{2012 with L&B}

So I've shared my favorite DIY projects and parties of 2012, and my top 10 outfits from the year, but honestly and obviously my absolute favorite projects of the past 12 months are these two crazy, funny, handsome, heart-stealing boys...

So here is a little {and totally random} photo recap of our past year with L&B...

I wish I could have a dollar for every time they have made me laugh this past year... of course I'm richer just because I've been allowed to be their mother. I can't wait to see how they grow and change in 2013!

{favorite outfits of 2012}

When I decided to do a recap of my favorite outfits from 2012 I didn't realize that I would provide so much inspiration for myself.

That may sound funny but for the past few months I've been in a bit of a fashion rut, and looking back through my old posts gave me so many fresh ideas for the wardrobe I already have. It helped me to look at my closet with fresh eyes and renewed my excitement to get dressed up for work every day.

Sooo...here are my top 10 outfits from 2012...

#1

My favorite outfit of the year...of course it includes a comfy sweater, boots and my go-to Kohl's scarf...

#2

First time wearing a dress over skinny jeans...I love the feather print on this dress from Charming Charlie...

#3

Pairing a scarf with a long necklace...

#4

I really love layering over a summer dress to make it work for colder weather...this green tank dress from TJ Maxx can be worn so many ways...

#5

Another great summer dress turned winter outfit...

#6

Chambray and chevron with a little DY necklace action...

#7

Love everything about this one...and I wish my hair would look like this every day!

#8

Chambray dress from Target and one of my favorite necklaces for a great summer look...

#9

Same chambray dress with my favorite thrifted sweater for a cozy fall outfit...

#10

Mixing patterns for a casual summer look...

There you have it! I'm so glad I did this post...even if it is just to help me re-learn how to use my closet again. I learned a few things from going back through my outfits...

1. You can never go wrong with your favorite comfy outfit combination. For me it is sweater + boots + scarf.
2. Pattern mixing...don't be afraid of it!
3. Layering in the winter months can really help you use your closet to its fullest potential.
4. Staples like a chambray dress can be worn SO many ways.

I hope this has inspired you too...I'm excited for another year of playing dress up!

{favorite projects of 2012}

Goodness where did the year go? Only a few days from now it will be 2013 and we get to start all over again. Is anyone else a bit freaked out by that?

The past 12 months have really flown by, right?!

I thought it would be fun to do a little recap of my favorite DIY projects and parties of 2012. Looking back on my posts from this year I realized that this has been a really big year for me in my little corner of the blog world. I've shared so many of my favorite projects and parties with you. And going through all of those posts reminded me what a fun and blessed year it has been for me, for our family, for This Girl's Life.

So here are my favorite projects from the past year...

{click the photos to go to each post}

My absolute favorite project of the year, and one I love looking at every day when I leave the house, is my Urban Outfitters knock-off wall art. And I'm amazed at how much traffic it has brought to the blog. Over 80,000 views. Seriously. That just astounds me.

This was by far my lease expensive project this year and one that I used every day. Using a $1 picture frame from IKEA and my cropodile punch, I made myself a sweet little earring holder.

I've made a lot of wreaths in my day, but this summery pom pom covered one has to be my favorite. I can't wait to pull it out again next year!

And the award for most labor intensive project of the year goes to....the boys' 4th birthday party. Seriously friends...I wore.myself.OUT. on this one. But it was SO worth it. I loved all of the fun details, from the candy bar to the city scape photo booth.

And last but certainly way up at the top of my favorite memories of 2012 is the surprise birthday party I threw for my Mom back in June. It is rare that I get to plan a girly party so I went all out with this one. And her reaction was the very best part of the party.

I'm so excited for another year of projects, and sharing them with you!

I also though it would be fun to go back through my outfits from the past year and pick my favorite looks. I'll be sharing those tomorrow, so come back for a bit of fashion inspiration. :)

{Merry Christmas!}

Merry Christmas friends!

From our family to yours, I hope your day tomorrow is filled with love, family, friends, delicious food and meaningful gifts.

{Instagram Friday}

It has been a weird week, hasn't it? Such a mix of sadness and grief over last Friday's tragic shooting, blended with joy and anticipation for what we are going to be celebrating in a few days.

I've struggled this week with a lot of anxiety...worried about the safety of my boys...taking them to school for the first time since the shooting. I know it was a similar week for parents all over the country.

And then there are those parents that didn't have their children come home to them a week ago. And well, there are just no words. Just prayers and tears. A lot of both.

And so I look back through my week of photos with an abundance of gratitude, and I'm also humbled by the blessings I continue to enjoy. Here are just a few...

We took the boys to Burger King and Landon said "I'm a wise man!" Love how they talk about the Christmas story on a daily basis...

Landon enjoying his "negg nog"...

 My teeny tiny bathtub cowboy Ben...

It doesn't get much better than staring a morning off with donuts and Home Alone...

I love this goofy boy...his sense of humor is already beyond his years...

Enjoying some lap time with Miss Chloe...

The boys had a PJ party at school and requested footies...they were SO cute! They haven't worn footies since they were babies. :) And I promise they were excited. ;)

I made some fun gift tags for our Christmas gifts...

Landon was mesmerized by the washing machine..."look at the bubbles Momma!"

I enjoyed a "new to me" necklace yesterday...

And a fresh hair cut and color...MUCH needed :)

And Melvin got some lap time last night...I love how he always has his paws crossed...

What did your week look like?

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