it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

{Our tree. It's fake and pre-lit because putting lights on a tree sucks. And I found our "missing" ornaments.}

I LOVE decorating for Christmas! Mr. Ritter and I started Christmas decorating on Sunday night. I'd say we're about 75% of the way there. I still have a few more ideas for inside, and we need to finish our outside lights and decor. You'll notice our affinity for penguins. They are just so darn cute.

{Basement stairs banister.}

{Stockings on the staircase.}

{Candles on the shelves of the living room floor lamp.}

{Our new penguin ornament we got at Meijer for $2.}

{I got these clip-on, gold and silver sparkly tree decorations at Meijer for $2 each.}

 

{Penguins on the kitchen counter.}

{Mr. Ritter added this poinsettia to the breakfast bar counter.}

{Moxyn got into the Christmas spirit by carrying around her festive rope toy.}

{Grady thinks she's a present.}

 {Moxyn and Kilah were pooped after decorating.}

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 8

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the holidays

1.  Traffic. If you take I-71 N from Columbus, you know exactly what I mean.
2. Christmas music before Thanksgiving.
3. Taking down decorations. Our house feels empty for a least a week afterward.
4. Waiting in line for purchases and returns. 
5. Shopping scrooges. They say it's the most wonderful time of the year, but people can be so darn cranky when holiday shopping. Stay home and shop online if you can't handle the crowd.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 3-7

I apologize for slacking on this blog challenge, but I was a little under the weather and busy with the holiday. Now, I'm feeling better and ready to tackle the remaining five days and catch up on days 3-7 (I'll be brief).

Day 3: Most meaningful/best gift(s) you've ever received

I will just warn you now, I have a terrible memory. So it's not that I was ungrateful for any gift I ever received on Christmas morning, it's just that I simply can't remember or I disassociation what gifts I got for which holiday/birthday. Here are a few gifts that come to mind:

• A bike (don't remember if that was a Christmas or birthday gift). It was white with a purple seat and purple handles. 
• Roller skates. There is a picture of us holding stuffed animals that were wearing said roller skates. 
• NKOTB sleeping bags and pjs.
• A My Little Ponies static sticker scene set. I remember playing with this for hours, especially before Mom and Dad hauled us off to church on Sunday mornings.
• A Northface jacket from Mr. Ritter that I still wear. You couldn't find the mint greenish/light turquoise color anywhere, but he found it. He's such a savvy shopper.
• One year, a family friend dressed up like Santa and came to our house. My sister and I were so excited. There is a video of us singing "Jingle Bells" with him in our cute little kid voices.
• Victoria's Secret goodies. Every year my mom puts together a package of Victoria's Secret undies and bras for me and my sisters. It's become a "thing." I look forward to it every year.

 {via}

Day 4: Tips/tricks to a budget-friendly holiday season

• Make a list and stick to it. This makes shopping more efficient and affordable.
• Check the sales ads weekly to see if any of the items on your list are on sale.
• Set a spending limit. This year I hope to get Christmas done in $300!
• Buy gift wrap, bows, tags, boxes, etc. at the dollar store.

Day 5: Favorite holiday movie/TV show special

 {via}

In no particular order:

• The Grinch
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• Elf
• Home Alone
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• The Santa Clause

{via}

Day 6: Gift ideas

This weekend, I made my Christmas lists for Mom, Mr. Ritter, and my MIL. Every year I struggle to come up with enough ideas (except for my mom, I always have plenty of ideas to give to her). Here are a few items topping my list:

Day 7: Holiday craft/DIY

You can't go wrong with pre-lit garland and candles. Mr. Ritter and I started our holiday decorating last night and I hope to finish tonight or in the next couple of days. The tree is up, the stocking are hung along the stairs (we don't have a fireplace...sad face), and we busted out all our penguins! Now, Aly has inspired me with her DIY mantle.

We don't have a mantle, but I would love to create something like this above our white kitchen cabinets. I love having so many Christmas lights in the house that we don't even need to use our lamps or overhead lights at night! (Photos of our Christmas decorations coming soon!)

set the table

With Thanksgiving only two days away, I cannot stop thinking about all the delicious food I'm going to devour (in moderation of course). Wouldn't you love to feast at any of these beautifully decorated tables?

