Christmas is just a few (2 and counting) short days away and here in Texas we FINALLY have weather that justifies bringing out those comfy sweaters and oversized cardigans. I wanted to get in some shots with this particularly cozy sweater before Texas and her bi-polar weather personality flipped the script and went back into the low 80's - which it should be for Christmas Day. BOOOO!

Luckily, thanks in large part to Amazon Prime, I'm done with all of my Christmas shopping and now I just have to wrap. Which, yea, I can't stand.

During this time of year, I absolutely love curling up in a good knit with a good book. When I was home in Minnesota, I'd always sit by the fireplace and read for hours. Since I don't have fireplace in Texas, I tend to turn on that TV Yule Log and crack open a book. Don't judge me. This oversized boyfriend cardigan is a BooHoo budget-friendly find, along with the black and white striped bodysuit. Unfortunetely, my exact maroon cardigan is sold out. BooHoo has some amazing sales so, you have to act quick with this lot. However, you can grab similar styles (for the same price point) here and here . My BDG high-waisted jeans add some extra coverage with equal comfort - I absolutely love a good high-waisted jean and these have been a steady go-to for the last 2 years. So, yea - aside from some fading, they last.

I opted to pair an awesome pair of Nike Air Max Thea Mid sneakers with the look. We were in love with these sneakers when they came out early this fall simply because they are an amazing sneaker take on the popular Chelsea Boot. I actually traipsed around NYC in these a few weeks ago and they are SO COMFY, plus super easy to slip on and off given the elastic ankle accents and no laces. This particular pair is also on sale right now at FinishLine marked down from $140 to $95 USD.

As for the reads, these options have been amazing this past year and have provided some much needed personal growth. For some chicken soup for your spirit, The Faith Dare by Debbie Alsdorf was an amazing way to challenge myself to really believe everyday. Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach was amazing book for any woman who has, or is hoping to start, making good financial decisions in both personal and business.

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell is a book that I revisited for the second time this year and, I was honestly even more inspired than I was my first read. Phil Knight's memoir Shoe Dog is a book we highlighted here earlier this year. I had to add it to this list because 1) As a woman trying to flourish in this industry, it gave me so much perspective. 2) As a business owner it taught me a key lesson: companies and ideas evolve to become their best version. Keep going. Last, but not least, 5: Where Will You Be Five Years From Today by Dan Zandra is an interactive book that I really enjoyed this year. I'm a big believer in speaking things into existence and writing things down in order to achieve them. This one is great for anyone who is eager to be asked the right questions.

As for me, I'm already getting ready for January. A much-needed step away from the computer is in store for me this weekend, but I'm so excited to kick the countdown for 2017 into high gear on Monday. How are you spending your holiday?