Blogmas: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Today is the last post for Blogmas 2014. Thank you so much for reading my daily posts/ rants about the holidays. I'm caught between feeling relieved, excited and sad that it's almost 2015. Can you believe how fast this year went by? Only 7 more days until I am officially an adult (YIKES!). Anyways, I know this post is extremely short, and not at all what I had planned, but I would rather enjoy my Christmas relaxing, watching movies and eating with my family (I'm sure you do as well). So, a final farewell to Blogmas, and I'll be back to my normal posting schedule tomorrow. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with food, family, and relaxation. Happy holidays lovelies!

Blogmas: The True Meaning of Christmas

This is it guys. It's finally the night we've all been waiting for. The Christmas season is about to end, and all we can do is reflect on how we've spent this past year. Tomorrow's final Blogmas post will most likely be about what gifts I've gotten; more materialistic. But before that comes, I wanted to have one more post that makes you stop and think about the kind of person you are.

I'm sure you've heard this a million and one times, but Christmas isn't about the presents. I was watching a movie in Physics last Friday, and it was talking about the deeper meaning of Christmas. How it isn't about giving gifts, but about giving a part of yourself. I've learned to love that phrase. I mean, honestly, how many times have you turned the other cheek? It's always easier to walk away than to fight for what's right. They say money can't buy happiness, but I think we should think of it as money can't buy love.

Love is what will change the world. And when you give a part of yourself to someone you care about, you are spreading that love for them to share with someone else. It's an endless cycle, and yet, there is still so much hate in the world. So my advice to you is give a little more this year. Not more presents, but a piece of yourself through actions, words. Do something that will make a difference to one person. Because, in the long run, it all adds up. I hope you have an incredible Christmas and enjoy the time with your loved ones. Happy Holidays♡

Blogmas: What To Wear: Christmas Edition

Blogmas is pretty much completed, and yet, here I sit one more time, trying to come up with a blog post. Honestly, this month has flown by. I'm almost half way through my senior year, worrying about colleges, jobs, and internships, not to mention my numerous blogs and social media websites I like to stay connected to, all while keeping my grades up (with an AP class, too... just had to mention that...). However, I've realized I barely even put any fashion based posts on here. With Christmas Eve tomorrow, I wanted to give a few lot of cute outfits that I really like, especially if you're like me and my family and are going to Christmas mass (what a perfect time to dress up!). Plus, I always find it so hard to try to find inspiration for my outfits, usually waiting until lat minute to throw it all together. Don't pull a Maddy.

I hope you didn't find this post too lame, but I honestly ran out of ideas like 3 weeks ago. If it wasn't for my mum and sister constantly nagging me to get these articles up, I would have quit already.

**Images from my sister's and my polyvore accounts**

http://lil-marmalade.polyvore.com/

http://shrawnty.polyvore.com/

Blogmas: Top Music of 2014 part 1

If you’re anything like me, then you live for music. Honestly, I can’t go a day without it. I think it’s the fact that each song holds a different story that someone can relate to. It brings people together. And, in my opinion, that’s that this world really needs, to be united. Anyways, to get on with the point of this post, I wanted to share a few of my favourite songs, artists, and albums of 2014.

1. First off, I really like Hozier. I know you’ve all probably heard Take Me To Church by now, but he has other amazing songs as well. If you haven’t heard them yet, take the time to check them out.

2. Taylor Swift seems to be making such a big comeback this year and mixing up her style at the same time. I am in love with 1989. It’s just so upbeat and catchy; makes me wish I was around for the 80s!

3. As my mum says, Ariana Grande is literally everywhere lately. To be honest, I’m not really loving her new album as much as I did the last one. However, there are a few good songs that stick out to me: Just a Little Bit of Your Heart, Best Mistake, and Too Close.

4. Vance Joy. Another artist whose music you’ve most likely all heard, but not necessarily remembered the name. His song Riptide has caused such an uproar in the music industry, and for good reason. His way with music is so soulful, it will have you listening nonstop.

5. I completely fell in love with Sam Smith’s voice this year. I don’t know what else to even say because his voice says it all. It’s like his voice is heaven.

6. Ed Sheeran will always hold such an important part of my heart. His newest album, X, is perfection. I love that little ginger of mine :)

7. 5 Seconds of Summer. Every year it seems that I fall more in love with them. The way their voices harmonize perfectly, complimenting each other’s. Their individual talents with not only vocals, but instruments as well. Their unique twist on rock music. Everything they do just makes me want more. (Okay, it’s official, I sound like a really creepy fangirl).

