What I got for Christmas 2012

Today I decided to show you guys what I got for Christmas. Time for the Disclaimer: I'm not bragging, I'm just really excited about everything and wanted to show you guys, if you don't like these kinds of posts then that's your issue, personally I love reading/watching these kinds of things, and since there are a lot of them out there I figured I'm not the onliest one (I've been watching loads of Rugrats on Netflix with my son).

This isn't everything I got but it is like 90% of it. I'm super happy and super grateful for everything that I got. 

 From my parents I got the Deborah Lippmann She's Always A Woman which has My Prerogative, Putty In Your Hands and Raspberry Beret and a Harry Potter Tee Shirt. I've already had to wash the shirt twice I've worn it so much. My little brother bought me my two childhood favorite movies on DVD, which I'm really excited to watch. From my sister I got a spangly pen that has a lid that screws on instead of clicks which is awesome because I've been looking for a pen that I don't have to worry about in my purse, and an m&m's ornament (not pictured). My grandmother got me a Mulled Cider Candle set that smells amazing.  And last but not least from members of my family my aunt Heather gave me a pumpkin cinnamon lotion from bath and body works that smells absolutely amazing.

My best friend O gave me the Harry Potter Boxed set that has all 8 movies, which I am insanely excited about because I haven't even seen the last 2 yet. So I'm crazy excited to watch them all! Now I don't have to rely on ABC Family for my The Harry Potter Weekends!

My son gave me a lovely necklace that has a heart and a key on it, and spiced Pumpkin Latte Philosophy Soap, he also gave me a fake rose (not pictured) because I love them but am allergic to real ones and the snuggliest socks ever (also not pictured).

Then from my Husband I got the Red Pajamas and Slippers, which per our tradtion he gave to me on Christmas Eve, the Victoria Secret Tote and perfume, lipgloss, lotion that was the promo this year, Lancôme's Flirty Red, a bunch of mini hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works. He also gave me the best smelling candles from Bath and Body Works, London Calling which smells like tea and lemon and I may never burn it because it smells so good, and Moroccan Market which smells spicy and smokey. He also gave me Lancôme's Holiday Beauty Set the Champagne version I'll insert a picture of everything at the end. And for my Big Present he got me an iPad and Kate Spade case for it which I'm absolutely in love with, and that is a big reason why this post is late. I've spent way to many hours playing the Brave version of Temple Run and Tiny Tower. I'm a bit ashamed that I've only been playing it again (I had it on my phone until it crashed and wouldn't work again) for 3 days and I'm already to floor 17.

Inside the Lancôme gift set:

 It has 3 eye shadows, 2 lipsticks, 2 lip glosses, eyeliner, 2 brushes, eye makeup remover, mascara, and a small Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum.  

I jused it for my makeup look on my husbands birthday and I'm absolutely in love.


That's roughly everything I got for Christmas, and if you got me something and it's not pictured or mentioned it just means I already put it way or to use, and I promise I'm just as grateful and thankful for that item as I am everything else I received.

On January first I'll be starting a new project on my blog that I've mentioned I thought about before and am very excited for so come back then to see what that is. I hope you had a lovely Christmas and have a Safe but Fun New Years, and I'll see you next year!

Snowed in

Today is the perfect day, it's blustery and snowy outside and I'm all bundled up inside with a backlog of YouTube videos to watch on my iPad and the snuggliest snowman blanket ever made. I had planned to go out, but due to the weather, I'm going to stay home and build a snowman with my munchkin when there's enough snow.

I'm definitely an indoor kind of person, but a storm of any type gets me excited. Mostly i like to stay inside and watch out my window, but I'm game for a romantic walk through the snow or a busy fun day sledging and snowman building. So even though we're sort of snowed in today, I don't mind it at all. I didn't have anywhere important to be so I think it's a perfect way to spend the day. As I'm sure you know because I've mentioned it before I love bundling up and being cozy and snug in a sweater and boots. And since its the perfect sort of blustery day, I was thinking if the Internet were my closet what would I wear today?

I would definitely start with this sweater and these jeans from Topshop, then I'm still completely obsessed with the frequency flecked cowl from Anthropologie. Of course I'd need this coat from Superdry and I'm really in love with these gloves from Kate Spade. For boots it's obviously these red hunter boots with cream wellie socks, did you expect anything else? To top it all of I'd have to go with a hat from Superdry (you see what I did there don't ya), really Superdry do the best hats.

Actually I'm so in love with that coat that I plan on buying it this spring. I always do  my big winter purchases in spring and summer. It gives me time to get it fitted if it needs it, and keeps me from shopping out of desperation. Desperation shopping is the worst because you usually end up spending way to much on something you don't love.

If the Internet were your closet what would you wear today? I know this post is super short but I'm still technically on my mini break. I told you I couldn't stay away. Next post will be my what I got for Christmas post, I plan on taking the pictures tomorrow.

Bonus blogmas: Christmas Day

I know Blogmas was meant to end on Christmas Eve, but since the posts for the past 2 days have been so short, I decided to throw in a bonus post.

I'm typing this out from my new iPad, which I'm super excited about. My husband got it for me so I could FaceTime with a close friend who unfortunately lives super far away (T and I miss you too much O!). Which I did as soon as she alerted me that she was up and about this morning. It was so good to see her, I can't even tell you how much. Seriously this is the best Christmas present ever. Followed closely with the gift I got from O which is the complete years 1-7 Harry Potter DVDs, and my parents got me a Harry Potter tee shirt which I totally plan to wear with leggings while watching the movies. Lame I know but I adore the movies, the books, and the merchandise.

I'll probably do a what I got for Christmas post soon, but I won't promise it before the new year. I'm definitely going to be taking a few days off, and just hang out playing games and watching movies. Of course now that I said that, I'll probably be back with a lengthy post soon.

Today was pretty perfect. since we did both family parties yesterday, we stayed in our christmas pjs all day (mine are of course Victoria's Secret), had chili for dinner, and now were going to watch some Christmas specials. I hope you are all having a happy Christmas and that you spent these past few days with the people you love.

Blogmas Day 24: Happy Christmas

This post is just barely making it up but it counts because it's still christmas eve for 3 more hours in California.

I'm wearing my Christmas Eve PJ's. and am heading off to bed! Goodnight, I hope Santa brings you wonderful things

Blogmas Day 23: It's Christmas Eve Eve

You know you've reached Christmas overload when you're family is fine with you blaring Call Me Maybe just because it's not Christmas Music.

Personally I'm very excited for Christmas. We have 2 parties to go to, with a wardrobe change in between and then a relaxed Christmas Day at home. I'm not sure when tomorrow's post will go up, but there will be one.

