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My Favorite Things from 2017

By sunshineandholly on December 29, 2017

2017 was a pretty good year for us. The kids are getting older and easier, we were able to take some fun trips, and we spent lots of time with family and friends. Overall it was a great year!

However, we did have some low moments. We lost two family members this year and the sorrow is still fresh for those who were closest to them. I know Christmas was especially hard for them, and I’ve been praying for peace for heavy hearts.

Maddie the daredevil had a couple of injuries this year as well. Each one gave me a few (hundred) new gray hairs!

I’ve also been missing some friends this year that have either moved away or moved on. Which is tough, since I’m finally at a point in motherhood where I’d be able to devote more time to those relationships.

But with the new year right around the corner, I’d love to focus on the good things from 2017. Here are my favorite things from 2017:

1. Our Disney World Trip

Our trip to Disney World back in February was probably my favorite trip this year. It was Maddie’s first visit, and Graham was finally old enough to really enjoy it. It certainly was magical seeing everything through their eyes and experiencing everything with them. I love Disney so much!

My Favorite Things from 2017 | sunshineandholly.com — Maddie’s first trip to Disney!

5 Ways to Make a Disney World Trip More Romantic

By sunshineandholly on December 22, 2017

Back in 2007, Josh and I took an 8-day trip to Disney World for our honeymoon. It was such a fun and magical vacation! We rode tons of rides, ate amazing food, met lots of the characters, relaxed at the hotel pool, and drank our way around the World Showcase.

5 Ways to Make a Disney World Trip More Romantic | sunshineandholly.com — Look at those babies! We were 23 when we got married. Youngins!

Sometimes people look at me like I’m crazy when they hear we went to Disney for our honeymoon. They usually ask why we’d choose Disney over an all-inclusive resort somewhere on the beach. But Disney can be such a romantic place! Yes, you’ll be much more active at Disney (there’s a ton of walking involved on a Disney trip) but there are also tons of ways to relax and unwind. And if you’re like my husband and I, Disney provides the entertainment aspect that we crave on vacations. I usually get bored of laying around at the beach after a day or two. Give me rides! Give me shows! Give me magic!

That all being said, I wanted to share 5 great ways to make a Disney World Trip more romantic.

5 Ways to Make a Disney World Trip More Romantic

1. Go to Tony’s and recreate the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene.

We did this on our honeymoon! And this was back before the days of Instagram, when people didn’t take a million silly pictures of themselves all day long. So I was really embarrassed to ask the waiter to take our picture. But I’m SO glad I did. It’s a wonderful memory.

2. Book a fireworks cruise.

I mean, what can be more romantic that sailing around in a boat watching fireworks? I always get chills watching the Disney fireworks. That Disney magic runs through my veins. Ha!

3. Splurge on one of the Deluxe hotels, even if it’s just for one night.

We still haven’t been able to stay at one of the Deluxe hotels, but it’s on my bucket list! We couldn’t afford it for our honeymoon, and when we take the kids, we’d rather stay at one of the more affordable hotels. But next time we’re able to go to Disney sans kids, we’re totally splurging!

4. Make sure to factor in some down time during your planning.

This was key for our honeymoon trip. We had lots of mornings or afternoons where we’d just relax at the hotel or lay by the pool.

5. Wear matching shirts and ears.

You’re at Disney – this isn’t the time to be embarrassed about matching your significant other. This is the time to go all out! Purchase matching ears, grab a honeymoon or anniversary button, and wear matching shirts. It adds an extra element of fun to an already fantastic trip!

So if you’re looking to book a memorable trip with the one you love, look into going to Disney World. Because the most magical place on earth can also be the most romantic!

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Christmas Home Tour

By sunshineandholly on December 21, 2017

Last weekend, I had some girlfriends over for our annual gift exchange. And, like I always do, I cleaned like a mad woman for HOURS before everyone arrived. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this!)

I figured I should take advantage of my house being so clean and take some pictures of our Christmas decor for the old blog. I didn’t decorate as much as I’ve done in the past since we’ve been so busy this year, but I’m happy with how the few things I did decorate turned out.

Christmas Home Tour | sunshineandholly.com

Our tree is a mixture of homemade ornaments and store bought. And I’m on team colored lights!

The gift exchange was so fun – it was great seeing all of my girlfriends and their cute kiddos!

Do you go all out for Christmas and deck your halls?

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My Real Christmas Wish List

By sunshineandholly on December 1, 2017

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It’s finally December! Time to start making our lists and checking them twice. Have you started your Christmas shopping? What’s on your list this year?

As for my Christmas wish list, sure, new clothes, makeup, jewelry, cooking tools, and home decor would be great. But you know what I really want? Here’s my real Christmas wish list.

1. A live-in maid.

I’m currently typing up this post at my kitchen table while Maddie colors beside me. There’s a half eaten banana, with peel sitting to my right. 5 dirty tissues to my left. A bunch of markers with the tops left off behind the laptop. And an empty juice box, 4 Cherrios, about 6 smushed Cherrios, and a piece of dried up mac and cheese on the floor. #gross #reallife It’ll all get cleaned up eventually, but it sure would be nice if someone else would do it…

2. A Disney Vacation Club Membership

You guys know I’m a huge Disney nerd. I love that magical place where all your dreams come true. I wish we could have season tickets and go a bunch all year long. Or own a Disney Vacation Club membership. That would be my dream gift!

3. A Personal Trainer with Babysitting Services

This one might be the most realistic thing on my list. I’m still not completely happy with where my “mom bod” is right now. I have a million excuses, but the biggest one is that I hate taking time out of my kid-free mornings to work out. So a personal trainer would be great, but I only want one that will also have someone to babysit my kids.

4. A Magical Immunity Pill

I’ve been sick twice the last two weeks. My kids have also already been sick a couple of times this fall. I wish there was a magical pill we could all take that would prevent us all from getting sick. (Yes, we use oils, but someone always still seems to catch something!)

5. A Later Wake Up Time

My kids used to sleep until at least 7am. But lately, my daughter has been thinking that 6am is a better wake up time. We’ve got the “ok to wake clock,” but, she’s a three-year-old, so you know how well that works for her. It does work for my 5-year-old, though. Unless his sister wakes up first. Just that one extra hour in the morning would be glorious.

Ok, Santa. My list is a tough one. Think you can make any of it happen?

What do you REALLY want for Christmas?

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Tips for Keeping in Touch With Elderly Relatives

By sunshineandholly on September 15, 2017

Our lives are so busy and it can be hard to keep in touch with elderly relatives. Here are some of the ways you can stay in close contact with your elderly loved ones, and show them you care.

Tips for Keeping in Touch With Elderly Relatives | sunshineandholly.com