Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Be Your Christmas

Peaceful Be Your Home

Joyful Be Your Family

Blessed Be Each One

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas Countdown Day 12! Winter Wonderland Tag

TOMORROW!! Merry Christmas Eve everyone! I hope you have everything done and are relaxing with family today. Let's be honest I have this scheduled today but I'm probably getting myself ready for our family potluck right now. About a week ago now I think I was watching Allison's Winter Wonderland tag so I decided to end the Christmas Countdown with it! If you do this tag please let me know so I can check out your answers!

THE QUESTIONS:

1. Favorite thing about winter? I think I most enjoy the holiday season but I also like the clothes too. 

2. Scarves or Beanies? Scarves because I don't wear hats much.

3. Favorite holiday movie? I love so many! The Santa Clause, Christmas with the Kranks, The Holiday etc.

4. Favorite winter nail polish? Hmmm I love reds in the winter. I really love Forever Yummy by Essie, I think I got it last year around Christmas and I'm wearing it again this year.

5. Favorite Starbucks Holiday Drink? I don't really have a favorite holiday drink at Starbucks, I mainly stick to my Vanilla latte all winter.

6. What are your top 3 winter essentials? Cute boots, jacket and scarves (plus amazing lip balm because my lips hate the cold!)

7. Name one item on your wish list this year. Naked 3 palette!

8. Favorite holiday song? This is a roughie for me! Any Christmas song sung by Elvis.

9. Did you go Black Friday shopping this year? Yes, I did but in Canada it isn't as big as it is in the States so it wasn't as nuts for me but still was super busy.

10. Must have winter lip product? Vaseline lip therapy, my lips chap in October and hate me until May I swear! :(

11. Will you be rocking an ugly Christmas sweater this year? Sadly, no I didn't rock one and don't have plans for any this season.

12. Have you ever had a white Christmas where you live? Oh yes, I live on the east coast of Canada so I have had many a white Christmas in my 30 years.

13. Favorite winter candle scent? Fresh Balsam! 

14. How will you be celebrating this holiday? I will be celebrating with my family like always, Christmas eve with the family Potluck and then Christmas day with my great uncle from my dad's side! Cannot wait always such a good time.

Merry Christmas everyone! I wish you all the Christmas Spirit and I hope Santa finds all of you tonight!

xo

Christmas Countdown Day 11! Memories

TWO DAYS! I'm so excited for Christmas. I have everything done and I'm ready for everything. Today, I thought I would share some of my favorite holiday memories. 

I have so many amazing memories from past holidays I don't even know where to start. My parents always have made Christmas a special time, I can't remember a Christmas that was not amazing. You know some our traditions from my Friday post and those traditions have made for some amazing memories. 

One of my favorite memories is when myself and my siblings would all sleep in my room and this was not even that many years ago. We would all cozy up in my room and watch a Christmas and fall asleep. It was fun to all wake up together on Christmas day.

I also love the memories from when I was kid and we had to wait until mom and dad went downstairs got the Christmas lights on and Dad got the video camera going. We waited at the top of the stairs until we got the go ahead to come down and Chase when he was little would always bolt down and be so excited. Sometimes, I wish I could be a kid again just for those moments.

Another Christmas memory is from Boxing Day when we would all go to our grandparents house for dinner with my dad's side of the family. We would get to bring one or two of our new toys to bring with us (until we were too old for toys). We always had a kids' table too! I think on my dad's side we will always have a kids' table. My cousin Lauren who is the oldest on my dad's side joked she would be 40 and still at the kids' table. Though she was joking I don't think she is going to be wrong. 

I love all the memories and old stories that come up at Christmas time. It makes you remember what Christmas is all about, the time spent with your family and friends. It is the memories made not the presents your tree. What are your favorite Christmas memories?











 
I cannot believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! YAY!!

Christmas Countdown Day Ten! Christmas Traditions

FIVE DAYS!!! FIVE DAYS!!! Yup, I'm getting far to excited for Christmas! And yes I know I'm 30 years old and not 5. I have always loved Christmas and I always will. Today, I thought I could talk about Christmas traditions because most of us have them, at least a couple. As I don't have my own family yet, I get to do all the lovely traditions I have done since I was child every year. I will probably still have some of these traditions when I have my own family too. 