I finished my wrapping last night, and I only have a couple pies to make, so I'm going to spend the day being lazy and watching Christmas movies with my family.

Blogmas Day 22: Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer.

For Blogmas Day 22 I decided to to a review on the concealer I'm currently using. For those of you that haven't read my skin story here, I had really bad acne. That caused lots of hyper pigmentation, which can be very hard to cover up. My skin is much better now thanks to my current skin care routine most of which is from the Liz Earle Range. My scarring even seems to be going away, slowly but it's still disappearing.

Since it's still not completely gone, and when you factor in the random blemish that everyone gets, I still need a concealer. So when I ran out of my Chanel one, I decided to try something new since that one was oxidizing on my face. I think it was reacting with my Urban Decay setting spray, but as nice as the Chanel concealer was, I can't use powder, so the setting spray is all I have to set my makeup. So I went to Sephora and found the one guy that works there and asked him for his help.

Side note: I prefer the guys that work at Sephora because they always seem more helpful.

He recommended the Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof  Concealer, so I bought it. After being color matched and seeing it's coverage that is.

I've used it for a little over a month now and I adore it. I've hardly used any of the product, but a little bit goes a long way.

 I've taken some before and after shots of freckles on my arm to show you it's coverage. I know it doesn't match on my arm but it does exactly on my face.

Before:

 You can see two freckles next to each other, and then

After:

One of them has disappeared!

 This concealer doesn't bother my skin either. It actually seems to help clear it up any blemishes I have, which I've heard is a benefit of Amazonian Clay.


I think the proof is in the pictures though so I'm going to leave it at that. I definitely recommend this concealer though if you're in the market for a new one.

Blogmas Day 21: Favorite Christmas Songs

For Blogmas Day 21 I'm going to post my favorite songs for Christmas Time. Not only do I have favorites but since the songs tend to get redone I have favorite versions. These aren't in any particular order, just as I thought of them


1) I'm getting nothin' for Christmas - Stan Freberg
2) Christmas Don't Be Late - The Chipmunks
3) All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey
4) My Only Wish This Year - Britney Spears
5) Christmas Means To Me - Hanson
6) The 12 Pains of Christmas - Bob Rivers
7) Rockin Around The Christmas Tree - Miley Cyrus 
8) Santa Baby - Madonna
9) You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch
10) Sleigh Ride - Hilary Duff

It's 3 days til Christmas Eve and I'm all ready, all my gifts are bought, and I'm wrapping up in chunks each night, and I'm super excited! These songs definitely have me in the Holiday Spirit and I'm going to be so sad when New Years Eve Passes and the Holiday Season is officially over.

We finally got some snow last night but while we were promised snow all night, it only ended up being less than an inch which I don't think will stick around long enough for Christmas. The last white Christmas I can remember having was 4 years ago when my son was 2.

Either way I'm super excited for Christmas and Family and Present exchanges. I think tomorrow's post might be about wrapping

Blogmas Day 20: Favorite Winter Polishes

Yay! It's Blogmas Day 20, 4 days until Christmas and it's meant to snow tonight! I can only hope it snows enough to stay til Monday.

For today's post I decided to show my favorite winter polishes. I know most people change their nails seasonally, but I tend to change mine by holiday. Pinks and purples for Valentines, Pastels for Easter, Blues and Red's for Patriotic Holidays, Murky dark colors for Halloween, Red and Green and Gold for Christmas, and Blues and Silvers for New Years.

This post is focusing on my favorite polishes that I wear from the Holiday Season until it's time for me to start wearing my Valentines Polishes. Which I admittedly make a bigger deal out of Valentines than I should but what can I say I love, love.

First Up are the Reds:

From Left to Right: China Glaze - Ruby Deer, OPI - An Affair In Red Square, OPI - Vodka and Caviar, OPI - Malaga Wine
These are my absolute favorite reds and all of them are blue toned, and work well with anything. They all sort of fall in the classic red's category.

Next are the Blues:

 

From Left to Right: OPI - Into The Night, China Glaze - Blue Years Eve, Sephora by OPI - Opening Night, Essie - Midnight Cami

These are all dark blues, and really similar in color. Blue Years Eve is the brightest though, and Midnight Cami can look Black on the nails in bad lighting.

The next pictures are all sort of mixed because I only had a few of each color.

So we have gold tones and purples:

 

 Left to Right: OPI - Golden Eye, OPI - Warm and Fozzie, China Glaze - Sugarplums, OPI - Lincoln Park After Dark

Warm and Fozzie which was in the Muppets collection is my favorite of this grouping, it's a solid fine glittery color that's a bit of a chameleon, not really a duochrome but definitely reflective. Sugerplums is my close second because it has holo glitter in it that just seems to twinkle in the light.

Then we have Green's and some Glitters:

Left to Right: China Glaze - Snow Globe, China Glaze - Tinsel Town, China Glaze - Mistletoe Kisses, China Glaze - Jolly Holly

Honestly these are my least worn of my winter colors, they do get some love but not as much as they should. I'll be coming back to these though.

My favorite Winter Glitters:

Left to Right: China Glaze - Party Hearty, Sephora by OPI - Only Gold For Me, Deborah Lippmann - Across The Universe, Deborah Lippmann - Happy Birthday

These are my absolute favorite glitters, and Happy Birthday may actually be my favorite Glitter ever. I am so glad I bought this it deserves all of the hype that it gets. The only one of these polishes I  wear on it's own is Across The Universe, though sometimes I just use one coat over the blues. The rest of them get layered with the other polishes in some sort of design.

Finally I have two polishes that are sort of one offs and I couldn't really fit them into any groups:

Left to Right: Essie - Turquoise and Caicos and Lancome Vernis In Love Noir Caviar.

I love the Essie polish because it's a Tiffany Blue and come winter time I always think of Tiffany's, who doesn't love those little blue boxes with the pretty bows on top. I don't wear it often during the holdiays but when I need a brighter color to perk me up, this is usually the polish I reach for. It still feels wintry to me, but it plenty bright to chase away my winter blues, and spring and summer. I think the only time I don't wear this polish is in the Fall.

The Lancome polish is just an absolute dream, I adore it. You can get away with just coat, and it's a smooth creamy dark grey with amazing staying power.

 I mentioned yesterday that I'd show you how I do a crescent of glitter at the bottom of my nails, and said I'd probably use red. I didn't, I decided to use Jolly Holly with Mistletoe Kisses and I really love the tonal look. This may be my new favorite way of wearing them.

What are your favorite winter polishes?

