'Twas the Weekend Before Christmas...

Can you all believe we are at less than 5 days before the best day of the year Christmas!! I know everyone says this every year, but this year has truly flown by. The holidays have snuck up on me to say the very least and the fact that it'll be 2015 in about 2 weeks is blowing my mind. I wanted to just share a few snippets with what's been going on as far as the holiday madness.

 

 

Those silly boys I call my nephew are getting quite the toy story surprise come Christmas morning. After talking to their mom about what they needed and scouring the interwebs for appropriate gifts for a 4 & 2 year old, repectively this was the best I could do. They are HUGE fans of toy story and the 2 year old is obsessed with Jessie so he is going to love the plush I got for him. The older one loves Buzz Lightyear and will have a blast with his PJ's & plush. I so wish I could be there Christmas morning to see their faces, but FaceTime will have to suffice.

 

 

Le boyfriend got me these awesome headphones and I tore into them right when I got them, with his permission of course, and haven't stopped using them. I love them and they are so comfortable to wear for a long time. I had secretly wanted these for a while, but never put it on any wish lists or anything so the fact that he just guessed I'd want them was awesome!

 

 

Since the boyfriend doesn't read or know about this here blog, I'll show y'all what I got for him. I loveeee the Burberry Brit scent and have the her version so I figured what better to get him a scent I love ;). Also I got him a scarf and hat set since he will need it when he comes to visit in January, I don't think it'll be enough for his Texan blood, but it'll hopefully keep him warm.

 

 

Since I waited for what seemed like eons at the post office, I decided to snap a pic of my "santa sack" of gifts ready to be shipped off to their recipients. Thank god for tracking numbers so I can keep a watchful eye and let their owners know when they are supposed to check their front doors (would hate for it to be stolen which is unfortunately what I've been hearing a lot of lately).

 

 

My mom wanted me to make her a DIY ugly sweater for her work Christmas party and I think I did a pretty good job. This would mark the very first DIY project from Pinterest and hopefully if more continue to be this easy, I will continue it. I bought some tinsel, small ornaments, felt cloth (for the star), and some other little accessories to add to my tree. Use a handy dandy hot glue gun and go to town!

 

 

This is a fun new lip color I picked up for myself from Stila the color is Aria. This color is kind of out of the norm for me and I was a bit nervous getting it, but I feel like it is a pretty good transition color and especially great for the holidays and winter. If you haven't heard of or tried Stila's lip color I highly recommend it! I also have the color Patina and love the versatility of it, go get you some!

 

 

Finally, I'll leave y'all with my holiday nails. I did a pretty red color from China Glaze, gold glitter also from China Glaze and the red glitter is actually a liquid sand from OPI. I've gotten plenty of compliments already and hope they last me a while!

 

I hope you guys have a wonderful (short) work week ahead!!

Linking up with Biana for Weekending.
Linkin up with Lisa & Bella for Weekend recap.

Friday Favorites

Hey guys! I know what you're thinking, 2 posts in one day, that's crazy, but I had such a blast linking up with Amanda for Friday favorites, I decided to do it again. Also, can you guys believe that this is the 2nd to the last Friday left in 2014 before it's a brand new year?? It's crazy to think back to all that has happened this past year and how much I've grown and changed in my life. I am going to do a full recap of 2014 before the end of the year, so stay tuned!

 

 

Favorite DIY:

With the holidays right around the corner, this is a creative and fun way to give some last minute gifts to coworkers, neighbors, or friends! I think this is a cute way to show someone you are thinking about them and definitely a fun gift that will definitely get used up!

 

 

 

Favorite song:

Anything Beyonce does is pretty much flawless and this song is even better than the original. Put 2 powerhouse divas on one hot track and you have yourself a winner! Enjoy and drool over the perfection that is Queen Bey!

 

 

 

Favorite Holiday manicure:

The holiday time is one of my favorite times to explore with fun and sparkly manicures. There is no such thing as too much glitter during the holiday time. I'm still not sure what I'll be painting on my nails, but I know I'll have fun deciding. These are some great options!

 

 

 

Favorite quote:

I love the power of a great quote and the way it can make you feel after reading it.

 

 

 

 

Favorite funnies:

Just to get you through today's work day (if you're off, know I envy you) laugh away!

