Holiday Tradition | Annual Photo Ornaments

Paul and I started a fun tradition when we first got married. It's not something that's going to blow you out of the water. It's not uber creative, it's not super original... in fact, it's not original at all. I'm pretty sure a lot of people do this.

We love getting an annual picture frame ornament each year. It's so much fun to watch these evolve as we grow up and add to our family. Our first two are just us as a young married couple. Then the third year was an ultrasound photo, because Porter was due any day. The following year was his one year old self seated at his big gift for the year - the baby piano. Then, there was the three of us in a photobooth (pregnant-Simon belly not pictured). This year, we've added Simon to the mix - and tonight, I'm searching for our 2015 frame. And then I have to figure out which photo to put in there - probably one of the ones I put on our holiday cards (which we totally handed out this year, HELLO).

I've gotten ours from Anthropology, Target, and Restoration Hardware in the past, but I'm struggling with finding something different this year... I do love this sled ornament on Amazon, and since the year isn't on it, I would just have to find a 2015 charm, which shouldn't be difficult. This is just the right amount of fun and festive.

 Do you have any suggestions for photo ornaments that are not too cheesy, not too cheap? 

Here are a few I've found that I love - a few of which would need a 2015 charm added to them, too:

Ralph Lauren Hadley Stirrup Ornament • Ralph Lauren • $22.05

St. Nicholas Square® Buffalo Check 2'' x 3'' Photo Christmas Ornament • $4.99

Hallmark Keepsake "Our First Christmas Together" Photo Holder Ornament • Hallmark • $12.95

2015 Dated White Enamel Frame Ornament • $7.50

Personalized Heart Locket Ornament • $11.50

Last Minute Boy Gifts

Last year, I did all my Christmas shopping online, and it was amazing. This year, I'm slacking... but I've been spending a good portion of my Saturday looking online for some great deals, and found these purchases for Porter and Simon that I'm excited about.

Step2® Little Helper's Grocery CartTM • Step2 • $42.99
Porter is obsessed with "shopping". We went to the North Pole for Santa pictures last weekend, and they had a store set up where you could shop for food, complete with carts and all. He wanted to take the cart everywhere! Our new house will be all hardwoods, so he can push this thing around all his heart desires.

Vintage-Style Food Grocery Box • $40
Because you need adorable groceries for the cart, of course. That cute little loaf of artisan-looking french bread!? I die.

Wooden Fruit Set • Pottery Barn Kids • $19.20
This will hopefully distract P from wanting to use a real knife.

Paw Patrol Paw Patroller • $75.99
Paw Patrol. 'Nuf said.

Star Wars 'Stormtrooper' Rib Knit Beanie (Big Boys) • Star Wars • $24
Porter loves him some Star Wars. Can't wait until he actually cares about the movie with his dad, and not just stabbing people with a Light Saber.

Melissa and Doug Toy, Fishing Magnetic Puzzle Game • Melissa & Doug • $9.99
This might be a little too advanced for Simon right now, but maybe not for long... I would love to help him with his hand eye coordination as soon as possible. And I LOVE the quality of Melissa & Doug toys!

Wooden Story Wooden Rainbow Stacker • $32
Solid wood for Si Si! Great for those new little teeth coming in.

Discovery Kids Toy, Laptop Computer • $29.99
For Simon, because he is constantly wanting to attack my laptop and I need him to just have his own... for under $30.

Fail To Plan? Plan To Fail.

Here's something super inspiring, today from my Instagram:

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All I wanted was a matching Christmas pajama pic. Inspired by this photo, from a blogger I love:

www.instagram.com/lvdmrthncrrts

​First of all: nailed it. Clearly. I mean, I did buy the same pajamas. Second, the underlying lesson in all of this is to not force something that just isn't meant to be. At least not right now.

Here's my reality:

Right now, my life is hectic. I don't have perfect lighting because we're living in a basement waiting for our house to be finished (yes. Still waiting). My youngest is just now learning about his freedom, and has no interest in a camera. None at all. It was 10pm when I took this, WAY past their bedtime (they are night owls like their parents).

My perfect photo was doomed to fail.

I think my point is that, sometimes, it's ok to be realistic. It's fun to be a dreamer, and I am a dreamer by nature for sure... but, it's ok to embrace reality sometimes, too. If I wanted this cute holiday picture, I needed a better plan. I needed better hours, better lighting, better moods. I forced it, and it wasn't what I wanted (although, angry Simon is pretty cute).

I think there are probably some areas in your life that feel forced right now, and I think all you need is a better plan. Maybe it's your health, maybe it's your Christmas shopping, maybe it's innovating at work! Time to make a plan to:

• prioritze your work tasks so you have the mental capacity to think of something amazing for your clients 
• unplug for the weekend to focus on relaxation and family, so your stress doesn't impact your health 
• make a list and shop for one person at a time for Christmas 

If you've struggled or if you've failed, be intentional. Get a plan in place and try again. Then, let me know how it works. I like success stories.