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Wednesday, November 30

find your gift

Morning friends:) Do I need to specify that 'it's Emily' now that Richard and I are going back and forth a bit on here? haha Right now I'm sitting in my 'dungeon office' (as I've dubbed it) wrapped in a blanket at my desk. My fingers feel pretty numb as I'm clicking away, but there's a little space heater on the floor pointed at my feet, and I have a little plate of warm apple pie here with me too, so I'm doin alright:)
Well since it's the first day of December (how?!), my mind is moving pretty fast over my mental list of the things I need/want to get done this month. I'm never too hard on myself anymore when I don't get more than one or two(if I'm lucky) things accomplished on that overwhelmingly long list, but instead I try to feel glad that I at least gave it a shot. That's the most important thing right? Because little by little, a little becomes a lot:) I'm just really excited about a fresh new calendar, a clean slate, new chances, new routines, etc. But back to December, and yes Christmas!

I mentioned on IG a few days ago that since the holidays started especially, we've been putting extra effort into daily acts of gratitude with the kids, and also paying it forward and giving back as much as possible. We've talked about different ways we can do service and charity work as a family for our friends and in our community, and to help the kids catch the spirit of giving for Christmas instead of receiving, especially after how much we've been carried by so many for so long. We've talked about possible ways that we can use our own unique talents and resources to give and share and bring help and happiness to others. 
As for actual gift giving, we've decided to simplify as much as possible this year. I've already sat down with the older kids and helped them plan out an idea of what things they could maybe make by hand to give to each other, and Richard and I have talked about what type of gifts might be more meaningful or special than others. Even with starting early on preparing, Thanksgiving day was much harder than I expected, so it feels good to be slowly moving towards Christmas, spreading things out and taking our time to work through every new layer of the holidays. 

I also decided for the blog, that once again I won't be sharing any item collages with affiliate links or 'his and her gift guides' throughout the month, but instead I would like to reach out to a few of my favorite shops and see if I can get you guys discount codes (or possibly even giveaways?) for some of my all-time favorite, tried and true, most loved and used things that I own and would absolutely recommend for yourselves or as gifts. The first on that list that I'm really excited about is Daniel Wellington. 
I bought my first watch from them a couple years ago, and have loved and supported them as a company ever since! In these photos I'm wearing the womens Classic Durham in gold, and Richard is wearing the mens Classic Black Reading in silver. All of their watches are simple, classic, and timeless (no pun intended), and would make such a wonderful gift for anyone at the top of your Christmas list this year. Right now for the holidays they're offering discounts on bundles such as a watch and a strap or a watch and a cuff, they're also offering free shipping, free gift wrapping, and free returns! On top of the bundle discount you can use the code: FRECKLEDFOX which will save you another 15% off your purchase:)

Thanks so much for reading, and I'd love to hear if you're getting a jump on your Christmas shopping too, or any favorite holiday traditions that you have in your family?

Happy Holidays my people,


The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.  -David Viscott
A big thank you to Daniel Wellington for sponsoring this post, and to my readers for supporting the brand partnerships that make this blog possible. 

21 comments:

  1. Hi beauty you looks perfect and lovely child and husband

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    1. Marina,
      Thank you so much for taking the time to comment such lovely things. You're way too sweet:)
      - Emily

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  2. You look so lovely Emily! Thanks for sharing a gift idea!! Love the watch, looks so simple and cute!!

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    1. You're so sweet Katrina!
      Thank you so much, and I'm glad you love the watch! I know sometimes it's hard to know if a review is completely honest, but I always always give my complete and sincere feelings about a product, because trust between you guys and myself is so important to me, and I don't take that relationship lightly:)

      I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season!
      xoxo

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  3. Love the Watch! Perfect for everyday! and Love your coat- Where did you get it?

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    1. It really is- thank you so much! And I'm sorry to say that I've had my coat for about three years now:( but I believe I got it from asos online at the time? I'll try and see if I can find it online and get back to you if I can:)

      Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
      Take care

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  4. beautiful pictures!! If you don't mind my asking, what Canon camera do you use in these photos?