 

 

 

 

 

 Linking up with Amanda & you should share your favorites too!!

 

 

 

Worst songs of 2014

Hello again friends! So yesterday I went through my list of favorite songs from 2014 and linked up with the fabulous Helene, but today I wanted to share with you some of my picks for the worst songs of 2014. So let's get this bad song party on the road!

 

 

Worst Songs:

 

Turn Down for What- Lil John

 

Ok this song is just obnoxious and warning the video is equally as obnoxious. Save yourself the couple minutes if you haven't seen the video, just save yourself the misery. This is a terrible song and terrible lyrics.

 

 

 

Problem- Iggy Azalea ft. Ariana Grande

 

Oh god, this song just got on my nerves WAY too quickly. At the beginning of the year I liked Iggy Azalea, I really did, but towards the end there was just too much. This song is just not good and the little diva Ariana brings nothing to this song.

 

 

 

Fancy- Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX

 

Ok so I admit, I liked this song when it first came out. I sang along and even enjoyed the homage to Clueless in the video, but then the radio stations did what they are great at doing, killing the song. I couldn't stand to hear this song after a while and my ears hurt whenever it plays.

 

 

 

Habits- Tove Lo

 

This was another song that was alright to begin with, nothing substantial out of it, kinda catchy. Boy oh boy, the radio ripped this one a new one. I heard this on 3-4 different radio stations at a time and I had had enough. This song is just plain dumb and the lyrics are equally as dumb. You keep staying high Tove Lo, but it's not gonna help you out in the music industry.

 

 

Bang Bang- Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj

 

Oh god, this has got to be my top 3 for the absolute worst songs of 2014. I flippin hate this song with a passion. If this comes on the radio I swear my ears start to bleed a little. The combination of these 3 singers is just odd and doesn't work. Nicki Minaj seems like she was forced to do this with Jessie J and Ariana. And of course my least favorite person Ariana is in it, so yeah it sucks.

 

 

 

Black Widow- Iggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora

 

Oh this craptastic song. You know a song is bad when my mother starts complaining about it. This song came on the radio and she demanded the station be changed because she had heard enough of it at work. Like Helene mentions in her post, it's just creepy that these two are basically talking about how they want to kill you at the end because they love you so much?! Like what in the serious hell. I also hate spiders, especially poisonous ones, so ya NOPE!

 

 

 

Dark Horse- Katy Perry

 

I have to admit, I was never really a huge fan of Katy Perry. Sure she has had some catchy songs that I enjoy every now and then, but lately she has just been unloading a whole lotta crap and selling it as music. This song was horrible from the beginning and I couldn't nor can I still stand it. Sorry boo boo, maybe you need to get back with John Mayer and make some good music with him and stay away from the rappers, they aren't doing anything good for your music.

 

 

 

The Monster- Eminem ft. Rihanna

 

Oh what to say about this song. I love Eminem and he even made it on my top songs of 2013 last year, but man this song is just annoyance on top of more annoyance. I just gotta ask, why are you friends with the monster living under your bed, didn't your parents teach you to not be friends with strangers, sheesh. Anywho, this song is just a nope for me.

 

 

 

This is How We Roll- Florida Georgia Line

 

FGL, the Nickleback of country music as Helene put it. This could not be more true. These guys are just party guys who want to be Frat bros. Just stop it, y'all are too old and not relevant enough. I will admit some of their music isn't horrible, but let's face it, they aren't making any top charts in my opinion. If you want to listen to a decent FGL song, try Dirt. Plus they had to bring Luke Bryan down to their level by having him on this track, just leave him out of this crap boys.

 

 

Boom Clap- Charli XCX

 

Ya, sure this song was pretty good when it first came out and everyone liked it in the movie The Fault in Our Stars, but man another massacre from the radio stations. Nowadays when I heard the beginning Boom! Boom! I just can't. The video is still pretty good because of the Amsterdam scenery along with clips from the movie which I loved, but just play it on mute and it's all good :).

 

 

 

So do you agree or disagree with my picks for best and worst songs of 2014? Leave me some comments and your thoughts below!

