're a beautiful person on the inside and the outside! 🙂

    Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!

  9. Sarah says:

    Good for you! You won't regret it, trust me, I know 😉 There are just some areas that no matter how much you go to the gym, you can't change.
    And I am so ready for our Elf to go back to the North pole. I swear I forget to move him half the time….then feel guilty for not being more creative when I do move him. Ugh! Plus, my 3yo loves to pick him up and say "its a doll" while my 8yo and 6yo FREAK OUT about her touching him…….oh the holidays 🙂

  10. LC says:

    I just got my new boobies in September and it's the best thing I've done for myself! You go girl, can't wait to hear about your experience and see your cute suits in T&C!

  11. I love this post! And you go girl with #6! Once I pop out all my babies that is so in my future, things shift and change post-baby, ya know?! 🙂 Merry Christmas!

  12. Oh I hope you've had a easy and quick recovery! My "girls" are getting a little work done in Feb! I'm nervous and excited! If you have any recovery tips send them my way! : ) Merry Christmas!!

  13. Amanda Smith says:

    So I am going to probably be the only one to say this but I had breast implants 8 years ago. Now 8 years later I am looking to have them removed asap. I had a nice size B before and now Im a large C. I loved them for about 5 years, but the last 3 years I have hated them! Im not in my 20's anymore and I have two young sons so wearing a bikini now is just over the top. I miss the days of wearing a cute workout top like Kate Hudson or Lily Aldridge with a nice small breasts. The grass is always greener! 8 Years on I now know larger breasts didn't make me happier. I think before telling people they will be sooooo happy that they are getting them let them have a look at Myrealself.com Its a great site that has loads of people wanting removals. FYI I didnt do it because I was missing anything in my life or trying to replace something. I just did it cause all my friends "loved" theirs and it was kinda cool in my 20's… Now we all either have them removed or booked in for removal.

    • i am ALL for sharing different viewpoints and perspectives so thanks for including your takeaway from your experience.
      i can understand the not wanting to look a certain way when wearing a bikini with small children, especially as we get older and things look different and that is one main reason i went a lot smaller with my size…
      great idea on the website! i am a user on Real Self as well and i think the information is VERY beneficial for anyone even toying with the idea of surgery. thanks for your input Amanda and good luck with your removal 😉

  14. Sheela Goh says:

    Good for you, Natasha, the decision whether or not to do anything with your body is yours and yours alone to make 🙂 my thought process has always been that if it has been bothering you consistently over a long time, and you can afford it, and it won't harm you, then go for it. Things like this aren't merely for aesthetics or solely in the name of vanity. Very often, they weigh so heavily in the way we view ourselves, affecting our self-confidence. So again I say, good for you, for taking the plunge. I hope you and yours have a lovely new year xoxo

  15. Nat says:

    Ok so I'm like a month behind but I would love a post about your decision to have breast augmentation surgery. After two kids my boobs are gone, like completely totally I look like a little kid gone and I really want to get one but I keep going back and forth trying to decide if it's right for me. I feel like nothing fits me anymore because I can't fill out my tops!

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colorful life + style blogger | native nashvillian | wife and mom to two darling little ladies | bringing you all the happy you can handle

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