2013 Year End Review

Cheers to another great year! It seems to go by so fast these days. I just want to freeze time and soak it all in. Every year I try to add some new adventure for my little family. We were able to accomplish almost all of them.

1. We enjoyed each and every holiday with Ava and Lily. They were both very healthy this year and I'm just so thankful for them. All of my holidays mean so much more because as they grow, especially Lily this year, they are more aware and get so excited over the little things!

2. Ava turned 3 even though everyone thinks she's 5. She is so funny and I love her imagination. She wants to be an artist when she grows up. She loves to perform so I want to sign her up for dance classes in the new year!

3. We went to the beach several times and had a blast. My girls are beach bums for sure like their momma!

4. My mom had a rough 2013 that included a stint in the hospital. It was scary for all of us and I was grateful for my siblings! We were there for each other and my mom proved she is my hero! Her strength amazes me and I just hope I can become like her!

5. Noah and I celebrated 10 years of being together and 5 years of blissful marriage! He surprises me everyday with what a great father he is which makes me love him more and more every day!

6. This summer we planned our annual family trip. We actually had several of them throughout the year that included a trip to Tampa to the Florida Aquarium, Charleston, Washington, DC to the National Zoo, and Williamsburg to Busch Gardens! Ava enjoyed her first roller coaster!

7. 2013 marked our first annual best friend trip! We have always wanted to go on a trip together and now that we all have little families now, we thought it would be a great way to get all the kids (future bffs) together.

8. Our Lily turned 2 years old! She is our little feisty momma's girl that rules our world! When she isn't crying or attached to my hip, she loves eating and singing to her favorite TV shows. She wants to be like her big sister.

9. We took family pictures this year. I haven't had any made since Christmas 2 years ago. They turned out so well and we had a great time at the Georgia Aquarium while we were in Atlanta for the weekend!

I wish a happy 2014 to all my family and friends! I hope its filled with laughter, peace, and prosperity (in whatever form that takes)! Love you all! Thanks for following along!

xoxo, 

Juls

My Christmas Favorites

I am just now getting around to sharing my favorites from all my Christmas presents. My family and friends know me so well! I am definitely one spoiled lady!

1. Anthropologie Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mug (on sale for $7.95) and Keds for Kate Spade New York Kick Sneaker in gold polka dots. I obviously have a thing for gold. These are so pretty I don't even want to use them/wear them yet! 

 2. Assorted socks from Forever 21, Target, and Old Navy! I love printed socks in the winter! Call me crazy sock lady! 

 3. My mother in-law bought me these wine colored booties. They look a lot like the TOMS Desert Booties for the fraction of the price and are on sale now for $14.99! They are very comfortable and just the right heel height (find them here)! The other pair pictured here are from Noah. He completely surprised me with my first pair of Minnetonkas. He must have read my blog (good hubby)! I wore these on Christmas day and they are so comfy! It was like I had on slippers all day!

 4. I bought my first Kate Spade back in the spring and I have loved KS ever since. They just opened an outlet store near us and the whole store was 60%! My mom bought me this beauty (Alessa Southport Avenue Satchel Crossbody)!! I can't wait to start using it! I love the tassel and this cobalt color! 

 5. This adorable tote was a Christmas present from myself. I took advantage of the big 75% off sale KS has every now and then. Love the color blocking! 

 6. More gold! I love a good statement necklace and this one is perfect that my sister gave me. I don't have a black statement necklace so this is great! The bracelet was a stocking stuffer from my mom-in-law. It is simple and classic. I am a sucker for anything monogrammed! 

 7. I received a few beauty products this Christmas. I am completely smitten with the Naked 3 palette from Urban Decay.  It's more of a blush and rosy palette and works great for me! I think I even like this one over the 2 I passed up! I also received two great nail polishes (Plum Seduction from Revlon, and Mint Candy from Essie). I am wearing the mint on my toes now! Love new polishes! The foundation is from Clinique. It is called Even Better. I enjoy trying new make-up and most of my products are usually from the drug store so its nice to try something different. 

