Keeping busy

Just like everyone else this time of year, we are keeping busy. Lots of baking and visiting!

(I can provide recipes upon request. I'm sorry I meant to post but ran out of time.)

(We) I've made cut-outs, chocolate crinkles, cocoa peppermint kisses, and stained glass cut-outs. Not to mention the toffee in the fridge setting right now and the chocolate cake with peppermint filling that I didn't photograph. 

We have visited Santa! No one cried :) 

 

We've had two holiday parties, both provided by hubby's company

 

One with kids!

The kids had a blast, lots of sugar!

One without kids

We had so much fun!!

The last few weeks have been busy and they are only going to get busier. I hope to be able to blog over the next two weeks but we will be traveling a lot.  I'll be back around after the winter break (1/7).

So, if I don't see you before, Merry Christmas & have a Happy (and safe) New Year.

Manicure Monday

So, today, my nails have Ruby Pumps on them, we've already been there done that. So today, I think I'll share some of my nail polish wish list!

purchase here for $24

3 gorgeous shades all together in a pretty box. Perfecto!!

Zoya's Alegra, Charla & Ivanka. Love them!!

image found @ Polish Vixen

OPI Koala Bear-y... This would look so great on my toes this spring!!

Still needing OPI's Lincoln Park after Midnight! Love those dark shades!!!

image found at PolishMeHappy

Deborah Lippmann 's Across the Universe

This list continues to grow, but these are definitely at the top!!  Happy Monday, I'm off to bake some more cookies!!

new music obsession

No manicure for today. I have (eek) chipped nails and no time to fix them. I'll get on that asap. However I do have something fun to share. I meant to share this weeks ago, better late than never...

A little music monday. :) I just almost fell off my elliptical machine because I was a little too dance-y. No joke. lol I fell in love with this song on the American Music Awards. I'm completely addicted. Can listen to it over and over and over again. I know this for a fact cuz I've done it. It's my ringtone, I may miss your call cuz I was enjoying listening to my phone ring and forgot to answer. (true story- I'm getting better.)

T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) by Will.I.Am feat. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger

So good. You need it for your work out playlist, your cooking playlist, let's get energized playlist, etc...

This is the AMA performance... so good.

Stand Together

I'm not going to get all preachy about the anti-bullying movement. But I'll let you know I'm 150% behind it. My best friend (and several other very dear friends) are members of the gay community so this hits home. It doesn't stop there. As Americans living in Canada my 10 year old daughter hears "stupid American" at least once a week. I'm over it, and you should be too. There is no reason why anyone should be made to feel less than for being exactly who they are.

My children will hopefully not experience the severe bullying you hear about in the media, but I know for damn sure they will never be the bully, nor will they stand by and let it happen to someone else.

There is a movement beginning at http://www.standtogether.tv. Check it out. It's a declaration, you are taking a stand against bullying. It breaks my heart every time I hear about a child taking their own life. They haven't even lived long enough to experience life and all it has to offer. These children are the same age as my children. They say you can be a part of the problem or a part of the solution, which side do you stand on?

Manicure Monday

Today I'm wearing China Glaze's Ruby Pumps. I purchased it at Sally's Beauty Supply. I mention this because I know you'll want to run out and grab it asap!!

Of course this is paired with my China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat. I am trying a new top coat that was sample size $1.99 at Sally's. I've heard good things and it was travel size so I picked it up. "Out the Door" I'll let you know what I think.

This color is so beautiful. The glitter is really tiny and very sparkle-y. When I take the polish off the glitter appears to be silver. It takes a little longer to take off, but it's so worth it. Any lover of glitter will agree! 

 I guarantee you will love it and get compliments EVERY time you wear it!  It's amazing for the Holiday season!!

Day 5, What would you wear?

Today I'm linking up again with Neely & Amber for their Fabulous Holiday Blog Challenge. Today is day 5 and the topic is ideal outfits for Christmas and New Year's Eve.

This would be lovely for Christmas Eve. Our family usually joins my husband's parents for church and then we all go to dinner, usually Olive Garden. 

This would be wonderful for Christmas Day. We usually open presents in the morning and have an afternoon family meal. Then if we have other family members to visit I'd still look pulled together. 

This is cute and comfy!

This is so perfect for me! Love the splashes of PINK!! It's perfect for New Year's Eve! In Ohio (where we'll be for the holidays) it's pretty chilly this time of year, long pants will help keep me warm. A little sparkle, a little pink, and a whole lotta cute!! (I need to send a link for that pocketbook to my hubby- I'm in love!

We are traveling again this weekend. It's my bestie's birthday, so I need to go bake a cake and finish packing! Have a fabulous weekend!!

December 1 = World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. It is one day of the year to come together to acknowledge and fight a disease that so many are LIVING with every day. 

It's as easy as going to Starbucks. 

I have several very dear friends that are LIVING with HIV so this is something very dear to my heart. 

I'm not going to get preachy, just say, If you're debating whether or not you need that Peppermint Mocha today, I say go for it! You'll be helping men, women & children all over the world.

http://www.theglobalfund.org/

Fabulous Holiday Blog Challenge - Day 4

I'm jumping into this a little. (better late than never) Today I'm linking up with Neely & Amber for their Holiday blogging challenge.

Day 4 - Favorite Holiday movies/tv specials

I have a lot, so let's get started!  

Twas the Night Before Christmas

I remember waiting all year for this to come on. One of my favorites for as long as I can remember.

Someone got the whole thing on YouTube.

My dad took my brother and I to see this on a Black Friday that my mom was working. We seldom did things with just Dad so it was special. So... as cheesy as this movie is, I love it!

Who doesn't love this move!? I only like the first one. 2 & 3 I could really do without.

My mom and I used to watch this all the time!

Love! I watch this every year while wrapping Christmas presents! 

This movie is so good! I love the house and how crazy the family is!

I adore this movie! I watch it all year long. This was the first Christmas movie the hubby and I saw together. Another amazing house :)

Last, but certainly not least, Elf! Love this movie. The kids and I will watch this over and over again during December. A modern day classic if ya ask me!

I could go on and on, but these are probably my top faves!!

Honorable Mentions:

The Holiday

The Santa Clause

Charlie Brown Christmas (I listen to the soundtrack A LOT!)

Love Actually

Christmas With the Cranks