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 {via}

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{via}

Tomorrow, Mr. Ritter and I are heading to his parents' house for Turkey Day. My parents and sister, Casey, will join us on Thursday for the big feast. This is the first time our immediate families will celebrate a holiday together. I'm so excited. What are your Thanksgiving Day plans?

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 2

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips and Tricks

Those of you who know me well know I like to shop. And I'm a sucker for a good deal. Here are a few tips for Black Friday shopping and every day retail therapy.

Black Friday:

1. Have a plan and a list. Plan which stores you're going to and the order you're going to hit them up. I'd suggest hitting the stores with the big ticket items you want first. And make a list of items you definitely want for a more successful and efficient shopping trip.
2. Check out all the ads the night before and know where to go for the best deals on the items you want.
3. Take a shopping partner - one to stand in line and one to make a mad dash through the store to get what you want.
4. Eat a hearty bowl of patience for breakfast. You'll certainly need it when you're fighting the crowds of crazed shoppers.
5. Get an early start. 

General Retail Therapy:

1. Don't set a time limit. Go shopping on a day when you have no other plans, so you don't feel rushed. I can spend hours in one store (usually 2 hours is my limit), because I'm thorough in my search for good deals. I hate to waste money on clothes I won't wear, so it's imperative that I am absolutely sure I will wear each item I purchase. Hence the need to take my time, and literally spend an entire day shopping.
2. Try everything on. There is no better way to judge fit and style than to put the items on. So get in that dressing room and have a mini fashion show with your sexy self.
3. Set a spending limit. Shopping is fun. Buyers remorse is not. I like to shop at the end of the month when all of my bills have been paid, because then I know how much money is really in my bank account.
4. Shop solo. I have found shopping is more enjoyable when I am not on anyone else's schedule. I have the freedom to browse in one store for as long as I like, and to make as many trips to the dressing room as I deem necessary.
5. Be in the mood to shop. If not, you'll walk around aimlessly and waste time that you could be spending crossing items off your to-do list.

Click here to link up with Aly and Molly's 12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge!

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 1

I have decided to participate in my first blog challenge (you can link up here). I realize it's a Christmas challenge that starts before Thanksgiving, but there's nothing wrong with getting into the holiday spirit a little early. Mr. Ritter and I plan to put our tree up on Friday anyway, so there's that.

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday Traditions

I have to admit, I'm not a big traditions person. I admire those of you who can keep traditions for years and years and years, but I am just not into it. My family doesn't do anything out of the ordinary for the holidays. Christmas Eve, my family gets dressed up and heads to 10 p.m. mass. Before heading out the door (usually as Mom starts to get frustrated because we're running late and not going to have a seat), my sisters and I take an annual in front of the fire place photos.

{some are silly}

 {some are normal. yes, we color coordinated one year.}

And on the way to church, my sisters and I have a photo shoot in the car.

{more silliness}

On Christmas morning, my sisters and I (and now Mr. Ritter and Matt too) get up earlier than we'd probably like to see what Santa brought us. We sit in front of the tree as Mom (with the camera) and Dad (with a trash bag) pass out our gifts one-by-one. We enjoy throwing the balled up shreds of wrapping paper at Dad. After we're finished, then it's time to give Mom and Dad their gifts, which is equally as fun as opening our own gifts. Then we shower and head out by noon to Dad's side, then Mom's side at 4 p.m.

This year, I have a feeling we'll be deviating from our typical Christmas schedule. But change is good and I'm still as excited for the holidays as I am every year.

v celebrates 30 fabulous years

My beautiful, dear friend Veronika turns 30 today. She is one of the most fun-loving, friendly, caring, sweet and sassy ladies I know. I am so glad that I met her through a mutual friend all those years (I can't remember how many) ago. V, as she's known amongst our friends, is just one of those gals who is always up for anything, always in a good mood, and is an all-around genuine person and friend. Everyone could use a little V in their life.

{It's her party and she'll dance if she wants to.}

This weekend, her BFF (and another dear friend of mine) Kelly hosted a Tiffany's themed party for her. It was fabulous and complete with a Tiffany's blue box cake. Oh, and all of us girls pitched in to get her a Tiffany's gift card, so that she can treat herself to the Tiffany's key necklace she's been wanting.