My favorite tradition is our family gathering on Christmas Eve. All of my mom's side of the family comes over for a potluck and it is amazing. I have to say it is my favorite meal of the year. We normally get together mid-afternoon have some drinks, chatter and then gorge ourselves with delicious food. Seafood casserole, meatballs, ham, chicken, salads, potatoes, rolls and desserts! Then, everyone goes their separate ways to other families, church or just home. Normally, after we get everything cleaned up it is time for another tradition of going for a lights drive. It is used to get all of us but now it is just me, Erica and Chase. Mom stays home to make her pies for Christmas day. After that it is time to open one gift. The rest we open in the morning. I love Christmas eve almost as much as I love Christmas Day.

Christmas day is always the same too, up to open presents well stockings first then presents! Then of course breakfast/lunch followed by naps! These once were basically just for mom and dad but now we all love them haha Christmas dinner is spent with my great uncle Jerry from my dad's side of the family. It used to be my grandparents too but sadly both are no longer with us. This dinner is of course turkey and all the trimmings. My momma is one amazing cook and thankfully for her this daughter is a great cleaner. After I eat such a big meal I can't just sit so I normally clean up with some help from Erica and Chase.

Oh, how I can't wait until next week! What are some of your family traditions? Love hearing how everyone enjoys the holidays.

See you on Monday for Day 11!

xo

Christmas Countdown Day Nine! Holiday Looks

Hey Ladies! I cannot believe it is less than a week until Christmas! I'm so super excited I can't wait! We all know it is my most favorite time of year! Today, we are going to be talking about holiday looks, I had planned on doing a little fashion shoot and showing you my personal holiday fashions but alas I ran out of time and to be honest I don't have any idea what I'm wearing for most of the holiday. Thankfully, we have YouTube. I also think having the YouTube videos for make up and hair ideas is even better because I got you tutorials from some of the best beauty gurus out there! 


Lets start with some beauty looks...

This is one of Jaclyn Hill's tutorials and she is amazing. Love this look! Maybe going to try something like this over the holidays.

This is probably my favorite look and it is from Casey Holmes. She is so cute and I just love her! I really want to try this look! I wish I had the same shades as her!

And the last make up look is from MakeupbyAlli, I love this look and she again is awesome. Love her and all her tutorials.

This is Nicole Guerriero and this is the only hair tutorial I'm really loving but I don't know if I can pull it off because my hair is thin but please if you try this look let me know! I do love it!

These last two looks are full make up, hair and outfit looks. The first one is from MissGlamourazzi aka Ingrid. I love her simple classic look. She always looks put together. And lastly we have Tanya Burr. This girl always looks perfect! Love her make up everyday!

Hope you have enjoyed these looks and give some of them a go for your holiday parties!

See you tomorrow for Day 10!

xo

Christmas Countdown Day 8! Decorations!

It is 7 days until Christmas!! I cannot wait! I have quite a few things I would like to get done before then but I'm still super excited and I cannot wait. Today, it is time to look at some the decorations around my house. I should have been more on the ball and done the link up with Ashley about Christmas decorations but I wasn't so what can you do. Here is a little look around my house at Christmas...

See you all tomorrow for day 9!

Christmas Countdown Day 6 & 7! Christmas Crafts

Christmas Countdown Day Six and Seven! I can't believe it is only 9/8 days until Christmas! I'm getting so excited. Christmas is by far my favorite time if you couldn't tell already. Anyways, it is day six so lets move onto Christmas crafts!

I found this first craft from American Crafts facebook, someone posted it and I just loved it. If I had found this wreath/bow before I would probably would have made enough for all my gifts! This is a really easy craft.

What you need.... 12 x 12 piece of scrapbooking paper, scissors/paper cutter, tape/adhesive, plain piece of heavy card stock, decorations of your choice.

Directions...

Start by cutting your 12 x 12 paper into 3 x 3 piece, then shape them into a cone. You can flatten the smaller end. Once you have all the cones made, cut a circle from the plain piece of card stock. Start by placing the cones at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions on the circles. Turn the circle and do the same until you have run out cones. Take your decoration(s) and place in the middle of wreath. Then you're done and you have this beauty of a bow for a present or you can add a string to the back and use it an ornament.

