Tag: christmas

Categories
Currently

Currently #12

Hi everyone! Happy December! It’s one of my favorite times of the year! I love the holiday season! December is a busy month to get all things Christmas in, so I decided to get a jump on things and do a Currently earlier in the month so I can fit in as much as I can. Can you believe we have been doing a year full of Currentlys?! This has been such a fun monthly update from what I’m reading and watching and what’s going on. So, let’s get to this months currently. 

What I’m up to: Helllllooooo Christmas time! We have our decorations up, Christmas card ordered, and I have some of my shopping done. Christmas music has been playing during my drives in the car. Plus, we got a big snowfall last week which really got me in the Christmas spirit even more. 

What I’m wearing: My wardrobe has been all about layering up while being professional. I always and wearing more warmer and richer colors, all the reds, greens, blues, purples, etc.   

Bringing in warmer colors in my wardrobe

What I’m reading: I just finished One Day in December, it was so fun to get in the Christmas spirit. It’s a cute romantic comedy about two people Laurie and Lack who keep meeting up over the course of 10 years. From meeting up accidently, to meeting through friends, being from being friends and then separating, dating other people, new jobs and moving. I finished it in 2 sittings. It was so fun and light-hearted and it took place in the United Kingdom gave me some Bridget Jones vibes too! I am working my way through a new book that I can’t wait to share with you.

Such a fun read

What I’m Watching: I have been watching lots of holiday movies! From the classics to new movies on Netflix, I watched both the Holidate and Midnight at the Magnolia, both were super cute and light-hearted. I also love watching the classics, like Frosty and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I also finished watching season 4 of The Crown and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect mix of history and drama. I loved how realistic it was. Have you seen it? What was your take?

A fun holiday movies
Another cute Christmas movie

What I’m Loving: I’m doing the most of my time to get in the Christmas spirit when I’m not at work. I like to make the most of my time with family and friends and making memories whether they are little or big. Last week we went to a drive-thru light display  and although it was short, it was a great way in the holiday spirit. 

What Inspires Me: I really want to do my part this year when it comes to Christmas shopping and supporting small businesses too. Etsy has been my go-to this holiday season. I have been inspired by these small business and their creativity. I also love supporting local shops here and including them in my friend’s Christmas gifts too. 

This definitely gets me in the holiday spirit

What I accomplished: I have been helping my family do a lot of cleaning and organizing. It feels great to get rid of things and donate to others too especially this season. I also feel very accomplished with what I have gotten done so far in terms of gifts for others. Other than that, work has kept me pretty busy.  

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I know it wasn’t a full month but I’m looking to keep getting in the Christmas spirit and making memories and spending time with family and friends. I also managed to still celebrate Thanksgiving despite working too. 

Goals for the New Month: New year, new goals! I’m looking forward to recapping my goals from this past year in the upcoming weeks. I love to see how far I have come from year to year and I will be unveiling my 2021 goals in the new year. 

That’s just a look into life these past few weeks. What’s new in your lives?

Categories
Fabulous living

Countdown to Christmas

It’s officially December and the Christmas season! Cue all the Christmas lights, music, and gifts! Last week, my family and I decorated for Christmas but I’ve been listening to Christmas music for the past few weeks and I already have some gifts purchases but still have a ways to go!. But it really feels like the Christmas season, we have already gotten some fresh snow, my Christmas flannel sheets are on, and I already have Christmas candles burning. 

With, the Christmas season upon us, it’s time to highlight some things on my Christmas to-do list.

  • See Christmas lights (This is perfect for a nighttime drive with some hot coco and sweet treats)
  • Get a tree and decorate it (We always cut down our tree a few weeks before Christmas and its one of my favorite traditions)
  • Make cookies (I am a big baker so I can’t wait to bake some of my favorite cookies and holiday treats, and I love sharing them with others)
  • Christmas movies (This is super easy and obvious but I can’t wait to watch all the classics, from family movies to cartoons, nothing says the holidays then Christmas movies, family and friends and holiday snacks)
  • Hot cocoa and Christmas music (Again, so simple, but enjoying a warm drink while I’m working or watching tv or getting things done. Plus I love listening to Christmas music on my way to work, or when I’m doing things around the house. I like the mix of classic songs with a mix of new covers. It’s the little things that make the Christmas season so special)
  • Christmas cards ( We always send out Christmas cards, it’s so fun to see how we have grown and changed through the year)
  • Buy gifts and Support Local (I love gift giving, I always try to stay organized and get the best deals. This year, I am looking to only shop and support small businesses or local businesses. I have already gotten some gifts from Etsy as a way to support small businesses. I plan on shopping other local spots this year to help them during what has been an unprecedented year)

That’s just a starting block for my Christmas to do list. I love taking advantage of Christmas activities. Above all, the most important part of the holidays is to celebrate Jesus’ birth and spend time with family! What are some things on your Christmas to do list?

