Merry Christmas!!

I bring you tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Christmas Eve Love

Christmas Eve is probably my favourite day of the holiday season. The anticipation of Christmas Day has yet to come, and the chaos of preparing for the holidays are behind you- if it's not done yet, it won't get done. The excitement without the stress. 

December 24 has always been magical for me. As a child there was, of course, the anticipation of Santa (you can read about my yearly Christmas Eve encounter with Santa here). There was always something, regardless of my age, that was special about Christmas Eve. Decorating our tree, time spent with grandparents, visiting with friends.

Christmas Eve is the day that I spend with the people I love the most. Sometimes distance prevents me from being with someone I love, but in that case there will be a phone call...dedicated time to spend connecting. I spend the day visiting with my closest friends- sometimes we spend a couple of hours together over lunch, sometimes it's a few minutes to drop off a gift. 

A visit to my dad's office...a tradition started with him and his dad- a time to reflect on the past year, and toast the coming year. A realization that we are late to get home, where we- parents and siblings- rush to decorate our tree before spending time with other family members. An evening out, returning home to spend more time with my parents, siblings, cousins, and my brothers best friend of 30+ years.

Image Via bbriverboats.com

I have spent 'my evening out' the same way for the past 20 years. Back in 1998, a friend from school- a girl I met at summer camp- invited me to spend Christmas Eve with her and her family.

She is an only child, and her parents welcomed me that year and every year since. Her aunt, her mom's best friend, her mom's other best friend and her husband are also there. My friend has since married, and her husband joins us too. These eight people have become my second family. 

Everyone is welcomed with hugs, offered a drink, and we get to chatting. Eventually we sit down to dinner. We exchange gifts, take pictures, and enjoy spending time together. There is so much laughter and happiness. Just thinking about my second family and our Christmas Eve makes my heartful. 

Today is Christmas Eve, and I am looking forward to spending time with those I love most, and to celebrate my 20th Christmas Eve with my second family. 

Merry Christmas!

  I bring you tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Politically Correct Christmas Carols

I've had shared these Politically Correct Christmas Carols in the past, but they are too funny not to share again this year. Enjoy!

Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo

There are a lot of things that I love about Christmas...baking, decorating, the holiday spirit, time with family and friends, movies, tv specials, and, of course, music. While there are a ton of Christmas songs that I love, this is one of my favourites, so I had to share it (and I'm pretty sure I've shared it every year since it came out)!!

 

Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo by David Myles

Posts of Christmas Past

Happy Friday! Happy December!

I am a beach baby...I love being at the beach, I love warm weather, I love summer. Love. 

But I also love Christmas. I love the movies, music, spirit, baking, card sending, gift hunting, parties and socials, decorating.

To kick-off this holiday season (which I actually did November 12), I thought I would share some of my favourite blog posts from past Christmas seasons!

• Politically Correct Christmas Carols
• Christmas Party Ideas
• Five Christmas Songs
• The Night Before Christmas
• Ninja Turtles, Art Supplies & Totally Gross
• Christmas Movies Part 1 and Part 2

Hey, Its's Ok!

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To be excited for these weeks leading up to Christmas. I have plans everyday with family and friends, and I can't wait to spend time with the people I love most. 

That I have a ton of unpacking and organizing to do at my condo. I feel like it's going to take me forever to get everything organized. 

To be incredibly happy in my new home!! I seriously love it here!!

That I am looking forward to having just over a week off. As much as I love my job, I am looking forward to days sleeping in, relaxing, and wearing comfy clothes. 

To hope we don't get as much snow as predicted this winter.

Currently- December Edition

I have decided, after years of blogging, that I would jump on the currently bandwagon. I've always enjoyed reading about what other bloggers currently posts, so I thought I would do my own post. This is what I'm currently up to for the month of December!

Watching

Image Via Your Beaver Company

I take every opportunity that I can to watch Christmas movies during the holidays. 

