Christmas in July

I've heard of this a million times... But do people really do Christmas shopping in July? I know that I have bought a few items here and there that were too good of a deal to pass up, but I've never actually said "it's July, better start Christmas shopping!". My mother on the other hand does.
Let me tell you... Christmas morning at my parent's has a real wow factor. We've had to warn new sisters' in law about what to expect. There are presents overflowing from the 12' tree. A real landscape of gift giving. A real reason to pee your pants as a kid and drop your jaw as an adult.
Is my mother's secret that she starts shopping so early? She always sticks to her budget and I'm always AMAZED at just how much bang she can get for her buck.

What are your thoughts?

How do you stretch your Christmas dollars?

Would you shop as early as July if there was a good deal ?

Fill me in!!!

Welcome Olivia Mae!

It has been far too long since I have blogged, and as you can see from the picture, I have a pretty good reason why! Olivia is now 3 months old and I feel like Im finally a normal person again. I get enough sleep and life is going back to normal. Im finally making jewelry again YAY! 

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, sweet, beautiful baby daughter. I never knew I could love someone so deeply. I live for this baby, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me (besides my amazing husband...) and I now feel like I REALLY know what unconditional love and sacrifice are about. 

We recently had this picture and several others taken by our dear friend and talented photographer Alicia Junod. You can find here HERE or on Facebook. Alicia is seriously talented and fun to work with. She is currently working on a giveaway for a free photo shoot which will be given away when her page reaches 500 likes, so go like her page HERE and check out the other beautiful photos from Olivia's session!

XOXO

Mae