Continuing Christmas

Christmas is almost here. 

8 days. 

I contemplate this as my littles are having their daily "rest time" and I am having my daily "momma time". Today that entails a cup of coffee, cozy chair and blanket, and the lights of my Christmas tree. 

Lest you think my life is perfect, let me fill in the gaps--the tree is beautiful to us but consists mainly of my ornaments from childhood until now (that 26 years of ornaments), ones my littles have created, and some random ones we have picked up along the way. Not exactly a Pottery Barn Christmas tree. The multi-color lights aren't even my favorite--I prefer white lights. There's far too few wrapped gifts under the tree (with many more in the attic that need my attention). The cover is off my couch being washed which leaves an old couch and ugly cushions on the floor while the dog curls up on the bare couch. The dining room is in shambles (as is the kitchen) which is typical after lunch. But, there's something cozy about this time of year and enjoying life in the messes it brings. 

As I was unloading those precious littles out of the car earlier, I thought, "I just wish we didn't have to continue 'real life' so we could simply enjoy this Christmas season." By real life I mean, can we put all chores on hold until after Christmas? That's totally absurd, but I'd like to. I love Christmas. I don't like winter and cold, but I love Christmas. 

I love the traditions and all things festive! 

Last night I watched some "home videos" of my sister and me at Christmas when we were 5 and 7 years old. Wow! Memories! 

I keep running across all these blog posts about simplifying Christmas, ditching the holiday baking, saying "NO" to decorations. While I totally understand--I want a simple Christmas too, and we have canceled our annual Christmas Eve gathering this year to free up time for our family--I don't fully agree with all these posts. 

I have so many memories of Christmases with my family growing up. Was it hectic? Yep! Was it tiring? Yes! But it was fun and oh-so-memorable! My family celebrated everything (for real, my mom made an entire cake shaped like a pencil for the first day of school my 2nd grade year...we're serious celebrators) and while that seems silly to some people, it made even every-day moments special. But when it came to the big holidays? Those were even more special. 

There's just something about traditions that tie families together. Pulling out decorations and reminiscing on the stories behind them. Baking the same cookies year after year and recalling those years when all kinds of funny things happened while baking those cookies. Seeing how you have changed and NOT changed so much. Gazing on God's grace through traditions, decorations, and memories. 

Life is hectic. We need to slow down. We need to simplify. But I believe we also need to carry on traditions that point us to God's grace in our lives. We are making strides to simplify our Christmas, but we are also striving to continue in traditions that bless others, bring to remembrance years gone by, and pass on memories and faith to the next generation. 

It isn't something to stress-out over, but it something to be intentional about. 

So while we are cutting out a few parties and freeing up a little space on the calendar this Christmas, we are also continuing with our Christmas decorations, baking traditions, and gift giving. Because those things are important in our family. And that's the bottom line. 

Do what is important for your family--what is valued in your family--what brings your family to remember Christ this season and recall God's graces in your lives. 

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours. 

*New* product!

Are you ready for some *new* products in the shop? 

They're here!! 

I've been working on getting these made and ready to sell for a few months now, but with "The Big Couch Project of 2014" they have gotten put on the back burner....until NOW! 

I'll have some new teething necklaces soon, but the newest item is

Nursing scarves! 

Totally wishing I had made some for myself when G-man was nursing all the time. They are so cute and functional! 

You wear them...like this...

Wrapped around like you would any infinity scarf. 

When baby needs to nurse and you need to cover up a little bit? 

Just un-loop it and cover yourself and your baby...like so

Each scarf is 35" wide and 60" long. 

They have served edges to prevent raveling. 

And they come in a variety of fun, trendy colors and patterns. 

Which one is your favorite? 

I'll be putting these up for sale in the shop later this week! 

Remember, for anyone who lives in or near Charleston you can use coupon code "LOCAL" at check out for free shipping and I will deliver it to you! :) 

www.etsy.com/shop/racheleervin

Fall Fashion Friday

So, I'm a momma. I'm not what anyone would label as "fashionable" or "trendy". My wardrobe consists mainly of jeans, cotton tees, and city flats with the occasional pair of boots. Right now, in this season of life, fashion kind of takes a back seat to caring for my littles, Hubs, and our home. 