Blogmas Day 19: Hot Cocoa and Nail Polish

It's Blogmas Day 19 and I'm still sick! Which is terrible because according to Norad, Santa leaves the North Pole in 4 Days. For those of you doing the math on that one if you'll remember the international date line and that China is a full day ahead of us then the math is correct. Anyways I've been spending a lot of time curled up with Cocoa, watching Christmas movies, and whining about how awful I feel.

Isn't my cocoa so pretty? I topped it with Cool Whip and a ton of mini marshmellows. I thought it was so pretty sitting there that I had to take a picture.


I  also took a picture of what I had on my nails the other day when I did my lip swatches for day 17

Normally I'm not a big fan of pastel's for winter, but I've had some variation of Red and glitter or dark grey on my nails since Thanksgiving. Since I wanted to shake things up a bit I went for Mint and Glitter, and as you can see there is Red Glitter in that bottle. I know I was trying to branch out, but it is the Christmas Season.  I used 2 coats of Essie's Mint Candy Apple and then I did a crescent moon of the glitter and then used what was left on the brush to dot glitter all over the nail. I plan to do my nails this way for my family's Christmas Party but most likely with An Affair in Red Square by OPI instead of mint.

I had hoped to get Lancome's Flirty Red to wear for Christmas, but when I went to get it they were sold out or something because I didn't get it. I do love an Affair in Red Square though and I bought it last year with Sephora by OPI's Only Gold For Me when Red nails with Gold Glitter tips was the thing that everyone loved.

I haven't done that combo yet this year and I might but I quite like doing the crescent of glitter instead of the tips. I'll paint my nails that tonight and if I can get a good picture I'll add into tomorrow's post.

Tomorrow's post may actually be on all my favorite winter polish's since I haven't done one yet, and I do have a lot of polishes.

Blogmas Day 18: Top Ten Favorite Christmas Movies

Blogmas Day 18's post is about my favorite Christmas movies. The 18th of December is usually when I have my Christmas Breakdown. I usually have a bit of shopping left to do, a package that hasn't come yet and all the wrapping left to do.

So instead of focusing on that, I'm going to talk about my favorite Christmas Movies. The ones that I watch year after year, and could watch a billion times. I'm just going to do them countdown style. One of them is pretty new, I just saw it in theaters but I loved it.

10) Rudolph
9) Frosty the Snowman
8) Casper's Haunted Christmas
7) Leprechauns' Christmas Gold
6) Holiday In Handcuffs
5)Nightmare Before Christmas
4) Rise of The Guardians
3) Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
2) The Holiday
1) The Grinch the Animated one




Most of these are old classics, and I do believe that Nightmare Before Christmas is older than I am, but I love it.


What are your favorite Christmas movies tell me in the comments below

Blogmas Day 17: What's in the Sushi Pouch or Lip Gloss Overload

Blogmas Day 17 is a continuation of yesterdays post. What's in my Sushi Pouch?

I got this off of amazon and I kinda really love it. It makes me super happy every time I see it in my bag which is often, because it's just so silly.


Inside my Sushi Pouch I have all my most used lip products:

From left to right they are: Jouer gloss in Birchbox Pink, Tarte Lipsurgance in Joy, Vapour Elixir Gloss in Enigma, Lancome Juicy Tube in Coral Rush (Similar), Beauty Rush lipgloss in Cherry Bomb(New Packaging), Chanel Glossimer in #60 Satinette (Similar), Liplicious lip gloss in Strawberry Meringue (Similar), C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine in Cinnamint, Dermatologica Clean Start Smart Mouth Lip Shine in Original, Liz Earle Superbalm.

 The bottom row is: Covergirl Lip Perfection in #305 Hot, Lancome Rouge In Love #156B Madame Tulip, Lancome Rouge In Love #128M Ever So Sweet, Urban Decay De Slick Shine Control Setting Spray (Similar) and my Travelo filled with Burberry Brit for women.

I've swatched all the lip products that don't go on clear.

First is Lipglosses:

From Left to Right: Jouer Lipgloss in Birchbox Pink, Vapour Lipgloss in Enigma, Lancome Juicy Tube in Coral Rush, Beauty Rush Gloss in Cherry Bomb, Chanel Glossimer in #60 Satinette.

Then Lipsticks/Stains:

Tarte Lipsurgence in Joy, Lancome Rouge In Love in #128M Ever So Sweet, Lancome Rouge in Love #156B in Madame Tulipe, Covergirl Lip Perfection in #305 Hot.

As you can see I clearly have a lip product problem. I can't help it, sometimes I start out the day wearing one color, and then decide midday I want to use a different one, I'm just super indecisive.  The only time I commit to a color all day is if I'm using one of the lipsticks because I like ones that stay put. These are definitely my most used favorites and I keep them with me so if I do decide to change the one I'm wearing I have what I want on hand.


What are your most used lippies?

Blogmas Day 16: What's in my Handbag

This post is going up a bit late today because I'm still ill, and since it's Sunday, I've been quite lazy.  I did decide to take some photos of what's in my handbag the other day so that's what today's post is about.

My Bag is from Baghaus and it was a birthday present last year so I'm pretty sure they don't sell it any more but it's by Urban Expressions. It has 2 large zipper compartments, and one in the front under the buckles, 2 little pockets on the inside of the front large compartment, a zipper one in the back large compartment, and 2 side pockets that snap.

The larger items I keep in my bag are my Keep Calm and Carry On blog book from Barnes and Noble and Moleskin Pen, Kenneth Cole Reaction Wallet (Similar), Sushi Makeup pouch, Kate Spade Glasses, Nook Simple Touch with Kate Spade cover (sold out but they still have Jack Spade Covers) and my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Band aid box.

A close up of the little things you can't see:

Lancome Hand lotion (free gift with purchase), Liz Earle Hand Repair, Thymes Eucalyptus body lotion from a birchbox, OPI Black Onyx, Mirror that was a Christmas Gift from a friend, 2 halloween Bath and Body Works PocketBacs , and a neat square hand Sanitizer my husband brought me home from work, ring from ColorMe.com (which now seems to be defunct) and Earrings from Charlotte Russe.

I hate being anywhere without something to read and since my phone isn't nook app friendly (not enough space!) I keep my nook with me. The glasses are for reading only, and I absolutely adore them. They're black on the outside and have pink polka dots on the inside. I think the blog book is self explanatory. If it's not, there's a post explaining it here. The band aid box is a relic from when my husband and I started dating, I cut my finger while we were out and he bought me ninja turtle band aid's because nothing soothes a paper cut like Michelangelo.  The wallet I got for Mother's Day from my husband because I hated the one I had more about that here. The Nail Polish is just random, thrown in when I meant to paint my nails at a friends house but ended up being to busy to. The Pocketbacs should be obvious. The Jewelry I had on one day and it was getting on my nerves so I tossed them in my purse. Which brings us to the lotions. I'm a knitter, and if you don't keep your hands moisturized you can get calluses which I don't want so I've got lots of lotions stashed everywhere.