Categories
Currently

Currently #11

Happy early Thanksgiving. I hope you are spending the holiday with you loved ones or at home and you are staying safe and healthy during these times! Even in the dark and uncertain times, it’s important to look around for all the good and blessings in our lives today. Let’s get to some updates about what’s currently going on. 

What I’m up to: I am in the full Christmas spirit, I don’t know if it’s the fact that it’s already snowing or the fact that we need some cheer this year, but I am ready for all things holidays. Although, I will be working tomorrow on the holidays, I am still very lucky that I will be able to be home with my family before and after work. Truly a special treat!

What I’m wearing: Give me all the layers and warm clothes. Some days I opt for dresses and tights, other days it’s boots and pants. I know the winter will be here to stay and I’m getting prepared for colder days ahead.  

What I’m reading: I am currently reading, One Day in December. It’s perfect for the holidays and it is the perfect romantic comedy in a book. I also am listening to an audio book about healthy habits to change your life. It’s great to listen to on walk or when I’m driving. But, be on the lookout for a review coming soon about One Day in December. 

What I’m Watching: I’ve been on the bandwagon binging The Crown. I am loving seeing the differences between real life and the series. I also just got a new book about Royal fashion and I can’t wait to dive into it. I am still watching Schitt’s Creek and loving it, it’s great for those days when you don’t have a whole lot of time to watch something but still need some downtime. 

What I’m Loving: I am in the Christmas and holiday spirit. Bring on the hot coco, candy canes, Christmas music and movie and all the traditions, even though this year will be different I’m really looking forward to it and all the holiday fun!

What Inspires Me:  I’m going to sound very cliché but I am very in the holiday spirit that even heading into stores or seeing commercials makes me excited for the holidays! I love getting ideas about gifts and decorating! 

What I accomplished: I’ve been really working on being present and more intentional. I was great at it in college especially towards the end but I want to make sure I am doing that when I am home and with family or friends or even work because I know these moments will be gone and it’s important to be present in them now. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month This past month was busy, but I tried my best to keep up with family and friends, even just a text to let them know you are thinking of them is so important! I also have been on top of getting end of the year things done such as appointments or check-ins! Super important this time of year!

Goals for the New Month: My goal for the next month is to enjoy as much of the holiday season as I can. From holiday movies to all the Christmas music, seeing Christmas lights, making cookies, and getting in all the fun traditions that my family has done for years!

That’s just a little look into life today, lots of holiday cheer and good tidings! I hope you and your families have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Categories
Fabulous living

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

Hey guys! Can you believe that it is Christmas Eve?! December flew by, between wrapping up school, graduation and moving back home, it has been whirlwind. I have been doing my best to cram in all the holiday cheer. Although, it has been busy I have been making time for all the special holiday traditions.

Before I left school, I went to a Christmas lights display with one of my friends and we had the most magical time. From the atmosphere, to the lights, and all the Christmas music, it was a great way to start the holidays.

 I have watched my favorite Christmas movies including Love Actually, Christmas Vacation, and other children’s classic movies. Watching a Christmas movie at the end of the day is a perfect way to enjoy the season.

I have been doing lots of baking, from traditional cookies, to festive ones, and ones that are special recipes. Baking is one of my favorite ways to prepare for Christmas. 

This past weekend, we got our tree and decorated it. It was so special to spend quality family time together. 

I am looking forward to spending the next few days with my family. These past few days have also reminded me that Jesus is the reason for the season, although the red and green and gifts are great, remember the true meaning of Christmas lies with Jesus. 

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! 

Categories
Fabulous living

Light Up Night 2019

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! It was so nice to be home, see family, enjoy lots of homecooked food and get a lot done while I was in town. I am back to school and ready to finish up my last week of classes and finals week before graduation. I can’t believe I am almost to the end.