But that doesn't mean I don't know what I like. Or that I don't have a desire to dress more fashionably sometimes. 

However, when I have a big event coming up where I have to go out without children and be dressed in something a bit nicer than GAP jeans and a Target tee I can become anxious trying to put something together. 

Anybody with me? 

So, I have taken a few minutes to create a couple of looks that might be an inspiration to you when getting dressed for a night out at a holiday party or a Fall wedding or even just a fancied-up date night with your spouse. 

Bonobos.com has graciously given me the male fashion pics from their Men's Fall Suit Line (check them out!) and all I had to do was pair up an outfit for you lovely ladies. I'd love to hear your feedback on my choices. 

Tweed Blazer, Jeans, plaid button down.

Fancy Denim by rachel-ervin 


I love the splash of color that the red brings and the fact that its the same color as the man's shirt. Hubs and I don't typically dress alike (because, hello we're adults...no offense if you and your hubs are matchy-matchy) but we do like to coordinate sometimes. I like the simple-ness of this outfit. Flats are my favorite--cute and functional. Stud earrings are simple and elegant and the clutch purse is a nice alternative to a diaper bag :) I'm in love with everything about this outfit.

And it is something I would actually wear in real life. Nothing too "over-the-top" because I'm a simple, classic kind of girl.

This look was inspired by something I have previously worn only its a little more "spruced up".

This next look is a little more on the "fancier" side of things. By that, I mean I'd wear it to a wedding or maybe a really nice dinner. 

Gray wool suit--love this suit! Too bad Hubs doesn't have one! 

Chic Fall attire by rachel-ervin 

Ladies, I am coveting this outfit right now. 
I put it together, but I don't even own one of these pieces...oh how I'd love to! 
The deep red tones of this dress combined with the lace top scream chic to me. But its getting cooler out, so the light gray cardigan would keep me warm while still looking cute. The gold jewelry and black clutch pull it together and those leopard print shoes add a little pizzazz! Again, this outfit it so "me". Pretty simple, with a few little sparkly touches to give it that extra "umph".

Can you say Christmas party attire? I think so.


Have you heard of Bonobos? They have a pretty unique shopping experience from what I can tell, but there isn't one here in our little city so we haven't experienced it ourselves. Their clothes are pretty trendy too and I know Hubs would love them! Totally his style!

So what are your thoughts? What would you wear if your Hubs or boy-friend were wearing one of those two outfits from Bonobos?

write31days {confession & conclusion}

Alright guys, confession. 

(Which actually isn't any secret)

This last week I completely lost my write31days blogging momentum. You  know why? I'll tell you. One word. 4 letters.

L.I.F.E. 

I made it 27 days.

Only 4 left to go until I complete the entire month. 

But I dropped the ball. 

And let's face it...

I won't be picking it back up.

You know why? 

L.I.F.E.

My life, my husband, my children, my home, my friends, my family, my commitments.

All of those things are more important.

And right now they all require a ton of my time. 

Sorry if that disappoints you or you feel like I left you hanging. 

The conclusion to the series goes something like this: 

Charleston is a great little city to live in or visit. There are many fun activities, exciting places, and yummy food to be had. I hope you come visit soon! 

There ya have it! 

Now, back to my regularly scheduled life with littles. 

I'll be here...just not every day...and not for the rest of this week. 

We have Trick-or-Treat to tend to! 

Costumes

Family

Apple Cider

Pumpkins

Candy

{day 27} in a small city

Happy Monday! 

I am really excited to share with you a fun event that we participated in this weekend! 

Every summer, Charleston hosts "Festivall". For a few weeks each June the "City becomes a work of art". There are events to go to, art to be seen, food to be tasted, and music to listen to. 

More recently, they started hosting "Festivall Fall". Unlike "Festivall" this even only lasts a weekend. This year, it was this past weekend. 