Reading

Image Via Amazon

I actually read The Next back in October but I am re-reading it for my book club- it's the December pick!

Listening

Image Via Star 102.5

Star 102.5- a Buffalo radio station- starts playing nothing but Christmas music in early November. During the holidays, I listen to this station 24/7.

Planning

Image Via Zsine

 How to decorate my cubicle for the Christmas decorating contest my office is having.

Feeling

Image Via Becoming Joy

 Relief! Relief to be done with my apartment (what a horrible experience with the management company- so many landlord and tenant act violations). Relief that my condo closed with no issues. Relief that the move went well. Relief that I am settling in.

Wanting

Image Via St Lucia Yellow Pages

I am in desperate need of a full out spa day and pampering!

Loving

I am so in love with this wallpaper that came with my condo!

July // August // September // November //

Five Christmas Songs

There is a radio station (My Star 102.5) in Buffalo, NY that plays Christmas music starting in early November. I am lucky that this station has a large frequency and I can listen to it event if I am 3 or 4 hours away. Plus, with the internet, I can listen anywhere. Once they start playing Christmas music, this becomes the only station I play in my car. I just love listening to Christmas music and take every opportunity I get to listen. 

There are a ton of Christmas songs that I love and I'm hard pressed to pick a favourite. I am not claiming any of the songs below are my favourite, but they are definitely up there! Or, these were just the first five songs that came to mind when I asked myself "What are five of your favourite Christmas songs?"

 

In no particular order:

I Pray On Christmas by Harry Connick Jr

Joy To The World by Pentatonix

Little Drummer Boy by Sean Quigley

Silent Night by Mariah Carey

Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo by David Myles

As bonus, here is my favourite Christmas medley:

 

 12 Days of Christmas by Straight No Chaser

Hey, It's Ok!

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To have bought a condo! I am slowly unpacking and getting settled, but I love it! I am SO happy, fo so many different reasons!

That I have not binge watched the new Gilmore Girls. I have every intention of watching, and I have watched the first episode, but I'm not sure how long it will take me to watch the other three.

To basically be done Christmas shopping. I have one more gift to buy and I am done...plus all the wrapping.

That, with the move, I'm not sure if I'm going to do Christmas cards this year or not...I send 40-50 cards, plus cards for my co-workers. I think I need to focus on unpacking and such. But we'll see.

To want to decorate my bathroom with flamingos. I love flamingos. The bathroom is white and I think the pink from the flamingos would go well. Plus I have a flamingo lamp and a flamingo print that don't go well with my red living room or yellow and blue bedroom.

Fashion Friday: Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Happy Friday everyone!! It has been awhile since I have done a fashion post...or posting in general...so I thought I would celebrate this first Friday of December by sharing some ugly Christmas sweaters! These are def not the ugliest Christmas sweaters I have ever seen, but they are kind of fun and readily available this holiday season!

Images Via Christmas Motif (H&M) // Merry Chrismukkah (Ardene) // Leg Lamp (Retro Festive) // All Wrapped By (Walmart) // Reindeer Christmas Sweater (Hudson's Bay)

Christmas Movies

I am a HUGE fan of the holiday season and have been listening to Christmas music for weeks now. I've been busy with a couple of things, so I haven't had the chance to dedicate a ton of time to watching Christmas movies- yet- but I will be correcting that soon. 

There are so many Christmas movies that I love, but I wanted to share five of my 'must watch' movies for this year!

Images via A Christmas Story // Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer // Elf // White Christmas // Christmas with the Kranks

I am surprised by the number of people who don't know about A Christmas Story. But everyone I know who knows of this movie LOVES it!! I introduced this movie to my dad a couple of years ago and it's now one of his favourite movies. We join Ralphie in the days leading up to Christmas where he tries to convince everyone that a Red Rider BB Gun is the perfect Christmas gift, but they all tell him he'll "shoot your eye out". In my opinion, this movie is pretty underrated, but so funny!

