Views From the City: Blogmas Day 15!

It's Christmas Eve Eve! Hope everyone's having a wonderful Monday. I've been fortunate enough to have the weekend off, which meant traveling to New York City for some holiday fun with my family. It's back to work in the morning, but I'm ready for some time with family at Christmas. Enjoy!

Gift Guide for Nurses: Blogmas Day 14!

1. CharMED stethoscope bling ($15.99): This particular bling is the "purple ribbon combo", which is recognizing pancreatic cancer awareness this month. A portion of the proceeds will go toward pancreatic cancer research.

2. Soap & Glory "Good, Butter, Best" ($15.00): With all of the hand-washing a nurse does, we need some good hand cream to get us through these winter months.

3. Bath&BodyWorks 3-Wick Candle (2/$22): After a long shift, a relaxing night with a good-smelling candle is just what I'm looking for.

4. Lush "All the Best" Gift ($34.95): To pair with that candle, a nice set of Lush bath goodies will be the perfect way to relax. This set contains some of the best wintry bath bombs that Lush has to offer.

5. Nabee Compression Socks ($29.99): All nurses should be protecting their circulation, and these compression socks are actually cute! 

6. Sephora Favorites Fragrance Sampler (($65): This set contains all of Sephora's favorite perfumes, in sample size. Once you've sampled them all, you can return the gift certificate that comes with the gift, and choose your favorite fragrance from the set in full size!

Let the nurses in your life know that they are appreciated this holiday season. I think any of these gift ideas will be much-appreciated from any nurse, and it's definitely the thought that counts! 

Perfect Performances: Blogmas Day 13!

I decided to do one more "Perfect Performance" post, before it's finally time for Christmas. This performance is from the 2003 American Idol Christmas Special (throwback!), and is one that really gives me joy and peace in the holiday season. This particular Christmas special took place the first Christmas after my aunt passed away from pancreatic cancer, and as a thirteen-year-old, it was the perfect thing to look forward too and distract me from all of my sadness. It's a medley of songs, but they're all slower, calmer Christmas selections. Keep an eye out for "Pretty Little Liars" star, Lucy Hale!                                                              

Sick Day and Mini Haul: Blogmas Day 12!

My new, number-one #advicetobabynursingstudents and new nurses... make sure to take care of your health when you start your new job. Keep your immune systems healthy, take vitamins, exercise, whatever it takes. You will be exposed to many different illnesses in the hospital, and you are likely to catch something when you're first exposed. I'm speaking from experience... I spent all day in bed yesterday with something I may or may not have caught at work. So stay healthy, because being sick is definitely not fun!

So, for most of yesterday I was in bed with this puppy:

I had already made plans with my college friends to meet up for dinner that night. I was devastated to be sick, but made it my mission to feel mostly better by nighttime so that I could join them. I hadn't seen my roommate since August, and after living with someone for four years, that many months is a lot. I fortunately felt decent enough to make the drive to see them, and we had the best time together. We ate pizza and did a little shopping. I purchased two things at Ulta; both were things I didn't need, but definitely were things I wanted. I haven't purchased many things makeup-related since October, so I just went for it. 

The first thing I bought was a Coach "Poppy" rollerball. My roommate from college had so many different perfumes, and so most scents remind me of her. This scent was one she wore a lot during our earlier years of college, so it is definitely nostalgic. I'm so glad that I purchased it.. it smells absolutely wonderful. 

The second item purchased was a repurchase.. I loved Benefit's "Boi-ing" concealer, and was so sad that I had finished it. Apparently not sad enough to repurchase it, though. So when we decided to go to Ulta last night, I decided to buy it again. It has amazing coverage, and the drugstore concealers I've been wearing definitely do not compare.

Stay healthy, everyone! It's almost Christmas!

Holiday Nails: Blogmas Day 11!