Keeping up with my series of college posts, today, I am sharing a tradition that I have kept up with since I came to college, Light Up Night! It’s a night in the city when there are vendors, live performances, trees set up and fireworks to kick off the Christmas season. You can read my post from last year here. I headed down to the city with my friend Danielle and we enjoyed everything the city had to offer.

The city all ready for Christmas

We started off the night with burgers and shakes from Burgatory which were delicious, it was also so nice to be inside and warm before we hit the streets. After dinner on the North Shore, we headed over to Market Square to check out all the vendors. We made our way to PPG rink where we got some pictures and enjoy the tree with all the lights. Following the ice skating rink, we made our way over to the Point where we saw another tree and enjoyed seeing all the windows and building decorated. It’s so nice to see the whole city out and about for the holidays. There were families, couples, teenagers, and college students all out decked out for the holidays. 

The Christmas tree at the PPG ice rink

We then made our way back to the North Shore to enjoy the fireworks. It was a 20 minute show and was fantastic. There were so many different kinds of colors and fireworks. 

An incredible fireworks show

Although, it was chilly it was so fun. I have loved going down to the city for these events during my time in college, it’s so fun to see the whole community to come out and enjoy the Christmas spirit. This has been one of my favorite traditions to get into the holiday spirit while being away at school and considering we are already in the month of December there is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit.

And snagged a selfie with my favorite person

On Thursday, I will be sharing my Thanksgiving outfit, it was perfect for the occasion and you will be able to wear this outfit for the holiday season. See you on Thursday for a new look of the day.

Categories
Fabulous living

Three Favorite Things

Hey guys!

Happy Tuesday. I found this fun quiz/ survey from Mix and Match Mama’s Blog. I love learning things about other people, especially fun or unique facts and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do one for myself. I borrowed some from Shay’s blog and made up a few on my own. Let’s get to my three favorite things!

MOVIES (This one is soooo hard-but current favorites)

A Star is Born

Such a good movie

Life Itself

Again, another life changing movie

Love Actually

One of my favorite movies of all time especially around Christmas time.

           BOOKS

                                     Year of Yes 

Another life changing book

                                     Grace not Perfection

Grace Not Perfection- an inspiring book for all

                                     Pride and Prejudice 

A romance that never gets old

                                     TV SHOWS (OF ALL TIME)

                                     Bones

One of my favorite shows of all time

                                      Grey’s Anatomy 

Old photo but I can’t get enough of this show

                                     This is Us

Another fantastic show

                                     RESTAURANTS (FAST FOOD-ISH)

                                     Chipotle

                                     Panera

                                     Chick-Fil -A

                                     PLACES I’VE VISITED

                                     Rome, Italy

                                     Hershey, PA

Getting away for a bit at my favorite place-Hershey, PA

                                     New York City, NY

One of my last visits from NYC, can’t wait to go back soon

                                     PLACES I WANT TO VISIT

                                     Paris, France

                                     London, England

                                     Dublin, Ireland

                                     FAVORITE HOLIDAYS

                                     Christmas

Christmas morning spent well, the tree all lit, a warm cup of hot chocolate and time spent with family

                                     Thanksgiving

Forever thankful for family on Thanksgiving

                                     Fourth of July

Rocking my Red, White, and Blue for the 4th

                                     THREE THINGS I ALWAYS HAVE IN MY PURSE

A closer look at what’s in my purse

                                     Earbuds

                                     Phone Charger

                                     Wallet

                                     FAVORITE DESSERTS

My favorite fall dessert made by my mom

                                     Warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies

                                     Chocolate cake

                                     Apple Crisp

                                     FAVORITE WAYS TO MAKE TIME FOR MYSELF

                                     Read

I always like to read after a long day

                                     Do my Nails

Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh coat of polish

                                     Watch a movie/latest tv show I’m binge watching

Such a good mini series that I just finished watching

Well there you have it, some of my three favorite things. If you guys liked it, let me know and I will do it again, this was so much fun and it really made me think about my favorite things. Pick a few things and add your responses to the comments below! Have a great start to your week!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #86

LOTD

Hi All! 

