Blogmas: The Countdown Begins!

It's officially 10 days until Christmas! Am I the only one freaking out? Technically the title doesn't count for me, considering I am one of those people that begins the count down on December 26th. Anyways, Christmas is literally almost here, and if you're not ready yet, you better get your head in the game (Tribute to Troy Bolton). Thanks to my mum watching WCCO's news this morning and saving me from giving up on my journey on Blogmas, I present to you the 5 Cs of Christmas: Care, Character, Collection, Cool, and Comfort.

Care: Basic things that can make a difference to anybody's day, whether it be something small, or big. Some examples are make-up, skin care, spa packages, perfume, lotion, lip balm, candles, travel essentials, pillows, cosmetic bags, and house slippers. 

Character: Based on what kind of person they are and the things they might want or need (textures and colours are really good). Hats, gloves, shoes, jewelry, statement earrings, belts, leggings, socks, and pocket squares.

Collection: For those who are like me, and love cute little collections of things. Something cute for the home, bedroom, kitchen, bath, table settings, entertaining, ornaments, pillows, candles (holders), decorative napkins and stationary.

Cool: Basically for anyone who lives for keeping up with trends. Headphones, accessories, clothes. This list could literally go on and on.

Comfort: This ties in a bit with care, but it perfect for some DIY ideas for lounging around the house. Socks, pillows, bedding, mugs, treats, gift cards.

Blogmas: DIY Ornaments

One of my favourite parts of Christmas is the ornaments. They are so cute and set the theme for any tree. Personally, I'm really into the "shabby chic, vintage" kind of ideas lately, and would totally recommend working this into your tree. Below are some really cute vintage DIY ornaments I found on Pinterest.

This ornament is my 7 year old self's dream. I love how the pearls work with the clear ornament, and the pink bow just ties it together!
http://www.mom4real.com/5-easy-to-make-homemade-christmas







This next idea was posted from an Etsy account, but seems really simple to make yourself! The shiny gems can be bought at a craft store, and hot glued to any ornament. Just imagine how cute it would look with the Christmas lights shining onto them!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151713428/vintage-rhinestones-crystals-ball-orb?ref=shop_home_active



For all you music lovers, this idea is too precious to not make! Using some sheet music, you mod podge it to an ornament, put on a light coat of glitter, and stick on a print out tag! For some extra glam they bejeweled the screw on top of the ornament, and the final look is completely perfect!
http://www.tammyssweetheart.blogspot.com/2011/12/hello-blogger-friends-i-have-been-so.html






Although this next one seems to take a bit more time, the overall appearance is worth it. If you really don't feel like taking the time to put soemthing like this together, you can buy one already made. I just love the idea of the vintage style of this, it reminds me of Marie Antoinette.
http://roses-and-teacups.com/handmade-victorian-ornaments.php

Blogmas: Christmas At Starbucks

Unlike a lot of Americans that spent their Black Friday lining up for deals, just waiting to get trampled, I decided to go the calmer (and safer) route by sticking to my neighborhood.

On a recent trip to Starbucks, I ended up kind of freaking out over the decorations for Christmas. Not only were the holiday drinks on display, but the festive ornaments shaped like actual Starbucks cups were just waiting to be bought. As you know, Christmas is a big deal for me, and I love seeing businesses decorate their shops, putting people in good moods (probably just to get more money, but it's a win-win situation!).


If you're anything like my mum, you love a good cup of coffee (in fact, you can be quite scary without it in the morning). Christmas time is my mum's favourite time at Starbucks because they always have the thing that assures her day will start off on the right side, the Christmas blend coffee. As I was checking out all of their new merchandise, I found these adorable packets of the Christmas blend. They look so cute to stuff in a stocking or throw one in with a basket of goodies. It's like a doll size version! And, of course, there is the full size, which is probably a better gift for a deserving caffeine enthusiast like my mum.



What's Christmas at Starbucks without talking about the food? Starbucks always has a great assortment of food ranging from really healthy options to a sweet treat. One thing that made my heart stop was the peppermint cake pops. Yes, you heard me right, PEPPERMINT CAKE POPS! Cake pops are perfect as they are, but add peppermint in there, and you will literally be a savior. Starbucks knows how to do Christmas. Next time you're out an about by a Starbucks, whether you try something new for the holidays or stick with your usual (*cough* peppermint hot cocoa *cough*), take the time to enjoy it and spread some of that holiday cheer.♡

Blogmas: Centerpieces For A Holiday Table

Everyone knows the holidays bring people together. It is a time to put aside all of the family drama and unite, giving thanks and support for all that life has given you. It's that time of the year again, time for the holiday parties. This being said, it's safe to assume a lot of you will be having guests over; whether it be relatives, friends, or people you don't really know all that well. No matter who it is coming over, I know for a fact that one thing you want to do is give a good impression and a party they won't forget. As important as it is to have amazing food, music, and company, I want to draw your attention to another aspect, decorations. One of the first things your guests will see is the table, and in my opinion, having the right centerpiece can make or break the whole theme. Today I am giving you a couple easy centerpiece ideas that will bring your party to life.

To start it off simple, I thought putting a bunch of candy canes in a basic container would be adorable. Not only does it serve as the perfect centerpiece for a buffet-like dessert table, but people can actually grab one of these to nibble on as well! Another cute place would be by a self-serve cocoa station, they throw in a couple of marshmallows, top it off with some whipped cream, and stick one of these in there to finish it off. There are so many ways to tie this adorable idea into your party. You can even tie a ribbon around the vase to make it more festive.

My next idea is another simple one, but it's very traditional. Poinsettias have been a big part of American tradition since 1825. Again, I know it's so simple, but these flowers are the perfect way to bring everyone together and give a cheery mood to the party. It doesn't have to be the "big" centerpiece, but by putting one at each of the ends of the table, it gives a nature look without going too overboard. For a more renowned "wildlife" effect, grab a couple sticks (either from outside or buy some from a crafts shop) and stick them in a vase. You can spray paint them to fit more with the colour theme, too!

My last idea is, using a clear vase, filling the vase with a set of matching ornaments based on your colour theme. This is probably my favourite idea because after the party is over, you can still place it around your house to add a pop of colour whilst still giving off holiday cheer.

There are so many different combinatins you can use to bring your party to life, and give your home a Christmas-y feel that will last the whole season!