Because I'm heading to see college friends for dinner tomorrow, I wanted my nails to look better than they were looking (chipped, and then unpolished). I decided to make this polishing into a holiday-themed nail look, and I liked it so much that I wanted to share. It was a simple process: just a few coats of Essie "Marshmallow", which is a creamy white color. After that color was completely dry, I took Essie "Set In Stones", a simple silver glitter. I tapped my nail polish brush at the base of each nail, to distribute a small amount of glitter at the bottom of the already white nail. I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season!

Gingerbread House: Blogmas Day 10!

Sometimes I just like looking at other people's festive pictures during the holiday season, so... that's what this post is all about! I made a gingerbread house this weekend, and had an awesome time decorating it. It's definitely a fun activity to do with friends or by yourself, and it truly gets you in the Christmas mood. Turn on some holiday tunes, get yourself a boxed gingerbread house kit (props to those who bake these themselves), and have yourself a festive little activity day. I hope you enjoy my pictures; make sure to leave a comment and tell me if you've decorated an edible house this December, I'd love to hear from you! 

"Jammie Ride": Blogmas Day 9!

c/o Pinterest

As a little girl, one of my favorite holiday traditions was going to see Christmas lights. My parents would tell us at night, after we got dressed in our pajamas, and we'd take a car ride around town. My dad would announce when he saw some, and I remember it being one of the most magical traditions we had. There's just something about a string of glowing lights on a dark night that makes you feel warm and festive.

As an adult, I think it's still possible to take my own "jammie ride". I could throw on a pair of festive pajamas, get a warm mug of coffee or hot chocolate, and listen to Christmas music as I look at the lights around town. This holiday season, try out your own pajama ride and enjoy the beautiful lights! Some houses even sync their lights to a radio station, so make sure to Google your area's Christmas displays to see if there are any Clark Griswold's hanging around!

Perfect Performances: Blogmas Day 8!

For me, reparation for the holiday season usually includes a trip around youTube to watch my favorite holiday performances. I have a select few that I rotate between, but I'm always on the lookout for a new go-to. I decided to share with you all one holiday performance that has been my favorite for many years. It never fails to get me in the holiday spirit, and I hope it has the same effect on all of you. It's my favorite Christmas song, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" , mixed with the stellar voices of Christina Aguilera and Brian McKnight... and it's amazing. Enjoy!

Gift Guide for Far Away Friends: Blogmas Day 7!

It's typically difficult to find the perfect gift for a friend, but it's even harder to manage when that friend lives far away. You want to pick something out that will be useful, as well as something that lets them know you're thinking about them. One of my best friends moved to another state while we were in college, so this is something I've had to think about the past couple of years. This year, however, she is studying in the Netherlands. I've taken some time to think about what I could send her, because with the distance also comes shipping concerns, and the thought that she probably doesn't want a ton of "stuff" to have with her.

My number one suggestion for someone who lives far away is a picture frame. I love this one from Nordstrom, but any picture frame with a picture of the two of you is an awesome gift. Another idea is a journal or stationary, and a set of pens. While traveling, I'm sure she'd appreciate a new notebook to write in, and the stationary could give someone the extra incentive to write home. It further opens the lines of communication between you and that person, which is always awesome. Moving on to more fashion-related items, a nice cozy scarf is perfect for someone who may be in a colder climate! Finally, this Kate Spade bangle is easy to ship, and the engraving states "heart of gold", which is a lovely message to a close friend.

I hope you all can use some of my ideas to give a gift to a special person far away. It doesn't take much to remind them that you love them, miss them, and are thinking of them over the holidays.

Unique Christmas Gifts: Blogmas Day 6!

It's always exciting when you think of an interesting, personal gift to give someone. I always enjoy giving gifts that people aren't expecting, but it's often hard to think of something that will be a surprise, as well as enjoyed. Last year, my dad gave me the bright idea of glass-blown Christmas ornaments. There was a glass studio down the street from where I lived in college, and unbeknownst to me, they were having 30-minute sessions where they'd assist you in creating your own glass-blown ornaments. Now, that was enough information for me, and I scheduled myself an appointment. 