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    1. Thank you so much Michele! And I don't mind at all:) It's the 5D mark III, and I love it to pieces. it's been a big game changer with my photos, even before getting any sort of professional editor:)

      Hope that helps!

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  5. Emily, you should do a post on how you take such beautiful candid shots! I'd love to have such awesome pictures of my family, but I'm definitely challenged in that area. Maybe it's because I only use my phone'phone's camera? :)

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    1. Oh you're so sweet Addie:)
      I think your phone is a great way to get pictures! Especially candid ones because you can just whip it out when the time is right and don't have to think about it before hand:) That being said shots are definitely my favorite! I like posing here and there to get clear smiling faces all at once, but for the most part I just let my family interact with their surroundings and try to take a ton!

      When I'm doing a photo session for clients I'll sometimes tell the parent to just talk to their spouse or child, or play with them, or I'll ask the kiddies a fun or silly question like what their favorite type of candy is, of if their daddy has stinky feet, etc. haha! They get excited and laugh, and their happiness is much more genuine than if you say "Smile kid!" hahaha And again about the surroundings, like we go on walks very often and I'll ask them to tell me about the horses in the pasture or say "look at that bug on the ground!" again it's just so much more genuine and we capture special moments of excitement and discovery.

      Hope that helps a bit! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and visit, I love the feedback and questions! Oh and P.S. about 94% of my instagram is taken with my phone, so again don't worry about that as your camera!

      xoxo

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  6. Emily please tell us the story of you and Richard I been secretly stalking the page :) you all look amazing!!!!!!!

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    1. hahaha Sofia you're way too sweet and made me laugh!

      I know it's been a slow process getting much information out lately, but I've been struggling with a lot of mental barriers and trying to share the hard things as well as the good things, and to be as equal to both sides on the blog as I feel daily. I do hope to keep sharing more though, more happiness as well as the daily heartache, and we do have So much to share. It'll just get better from here on out I hope! haha

      Keep checking in, I so so appreciate it!
      Much love and Happy Holidays!

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  7. I love the pictures from your sweeeeeet children!
    I have only three kiddies aged 1 to 12 years and I wished to have more, when I see your lovely pictures! It seems to be like a easy walk with your five cuties (i know it isn´t always ;-)).
    Thanks for blogging!
    Lots greetings and best wishes from Germany!

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    1. Hello to you in Germany! What a wonderful thing to have you visit and comment- thank you! Three is still a lot of kids:) and having a 12 year old is very daunting to me! haha

      I love being able to share things with you this way, so I love hearing that you appreciate it.
      Have a wonderful holiday season!
      xoxo

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  8. Hi Emily, just want to say that i admire your strength and that the world needs more people like you in it. I absolutely love your pictures and would really like to know what type of camera you use?

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    1. I just need to say a simple and heartfelt Thank You for your comment. I know this is a late reply, but your simple words mean so much, and I appreciated them more than you know! I wish I could reach through this screen sometimes and hug friends like you:)

      I use the Canon EOS 5D mark III, and I love it so much! The photos rarely need much editing at all when you get a hang of the settings and such, which I still work on daily! But yes it's been worth every penny and I'll use it till it croaks:)

      Thank you again for your comment, Happy Holidays!

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  9. My Sweetest Emily I'm wishing the most peaceful holiday season for you and your precious family 😘 May the coming year bring only the best. As always I will continue to hold you and yours in my heart and prayers
    Lana

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    1. Thank you so much my sweetest friend! I look forward to your visits and feedback so much:) Thank you so much for your friendship and support no matter what!

      I hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well,
      So much love and appreciation ♥♥♥

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  10. I've been following your blog for about a year and oh the feels. What an amazing strong mama you are!! Hugs!! Love your images!!! I'd love to know your preset! Beautiful color!!

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