O Christmas Tree

Allison's Christmas Trees 

I've had this dream for a while now of going out to a Christmas tree farm and cutting down our own tree. My family used to get our trees from the VFD up the street until they stopped selling trees, and then we moved on to Home Depot.

The perfect tree! 

We always had a pleasant experience doing so, but there was something about the idea of truly selecting my own that appealed to me. And yes, I always opt for a real Christmas tree even though they're-- to quote Julia Louis Dreyfus in Christmas Vacation-- messy and corny and cliche. I will never get the dreaded fake tree.




I was driving one day and passed a sign for a place called Allison's Tree Farm. After some research, I decided their prices were comparable and so Shelley and I went to check it out. It was adorable-- as soon as we pulled in, we were greeted by the staff.

Shells cutting the tree 

the shop

They have two options: choose a tree from their pre-cut selection in a lot near the shop or go choose your own and cut it down. They provided us with a saw and a map of which trees are where and sent us to trudge through the rows and rows of pines.

When searching for a tree, my criteria is to get it as close to the tree from the Eat & Park commercial as possible, so that's what we did. All the way down and back, scoping for bald spots or soft needles, standing beside it as a height check.

Finally, I saw one and zoomed in on it like a light was shining, spotlight style. As I'm walking towards it, Shelley pointed out from ahead of me, "What about that one?" and indicated the same tree. It was unanimous. We (read: Shelley) sawed it down and we carried it back to the little shop, where it was shaken, wrapped, and attached to our car.



When we went inside to pay, we perused the ornaments and fresh wreaths for sale. They have tables set up and sell hot cocoa in little paper cups as well. I also learned that for every tree someone cuts down, they plant three more. I am never less of an environmentalist than during Christmas, where I have lights up everywhere and cut a living tree to put in my living room until it dies. Knowing that three were planted in its place assuaged that a bit.

Just grab a tripod and some lights and go!

If you're like me, you put your tree up on Black Friday instead of shopping. If you aren't, maybe you're one of those people who wait until Christmas Eve to do it, or you are just super busy and haven't gotten around to it yet. Either way, I highly recommend stopping over to check it out. Side note: it's also a prime Christmas card photo location.

Zorro's favorite spot

Zorro loves the tree too. We've had a pretty difficult time keeping him away from it (and any attempts to do so have been met with as much sass as a silent ball of fluff could muster). Instead, we just allow him to lay on the tree skirt. I don't really blame him for wanting to be close to the lights and the delightful scent of pine.

Top Five Fall Fashion Must-Haves

In spite of the fact that it snowed on Saturday and has been getting colder and colder outside, I am still determined to hang on to fall. It arrived late this year and peaked quickly. Suddenly, Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I have barely gotten to enjoy my favorite of all seasons (and let's be real, as soon as the pumpkin pie's gone, I will be in full-on Christmas mode).

Today, I want to share my top five essentials for the tail end of fall-- these are things I've gathered over the years and absolutely love. They carry me from fall to winter seamlessly.

1) Vans SK8 MTE Boots: Anyone who knows me knows my obsession with Vans-- they are the ultimate shoe choice for me. I like a good boot as much as the next person, but these allow me to carry Vans over into the winter. I've even worn them hiking a few times and they hold up. They're waterproof and lined AND have traction. Plus, the buffalo plaid on my pair is necessary. I got mine a couple years ago at an end-of-season sale, but regardless, they hold up well and are cozy.


2) Old Navy's fleece-lined jeans: I have recently come to appreciate Old Navy's stuff. After years of my sister and my best friend both talking about the wonder and joy of Old Navy jeans, I decided to give the rock star jeans a try. I was looking for fleece-lined leggings to wear UNDER jeans (as much as I hate feeling like Randy in A Christmas Story, I hate being cold even more) and I found these, and since they were supes on sale I decided to give it a go. I've never really found jeans comfortable, but these are a game changer (and I will definitely be wearing them to Light Up Night).

3) Lodge Socks: I believe these are technically called cabin socks, but somehow Shelley and I decided they're lodge socks, and so they shall remain. We were out shopping one day and found these socks. Since then, we have acquired a few pairs each. These, also, are helpful on all of our wintery jaunts into the woods, but they're also just really cozy on our nights by the fire as well.

VICI sweater 

4) A good beanie: I love hats. I have never been one of those girls who can pull off a baseball cap (I have too much hair and it just is not a good look) but I do rock beanies, berets, and wide-brimmed hats pretty well, so I don't even care. Everyone needs a good beanie, and the cool thing is the variety. Cuffed, pom, slouchy, homemade? They're all fun and cute and, most importantly, warm. I have a decent assortment I rotate through. When I was a teen, I was very anti-hat for some reason, but I'm so glad I've come around just in time for them to really have their moment.

5) Oversized sweaters: This is another one of those things I was very against when I was younger. For some reason I literally despised sweaters or anything that wasn't a button up (I blame the Catholic school uniforms I wore from preschool through 12th grade). However, they've become a go-to. There's nothing easier than grabbing pants, Vans, and a baggy sweater to roll out of the house and still look put together. I like Dottie Couture or VICI for sweaters (sales, free shipping, and coupon codes make everything better) but I've also found some good ones at Target too (because, honestly, is there anything they DON'T have?!).

Let me know if you love/try any of my fall favorites!