Happy Thursday! For those of you who went back to school this week, congratulations, you made it through your first week back from break. These next few weeks of school are going to be busy for me. I have a lot of work commitments planned for the next few weekends then it’s lots of fun things. Work then play is what I always say. 

When I was home over break, I had a few outings planned so I put together several fun outfits to share with you all these next few weeks. Let’s begin!

A few days before Christmas, my family and I headed out to a family Christmas party. I wore a similar version of this outfit last year for a night out in the city, you can see it here. I made a few changes with my hair, makeup, and shoes, so I thought I would update this look. 

Perfect for a holiday party or a girls night out

Let’s start with this top. I am obsessed with this deep red, lace top. I got it from Francesca’s Boutique. It has open shoulder sleeves which are very much in style this season. This top is very versatile. It can be worn with a pair of blue jeans, a black skirt or how I am wearing them tonight, with a pair of black jeans. It was a bit chilly out, so I wore a short black jacket to top the outfit off.

I am wearing my favorite skinny jeans. These black and ripped at the knee jeans are from Francesca’s Boutique. I have worn them previously in the fall with a short sleeve top, but since I was going out, I decided to dress these jeans up. I got this Michael Kors belt from Marshalls on sale. You never know what you will find at Marshalls. They always have great deals.

I decided to hair my high black boots with this look. Since it was chilly when I wore this, I wanted to be warm and I wanted to give it a different feel. 

As far as hair and makeup go, I opted to straighten my hair, I recently got my hair cut and layered more and I am loving the shorter do. I always have had long hair but through college I have gotten it cut shorter and layered and I really like the length that it is at right now. I have also found I have more volume with it being shorter and it’s easier to manage and style as well. It’s safe to say the short hair is here to stay. 

Mom and decided to match with the Burgundy and black look.

I finished off my outfit with gold jewelry and darker makeup due to the darker outfit. I always like to change up my look when I rewear outfits. What is your favorite way to change an outfit when you wear it for different times? 

Have a great weekend and I will see you next Tuesday as we talk about out fitness goals (originally it was going to be this week but I decided to change up my schedule a bit). See you then!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #82

LOTD

Hi all!!

How has your December been? Mine is finally slowing down more now that finals are over, now it’s just prepping for Christmas. I’m getting in as much Christmas movies, baking, and holiday activities in before Christmas.

The outfit I have for you all today, has been a favorite of mine these past few weeks. I wore it for Thanksgiving, but I have also enjoyed wearing this out to meetings, classes, and out to dinner.

A perfect outfit for the start of winter

My fuschia turtleneck is a huge statement piece for me. I love the bold color that contrasts with the dark skirt, tights, and boots. I got this top from GAP, a few years back. GAP’s clothes always stay in good condition for the past few years. I have worn this top with jeans, black leggings and skirts. It is a very versatile top.

A black skirt is a must for you closet. You can dress it up or down. You can wear it to work, out to dinner or even Church. I got mine from Marshall’s. I love how it is cotton, so it can be easily washed, packed, and worn.

The black tights are fleece lined, they are perfect for chilly days when you want to look professional. I got my pair from T.J. Maxx. These are a must for me especially when it comes to dressing nice for work or professional events.

These are my new favorite high black boots. I love the heel and the style. I got mine from DSW. They are comfortable but also versatile, I have worn them with jeans, leggings, skirts, and dresses. A high boot is a must for my wardrobe collection.

That’s a look into my closet. Enjoy the next few weeks of December and good luck with getting all your Christmas shopping in. I will be off on Tuesday for Christmas but will be back for another look of the day next Thursday. Have a Merry Christmas, enjoy the day with your families and loved ones.

Categories
Fabulous living

Christmas Prepping and Gift Giving Tips

Hello! Hello!

Happy Tuesday! It is finally December, bring on the shopping, gift giving, cookie baking, and decorations. I am so ready for Christmas but first I have to make it through finals. The next few weeks will be busy with classes, papers, meetings, and wrapping up the semester. Stay tuned for my semester recap and best of 2018 in the next coming weeks.

For today I’m sharing my tips for when it comes to buying gifts, staying organized and being on budget. Here are my three tips for making it through the holiday season as stress free as can be.