 

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is an old Christmas movie that we are all familiar with. Rudolph gets shunned by the other reindeer because of his bright red nose. He goes off to find a place where he'll be accepted, and finds the misfit toys. He heads back to the North Pole to get Santa to accept the misfit toys, and finds Santa unable to fly his sleigh due to the fog. Don't you worry, Rudolph and his nose so bright guide Santa's sleigh that night, and all works out. This movie is tied to my childhood, we watched it every year.

 

I think we are all familiar with Elf. Buddy finds out that he is a human, and not an elf. He travels to New York City to meet his biological father. We follow Buddy's adventures in New York, and see him become part of a human family, as well as save Christmas! This movie is so funny! My sister and I watch it every year together.

 

White Christmas is one of those old, musical, classic holiday movies. Two former army members become a song and dance duo, and meet two sisters who have their own song and dance show. The sisters travel to Vermont to perform at an Inn, the guys follow them. Turns out the Inn needs to be saved, which the four of them do. This movie will only be of interest to a certain demographic- those who like musicals and/or classic movies- but I look forward to watching this movie every year.

In Christmas with the Kranks, Luther and Nora decide to use the money they would normally spend on Christmas to take a trip instead over the holidays. At the last minute, their daughter Blair, decides she is going to be home for Christmas, so Luther and Nora know have to pull together a holiday celebration. This is a hilarious movie with a great cast.

I am hoping this weekend or early next week to start my Christmas movie viewing...I can't wait!!

Currently- November Edition

I have decided, after years of blogging, that I would jump on the 'currently' blog posts. I always enjoy reading other blogger's 'currently' posts, so I thought I would do my own, so here we go:

Watching

Image Via Fansided

 I am binge watching Don't Trust The B In Apartment 23 on Netflix. Halfway through the second-and final-- season. Love this show!

Image Via Chapters Indigo

The Circle by Dave Eggers is the book selection for my book club this month. I think this will be a good book! Look for a review later this month.

Listening

Image Via Wikipedia

Image Via Wikipedia

I have been listening to a variety of Christmas music, including Pentatonix That's Christmas To Me.

Planning

Image Via Birdlitt Moving

 I am moving! Between conference planning, I am planning a move. Moving is a hassle, but...

Feeling

Image Via Quote Addicts

...it's exciting too! I'm dreading packing and actually moving, but I'm excited to have a new place, especially one that is all mine!

Wanting

Image Via Soda Stream Canada

 I got my dad a Soda Stream last year for Christmas and he loves it and uses it all the time! I've been known to make a bottle or two for myself and bring it home with me...so I would love to have one of my own.

Loving

Image Via Modcloth

I received the Loch and Key Scarf in two different subscriptions boxes and I LOVE it! It's so comfortable, lightweight but warm. I like that it can be used as a scarf or a blanket- which is what I use it for.

July // August // September // 

Merry Christmas!!

A Saviour Is Born

Christmas Eve is special to me. There are so many happy memories for me associated with this day. There are so many traditions that I love and that my family and friends have on this day. Every year, I take some time, really late at night, and sit in our family room, looking at our Christmas tree. It is in these couple of minutes that I take for myself, that I reflect on what Christmas means; the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. God sent His only son to us. 

 

The Christmas Story, aka Jesus' Birth can be found in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20

Give thanks this season. Remember the true reason why we celebrate. Show compassion to mankind. Be generous in spirit. Practice peace. The simplest of gestures can make a huge difference.

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

 

 

Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo

Oh my gosh...I can't believe how close we are to Christmas!! I absolutely love the holiday season and everything associated with it! I am hosting a Pod Pal Christmas tonight...I'm excited to spend time with my Pod Pals aka two co-workers outside of work, to be reunited with our summer student Pod Pal and our honourary Pod Pal (who filled in for summer student when we went to the haunted house). My cousin, who moved to town two weeks ago, will also be joining us. Today is also my last day at work before a week and a half off!! I love my job, but I am excited to be spending some time in two places I consider home, and seeing friends and family. 