 

Best Songs of 2014

Hey guys! So I loved doing this post last year about my favorite songs of 2013. It's nice to be able to recap the year in music, both good and bad. I love music and find it relaxing and soothing for me, so I was excited when Helene had this awesome link up again this year!

 

Best Songs:

Thinking Out Loud- Ed Sheeran

This is my number 1 favorite song forever and ever. I absolutely love this song and like a said a few posts back, this will be my first dance song. Ed Sheeran in my eyes can do no wrong and I need to pick up this guys album asap!

Favorite line:
"Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud"

Blank Space- Taylor Swift

Tay tay did the damn thing with this song. I can't get enough of this song and this video is just hilarious and showcases her personality so well. I know many people don't like her and all that, but I think she's a great role model for young girls out there and I want to be her friend, so there.

Favorite line:
"I can make the bad guys good for a weekend"

Jealous- Nick Jonas

When I first heard this song on the radio I had no clue who it was and when I heard it was Nick Jonas, I was floored. Boy oh boy did he get hot, this song is just so catchy and I love his voice. Who knew he would come so far from Jonas Brothers.

Favorite line:
"'Cause you know I get excited, yeah
When you get jealous too"

Take me to Church- Hozier

This song is just so good and powerful. I may not go to church, but the lyrics to this song are just so deep and make you want to belt out in your car...preferably when it's dark and nobody can see you.

Favorite line:
"I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife"

Uptown Funk- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

After listening to this song, tell me it doesn't make you want to just move around and dance like a fool. I love the beat to this because it gives you that old timey, disco beat. Bruno Mars is such an entertainer and he didn't disappoint with this song.

Favorite line:
Pretty much any line, but this one is a winner,

"Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Gotta kiss myself I'm so pretty"

Bailando- Enrique Iglesias

This song is so velvety mostly because I think Enrique's voice is like velvet. I love the different beats of this song and love dancing around in the car to it when it comes on the radio.

Favorite line:
"I wanna be contigo
And live contigo, and dance contigo"

(fyi: contigo = with you)

Try- Colbie Caillat

This song hasn't gotten too much airtime in my opinion, but I think it's such a good song. The beat is different than what Colbie is used to and I like the lyrics behind the song. It's sending a great message and it's catchy, what else could you want?

Favorite line:
"You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing"

Burnin' it Down- Jason Aldean

Oh you badass country cowboy, this song is just a feet tapping kind of song. I love mostly anything that comes from Jason Aldean and this one is definitely at the top of my country favorites.

Favorite line:
"Couldn't sing this song without you if I tried
Let's light it up like it's our last night"

Bartender- Lady Antebellum

This is a band I literally can never get sick of. All of their songs are catchy and never get to that point of annoyance like most songs do. This song has been covered by me in my shower numerous times, so that's how I know it's a favorite hit.

Favorite line:
"Now there’s only one thing left for me to do
Slip on my favorite dress and sky high leather boots
Check the mirror one last time
And kiss the past goodbye"

Leave the Night On- Sam Hunt

If you haven't heard of Sam Hunt until now don't worry, I hadn't either, but boy am I glad I did. He is so stinkin cute and this song is just so good. I can literally listen to this song for hours upon hours!

Favorite line:
"The sky is dropping Jupiter around us like some old train"
 

Since this post was hella long already, come back tomorrow to see what my picks for the worst songs of 2014 were, hint it includes a LOT of Ariana Grande!

Friday Faves

Hey guys, thank God it's Friday today. I have been exhausted lately and with the holidays quickly approaching I haven't wanted to do anything but sleep on my free time. I did get most of my shopping done and have a little bit more to do, but all online thank god. 

High Five on Friday:

1.

No I didn't get engaged yet, but I have been eyeing some rings since the boyfriend & I have been talking about it. I was shopping at Costco with a friend and stumbled upon their jewelry. They have the prettiest, shiniest rings and I had to try this one on. A even liked this one a lot, looks pretty on my finger I think.

2.

I was so excited when I finally found a Starbucks that had this coffee mug in stock. I snagged it up and ordered a custom monogram to fit that empty spot. It's my first monogrammed piece and I love it. I heard people complaining about the lids not fitting properly, but when I washed it and dried it very well, it caused zero problems for me.

3.