While we didn't participate in the Pub Crawl, the Zombie Run 5K, or anything else, our children got to participate in the Make and Take Crafts on Saturday. It was right around the corner, so Hubs walked them over and they came home with all kinds of fun stuff they had made. They also browsed the craft fair and purchased me some homemade soap (one of my favorite things)! 

Bird cake! 

Fall tree with puzzle piece leaves.

They colored these paper masks. One was a skeleton the other was a pumpkin. E thought she was super scary in her mask!

Festivall Fall was a pretty fun event for our family, even though we only took part in one activity. 

Our favorite part of Festivall (the summer event) is Taste-Of-All where local restaurants come and you can pay a small sum to sample foods from whichever restaurant appeals to you. Its really fun...and delicious! 

These events provide so much fun and a kind of different feel to the city. Charleston is getting artsy folks!

{day 26} in a small city

This next place is another one that would probably be better for older children, although we have taken our littles there. It makes me a nervous wreck the whole time because everything is glass! :) 

A paint your own pottery studio that is located in one of the shopping plazas off of Rt. 119. 

You go, pick a piece (all priced differently), paint, and leave it there so they can glaze it. 

It is a very fun experience. We did it a few years ago as a double date with some of our friends. We painted a piece with our family purpose statement on it so we could display it and always be reminded of it. 

My mom took Little E over the summer when my cousins were visiting. She painted this ballet slipper...and she loves it! 

But I know the process of her painting it was quite stressful. 

The Pottery Place offers special events as well. We have never gone, but I know that occasionally they have story times where the children paint and listen to a read aloud. They also host birthday parties which, in my opinion, would be super fun when my kids are a little older.

Feeling creative? Is your inner-artist itching to get out? 

The Pottery Place might be just where you need to go! 

{day 25} in a small city

While you are already in Southridge, let me introduce you to Charleston's Ice Skating Arena! 

I remember when they were building this. Boy, does that make me feel old! 

For older children this is a great place to go to blow off some steam and wear their energy level down! They have public skating daily. Adult admission is $8 and skate rental $2. 

They also offer skating lessons and host events such as collegiate hockey games. 

Our favorite event they offer is called Totsicles. 

Every Friday last winter we would go from 9:30-10:30 and E played on the ice. They bring out lots of toys, tricycles, etc for the children to play with. They can wear ice skates if they want but most of the children are young and just wear their tennis shoes to play. After playing for an hour they take the children to the lobby area by the fire place, read a story, and give them hot cocoa and cookies. All for just $5! 

We are looking forward to doing it again this winter! Such a fun thing to do on a Friday morning. 

The ice arena offers a variety of activities and hosts birthday parties as well...making it a very family friendly attraction!

{day 24} in a small city

Right outside of Charleston on Rt. 119 you'll find a huge shopping area with 3 shopping plazas and tons of restaurants. 

We go out there frequently for our Target adventures (seems like weekly...maybe we have an obsession but that's ok, right?). Sometime, though, Hubs will take the kids (it started as dates with Little E) to Cabela's. 

Yes. Cabela's. 

E loves to go look at the animals (dead and stuffed) and fish in the fish tank. She likes exploring the store and all the cool stuff they have their as well, but the highlight is fish tank. 

Confession: I have only been with them one time. It was this last summer and E pulled the fire alarm (we think...long story). Needless to say, we were't there very long. But G-man his first baseball cap that night. 

So after enjoying a dinner at one of Southridge's many restaurants, head over toe Cabela's to do some exploring with your kiddos. 

{day 23} in a small city

Charleston is the Capitol City. 

So one of the most beautiful and most informing attractions is the Capitol Complex and the Capitol building itself. It is a gorgeous golden domed building. 

Our family really enjoys taking walks around the grounds of the Capitol. Its beautiful...especially in the fall. 

G started out ambitious but didn't make it very far up the stairs.

We found some really big leaves. E thought they were great!

The Capitol is a great place to walk around--outside or inside. The view of the river alongside the front of the building is one of the better views in the city. 

So go explore the Capitol building and get your family a little history lesson at the same time!