8. Lastly, I received some new pj bottoms! I love the print of both of these. So perfect!  

What were some of your favorites from Christmas? 

Christmas 2013

This Christmas sure did come and go! I hate that it goes by so fast. But this year was nice. Lily wasn't sickly this year and both girls were so excited about it all. We spent time with our loved ones and finished off our tradition with a movie (The Hobbit 2).

We took family pics back in November and they arrived just in time for Christmas cards! 

Ava actually sat with Santa this year. We have one for 2010, 2011, skipped 2012 (she was deathly afraid of Santa and wouldn't sit), and now 2013. 

It's been a tradition for us to celebrate Christmas Eve with the Arango family (my sister's in-laws). We eat delicious Cuban food and exchange presents. 

After leaving to come home from the Arangos' we put the girls to be bed and got to work! 

Christmas morning came. I put bacon and blueberry bread in the oven and waited for the girls to wake. Ava finally woke and shortly after Lily did too. They were so excited for all the presents Santa brought them!

We went over to my parents' for Christmas lunch. So happy the weather cooled down in time. Earlier in the week it was in the high 70's!

So blessed to have this guy. He totally spoiled me! 

I must have made it on the nice list this year! I got so many fabulous presents! I may or may not have a shoe problem! 

We have one more Christmas when Noah's sister and her family arrive! 

How did you spend Christmas! Hope Santa spoiled you all too!

#instasecretsanta via Instagram

I participated in my first social media secret santa gift exchange and it was a success! I had so much fun "stalking" my recipient and getting to know her through her pictures. It's like a little community on IG and I have really enjoyed all the friendships I've made through it!

Ashton of @ashtonwearsthings hosted this genius and fun idea. Kudos to her because I know it's a lot of work putting something like this together. It can be stressful because you want it to go well. She gracefully squeezed me in even after the deadline so I was so happy for that! 

My recipient was @drcorey and she lives in Nebraska.  I sent her my package and it made it to her successfully. I was so happy she liked everything. 

I was so gitty when I saw my package had arrived on Tuesday! I love surprises! 

Look how cute even the little envelope was! She must know I like monograms! 

My secret santa was @typical_southernsweetheart (Alex) from Texas. She completely spoiled me! I mean look at all these goodies! So awesome! 

I hope its comes back around next year! 

You can follow me at @jtcruzan on Instagram! 

What I Wore Wednesday {wiww}

Welcome to another "what i wore"! It's where I take daily pics of my outfits as a way to motivate myself to get dressed! I link up with other ladies that do the same thing and we gather inspiration from each other! Care to join? It's fun!

Here's what I have been wearing lately!

Shirt: Forever 21

Pants: Kohl's

Boots: Belk

Necklace: Ell and Emm

Shirt and Cardigan: Old Navy

Pants: H&M

Shoes: Journey's

Necklace: Wet Seal

Shirt: TJ Maxx

Pants: Forever 21

Shoes: Wal-Mart and DIY monogram

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Scarf: JcPenney

Shirt: Joe Fresh via JcPenney

Pants: Forever 21

Purse: Kate Spade

Necklace: Sira & Mara

Shoes: Target

Pants: Old Navy

Flats: Sears

Shirt: Joe Fresh via JcPenney

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants:  J Crew

Flats: Target

Scarf: Kohl's

Shirt and Flats: Target

Pants: Kohl's

Necklace: Ily Couture

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Friday Night Likes

Buffalo plaid + leopard 

via

neon + faux fur+ bold lip

via

keeping it casual 

via

stripes + plaid 

via

Dear Lily {Two Years Old}

Dear Lily,



I remember the day you were born clear as day. It's funny how vivid I can remember each of my birth stories with both you and Ava.  I couldn't ask for a better labor and delivery with you. If it feels like this to have a baby each time, I could have 10 easily. So thank you for that! You were eager to introduce yourself to all of us when you decided to show up the day I turned 37 weeks. I had just been in Charleston seeing your cousin in the hospital just two days before. Thanks too for waiting until mommy was safely back in Savannah before you decided it was your time!



