Christmas & Engagement

This Christmas was the by far the best one I have ever had. I've always dreamed of the day that I'd be able to celebrate with the person I love, and have to divide our time up between our families for the holidays. It sounds stressful, but it really isn't. I think it's a beautiful image -- two people in love starting their own family, then celebrating with each other's family. I love it so much!

Since this was our first time doing that for Christmas, it made it even more special. I love my family, and I love his. We all celebrate Christmas differently, but I loved everyone's different traditions. It will be even more special next year when Jamey & I get to start our own traditions as a married couple. There's really nothing better.

                        

Top Left: My cousins & I

Top Right: The Price's & I

Bottom: Jamey & I 

Another amazing part of this season is that Jamey & I have December 22nd-January 2nd off from work. Biola is such a great place to work, and the best part is our time off is paid! Such a blessing. Because of this time off, we have been able to get things done that we've been putting off and also spend quality time together. There are so many times when our time spent together is rushed, or cut short. Anytime with Jamey, makes me happier and more full. But, it's just so much better when there's no time schedule or interruptions. I just love him so much, what can I say!?

We were able to do our official Engagement Photo Shoot with our  >>incredible<< wedding photographer, Sarah Shreves. Gah! She is seriously amazing. Having spent the afternoon with her was just a glimpse into our big day. We could not have chosen a better photographer to share our special day with. Here's a preview of some of our favorites. Check out her site for more. Thanks Sarah!!

At our favorite record store in Long Beach, CA [Fingerprints]

Some random house in Naples -- Belmont Shore, CA

Near the spot where we had our first kiss  // Downtown Long Beach, CA

That's all for now! I am so looking forward to celebrating New Year's Eve with my closest loved ones. Ringing in the new year with great company, great visions for 2013 & great drinks. Could I ask for more?

I   a m    b l e s s e d .

XO,

Brenda

She & Him Christmas Album Review

*This is only my second CD review that I've done, but I really enjoy doing them. I did a review of A Very She & Him Christmas for my church's blog. Enjoy! 

Every year during the Christmas season I am always curious to see what holiday albums will come about. Some artists will just regurgitate what has already been done, while some artists take a what was once a holiday classic and offer their own spin to it. That is exactly what She & Him did with their A Very She & Him Christmas album. From beginning to end, this album offers a consistent, tranquil and classic sound that will please both their indie and jazz fans out there.

When this album came out, I knew I needed to hear it. Being a huge fan of Zooey’s endearing vocals, I expected nothing less with this album. I am glad to say that Zooey and M. Ward met my expectations with this album. They took 12 holiday classics and offered a refreshing and refined tune to the holiday songs we grew up listening to. With classics such as “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, you will find yourself humming along with Zooey and M. Ward.

Zooey’s vocals accompanied by M. Ward’s simple yet sweet strums make for a wonderful melodious Christmas album. Overall, if you are looking for a fresh Christmas album to wrap your presents to or enjoy a cup of coffee and a good read with background music to create the right mood, A Very She & Him Christmas is the perfect album for you. Choosing to end their album with the classic, “The Christmas Song” was, in my opinion, their best decision. I think most people will find their rendition of this song to be a new favorite.

And, what is better than a great Christmas album? A great Christmas album that supports a great cause! A portion of profits from every album sold is being donated to 826 National, which is a non-profit organization that provides resources for eight writing and tutoring centers in the US.

May your ears be enlightened and your heart soothed by the beautiful sounds and harmonies of She & Him this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!