I don't know about you, but this year I have had a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. It just hasn't felt like the holidays usually feel to me.  For the past eight years, I have worked in retail and the holidays start in October.  So by Thanksgiving, I am in full holiday mode already playing Christmas music, burning pine scented candles, and driving my husband crazy with asking if I can put the tree up yet.  

This year, we moved in May from Louisiana to Texas, and I stopped working, so needless to say the season did not start early for me this year.  On top of that, we have had 100 degree temperatures up until about a week ago which definitely does not feel like the holidays at all.  I know some of you may be thinking that the weather can't be that different from Louisiana, and really it's not.  The difference is that when I was working, not only was I surrounded by gorgeous holiday decor at this time, I also was wearing my favorite fall and holiday fashions, weather permitting or not.  I would just de-layer as I left work...all the way to the car.  After all, being a little overheated is a small price to pay for fashion!

This past weekend we had to take an impromptu visit back home.  I contemplated even coming with my husband because it was going to be so short, but in the end decided to make the trip with him (thank you to my mom and dad for watching our fur babies so we could come.)  And boy am I glad I made the trip!  

I found my spark...my holiday spark that is!  All it took was seeing some family, two close girlfriends, and visiting my local Anthropologie.  That will do it to you every time though right??  For me, there is nothing like Anthropologie at Christmas time to get you in the spirit!

All it took was seeing the holiday displays starting to fill the store to make me feel like it really was the week before Thanksgiving!  And on top of the displays, the product is so festive this year!  The ornaments (I mean check out those owls) and holiday wrapping, the fancy party dresses and dinnerware, it's impossible not to be inspired!  So in light of my new holiday mood, I did a little shopping myself..you know just to ensure that I was really feeling the season!  

With all of that said, I plan on lighting my Frosted Pine candle, and letting Christmas music fill the apartment for the next 6 weeks...to my husband..sorry in advance!  And for all of you, get ready to see some holiday recipes flooding the blog!  Falalalalala la.

P.S. All of these pictures were taken at the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Anthropologie using my iPhone.  Go check out an Anthro near you, especially if you have never been, you are in for a real treat.