I'm actually going to be doing a post on what is in my Sushi pouch tomorrow because I don't want this post to get too long or too link happy.  If you're wondering where all my makeup-y things are, I'll give you until tomorrow to guess.

Blogmas Day 15: The one where I'm nerdy

Wow it's day 15 of Blogmas already! I wish I could muster up more enthusiasm than that, but I'm still quite sick and now to top it off I'm not sleeping either, and I'm definitely feeling it. Disclaimer: this post isn't actually that nerdy, but it is nerdier than anything else you'll read on here. It's just what I'm thinking about right this moment.

Since I mentioned Space in yesterday's post I've had the Space Sphere from Portal 2's quotes stuck in my head. If you haven't heard all his sayings you can listen to them here.  He's actually not my favorite sphere, but he's funny enough. I do love the "I'm the best at space" quote though.

My favorite Sphere is the Fact Sphere. It's hilarious to listen to, which if you haven't you can here. I adore all of his quotes. Every time I listen I have a new favorite, but I always love "The square root of rope is string", "Human's can survive underwater but not for very long" and finally "The Schrodinger's Cat Paradox outlines a situation, in which for all intents and purposes a cat must both be considered simultaneously alive and dead. Schrodinger created this paradox as a justification for killing cats".

I actually don't play games that much though, I've played a few, but mostly no. I haven't even played Portal on my own. I sat down next to my husband and helped him figure out the hard bits when we first got it and that's it. I grew up around video games though, and my husband quite likes them as well, so I'm sort of a fan through osmosis. Though I am a huge fan of both Costume Quest and Lunar, The Silver Star.  Honestly, I can count the games I've played through on one hand. I'm almost done with the first fable, but I never finished it because I got bored.

While I'm still on this nerdy vain have you seen the movie The Watch yet? Some of it was a bit gross being that it was about aliens, but mostly it was freaking hilarious. I'll admit I only wanted to watch the movie because it had Richard Ayoade in it. If you don't know who he is I seriously recommend watching IT Crowd on Netflix. I've watched every season of that show repeatedly and it's just as hilarious as the first time I watched it. It's extremely funny and quotable. I seriously love that show, and as a result have watched many dubious things just because they had either Richard Ayoade or Chris O'Dowd in them.

Actually thanks to my obsession with watching dubious things (Crimson Petal and the White scarred me for life!) because of the IT Crowd's actors, I only know what an actual real life hedgehog looks like because of Bridesmaids. Before that my only exposure was Sonic The Hedgehog. (Explains so much doesn't it Mrs. Cannady?)

Blogmas Day 14: Newtown, Connecticut

Blogmas Day 14: Today's post is a sad post. These will be extremely rare here because I like to focus on happier things. This is not the post I had for today. That one will be up tomorrow. There was a school shooting in a Newtown Connecticut Elementary School today. These keep happening and yet each time I can't wrap my head around it. It's really quite horrific. Just thinking about what those families must be going through in the aftermath breaks my heart. This is just terrifying to even think about.

I kept my son home from school today because we're both ill, but now I'm glad I did. I know I don't live near that area (several states away actually) but I would have been a mess if he were in school.

If there are any relief efforts being organized or any places raising money for these families please let me know in the comments. I'll edit in whatever I hear about.

I know I can't makes this better for anyone suffering right now, but I am here to talk if anyone needs it. Other than that all I can advise is hugging your loved ones tight, have ice cream for dinner, and if you can, turn the news off and watch the happiest movie with your family that you can.

I'm going to go curl up with my son and watch the Winnie the Pooh movie.

Blogmas Day 13: Soup and a Ramble

I've been really sick for the past few days with various symptoms that have made me feel generally yucky, but today it's culminated into a full on cold. So I've mostly spent the day drifting in and out of sleep on my couch and reading Aunt Dimity books on my nook. Now I'm curled up in my favorite pink blanket, and about to have my favorite soup.

That soup is Campbell's 100% Natural New England Style Beef Pot Roast. That's an exceptionally long name for soup, but it's my absolute favorite. Whenever it's in stock I buy as many cans of it as I can to keep stocked up on it.  I'm also pretty found of that bowl, it sort of makes me exceptionally happy. A bit silly yes, but when you're sick it's the little things. And  yes that is sitting on a Glossybox box, I've had the glossybox I won for a while and haven't gotten around to taking pictures and doing a review on it yet. I will soon, hopefully.

I promised I'd show you my tea pot and tea cups, I was going to wait until I had more tea cups, but due to Christmas I'm on a bit of a spending ban and it'll be a while before I buy another. I really do love my little blue tea pot, it makes me super happy and I feel cozy whenever I have a pot of tea brewed.

As I mentioned before the cups are from Anthropologie and the Tea Pot is made by a company called For Life. I usually drink some mixture of Early Grey Creme, Scarlett Cloud or Citrus Lavender Sage from Teavana. The book is also from Anthropologie, I bought it around Valentines Day last year. I thought it looked really cute and it matches the theme of that shelf.

There were flurries the other night, but none of it stuck so we still don't have any actual snow.  Since it was errands night, I did get to see the "hyper drive" snow. I didn't have any gloves with me and it was really cold so I bought these.

 

I was a bit inspired by Zoella's panda mittens when I purchased these, but mostly because my nickname is ManaBear. I'm kinda in love with them because they're super snuggly and match everything. The tip of the thumb flips back so I can still use my phone. Also I've been running around all day with them on making  horrible "with my bear hands" jokes. My nails are not black by the way, I have on one coat of Essie's Midnight Cami and a coat of Deborah Lippmann's Across The Universe. Fun Fact: when I showed Across The Universe to my Husband he said I had to buy it because it had Universe in the title and it looked like space. He's a big fan of space and universe-y things.

It's Taylor Swift's birthday today and they're releasing the video for I knew you were trouble on MTV this afternoon so I'm sorta really excited about that. I hop I'm awake for it.

Well that's about it for today, my soup should be cool enough to eat now, so I'm going to eat that and maybe have another nap. 

Blogmas Day 12: Holly Jolly Holiday Tag: Mom and Dad's answers

Today's post is the same tag I did yesterday, but it's my parents answers. My mom was flipping through my blog book at lunch the other day and answered a few of the questions out loud, so I decided to ask them both all the questions and then post them after I did my answers. They also answered version 2 of this tag, and that will probably be posted in a few days.

