Raines looked over my shoulder as I was writing this. "Wow, Mom! That picture's of Christmas Eve!" he said reverently.
Indeed. This pic was taken by my mom last Christmas. Not Christmas Eve, but, you know, close enough. I'm currently in Michigan, sitting in front of the fire, curled up with my laptop, coffee, and chocolate. Not a bad way to start a Christmas holiday, no?
As you may have guessed, things will be quiet at ANMJ for the next couple of weeks. We'll be off sledding, snowshoeing, and celebrating the end of 2013. Or, as my husband so eloquently put it, "2013 can go F**k–"
Yes.
But before I go, I do have a few fun links to share…..
Reader Aspen swears by this easy Gap tee for pooch-hiding. "I am a mama of a toddler, living in nyc, and I adore your blog. 🙂 I just wanted to let you know if just got a shirt from the gap that is amazing and pooch proof. It's less than $30!" Thanks, Aspen! That flared back is gorgeous.
Jenna wrote in to let me know that my new cream cords are now 40% off at Anthro. GAH! I hate when that happens…but at least someone else can benefit. So if you've been debating the AG Stevie straight-leg cream cords (last seen on the blog here)….voila! Thanks, Jenna!
Bethany was "desperately searching for boyfriend jeans that were flattering without being tight." She found her boyfriend-jean-holy-grail at ASOS. Oooo…these Mango jeans manage to get the light-wash, artfully destroyed just right, and are currently on sale for $52. Furthermore, Bethany says, "When the holes in the jeans started to gape from wear and tear, I patched them with a trendy but subtle grey and cream chevron fabric." Ummm…that's AWESOME. Bethany, I want a pic!!
BTW, I bought the chestnut. Have barely taken them off since.
Shelley sent me a link to this pic of Sarah Michele Geller hanging out with her kids. Shelley asked, "Doesn't she look like a cool, but play-ready mom? And note how interesting the sweater is, a little texture, frayed cuffs, and leather tipped! Maybe she reads, too?" HA! Yes, EXACTLY, and…probs not.
Meagan Francis of The Happiest Home was getting sick of her holiday play list. She found a few lesser-known alternatives to the usual stuff. Meagan, my husband will thank you for getting Jessica Simpson''s Baby It' Cold Outside and the entire Jackson 5 Christmas Album off repeat.
I loved Rookie Mom's very practical article, Stuff Your Own Stocking. It's probably the ONLY way I will ever get a Dyson. And, uh, the only way I'd want to (don't even think about it, Mike).
I was recently interviewed by OZY, a news and culture site, about how mom bloggers are bringing an end to mom jeans. SING IT.
And lastly…..I made the Babble's Top 100 Bloggers list! Seriously, WOW. I'm in the Style section, along with some other very inspiring, talented moms. Check 'em out – you won't be disappointed.
And now we're here, finally, at the end of 2013. What a wild ride. I remember thinking, back in August (sometime after the mastectomy but before chemo started) that if I could just make it to the holidays…if I could somehow…get…there, it would all be OK. I just needed to focus on hot chocolate and snowflakes and sleigh rides and White Christmas and chubby hands tearing wrapping paper. And now, here we are. We're actually here, all of us, together.
I'm a lucky girl, Mamas. Thank you, beyond words, for all of your support this year. The love of friends and the kindness of strangers will always be remembered – by both Mike and I – as one of most impactful events of our lives. Our hearts are impossibly full. May your holiday season be a celebration of hope, of life, of love.
xo,
S
you rock. thank you for sharing your life with all of us (the good, the bad AND the ugly). we are all so grateful.
here’s to 2014!
Hope you have a great 2014!
Thanks for everything!!
Any chance you can find similar boyfriend jeans in maternity? 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your style tips and life stories. As a professional librarian and a mom of two kids under 5, I have many fashion stereotypes to overcome! You have helped me immensely over the past few years.
