Tag: christmas

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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!

Categories
Fabulous living

Light Up Night 2018

Hi guys!

Today, I’m sharing about my trip to Pittsburgh Light Up Night last weekend. I went with my good friends Bailey and Olivia and a few other friends from school.  Bailey and I met last year through mutual friends and work and the first time we hung out was at Light Up Night. Last semester we spent a lot of time together through work and this semester we practically spend every Tuesdays and Thursdays together since we have a lot of the same classes and schedules. I’m so glad we have gotten so close the past year. She has been the absolute best person to have in my life this past year.

We decided to get into the holiday spirit by going to Light Up Night together to not only celebrate Christmas but also out friend-aversy.

Here’s a look into our fun night together in Pittsburgh!

We started our night with burgers and shakes at Burgatory on the North Shore It was so good, Friday was definitely our cheat day and we took full advantage of it.

I got the Cookie Monster shake. So delicious
This burger was heavenly

After we ate we took the T (Pittsburgh’s subway system over to Market Square, we looked at all the little shops and stopped to see all the decorations.

So many Christmas decorations all over the city

Once we finished in Market Square we headed over to the PPG skating rink where the tree was and we stopped to get some pictures.

The tree all lit up around the skating rink
Our whole group
This was Bailey, Olivia and I last year
And this is us a year later…Love these ladies
Liv and I
Happy Friendaversay Bailey!!

There were concerts going on all around the city so we stopped to listen to some live music and got some drinks to keep us warm. We made our way back to the North Shore via the T and we watched the fireworks.

Beautiful fireworks

It was a 15 minute show and the fireworks were gorgeous over the water with the city in the background. That concluded our night in the city, we headed back to school with Christmas joy filled in our hearts.

I love the city at night

I love going to Light Up Night, I’ve gone for the past three years and it is my favorite way to kick off the holiday season. The city is gorgeous with all the decorations. I can’t wait to start decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving.

If this doesn’t get you into the mood for Christmas then I don’t know what does

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I’m going to be taking Thursday off to spend some time with family and enjoy the holidays. I’ll be back here next Tuesday! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Categories
Fabulous living

Holiday Themed Q&A

  1. With Christmas just a few weeks away, I’m answering a few holiday themed questions thanks to the The Blended Blog. Feel free to answer the questions too. Let’s see how much we have in common.
  • Real or Fake Tree?

Real! Always real. Some of my favorite memories as a kid is picking out and cutting down our Christmas tree. It’s one of my favorite Christmas traditions!

  • Favorite Christmas Cookie?

Sugar Cookies. I love the baking and decorating and fun that goes into baking cookies. We make our own cookie dough and icing, which takes time but it’s part of the fun. No better snack than cookies and milk.

  • Home on Christmas Morning or Travel?

Always home. On Christmas day we spend the whole day at home in our pajamas. My family and I are constantly on the go so it’s nice to take some time to just be home and with family.

  • Clear or Colored Lights?

Our tree is always covered in colored lights. We have an array of ornaments from our childhood to present day. I love seeing all the colored lights illuminate our family room.

  • Send Christmas Cards?

Yes!! We are big Christmas card people. We love to both give and receive them. I am currently working on putting together this year’s card. I love having a creative outlet and Christmas cards are the perfect excuse to do something festive during the holidays. Also, living in such a technological world, it’s always nice to get actual mail.

  • Favorite Christmas Present Received?

When I was five years old, I got my doll house. Later, I found out how much time my dad spent building and working on it. To this day it was my favorite Christmas  gifts.

  • Favorite Christmas Gift Given?

My friends and I love anything monogrammed and this year I got them monogrammed pop sockets! They all loved them and it was something super personalized. I love gifts with meanings.

  • Stockings or No Stockings?

Stocking of course! And you better believe they were hung by the chimney with care!

  • Christmas PJ’s?

Oh yes! Every year my brothers and I get all decked out with our Christmas PJ’s and wear them all Christmas day.

  • Favorite Christmas Carol?

Not really a Christmas Carol but I love the song, “Do They Know it’s Christmas”, such a good song with a good message. Also I love all the renditions that have come out through the years!

  • Favorite Holiday Tradition?

Going around looking at Christmas lights as a family and reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve. Although we may have gotten older, the traditions always stay the same.

  • Early Shopper or Last Minute?