Gift Tags

I have been making my own gift tags for a couple of Christmas' now. I have a Circut so I can cut out my own tags but I think you can buy plain tags. You can make these as simple or complex as you want. I do a double tag with an embossed back. I also stamp my tags and distress the edges with white. Since I have pretty well stocked craft room it is easy for me. But you can go out and get what you need at any craft store or even Walmart.

Sorry for the double day today! I was having computer and Internet issues yesterday.

Christmas Countdown Day Five: Christmas Music!

We all know much I love Christmas music so it is no surprise I can list far too many of my favorite Christmas songs. Christmas music as soon as I hear it puts in a good mood. It doesn't matter what song or even what time of year (shuffle on the iPod in July brings many different genres up!). It is feel good stuff because it remind us of all the good memories we have had over the years at Christmas. As it is #backthatazzup Friday I'm starting the list with the Sleigh Ride by TLC!

Another favorite is of course Micheal Buble....

No Christmas music is complete without some Elvis...

And some Dolly And Kenny

And it is never bad to add in some new stuff too....

Hope you all have some festive plans for the weekend! Happy Friday and see you on Monday for Day Six!

Christmas Countdown: Day Four Christmas Movies!

Christmas is the time of year that I will watch many more movies then I normally do because I will watch the same movies over and over again. I think everyone has that one or two Christmas movies that they could watch over and over again. Since there are so many great Christmas movies I'm just going to let you in my favorites today!

The Santa Clause is one of my favorites! I honestly could watch this movie every day during the Christmas season. I have only watched it once this season though. I should probably watch it again tonight maybe. I love this movie because it is just so sweet. I love the story and how cute is little Charlie! I won't lie I love all the Santa Clause movies! Well, the 3rd one isn't great but lets leave that alone.

Christmas with the Kranks has been my newest Christmas favorite. I have watched it probably fives time already this holiday season. I normally have had it on in the background while I have been baking or cooking. I actually want to live on the street where the Kranks live. That is the neighbourhood I want to live in when I have my own house. I think I must just love Tim Allen or something since he is in this and the Santa Clause.

And of course the Christmas classics! I can't go through a holiday season without watching these movies. I have a the box set and actually maybe that is what I should break out later since I haven't watched them yet! These are the movies that take me back to being a kid at Christmas. It doesn't quite feel like Christmas until I have watched these. They just make me feel good inside.

What are some of your favorite Christmas movies? I could probably list way more than this but we don't want to go overboard! Hope you're all ready for Friday! Day Five is going to be a good one :)

xo

Christmas Countdown: Day Three Gift Guide for Him!

Welcome to day three of the Christmas Countdown! As yesterday was the gift guide for the ladies and today it is for the men! Everyone says men are easier to shop for but honestly I think shopping for either can be rather difficult! So, I think the men in your life could be just as tricky to shop for! Here is a list of gift ideas I think make shopping for him a little easier.

Gifts for Him....

• Wallet - many men won't spring for a nice wallet but wouldn't mind having one. It doesn't have to be the most expensive one to be a nice one either. Also, keep in mind the style of the man you are shopping for don't go for a flashy wallet if you're shopping for a low key guy. 
• Face/skin care - some men just don't know what to buy for their face and skin care so why not help them out and pick up easy products for them. Maybe just some face wash and a lotion to start, then maybe work them into a few nicer things in the future.
• Tickets to a Sporting Event - this can be anything from a local sports team to a Pro Sports game. Any sports guy would love this! 
• Headphones - this is tech-y but most people like having nice headphones. Getting headphones can be tricky because some guys prefer earbuds and some like the massive everyone knows you have your headphones on set. But for the most part they are a sure fire pleaser! 
• Shaving Kit - most guys have to shave at some point or at least clean up their beards so why not give them a nice shaving kit to maybe even promote shaving more. 
• Watch - again this is an item most guys want but don't really want to shell out the cash for it. You can also get a pretty nice watch for a decent price too. I even saw some really nice brand name ones at Winners for a freakin' steal earlier in the fall. Sadly, none of the men in my life need a watch right now.
• Phone case - both men and women love a good/fun phone case.
• Fragrance - Yes, boys need to smell nice too. If your guy doesn't really have a scent go and find him one. There are some really nice ones right now. I was at Sephora last weekend and I smelled one from Versace and holy moses all guys need to smell like it. 