I also plan on doing the sibling tag later in the month and if I can get them to answer the questions the best friend tag. Fun fact I actually filmed the best friend tag last year but it accidentally got deleted before I could upload it.


1. Favorite Christmas Movie
Mom: Scrooge the Musical
Dad: All

2. Naughty Or Nice List?
Mom: Nicely Naughty
Dad: The same

3. Show an Embarrassing Christmas Photo.
(Sorry no photo of my parents)

4.Ever had a White Christmas?
Mom:Yes
Dad: Yes

5. Where do you usually spend your holiday?
Mom: At Home
Dad: where ever my family is

6. Play or sing your favorite Christmas Song
Mom: Ballad of the Harp Weaver
Dad: Most of them

7. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
Mom: Some of them
Dad: Same

8. Name all of Santa's Reindeer.
Mom & Dad: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph

9. What Holiday Traditions are you most looking forward too?
Mom: Putting up the Tree
Dad: All of them

10. Is your tree Real or Fake?
Mom: Fake
Dad: we're not tree killers

11. Hands Down Favorite Holiday Food or Treat?
Mom: Pumpkin pie without the crust
Dad: Most of them

12. Be honest do you prefer giving or getting
Mom: Giving
Dad: Both

13.  What is your Tackiest Christmas Attire?
Mom: a Santa sweater that says "Ho Ho Ho"
Dad: None

14. Dream Place for the Holidays?
Mom: Christmas at home in the completely eco friendly house that we've built
Dad: Just with my family, I've been to Ireland and it was no different the only thing missing was my family

15. Special Holiday Recipe?
Mom: Date Nut Muffins
Dad: Lasagna

16. Are you a pro present wrapper?
Mom: As long as they're boxed
Dad: Yes

17. Memorable Holiday Moment?
Mom & Dad: Our Daughter Falling in the Tree (See I told you is was a tradition)

18. Truth about Santa?
Mom: He's Awesome
Dad: Ditto

19. Any New Years Eve Traditions?
Mom: Not to make any, seriously that's it
Dad: Same

20. What makes the Holiday Special?
Mom: Family, duh!
Dad: Family

My note on this: After 26 years of marriage they're the same damn person! Okay not really, I do know that my Dad is big on family, for years his background on his cell was a picture of us kids with the phrase "I love my family" at the top of it. Also he doesn't like to choose favorites of anything. My parents are huge on the Eco trend and sometimes I wonder how my parents ended up with such a consumerist for their oldest daughter?

Blogmas Day 11: Holly Jolly Holiday Tag

Blogmas Day 11 is going to be another Tag. My computer is still broken and I'm sick, but I did promise a post every day this week. I also had my parents answer this tag, so I'm going to put up my answers today and their answers tomorrow. Then I'll do the same with version 2.

If everything works out I'm going to have a super cool post next week.


1. Favorite Christmas Movie
A. The original animate Grinch. Bonus favorite part is when they dance with Jing Tinglers tied to their heels

2. Naughty Or Nice List?
A. Nice, or at least I tried

3. Show an Embarrassing Christmas Photo.
A. I don't have one. My family doesn't really take photos like that, though there are lots of our feet.

4.Ever had a White Christmas?
A. Yes, almost all of my Christmases have been white

5. Where do you usually spend your holiday?
A. My family on Christmas Eve, my Husband's Family on Christmas Day and home on early Christmas Morning

6. Play or sing your favorite Christmas Song
A.  Sleigh Ride, preferably Hillary Duff's version

7. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
A. Both

8. Name all of Santa's Reindeer.
A. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph

9. What Holiday Traditions are you most looking forward too?
A. Wrapping presents because it means Christmas is soon and that I'm done shopping

10. Is your tree Real or Fake?
A. Fake, they're less likely to burn down

11. Hands Down Favorite Holiday Food or Treat?
A. Eggnog for Treat, Chili or Lasagna for Food

12. Be honest do you prefer giving or getting
A. Both, I love getting presents but considering how much I usually buy I love to give too

13.  What is your Tackiest Christmas Attire?
A. Do Christmas Socks count? I have a ton of those.

14. Dream Place for the Holidays?
A. England, a very snowy place in England

15. Special Holiday Recipe?
A. Nope, sorry I don't have one

16. Are you a pro present wrapper?
A. Yes, I love wrapping presents

17. Memorable Holiday Moment?
A. The first Christmas my son was old enough to be excited about presents

18. Truth about Santa?
A. He gives you presents, what more truth is there?

19. Any New Years Eve Traditions?
A. No, I  never keep them so I stopped doing them

20. What makes the Holiday Special?
A. The way it feels, the cold and the snow and the lights and decorations and presents and being cozy with your family

Blogmas Day 10: The 12 Days of Blogmas Tag

Sunshine In Autumn sort of tagged me to do this tag since she tagged everyone doing blogmas, since she pointed out that she was originally tagged by Laura of Living in a made up world? I went to her blog post and copied the tag from their since Nadine said she changed it a bit.

Second note there will be a few more tags coming this week, my computer is still dead (we ordered a new monitor but when it came in it was the wrong one so we have to exchange it). But for a twist today I got my parents answers to the Holly Jolly Holiday Tags 1 and 2, and I'll be working on a special project with my dad to go up after chirstmas.

Lets save the rest of my babbling for another post and get into the tag



1) What are your favourite Christmas colours?
I like them all Red, Green, Gold, Silver, I especially like Red and Gold together and Silver and Gold

2) Do you stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas?
PJ's for present opening and then I like to dress up

3) Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
I open the ones from my side of the Family on Christmas Day, and then the ones from my husband on Christmas Morning

4) What do you like to do on your Christmas break?
My Christmas Break is actually defined by my son's now, but either way watch a lot of movies, wrap presents and play in the snow if there is any

5) Favourite Christmas smell?
Cinnamon, it's such a warm scent and I like warm everything

6) Favourite Christmas meal or treat?
My husband's family always makes Chili for Christmas Dinner and that's where we usually. But my dad makes an awesome Christmas Lasagna too

7) What are you doing for the holidays this year?
Other than going to the yearly family events, nothing

8) What's your favourite holiday drink?
Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks

9) Candy cane or Gingerbread men?
Candy Canes I actually really don't like Gingerbread

10) What is at the top of your list this Christmas?
The Hunter Original Short Gloss Boot in Pillar Box Red (I know, I know nearly every blog post has something about Hunter in it, there is a reason for that, it's because I am obsessed.) While it's at the top of my wishlist I'm honestly not expecting them, the are really expensive.