When I read about your diagnosis several months ago, I cried like you were a close friend of mine. My mom is a two time breast cancer survivor and I have been slightly terrified of the BRCA test and my breast health in general! Your experience encouraged me to be more proactive about my health. I thank you for that as well.
I really love reading your blog and look forward to it. Thanks again for everything. You are awesome! Best wishes to you and your family this holiday!
Hi, i’m a total lurker but I wanted to come out and show myself. I’m so glad you are doing ok and I am a total addict to your blog. I live in Scotland, and have no kids, but I think you’re style ideas are totally universally applicable .. aherm, it’s not just mum’s that have pooches.. 🙂
take care and I seriously wish you all the best, thank you for your bravery in sharing your experiences with the webiverse.
xxx
You’re ending this roller coaster year on a seriously high note! Thank you for sharing this year, your journey, your advice and your wit with us all. Merry Christmas/ Happy New Year- and here’s to an epic 2014! Now go get some well earned holiday relaxation.
Cristi, check out Gap’s maternity jeans section and ASOS’ maternity jeans section. Both online stores have distressed boyfriend jeans.
Shana Go see if Anthropologie will give you a price adjustment on the cords! I bet they will.
I love your blog. Thanks for sharing your life with us while continuing to be a style inspiration. Happy holidays!
Merry Christmas! We will definitely be celebrating hope, life and love over here; the true essence of Christmas.
And congrats Shana! We all knew you were destined for greatness 🙂
ps. My fancy holiday party outfit was a success thanks to you and pinterest! I’m learning girl! So grateful for this blog!!!!!!!!
Peace, joy and, always, thanks to you, S, for being you. Makes me a better me. Merry Christmas and a joy-filled new year!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you! I’m so, so glad you are now in a good place physically and emotionally to usher in a brand new year. You continue to inspire, in so many ways! xoxo
Buy this on iTunes now. A Very She & Him
Christmas. It’s an older album from Zooey Deschanel’s band, but I’ve been listening to it for the last week straight.
Thank you for putting all the time and effort into making us mama’s look good. Seriously you got me out of Old Navy hell. To 2014!
Merry Christmas! I always stuff my own stocking (sounds dirty). I love those bf jeans and that gap shirt too. Love you Shana!
Thank you for continuing to share your life with your readers. The good, the bad, and the ugly…but not actually ugly if Shana has anything to do with it 😉 There is always this little part of me that jumps inside when I see you’ve posted something new here.
Looking forward to a wonderful 2014.
Buh bye 2013..BUH-BYE
I am inspired by your strength. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Happy holidays!
I’m a Christmas music junkie and I always like discovering new things, so thanks for that link. Some of my faves: Annie Lennox’s Christmas CD, Tracey Thorn’s, Sarah Maclachlan’s “Wintersong,” and Sufjan Stevens’s “Songs for Christmas.” And if you’re feeling particularly kick-ass, “Christmas Songs” by Bad Religion. (Yes, that Bad Religion.)
Here’s to a 2014 of joy and delights and good health.
You are a goddess. I love you. Merry Christmas. xo
love your blog, just came to it recently as I’m trying to stick my head out of the sand after too many years in a fashion fog. 🙂 Wondering on the quality vs. quantity thing, what you think about buying consignment clothing? It seems that I may not be able to afford $100 jeans, but they don’t cost so much used, and better quality than my Kohl’s jeans that ripped in a month.
Rhonda
Shanna – all the best to you and yours in the new year! I truly hope 2014 is a wonderful year for you all. I’ve been reading your blog for years, through my pregnancy and bf’ing years and its still relevant even with everyone in elementary school. Thanks for providing the content you do and sharing some of the wonderful parenting ideas that you have.
You’re an inspiration — for fashion, for parenting, for how you fight like a girl!
Happy 2014! (It’s got to be better than 2013…)
Thank your sharing them with me! I believe this will be a great choice for a holiday! And it will also be a great choice for those who love nature, and love to travel!