Moments of Musing

The Perfect Present for a Picky Person

Filed Under: christmas shopping, fragrances //

This post is sponsored by Kohl’s. I was paid for this post and received the included fragrances and perfumes as compensation.

When shopping for others’ Christmas gifts, I’m sometimes at a loss. Some people are harder to buy for than others. Some don’t like certain clothing, jewelry, shoes and so on. Buying for picky people is a bit stressful and can take the fun out of Christmas shopping.
One way to alleviate said stress and still keep shopping fun is to buy beauty products, such as fragrances. I’ve almost always given someone a fragrance for the holidays and it’s always been a well-received zero-complaints gift.
This year, I am excited to gift two family members two great fragrances I got from Kohl’s: 
•       Calvin Klein Obsession — this is a classic cologne. It’s one my dad has had so I know it smells nice. This will make a great gift for a special guy in your life, whether it be your dad, partner or in-law.

 

• Gucci Bamboo — Gucci perfumes never disappoint so I know this smells great, too. I am excited to gift this to a special lady in my life.

Kohl’s has fragrances from other great brands, such as Lacoste, Philosophy and Hugo Boss.
Merry shopping!
My blog may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy policies of those other websites. When you click on a link, your information may be collected by those websites so I encourage you to read their privacy policies.
Any affiliate links are not associated with Kohl’s.

HoHoHome Sweet Home—Christmas Decor

Filed Under: Christmas decor, home, home decor //

This post is sponsored by Christmas Tree Shops but all opinions are my own. 

I’m starting to think I should begin decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. It feels like Christmas is so soon and I’ve only just put the final touches on our indoor decor, which I take the reigns on. (I leave most of the outdoor decor for my husband to do.)

This past weekend, we finally decorated our tree and added some festive touches around the house with Christmas Tree Shops decor. It’s a night I look very forward to because our tree decorating night has become a bit of a tradition filled with Christmas music and movies, hot cocoa or coffee and with the kids placing (more like attempting to place)  the star atop the tree. 
OH CHRISTMAS TREE

         

I hadn’t unveiled our real Christmas tree yet because we hadn’t decorated it yet. We picked up poinsettia pins and ornaments at the Christmas Tree Shops. Christmas Tree Shops has so many ornament and tree decor options. We, however, kept it simple this year to keep R from getting hurt when he grabs at the tree. 

It might come as a surprise that the poinsettia pins were my husband’s idea! Admittedly, I was hesitant at first but I actually love how they look. I actually think they really dress it up and it’s pretty much my favorite part of the tree decor. 



SANTA CLAUS  IS COMING TO TOWN


 We believe in Santa in our home! It never really was a discussion between my husband and I because we both figured we’d stick to our childhood traditions of believing. Playing Santa will be fun! 


I get giddy setting out Santa’s cookies too because I can’t wait to see S’s face when he sees the cookies we’re eaten! Also… I love cookies so there’s that. We’ve set out this cookies plate from Christmas Tree Shops as decor for now but S knows what it’s for come Christmas! 

HOT COCOA WITH MY HUSBAND

         
When my husband saw a hot cocoa and s’mores set featuring Nutella he brought it to my attention. And I brought it home with us! It’s all yummy. Plus, we love coffee so the mugs will last us way past Christmastime- so it was a win-win. It’s hard to sneak in moments alone so sometimes a quiet morning sipping our coffees will do just fine. 

Believe it or not, Christmas Tree Shops don’t only sell Christmas decor and items. They offer an exciting, changing seasonal assortment of affordable and stylish decor year-round. I’m talking furniture, wood signs, items for pets and even a variety of foods! So don’t hesitate stopping in even after Christmas!

Christmas Photos 2018 — Sneak Peek + the Phrase I Used to Get my Toddler Excited for Photos

Filed Under: Christmas photos, christmastime, family photos, life //


This year, we were fortunate to have our Christmas photos taken by my sister-in-law Ashley Bellis Photography. When she reached out about including the boys in her Christmas minis ad, I was ecstatic! The shoot went much better than I anticipated. It was pretty cold for the time of year on the day we took them but both boys cooperated so well.

