Thanksgiving {Instagrammed}

Apologies for the radio silence.

I was enjoying all of the Thanksgiving festivities with family...

so much so that I really only got a few snaps.

But I think that's what this great holiday is all about, just

relaxing, eating and enjoying time away from work;

all of which I did. I even tried Black Friday, 

my first and most likely last time doing that craziness!

I'd rather sit home, relax by the fireplace and watch some

Christmas movies.  But had to try it at least once.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving filled with

family, love & food!

Thankful Thursday

With the Thanksgiving Holiday nearly upon us, I can't help

but get in the spirit of it all and start listing off all of 

the many abundant blessings I'm thankful for.

My mind starts thinking of everything from 

the small seemingly insignificant things like

my new spacious closet, to my favorite yogurt, 

putting on a new pair of shoes to the things that

are much more significant like having good health, 

the most amazing loving family, friends, & a job.

I also can't help but be so grateful for this 

wonderful country I live in.

Which brings me to this past Sunday and

how it all started for us Santamaria's.

My family, immediate and extended are

very close knit. How can we not be when 

we are as Latin as they come, half Italian, half Chilean.

We are some cooky version of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', 

I'm sure you get the picture.

This past Sunday we went to my Uncle Tito's to celebrate

my cousin Nikki's birthday.  After dinner we always sit around

and chat around the dinner table while sipping on some sort of 

hot drink.  My dad and his brother {Uncle Tito} were reminiscing

of their first few months as new immigrants to the states {New Jersey to be exact}.

All of thekids, cousins, gran-kids were gathered round

listening intently to the two talk about they're hilarious

experiences,  not speaking a lick of English, 

all the misinterpretations, first times in NYC, 

learning a new culture, they had us laughing so much we were crying.

I had a moment of such gratitude for my parents

for being brave enough to leave everything they knew

more than 40 years ago to have a better life.  

And by golly, it's been a good life, a beautiful one!

Free Fallin'

Happy Monday everyone!

Hope your weekend was relaxing and you are recharged for the week.

I know I am.

My brother introduced me to

the cover of Tom Petty's Free Fallin' by

Michael Henry & Justin Robinett.

I can't stop listening to this song, they're amazing, 

and the arrangement is incredible.

It's on repeat today.
 Enjoy!

Hat Craze.

I've been loving all the hats that have been

popping up all over the place this fall season.

Floppy hats, fedoras, leather trim, feathers;

 are just some of the ones I've been eyeing.

Here's a few in different colors and price ranges.

1. Fedora Satin Band -Target, 2. Marilyn Hat - J. Crew

3. Wide Brim Fedora - Gap, 4. Wool Feathered Fedora - Forever 21

Morning Run Views

I've been taking advantage of

the nice weather we've been having 

here in Utah this fall by 

jogging or walking outside 

instead of going to the gym.

I know once the snow starts the gym or 

getting creative with exercises at home 

will be my only options.

The air is cool, the endorphins hopping, 

and the view is always breathtaking;

especially when that sun is peaking up

over the mountain tops to greet me

good morning!