2016: It's a Wrap

2016

What. A. Year.

It was a year that truly made me grow.

I learned so much about myself, my husband, my children as well as my family.

It was a year that I've learned less is more, and I want to continue that into next year.

It's a year that I've truly found a beautiful path I'm walking on with my faith.

2016 shook me to the core at the thought of losing my youngest sister.

I know so many people who hate 2016, but as my husband and I reflected on our year, we could only see the good.

Our sweet babes turned 1 & 3.

I took a day off.

We focused on some house goals.

I wrote about being a mom.

Hubby & I snuck off to Toronto

I asked for prayers; it worked. Thank you.

We celebrated 6 years of marriage

August was amazing.

Our girl started school.

I blogged 31 days in a row.

Viva las Vegas

Enjoying December

While I don't bare my entire soul here on the blog, I share what I feel is right and what needs to be put out there into the universe.  I'm constantly working on myself and certainly don't have all of the answers, but I feel so much better as a person going into this new year than I have ever felt.

I don't feel lost, scared, helpless hopeless or unsure.

Instead I feel confident, protected, secure, excited, hopeful and ready for all that is yet to come.

Relationships have always been a part of my life that I have struggled with.  I get so emotionally invested or worked up, that it can make me sick.  I believe that with the new year upon us, I will have a much better stance on them, as I walk with God.

The more I let him take control, the less guilt, frustration, sadness, what have you...I feel.

It is not my place to fix others; my only job here on earth is to be happy.

Stay safe & stylish friends and happy new year's eve!!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Joe has always gone to his grandparents' house.  Since I've been with him, we have kept this tradition and it's one of my favorites!  I think I've mentioned this before, but I've always wanted to be a part of a big Italian family.  I love the energy of the kitchen; everyone is laughing, cooking, eating, talking and you can literally feel the love.   

I tried to get a good shot, but he got her some pretty flowers and gave her a big old kiss.

I took this photo and about cried.  In one moment it hit me like a ton of bricks that I have two kids.  No more baby in either one of them.  I adore this photo so so so much.

They opened some presents from their Great Aunts and Great Grandma.

He's so silly an Brooke with her reindeer headband.

Her face is priceless.  Christmas overload for this one!

The table was all set up so pretty and don't you just love the old school Italian decor? I do.

We were at the "kids" table.

Uncle Frank kills me.

Grandma's homemade hat and Bradley rocked a man bun.

Cousin Jennifer's cookies were delicious.

Joe's flowers fit beautifully in the centerpiece Milly made.

Goodness knows what she's telling Grandma!

Frangelico shots...an Italian thing?

Desserts!

I love the old-style red lights that hang out front.  I could feel the presence of all of the wonderful Christmas eves past that had been spent here.  I also looked to the sky and thought about when I was little and would be driving home from my grandma's house and we would always look in the sky for Santa's sleigh.  It's amazing how many memories come flooding back when you have a child of your own.

Fashion Friday

Happy Friday and happy Christmas Eve Eve!!  I hope you had a fabulous week and that you're getting ready to spend the holiday weekend with those you love most in your lives.

The weather has been pretty chilly, the snow has stayed and so it's been a fun week for layers and I've been obsessed with scarves.

You can follow me on Instagram at Styled_by_Jenn where I post my looks and other fun happenings in my life.

My look for my sister's cookie party was pretty simple.
Top: Sweater from Free People (Macy's had a great sale late Summer!)
Park Slope Scarf: Stella & Dot
Luna Pendant: S&D
Rebel Pendant: S&D
Silver Wire Hammered Hoops: S&D

I am trying out more blues lately.
Top: TJ Maxx
Rebel Pendant & Hoops again: S&D

I was inspired by this photo...(not me!)

Plaid Top: Target
White Vest: Northface
Gala Statement Necklace: S&D

This beauty is on our Winter Sale and I highly suggest snagging yourself one before they're gone!!

I did a quick little FB Live the other day and uploaded it to You Tube for you.  It's a few quick looks for New Years Eve or any holiday party where you'd like to dress up a little bit.

LBD and some more inspiration!

Here is a quick look at what is to come for Spring 2017!!  OMG!

Last night we had a quick little date night and I looked super cute in a cream sweater and gold jewels....but I totally failed at taking a photo!!

