Pinning It Up

I have seen this link-up floating around, and decided to jump in and participate this week. I am linking up with Stephanie at Beautiful Mess  and Katie at Keep Calm and Carry On  for Saw It, Pinned It, Did It. I want to show off some of my Christmas decoration I got off Pinterest. 

On Pinterest       Original Source

I am obsessed with chalkboards. I have two in my house and would happily add ten more. I think my husband might eventually complain. However, he leaves for deployment in a few months and I am expecting a chalkboard explosion. I was really inspired by the "Baby It's Cold Outside" chalkboard. We have a "No Christmas Stuff Till After Thanksgiving Rule" but I figured this could sneak under the radar. I put it up a few weeks ago and just love it. 

Here is my version 

My handwriting skills are not as good as the Pinterest version, but it still makes me happy. 

I also modified this pin, substituting silver bells for cranberries. I love how the bells coordinate with my "Jingle All The Way" sign. And clearly, I added another chalkboard. 

On Pinterest   Original Source

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On Pinterest    Original Source

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No More Butter Bars

My lovely husband was promoted yesterday. Originally he was going to be promoted last Wednesday, but due to scheduling craziness it was pushed to Monday November 26th. I was a little nervous because it was scheduled for 10:00 and I had to be at work at 11:00. Lane assured me it would only take about fifteen minutes and I would be on my way to work. I should have known better. I show up at 9:45, and immediately find out that it won't start till 10:30, then we hear 10:45. I start to get a little panic-y. I really didn't want to miss it, but I also didn't want to be late for work. This is where the angel of Lane's Team Leader swoops in and saves the day. The power of that oak leaf on your chest clearly means you can move mountains. He got the LTC to agree to promote Lane separately and early so that I could be there. Perfect, all our problems are solved. However, the LTC was about a half mile away. We set off from the Squadron headquarters and trudged through the snow. 

This is chivalry 

In my desire to be cute for Lane's promotion, I wore heels and a dress. Fort Drum winters and heels do not go well together. Lane, being the gentlemen that he is, carried me through the snow. He had a quick promotion ceremony and I was there to put on his new rank. I was really grateful to his Major and Lieutenant Colonel for allowing him to be promoted before the rest of the group.  

I love the stetsons

I am so proud of everything that he has accomplished so far in his army career. It hasn't been that long, but he has excelled at every task presented to him. He made it through Ranger School without recycling. He was chosen to be part of the advising team during deployment. I am so lucky that he married me and I get to be a part of this wonderful adventure. 

Holiday Gift Guide- Nerd Part 1

In my next Holiday Gift Guide, I am all about the nerds in your life. I was going to do a general nerd gift guide, but I found so much great stuff for separate categories that I will probably just end up doing multiple. Today is all about Star Wars. I have multiple Star Wars fanatics in my life, and I know some of these would be perfect. 

1. Darth Vader and Son  2. Star Wars Vehicle Prints  3. Personalized I Am Your Father Poster  4. Christmas Yoda Ears  5. R2D2 Hat

I would highly recommend checking out the Etsy Shop with the vehicle prints. They have gorgeous posters for a variety of movies. One of Lane's favorite Christmas gift I have ever given him was the giant Lego TIE fighter that now happily sits in our office. 

Happy day after Thanksgiving. For those of y'all who are shopping, be safe and I hope you get great deals. 

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers. I am happily in Virginia visiting Lane's parents for a few days. Lane's mom has to work today, so our plan is to do our big dinner tomorrow. I wanted to include a few things I am thankful for this week.

1. My family. 

The best thing that ever happened to me was being born the daughter of my parents. I wouldn't be the wife, teacher, or person that I am today without their influence.

2. My husband.

He rocks.

3. My job

Although teaching has some really rough moments, I am really liking the most aspects of my job. I am completely in love with the academic advising aspect of my job. I feel like I make a positive difference in soldiers' lives every day. 

4. Asha

Oh sweet girl. you are such a blessing. You were my constant companion while Lane was gone at NTC. I know with the upcoming deployment it will be exactly the same. You are my favorite cuddle buddy and the cutest alarm clock I could ever wish for. However, with all the excitement of getting to Virginia last night. You basically kept me up all night. I still adore you, but baby girl: I need some sleep.

Happy Thanksgiving =) 

Holiday Gift Guide- For The Walls

I am using this post to include "What I Am Loving Wednesday" and my latest installment of my Holiday Gift Guide. This particular guide is for art, prints, and things to hang up. These are all gorgeous works of art which would make me very happy to find under my tree. 

1. British Love Print.

 I think this would be such a cute addition to any home. I have a deep and abiding love for Great Britain. I went to visit Lane in Scotland while he was going to school there. I also attended Oxford for one term. I am still loving GB and all the wonderful people I met there. Lane and I both hope to make it back and live there for at least a few years. 

2. Three-Letter Wooden Monogram 

This has been on my wish list for a while. I think that it would make the perfect addition to any holiday wreath. I would probably paint it white and use it throughout the year for different holiday displays. 

