The Egg Guest Post

hello the bishop's wife readers!

i'm meag over at the egg.  i thought i'd let you all in on my adventurous year.

in 2011, i was all over the map.

from jackson hole to dubai to sri lanka to napa, i covered the globe here are a few photos that highlight my 2011

{on top of the world's tallest building in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa}

{backpacking through Sri Lanka. i've dreamed of visiting this elephant orphanage since i was a little girl.}

{i met this boy.  i'm smitten}

{found my inner Jackson Hole cowgirl.  she's been hiding for 3 years}

{finished my first half marathon!}

{the website of my new blogging job!}

hope all of you had an incredible 2011. here's to making 2012 even MORE amazing!!! join me on my adventures over at The Egg Out West, won't ya!?

On the Twelveth Day of Christmas...Happy Christmas Eve

Christmas is probably my most favorite time of the year.
Mostly because it is a time of serious spiritual reflection and gratitude for me.
I could not be a more blessed woman to have such great friends, a wonderful family, and more specifically, two guys that make my heart melt.
I am a happy lady right now.
Even when life gets difficult, I am constantly reminded of my blessings and the hand of the Lord in my life.
My post today is some inspiration I always read during Christmas and try to keep in my heart all year long.

“This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.  Speak your love and the speak it again.”

Howard W. Hunter

Merry Christmas Darlings.

**GIVEAWAY WINNERS**

Naturally Natalie Pine Cone Hanger-
Ellie said...
VERY cute! I love mistletoe or kissing crystals for the VERY obvious reason :)

Devany Gift Card-
Mamie said...
I would get the happy birthday banner!! I love the colors and we are starting to have a lot of birthdays in my family!!

Tat Toes-
Tamera said...
Great blog Jaclyn! I can't believe I have still not tried these Tat-toes yet! Love those Merry & Bright ones! Merry Christmas!

All winners are chosen at random, using random.org. When entering giveaways please make sure to leave your email/contact information so that I can get back to you if you're the winner! Please also take a quick minute to subscribe to The Bishops' Wife blog! 


Congratulations Winners! I will contact you after the holidays with your winnings!
Thank you for participating!

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas...Snow Storm

There is nothing that says Christmas more than a big winter snow storm.
Sledding.

Ice forts.

Hot Chocolate.

and of course, a best friend.

Nikson has found that in Austyn.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...Breakfast at The Zemke's Guest Post

Christmas Lights. There's just something about the lights around the holidays that gets me every year. One of my favorite things is driving past homes and seeing their lit up Christmas trees in the windows, it makes me smile. I live in Salt Lake City and I'm sure every person that lives in the valley has the same tradition as me of going to the Salt Lake LDS Temple Square to see the Christmas lights. It is an amazing sight to see and it never gets old, every year it's just as astonishing and beautiful as the last.

I don't know if you have been to Disneyland during the holidays, but boy do they really know how to put on a show! When I was young we took a family trip to Disneyland in late November. I was so excited because it had been a few years since I had been there and I was so ready to ride all the rides and visit with all the Disney characters. The first day we were there we did just that and I remember having the time of my life. But the magic didn't happen until the sun went down. All the Christmas lights turned on, the giant tree on main street lit up and my little eyes were as wide as they could be. I had never seen anything so miraculous. I will never forget that Christmas and the beautiful lights at the Happiest Place on Earth.

It only happens for a few weeks out of the year but I have to say it's my most favorite time. There's nothing quite like seeing all the lights that adorn everyone's homes and yards. Clark from Christmas Vacation got it right. "Is your house on fire Clark?"  "No Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights."

Merry Christmas. 
Allyssa from Breakfast at The Zemke's

On the Ninth Day of Christmas... Tat Toes Giveaway

We are so excited to be a part of The Bishop's Wife 12 Days of Christmas.
What is more important during Christmas than looking your very best?
Tat Toes is one of this year's biggest trend.
Tat -Toes designer nail wraps can give you the professional look of salon fingernails and toenails that you can create in your own home!
And the perks?
No chipping, flaking, and they last up to 6 weeks.
Visit Tat Toes website and leave a comment with which style you like best.
The winner will be announced Christmas Eve.


