Change is good. Always looking forward, taking on new challenges, and building a life with the people you love. This time of year always has me looking back on past holiday photos and videos and I can't believe how much I've grown since I met Oliver. How much both of us have grown. It must be one of the most satisfying things I can think of. Self-improvement.

And some things never change. 

This is a toast to the times in life you never want to see pass. Those times being home and opening your parents' refrigerator without thinking twice. The way your old dog plays with you like you never left. Sharing drinks and watching your friends' band play just like the past weekend...or was that 5 years ago already? 


This post is to our loved ones. You mean more to us than you know. Cheers.

I'm sitting at my desk, editing these photos while bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets. 

It's that infamous Wisconsin winter that's set in and more fierce than many winters past. I often kid myself and tell Oliver that some winter, someday, we will live in a more temperate state. This, of course, is a fleeting complaint and one that Wisconsinites casually throw around, but we know this is home. 

This Christmas was different than the others. It was the first time coming home for a string of days and staying in a house full of guests and dogs and happiness. Cooking alongside Mom. Running all over town catching up with friends from college, high school, kindergarten. Starting new traditions. Card games. Losers at cards on dish duty. Running around the woods like maniacs because we were bored. 

And carrying on old traditions. Like that Dickens Village display below that belonged to Grandpa Jim.


It was a good reunion. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones as well.  

I thought I would take a moment to show you my essentials when packing to go home for the holidays. Anyone that knows me, knows that packing/styling is my jam. I turn on music, light candles, and go to town pulling items from my closet onto my bed. Here are my no-brainer must-haves when traveling during the winter.   

The velvet shorts, paired with black opaque tights, can be worn out with friends or even to a family gathering depending on the top. Whenever I'm wearing a neutral outfit with no patterns, I try to add patterns back in using accessories. This scarf is perfect to brighten up darker pieces. This knit beanie is my holy grail, cold weather hat. It goes with everything and keeps my hair hidden on lazy days when needed. 

When traveling, I go for purses that are mid-sized and neutral. This one has lots of pockets for my phone, camera, and lipsticks with enough room for my wallet and won't weigh me down when out and about with the family. Finally, boots that are durable and comfy are a must in the winter. This pair will hold up between events and also look great with a slight heel and layered buckles.  


ITEMS

BDG Velvet Erin High-Rise Short
Old Navy Men's Flannel Fringe Scarf // bought 3 years back
H&M Men's Knit Beanie // sold out
Target Merona Purse // on loan from sister
Target Mossimo Supply Co. Heeled Ankle Boots // sold out

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

I was going to wait to post these until we had our Christmas cards sent out, but it looks like we won't be getting them in until the 17th possibly and I just can't wait that long. This is our second Christmas as a married couple and we didn't do cards last year, which I regret. I'll blame it on being a full-time student back then. These are quite special to me as they were taken at my parents' home up north on Thanksgiving. It was definitely a family effort as my mom and sister's boyfriend helped with setup, we used my dad's gear, and my sister took the photos, so beautifully I have to add. Thank you for running around in the cold and snow with us, you all! 



Shot by Elisabeth Patten on our Canon Powershot A810 point and shoot.
Edited by myself with VSCO.