Typically, I’m a last minute but this year I got a lot of it done early thanks to Amazon!!! Being away at college, I don’t have a lot of time to do shopping so shopping online has been so helpful this year.

  • Favorite Christmas Movie or Show?

I’ve always loved the cartoon, “A Year Without a Santa Claus”, such a classic feel good movie. I am also a huge fan of “The Santa Clause” series. The one liners never get old.

  • Favorite Holiday Beverage?

Peppermint Hot Chocolate. My two favorite flavors mixed together! Nothing better than chocolate and mint.

-Cookies and Milk for Santa?

Of course! Would it be Christmas without it?!

Well, there you have it. My favorite things about Christmas. What do we have in common? What are you favorite holiday traditions? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Tuesday! xoxo

Categories
Fabulous living Fun Ways to Organize

How to Study for Finals and Prepare for the Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….or worst if you are a college student like myself. Finals week is upon us. Time to grab those note cards, pull out the highlighters, and make those study guides. Whether you are studying for finals, or if you aren’t a college student, making your Christmas lists, here are some tips to stay organized this time of year.

Studying for Finals:

-Prepare in advance. – Look to see when your finals are scheduled and plan out of when you want to study for them.

Here’s my day planner. I write down every assignment, meeting, and final down so I don’t forget anything.

– Prepare on your own. – Read through both your notes and textbooks and make your own study guide so you aren’t going back and forth between book and notebook.

-Seek help. – Although we don’t always like to admit it, we sometimes need help. Go to a tutor if you need help in a subject. See your professor with questions you may have while studying. Organize study groups to make sure you are covering all the information.

-Take Care of Yourself. – Finals and the end of the semester are stressful. But don’t forget to take care of yourself. You won’t do well on a test if you are half a sleep or if you are sick from not eating healthy. It may be tempting but try not to skip meals and allow yourself for enough sleep or take a nap if you need to.

Preparing for Christmas:

I am always on my laptop, these post it icons make it easy for me to remember what things I have going on from finals, homework assignments, and extra things I need to get done. Like my Christmas gifts. I like to have it all in one place

-Make a List (and Check it twice). – Make a list for everyone you want to buy gifts for. Think relatives, coworkers, friends, any gift exchanges. You don’t want to leave anyone out on your list.

-Plan out your Gifts. – Do some research and plan what gifts you want to purchase and for whom. This saves time walking around a store waiting for the perfect gift to find you.

-Buy then Wrap. – Get all your purchasing done then wrap your goodies. Put on a Christmas movie and wrap while you relax. It’s easier to wrap everything at one point rather then wrapping things separating at different times.

-Enjoy the Christmas Season. – The holidays can be stressful but It’s important to remember what really matters; family, friends, Jesus. Take time for the family traditions and make memories.

I hope these tips help with preparing for your finals or your Christmas shopping. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, be sure to spend it well with friends and family.

Categories
Fabulous living

Simple Christmas Decorating

Hello! Hello!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and friends. I know I spent my break seeing family, eating, and sleeping; refueling before its back to school and finals are upon us. While I was home, I did some decorating for Christmas. Today I am going to showcase some easy and affordable Christmas decorations that can work in a dorm, at home or even in an office.

Here are some home ideas:

These glass jars filled with bright and colorful candy and sweets and make a great centerpiece. They also make a great discussion piece. The jars are in different shapes and sizes. In my jars, I have peppermints, ribbon candy, marshmallows, red hots, and candy canes. Fun and colorful!
This sleigh was from an old floral arrangement but I am reusing it for decoration. I got these colorful ornaments from Target. Put them together and you have a great table decoration. The book behind it adds a child aspect to the arrangement.
I love making a home feel cozy. By pairing together a candle with a candy dish and a floral arrangement turns a house into a home.

Here are Dorm Ideas:

I got this stocking for sale last year and it was perfect to bring some Christmas Cheer in to my dorm room. I have it hung on my bed so it’s one of the first things my guests see when they enter.
I love dressing up a room with festive pillows and blankets, I got this pillow as a gift last year and it goes perfect on my chair.
Gel clings are inexpensive and can dress up a window. Not only does it dress up your window but people passing by can get a taste of Christmas Cheer!
I got both the Christmas Lights and Santa’s sleigh from Target for $1.00 each!

These are a few easy and affordable ideas for Christmas decorating. All these decorations can work at school, work, and home. What are your favorite places to decorate? What decorating tips do you have?