 {The deliciously fabulous Tiffany's blue box cake.}

Happy birthday, doll! I hope 30 is your best year yet! Love you times life.

what-to-wear wednesday: indian summer

In Columbus, we've been experiencing a mild Indian summer. Temps this week have hit the mid to high 60s and the sun is shining, which makes me a happy girl. It's great weather for throwing a light cardigan over short sleeves rather than a heavy jacket. This outfit is comfy and chic for heading to class, meeting friends for a drink after work, or hitting the mall on the weekend. And it incorporates so many of my favorite things (which I already own): a scarf, boots, leggings, a cardigan, go-to jewelry, and a t-shirt. It's just a keep-it-simple outfit.

tattoosday

When I first met (well, through email anyway) Megan of Skinny Mirror, I realized we had something in common besides blogging. We both have bird tattoos on our upper back; albeit hers is much larger and more colorful (see here). I love it, and I envy her courage to get a large tattoo. We also both find tattoos addictive. I thought I would never understand how someone could be addicted to getting poked with a needle over and over. Then I tried it. I was hooked. However, my addiction is under control. I only have two small tattoos, but I have at least two more floating around in my head, just itching to be inked into my skin...soon.

This was my first tattoo. I got it with KRuff several years ago (I don't remember when exactly). It's the Pisces sign, which ironically looks like an "H". The four dots represent the members of my immediate family. It's on my right butt cheek, just below my waistline.

These doves were designed by my first college roommate, with whom I am still friends. They are on my upper back, one on either side of my spine. I got them in late 2007 or early 2008, I don't remember exactly. It was a time when I was in a lot of emotional stress and unsure about my future, so they symbolize the freedom to be myself and the courage/faith to make good decisions for my future.

My next tattoo will be the infinity symbol (I've always loved the one above and wanted to do my own version of it). Mr. Ritter and I got married on August 8, 2009 (or 8/8), and I thought it would be the perfect symbol to represent our life together. I have tried without success to talk Mr. Ritter into getting this tattoo with me. But I want to get it on the inside of my left wrist soon...very soon.


My mom, my sisters and I are also planning to get tattoos together. My mom wants us each to get one of these words: faith, hope, love and strength. Mom wants hope. I know Heather wants faith. So Casey and I will have to duke it out for love and strength.

Do you have any tattoos? Feel free to share them with me - hfenner18 [at] yahoo [dot] com.

happy feet

Let's just say I went a little shoe crazy over the weekend. I bought these:

 {here}

 {all here}

And I've got my eye on these:

{both here}

I just can't decide: tall or short, short or tall? Decisions, decisions. One thing I can decide on is flat shoes over heels. I'm more of a comfort over image kinda girl when it comes to shoes, because I HATE uncomfortable shoes. I typically wear heels to work only, but even then I scour shoe stores for comfy heels I can wear all day (Bandolino and Nine West are my favorites).

I also hopped on the jeggings bandwagon this weekend, and I picked up a pair, to my sister's delight, at American Eagle. I'm usually not all about pants that encase my thighs like sausages, but jeggings do fit nicely into boots. Even better than my skinnies. How do you feel about jeggings?

please don't talk like you text

Today at lunch, a few coworkers and I (and Kenny!) were discussing our grammar pet peeves. We concluded that many people are skipping English class, or sleeping through it, or just refuse to follow grammar rules altogether. I understand that English is a completely screwed up, eccentric language, but c'mon people, I'm talking about basics here. Let's have a looksee at some notorious grammar faux pas (per our discussion):

The Difference Between Your and You're
This is a biggie for me. It's really not that complicated. Read your sentence with "you are" in place of "your/you're." If it makes sense, use "you're." If it doesn't use "your." Your is a possessive form of "you," referring to something a person has, something belonging to the person, or the person you are talking to. Let's have a mini lesson shall we: "I think your smart." Wrong. "I think you're smart." Correct. And if you just can't nail down the difference, stop using contractions and just type out "you are."

The Difference Between Affect and Effect
I can sympathize with this one because it can be a little tricky. As a noun, "affect" indicates a feeling or emotion, whereas "effect" means the consequence of some action or process. As a verb, "affect" means to exert an influence upon, whereas "effect" means to bring about as a result. A few synonyms of "affect" are: act on, change, influence, move, stimulate, take on. Synonyms of "effect" are: aftermath, conclusion, consequence, end product, outcome, reaction, response, side effect. {found here}.

