Top 10 Holiday Movies

Watching holiday movies is one of my favorite traditions, right before loudly singing Christmas songs and baking cookies. They that really get me in the Christmas mood and I can't wait for their appearance on TV. I've narrowed down my top 10 holiday mocies so take a peek at the list and let me know what you think. What are your favorite holiday movies?

It's a Wonderful Life

 The Lemon Drop Kid

Miracle of 34th Street

The Year Without Santa Claus

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

The Polar Express

The Christmas Story

Elf

White Christmas

I just realized that majority of the movies on the list has Santa Claus in the picture, can you say obsessed?

Next week, I'll be with my family and friends so the blog will be on an one week holiday hiatus until I return. Until then, HAPPY HOLIDAY AND SAFE TRAVELS!

Red, Green, And Gold

With only 3 days until Christmas, I'm wearing more traditional holiday colors and patterns. It's an easy way to get into the spirit. You've seen my chunky green sweater before. To play up the classic Christmas colors, I wore a red thrifted collared top underneath the sweater along with red and gold heart earrings, a gold ring, red flats, and my favorite ripped jeans. 

My favorite accessory is my chubby hubby JellyBelly. Ladies, isn't he sexy? I mean look at those little white chocolate dipped paws. Oh my goodness!

P.S. I'm shopping around for a new camera so I can retire my tired out iPhone camera. If you have suggestions on a reasonably priced one, perfect for bloggers, please write in your suggestions! Your opinions matter a great deal to me.

Gift Guide #7: The Traveler

They're always returning or going away; whether it's for business or pleasure. Either way, their passport is more marked up than your first car and you're certain they're on a first name basis with their airline and staff. You worry about their safety and understand their traveling woos so why not help them out through a gift. A present that can help relieve just one traveling pest will be of big help!

Seasonal Decor
Flats

MORE IDEAS

1. Solar powered cellphone charger You never know what can happen so it's best to be safe than sorry with a solar powered charger 2. Pacifica's natural roll on perfume TSA friendly tubes of their favorite scent will instantly make them feel and smell better after hours of shuffling and bustling 3. TSA friendly refillable water bottles Water bottles are always needed but way overpriced. Dishwasher safe and small foldanle bottles will be very helpful 4. DSLR Camera insert and bag organizer Don't lug around a professional camera case. This gift will fit into your regular bag easily 5. Waterproof iPhone scuba suit Underwater pictures are so much fun to take and there'll be no worries about water into the phone 6. 12 Pack FDA approved hangover pills Maybe these are for the pleasure travelers who like to have fun while away.

Gift Guide #6: The Kiddos & Teens

If you don't have children, shopping for them can be daunting. Which toy, book, or size is right? On the other hand, if you have kids, you pray that what they'll receive won't have many parts or require batteries (can we say headaches?!).With the parents' and children's wishes in mind, I've found some pretty cool gifts for the children in your lives. All gifts are $100 and under and can be found a store near you since online shops' before Christmas deadline has passed. If you're looking for something for a teen, jump below!

Board Games
Walkers & Baby Ride-Ons

Boys' Pajamas
Boys' Shoes

More Children Gift Guides
10 stocking stuffers under $10
10 Toddler gifts under $20
25 Classic toys our kids will love as much as we did 
Eco-Friendly holiday gift guide: babies, kids, teens

I find teens to be the easist to shop for. They want everything but have little money so what they receive, they love (for the most part).  They are more upfront about their wish list and their hobbies are more well developed.

GUYS

Kids Desks, Chairs & Rockers
Teen Guys' Clothes

 GIRLS

Clutches
Fragrances

More Teen Gift Guides

Gifts for teen guys by personality

Top gifts for teen gals

Gift ideas for teen girls

Holiday gifts for teens

Seventeen's gift guides for teens

Best Holiday Party Hair And Beauty Ideas

Last week I covered What to Wear for holiday parties and it's time for beauty and hair. The most wonderful time of year calls for dramatic flair. I'm talking deep red lips, shimmer, metallics, old Hollywood glam, bold brows, winter white, and the classic smudged smoky eye.