Well, my loves there you have it! My gift guide for him! Hope to see you back here tomorrow for Day Four of my Christmas Countdown!

xo

Christmas Countdown Day Two!

Welcome to Christmas Countdown Day 2! I hope you enjoyed my Christmas Must Haves yesterday. Today, I thought I would have a bit of a Gift Guide for Her! Tomorrow, I will be having a Gift Guide for him too. Don't worry boys I haven't left you out! 

Everyone loves getting presents and many of us like buying pretty things for our friends and family. But sometimes you just don't know what to buy! I have compiled a little list of Gifts of her for you to maybe get idea or two! Enjoy!

Gifts for Her...

• A Fragrance - most girls love smelling good so getting a nice new perfume/body spray for Christmas is never a bad gift. This is going to sound a bit weird but try and get a smell of said gal you're buying for and try to go for something along the scent as you smelled. If she is smelling musky (odd word for this) don't get her a super fruity scent and vice versa! You could also make it even easier on yourself and just ask her what perfumes she likes!
• Handbag - Again most woman love a good handbag. They don't have to be expensive either! Now maybe you're thinking the woman I'm buying for has enough handbags! Well my friend that just isn't true but maybe go for a clutch or wristlet! Maybe your lady isn't even a handbag kind of girl so maybe a gym bag is more up her alley! Maybe you have a trip planned for the new year and her luggage needs an upgrade. There is many types of bags so go and find her the perfect one!
• Bath Products - Like I said before us gals like smelling good so nice smelling bath products are always a nice surprise as a gift/stocking stuffer. You have bubble bath, bath bombs, oils, melts etc to choose from. My favorite places to get bath products are Lush, Body Shop and Bath and Body Works. If your girl isn't a lay down in the tub and have a nice soak kind of girl you can still pick her up some shower gel, soap or face masks from Lush or Body Shop!
• Gift Cards to places like MAC or Sephora - If you have make up addict in your family or circle of friends it is never a bad idea to pick up a gift card to place like MAC or Sephora. Sometimes MAC can be a scary place for those not fluent in make up! So in and out with the perfect gift of a gift card is always a good plan.
• Candles - There might be a theme of good smelling things here! But again who doesn't love good smelling stuff? Exactly no one! Also, you can get candles just about anywhere! I won't lie my favorite candles are from Bath and Body Works. I love all the scents and I love that they really fill the room. My non Christmas favorite scent is London Calling which smells like tea and honey. Love!
• Phone Case - Everyone loves having a nice/fun phone case!
• Jewelry - we ladies love our jewelry! A nice necklace, a beautiful bangle, a radiant ring, elegant earrings! We love it all! Just make sure it doesn't turn our skin green!

Also, a cute shirt is never a no no, now you won't get this one before Christmas but I know most of ladies would love getting a little gem from Whitney as a late Christmas gift too! (Click below for her blog).

There you have it some nice ideas for gifts for her, even just some stocking stuffers :) I hope you enjoyed day two of the Christmas Countdown and I hope to see you back here tomorrow for day threeeeeeee!!

xoxo

Christmas Countdown Day One!

This year I was trying to think of something I could do leading up to Christmas for the blog. There is Vlogmas for the YouTubers and some blogger blog everyday until Christmas but I didn't want to put that kind of pressure on myself because I knew I wasn't going to be able to do that because it is the season for being super busy. So, here we are with the Countdown to Christmas! I will be blogging Monday to Friday until Christmas! I might even try and throw in a couple of weekend posts but I'm not promising anything. I hope everyone likes this, maybe gets some ideas from it! But, on with the show folks! Enjoy Day One of the Christmas Countdown!

