We had a really cold weekend here in Minneapolis. When I woke up on Saturday, it was -11 degrees outside, but I was still super excited to go out and get our Christmas tree. In past years, we've always just set up a mini fake one, but this year Rob and I both really wanted to get a full-sized real one. This year away really has me eager to start some new traditions.

So I slapped some leggings on underneath my jeans and it was Christmas Tree Shopping Day! (From here until, well, April, outdoor What I Wore posts will probably contain less photos and more watery eyes. It's a little chilly out there.)

Sweater: GAP | Jacket: Old Navy

Earmuffs (mine are in Chestnut): UGG Australia

Mittens: My mom's old pair. I love these things.

Bag: Coach | Jeans: Levi's

Short Rain Boots: c/o Joules

  

Joules recently sent me these little boots and they're so cute. I know they're mainly meant for rain, but the furry lining inside did a pretty decent job keeping my feet warm for a while. I probably could have done the pants thing with socks and worn two pairs, but I think that's just Minnesota. The color is so fun and they're grippy enough for slippery sidewalks! I'm a fan.

And look! Our tree is so cute.

How was your weekend? Anyone else get a tree on Saturday?

Blogging is often weird. I struggle to find the balance between making money and selling out; struggle to keep my blog exactly the way I want it. The truth is that there's a bit more sponsored content than usual coming your way this month, and at times I feel uncomfortable with it. I want to write and I want to share my life, but I also want to work with sponsors that I love. Sometimes I do still wonder if I should just find a "normal" job, but then I get a taste of independence or positive feedback from people about what I do and I am instantly reminded of how much I love it. You can't beat that.

I've talked about this before. Today I have something to add.

The other day, I got an email asking me if I was interested in being in a video for Bayer CropScience. They're donating meals to World Food Program USA this holiday season and wanted me to help them get the word out. Several days later, we chatted on the phone to talk about details.

"Where would we shoot this video?" I asked them, "I live in Minneapolis."

"We can come to you," they said.

I was excited and oh-so-humbled that they had found me and chosen me and were willing to travel to work with me. So yesterday, we set up in my kitchen and we shot a video. I'm still sort of overwhelmed by how quickly and just how real this whole experience has been so far. And to be working to get hungry people fed this holiday season? Like I said already, you just can't beat that.

I'll show you guys the video when it's done. Until then, you can visit the Thankful4Ag campaign page here.

As always, I want to thank you, my wonderful and kind readers, for your support. I can't do any of this without you.

I received compensation for my work with Bayer CropScience, but all opinions are my own.

Spending two weeks away for Thanksgiving was really nice. It's great to be back in Minneapolis, though. I never realized how quickly Rob and I would just fall into life here, or how much it would feel like home in just four months. The snowy city was a wonderful site from my airplane window last night, especially after three and a half hours of delays.

So now I'm back, catching up on emails, cleaning, laundry, writing, and unpacking before I get ready to do it all again in a couple of weeks for Christmas. It's good to be home, but it was also good to be home.

  

 

I hope you had a really nice holiday.