Blogmas: Christmas Traditions

Every family has their own traditions, I know mine does. In fact, we have a lot of them involving Christmas. I know this might be a little weird, but I wanted to share some of them with you, to share a bit of what my holidays are like.

Every year on Christmas Eve, my family goes to evening mass (and let me tell you, it is packed!). I really do like going to Christmas mass because everyone is so dressed up, and it's an excuse to wear some outrageously cute dresses that you can't exactly wear on an everyday basis. When we get home from mass, we put in The Godfather. I don't exactly know how that tradition started, and it's a bit out of the ordinary, but it's not all about death (well kind of). The message behind it is about family being together and uniting. As we watch that, we get to choose and open one present. Once the present portion gets out of the way, my mum makes Christmas Eve dinner, which is the same every year: lasagna, salad, and garlic bread.
 
On Christmas morning, someone usually has to wake me up at about 6 in the morning (the horror!). We put on the yule log, make some cocoa, and play Santa. After the present portion is done, my mum bakes something for breakfast whilst I talk about my presents to my best friend, the internet (yes, I blog about my Christmas, but who doesn't? Just me? Okay...). Anyways, we have the Christmas music blasting and my mum bakes something yummy for breakfast. Later in the day we will watch It's a Wonderful Life. The day carries on from there, not really sticking to a certain schedule. We just hang out as a family and enjoy our Christmas day. :)

Blogmas: Winter Break Outtings

Tomorrow is officially the first day of winter break. And, based on past experiences, I know how boring sitting at home can get (some times over breaks I even wish I was at school). But I'm going to give you a few fun ideas that you can do by yourself, or with the family to stay productive over break, with enough time in advance to plan ahead.

Go see a movie. This is literally so simple, and honestly who wants to pay to watch a movie when you can do the same thing at home, right? Wrong. The experience itself of going out to see a movie is fun. Yes, there are people (ewww), but being in a theater makes it pretty safe to say you won't be having to deal with much of them. I remember as a child, going to the movies was one of my favourite things.


Go to the library. Again, really simple idea, but so efficient. Especially if you have a lot of little kids in your family, take them out for some quiet time. Getting to pick out a special book or movie will totally make their breaks a lot better. The library is such a great place for little kids (or munchkins as I like to call them) because it's fun and educational.

Build a fort. I know it's not really an outting, but it can be considered one if you're like "camping out" in it. I'm pretty sure my brother, sister, and I would build a fort just about every weekend when we were little. They're perfect and cozy. Once you get it set up, you won't want to take it down! Obviously, that's unrealistic to keep it, and destroying it is just as fun, because you know the next time you make it what you will do differently.

*Said in a valley girl voice* Go shoppinnnng. I consider us Minnesotans to be pretty lucky to have the Mall of America so close to us. It's pretty convenient to have such a big mall (and they're expanding it) for certain occasions; so many stores to choose from. If you've already spent all of your money for gifts, go window shopping. Get inspiration for DIY things (big advocate for DIY here).


My whole point is, you don't have to have a lot of money to go do something fun for the holidays. And you shouldn't have to feel the need to hit your family members after being cooped up with them for weeks. Go out and do something fun with or without your family. I can guarentee that these will help make your winter break a little less stressful

Blogmas: DIY Christmas Crafts

Christmas day is literally a week away. How we got here this fast, I have no idea. It seems like the year just began. Anyways, tomorrow is the first day off of school for me, and I'm assuming just about everyone else as well. With 7 days until Christmas, I think it's essential to have some decorations to show your holiday cheer. My mum is an assistant teacher for preschoolers and is always looking for some new crafts that will keep the kids busy, but are also fun. Below are some Christmas inspired crafts. And remember, you don't have to be little to have fun.