The results were amazing. For a half-hour and two hand-made ornaments, I only paid thirty-dollars. I thought this was an amazing deal, and the people who own the shop are so friendly. It was such an enjoyable experience for me, and I was able to get two unique, hand-made gifts to give. I made one ornament for my mom, and one for my boyfriend, and I think they both really enjoyed their ornaments.

My dad was the mastermind behind this project, so this year I decided to pop into the store and just purchase an ornament for him. I picked a new "teardrop" style for him, and also purchased two more for each of my grandpa's. I think that everyone will enjoy the story behind them, and the idea that they came from where I used to live! If any of you happen to be in the Pittsburgh area, please check out Vessel Studio Glass on S. 16th Street. You will not regret the experience, I promise!

This is the ornament I made (with a lot of help!) for my mom.

One of the ornaments I purchased this year!

Christmas Playlist: Blogmas Day 5!

Just as it is with Christmas movies, I do not discriminate against Christmas music. I'm open to basically any genre producing their own Christmas music, and of course, I love the classics. I am also the type of person that wants to listen to Christmas music all year round, and tries to keep it a secret... until she realizes that people on Spotify can see what I'm listening to while I listen. I thought now would be an appropriate time to share a little bit of my favorite Christmas songs, being well into December all ready!  You can enjoy this playlist throughout this week, and until Christmas Day, or all year round if you're anything like me! It's a good mix of old classics, as well as some newer (mainly 90's era) Christmas music that I hope everyone can enjoy.

1. It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas// Michael Buble

2. Christmas Time is Here// Vince Guaraldi Trio

3. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow// Dean Martin

4. White Christmas// The Drifters

5. I'll Be Home for Christmas// Michael Buble

6. The Christmas Waltz// She & Him

7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas// Judy Garland

8. What Christmas Means to Me// Hanson

9. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays// N*SYNC

10. All I Want for Christmas Is You// Mariah Carey

Oatmeal Scotchies: Blogmas Day 4!

Ever since I was a little girl, my favorite cookies have been "Oatmeal Scotchies". They also happen to be my dad's favorite, so I have fond memories of helping him bake them around the holiday season. They're an instant reminder of December for me, and I spent my day off today baking them! I hope you can give them a try, and enjoy them as much as I do! They're perfect with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter's night. I use the Nestle recipe, which is right on the back of their bags of butterscotch morsels. 

http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18478/oatmeal-scotchies/detail.aspx

My Favorite Films: Blogmas Day 2!

In similar format to my Halloween movie favorites, I decided to feature a few posts on my favorite Christmas movies. It's hard to choose favorites because I truly love everything Christmas, but I've dedicated this post to the few movies that are centered around Christmas time, but aren't the classic holiday movies... That post (or posts!) will come at a later date. I chose four of my favorite movies, and while I like to watch them any time of the year, they each put me in the Christmas spirit. 

The Family Stone//2005

Funny, as well as sentimental. This movie features a stacked cast, too! 

"Christmas is not 'clothing optional' this year- we have a guest."

The Holiday//2006

One of the sweetest holiday movies. If you're into romantic comedies, this one's for you. 

"Iris, if you were a melody... I used only the good notes."

Serendipity//2001

Another romantic comedy, this one kind of making you frustrated until the very end. But it's adorable and well-worth the watch. 

"It's such a nice sounding word for what it means: an unfortunate accident."

Love, Actually//2003

My favorite movie of all time, actually. Various plots intertwine throughout the film, and leave you with many different feelings, but a definite spirit of Christmas. 

"If you look for it, I've got a sneaking feeling that love actually is all around."

Throwback Thurday (Santa): Blogmas Day 3!