 

One disappointment this holiday season, was not being able to find my David Myles Christmas CD. I have no idea where it is. One of my favourite songs on the album, and one of my all time favourite songs, is Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo, which I thought I would share with all of you today!! Enjoy!!

Fashion Friday: Christmas

Happy Friday everyone!! It's hard to believe that Christmas is one week today!!! I am so excited to be in the places I consider home and celebrating with family and friends!! 

It's been ages since I've done a Fashion Friday post...but here is one for Christmas!!

Shirt // Watch // Earrings // Skirt // Ring // Shoes

We all know that, traditionally, red and green are colours associated with Christmas. I also associated plaid/tartan with the holidays. This Ralph Lauren Plaid Shirt combines all three. I love the cut of this Asymmetrical Pencil Skirt, also by Ralph Lauren. Plus, I like the higher end look of the skirt with the lower end feel of the shirt...what a great combination!

Besides being a Christmas colour, red is one of my favourite colours, so I decided to go with this red Sam Edelman Orella Sweetheart Suede Pump for this look. Since I went with a red shoe, I decide to pull in the other Christmas colour, green, for earrings and I thought with the collard shirt, a simple stud earring would be ideal. Emeralds would be ideal, but these Kate Spade Cueva Rosa Studs work too!!

 

Something else associated with Christmas? Gifts and pretty bows!! This Kate SpaKate Spade Fame and Flowers Pave Ring is a great addition to this look. Finally, to finish the look, another Kate Spade piece, Metro Champagne Pop Black Leather Strap Watch. I love the champagne bottle and bubbles...so festive!!

I really wanted the shirt to be the focus of this outfit, so I kept all other elements simple and elegant. I am so in love with this look and think it would be perfect for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day!

Christmas Gift Guide Part 2

Yesterday, I shared Part 1 of my Christmas gift guide and today I am excited to be sharing part 2!

 

For the past couple of years, Kate Spade New York has put out a new book. This year's book, All In Good Taste, is a how-to entertaining guide. This is a great gift for the Kate Spade lover in your life, and what girl doesn't love Kate Spade, but it's also the perfect hostess gift!! 

I LOVE Hudson's Bay stripes. they are so iconic! While I am listing the Hudon's Bay Company Multi Stripe Point Blanket in this gift guide, and it IS a great gift, the truth is anything with the Hudson's Bay stripes- scarves, mugs, jackets, nutcrackers, trinket trays, ties, ornaments, canoes, etc- make a fantastic gift! 

One of my favourite people to shop for is my little cousin. She is the only kid on my Christmas shopping list and I spend weeks searching for her gift. I have been dubbed by her and her parents and everyone who has seen the gifts I have given her as "the best gift giver", which can be challenging to live up too! This year's gift, is Sparkling Hair Accessory Set, which allows her to make her own headbands and hair clips- which she LOVED!! She also got hair chalk (not pictured) and every year I get her a Christmas book. 

Flower Bomb by Viktor & Rolf is one of my favourite perfumes. I get so many compliments when I wear it and it has special memories associated with it for me. This isn't something that I am gifting to anyone this year, but I know that my sister had it on her wish list.

Adult colouring is a huge trend right now. I even incorporated it into a conference I did in November. It is so relaxing! I will be gifting Color Me Calm, along with markers, to a variety of people in my life. 

Yesterday I highlighted a couple of gifts (S'well and Olympic Mitts) where proceeds went toward another organization, which are my favourite types of gifts to give. This Anvil #HeroesWearCamo shirt is one of those gifts, with proceeds going to the True Patriot Love Foundation. Plus, it actually is a great gift for any male in your life.

 

Another great gift for the man in your life? Taft No-Show Socks. These anti-slip socks stay on your feet and are, well, socks, but when you are wearing shoes, you can't seem them-so guys get the no sock look that they love. 