It was my gorgeous best friends birthday and we celebrated at Cheesecake Factory with tons of laughs. I love this girl and can't wait to spend many more birthdays with her.

4.

I made a bouquet of flowers for my new boss after she lost her mother. I was proud of how pretty the bouquet turned out and she absolutely adored them, not to mention they smelled great thanks to those lillies.

5.

At work yesterday we had our annual holiday party and it was the best year yet. I got an awesome gift from our gift exchange and ate so much I could barely move let alone work afterwards. I made cute festive cupcakes that everyone snacked on along with other delicious food!

 Fave song

(A & I have already chosen this song as our first dance at our wedding, insert googly eyes here)

Fave recipe

I can't wait to make this for Friendsmas. So cute, easy and healthy!

Fave holiday scent

Linking up with Amanda: Meet @ the Barre for Friday favorites and Lauren: Lauren Elizabeth for high five for Friday!

Rocksbox

Everyone loves jewelry, whether it's minimal pieces or lots of fun statement pieces. Typically on my average day I tend to wear a simple necklace, stud earrings, and a simple band on my hand. Of course when I go out to dinner or to a party, I like to jazz it up and play around with my jewelry. I love fun statement pieces, but am sometimes stumped as to what kinds of pieces would look right on me and with what outfit. In comes Rocksbox with basically a Netflix setup with getting jewelry pieces every month in the mail. With the growing popularity of Birchbox and Ipsy it was only a matter of time before something like this came out.

 

After hearing about Rocksbox from a few bloggers like Kate & Emily and loving their pieces that they were getting, I decided to sign up for myself. I cannot wait to get my first box and if you are at all curious about this and want to try it out, you can use this link here to get started. For signing up with that link you can get a $25 credit!

 

What more could you ask for than getting up to $200 worth of jewelry in the mail for just $19/month without any penalties for canceling whenever you want?! Sign up and show me what you get in your first box!

 

 

Disclaimer: I was not paid or contacted by Rocksbox to post this, I am doing this for and by myself to spread the word about a service I like. I paid for the service with my own money.

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

Alas, it's yet another Monday and after a long holiday weekend. Not only am I stuffed, but I need a nap pronto. On Thanksgiving day I headed to my cousins house with my sister. My parents skipped out this year because they were too busy road tripping to North Carolina. This year was super chill and mostly about the food, which it should always be about. We had our tradition of mexican food (we don't eat Turkey so we do our own traditional Thanksgiving food). I was stuffed and ready to veg out for the night on the couch.

 

 

On Friday, my cousins and I went out to handle the crowds and shop a bit. Our first stop was my favorite happy place, Target. Luckily the one near my cousins house doesn't get too crowded so we got to browse around and shop peacefully. I didn't get a whole lot because there weren't any big ticket items I needed. I picked up a Sony blu-ray/streaming player for cheap along with some great movies!

 

 

Afterwards, we were crazy people and headed to the mall. It actually wasn't as psycho as I thought it was going to be (the longer hours may have helped thin out the crowd). I picked up a cute crew sweater from Pink along with some jeans from American Eagle.

 

 

One of my favorite purchases from this weekend has got to be my new boots I scored from Targs. It was 30% off and they could not be more perfect. I have a feeling these will be my go to boots for winter/fall.

 

Sorry for the crappy iPhone pic but it's a dark washed brown boot

From shopping we went out to brunch at this place I've heard a ton about, but never made it out to until now. I am hooked, this place is amazing and my boyfriend told me he's heard about it from the Food Network so apparently it's a big deal kind of place.

 

 

If you are ever in the area, look up Egg Harbor Cafe and get the s'mores hot chocolate, you won't regret it.

 

I also put up my Christmas decor (I know I didn't wait until after Thanksgiving, but I couldn't help it). It just felt like the holidays were upon us and I wanted the house to be festive so I went ahead and decorated. I didn't do a whole lot, but I have a little "nook" I have dedicated to holiday cheer :).

 

My sort of pathetic falling apart gingerbread house

P.s. most of my decor I scored from Target or Michaels on the cheap.

 

Alright, I think I rambled and ranted enough for a recap. Hope you all had a blast this weekend celebrating and eating with your loved ones.

 

Linking up with Lisa & Bella for weekend recap