Oh Hello Precious: 2014

A Holiday Adventure to the Zoo

We engaged in a lot of holiday activities this year; I think we are embracing the fact that we will soon be leaving this little place we call 'home'. When we first arrived we hated it here; but it has grown on us, now I think we might actually be sad to leave.

Christmas Day!

I keep seeing cute Christmas Day blog posts and I am just over here wondering how the heck they had time to capture all of their perfect pictures. Literally, from the time we woke to the time we went to bed I was bouncing around doing something. As much as I would have liked to had the time to photograph every little bit of our day I was just too busy with cooking and enjoying the smiles of my little family to even pick up a camera. Although we weren't able to have a Christmas gathering with our families we definitely felt the love from across the country. We miss them all so much and spent a great amount of time Skyping with them. When we finally had a chance to sit down we realized something that just slipped our minds; we might not be spending the next Christmas together. We're suppose to find our next duty station soon and we are unsure if Alan will be deployed. It got us sad and you can bet I shed a few tears, but it just made us appreciate this Christmas so much more. We woke up and opened presents, I made the most delicious homemade cinnamon rolls ever, then cooked a feast and with out tummies full we played with all of new toys/gifts. It was an intimate Christmas but one of my favorite Christmases yet.

The face of Christmas

Couples that cook Gingerbread together, stay together.

Okay, little model. //Happy 18 months Baby Girl

My little helper making Sugar cookies.

Waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Pinterest Therapy!

It has been a very long, and hectic day. No, Scratch that. It has been a very chaotic few months, but today has just been one of those days that just makes you feel a bit overwhelmed and annoyed at the end of it. I feel like I am on some sort of mission trying to purchase the Iphone 6; every time we go into a store they're out or don't have the one we're looking for (the 128). On top of that I needed to get my screen on my Galaxy S4 fixed and when I went to pick up and they ended up breaking the 'home' button. It's all a big messy story of running back and forth, waiting, and road rage, but I wouldn't want to run this post in a negative direction so I will just avoid telling it.

When these types of days occur I notice that I can easily unwind with a hot cup of tea, comfy clothes and pinterest. I call it Pinterest Therapy. It's my little bit of time when the baby is asleep, and the husband is either at work or playing his PS4. I know a lot of people would rather a hot bath, face mask and a good book; don't get me wrong I love pampering myself as well, but sometimes I just don't want to do anything or worry about having to clean up after myself. No background noise needed; it's just a hot drink, PC and I. Call me crazy but I am all about that like button tonight. If you would like to follow me on Pinterest you can find me HERE!

Love this cup from PicklePottery.

Don't these cookies made by Cooking Classy just make your mouth water? I could use some of these with my tea!

Yum and YUM! Two holiday season favorites; eggnog and cinnamon rolls

Okay, I really need this ankle bracelet by TatiRocks pronto!

Disclaimer: I do not own rights to any of the above images. All credit goes to the original owner. Pictures linked to their rightful owners.

SANTA BABY!

Lyla took well to Santa at 6 months old but at 18 months I wasn't too sure how she would respond. To my surprise she was very fond of Mr. Saint Nick, a bit shy at first but warmed up real quick. (Accidental rhyme). Although the crying babies on Santa's lap are adorable and classic; I didn't want my daughter to feel scared. I really just wanted her to enjoy the whole experience; so I figured , instead of just springing this giant, white bearded, old man into her life I could slowly introduce him to her. Back in November I began watching Christmas movies with her while pointing out Santa Claus, we read books and anytime throughout our days if there was anything to do with Santa I made a conscious effort to show her. I can't say for certain that it will work for you, or even our next child; but it couldn't hurt to give it a go, right?

High-fives all day for Santy Claus

Excuse the lousy outfit we were running late.

Get this girl a comp card quick!

So much cheer in this little soul.

Who doesn't love a cute baby and J. Crew.

She didn't want to leave santa they were having SO much fun together.

A video posted by Lauren Hernandez🙊 (@hello_precious) on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:16pm PST

St. Augustine's Nights Of Lights

Post Turkey Day!

It's day 2 after Thanksgiving and I am still full, but somehow can't manage to stop eating. It took two full days of prepping and cleaning but everything came out great. I tried a new method for the turkey so there of course were a few lessons learned there but overall it was delicious and I feel like my first attempt at Thanksgiving dinner was a success. Happy week of leftovers everyone!

Here are a few pics that I was able to capture during our Thanksgiving. There was a lot more food and moments to be captured but the cook can't cook and photograph at once.

The beginning of an old family recipe for cranberry salad. ( not finished)

Recently found a new favorite sweet potato recipe (Prepping)

Friends. I am thankful for friends.

The faces of pure enjoyment

Note to self: don't let the sides of the turkey touch the roaster. Everything else was fine though.

I think it's time to make her a kitchen.

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Jack Black Core Collection

Fossil Watch

Indigo Jeans

Flask

Another Trip to St. Augustine

This city has my heart; you can never run out of things to see or do in this place. There is so much beauty and history everywhere you look. I feel like I am always posting pictures of our adventures here, but I promise you they're all very different. I am so excited to go to The Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, I have been anticipating seeing the lights since I found out they even existed back in April. St. Augustine is listed by National Geographic as one of the top 10 places to see holiday lights and I cannot wait to share the experience with those of you who can't make it out this year!

I named her Frita.