  • Make a list (and check it twice 😉 )

Whenever I start my holiday shopping I always make a list of who I need to buy for, whether it is family, friends, gift exchanges etc. if I don’t write it don’t I wont remember it. I always keep a running list in the notes section of my phone so I always have it with me. I write down who I need to buy for and what I am buying/bought, the status of it and where I bought it, I do this to keep track of everything. Since I am still in school for most of December this helps me keep track of everything no matter where I am at. With that being said, I always set a budget for myself and try as hard as I can to stay on budget.

Just to preface, this is a FAKE Christmas gift list. None of these gifts are real, I just made this up to show you how I set up my gift list-who to by for, what I am buying, where it’s from, and the status of it.

  • Shop when it works best for you

I always love going in the stores to browse and get all my gifts but with school being super busy I have done a majority of my shopping online. Amazon has been my best friend this Christmas season. I have really utilized the Shopping list in Amazon. I have been able to put things that I like or am interested in in my list throughout the whole year and have it in one spot. For example, I was on Amazon in October and saw something that was a perfect gift for someone, I put it in my shopping list and ended up buying it a few weeks ago. The shopping list is private so only you can see it and no one else can see what you are buying. Since I have done so much online shopping something else that has helped me is sending gifts that I am buying to school or home. For gifts that I am buying for my friends I send it to school. For gifts for family, I ship them to my home. This way I’m not bringing things back and forth and all the gifts are in the right place.

Once again, another fake look at my shopping list, this is actually my list of things I want. Haha. But it shows the things you can add and when you added them. Super helpful!

  • Take Advantage of Sales

I am a sale lover and I have utilized sales so much this year. I did a lot of my buying depending on what sales were going on. I always try to keep my eyes open for discount codes, flash sales, and cyber Monday sales in order to stay on budget and keep my costs low.

I did a lot of shopping with sales from Cyber Monday. I always love a good sale

Whew, that was a lot. Overall, my tips are: Make a list, set a budget, take advantage of sales, and stay organized. What are your favorite tips or tricks to staying organized for shopping for the holidays? I would love any insight you have! Have a great week and wish me luck on a last week of classes before finals!

Categories
Fabulous living

December To Do’s

Hi All!

I hope you all had enjoyable Thanksgiving’s at home with your families. I know for me it was so nice to be home for a few days, relax, see family and enjoy the holidays. I always love Thanksgiving, from the food, to the family, and the relaxing day.

I also had some fun getting a start on the holiday baking. I had a few events that I had to bake for at school for Christmas and I was happy to make some for family too. I made some double chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter kiss cookies.

My favorite recipe for everyone’s favorite cookies

Peanut butter kiss cookies

The finished product

Now, that Thanksgiving is over, I can finally get into the Christmas season. I know December is going to fly by, so today I’m sharing the things I hope to accomplish this month.

  • Finals 

All college students can agree that once we make it through finals, we can truly enjoy the holidays. My finals week doesn’t look too bad, it will mostly be papers, portfolios and a test thrown in the mix. Hopefully it shouldn’t be too painful. Thanksgiving break definitely gave me the rest I needed to get through the next few weeks.

It may look empty now, but this finals week will fill up fast

  • Christmas Shopping

I have to give myself a pat on the back. I have been killing it at the Christmas gift game this year. I have done a lot of shopping online with the help of Amazon. It has been so easy to browse when I am free and add things to my shopping list (for others) or wish list (for myself) when I see something that interests me. Next week I’ll be doing a more extensive post all about Christmas gift system, but for now I hope to get all my shopping and wrapping done early on, so I can enjoy the Christmas season.

A look into my Amazon wish list, you know you are an adult when your list consists mostly of books…no shame!

  • Enjoy the Christmas Season

This is something I want to work on both at home and at school. I really want to enjoy the Christmas season and not rush it, I’m hoping to get in some gift giving nights with my friends at school, I have gifts for all my friends, and I am involved in some gift exchanges too. I want to also take it slow after the semester is over, that means watching Christmas movies (the classic and the Hallmark ones), making Christmas cookies (YUM), and listening to Christmas music (not going to lie, I have already started to listen to Christmas music. Haha)!

I already got some Christmas spirit in with Light Up Night a few weeks ago

My Go-To Christmas Playlist

I really want to be more present this Christmas season, that means trying to take it slower, be more intentional and fit as much Christmas stuff in as possible. What are some of your Christmas or December goals? Enjoy the last few days of November and bring on the Christmas jolly and joy!