There are a few things I think are must haves for the Christmas season. Of course, some are obvious ones like family, friends etc but I'm talking more like actually things. Last year, I did a post similar to this as a guest blog. Since I have more followers now and I don't know who read that guest blog (I hope you did) I thought I would give you my list again of my Christmas must haves!

Fresh Balsam Candle from Bath and Body Works! Hands down the best Christmas candle you're going to find because it actually smells like a Christmas tree! I often find when trying to find the perfect smelling Christmas candle that they often smell like pine sol or just have more of a cleaner smell then a Christmas tree. When I found this one I think I thanked the candle gods because this has been a staple in my Christmas candle collection for a few years now. If you're looking for that perfect candle and you haven't checked this one out yet you should because you're missing out! Also, the pine one from Target isn't too bad either.

Starbucks' Red Cups are just so darn Christmasy! I don't have a Starbucks in my town so I can't get it whenever I want! I still make many trip to Starbucks though because I'm in Halifax on a semi regular basis but at Christmas I love going and grabbing a nice red cupped vanilla latte after shopping and just relaxing with it. I did exactly that last weekend, had my latte and put up feet up at the hotel. Love it!

What are better than Christmas treats? Exactly you cannot think of anything either! Everything is just better when you add Christmas to it. Cookies, peanut butter balls, gingerbread etc are all better at Christmas time. One of my favorites are my mom's sugar cookies which I'm happy to say have become one of the cookies I can do really well. Yum in the tum! What are some of your favorite treats at Christmas? The ones that only get made around this maybe?

Christmas music is something I would listen to all year round if people wouldn't think I was crazy! I have been known to put my iPod on shuttle and not skip over the Christmas ones when they come around. I have to say I do start listening to Christmas in September when I start making my Christmas crafts, it is just easier to get in the mood when you have some carols playing in the background. Once November hits I let the cat of the bag that I'm all over the Christmas tunes. Christmas music instantly puts me in a better mood. What is your favorite Christmas album?

CHRISTMAS MOVIES! Yes, who doesn't love a good Christmas movie? Curling up with some Christmas snacks, a cozy blanket and watching a Christmas movie has to be one of the best things about Christmas and bonus if it is snowing! I'm actually hoping it snows at some point this week so I can have a nice evening like that. I love most Christmas movies, I love the classics like Frosty the Snowman up to the more current Christmas with the Kranks. I have watched Christmas with the Kranks probably too many times already this season but I love it so whatever! What your top picks for Christmas movies?

Well, that is it for day one of the countdown to Christmas! I hope to see you back here tomorrow for day two! A Gift Guide for Her! Thanks dropping by!

FRIDAY!

It is Friday! Is everyone excited? I am! This is kind of late so I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday. It is rainy and dark here today so it is kind of a lazy day feeling but still a good day.

I want to thank Ashley from Let's Get Bananas for taking over the blog yesterday. I love her post as soon as she sent it to me and I knew you all would have to love it too! Huge thank you to Ashley for doing that!

I also just wanted to remind you that on Monday I will be starting my Christmas countdown! From Monday to Friday each day until Christmas I will posting something Christmas related! I will have some must haves, gifts ideas, memories and so much more. I hope to see you back here on Monday for Day One!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

xo

Guest Blogging with Ashley!

Hey y'all, I'm Ashley from Let's Get Bananas!  I'm so excited Brittany is letting me take over her blog for a day!  She is just the sweetest, isn't she?!  Today I'm here to talk all about the holidays.  Who doesn't love the holidays?!  As much as I love Christmas time, I feel like we just celebrated last Christmas a couple months ago.  2013 has FLOWN by!  Before I knew it, it was already time to drag out the Christmas tree and decorate the house.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is playing White Elephant.  Have y'all ever played?  White Elephant is a Christmas game where everyone brings either a gag gift or a nice gift and then you go around the room and everyone either opens a gift or steals one that has already been open.  Obviously the nice gifts normally get stolen, but the gag gifts are always my favorite.  I laugh so hard over some of the gag gifts people bring.  People can get really creative!  Here are some of my favorite...