May your days be merry and bright!






xoxo,


Tat-Toes Team

On the Eighth Day of Christmas...Rose is a Rose Guest Post

Holiday Traditions- Old & New

Hi, I'm Ellie from Rose is a Rose (www.roseisarosedesigns4you.blogspot.com).  Jac has kindly invited me here to share some holiday traditions with you.  

Christmas has always been a time of the year with family and a house filled with love.  Our home is even more full of love with our 2 y/o boy and another boy expected in the next 6 weeks.  I'm itching to create so many wonderful memories with my boys and can't wait to incorporate some old AND new traditions!  I thought I'd share what we do in our home and maybe one of things you'll incorporate into your family's special Christmas time traditions this year or the next.

And YES, these are all food related in some way...I'm 34 weeks pregnant--what do you expect?!!

1. Homemade Sugar Cookies and Icing

I can't remember a year where I didn't join my mom in the kitchen and bake sugar cookies followed by hours of decorating with icing and sprinkles.  These are moments frozen in time that no one can take away from me.  Here is the stand by recipe (simple and yummy) and our secret icing recipe (ha!)

Traditional Sugar Cookies from Betty Crocker

3/4 cup shortening (part butter or margarine softened)

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla or 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
2 eggs

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, eggs and flavoring. Blend in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover: chill for at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into desired shapes (This is one of the best parts!! We had LOADS to choose from as kids and my mom always let us pick!) Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until very light brown.

ICING:

For the icing we just had powdered sugar and added milk to it (a teaspoon at a time, stirring until you get the right consistency).  We always had 4-6 bowls of icing and then add our food colorings to it for LOTS of options.  Sprinkles and red hots are also great additions.

2. Kid's Tree Garland {NEW}

I know this is nothing new to most people, or really that fancy or crafty for that matter.  However, I've always wanted to have garland on my tree that may not normally meet my home decor standard, but would be made with love and by the hands of my children.  This year I got out some twine (left over from another project), and got out some Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios and Apple Dapples (green only)  and away we went.  My little guy was very happy...he normally only has access to Kashi cereal or plain cheerios!!

Here are some other great garland ideas to try with kids:

Dot Garland (http://www.marthastewart.com/273381/dot-garlands?czone=holiday/workshop-christmas/workshop-christmas-kids)

Gum Drop Garland (http://voices.yahoo.com/christmas-tree-garland-kids-its-easy-with-121838.html?cat=24)

Popcorn Garland (http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/popcorn-garland-661167/)

Cardboard Christmas Tree Garland (http://sewnnatural.com/blog/2010/12/a-winter-forest-garland-young-child-craft-how-to.html)

Cotton Ball Garland (http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2009/12/lets-make-cotton-ball-garlands-visits-from-fairies-snippets-of-life.html)

3. Elf Treats {NEW}

I saw this fantastic idea here (http://unconfidentialcook.com/2009/04/08/emmas-tiny-treats/).  We are going to be putting out treats for Santa's Elves this year too along with the Santa plate and cookies we usually leave out.  You can use a pill box or match box to put your's in, or you can be like me and make your own (MUCH BIGGER) box.

I made some Elf Donuts

And will add these Peanut Butter Thumbprint MINI cookies as well to this box.

Anyone have any other mini treat ideas for Santa's Elves? 

Want to come up with a few more treats to add to the box!

4. Cinnamon Roll Giving {NEW}

Instead of giving cookie plates to friends and neighbors, this year I am going to be making trays of YUMMY Cinnamon Rolls AHEAD of time!! (http://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2010/12/10/freeze-cinnamon-buns-in-20-minutes/ ).  This link tells you exactly how to make them ahead of time with best results!  I will be using disposable foil baking/cooking containers and include a nice fun and festive label on top with baking instructions and quick recipe for the glaze/icing.

I will deliver these a week  before Christmas (Don't you wish you were MY neighbor?).  They can choose to keep them frozen until Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or any other day for that matter!  What a great gift to give someone you care about--the gift of taking ONE thing off their to-do list.  We always like to have special pastries/treats for breakfast around the holidays and especially when you are the host of all the guests.  This way it is one less thing they have to plan and worry about!  Besides, don't we all get PLENTY of cookies?