If you are as obsessed with Frozen as I am, you will love these Frozen inspired snowflakes. All you need is some mini craft sticks, paint, glue, glitter, and ribbon to make the most adorable homemade ornaments. I know this may seem childish, but that's what makes it so much fun. Throwback to when you were 8. Just stop worrying and Let It Go! (Sorry not sorry).

http://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/





The door is the first thing you see when you're coming home, and the last thing you see when you're leaving. I can't emphasize enough how much better a door looks when it is decorated. There are literally endless possibilities: wreathes, ribbons, lights. The list goes on and on. I found this cute idea on Pinterest and fell in love with it, and I'm almost 18. Can you imagine how much fun this would be to an 8 year old?

http://princesspinkygirl.com/




I don't know why, but my mum has always collected corks. And I guess it's a good thing, because nowadays you see so many DIY projects involving corks. This is wayyyy too cute; it's a mini reindeer Rudolph made out of corks :) But the best part is it's an ornament!

http://www.topinspired.com/




For more cute DIY Christmas crafts check out Pinterest

Blogmas: Christmas at the Academy

Today's post is a little bit different. Instead of giving my bit of "holiday inspiration" I've decided to write about my day; well technically night. See, at my school there was an event going on called Christmas at the Academy. I was in charge of taking pictures of the event for yearbook. For the first few minutes after arriving I knew in my heart that I was going to be bored out of my mind, wondering how in the world I got roped in to doing this. Then it occurred to me, that I volunteered to do this, not to mention my sister took part in the singing portion. Anyways, after sucking up my inner annoyance at the world, I started to really get into the music and enjoy the performance.

There were two choirs that performed their own renditions of Christmas classics (which sounded like heaven. I know I always say this, but I can't emphasize enough how true it is!!!!!). After the singers were through, I stayed to watch the jazz bands perform as well, and I have to say I am quite impressed. They were perfectly in sync for most of the performance. This whole event took place in about 1 1/2 hours and it got me thinking, if you could leave all of your drama and commitments at home for less than 2 hours, wouldn't you do it? You don't have to have an excuse like taking pictures for yearbook to go do something fun to take your mind off of all of the holiday stress. Take time for yourself, especially during the winter season. After all, it is all about peace, love, and joy. Next time you need a break but are worrying about what will happen if you do take the needed time off, just think WWMD: What Would Maddy Do?

Blogmas: First Day of Hanukkah

I don't know how many of you belief in Judaism, if any at all, but today is the first day of Hanukkah, and I wanted to give another little history lesson. I'll try not to make this incredibly religious for those of you who don't share the same beliefs. Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is an 8 day celebration during the second century B.C. of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah's literal translation is "dedication" in Hebrew.

History of Hanukkah
The events that inspired the Hanukkah holiday took place during a particularly turbulent phase of Jewish history. Around 200 B.C., Judea—also known as the Land of Israel—came under the control of Antiochus III, the Seleucid king of Syria, who allowed the Jews who lived there to continue practicing their religion. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, proved less benevolent: Ancient sources recount that he outlawed the Jewish religion and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 B.C., his soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people and desecrating the city’s holy Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls.

Hanukkah Traditions

The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.In another allusion to the Hanukkah miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Potato pancakes (known as latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly popular in many Jewish households. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts. In recent decades, particularly in North America, Hanukkah has exploded into a major commercial phenomenon, largely because it falls near or overlaps with Christmas. From a religious perspective, however, it remains a relatively minor holiday that places no restrictions on working, attending school or other activities.

Facts found on http://www.history.com/

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: Holiday Hairstyles

Okay, so I've noticed I haven't written a holiday party themed post in a while. It completely slipped my mind (unlike you guys, I have no life). Anyways, I decided to post a few really cute hairstyles I've seen on Pinterest and am just dying to try out. If you're like me and have no parties to go to (Loners Unite!) why not try them out anyways? Wear them to school, work, or just lounging around the house. You don't need a special occasion to feel special. I wanted to have a variety of styles depending on what kind of hair you have and how much time you have. I'm pretty sure this introduction has bored half of you to death, so let's just get into it!




This first one is what you make of it. It can be messy or classy. Time consuming or quick. Personally, I usually wear this messily, as that's the easiest style whilst still looking like I spent a little bit of time on it. However, I can never turn down an elegant look.

http://beautyhigh.com/






This second one requires a bit more time. It's an updo made from a french braid. Just start the braid out on the side of your head, working your way down until you have used all of your hair (pull out some pieces if you want it to be really loose). Then pin it up in a bun type shape. Spritz it with some hairspray for it to stay in place all night!


http://womensandmenshairstyle.blogspot.com/





This is probably the simplest of all. A vintage styled half up half down. Part your hair to one side and twist the parted side back towards your head. Pull a piece from the other side a loosely twist it in a backwards motion towards your head again. Curl the ends of your hair. For a more rustic look, tease the ends in an upward motion. Spray with hairspray and you've got an incredible vintage styled holiday look!

http://www.prettydesigns.com/






For more options, check out this website. They have so many styles for all types of hair with full
tutorials!

http://www.cloudywithachanceofwine.com/

Blogmas: DIY Crafts for Christmas

Each day brings us closer and closer to Christmas. And it's pretty easy to lose track of the gifts you need to give people without getting everyone the same thing. DIY crafts show the person the effort and love you put into making the perfect gift and will be so appreciated. Below are some simple DIY crafts you can make that are the cutest gifts.

