Today's blog is going to be some-what of an inspirational posting. So if you hate the Holidays, and honestly are just not a fan of reading, then turn back now. I'm hoping you'll stay despite them both. :)

And if you're not wanting to read or even try to make resolutions because of all the memes here let me help get them out of your system.

 

Now we got that out the way, lets move on people! Generally yes, sometimes we shoot for the moon and everything is not guaranteed that our resolutions will happen. A lot can happen in a year, so who is anyone to judge you whether you achieved your goal or not, you're the only one accountable for yourself and sometimes things just don't happen in year.

2015 will be my year. It's a gut feeling and a little of me restoring the faith that was a little broken. Usually for New Years I like to reflect on the year and put a little inspiration out there. This year made a year since I picked up everything and moved to Las Vegas with my husband. I've had a real hard time adjusting since South Carolina is all I really know. That's just the fact of it all, but I did it all for love. I got to see my marriage and my friendships and all my other relationships grow so much stronger. So I'd like to take this time to thank all those people.

I honestly am so blessed that this year I was able to make mistakes to pave my own path. This life always has it's days, sometimes weeks, but I always was able to bounce back no matter what. I think it's funny when I sit back and look at every person who laughed about "stealing my joy" whether it was a guy or a friend turning against me or just someone who didn't take the time to get to know me so they judged me. I cannot believe I encountered so many toxic people and still came out with such a pure heart and such a drive to be able to start living my dream and do what I love to do. I'm not perfect Lord knows, but he has blessed me beyond belief with the people that I am going into 2015 with. The fact that I had pretty much every door close on me in 2014 must mean I'm going to have something amazing happen to me in 2015 and I'm betting it's life changing. So go on roll your eyes about resolutions people are making, but those are the kind of people I want in my life. The kind that is not afraid of reaching for the stars because they know they'll land amongst the moon. Those are the kind of people I'm going to keep. Thank you so much to everyone who has let me become just this young woman I am, who continue to love me as myself, and treated me always like a family member or friend. You are the people who keep me going. Thank you a million and one M&M's.

And thank y'all to my readers. My supporters. I've been off/on social media and so far I'm building a blog I can finally be so proud of. I am so humbled by how much support I am getting. :)

Have a Happy New Year!

XO

Top 5 Stocking Stuffers for Men!

After I put up my top 5 holiday beauty finds last week, I got a request to do a blog about stocking stuffers and since christmas is now 6 days away! I repeat 6 days away! After a minor heart attack we finally got everyone else's but all our own gifts taken care of. Which is pretty good for us just shopping over the weekend!

• Underwear or socks - I made the comment the other day after seeing a sale at Victoria's Secret on TV that you could always use more underwear & socks, which obviously an epiphany that I needed to write that for this blog.

• Pocket flashlights - I know this is kind of silly sounding, he probably already has a million laying around in the house, but if your husband or significant other works on their vehicles or even needs one for their vehicle you'd be surprise just how handy they are even if you have like 5 of them already. ;)

• Pocket knife - this is debating on how you feel about weapons being on your significant other, and of course how he feels. I personally know around here in Vegas you never know what kind of characters you'll meet there's a variety of people day in and day out that come and visit this crazy place but I do always feel better if my husband has some kind of pocket knife on him - just in case.

• Razors - if your husband is in the military, you know shaving is an everyday chore. I dread every time my husband has to shave off his stubble after a 3 day weekend. Trust me these will not go to waste.

• Gift cards - these are not something you usually wrap, it's much more easier to just stuff them in your stocking and let them enjoy them. If they drink coffee, Starbucks. If they are a fan of food, get one to their favorite restaurant. If they are in dire need of clothes other than graphic t's also like my husband, get them a gift card to get some nice shirts ;) (let's face it: this is a little for you ladies too.)

Bonus: I can't lie a conversation with my husband sparked these ideas but he dared me to put - sex coupons - on here and if you know me I won't back down from it lol His reasoning, "who doesn't like sex?" but incase if you're already pink in the face and don't want to get too crazy then maybe substitute them for chore coupons so he can "skip" doing the dishes one night.

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend & enjoy!

My Christmas Playlist

It's that time of the year where everyone has either already put up their tree and decorated it, or are just getting to it. It's the time of year you sip hot cocoa and cuddle under warm blankets by the fire, and finally, it's the time of the year that's also known for giving. Yes, giving is what I said. So today I'm giving you the gift of a Christmas Playlist. These are some of my favorites, old and new. You can pretty much find all of these on iTunes, or you can even make a YouTube playlist and play it while you're doing all your Christmas festivities. Enjoy!