Hope you enjoyed these ideas and I'd love to hear what traditions you plan on carrying on or implementing this year.  Hope you'll visit my blog and follow along  in the New Year!  I'll be doing MUCH more blogging and staying in this winter with a newborn and toddler.  I'll be sharing lots of fun crafts and tutorials as I try not get too stir crazy and would love to have some new readers to make me not feel SO alone :)

Bye for now!

Ellie Rose

 

2 1/2 cups flour

On the Seventh Day of Christmas...The Girl Most Likely Guest Post

Recently, Tyler and I attempted to take Christmas pictures.
I say attempted because we failed, miserably, and now have what may be 1,000 bad photos in a row of us wearing red and white striped matching pajamas (thanks, grandma!).
About an hour into the disaster, we decided to abort the mission and try again when we weren’t dressed like idiots, relying on the instincts of my camera’s self-timer to capture the right moment. Live and learn, right?
Tyler and I have been married for six months, which makes this our first Christmas as a married couple. We are loving that family traditions like sending Christmas cards are now ours to uphold/attempt to uphold/abandon at our convenience.

Hope you have the merriest of Christmases!

Marlee

Visit Marlee at The Girl Most Likely

On the Sixth Day of Christmas...Just Us Guest Post

Hi, I'm Lindsay and I blog at just us. about my life and family from my viewpoint.

What is it about Christmas that makes you want to recount everything in a rhyming tone?
Doesn't Christmas call for some fun Christmas story poetry?
I think so!

We haven't bought our Christmas tree or hung a star above,
Or placed green wreaths upon our doors nor counted turtle doves.
But one thing we haven't missed is tasting holiday treats,
Hot chocolate to be specific,
Warm, creamy and ever so sweet.
After searching long and hard, what a tough job it is ;)
We found our perfect cup of love in a nearby coffee biz.
"Coffee Bean it is!" Cameron exclaimed in his joyful find,
And I agreed as I sipped again and noted in my mind.
Dark hot chocolate with a shot of caramel never to be expected,
Was won the best hot chocolate we've tasted as we had both elected!

Join me at just us. for more hot chocolate finds, maybe more poorly written poetry, and life adventures.
I'm glad I could be a part of the 12 days of Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas...Whimsy Place Free Printable Gift Tags

I have featured Whimsy Place before and I will do it again.
I love the collaborative efforts of these talented ladies and the fun they have blogging.
Have you read the blog yet?
It's lovely.

Whimsy Place is offering you readers some cute gift tags for those lovely presents wrapped beneath your tree.
Go ahead...
They are yours for the taking.
Christmas Gift Tags

Merry Christmas!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas...Little Okins Guest Post

Christmas just ain’t what it used to be.  The older I get, the more the magic fades and I miss the days when my sister and I would stay up all night giddy with anticipation wondering what Santa would bring us.

I remember one Christmas, I really really wanted this charm bracelet I had seen in a catalog. I carriedthat catalog with me everywhere, coveting the giant sparkly “diamond” and imagining what photo I would put inside the small little locket.  I bugged my mom relentlessly and put it onthe top of my Christmas list to Santa.

I woke up that Christmas morning bursting with excitement and my sister, brother and I rushed downstairs to find our gifts and we waited impatiently for our parents to wake.  It felt like magic the moment I ripped open the wrapping paper and saw the shiny gold charm bracelet that I had wanted so badly.  I remember feeling so incredibly happy.

I have long outgrown the charm bracelet I had once wanted so badly.  It’s now dingy and a couple of charms are missing, but after all of these years,it’s still one of my most treasured possessions.  It reminds me of this incredibly magical moment where I believed that dreams could come true. 

It makes me miss being a kid. I miss the excitement of Christmas.  I miss ripping wrapping paper off and screaming with delight.  Although appreciative, I’m slow to open gift cards and cash enclosed in generic greeting cards, knowing the magic of Christmas is definitely not hiding inside. 

Now, it’s better to give than receive.  I love to give gifts.  I love creating simple and uniquely magical moments that will be remembered forever.   This holiday I wish you and your loved ones an abundance of magical moments.  If you’re looking for a little help in creating a little holiday magic for your loved ones, check out my Little Okins… the perfect mix of thoughtfulness and the element of surprise!

xoxo,

Tara

www.LittleOkins.etsy.com


I got Blake a little okins. 
It is hiding in his stocking.
I don't know who is more excited!