I did take one quick shot of my new trove ring.  Just the right amount of bling!

Today's look was stripes & leopard as I took my girl on our first "mommy and me mani."  She didn't love having to "be patient," but she loved the hot pink color she chose.

I will be enjoying the holidays with my sweet family and soaking up all of the incredible moments to come.  Stop by next week and we'll chat more about fashion!  Stay up to date on my Snap Chat (MrsDelleFave) Instagram and FB.

Have a stylish holiday!

Santa {and things}

Happy Hump Day and Happy Birthday to my friend Shelby!!  It's officially the first day of Winter and although I love Summer, I have learned, in my old age, to embrace the now and be happy where I am at.  The more I try to say, "I'll be happy when," the more miserable I am.  If I can be grateful for what I have today, then I feel more fulfilled.

I was listening to Joyce Meyer this morning while getting breakfast ready and I really liked what she had to say.  "God did not give us self-control to control anyone else other than ourselves."  I needed to hear that.   It's been a trying week, to say the least, and just when I think my heart or mind can't take any more, it is then that I release and let go.  There is no changing, healing, or fixing others.  I know it's in my nature to help and I think that's what makes me a really great mom.  But I only have two small children and the rest of the people in my life are adults.  I need to remember that it's not my job to try and make peace or for everyone be in the same place that I am.  I try very hard to love people where they are and for what they are, but it is not easy.

So I re-centered my focus on my two kids.   We made peanut butter blossoms and blasted Christmas music yesterday.  I had to alternate from wearing a broken pair of reindeer antlers and a Santa hat. {my 3 year old's orders!} I have shed many tears and felt frustrated beyond belief.  I've reached out to my friends and family who get me and talked through things.  This time of year is not easy for everyone and yet I know that it is my job to make this time of year extra special for our children and us.

So if you're having a rough time, do things that make you happy.  Put on the carols, bake some cookies, drink the holiday tea and enjoy what is right in front of you.  Don't wish for something more, don't worry about what has been or what will be.  Give yourself grace and know that life is not a Hallmark movie, but you can create moments that will serve as beautiful memories.




This tea is so good!

As for our trip to Santa? Eh...

Brooke was nervous and kept twirling her dress.

Santa also came to preschool and she was SUPER excited to see him there.



My crew.

Because at the end of the day, you just need to find your tribe and love them hard.  Love them with everything you've got and just a little bit more.

Embrace the mess. Enjoy the chaos and breathe.  I hope if you are reading this and are struggling to find your Christmas spirit, that you focus on some things that you are grateful for and by changing your mindset, you can feel the love just a little bit more.

Monday Musings

We have been living in a winter wonderland!  I don't mind it, sure it's cold and adds more time to get ready, drive, etc, but it's so pretty!!  I hope that it stays cold and keeps snowing for Christmas.

We took the kids to see Santa on Friday...they were in great moods and there was no line!! But as soon as we walked this corner, Santa got up and left!  They ended up switching Santas and by then...well I'll share those photos a little later in the week!!

Saturday brought lots of errands and taking my youngest sister on a few of them! Those of you wondering, she's doing so well.  She's still in her programs, working with counselors, therapists and getting the treatment she needs.  I am so proud of her and continue to pray daily.

I snapped a few photos with my nice camera. 

We are definitely cutting this one's hair after Christmas.  It's time.

I bought this adorable outfit from Marshalls, it's "Seven for all Man kind" and I wanted him to wear it on a family photo shoot in the fall...that never happened.

Brooke made her reindeer headband in preschool and hasn't taken it off, until today because it's now quite tattered after wearing it 24/7.  Yes, she slept in it.

Can you guess her favorite Christmas song at the moment?

My two crazy goofball kids.

Sunday we got ready for my sister's cookie party.  She insisted on taking her photo by her Santa countdown.

And one by the white tree

We got a photo of the kids!

I love this one.

From 1-7.  They had a ball eating all the cookies.

It got a little warm so we threw his hair up in a "Man bun." He may have a little obsession with controllers...

Christmas Spirit wrapped up in this beautiful girl.

And if you're still looking for a gift, I highly recommend this gold trove ring!

You can still order until tomorrow 12/20 to get it by Christmas!!

How fun would this tree be?! haha