I can't go a day without putting something vintage in my post, and this is it. Teacup candles are probably the most precious thing to exist. Everyone can make use of a candle, and the fact that it's in a teacup, it brings the love for vintage stuff out in everyone.



Necklaces can be used for literally any occasion. All you need to get is a chain and some cute little old-timey charms. If you're really in a crafty mood, use an old broach or pin and turn it into a pendant for the necklace.


This next one is a little odd, but still adorable. Embellish rustly keys with pressed gold and bronze pallets. To make it really personalized, use one of their old keys (something that meant a lot to them). Or get one of those old fashioned keys that looks like it would be from The Secret Garden (anyone remember that? No? Just me...).

Blogmas: Christmas Treats

From Thanksgiving to New Years, we are surrounded by food. A cringe-worthy thought is me cooking, but yesterday I successfully made fudge. Granted, it was a Carnation fudge kit with very detailed instructions, but I pulled myself together enough to turn on follow through. Which brings me to the point of this post: Christmas treats.



Honestly, who doesn't love fudge? If you aren't really that into cooking, don't make it homemade, get a kit like I did. It took about 15 minutes to get everything mixed, and took 2 hours to set. In other words, do something productive for 15 minutes, take a 2 hour nap, and when you wake up, you've got delicious fudge to eat whilst watching some Netflix!




Another cute, and edible, gift idea is sugar cookies. A few weeks ago I made some peppermint sugar cookies that actually weren't bad. Cookies are for every occasion, mostly because they are easily customizable. But sugar cookies hold a special place in my heart, right below oatmeal raisin.

There are practically endless options for Christmas treats. And Pinterest is the best place to find a variety of simple recipes. Whether you make them simple and sweet or detailed and delicious, your desserts will be delectable.♡

Blogmas: Christmas Village

I'm pretty sure every one of us has wanted to go to the North pole at least once in our lives. Maybe to be an elf, see the reindeer, or just to visit Santa's shop. As far fetched at the idea is, downtown Minneapolis has tried bringing that dream to life. Last year we said goodbye to our traditional Holidazzle parade, and replaced it with the Holidazzle village.

I have not been yet, but the village seems like a lot of fun. You pay one small fee of $3-6 and get access throughout the season. The Holiday Market has a variety of unique gifts featured each night. There are bands and choirs to sing along to each half hour (probably the only place you can sing as loudly as you want without the judgement). And the featured Holidazzle light bulbs are back from the parade, wandering around the streets.

Each weekend has a new activity. You can take part in dog sledding, ice skating, fireworks, or watch a glass blowing demonstration. The best part hasn't even been said yet. There are real, live reindeer to visit. How cute would that be for a family picture?! Honestly, you don't have to go far to find the festivities in Minnesota. And I'm fortunate enough to have it in such a close distance. For some holiday fun for your family and friends, find some cool winter activities near you!

Blogmas: A Vintage Guide to Christmas

Today's post will probably bore you, but I couldn't resist. As I said in my DIY Ornaments post, I love shabby chic/ vintage ideas. And that mixed with Christmas is absolute heaven. Today I wanted to give you a few ideas on classic Christmas decorations with a vintage twist. So, I present to you, a Vintage Guide to Christmas.

One of the most classic decorations for the holidays are nutcrackers. But recently a Youtuber, Gabi DeMartino, did a room tour which showed the cutest nutcracker dressed like a ballerina. It was like a pink fairy puked on it (totally adorable!).

Okay, I guess I kind of lied. Nutcrackers aren't the most classic decorations; Christmas trees are. So, to add a little vintage to your tree this year, I would suggest buying a pink and/or silver tree. If you're like me and my family (and don't do real trees), this is probably your best option. They are not only safe for your home, but so cute and reusable.

The season of gifting is upon us once again. But instead of buying so much wrapping paper that will make every person happy, go the easier (and cheaper) route. What's better than "brown paper packages tied up with string"? You can literally wrap anything with it, and it's precious. Top it off with some ribbon and you've got a vintage styled present!