Good morning!
I’m popping in this morning with my usual “Things I’m Loving” post. But, this time, I’m including a link-up at the bottom if you’re interested in leaving a link to your own blog post! If you’ve recently written a post about a few things you’re grateful for or products you’re currently loving, feel free to leave your link!
If not, feel free to leave a comment sharing the things making you smile this week. I love reading them all!
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A Walk with “Starbucks” Hot Chocolate
Yesterday, Ankur came home from lab with hot chocolate from the “Starbucks” on campus. I put it in quotations because it’s not actually Starbucks. They just have Starbucks cups and serve Starbucks coffee. But it’s not Starbucks. Regardless, I was grateful for the special treat. Even though it was still cold outside, we took our drinks and went for a walk around our neighborhood (which is the most physical activity both of us have gotten in the past week). It felt nice to have the 20 minutes – completely uninterrupted and disconnected. It also felt really good to move. I’m worried that once winter really hits, I’m going to forget how to exercise because I’ll just want to roll up in a ball and never move.
Our New Ornament
Ankur and I wanted to get an ornament that summed up the 2016 year for us. While browsing the Pier 1 website for our new tree topper, I saw a few ornaments that were on sale. This one immediately caught my eye and I knew I had to get it. 2016 is the year we got engaged and the year we got married. (All within 5 weeks of each other). Plus, it just sparkles a whole lot. And we all know how much Peggy likes to sparkle.
StockSnap.io
If you’re a blogger and looking for free stock photos for your blog, check out StockSnap.io. They’ve got a large selection of free stock photos that you can use in your posts that are free from copyright restrictions. Additionally, the website has a very helpful “search” feature – making it easy to browse through the thousands of images available.
Sneaky Stocking
I saw these “Sneaky Stockings” on Amazon (<–affiliate link) and immediately wanted to trade in my current stocking for this one. I may have to purchase a couple for our annual Long Live Christmas party!
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Again, feel free to link up below if you’ve got a “Things I’m Loving” type blog post of your own.
Happy Thursday!
Questions of the Day:
- What’s your favorite ornament?
- What’s one thing you’re thankful for this week?
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I was in need of a good website with stock photos. I will check them out. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Ps… Hot chocolate is my fav!
I love the “Sneaky Stocking.” That looks like a great conversation starter at a Christmas party.
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com recently posted…No-Bake Holiday Cereal Bites
I love your ornament!!! It’s so beautiful!! <3 <3 <3
Rachel recently posted…How This Coach Writes Training Plans
Ah! I love StockSnap.io! And I actually really love the concept of this post. Super positive. i think we all need to make a list like this periodically. 🙂
Briana Marie recently posted…Countdown to Christmas: Early Gift Opening and The Polar Express
That engagement/diamond ring ornament is so cute. I just love your list this week.
That pic website is a boon to us bloggers!!! Thanks for sharing…. I hear you….all I feel like doing is cuddling in bed and not exercising 🙂
Love that sneaky stocking and that ornament! Love this link up, my mom just wrote a post called ” a few of my favorite things” and i was thinking about doing one too, if i do, I will link up!
The ornament!! You’ll love that for many years to come! And can’t wait to check out the free pic site! Yay! And of course, you can’t beat Starbucks, or sort of Starbucks, in the winter!!
Elizabeth @ Ellie and Elizabeth recently posted…Christmas in the Master Bedroom!
Sneaky stocking is awesome. Why do I feel like this would make a great gift. Definitely a conversation piece.
I love wandering around NYC with a cup of hot chocolate in hand! It is the best thing ever!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
That stocking had me cracking up. Could be a very popular stocking around our house. Your new bling ornament is very pretty and looks great on the tree.
candy recently posted…Christmas Jar Gift
The stocking is hilarious!
Love the ornament!
How sweet of him to surprise you with hot chocolate!
Chrissy recently posted…My Holiday Outfit – Chic, Festive and Comfy
Your new ornament is beautiful! I love collecting sentimental ornaments, too! That stocking needs to be hanging in my living room! Love it!
I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.
Leslie Soto recently posted…Husband Suggested Men’s Stocking Stuffers
Sneaky Stocking! LOL! Love it! Great for a Christmas Party or a white elephant gift!
Love that stocking too! I definitely am checking out that site for stock photos, too. That is one I had never heard of! 🙂
Callie recently posted…Recipe Inspiration Needed? Check here!
Sneaky stocking looks like something I need!
Skipah’s Realm recently posted…Lets Get Colorful
What a fun post! 🙂 The sneaky stocking is pretty dang clever. I may have to grab a few of those for gifts this year! And I’ve been looking for great stock image sites, so I’m definitely bookmarking the one you suggested. Looking forward to visiting here again soon!
Oooh I want to have a sneaky stocking! 🙂 Our favourite ornament so far are these Christmas owls we got a couple of years ago. Looks like they are snugly hanging out in our tree haha.
Jolina recently posted…White Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Filling
I don’t live near a Starbucks, but will be making a long drive for dance rehearsal tonight. There WILL be a stop for salted caramel mocha! (It’s also a “sort of” Starbucks – located in Kroger grocery store!)
Great post! There’s really nothing like a walk with someone you love, especially if there’s Starbucks involved. Congrats on getting married this year, too!
That ornament is gorgeous! And StockSnap is one of my favorites! 🙂
Samantha recently posted…17 Before 2017
Access to Starbucks coffee is always super nice! I may have to check out StockSnap and see what they have!
Liz Mays recently posted…ICE! at the Gaylord Texan Resort is a Holiday Must-See!
I absolutely love that ornament, and I’m thankful that you shared it with us!
Haha love such blog posts!! Thank you so much for sharing love xx
That’s a great ornament and definitely captures the memories. Some of my favorites are ones I was given as a child or ones my kids have made for me. This week I am thankful for making time for me.
Rose recently posted…Mini Wreaths (DIY)
These are all so much fun. I love the hot chocolate story. so stinkin sweet!
The sneaky stocking is such a brilliant idea. Love that you got yourself an ornament that. I will check those stock photos.
Have a nice day/evening
Michelle
That sneaky stocking is right up my alley. I hope no one would mind if I put tequila in it. lol
Mary recently posted…December Rush – How to get through this time of year easily
Ha, what a fun stocking!
Mmm, and I love hot chocolate. I don’t care what cups it’s served in. I’ll guzzle it down.
Amber Myers recently posted…The Period Video At School
I’m bookmarking StockSnap.io right now! That stocking is too cute.
LOVING cocoa lately…I’ve been making it with stevia and a scoop of gelatin for added protein. Been having it as my sweet treat each night! YUM!
Kelsey recently posted…Healthy Change #48 – Probiotics
I absolutely love your tree and the sneaky stocking! 😉
Bren Pace recently posted…I Have Quite the Intolerance for Worthless People
I’m always looking for great stock photos, so thanks for the link!! And your ornament is gorgeous!! xoxo
Melissa Blake recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide 2016: For the Fashion Lover
Ah I am so in love with that ornament and the stocking! Such fun and festive ideas
The sneaky stocking is absolutely fabulous. I’m going to have to grab one of those.
I think it’s sweet that he brought hot chocolate from “starbucks”! I am loving that ornament. It’s always nice to put up ornaments that mean something to you or to the family.
I like free stock photos too. Unsplash is the website that I absolutely love. It is nice that there are photographers out there who share their beautiful photos for free. I am thankful that there is no typhoon this week here in the Philippines.
Iza Abao, Two Monkeys Travel Group Writer recently posted…How to Choose the Best Antarctica Cruise – Your Cruise to Antarctica @Hurtigruten #WeExplore
Omg I’m loving that ornament!!!! It would
Match my trees theme perfectly since my whole tree is glittery
Ankur is the man! Hot chocolate is the best on chilly December days. I love that sneaky stocking too. How have I not seen it before?
The Travel Ninjas recently posted…5 Reasons Grab is The Best Ride for Tourists in Southeast Asia
I love the sneaky stocking! I should get one before Christmas lol! your ornament looks very fabulous! it suit my taste.. really enjoyed reading this post!
My favorite ornament is a a small battery operated Santa our family has had for over 30 years when the kids were babies.
I am thankful for the upcoming holiday season when the kids are coming home.
Yayyyyy!!!
Cheers to All!!
What a cute ornament =) I like going to Starbucks with my husband and spend time together sipping a cup of coffee. Have never tried hot chocolate there =)
My grandmother made me and my two cousins Needle Point Angels every year and those are my favorite ornaments. We actually have a smaller tree with only those on them. We call it The Angel Tree.
Carrie recently posted…8 Great Family Christmas Movies to Watch this Winter
Love your new ornament. Looks so beautiful and stunning in your Christmas tree. I like going to starbucks with my friends and having coffee while chatting.
That stocking is hilarious! Great gift idea too, love it.
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
I love that ornament! I know so many couples that got engaged or married this year. This would make an awesome gift. Thanks for the info about the stock photography site. I always can use more!
roxy recently posted…3 Lessons Millennials Can Learn from HBO’s Insecure
I loved this party sock…it would be a great centerpiece at any Christmas party this season!
I’m not a huge fan of the ornaments but I do like to wear small ear studs matching the outfit!
Ana recently posted…Give The Gift Of Travel With These 19 Holiday Hotel Packages
Even I take many pictures from stocksnap.io 😉
I’m all for hot chocolate and walks too! Love your list…I have a series on my blog that is called Inspiration of the moment http://veenamrutha.blogspot.com/2015/09/inspiration-of-moment-chefs-table.html?view=magazine
Veena recently posted…How to Oven Roast Vegetables
Hurrah for finding the way to represent such a good year. Congrats on the engagement and marriage too!
That ornament is so fun! I just got one like it in honor of our engagement!
Hey girl!
I hope you had a fabulous weekend!!
You and your hubby got engaged and married all within five weeks?! Wow that is impressive girl.
I love that ring ornament – I saw another blogger pull hers out of her stash because she just got engaged this past weekend and what more appropriate time to pull it out than that?!
I hope you have a great week girlfriend. 🙂
Lindsay recently posted…10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week