Favorite Looks From Holidays Past

I think we’ve all had some hit and miss fashion during Christmas. Here are some of my favorite styles to rock during the season.

1.       Balayage

I miss this hair :( And that food!

2.       Nude Nails

I like to dress it up with some sparkles and details of black
for contrast.

3.               Red Lips

Red lips are so festive!

4.       Coordinating with your fella, but not being matchy-matchy

No need to be spitting images of one another.
We decided to go with a nautical stripe theme.

Staying Healthy Through Flu Season

The sickness!!! Y’all, everyone’s got it! I swear, at work they’re dropping like flies. I had a third of my sessions cancelled at work due to patient illness. It’s a mess. I am SO thankful that I haven’t had it yet and I plan on doing everything possible to keep it that way.

First things first, I don’t get a flu shot. I’ve read so much about how the vaccines are made in advance based on the best prediction of what strain of the flu will be prevalent for the upcoming “flu season.” And I think it’s a gamble, so I just try to keep my immune system up and keep everything sanitized.

Here are a few tips that I’ve been using and hopefully they will come in handy for you, too!

1.            Keep up your immune system! 

1. I use a NetiPot to clear out the nasal cavity and keep gunk at bay.

2. GNC's Ultra 75 Probiotic Complex is fantastic for keeping your immune system at optimum functioning.

3. An aromatherapy diffuser like ZAQ Allay Litemist diffuses essential oils and moisture into the air.

4.Perrier mineral water helps me stay hydrated.

5. Dr. Bronner's castile liquid soaps are made from 100% plant oils and are chemical free so they don't dry out skin.

6. It's important to have hand sanitizer. I like Babyganics, because it's alcohol free.  

Throughout the winter season, I also like to minimize my caffeine intake and exposure to harsh chemicals and detergents. I also like to increase my vegetables and protein.

2.            Sanitize your space! 

1. Here are a few of my favorite cleaning supplies. I like these cleaning supplies, because they are free of harsh chemicals, but leave all my surfaces clean.

2. I use a cap full of Dr. Bronner's SAL SUDS (which by the way has an amazing pine scent) with a sink full of hot water. I can use this mixture to clean doorknobs, lightswitches, remotes, and other frequently touched surfaces.

3. After I clean all of my surfaces I toss in the dog's toys, because...well they can get kinda gross, but don't tell him! You don't want to hurt this little face!

P.S. Don’t forget to rinse off any pet toys thoroughly!

Top 5 Inappropriate Christmas Songs

Let’s talk about Christmas songs, shall we? There are some pretty standard holiday themes: religion, presents, Santa, love, peace, etc. Isn’t that lovely and cheerful? However, we do have some outliers. I have divided inappropriate Christmas songs into 2 categories: Creepy and depressing. In the first category you will see songs that are taboo or even borderline rape-y. In the latter category you will see songs that I’m pretty sure the song writer is just drowning in their own SAD thoughts. So get ready to cue the scary movie music or the violins.

5. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvK1F6bUrzU&noredirect=1

Is it a creepy song? NO

Is it a downer? YES

You’re not allowed to be a southern girl if you don’t LOVE Dolly. I do. I do. But if you have just a little too much holiday cheer and are compelled to have someone bring you down...like, have them bring you way down a few notches this is the song for you.

“Maybe I’ll clear my junk… Maybe I’ll just get drunk on apple wine.”

Clearly, Dolly is having a turd of a Christmas. She’s threatening to pack all her things and go, but she’s not going before she gets good and drunk…on apple wine. Pull it together, Dolly. But, she doesn’t, on the contrary, she spirals downward.

“…It’s like a hard candy Christmas I’m barely getting through, but still I won’t let sorrow bring me way down.”

I understand. A hard candy Christmas means you have so little money that you all you can afford are those hard candy sugar cubes. Ick. That’s tough luck, but you have to understand, Dolly, that when you declare that you aren’t going to let sorrow bring you way down, you are really implying the contrary. Might I suggest a Himalayan salt lamp for your seasonal affective disorder?  

4.

Is it a creepy song? YES
Is it a downer? NO

This song is just so dang weird. I don’t know if it was less weird when it was first released and just hasn’t aged well? But the creepiness of the song is exacerbated by the fact that I envision baby MJ “creeping” (it’s right there in the lyrics people) downstairs to have a peek when he sees mommy kissing Santa Clause and you know and I know for damn sure that Joe Jackson would actually NOT have shared a laugh about it with young, Michael. On the contrary, I think some domestic violence would have occurred if Momma Jackson cheated with the jolly man. So in short, I envision a very disturbing Christmas morning in the Jackson household. For the love of God, MJ keep this little secret to yourself.

3. 

Is it creepy? NO

Is it sad? What do you think?

With lyrics like, “Your son just wrote to Santa asked him to send you home. Yes Christmas without daddy, we’ll be blue and all alone.” Thank you for dying and ruining Christmas, dad! I'm not saying that people don't experience loss during the holidays, I'm just saying that technically it isn't something I'd want to put on to feel festive or if I'd just lost my dad...or husband. It's mostly just a really sad song that mentions Christmas, not technically a "Christmas song."

2.

Is it creepy? 100 times, YES!

Is it sad? NO

I can overlook the opening lines, "(I really can't stay) But, baby it's cold outside." I don't know the situation. There could be a blizzard or ice-storm out there. Maybe he's genuinely concerned for her well being? It's when she says, "I ought to say no, no, no, no sir" to which he tells her he's going to go ahead and move in closer "(At least I'm going to say that I tried) What's the sense in hurting my pride?" So for a second time girlfriend is trying to get away from him. 

The creepiest, most inappropriate part is when he obviously roofies her. "(The neighbors might think) Baby, it's bad out there. (Say what's in this drink) No cabs to be had out there." Exqueeze me? This is clearly the talk of a woman who is realizing she's in the presence of some very terrible company. And also I'd like to point out that I always thought he said, "Baby, don't hold out," but apparently it's "Baby, don't hold doubt." Whatever. They were just trying to think of a clever way to imply she's a prude if she doesn't sleep with him. Rape is bad (in my best Mr. Mackey voice.

1.

Is it a creepy song? YES
Is it a downer? NO

You will notice there is no link for this song. You don't need it. Trust me. The thing about this song is that people have very strong feelings about it, no one just feels lukewarm. I am part of the group of people who views this as another sappy, terrible, song that's just trying way too hard to give me all the feels and to that I have to politely say no thank you. And it's not because I haven't really listened to it. I have. In fact, all my mascara ran down my chin because I just finished watching the video. I get it. It's sad. But it's over the top. The little boy in the song already has a dying mother at Christmas (we're told she could literally die at any moment) and wow! that sucks, but we are also told that his clothes were "worn and old and he was dirty from head to toe." I'n beginning to think maybe the narrator should've done a little more than buy the kid shoes, perhaps he should've taken it a few steps farther and bought the kid some clothes and a meal if things were looking that bleak. 

This song is creepy, because the narrator tells us every last detail about the encounter from the kid being dirty, to his life story, and even that he tried to buy pricey shoes with pennies. Pennies, people! And then he snoops in on the kid's conversation with the cashier and hears about the dying mother and the possibility of meeting Jesus tonight and good lawd! Hey, snoopy McSnooperson how 'bout you mind your own beeswax? Due to the creep factor and the despair of this song this had to be number one on the list. 

What do you think? What are your favorite Christmas songs? What songs are just the worst? 

A Few of My Favorite Things...

If you’re still unsure of what to ask Santa for, here is a list of some of my favorite things. Consider it a little holiday inspiration, my friends! I’ve scoured the internet for some gifts any girl would be ecstatic to find under the tree on Christmas morning! Happy Holidays!

Can we talk about how excited I am about neck chokers?

 1. Brandy Melville Black Buckle Choker/Bracelet, $5

2. Anthropologie Camera Strap, $78 - $168

3. Kate Hudson Fabletics,

CAMACAN CAPRI VIP: $35.95 Regular: $44.95

NORA JACKET VIP: $39.95 Regular: $49.95

4. Lomo' Instant Camera And Lens $149 at Anthropologie.com

Here are some of my FAVORITE beauty staples!

1.     Living Proof Style Lab

2.     Viktor and Rolph Flower Bomb Holiday Set $120.00

3.     LUSH Vanishing Cream $42.95

4.     Fresh Sugar lip tint $22.50 sephora

Yes. Everyone Needs  a Britney Spears prayer candle.

1.     Britney Spears Prayer Candle by Idol Worship on Etsy $17.95

2.     “Yes Please” by Amy Poehler $12.99 kindle Book

3.     Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneaker – Womens on DSW.com $44.95

4.     Aromatherapy Diffuser - Professional Grade (Orbis Nox Merus) Amazon.com $99.99

Holiday Party Attire on a Budget 101

I love Christmas parties! But I always struggle with what to wear. There are so many moving parts to getting ready for holiday party. What should I wear? How much can I spend without feeling guilty? I want to dress cute in sparkly, T-Swizzle type stuff, but I also don’t want to be uncomfortable and spend half the night pulling and straightening, not to mention freezing. What’s a girl to do?

I spent most of the day of the party finishing up Christmas shopping, but I’d decided what I was going to wear the night before the party. This would be my number one tip for keeping holiday parties low stress! Plan what you want to wear at least the day before your party. You’ll want to see how things look without having the pressure of time constraints. 

Make sure to hang up items 

to work out wrinkles!

 After hours of trying things on the night before my party I decided on a black, A-Line, tulle skirt. I was so excited about this skirt, This was the first occasion I had to wear this little skirt. I found it over the summer at the Goodwill, guys! And the best part was I only dropped $3 on it! That's less than a burrito. I highly suggest checking out your local thrift shops, especially this time of year. Everyone is getting rid of clothing so that they can make room for the new clothing they'll be receiving as Christmas presents. There are tons of gems to be found!  I decided to pair it with a cropped, sequin top and a knitted cardigan. I'd like to say that I was brave enough to rock this ensemble with the cardigan open, but i chickened out. 

The day of the party i laid out the nail polish I wanted to use. I have to confess I am the worst at keeping my nails. My nails are in a pretty consistent state of chipping and peeling. But, for special occasions I can manage to pull It together. Here are the products I used. 

Wet and Wild 205B Sugar Coat; Julie Little Fairy; 

Essie Sleek Stick 120 A to Zebra

Here's how I saved money on this front. Are you sitting down, because You're going to think I'm yanking your chain? I found the essie sleek sticks at The Dollar Tree...As in I bought them for $1. Isn't that amazing? I hit the jackpot when I found these babies and was able to snag several different designs. I decided to go with the black zebra print tonight, I thought it would pair nicely with a soft pink manicure. I bought the Wet and Wild at the Drugstore for $2.99 and the sparkly nail polish I received as a gift. So in total I pulled off a festive, and feminine manicure for about $3. 

Make-up time!

Once you're clothes, nails, make-up, and hair are on point it's time to head to the party! Yay! You made it! 

The pastry table at the Christmas party! Yummy!

  Behold what was awaiting me! This vision instantly made me feel glad that I'd wore my cardigan buttoned up. If you'll notice in the top right corner there's a cake. It's rum cake. Rum cake is my new favorite cake. It's safe to say that I ate... several slices of Rum Cake.

How festive are all the decorations!?

The best part of holiday parties is getting to spend time with the people you love! So try not to stress out too much! You're friends and family are just looking forward to seeing you! Have a great time!

Have a great time with the people you love!

Do you have any tips for saving money and stress when getting ready for a holiday party?

10 Christmas Movies You Can Actually Get Your Guy To Watch

‘Tis the season once again! There’s a chill in the air and the days are shorter; perfect for cozying up under lots of blankets, ordering a pizza, and watching some feel-good Christmas movies! I know what you’re thinking. It’s hard to get dudes to settle in and watch something that isn’t their pick. So I’ve researched some seasonal gems and listed the reasons you can get him to watch!  *also, I’d like to preface this by saying, I love john candy. If you do not, this may not be the list for you, also we took a vote and you don’t get to celebrate Christmas anymore!