I am done all of my Christmas shopping- which also includes homemade baked goods, specialty teas and food items, mugs, vintage wines, gift certificates, winter gloves, infinity scarves (basically every girl I know is getting one), some of my favourite beauty and skin products, cooking/kitchen gadgets and Christmas ornaments. I just have to wrap everything!!

Christmas Gift Guide Part 1

I can't believe that Christmas is in less than 10 days!! I am in the full swing of the holiday season and I even have my work Christmas party today!! I love the holidays and I love finding the perfect gifts to give to those I love. I am so excited to share my 2016 gift guide, which includes gifts that I am giving to my family and friends.

I am a huge fan of Lush products and their Little Snow Fairy wrapped gift is being given to some of my favourite girls; perfect for friends, sisters and cousins. Mat & Nat is a fantastic Canadian company and their products are vegan!! Their bags are the so beautiful and I know so many people who would love their Clarke bag.

Cufflinks are such a classic gift and are my one of my favourite gifts to give to the man in my life. There are so many different styles- from classic to cartoon- that not only keep this gift interesting, but also allows you to give a gift that fits him. I know these Vintage Toronto Maple Leafs cufflinks are going to be a hit. 

While classic for guys, pearls are classic for girls! Earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces...you can't go wrong. I am not gifting this Freshwater Pearl Drop Necklace to anyone, but it would make a great gift for the special lady in your life (hint, hint).

Every year I ask for, and give, the Olympic Collection Red Mittens. The Olympic mitts were started for the Vancouver 2010 games and each year they come out with a new design. 30% of the proceeds go towards supporting athletes through the Olympic Foundation, with over $27 million given since 2009. I love giving gifts that support an organization. Plus these mitts are so warm and practical, and a great way to show your Canadian pride!!

S'well water bottles are another gift that gives back. S'well partners with UNICEF to provide clean water. They also support American Forests and Drink Up, and they are helping the environment by eliminating plastic water bottles. S'well comes in a variety of colours and sizes, and is something everyone on your list could use. Another cool thing about S'well? They keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. 

Coastal Cocktails 12-Pack Global Cocktail Mixers are perfect for friends who like to travel, entertain or enjoy adult beverages. There are 12 mixers from around the world- like Mai Tai, Sydney Sunrise, and Moscow Mule. All you have to do is add alcohol and shake with ice and you are good to go. These are a popular gift with a lot of my friends. My dad and brother would love this too.

For the stylish man in your life, or the man that needs some style help, this Polo Ralph Lauren Virgin-Wool Blend Pony Scarf is ideal. It will keep him warm and looking good. This scarf is very classic so he will be able to wear it year after year.

Tomorrow I will be sharing Part 2 of my gift guide.

Hey, It's Ok

To be incredible proud of myself for the event I organized on December 3. The event not only marked the 50th anniversary of my the organization I work for, and the event went according to plan, but it was broadcast (which I oversaw, planned, and organized) all over Ontario, as well as Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and Guatemala City, Guatemala. By far the biggest and most important event I have ever worked on.

That I finished my Christmas shopping on the weekend. I have all my gifts purchased, I just need to wrap them. It feels so good to know I don't have to deal with the crowds.

To be so blessed to work for a fantastic organization. The work we do is amazing, the corporate culture is the best I have ever experienced, my colleagues are out of this world, and my supervisor is so supportive, encouraging and a fantastic mentor- and insanely nice to me. 

That I will be doing a Paint Nite with some friends from work in January!! Paint Nite is where you go to a bar, and there is an artist that teaches the group how to paint a specific picture. I'm really looking forward to it!! It should be a ton of fun and a great girls night and I can't wait!!

To have had fantastic weekend!!! My boss encouraged me to leave early on Friday, which I did. I got to spend a ton of time with my sister on Saturday, something I haven't been able to do in months. Also on Saturday, I celebrated a friends birthday- she does these pot luck & Cards Against Humanity parties, which are always a blasted...so much laughter!! Plus I got to see a bunch of friends that I haven't seen in months. Sunday was some family time and than back to my apartment to hang out.