Typing/Talking Like You Text
Stop it, stop it, stop it! I get that you sometimes need to use abbreviations while texting to get a complete thought in one text, but they should not carry over into daily conversations or emails, especially emails sent to professionals. It's really unprofessional and you sound unintelligent. The ones that bother me most are "ur" and "r." Is it really that much more effort to type out the other two letters in those words? Personally, it actually takes more effort to type these words incorrectly. And what's with people saying "idk"? Just say "I don't know" for Pete's sake, I promise it takes zero extra effort. The one thing I do use is "wtf" because it can be used in the presence of grandparents and children without being offensive.

The Extra Vowel Foul
ADubs brought up the extra vowel phenomenon, i.e. doubling vowels in words just because, such as "liike". Kenny said it annoys her when someone types words like "todayyyyy." I have to admit that I have been guilty of typing "yayyyyyy" like this just out of sheer excitement. Oops.

Random or No Punctuation
tHiS iS aNnOyInG. No? TYPING IN ALL CAPS LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE SHOUTING. Don't do it. Capitalizing Every Word Of A Sentence Is Not Correct. not capitalizing the first word of a sentence isn't correct either. And even if you're not sure how to use a comma, just try. Even if you use too many, it's better than having a run-on sentence that goes on and on and on and on without a break. Here are a few easy rules to follow.

I don't claim to be a grammar guru, and I'm sure I've fallen victim to some of these grammar faux pas. I'm not asking for perfection, I'm asking you to try. To reread your emails before you send them, and to think before you speak. And I will do the same.

what-to-wear wednesday: caped cardi

Remember this post and how I promised to create outfits using all those cardis? Well here is the first edition! Caped cardigans are so trendy right now, and I love, love, love this plum color. As soon as the cold weather hits, I instinctively don a cardigan with a scarf, but this cape helps me break my cardi cycle and still be warm, comfy and stylish. What's also great about this 'fit is that each piece can be found at Old Navy, so it's completely affordable to look this good!

this is why we're friends

I want to wish a very happy birthday to my amazing friend, Jess, who is celebrating by kissing the Blarney Stone today (and hopefully lots of Irish men)!

Everyone needs a friend like Jess. She truly and wholeheartedly loves her friends. She's the friend you can call any time, anywhere and she'll drop everything to help you or be with you. Her positive energy is contagious. She has a signature dance move, always has her camera handy, is notorious for saying "this is why we're friends," is a great listener, can laugh at herself and is the life of the party. She's beautiful and amazing, and this is why we're friends.

sweet november

This morning, there was frost on my car and I turned the calendar page, which means it's officially November. November reminds me that the pending winter will be here soon, along with a trifecta of amazing holidays. Can you believe in just two months we will be making lists of New Year's resolutions?  I have decided not to wait. There is something utterly refreshing about a new month starting on a Monday, and I am taking advantage of it. Here is a list of resolutions I'm starting now (in no particular order, except for the first one - keeping reading):

• Plan more husband and wife time
• Get back into a regular workout routine
• Make time for me
• Utilize better time management
• Clean more
• Visit my family more often
• Create a better work/life balance
• Accept that I can't do everything and will have to say "no" sometimes
• Take the dogs to the dog park
• Call my grandparents
• Start a house fund

{via}

Ultimately, my resolutions come down to one thing: making time. If my husband, family and friends had to describe me in one word, I think that word would be BUSY. It's time to change my MO. Talking to my Grandma Fenner last week reminded me that life is indeed too short to not make time for the people who matter. I have never been one to sit still (for very long anyway), and I am constantly on the go - at cheer practice, in class, at an after-work meeting, dinner with a friend, etc. While I often enjoy keeping a somewhat chaotic schedule, I don't enjoy neglecting the most important thing in my life: Mr. Ritter.

I have the BEST husband in the world. He cleans, cooks, takes care of the dogs, works two jobs and is patient with me and my schedule. But sometimes, and rightfully so, my being gone more than I'm at home takes it's toll on him. And though he probably won't believe me when I say this, but I'll say it anyway, this is going to change.

Starting now.

And a here's a peek at my Halloween weekend: