My Life in Numbers

Hello Monday! Today I'm deviating from my usual weekend recap because I'm linking up with Deena for her Month in Numbers. See my other monthly numbers posts are here.

28 - The number of allergies I got

32 - The number of selfies I took

0 - The number of days I drove...seriously, I felt like I was 15 again, and asking my parents for rides, asking my friends to pick me up...it's.been.awesome.

12 - The number of days my kids didn't go out because of them was sick, it was really sad.

3 - The number of girls nights I got...asking for rides of course ;) For some reason I didn't get a picture of the third, oops.

1 - The number of dates I got with Mr.

3 - The number of times I tried to take an outfit selfie and got photobombed by my people.

Really they just popped in there right as I snapped the picture, they must practice.

2 -  The number of times I actually went into the office, working from home is awesome ;)

4 - the number of Thanksgiving dinners I ate...it was awesome.

Nope not in this picture because I was taking the picture ;)

It seems I did a lot of things in 3's this month. Hopefully I will have more exciting adventures next month when I can start driving again.

Blogger Year in Review Pt. 1

Happy Friday!

Before I begin my post, head on over to The Blended Blog, it's my turn to be featured!

Today I'm linking up with Beth and company for a year end link up review. Sharing your top of anything from the year, Top 5 Posts, Top 5 bloggers you followed this year, Top 5 Blog posts of other people you think we should read, the list is endless. They are doing this link up for the next three week. So I'm sitting trying to rack my mind of what I want to write about. Not sure how many weeks I'll participate...but here goes nothing...

At first I thought, maybe the top 5 new blogs I started following this year. But then I thought, you know what, this blog is called Foxy's Domestic Side...so I thought I would do my top 5 domestic things I did this year.

 

 

How to Make a Tissue Paper wreath. I really thought this would take over 200 sheets of tissue paper, so I bought a LOT, and it only took 35. So I have about 500 sheets left over...oops! Click here for the tutorial.

 

 

I also made a quick little video on it.

 

 

 

I really loved my 5 Step To throwing an Awesome Party. Let me summarize for you:

1) Chose guest of honor, chose a theme

2) Start with Birthday sign, that sets the rest of the decorations.

3) Buy/Make things according to your theme

4) Food, I try to pick food according to the theme.

5) Set up everything before the party, even put out platter with notes of what food is going where, then on party day it's easier to direct people helping you.

 

 

For Baby Fox's 4.5 birthday party, I made a cityscape. I made a tutorial here. Was much easier than it looks, mostly because all of the squares I had to cut out was done by my Cricut.

 

 

 

For Valentine's Day this year I made some Super Hero Valentine's for all of Baby Fox's friends. Really easy, and the kids LOVED it.

 

 

The last one I'm not sure totally qualifies, but I did work on it with my mom. I'm really proud of my mom's decorating series that I've started here and on The Blended Blog. So far we've done, How to decorate your mantel,

How to create a tablescape

and the latest one is how to decorate your Christmas tree.

Stop by to see one of her tutorials! I had so much fun doing these little projects with my mom. I hope to have many more next year! Anything you guys would like to see? Just let me know down in the comments!

Linking up with Erika, Andrea, and Narci for Friday Favorites, September Farm and The Farmer's Wife for Oh Hey, Friday! April and the girls for Five on Friday, and Jennie for Friday Favorites

Decorating With Mom: Christmas Trees

If you are here from The Blended Blog, welcome! Didn't my mom do a fantastic job with her tree this year? Now that she and my dad have downsized, she's down to 2 trees, down from the bazillion trees she used to have. If you are starting here, go check out the tutorial on how to decorate your Christmas tree!

In case you missed it, I'm teaming up with Courtney and Beth for a Holiday Home Tour, so you'll get to see my house all decked out then.

But in the mean time here are some more pictures from my parents home:

What's a holiday without a decorated mantel?

So cute right?

I'm not sure if you knew, but my dad has a love for Notre Dame, so what do you do when you have a huge Notre Dame fane in the house? Devote a whole room to it of course.

From far away it just seems like a tree with ornaments, but let's look at it a little closer...

And one of my mom's favorite ornaments:

and then there is the whole fox theme we have going on, all the time...

Back in the day when my parents had multiple trees, like more then the two I just showed you, they would have a whole tree devoted to just foxes...super cute, it was right when you walked into the entryway.

Those were all the decorations she had done when we did this post. Don't forget to link up with us on December 14th for our Holiday Home Tour!

 

Linking up with That DIY Party, Tweek it Tuesday, Mad Skills Party,  Fabulous Party, Weekend Retreat , Tuesday Talk,  Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party, Let's Be Friends Blog Hop, Wildly Original, Amanda, for Thinking Out Loud, Vanessa and Penny for Thinking out Loud, Lulia, Stephanie and Sarah for The Ladies Collective, Annie and Natalie for Thoughts for Thursday and Joey and Kristin for Stuff and Things

What I Wore - Walking Boot Edition

I feel like I haven't done a what I wore post in forever! But since I got my walking boot, seriously this thing is the Air Jordan of walking boots, literally, it has a pump in it that I pump up to support my ankle. In case you're new here, this is the story how I got myself into a pink cast and then this walking boot. But now that I am more mobile and not feeling as much pain, I'm actually getting dress! Woo hoo, to not wearing leggings with one leg cut off, lol.

I wore this to our first Thanksgiving dinner, I had the boot for about two hours before this photo was taken. It felt good to put some make-up on and get out with the land of the living.

 

The next morning it was pretty awesome to just put on some leggings that were tight. I didn't have to wear something baggie to get over the cast. If you're wondering, I got those pants from Fabletics, you can get your first workout outfit for $25 for first time customers. I can tell you that the quality is amazing, and oh so comfy, definitely worth getting a whole workout outfit for $25. I am not being paid to tell you that, but if you decide to join I get a referral fee, if you click on this link. To be honest I think it's worth to get your first outfit for $25. It's a subscription, so you will have to skip each month to opt out of the automatic charge. I just keep skipping on the first of the month, just in case I need some workout clothes, I keep the subscription. Anyway, that was way off subject of this post...sorry about that. Back on track.

 

I went on a date night with Mr. on Wednesday. And have been dying to wear this tunic, I bought it at the Nordstrom anniversary sale (sorry not available any more).

And look, look, I actually did an outfit post! My first in over 5 weeks! So proud of myself. I bought this shift dress from Old Navy (similar).

Isn't the boot sexy? I know you never want one, haha. In case you are wondering I am wearing a super tall black sock, that's what that weird line is by my knee. They said no wearing short socks, so I bought super tall ones. All in all, it's nice to be able to take my boot off to sleep and take a bath (can't shower yet since I can't stand on the leg yet).

 

I give major props to Katie for sporting her boot during a Style Challenge!

 

Also linking up with Tucker Up, Because Shanna Said So,  On Trend Tuesday, Cappuccino and Fashion, Sydney Fashion Hunter, Pampers and Pearls, Happiness at Mid Life, The Pleated Poppy,Shopping My Closet, Get Your Pretty On, Let It Shine, More Pieces of Me,  Pumps and Push-Ups, A Lovely Little Wardrobe

My Gift Giving Guide

I know, not another one of these, but I thought I would show you what I am actually getting the people in my life. So if you are one of those people in my life that I am buying gifts for, stop reading right now! Don't peek, seriously, it would ruin the surprise...okay did you stop? Okay let's get serious the people in my life don't read my blog...I guess they do on occasion, but hopefully they'll skip this one.

First if you're from Alison's blog welcome! I hope you find something useful in my guide today! Let's get started.

Don't you just love this graphic? Deena did such a great job!

What I Am Giving My Mother-In-Law: My MIL has lost a lot of weight recently so her wardrobe is starting over, I thought a pair of jeans and a simple top could go a long way.

Pleione purple top* / Lucky Brand white jeans*

What you could add: 



My MIL lives in the PNW, it gets cold there, these accessories would be perfect for her and that outfit An Old Navy Fleece Lined Vest*  and an Echo Braided Hairband*

What I Am Giving My Mom:

I know looks familiar with the accessories for my MIL right? Well I just love this vest* so much. It's super warm and comfortable! I know a total grab bag of stuff for my Mom, but I know she loves polka dots and then you add paisley on top of it, score for the best scarf ever (confession, I might have ordered one for myself too), and I thought another white vest would be the perfect addition to her wardrobe, who doesn't love a good vest? I also got my sister and SIL the same socks...I mean how could I pass them up?

Old Navy Fleece Lined Vest* / Paisley shawl* (Sold Out,  Similar*) / Fuzzy Fox Socks*

What You Could Add:

These* Kate Spade earrings.

What I am Giving Mr.:

He's so hard to shop for...but I finally figured something out! Some new workout shorts*.I'm so excited to give these to him. I know he's going to love them, I just love my one pair of lululemon pants.

What I am Giving My Sister:

She wants a new scent, so my mom and I are giving her that, it's called Angel*. I am giving her the lotion and my mom is giving her the hair mist and lotion.

What I am giving the Grandparents:

Every year I give all of the grandparents a calendar of the kids. I use to take pictures specifically for the month, but fell off that wagon this year, so I have to pick that back up next year. And then for the days, I put pictures of what happened on that same day a year ago. It's crazy how much the kids grow. And no I don't have a picture in all of the squares and sometimes I fudge what day it is to make the calendar look good, but for the most part it

This was last years calendar, since I don't have this years completed yet. the cover.

January 2015: Aren't they so small? I just love seeing them from a year ago.

I just love it, the first couple of year Mr. and I didn't take one for ourselves, but now we both have one in our offices. If you haven't done this you should! Shutterfly is always having a sale on them! We also buy our Christmas cards on Shutterfly. Use my code and you get 50%* off of you cards.

My Brother and Sister-In-Law:

My brother and SIL are really into Moscow Mules and have been looking for the perfect mug* for them. I think these just scream perfection and they have 955 5 star reviews, good in my book! So fun.

That's all I have for now! I hope something on the list helped you find something for your loved ones during this giving season. I just love trying to find the perfect gift.

Now hop on over to see what Lisa is giving the people in her life!


*This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and purchase an item - I may receive a small commission.  THANK YOU!

Also linking up with Tuesday Talk

My Thanksgiving Break and Home Tour Annoucement

Hi All! Sorry I've been MIA these past week, I took and unexpected and nice break from blogging. I still tried to read some of your blogs this week, but I just didn't have the energy to work on my own blog. One day past and then I didn't really have anything for the next day and the next and soon it was Sunday and I still hadn't blogged! Crazy right? But don't worry I have lots of good stuff coming up. Starting tomorrow with what I'm buying my family and friends.

But first a quick recap of what I've been up to. Big news! Monday I got upgraded from my pink cast to a walking boot! It's fantastic to not have to bag up my leg to shower...well in my case take a bath, but whatever. First stop after my boot, Mr. and I went to Costco, and Mr. was just itching to take my ride back to it's spot.

Afterwards we met up with my parents, my sister and our kids (they were watching them while Mr. and I went to the doctors) at my parents church for a HUGE Thanksgiving dinner. They have it down to a science, so awesome, they fed over 1000 people in less than 30 minutes, so much fun to dine with 1000 other church members.

She couldn't be bothered to stop eating for a picture.

It's the Air Jordan boot...seriously it has a pump it thing like Air Jordan's use to...it's currently the most expensive thing in my closet.

The rest of the week I hung with the kids while Mr. worked.

She didn't want to take off her sleep sack...hey who am I to stop her? She's going down the stairs here. We taught the kids to go down the stairs on their belly.

Park time.

Hide and go seek...guess where Mini Fox is?

Wednesday Mr. and I went on a date, it was pretty awesome! Went to a local brewery...

And tested a flight of beer, so yummy.

Then headed off to see the last Hunger Games movie, loved it!

Thursday...but first vitamins...every time we say vitamins, they come running. Mostly because they are gummies and they love them.

We went to my cousin's house and had the most yummy Turkey dinner ever. The kids had a blast! Such a pretty table right?

They had a kids craft.

The hostess on the left.

Yummy food.

In case you wanted to know I made homemade bread, so yummy, delicious and the most easy thing to make EVER! Seriously add ingredients, mix with spoon, cook. No kneading, no punching, no nothing. And it tastes delicious and you get lots of credit for making homemade bread for little to no work! It's called the 5 minute Artisan Bread, no joke that's what they call it.

 Friday Mr. had to study, but first we took the kids to see Santa. We made a reservation, paid $10 which also went towards a package we already buy and we waiting in no line, super easy, highly suggest it! Santa pictures coming later (linking up with Courtney on December 10th) . See what I did there, made you want to come back to see if there was as much crying this year as last...

After we got the pictures we snuck over the fence so we could get this shot...worth it!

And since we were at the mall, my mom and I shopped till we dropped...I know shopping on Black Friday it was actually fun, I probably could have gone longer if my foot wasn't in a BOOT! And not the sexy, riding kind, haha. My dad came and got the kids for naps so that we could keep shopping, what a trooper.

Me waiting for Mom to try things on...take a breather...

We went back to my parents house till Mr. picked us up (you know cause I can't drive, going on 6 weeks...ahhh!!!!). When I got there my sister was spoiling the kids with hot chocolate. Baby Fox is helping, see his cute little hand guiding my sisters hand? Adorable.

 
Mini Fox was just waking up from her nap when I got there and wanted nothing to do with me.

Then this happened...

Yes that really did happen...starting them young.

We decided to go get some Thai, so off to the store to pick up a few things and our favorite Thai place. Bundled up because we had no idea we weren't going home after Santa and it was cold out...45° is cold in my book.

Riding in style.

Saturday Mr. had to study pretty much all day, so I decorated a little, stay tune for the announcement at the end of this post. We made a tent (see background) and the kids watched some movies.

Later friends came over with their kids, they ran like wild things and we got to chat and eat, it was great! I look like a mess, threw my hair in a bun and called it a day, no make-up, no nothing.

Then of course some French braiding lessons happened...he would DIE if he knew I posted this, so shhhh, don't tell, hehe. No he didn't quite get it, but for not knowing how to braid at all, he did pretty good. I was actually try to teach my other friend...her husband thought he should know too, cute right?

Sunday we hung out, decorated and went to my parents for yet another Thanksgiving dinner. We have so much to be thankful for we just kept on celebrating. Yum!

Our family tree...Mr's favorite.

Opening each ornament with Daddy.

Guess who put those here?

Then they just wanted to be under the tree and take their nap there.

The house is really coming along...speaking of which...guess what?!

Courtney and Beth asked me to join them in a Holiday Home Tour! So come back on December 14th and link up all your pretty homes with us. I love to see all the love and holiday cheer that comes with the season. So start taking pictures of your decorations, use the button below and invite us in for a Holiday Home Tour! Can't wait to see what you all have done...

 Linking up with  Erin for Weekend Snapshot4, B Loved Boston and Champagne & Suburbs  for Weekending,  and Ashley at A Cute Angle for Monday Madness