R had been in and out of naps, which you can kind of tell due to his mug, but he’s flashing his gummy smile in a lot of the photos, too. S wanted to run around with his cousin but I told him “We’re taking pictures for Santa!” so that got him more excited for the photos.

It’s becoming our little tradition to take photos for our Christmas card each year and I’m enjoying it. It gives us Christmas card material but also a way of documenting that time in our lives. Here are our Fall 2017 family photos.

I’m just sharing a sneak peek and some behind-the-scenes photos for now since our Christmas cards haven’t gone out yet. Here they are:

Do you get family holiday photos taken?

2 Easy Steps to Dress Up a “Naked” Wreath

Filed Under: Christmas decor, Christmas wreath, DIY, home decor //

I was recently shopping for a wreath for one of our bathroom doors. I kept checking the aisle and looking at the different wreaths.  I couldn’t find one I particularly liked, though. At first, I was just going to leave the store empty-handed. Then, I noticed a rather bare wreath and had an idea — I’d design my own! With these two (yes, just two!) easy steps, you can too!

All you’ll need is a “naked” wreath, a bow and simple decor of your choice. If the wreath doesn’t have pine cones (mine did), you might also want to get these to add in.

1. Simply lay your wreath on a flat surface. Add a bow.

2. Add decor. This can be pine cones, mini Christmas trees, mini bows, bells, etc.

Hang it up and there you have it!

My Kids’ Christmas Wish List from Kohl’s

Filed Under: holiday shopping, holidays, toys //

This post is sponsored by Kohl’s. I was paid for this post and received the included toys as compensation.
It is no surprise this time of year is my FAVORITE. There is not a time that compares to it. This holiday season is one filled with so much love and joy—my heart feels extra happy and grateful.
While the season is not about gifts and gift giving, we do it as a way of sharing Santa’s magic with our children, family and friends. Our two-year-old understands there is a Santa and recognizes who he is. We’ve been asking him what presents he wants from Santa and his answer has essentially been “everything.” Whenever a toy commercial comes on, he yells “I want that!” Oh boy…
I have explained to him that Santa can only bring him a few toys. But I have to say making note of which toys are his favorite helps us with figuring out what to get him. Generally speaking he likes cars and super heroes right now. Of course, I also want him to have learning “toys.” Thankfully, Kohl’s has a great selection.
That’s why we’ve gotten him the Hot Wheels Race Case, as well as the Melissa & Doug Shapes Chunky Puzzle. We’ve already given him the puzzle so he can practice shapes in the meantime but we’re saving the Race Case for Christmas.


As for our little guy, at just seven months he’s happy as can be with whatever toys we give him. He especially likes colorful toys and ones that make noise. That’s why we got him his very own Fisher-Price Bright Beats Groove & Grow BeatBo Plush (his big brother has one too from when he was a baby). We’ve already given it to him so he can play with it …and not have his brother’s snatched away.

He also loves bounding in his new Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Jumperoo—it keeps him entertained and exercises his legs for 10-15 minutes at a time. We got him the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Singin’ Soccer Ball, as well, and are saving that for Christmas —despite S trying to keep it for himself and open it! I have a feeling they’ll both play with it.

Kohl’s also has a wide selection of Disney Princess and LEGO kids’ toys. I am so excited for our kiddos to open their remaining toys because I see how happy the ones they’ve already received have made them!
So, be sure to check out Kohl’s for your holiday toy shopping! As an added bonus you can earn while you shop. If you shop during a Kohl’s Cash earn period, you get $10 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 you spend. You can earn it on anything and anywhere you shop—in store, at a kiosk or online!

My blog may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy policies of those other websites. When you click on a link, your information may be collected by those websites so I encourage you to read their privacy policies.
Any affiliate links are not associated with Kohl’s.