11) What is most important to you about the holidays?
The Traditions, such as we always go to my parents for Christmas Eve and my Husbands Family for Christmas Day, it's comforting pretty much knowing exactly what I'll be doing

12) When do you start getting excited about Christmas?
After my birthday, I'm not a big Thanksgiving fan

13) Do you still have advent calendars?
I didn't get a chocolate one this year, but I do have an Advent App on my phone

14) What do you eat for Christmas Dinner?
Chili usually, but it maybe different this year

15) Real or fake Christmas tree?
Fake, they're safer and less messy

16) What's your favourite holiday nail polish?
An Affair in Red Square with Sephora's Only Gold For Me topcoat, or Deborah Lippmann's Happy Birthday on top

17) Share your favourite winter accessory.
My Superdry Bobble Hat, it's so snuggly

18) If you could have one wish come true this year, what would it be?
For everything to go smoothly and for me to not get stressed about the little things, I'm happy as a clam until December 18th then I get insanely stressed out

19) What's your New Year's Resolution?
I don't do them, since I never can stick to them I don't want to feel like I've let myself down

20) What's your favourite winter candle scent?We don't have that many candles around the house but Pine or Fireplace. They didn't used to be, but my husband really likes them, so I bought him some last year and they just sort of grew on me. Or Home for The Holidays from Yankee Candle, it just smells Amazing

Blogmas Day 9: Liz Earle Skincare Haul/Review

For Blogmas Day 9, I have Skincare Haul. As you may know, because I did a whole post on my acne struggles here, I've had terrible skin for the past 3 years or so, but I've finally found a skincare routine that has it under control, and I couldn't be happier. I mentioned in the post about my skin that I was going to order the Liz Earle range to see how my skin would react. Well I had bought a trial size of the products and after just 2 weeks of use my skin cleared up so much I decided to take the chance on the full sizes of the products.

I'm so excited about all the products that I decided to do a review/haul, so below I have what I bought and then I'll talk about how I use the products.

First I purchased the Skincare Essentials Gift Set:

This Set includes a limited edition 150 ml Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, 200 ml Instant Boost Skin Tonic and a 50 ml Skin Repair Moisturizer in Dry/Sensitive and 2 Pure Muslin Cloths. I thought this was a really good value at $73.50 USD for the entire set.

Next I purchased some spare Muslin Cloths:

I got the 3x2 Pure Muslin Cloths for $15 USD. If you live in the UK you can pick up muslin cloths from Mothercare, but if you're in the States like I am you're a bit out of luck and literally the only other place I found them was from Amazon for an outrageous price.

Then since I needed to put my order over the $90 USD mark in order to qualify for the promotion they were having (and still are) I ordered a trial size of the Deep Cleansing Mask.

The Cleansing Mask comes with 2 sponges meant to be used to remove the mask. I haven't tried it yet but it smells nice. It was $9 USD and is 15 ml. I also received a trial size of the moisturizer which is also 15 ml as the complimentary gift with every order which is pictured on the left.


Since I reached the $90 USD mark I was sent the Gift For You set worth $48 USD:

This "Gift For You" set includes a 30 ml Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, 50 ml Instant Boost Skin Tonic, 15 ml Skin Repair Moisturizer, 15ml Hand Repair and a 5g Superbalm. I like having the trial sizes as they're perfect to travel with or for emergency use if I run out of a product before I can repurchase or it gets here since I have to order from the UK. The Hand Repair and the Superbalm were immediately chucked into my handbag, and both smell lovely.


About the Packaging: Okay first, how pretty is it? I love the shades of Blue and Mint for the products with the bright pop of Red on the Holiday packaging. Next to pink these shades of blue are my favorite colors. The bottles and tubes are all matte, and they feel really smooth and nice in your hand. It's easy to control how much  you get out and I haven't had any issues with messes yet. The full size of the cleanser is just absolutely lovely. It just makes me so happy, I adore it.

The Hot Cloth Cleanser is the most fun bit of this range for me. It's so different to anything I've used before and I've used Milk and Oil cleansers and everything in between. What makes this Cleanser so special is how you use it. I take one pump of the product and then on dry skin I dab it around my face like I would my morning foundation including a small dot of it on the center of each eyelid. Then you massage it into your skin saving your eye area for last (especially if you're wearing mascara as there is a panda eyes issue.). Once you've spread it evenly all over your face, you take the muslin cloth and run it under a hand hot tap and gently wring it out. Then you wipe your face in small circular motions with the cloth. I do this in sections on my face, rinsing the cloth in between each section and saving my eye area for last. Then you use the toner and moisturizer like you would any other, but remember a little really does go a long way.


I am honestly so happy with this range and am so grateful to all the UK beauty bloggers that wrote about it, but especially to Zoella as it was her blog post and video on it that convinced me to get it since she seemed to describe the same skin issues I was having at the time I was looking into purchasing it. Bonus note: isn't her hair fabulous? I've got major envy over it currently and have decided to grow mine out since I've had shoulder length hair for the past 2 years.

I do use one other product in my skincare routine, but since it's not Liz Earle and I've been using it for a year so the package is all grubby I've decided not to include it in this post. I will be doing a Skincare routine video after I repurchase that product (soon it's almost out!)  and I'll post that here with all the details of the products then.

Blogmas Day 8: Top 8 all time favorite books

Since today is Saturday and I don't have anywhere to be and my computer is still dead, I'm going to spend the day snugged up in my coziest sweater and just read all day. I haven't decided what to read yet, but I'll probably read an old favorite.

I actually have a lot of "old favorites" when it comes to books. That doesn't mean I've loved every book I've ever read, some of them I've down right hated, but most of them I've liked and a few I've loved. Then there are the ones I've loved to their death, the ones I've had to repurchase because they fell apart. It's probably going to be one of those books I choose for today.

Below I've listed my all time favorite books. I've cheated a bit as 2 of the "books" are technically series, but since they're continuing the same storyline I count them as one story.

1. The Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary.

 I've loved this series since I was a child. I remember Ramona better than any other book character I've ever read, and if it weren't for her, I probably wouldn't love reading as much as I do. Also if it weren't for these books I wouldn't be so obsessed with Hunter boots, since it is Ramona that started my rain boot obsession.


2. Wait Til Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn.

 
 This was the book that got me into spooky stories. It's about a blended family who move into a renovated church and what happens to them afterwards, focusing mostly on the children and a ghost. It really is creepy, almost too creepy for children.

3. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury.

This book was a big part of my childhood. It's what started my love of Autumn and Halloween. I've read it so many times I know the opening lines by heart. It's another spooky book and it's what really cemented my love of the spooky, creepy, mystery type books.

