Getting Real / by Katie Brightbill











































Dear Diary,

This week was not the easiest. "Momma said there'd be days like this, they'll be days like this my momma said." But really, that's real life. The days can't always be good because we would never ever appreciate anything. We'd be walking around and not knowing that we should be grateful because we've always had it all.

There were plenty of good moments this week though. There are good moments in EVERY week if we really think about it. Some weeks we can just coast, other weeks we cling to the extra good moments, and stay thankful. Today I'm a little extra thankful for our nightly family dance parties in the living room.

In other news, I made a little resolution this week to drink more water... Is it just me or is it extra hard to drink plenty of water when it's raining a lot? It's like this water overkill, you know? I run for the coffee and hot chocolate, and totally avoid water...

There are a lot of giveaways out there on this Internet lately. Sometimes I enter giveaways-- I go in streaks-- but I do this weird thing when I enter and I get pretty positive I'm about to win. Only the big ones, of course. For some reason, I'm never confident on the little ones, but if it's like a $5000 prize, I get so confident. I say to my husband "Bri, just so you know, I'm about to win all new furniture from West Elm... I mean it ends Friday, but I'm feeling really good about this one." I never ever ever win. I think that's why I have it in my head that when I finally do win something, it's going to be huge.

I'm glad it's Friday. I'm glad the sun is shining. Happy Weekend!


Favorite Reads this Week:

The simplest way to wrap gifts is with giftbags, and here's how I plan to spruce them up and make them more pretty and personal (I'm obv a big fan of five-minute DIYs).

I'm in love with the idea of a new little sock exchange tradition.

Be sure your fruit & veggies are nice & clean.

If you're going to be a houseguest this holiday season, here's a sweet way to thank your hosts!

I think these are just the prettiest ornaments, and so simple to make.

Set your kids' holiday table perfectly with some of our simple little tips.

Xoxo,
Kate