Shake Weight

[source]

Toilet Coffee Mug

[source]

My Pillow

[source]

Toy Not Included

[source]

What do y'all normally give for White Elephant gifts?  Thanks Brittany for letting me guest post!  I hope everyone stops by and says hi!  I love making new blog friends.  :)

A Taste of Tuesday with Jessica and Ashley

It is Tuesday again! I was going to have a nice baking post for you today but I didn't take photos so you will have to wait for another Taste of Tuesday for that. I still want to do a day a Taste of Tuesday today though.

Meal Planning! It is something I have been trying to do more lately just because it is busy and it is nice to know what you're having! The menu this week is nothing special but it is great knowing and they are all easy meals. I have my meals planned out but if anyone would like to come and make it for tonight I won't have any problem with that.

This Week's Menu:

Monday ~ Pasta
Tuesday ~ Roast Beef and Veggies
Wednesday ~ Soup and Sandwiches
Thursday ~ Meatloaf
Friday ~ Seafood Chowder

What are your favorite quick and easy meals for the week? Do you meal plan? 

This past weekend I was suppose to go and see Catching Fire again but we didn't get the catch so we are going tonight. I'm most excited! I know I have seen it before but it is really good! Have you seen it?

Hope you're all having a great Tuesday! This was such a random post, sorry! LOL I will do better tomorrow!

Ashley and Jessica

This weekend....

Yes, don't have a heart attack but I'm back posting on a regular basis! WHOOP WHOOP! I know you are all loving that already! I haven't planned out what I will posting about this week yet but I do know I will be posting and that I have a GREAT guest post for you on Thursday. Be excited because it is awesome and she is awesome for doing it.

Anyways, lets get back to the weekend. I did have a great busy weekend, I hope all my American friends had a nice turkey dinner at some point. American Thanksgiving always makes me miss our Thanksgiving but I did have a nice chicken dinner on Tuesday so it wasn't too bad. On Friday, I had a crazy day. I was running around trying to clean, finish a couple of crafts and pack before I left for Halifax for the night. I actually did get everything done and had a bit of time to relax before I left. I would have gotten to relax but I got super exciting news. A few weeks ago I applied for Cosmetology school and on Friday I got my acceptance letter! It is going to be a bit of a crazy time for me since it is the Christmas season and now I have to get myself ready for school again! I'm totally excited for it but still a little nervous because I haven't been in school for a few years now! I think it is going to be awesome and thanks to everyone who I have already talked to about it and for your congrats. That news really made my day because I was a little worried the program was already filled. So YAY *happy dance* Once I got settled down and Erica got home we headed off to Halifax. There was Black Friday Sales at the Mic Mac Mall so we headed there first and we did get some good deals which was nice and the mall when we went wasn't too crazy busy. After that we headed into the city to drop Chase off at his place because he had a exam to finish studying for and we were meeting up with some friends for dinner. We met up with our friends at Montana's for dinner around 8pm and had a great meal with great company. I mentioned I was finishing up some crafts earlier and one of them was a scrapbooking album for one of the couples I was having dinner with so I wanted to give it to them when we were all together. They loved it which made me very happy because I loved making it for them and I knew they would appreciate it. I also gave my friend Deena a wreath for her belated birthday gift since I didn't have my act together when we had dinner together for our birthdays. After we parted ways from Montana's, Erica and myself headed to Target to see if we get in some last minute shopping for the day. We did pick up a few more Christmas gifts and then we grabbed some Starbucks and headed to the hotel. We passed out pretty quickly because we had long busy day. 

Saturday was a day of shopping! But I got pretty much all of my Christmas shopping done so I don't have any complaints! Well one, people need to remember to take their brain with them shopping! Honestly some people need a slap! One man was hardly watching his toddler, he was on his phone and I'm sure the mother was off doing the shopping. After we finished shopping we picked Chase and headed for some dinner at Jack Astor's. After that long we drove home and I basically crashed! I guess I'm getting old when a full day of shopping makes me so tried haha

Sunday, I went to lunch with my friends for one of our friend's birthday. It was nice to catch up with the girls because I hadn't seen them in far too long. After lunch I really wasn't so productive for the rest of the day but what can you do. I did have a nap and I did sort my Christmas gifts and the laundry. 

Anyways, I hope you all have a great weekend and I will see you again tomorrow :)

xoxo