4. My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews.

I remember my mother freaking out when she caught me reading this book in third grade. I believe she said it was too advanced for my age and that the book was going to give me nightmares. Actually by the time she'd caught me it was my second time reading it, and I hadn't had any nightmares at all.

5. The Aunt Dimity Series by Nancy Atherton.

Normally, I'll read a mystery series like this once and never touch them again so Iusually borrow from the library, but for some reason these were different. I adore everything about this series, I love where it's set and the characters and just everything. I own them all on nook except the newest one, and I'm working my way through buying the actual books. The Aunt Dimity Series is probably my all time favorite book series.

6. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

I bought this book because I saw it in one of Fleur de Force's videos and had never heard anything about it, but I thought it looked interesting and it was and now I love it. The is twisted It's been made into a film too but I haven't seen it yet.

7. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides.

I love this book. I saw the movie first, then I found out it was a book and just had to buy it. I've read it so many times, the story is so compelling. This particular copy of the book will always be special because it was the first piece of mail I ever got at the house where I live now.

8. P.S. I love you by Cecilia Ahern.

 I love all the books I've ever read by Cecilia Ahern but this one is the best. It's sad, and sweet and hopeful and it's probably the mot romantic of all my books. As you've noticed I tend to err towards books that are dark, and this one has it's moments but it's also probably the best love story I've ever read.


I've lost count of the times I've read these books, the words are so familiar now they're a comfort. I know you hear of books being like old friends, but it's a cliche for a reason. It's like walking down a familiar path, one that you can walk with your eyes closed, everything is just so and it will always be that way.

What are your favorite books? Not what ever is cool to be into right now, but your honest, loved to pieces, favorites?

Blogmas Day 7: Since we've no place to go

It's so not Christmas weather where I live right now. This actually makes me super sad because I love snow and ice. I love how fresh and new everything looks and how soft everything is when the snow is falling. I love the hush that just seems to fall over everything when snow falls in the middle of the night. I love great big gusty storms that when you're driving make you feel like the snow looks like hyper drive.


Instead of being blustery and snowy, it's in the 60's and Rainy. I love rain don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't feel right to me. I want to be bundling up in scarves and gloves and hats. I want to have to drag out my giant puffer coat and boot socks for under my Hunters, and sweaters and leggings under my jeans for warmth. I want to look out my window and see a glistening wonderland of snow and ice. I want to go outside and build a snow man and have enough snow for a fort. I want to come inside all rosy cheeked and curl up under a blanket with something hot to drink while I warm up to watch Christmas movies. Rain is fine for the other 3 seasons, and normally I'm staring out my window just hoping for rain, but come December 1st all I care about is snow, snow, snow.


I couldn't ever live in one of those places that doesn't have inclement weather, I'd be heartbroken everyday. I love the way the world changes when the weather changes. Without the frosty snow, the blooms of spring don't seem as triumphant, with out the drizzly, sloshy, muddiness of spring, summer's heat doesn't seem as welcome, if it's always summer then the leaves just seem out of place when they fall, and without the chill of autumns falling leaves, the snow just doesn't seem as pristine.


I've been spoiled by where I live.  Up until last winter we've always had 4 perfect seasons. It's been idyllic. Last winter we only really had one good snow, we basically skipped spring, and summer was blindingly hot. I don't know what's in store for this winter, but so far it looks like spring. I can only hope their will be snow.


My family hates snowy weather because it's dangerous to drive in, and people freak out and drive stupid when the roads are slick, and I agree, but they live in a different state from me, so I can have my snow and they can have their no snow. I never really have anywhere to be so I hold the opinion of "Since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"

Blogmas Day 6: Winterlicious Tag and bad news

First I'll get the bad news out of the way, well bad news for me anyway. My laptop is currently dead, the hard drive is dead, and the screen is cracked. It happened today by accident .

The good news is my husband is going to replace the screen and the hard drive so I'll have it back in a week or two. The other good news is that my laptop is not the only computer in the house so Blogmas will continue as regularly scheduled.


And speaking of Regularly scheduled I wanted to kick off my series of Tag posts with the Winterlicious Tag. I filmed a video of this as well and when I get that up I'll link it here.

1. What is your favorite Winter Nail Polish?
A. Lancome Noir Caviar, it's a lovely grey color and the formulation is amazing. It lasted 6 days with no chips, which I've never had from a nail polish before.

2. What is your favorite winter lip product?
A. Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Balm, this is definitely my most used lip product. the one I have is from a Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gift, but I adore it.

3.Most worn winter clothing piece?
A. I don't know if this really counts but my Duffle Coat from Delias, I hate being cold so a coat is definitely what I wear most. OR if that doesn't count then leggings, because I totally wear them under my jeans for added warmth.

4. Most worn winter accessory?
A. My bobble hat from Super Dry, I got it as a present last Christmas and I adore it, it's just so snuggly and warm

5. Favorite scent or winter candle?
A. Fireplace candle, you can get them anywhere from Walmart to Hallmark to  Yankee Candle. Fun fact, I used to hate this scent because I'd forget it was burning and try to figure out what was on fire. Now I think it's the coziest smell ever.

6. Favorite Winter Beverage.
A. Tea, hot tea all year round. Or Eggnog

7. Favorite Holiday Movie?
A. THE GRINCH. The original one, not the Jim Carey one, but the 30 minute animated one, I've watched it probably close to 200 or 300 times in my life (10 to 15 times a year, and I'm 26 years old)

8. Favorite Holiday Song?
A. Hilary Duff's Sleigh Ride. I don't know why that version but it's the one that makes me the happiest.

9. Favorite Holiday Food/Treat
A. My Aunt's Yogurt Pie

10. Favorite Holiday Decoration?
A. My Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus ornaments because they remind me of all the times we've taken our son to mail his Christmas Letters

11. Top of your Christmas Wishlist?
A. I covered this in a blog post already, and I'm sure you're all tired of hearing it but the Original Short Gloss Hunter Rainboots in Pillar Box Red.

12. Plans for the Holidays?
Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas morning at home and Christmas Afternoon at my husband's family's house.

Blogmas Day 5: Pretend Anthropologie Shopping Spree

Today's Blogmas doesn't actually have much to do with Christmas at all. It's in the spirit of this blog though, it's frivolous and it makes me happy.

Sometimes the shopping bug bites you and you have the uncontrollable urge to shop, and nothing except shopping will make it any better. I've been bit by the shopping bug, and it's driving me nothing short of crazy.