10. go

Let’s be honest, you only remember Katie holmes from this movie; actually there are other actors, sara polley, jay mohr

This may not be the first movie that comes to mind when you think of a “holiday classic.” Me either. But this dark comedy follows young, supermarket employees over the 24 hours leading up to Christmas. Guys like crime comedies, right? This movie is pouty, pre-tom cruise, Katie holmes at her best. Remember when you wanted to be her, if for no other reason than just to make out with pacey on dawson’s creek? Excuse me while I dream about Joshua Jackson for a moment.…

9.  bad santa

Billy bob thorton, lauren graham, Bernie mac, john ritter

It doesn’t get more guy oriented than this movie. It’s kind of the anti-christmas, Christmas movie. I see this one as a warm up for working your way to the real Christmas classics! He’ll like it because it has Bernie mac. Use that as your selling point.

8. planes, trains, and automobiles

Steve martin and john candy

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles trailer

With lines like, “If I wanted a joke I’d follow you into the john and watch you take a leak” and steve martin’s glorious rant to the car rental clerk, this is not your run of the mill holiday movie. If the hustle and bustle of the holidays has you somewhat jaded and you need something you can actually relate to, you’ve found a gem.

7. national lampoon’s Christmas vacation

Chevy chase, randy quaid, Beverly d’angelo

A beloved classic. It shouldn’t take too much convincing. At least it doesn’t for my guy. He’s always had a crush on Julia Louis-dryfus. It’ll be sure to gear you up for the holiday madness and is particularly recommended if you’re dreading that overwhelming feeling of chaos when you go home for the holidays.

6. gremlins

Zach galligan, phoebe cates, howie mandel

GREMLINS trailer

*nostalgia alert* honestly, this movie came out before my time and I never took the time to watch it until my guy had me sit down and give it a chance. I love this movie and I promise you and your fella will too.

5. love actually

Hugh grant, keira knightly, liam neeson, colin firth, martin freeman, mr. bean, rick from the walking dead; pre-walking dead, obviously,, the grey matter guy from breaking bad

Honest Trailers - Love Actually

Some may argue that this is a “chick flick” or that this was the predecessor that spawned all of those terrible, second rate holiday, movies that boast all star casts and still stink like week old garbage. I would have to agree with those statements; however, this one is actually worth watching. Maybe it’s the honesty of saying out loud that the season can still be enjoyable, even if the circumstances are less than desirable ( See Dead wife, language barrier between yourself and love interest, being in love you’re your best friend’s wife, cheating husband, etc,). if you would like to get your guy interested in this one let him know rick, from “the walking dead” is in it, except he’s carl. And also the grey matter guy from “Breaking Bad.: that has to win it some cool points, right? Or at the very least get him to watch it once. Ohh and tell him kiera knightly is in it, too! That could help.

4. it’s a wonderful life

Jimmy stewart, donna reed, lionel Barrymore

The Onion Looks Back on It's A Wonderful Life

Who knew a movie based around suicide could be so damn inspirational? Peter k. Rosenthal, from the onion, sums it up pretty well in this clip. Although, in Uncle billy’s defense I don’t think it’s too far fetched that he has dementia, still you’ll cringe every time you watch that old man walk into the bank.

3. a Christmas story

Peter billingsley, ian petrella, jean shepherd

Buzzfeed; Change the Way You Watch A Christmas Story

this. Movie. Is. Christmas. It just is. It transcends generations. It manages to be relatable, even though I don’t know anyone who’s parents insist they wear a hideous bunny costume. I was creeped out by the mall santa, as I’m sure we all have been. This movie shouldn’t be a tough sell. Just get the cocoa, popcorn, and blankets ready.

2. elf

Will Ferrell, zoeey deschanel

2 words: zooey deschanel. That should be enough for your guy, right? And if that’s not enough tell him the alternative is buddy the elf’s to do list, above.

1.      home alone

mccauley culkin, joe pesci, Daniel stern, and cameo by john candy, obvi.

Guys! I have shared a pretty spectacular drinking game with you. This has to get that special fella in your life excited about home alone. At our house, this has become a holiday tradition that my fiance actually looks forward to... For real. I’ll pause and let you take that in. I just stock up on our favorite ipa/liquor and get the snacks ready. He even doesn’t mind when I blurt out,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NAg_Fi_q-8

 “look what ‘cha did ya little jerk!” nothing says merry Christmas like that line, huh?

ssssssssss

WCA what christmas 

movies have become 

part of your traditions?OPQW