2012 - Looking Back

I actually cannot believe that tomorrow is 2013. 2013!! That's crazy!!! Time really does fly when you're having fun, doesn't it? I was going through some old blog posts and compiled some highlights from this past year:

1. We played tourist is our own city 
2. Jeremy and Harrison became my neighbors
3. Celebrated St. Patrick's Day downtown
4. Spent a day in Nashville
5. Went to the park 
6. Finally settled into a new job 
7. My first blog date 
8. Started our "Eating in Memphis" challenge 
9. Went to BBQ Fest 
10. My brother graduated from high school 
11. Enjoyed concerts at Levitt Shell 
12. Became obsessed with buying everything at the Farmer's Market
13. Visited St. Louis for the first time
14. Visited Austin for the first time
15. Went to the candlelight vigil during Elvis Week
16. Got an amazing birthday gift
17. Played in a cotton field
18. Spent a month in Florida
19. Rain the Color Run
20. Picked pumpkins
21. Finally finished my furniture project
22. Started Blogger Birthdays 
23. Had a very tacky Christmas 
24. Our first Memphis blogger meetup


Phew!! It was a busy year, but it was all around great! We did so many fun things.. can't wait to see what's going to happen in 2013! I have a feeling it's going to be a good one.



PS. Did you see the announcement I made Friday? Oh, and there's a giveaway!
  



  

Something Wonderful

Something wonderful is about to happen... 2013. The new year is almost here and while we're all coming up with resolutions and goals, things are changing around Ten Feet Off Beale. 

I'm starting the year off with a bang.

First things first, I've updated my sponsor information to add some more options. I am looking forward to teaming up with fellow bloggers and shop owners in the new year. The new "large sponsor" options starts January 1st, so reserve your spot today! 

Visit the Sponsor Page Here.

Now, my second big wonderful thing that is happening is that I am opening my shop.. for good. I'm organized, it's planned out. I'm looking forward to having lots of sewing to do and making pretty little embroidery hoops for people.

Take a look at my Shop Page Here.

Now, for probably the most exciting piece of news. I'm giving away one of my new embroidery hoops AND one month of new ad space!!! The hoop pictured above, actually, is up for grabs. It's light pink with black and grey accents and would be the perfect thing to win right at the beginning of the new year. Anyone is eligible to enter, just use the giveaway tool below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Night Before Christmas

 

One of the gifts Jeremy got me were tickets to see 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Circuit Playhouse. I had never been there before and I would never say no to a live performance. The show was geared towards children, but that doesn't mean we didn't enjoy it!! I especially enjoyed hearing the giggles and laughter coming from the kids sitting around us. It really is the cutest thing ever hearing kids get so excited about Santa and Christmas. 

Thank you for my Christmas gift, Jeremy :) It really got me in the Christmas spirit!

   

Our Christmas & Wednesday Walkabout

Since I'm up in New Jersey with my family, Jeremy and I celebrated Christmas a little early this year. We cooked a nice dinner, turned on It's A Wonderful Life, sat around the tree and opened present. We must have been good this year.

 

 

 

 

When I opened this body building box I had NO idea what Jeremy could have gotten me. Then, I realized he just used that box. What he got me was so much more thoughtful. He got me cotton seeds. I sort of have an obsession with cotton so he figured we could grow our own and have cotton plants around always. He even included instructions on how to grow them indoors. I love it.
  

 

 

 

 

Our animals got involved, too.

 

Ps... how about joining the Wednesday Walkabout?! I think you should... I'm this week's Mystery Host :) 

 

<a href="http://www.taingamala.com/" target="blank"> <img src="http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc422/JaneAdensam/WednesdayWalkabout.png"/> </a>

What is a Walkabout? It's a blog link-up party, every week here and with our co-hosts! Simply put your blog address or a specific post in the linky, visit some other people, and make some friends. Easy at that! I can't wait to talk to everyone!

PS: You only have to link up with ONE of the co-hosts!

The Rules:

1. Please follow at least ONE hostess, and let us know you're a new follower and how to follow you! To be entered as next week's Mystery Host, follow all hosts from this week.

Mystery Host Alyssa- Ten Feet Off Beale

Chantal- Scattered Shells

Jane- Taingamala

Sarah- G.I. Joe's Wife

Jamie- Handling with Grace

2. Try to visit 3-4 blogs that interest you. Take some time and let them know where you came from.

3. Grab the button and spread the word! (Not required, but just cool if you do). The more, the merrier.

Merry Christmas

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I hope you are all having an absolutely WONDERFUL day!!!

This picture was our first time playing around with the timer... the beeping got Harrison's attention.. next time I need to figure out how to make it less grainy andddd how to not chop Harrison's nose off!




   

Untitled

That smiling man sitting in the middle is my grandfather sometime (we believe) in either late 1942 or early 1943 before he left for the Pacific Islands. He was 22 years old. On Friday morning, I received the call. My grandfather had passed away at 92 years old.

For years his health was up and down, but you can never truly prepare yourself for the loss of a family member.

 It's hard losing someone you love, especially right before Christmas. I am grateful that he lived a long life and that he went peacefully in his sleep, just like he would have wanted. I am also grateful that the family will all be together this week to remember our much loved Pop-pop.
 

I also just want to say thank you to everyone for you prayers, love, and support. It really truly means so much to me and my entire family.





  

My Holiday Star

Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for providing product to inspire this post about the stars in my life.

With the holiday season upon us, we're all thinking about the people who are important to us. We all have stars in our lives. Those special people who are always there for you, comfort you, and know you better than anyone. To me, this person is Jeremy. Even though he has only been in my life a relatively short time, I honestly cannot imagine life without him.

He is an example. He is the example of the person I strive to be. Someone who puts others first. He cares about everyone he knows and even people he doesn't know. Even his job revolves around helping others. This holiday season, I want him to know that he is my star. I admire him.

During the holidays, we suddenly become mindful of giving and helping others. We attempt to give handmade and meaningful gifts. I am truly honored that I had the opportunity to receive this amazing star ornament that was made by an artist in Haiti. When I first heard about this special Macy's Heart of Haiti campaign, I knew this was something special. Macy's currently has a collection of over 40 home decor items made from recycled materials. When you purchase an item through Macy's Heart of Haiti, you are contributing to the Haitian community. Macy's Heart of Haiti wholeheartedly believes that "trade not aid" is a powerful way to provide work and much needed financial opportunities to those in Haiti. I mean, isn't that awesome?!

Take a moment to browse through some of the products they offer, maybe you'll even find some last minute Christmas gifts!  

I received exclusive product from the Macy’s Heart of Haiti line that inspired this post. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. #CleverHaiti

The Tradition Continues

I love that Jeremy and I have been dating long enough to have traditions. This year marked our third year going to Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo. (You can read last year's post here) I actually think I look forward to Zoo Lights all year. There's just something about walking around the zoo at night time looking at light displays and chatting that is relaxing, romantic, and simply fun.
  

 

 

This year, we had the special treat of seeing one of Santa's reindeer!! I don't think I had ever seen one in real life. They're pretty amazing. 

 

PS. When we were there we ran into Kendra!! She was taking advantage of the ice rink that they also have at Zoo Lights.. I loved seeing you, girl!! You have to make it back to Memphis again soon :)

<< I'm also blogging about how much I LOVE our Zoo Lights Traditon on Kate's blog.. oh, she's another Memphis area blogger, YAY! >>