You'd think this was good news, being that it's Christmas Time, and it mostly is, except I'm almost done with my shopping, all out of money and have been bitten by the I have nothing to wear bug. Which means I've been spending my time online "shopping", and since shopping in quotations means your not actually buying anything, it also means you have no budget. Which means I've been "shopping" at Anthropologie. Surprisingly I've found some things I could definitely afford if I hadn't spent all my money on Christmas presents.

First there are the scarves, I love scarves and considering I just paid $39 for the yarn to knit one (I finished it but I might unknit it and make it wider and a bit shorter), I don't think the prices of these are outrageous. I'd probably wouldn't buy more than one at a time, but I'd be hardpressed to choose what I'd buy first. I think my absolute favorite it is a toss up between the Frequency Flecked Cowl and the Chunky Paisley Loop. These both look so snuggly and I could easily imagine them tossed on with a long sleeve tee, some skinny jeans and boots. I really like the texture in both of them but I think the Chunky Paisley Loop definitely has more character. I'm also a huge fans of the Verdant Violet Scarf the colors are amazing, and while the rich tones definitely make it cold season appropriate it looks lightweight enough to wear all year long. The last two scarfs I kinda fell in love with are the Shimmer-Dusted Loop and the Janpath Patchwork Scarf. The Shimmer-Dusted Loop looks like it would be the perfect touch to a frosty winter outfit, maybe the pop of color on top of a winter white coat. I love patchwork but I normally prefer it on blankets than rather than clothing. (I was not a fan of the patchwork jeans trend, especially not after Britney and Justin suited up in it) but for this scarf I'd make an exception.

Then I found a bunch of tops I love and would wear all of them to their deaths. The Nauticus Pocket Top in either Neutral Motif or Red Motif are gorgeous. I really love the details on the pocket, the flowers on the Neutral Motif top are perfect lead up to spring touch, and the Red Motif top's grey polka dotted top are adorable and so cute for year round wear. The Duo Colorblock Top in Mint Partitioned Bands Tee in grey both look really cozy and perfect for a lazy day. Though my favorite lazy day top I found is the Perpetual Wear Tee in orange, it looks like it would be perfect to toss on with leggings and to stay curled up inside with a book on a stormy day. Then a top that slightly out of my price range but I adore anyway is the Woven Borders Buttondown, I adore the mix of stripes and floral, it could easily be worn dressed up, untucked with jeans or under a sweater.

 I do believe you have to pay more for a good dress, but I would still probably try to wait and see if these two went on sale. First up is the Threaded Trails Swing Dress in Dark Grey, it's the perfect easy everyday dress that you can change up by adding a belt or tights and a cardigan and scarf. The other dress that I adore is the Eton Marble Dress in Neutral. I adore the floral print on the body, the shear top and sleeves and the bow sash. It really is the perfect dress for me and would be much loved and worn. While I prefer the Neutral Motif myself the Green Motif is pretty cute with the peacocks, though at first I thought it was some sort of watercolor tribal print at first.

The final clothing item I fell in love with is the Madeline Army Jacket. The Lace and floral fabric on the cuffs and pocket flaps are what absolutely make this jacket for me. Plus the cute bear pin and bit of lace through the button hole, but I have to say the absolute best part are the snail and the fish wearing stilettos on the front pockets which were done by Parisian artist Florence Balducci. It's definitely way out of my price range for now but it was too cute not to include.

Blogmas Day 4: Stocking Stuffers

For today's Blogmas post I'm writing about Stocking Stuffers. I already did a gift guides for him, for her and  for children, but more often than not people forget about stocking stuffers. I know I do, I either forget them or I put them off to the last minute. Sometimes it's hard to think of stuff that's little but will still fit in the stocking and is interesting.

So I compiled a list of things that I think will work overall for most people. This list is especially good if you've put off shopping for Stocking Stuffers until the last minute.


1. Nail Polish. Really it's the perfect stocking stuffer, I don't know many men that wear nail polish but there are nail polish lines for men. While it may not be the best for the men in your life, it would be absolutely lovely for the lady in your life.  There are lots of brands out there but Lancome, Essie, Butter London, Deborah Lippmann and China Glaze are my favorites.

2. Trial Sized Beauty Products. I know this is another one that seems aimed only at women but there are actually trial sizes for men too. Jack Black and Kiehls have some lovely products for men that come in trial sizes, but even most of the full sizes would fit in a stocking. For Ladies, I recommend Caudalie and once again Kiehls has a lot of really nice products and almost all of them come in a small size.

3. Lip Gloss/Chapstick. For the Ladies in the range of lipgloss Stila has some gorgeous glosses. For either gender you could go with Jack Black Lip Balm or Caudalie Lip Conditioner.

4. Gift Cards are amazing for stocking stuffers you could easily pick up an itunes card or one for Amazon or Barnes and Noble, they're easy and they work for anyone

5. Earbuds are also awesome stocking stuffers, they're tiny and everyone can use a pair. Apple has amazing ones but you can always get ones from Sony. Or Marc by Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade have earbuds as well depending on your price limits.

6. Ornaments are good, and they're best when they mean something so I'm not going to recommend any but really think about the person and scour the internet and stores until you find something you know they'd adore.

7. Moleskine Notebooks. They're perfect for anyone to put in their purses or to carry around with them in their pockets. Great for the listmaker or writer in your life. Bonus- They also come in larger sizes if you want to use this as a bigger gift.

8.Small silly toys are always good. You could go in store build a Lego Minifig that looks just like them or nothing like them, if they'd like that sort of thing. A yoyo or a slinky may be exactly what they need to bring back childhood memories and put them right back into the Christmas Spirit.

9. If you know their favorite Candy I say fill it to the brim. Almost everyone has a favorite candy or snack that's tiny enough to fit in a stocking. Multiples of this are best.

10. Hair Bobbles. Emi-Jay makes some great ones that I swear by. There's sort of a craze surrounding them and lots of copies, but I still maintain that the Emi-Jay ones are the best, and they make pretty cute bracelets too.

11. Socks. The more crazy the pattern the better. You can find them anywhere from your local Target to Kate Spade/Jack Spade.

12. Iphone Wallet. Perfect for the guy that doesn't want to carry anything but his phone.

13. A Mug. Barnes and Noble has some cute ones, as does Anthropologie. This is another gift that's pretty personal since you want it to become their favorite for their morning cuppa.

14. DVD. These are perfect stocking size, you could pick out a Christmas movie to be watched that day, or one that's been recently released. Also a surprise Netflix subscription would be adorable.

15. Keychain. This is another sort of sweet gift that you want to put a bit of thought into. You want the person to like it enough to hang it from their keys and it'll going to remind them of you whenever they use their key.