1. Santa Baby - Nashville Cast Feat. Clare Bowen - Christmas with Nashville (2014)
2. Candy Cane Christmas - Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas - Single (2009)
3. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Carrie Underwood - Hear Something Country Christmas (2007)
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Rascal Flatts - Unwrapped EP (2009)
5. Country Christmas - Loretta Lynn - 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection: The Best of Loretta Lynn (2005)
6. Silver Bells - Loretta Lynn - 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection: The Best of Loretta Lynn (2005)
7. Let's Make a Little Christmas Tonight - Phil Vassar - Hear Something Country Christmas (2007)
8. O Come All Ye Faithful - Martina McBride - Hear Something Country Christmas (2007)
9. Christmas in Heaven - Scotty McCreery - Christmas With Scotty McCreery (2012)
10. Christmas Comin' Around Again - Scotty McCreery - Christmas With Scotty McCreery (2012)
11. Holly Jolly Christmas - Scotty McCreery - Christmas With Scotty McCreery (2012)
12. Jingle Bells - George Strait - Classic Christmas (2008)
13. Silent Night - George Strait - Classic Christmas (2008)
14. Joy to the World - George Strait - Classic Christmas (2008)
15. White Christmas - Nashville Cast Feat. Hayden Panettiere - Christmas with Nashville (2014)
16. Christmas Coming Home - Nashville Cast Feat. Lennon & Maisy - Christmas with Nashville (2014)

            

If the video won't play please go to here for the entire playlist on YouTube. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Each year Black Friday gets earlier and earlier and most people tend to be excited about the shopping before they even get to the Turkey and Pumpkin pie. Lately, I've been very vocal on the fact that opening at 4 or 6 PM on thanksgiving is too early. As someone who has worked in retail, I completely understand why Black Friday is important for sales purposes, but as a hardworking and family oriented human being I think it is equally as important for the retail workers to be able to eat with their families. I'm not bitter over Black Friday as much as I am sad that the real meaning of Thanksgiving has become all about the sales and not about being with family and enjoying that time together. Maybe it's because I've been without family over the holidays last year and won't be with my immediate family this year, but I also know we are not always promised tomorrow. I love a good sale as much as the next person, but I love family and making memories even more.

Now that I've given my Dr. Phil-Good vibes type of talk, I thought I would keep it light and try a Thanksgiving writing prompt. My favorite class in high school was Creative Writing. It gave me an outlet and I am absolutely for anything that keeps my creative juices flowing!

The one that stood out the most to me was: Describe Thanksgiving with your five senses.

Thanksgiving smells like a full house of turkey and pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving tastes like a belly full of food you've been waiting all year for.
Thanksgiving looks like fall colors of outside meets inside and smiling faces.
Thanksgiving hears like chatter and laughter of family in the kitchen.
Thanksgiving feels like a blessing of love and friendships made over the years.

Have a great thanksgiving everyone!

Halloween Decor!

Boo! Hey there! with Halloween approaching rapidly (1 week away!) if you haven't put out decor, here's your chance! I've rounded up my favorite Halloween decor items from pinterest & various blogs in chance to help y'all gain some ideas...Or you can save them up for next year! ;) Sit back with some candy corn, relax, and Enjoy!!

Rustic Halloween Vignette

Halloween Spooky Burlap Table Runner

Spooky Crystal Ball Halloween Candlesticks

Or if you're not willing to put much effort, time, or money into decorating; there are cheap alternatives that doesn't require to buy anything and you can probably find them around your house!

Cheap Halloween Decorating

And finally, I decided to try my hand at a candy corn candle holder. See below for the steps & photo!

What You Need:

- Candle Holder/Hurricane Glass (as shown in photo)

- Candy Corn (enough to fill the candle holder if you choose)

- Fake Spider webs

- Fake Spiders

- Candle

- And last but not least, creativity. ;)

I originally saw the version with just the hurricane glass with just the candy corn and candle but I decided to one up it and add the fake spider web and spiders!

1. First, make sure your glass is cleaned out. Then take out middle part where candle sits if need be. (black middle piece shown in photo)
2. Then open the candy corn bag and fill it half way up to the middle part mark of where the "black middle piece" sits.
3. Next, take the fake spider web out and stretch it. The more you stretch it the better honestly. If you're like me, I like mine fluffy to fill up the extra space. :)
4. Add in a few spiders here and there. Wedge them in between the candy corn and the spider web and if you have a candle holder with a middle piece like mine place them on the sides. (tip: use your finger tips it'll keep everything else from sliding around or rather the web from going out of place every where else)
5. If you don't have a middle piece discard this step. Then you're going to take the middle piece if you have one, place it in there where it fits.
6. Place the candle inside the hurricane glass or candle holder.
7. Light and enjoy!

I hope I didn't scare you away just yet because I have an even spookier post next week! including some of my favorite ghost stories and scary movies! Have a Bootastic weekend! (If you haven't noticed I do cheesy well hehe)