On the Third Day of Christmas... Devany Giveaway

They say a picture can say a thousand words.
I say, why not just have a banner saying what you feel?
That's why etsy shop, Devany is just the shop for me and YOU!

A little something fun for your holiday excitement that may even carry you on through the new year.

Devany is offering a  
$20 gift certificate to a follower of The Bishop's Wife!
Yep, you heard right. $20 big ones just for following the blog.
Leave a comment below telling me what you would use your certificate for.
Will announce the winners Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Friends.

On the Second Day of Christmas... NaturallyNatalie Guest Post and Giveaway

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Toys in every store, but the prettiest sight you'll see is the holly that will be on your own front door." We all know this popular Christmas song, but for me it represents one of the things I enjoy most about the holidays: decorating my home. As I'm sure most of us do, I have boxes of decorations filled with pretty things just waiting for the calendar to say December. In my family we like to use a new theme every year. Sometimes it's traditional reds, greens, and gold--other years it will be wintery whites, blues and silver. Whatever decorations your family chooses, I hope it fills your home with warmth, inspiration and love. And to share a bit of my family with you I am offering a pine cone door hanging as a giveaway. Thick satin ribbon in traditional Christmas red and green adorn pine cones that hang together beautifully. Hang on a door instead of a wreath or on a wall inside for a unique look!

Merry Christmas,
Natalie


You can check out Natalie's etsy shop NaturallyNatalie for super organic and fresh Christmas decor. Natalie is offering one lucky reader 
a FREE Pine Cone Door Hanging with Red and Green Ribbon.
(like the picture of the purple ribbons)

Leave a comment below about your favorite Christmas decoration.
We will announce the winner Christmas Eve!

Thanks Nat! 

On the First Day of Christmas...603 Home Guest Post

 I am so excited about this month's feature.
It is the most exciting event yet on The Bishop's Wife and I want to thank everyone who has participated.

12 Days of Christmas for all my readers!
Everyday is something different.

Today's guest post is Jennifer of 603 Home.

What I love most about Christmas is tradition.  My favorite Christmas tradition from when I was a little girl, was the annual trip to choose the family Christmas tree.  Every year our whole family would bundle up in our coats and gloves on a crisp, chilly, sunshiny California afternoon in December, and go to the Christmas tree farm.  I looked forward to it every year.  It seemed so miraculous that we could choose any tree we wanted, still growing from the ground, and take it home to decorate it.  I thought our tree was always so beautiful when we were finished hanging the last of the ornaments and lights.  It was a nice way for our family to spend time together celebrating the holiday season.  I remember wishing it could be Christmas time all year long.

I believe that's when my love for decorating my home for the holidays began.  The fond memories of our annual trip to the tree farm and our beloved Christmas tree are always with me when I create my holiday pillows.  I started to make them for others because I want people to enjoy making their homes beautiful and festive this time of year as much as I do.  I love making them and I hope you enjoy them and this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Jennifer

603 Home

Jennifer has been a darling and is offering readers free shipping on any pillow covers.

(inserts not included)

Just let her know in advance that you were referred by The Bishop's Wife. 

Thank you Jenn!

Glimpses of my life through the iPhone

Blake and I have an ongoing arguement about the amount of time I spend on my phone... versus the amount of undivided attention I give to him.
Truth is, I have a problem.
But in my defense, that thing is
my camera,
my video camera,
my internet (you know, when I am out and about or in bed),
my communication with adults,
my source of entertainment,
my only source of "gaming" 
and my phone, obviously.
I also have an obsession with instagram.
yep, totally unprofessional, filtered, pictures of my life.
and everyone else in my life.
With that being said...
here are a few for your little peepers.

The stockings are hung on our bookcase from Ikea with care.
One day I will have a real mantel
and it will be beautiful.

Candy jars.
Boxwood wreath.
Christmas just isn't the same without them.

And these two little sweeties found their way into my home.
Sparkley.

I also believe no home is complete without a "little" like him.
Ten months is a really fun and darling age.
I kind of just want to pause life and just enjoy this stage a little longer.

Oh, one more thing...are you a follower yet?
It's ok to be one.
Followers get a little 12 Days of Christmas.
Now who doesn't want that?