The Christmas season is upon us! It seems to be coming a lot earlier this year; which I can't complain about. A few years ago, it was almost December 20th and I just kept thinking, "It doesn't feel like Christmas, It doesn't feel like Christmas" and that was depressing. So, it's safe to say, it FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS! The stores are playing all the Christmas tunes, a Faith Hill Christmas special was on TV last week (DVR'd and watched it twice!), and today, I went to the malls to shop! You think I would be shopping for Christmas gifts? Um, no! Today was about me. I'm a little self-centered hey? Well, I had not been shopping in a loooooong time so I hit up my favourite store (at least around here--nothing beats a Banana Republic outlet, but I would have to cross the border into WA to get to one!), RW & Co. Americans, I think this is, *gasp* an only-Canadian store...seems impossible--usually it's the other way around! I pretty much cleared the store out. ;) Well, not really, but I got two camisoles, a gorgeous blouse, and this tight little black dress that fits me so perfectly I think I may just live in it this holiday season. Oh, as well as a skinny purple headband and some faux diamond studs. And a cardigan!

After I did some damage there, I did sneak in a little bit of Christmas shopping; finished two gifts for friends and got one item for my brother. I passed by Payless Shoes and before I knew it, came out with two pairs. I found this absolute steal; check out these silver pumps!! I ADORE THEM! & They will go so perfectly with my "tight little black dress that fits me so perfectly I think I may just live in it this holiday season."

And just because I like to keep my style eclectic; I found these babies for $6.

Happy Shopping!!

Lately I am just finding the biggest joys in the smallest of things. It's like God has just opened my eyes to his creation for the first time! Every morning I drive East along the most beautiful country roads on my way to school. It's a twenty minute drive and I love to just put on a worship song and look at everything I'm driving past! It's seriously SO incredible some mornings. Yesterday morning it was a clear, gorgeous day and I was driving at eight o'clock just as the sun was rising. WOW. It was a cold morning as well and everything was just so stunning.

I had to run some errands downtown Langley in the afternoon after class, and while I was driving home, I was headed North. If you know the Lower Mainland/Vancouver area, you know that there is a massive mountain range everywhere you look facing North. Well I know this, but how often do I stop and look at it? We had a cold-ish weekend (lows of 35, highs of 50) and there was fresh snow on the peaks of the mountains. I was driving north and I couldn't help but say aloud, "This is SO stunning. I live in SUCH a beautiful country." Sunday evening my Mom and I with our dog went for a walk in Ft. Langley and the sun was setting with the most incredible sky in the world. Usually Vancouver is pretty overcast and grey; it's rare to have blue skies, but when they are blue the sunsets are incredible. Anyway, I have just been marveling SO much at the beauty God has created. I am seeing Him in so many aspects of my daily life. Awesome.

Last night was such a perfect evening! There was a wind and storm warning in effect over the majority of the Lower Mainland, which is always exciting. My parents and I were driving on our way to Chinese food last night and the power for the entire street went out with a big boom: pretty cool to see. Thankfully the restaurant still had power and we had an amazing meal. I just love Chinese food...y'know...the North American kind. Hah! Anyway, after Chinese my Mom and I hopped over to this cute little coffee shop called Shaky Monkey. My friend Jess works as a barista there and last night she was having a little concert. I love hearing Jess play. Whenever she house-sits for us she records a new song on my Mac and then I have them all on my Ipod. I'm such a fan. ;) Anyway, here's some beautiful photos of Jess doing her beautiful thing!