3. Redbird Ink You & Me Print

I am a massive fan of Redbird Ink. Besides the fact that we are both from Decatur, GA, her work is just incredible. I own the Love and Happiness print. It makes me smile every time I walk up my stairs. I am actually thinking of asking for this print from my parents. A few stores in the Decatur area carry her work and I am dying to add this to my collection. 

4. States United Print

This print has a very special place in my heart. We purchased on last year to use for our guests to sign at the wedding. I FINALLY got it framed a few weeks ago and it is now happily hanging above our bed. 

Ta Da! 

The artist is absolutely incredible. I had such amazing responses from him. He made me a custom order right away. I am not getting any kind of benefit to say this, but I cannot recommend his shop highly enough. The work is absolutely gorgeous and he is a pleasure to work with.  

How amazing would this be for a baby's room?

5. Red Bird Ink Love and Joy Cards

The last thing I am loving this week are these cards, also from Red Bird Ink. We already ordered our cards, but I would consider buying this set of six just to frame a few. I framed a card from this shop, and it looks just as good as some of my actual prints. I know I am a little heavy on the Red Bird Ink, I just really adore her work. 

I hope some of these put a smile on your face, or gave you an idea for a gift for a friend or family member. I am loving so many gorgeous pieces of art this year. My Christmas list is all things for my walls.

I hope all my readers have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of Turkey and time with family. 

Holiday Gift Guide- The Fellas

Our second installment of the MrsMollyP Gift Guide is focused on the menfolk in our lives. Lane and I have been giving each other gifts for almost a decade. In that time I have hit some out of the ballpark, and some have been less than thrilling. I asked for his input to help create this list of gift suggestions for your favorite guy.

From our brewing experience. 15 gallons of beer 

1. Brew Your Own Beer.

This was one of the best gift ideas ever. I actually heard about it from a former roommate of mine. Sadly, I was 19 when I found out and knew I would have to put that idea on ice for at least two years. It made the perfect gift for Lane's 21st birthday. I recently found out that the amazing brew pup we went to brew our own beer, Shenandoah Brewing Company, closed. If you can find a brewing company near you, I highly recommend this as a fantastic gift. It also makes a great date.

via

2. Leatherman Multi-Tool.

I actually bought this for Lane as a wedding/ranger school gift.I liked the idea of writing a sweet note like "Throughout our lives I hope I can take care of you and everything you need. For anything I can't do, this should do the trick"

Buy at Lodge Skillets

3. Mini Guitar Skillet 

If your man likes to cook and/or play guitar, this would be an awesome gift. They aren't too big, but would be perfect for omelettes. Also, Lodge makes awesome cast iron skillets. 

Cabela's Shearling Elk Moccasins

4. Cabela's Moccasins 

Y'all, I can't even explain how comfortable these are. Lane's feet might 5 sizes bigger than mine, but I still snag these to walk around the house. Your man, and his feet, will thank you. Fair warning, Lane thinks they run a little narrow so this might be a gift that he can go try on first. 

Colonel Littleton Leather and Canvas Shave Kit

5. This gorgeous shave kit is on the pricier side, but it is absolutely gorgeous. The leather is beautiful and this would be perfect for your manly man. This has been on Lane's wish list for a while, and I am certain many of y'alls' men would love it too. 

Thanks for checking in for Part 2 of my lovely gift guide. I plan to include a few more for your nerdier loved ones, a little guide for the ladies, and something for the parents. I love creating these guides. I hope they give you some ideas and help out with holiday shopping.

Holiday Gift Guide- Dogs

I have decided to do a gift guide for the holiday season. I loving seeing suggestions for gifts, and hope that maybe some of these will inspire you with a little holiday cheer. 

First up, gifts for the puppies. My baby girl will have her own stocking and stack of gifts. For those of y'all that are equally enamored of your dogs, here are some fun gift suggestions. 

1. Bow tie collar for your favorite pooch. This Etsy Shop has the most amazing collars and leashes for your preppy puppy. This would make a perfect gift if you know someone who has a male dog. Also, if you are getting married and your dog is attending, this would be perfection. 

Great Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe- Pinterest
Original Source

2. . Homemade dog biscuits. I have seen loads of recipes for these, but I like the looks of Cesar Milan's Apple Crunch recipe. You can find it here. 

Apple Crunch Pupcakes

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups water

• ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1/8 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 medium egg

• 4 cups whole wheat flour 

• 1 cup dried apple chips (unsweetened)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

2. Mix water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla together in a bowl

3. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well blended

4. Pour into lightly greased muffin pans

5. Bake 1 ¼ hours

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Mix water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla together in a bowl

3. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well blended

4. Pour into lightly greased muffin pans

5. Bake 1 ¼ hours

I plan to make a whole load of dog treats for all of Asha'a dog park friends. 

All From Petco's Holiday Collection

3.  I will definitely be getting a few Christmas themed toys for Asha. These are a relatively cheap and cute way to incorporate your pets into opening gifts on Christmas day. 

I plan on doing a few more themed guides before Christmas is upon us. I hope that all my wonderful readers have a fantastic weekend.