You arrived at 10:22 pm on 12-12-11 screaming your lungs out. I was overcome with joy and I couldn't believe how in love again I was. You haven't stopped screaming since. I often tell people you are like having a set of triplets. You keep mommy and daddy on their toes and you love me more than life itself, always finding a way to touch me or be close to my presence. I adore your hugs and kisses and when you climb on my like a jungle gym. I'll miss that when you're older but I think I may have a few good years still.



Your personality is so different from your sister. You are quite feisty and love to have your way. I wouldn't have it any other way though. Don't expect any other siblings anytime soon. Who am I kidding, you would probably Survival of the Fittest the next kid just to keep me to yourself.



Two years have gone by so quickly and I try to cherish every single moment. Can't wait for this terrible two stage. Sike. You'll probably give me hell. But I love you any way my sweet girl. Happy Birthday!!

Dear Santa, I've Been a Nice Girl!

What's on your wish list this year? I'd like to think I am the easiest person to shop for.  But if you were to ask me what I wanted right this instant? Well, here goes :)

 Macaron Baking Sheet: Cupcakes used to be my obsession, but every since i discovered macarons, I can't get enough. I want to learn how to make them myself; this baking sheet would totally motivate me to try it! 

Yoga Pants: Who doesn't love a good pair of yoga pants? They are so comfy and perfect to lounge in during the winter!

These Booties: I saw Target post these the other day and they remind me of those old Timberland boots my sister used to wear in high school. I love the wedge heel and the color. 

The scarf seen around the Instagram world: The more I see it styled and all over my IG feed, the more I want to own it. I hear it is really soft and I adore this plaid print!

Kate Spade Keds: I have a slight obsession with gold and white, especially gold polka dots. 

another example,

Kate Spade Planner: I still use a planner the old fashion way.

Undies: I love getting fun undies for Christmas and the ones from Aerie are my favorite. 

I still can't believe Christmas is in two weeks! I need to get busy and finish all my shopping! 

I hope Santa is good to you this year! Be Nice!

Weekend Wrap-up

This weekend was fun-filled. I'll break it down for anyone who cares :)

Friday, I woke up early and drove to Tampa to meet up with Noah. He was there for work all week and they were having a company Christmas dinner. I was really looking forward to a very overdue overnight date night! Ava and Lily were staying over at my friend Dawn's house. I was a bit nervous about that since Lily is basically a stage five clinger when it comes to me. But all was good and I really enjoyed my night out for a change!

We kind of look like twins with our plaid but we definitely didn't plan that! It was super hot in Florida unlike the rest of the US. Noah had to pick up another shirt to replace the sweater he planned on wearing. 

It's actually amazing I didn't end up with a hang over. I had a different fruity drink after another... I'd like to think it was the late night order of fries that soaked up all the alcohol, ha! 

Dawn sent me some pics of the girls. I was worried for no reason. They had a blast with Dawn's daughter Makenna! 

We drove back on Saturday and took it easy just hanging out. We changed in our pjs and ordered Chinese. Today, we took the girls to see Santa. Last year Ava freaked out and we don't have a picture because she refused. This year we didn't know what to expect but she was better. 

The girls with Mrs. Clause :)

Tonight we have invited my family over. We are making chili and watching football. Noah's team, the Carolina Panthers are taking on the New Orlean's Saints. Every Sunday Ava dresses in her jersey to support daddy's team. She is such a daddy's girl, hope that never changes and they can share this tradition as she gets older. 

This is Ava with daddy at 18 months old. Talk about heart explosion! 

I also managed to go shopping for my #InstaSecretSanta. What is this you ask? I've really enjoyed getting to connect with so many wonderful ladies on Instagram. One of the ladies I follow (@astonwearsthings) is hosting the first annual Instagram Secret Santa! How cool is that? I jumped on the opportunity because it seems like so much fun! I can't wait for my recipient to receive their package and I can't wait to see who had me! Stay tuned and I'll reveal my goodies when it arrives! Also, search hashtag, #instasecretsanta, to see what goodies all the other ladies get too, so fun! 

I hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for reading!