Like many other American children, my mom took me to take pictures with Santa Claus most every year growing up. Because my sister is just two-and-a-half years younger than me, I always had someone to go with.. which made the experience a lot less frightening. I thought I'd share a few of those pictures since I had such a fun time with my Throwback Thursday for Halloween! I hope you enjoy some of the 90's style, as well as one throwback that's a little more recent. 

                   

Not Santa. I was in second or third grade here, and I had gotten my hair cut to look like the Olsen twins... of course.

My sister's glasses were actually fake frames from Claire's. So cool.

We all wore matching Gap fleeces for our family Christmas picture, which was taken right before this.
My brother was too cute.

My most recent throwback, from my senior year of college. My college threw a "light up night" party where they lit up the campus, had a big Christmas dinner, pictures with Santa and carriage rides across campus. It was tradition for my friends to participate in EVERYTHING each year, and we had a blast.

Did you take pictures with Santa as well? Was it a forced event, or did you enjoy taking pictures and telling him what you wanted for Christmas? Let me know in the comments below... I hope you are all having a wonderful start to December!

Decorations for the Dorm: Blogmas Day 1!

Throughout my college career, I acquired the reputation of being an elf. As I described before, I'm a huge fun of anything holiday-related, and that didn't change with moving into a dorm room. Freshman year, I decided to decorate my dorm room fairly excessively, and I had a blast doing it. Ever since then, my dorm rooms were the spot to snuggle up with some hot chocolate, and watch a Christmas movie.

I decided to start out blogmas with this post because I know most college students aren't in their dorms for a good amount of December. I always liked to decorate early so as to have maximum time with the decorations. It honestly doesn't take a whole lot for a dorm room to feel very festive. It's a little space, so any amount of fairy lights and red and green makes you feel like you're in a winter wonderland. I've gathered up some pictures, as well as tips, that truly represent my dorm room decorating techniques when it comes to the holidays. 

1. A Christmas tree guarantees holiday cheer. 

My favorite part of dorm room decoration was my little Christmas tree. I bought it at Target, and it lasted me all four years of college (my sister is now using it!). It was a worthwhile purchase, and was the definite focus-point of my dorm room for the holiday season. My roommate and I decorated it with silver and red bulbs (Target), and a red tree skirt (also from Target). I used to work in a floral shop, so I made the silver bow to top of the tree. I have since forgotten that skill.

2. Add some pine roping and more fairy lights, if possible.

I strung a single pine roping above my roommate's window, and weaved fairy lights through it. I added two bows to the corners of the window for another touch. You can never have too many lights, green, or silver when it comes to decoration...

3. Throw some stockings into the mix!

This is another fun thing to do with your roommate. I bought stockings from TJ Maxx for the two of us, and it was fun to see them hanging all December. It kind of made our dorm feel like our own little home for the month. I secured them on my closet door with hooks from Target, and disguised them with... more silver bows!

4. Add a little sparkle wherever possible.

I purchased these little glitter trees from Target, and I still have the silver one proudly displayed in my room today. They don't take up a lot of space, but they're the perfect festive touch to a desk or a dresser.

5. Christmas plates, perhaps?

I went a little Christmas-crazy at Target my sophomore year, and purchased Christmas plates. They were very affordable (plastic), but they added a great touch when paired with more fairy lights and a white feather boa. This display sat on the top of my desk, and I also added some matching boxes of hot chocolate for decor and easy-access.

6. Do something fun and festive with your whole floor!

My sophomore year, we lived on something called a "wing", which was a part of the dorm that housed about twelve rooms. That Christmas, we decorated the common area, and posted this big calender on the wall. On each day, I added what Christmas movies were on ABC Family, and it was also a fun way to count down the days until Christmas break. Any activity like this that brings people together is a great idea in my book.

Nursing students, take a break from studying and decorate! It will make you feel a lot better, and definitely works to take your mind off of school for a bit. But once you're done, study hard in your new, happy environment!