Author: Allie Zottola

Currently

Current book The Bible. I’ve been reading the beginning of Matthew and Luke to keep my mind on Christ’s birth.

Current food I’ve been loving graham crackers and dark chocolate chip cookies lately.

Current obsession Father-daughter dates. I just adore spending time with my dad.

We painted ceramics together! I blurred what my dad made because he's giving it as a Christmas gift to someone who reads my blog, haha.

We painted ceramics together! I blurred what my dad made because he’s giving it as a Christmas gift to someone who reads my blog, haha.

Current craving A day with absolutely nothing on my agenda. A girl can dream, right? 😉

Current confession I pulled clean clothes out of the laundry basket all last week because I didn’t get a chance to fold and put away the laundry.

Current drink I just finished sipping a vanilla almond milk latte as I began this post. It was warm and toasty and the perfect pick me up.

Current mood Pretty relaxed. I got through the busiest day of the year at work. Whew!

I made a cheese wreath at work last week for the family's Christmas party.

I made a cheese wreath at work last week for the family’s Christmas party.

Current beauty product Yes to Carrots Body Butter. My knuckles are incredibly dry and cracked to the point of being raw because I wash my hands so often at work. Every time I slather on the body butter it soothes my dry hands.

Current need I don’t actually need anything, but I wouldn’t mind getting another dog 😏. Maybe a cocker spaniel?

Brandy02

My parents’ dog, Brandy, as a puppy!

Current indulgence Sleeping in whenever I can. Jimmy and I slept until 8:00 am a few weekends ago.

Current procrastination Vacuuming. Does anyone else procrastinate on that? It doesn’t take me long to do it, but I always find ways to avoid it.

Current blessing The women at my church. I went to a cookie exchange on Saturday and the devotional, fellowship, and food were all amazing. Jimmy’s cousin, Katie, and I collaborated to make the favors. She made the most adorable baby Jesus ornaments and I contributed the angel cookies. It was such a lovely gathering.

cookie-exchange

Current excitement Jimmy and I are going to take a day off of work together soon and spend the day doing whatever. Cannot wait!

What’s your current obsession/craving/blessing/procrastination/excitement?

Life Lately

Hello! I haven’t posted a life lately post since June, so I thought it would be fun to share everything going on in my neck of the woods.

First and foremost, happy December! I love this month. It’s bustling and joyful and special. With that said, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Something I especially try to focus on in the month of December is keeping my priorities straight.

mal

Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Period. There are celebrations, gatherings, people to see, cards to send, and things to do. The one thing I want to keep at the forefront of my mind and life is Christ.

Making time each day to read my Bible and have quiet time with God is an absolute priority. After that, I can truly have perspective on this season. I can then serve and give and truly value the relationships I have with loved ones. Basically, giving myself room to breathe and find joy in this season is all about knowing what I value and keeping my priorities straight.

lola

Okay, onto life lately! I’m going to share a few bullet points and pictures to keep things simple 🙂

  • There was a bird inside one of my pet sitting client’s houses and I had to call Jimmy to come over and trap it. He got it into a cardboard box and set it free. He’s the best.
  • This week is a busy one for me at my regular job because the family is having a Christmas party on Saturday. Lots of extra cleaning, food prep, and more. I am beyond thankful to have a job I love. It’s unconventional, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
  • Seven of Hannah’s 10 (!!) bridesmaids went dress shopping a few days after Thanksgiving. She let everyone choose their own dress and we are all going to wear the same shade of purple. Hannah is so relaxed about her upcoming wedding!
  • My parents took Jimmy and I furniture shopping last weekend. They’re awesome and some of the most generous people I know.
  • My father-in-law and his girlfriend came over last Friday night to watch Gold Rush and have dinner. My FIL was so excited and even ordered ribs from a local BBQ place to bring over. It was such a sweet evening.

How about some pictures?

furniture-shopping

We had a blast going to three (!!) different furniture stores. We ordered a sectional and then canceled the order because the sectional was too big for our living room, LOL.

My father-in-law relaxing after dinner at our house. He and Malcolm have a special relationship... haha.

My father-in-law relaxing after dinner at our house. He and Malcolm have a special relationship… haha.

The bridesmaid dress I chose! Hannah said as long as it had lace, she was happy. Also, she's having all the bridesmaids wear cowboy boots!

The bridesmaid dress I chose! Just imagine it in light purple. Hannah said as long as it had lace, she was happy. Also, she’s having all the bridesmaids wear cowboy boots!

One of the treats I'm making for the Christmas party the family I work for is hosting this weekend. Can't wait to make these!

One of the treats I’m making for the Christmas party the family I work for is hosting this weekend. Can’t wait to make these!

What’s going on in your life lately?