Mrs. on the Move

I know everyone says it, but I really can't believe this year is almost over and that so much has changed.  For starters, this blog didn't exist this time last year.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have my own blog and for the most part, actually understand how to use it.  Mrs. on the Move started as a little hobby that my best friend thought I would enjoy, but has turned into my creative outlet and given me the opportunity to meet so many new people in our new city.  Speaking of our new city, we also moved across the country this year!  Although the uncertainty with our moves can be a little scary at times, it's such an amazing experience to see so much of the country while we're still so young.  Now, I don't want to get sentimental on y'all, because this post is supposed to be about all my favorites from this year, but I do think there is something to looking back on the year and seeing what you've accomplished and what has changed.  So as this new year approaches, I hope you take a little time to be thankful for the blessings from the past year, be proud of the things you've accomplished and look forward to the year to come!

So, without further adieu, here are my favorite looks from 2015!

Writing thank you notes is a practice that was instilled in me from the time I knew how to pick up a pen and paper, but unfortunately I think it's started to become a sort of lost art.  Emails, social media, and texts have made it really easy to communicate quickly.  While these are wonderful tools to have in day to day life,  I think there is something special about sending or receiving a hand written note, especially when it is to express thanks.  Whether you've got a wedding coming up, just had a birthday, or are simply thanking someone for a kind gesture, I thought I would share a few general guidelines and tips I use to write a great thank you note!

My second favorite sale of the year is here and it couldn't come at a better time!  Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale is going on now through January 3rd and it's the perfect excuse to use up some of those gift cards you may have gotten for Christmas or treat yourself to something Santa may have forgotten to leave under your tree!  There are a ton of sparkly options that would be perfect for New Year's Eve along with some great basics like sweaters and scarves.  I'm sharing some of my favorite picks below, so happy shopping!

I don't know how people make road tripping look so fun and manage to wear cute clothes at the same time while documenting it all on snapchat and Instagram.  I can tell you from personal experience this past weekend that there is nothing cute about driving between 8-11 hours a day with a loaded down car and an antsy dog in the back seat.  Not even the Starbucks lasts long enough to take a picture #gimmethatcoffee.  Luckily, we're able to make the drive from Boston to Houston in just three days, and we should be back in the Lone Star state by dinner time today!  I'm definitely ready to get into the Christmas spirit with full intensity - bring on all the baking, gift wrapping, and time well spent with family!

No matter what you call it, muddy buddies or puppy chow, this sweet treat is absolutely delicious.  I first learned the recipe in high school and have been making it for my family every holiday season since.  It's one of my favorite easy recipes because from start to finish, it takes about 10 minutes and there is literally no prep work, unless you count shopping for the ingredients!  It's also great to take to parties or give as little sweet treats to co-workers because it's bite sized and doesn't have to be eaten all at once!

I can't believe there are just two and a half weeks until Christmas!  I've been so focused on getting all our shopping done before I leave for Texas, that picking out my Christmas outfits have been on the back burner.  Like Thanksgiving, our family likes to stay pretty casual for our Christmas gatherings, but I do like to pick out something special for church and holiday parties!  I'm hoping to get inspired enough to shop for my outfits before we leave this weekend, but knowing me, I'll procrastinate and wait until the last minute.  So, I thought I would pick out some pieces to hopefully inspire you (and me!) to not show up to Christmas in our pajamas!

The more I worked on this post, the more I realized that this gift guide should probably be titled "for the dogs and their humans."  I have four furry friends on my shopping list this year, and if I'm being totally honest they will be the most spoiled on Christmas morning.  I'm also the woman who had a 30 minute conversation in HomeGoods with a fellow dog lover about what toys last the longest, but at least I'm a dedicated dog mom, right?  Speaking of HomeGoods, it's a real treasure trove for anything and everything you could want for your pooch.  Pecan's dog bed, accessories, and most of his toys came from our local store!

Last year, Kyle and I totally failed at taking our "first" Christmas cards, so this year I told him we were going to make up for it!  Kyle doesn't really like to have his picture taken (he would rather be behind the camera), and Pecan absolutely refused to stay still long enough for even one picture as a family but we somehow managed to get a few of Kyle and I!  We looked totally ridiculous walking around the apartment complex in our Christmas outfits, but it actually turned out to be a lot of fun.  I think we've started a little "day after Thanksgiving" tradition!