New Year's Resolutions

Do you ever make New Year's Resolutions? Do you find yourself following them until sometime mid July when they slip your mind?

This year, my husband and I decided to write down our resolutions and put them in a visible spot in hopes of being consistent. We created both personal goals and three key words to focus on in our relationship.

Goal setting is always a productive task no matter the time of year. It re centers and focuses your purposes - like they say in the teaching world, nothing happens until you plan for it.

What are your resolutions? 

Christmas Card Bloopers

On a warm October morning, my little family jumped in the prius and headed to a local park on the ocean. We decided to be brave and photograph our own family pictures...with the puppy. 

The moral of the story...while taking outdoor family portraits with a tripod, make sure to figure out a way to grab your dog's attention beforehand. Fellow park goers around us definitely caught a glimpse of the craziness. 

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I hope you had a very Merry Christmas with your family. We spent this past week in Tampa visiting my family and got back last night. Cheers to a week of winding down and taking it easy. We are most looking forward to backyard house projects, quite moments and ringing in the new year together!

Muir Woods Forest

I almost forgot to mention my favorite part of California..... the trees. They are truly magical in that part of the country. Red wood, sequoia, cypress - all thousands of years old. 

If you ever stay in San Francisco, make sure to make your way up (when I say up I mean a very steep and windy way up a mountain) to visit the Muir Woods Forest. It is absolutely breathtaking! Did I mention that these were the type of trees you could actually live in?? 

Merry Christmas 2013

from our family to yours....

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6-7

Christmas Table Setting Tips

Happy Christmas Eve or Noche Buena as we call it down here in Miami. Christmas Eve is a pretty big deal for us Cubans. Every year, my husband and his dad roast a 50lb pig outside in a big wooden box for everyone to devour!

The pig roast takes several days and hands to prepare. First the pig has to be chosen, thawed, seasoned and cooked. My hubby and father in law take the whole process pretty serious! And this year, my nephew will join us - even though he is only 8 days old ;)

What are you doing this Christmas Eve? Either spending it with family or in preparation for Christmas morning, relax and enjoy this beautiful day! Want to see how we will be setting our tables this year?

We received this china set as a wedding gift and have decided to dedicate it as our Christmas set. I love the simple black, white and gold details that pair so well with red & green! Do you use Christmas china?