Here's a collage of gorgeous beauties who've perfected beauty and hair trends and ideas for holiday parties. To zoom in on the collage, please click on the picture.

1. Fabulous blogger Keiko Lynn shows us how to simultaneously work the bold lips and eyes.
2. Kerry Washington shines in her full bun and shimmer eye while keeping the rest of her face more neutral. source
3. A bold deep lip with light golden eyes is the essence of Christmas. source
4. Let's try all the trends at once and if done right, you'll be the belle of the party, like her. I adore the strong brow, red lips, matching red nails, and the classic cat eye with a rich gold highlight. source
5. She's a winter wonderland personified with frosted white, blue, pink shades and light shimmery pink lips. I love her messy updo. Source
6. She's a vintage vixen with her Veronica Lake hairdo, matte ruby lips, and light eyes. source
7. This is how a smokey eye is done! Her playfully sexy hair and a strong brow only complements her eyes. source and how-to

Which look is your favorite?

How do you get ready for a party?

I love reading about people's getting-ready-for-a-party rituals!

Gift Guide #5: They Have Everything And Makes Shopping Like Hell

Ugh, there's nothing more frustrating than shopping for someone who has everything. They have tons of jewelry, lots of accent pieces for home, all the tech they would ever desire, and are picky with clothing. Over the years, I've learned that unique and personalized gifts are the way to go as well as thing that they would enjoy but wouldn't buy for themselves.

FOR HER

Cups & Mugs
Wallets

Find gifts that you know she'll not only love but use like moisturizing bubble bath and body oil. Give her what she's been eyeing but won't buy for herself like the leopard print iPhone case or the fab skull candle holder. If she needs something but is too lazy to get herself, help her out whether it's a new wallet or fabulous weekender bag. 

FOR HIM

Cups & Mugs
Skin Care

Men are already hard to shop for and if they have everything, it's damn near impossible. A gift card is always a solid option but you'll want to throw something in a bag for him to open like a new wallet or a cool unusual masculine pipework candelabra. If he's into mind games and strategy, go outside the box with the Ticket To Ride board game. Like with women, gifts that men will use like 'fancy' facial scrub, luxurious body cleaner, or a sturdy weekender bag is another wonderful option because men likely won't buy for themselves but will love to use.

MORE IDEAS

Experiential presents might be the better way to go for those who have everything. Give the gift of an experience or a personalized homemade gift like a scrapbook with shared memories.

 Instead of giving just another materialist item, tickets to a new show or concert will be more enjoyable.

A day at a spa, alone, or with you, is always welcomed.

If the person is into outdoor activity like skiing, let your gift be a day's pass at a ski resort.

For the sport lovers, tickets to a local game or to see their favorite team play is another personalized option.

A special personalized scrap book about you and him/her will be a treasure. It shows that you put a lot of thought and work into its making. 

Take them about to a special memory filled wine tasting. It's all about the experience and a nice leisurely afternoon of sipping fine wine beats any old thing.

What To Wear To A Holiday Party

'Tis the season of holiday parties, fa la la la la la la! Dressing up, especially in sequins and sparkle, laughing, telling stories, exchanging presents, dancing, and sipping on eggnog is worth the year long wait. I've created four different party outfits to cover the common holiday parties. Whether you'll be attending a party at the office, with your best friends', families', or on a special date night, I hope you'll find some outfit inspiration!

The Classic

Cocktail Dresses
Evening Shoes

Night Out On The Town

Cocktail Dresses
Pumps

Home With Family & Friends

Cardigans
Flats

At The Office

Cardigans
Boots

*SOMETHING EXTRA*

If you're in the need for some Christmas spirit but don't have enough time to watch Elf or White Christmas, may I suggest glancing over at my Holly Jolly Christmas pinterest board or listen to my personal Christmas YouTube playlist and The Christmas Song YouTube channel.

You can also play holiday songs on Pandora

Thinking of baking of some sweets?

Find out if you live near one of the top 10 Best Christmas Light Displays

Feeling crafty? Home make some of your gifts. Here are some ideas, and here, and here.

Don't forget to mail out your holiday cards for your far away friends and family. Let them know that they are on your mind and in your heart during this special time of year. Check out these cute stamps!