The first day of winter is December 21st, and it’s fast approaching. I love creating a bucket list for the various seasons to ensure that I’m getting the best out of each month. Below, I’m sharing 8 Things On My Winter To-Do List.

8 Things on My Winter To-Do List

Winter Photoshoot
I would really love a cute snow photo. I always see so many gorgeous snow photos on Instagram, and I honestly don't think that I personally own one. My goal would be to take a photo that looks magical and dreamy.

Vacation
This is always on my list. I love vacations, and I love exploring new places. I don't have any places on my agenda. However, I'm open to taking any last-minute trips.

Bake
I can't wait to make cinnamon rolls. For some reason, I've been craving them lately. Of course, I plan on making a healthier alternative. However, I would love for them to look and taste like the ones I'm mentally envisioning. You know, fluffy, gooey with the frosting just dripping off.

Craft
I haven't used my silhouette machine in over a year. I typically use it around the holidays. I'm noticing that I'm struggling with really creating time for myself. I have to do better.

Read
You know the saying “out of sight, out of mind” as a child I didn't enjoy reading. However, after completing my bachelor's and master's degrees. Reading was something that I really grew to love. I remember the days where I would finish a good book in an afternoon. I have to get back in the habit of reading often.

Enjoy
This may sound so simple. However, I would love to enjoy a winter-inspired drink at a coffee shop or my local Starbucks. It would be so nice to really just be "at the moment".

Organize
I think I have enough fun stuff on my list, I have to get better at organizing my space. Though I love Christmas. It was so nice to have my space back from all of our Christmas decor. Our home is under 1000sq and it requires a lot of creativity when it comes to organizing. I've read a few books in the past that were really helpful. I just have to organize my space to its full potential. Plus, life is so much better when you know where everything is.

Winter Brunch
I'm a huge fan of brunches. I would love to attend a brunch and really just be in the moment. Try something that I typically wouldn't have, and just enjoy my own company.

Do you have a winter “To-Do List”?

Christmas is fast approaching, and for many people, it can be a stressful time. It really does not have to be though. When I learned how to say no, and not overextend myself, the holidays became a game-changer for me. This Christmas can be your best Christmas yet, once you create a plan, and determine what doesn't work for you. Below, I'm sharing tips for Surviving Christmas.

Learn To Say No
It’s so important to know when to say no and how to say no I feel like a lot of times we overextend ourselves and we're unable to accomplish the goals that we have due to saying yes to everything and everyone. Really sit down prior to committing to something, ask yourself if he’s going to bring more stress on more joy to your holiday spirit.

Plan
I can’t stress the importance of how important it is to plan out your holiday season I am not perfect by any means however I’ve noticed that planning definitely does make things a lot easier and take the stress off of you. If you have a hard time finding the perfect dress for all of the holiday parties that you're invited to, purchase multiple dresses. I know that this may sound a little strange. However, it's better to have multiple options, than to wait last minute, and you just feel like not attending the event due to feeling overwhelmed. Just remember that when you purchase those items, make sure that you can possibly wear them to another event if needed. If you struggle with being a last-minute shopper. Create a printable monthly spread, showcasing the deadline and budget you have to purchase the gift for each person. When it's time to go shopping, you have already broken down your list, and know who you're going to buy for. I highly would suggest not having anything on your task list or to-do list a week before Christmas just so that frees up time for you to do the stuff that you love maybe. This could be going to the spa and maybe is having a countdown and/or creating an advent calendar with your family prior to the holidays.

Know Your Triggers
It’s so important to know your triggers throughout the holiday season do you get stressed out when you have to do stuff last minute do you not like being around crowds do you prefer to not overextend yourself. It’s just so important to know what triggers you and I feel that a lot of people find themselves stressed out during the holiday season because they overextend themselves. Don’t be afraid to say no to people if being, if last-minute holiday shopping stresses you out and you're really triggered to the point where you don't even feel like celebrating the holidays, take a moment to step back, and reflect on the situation. What's caused you to be stressed out. What could you do differently?

Do you have any tips for Surviving Christmas?

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Even though I am not hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my home this year. I thought I would share a few tips to ensure that you have a very pleasant holiday.

1. Location

I know, this might sound a little strange to some people who know in advance who's hosting Thanksgiving dinner. However, many people host Thanksgiving dinners and brunches last minute. Confirm who's hosting, and where it's being hosted at.

2. Travel

If you're visiting family/friends out of state. Triple-check your travel plans. Make sure your car maintenance is up to date. Make sure your plane tickets are all set and you have your rental car reservation taken care of. Pack everything in advance! Know what that states current guidelines, and mandates are.

Road trip essentials (example)
Snacks
Puzzles
Movies
Books
First Aid kit

3. What to Wear

Now is the perfect time to figure out what you and your family are going to wear. Budget if you're going to purchase new clothing for everyone or you're going to wear something you already have. Make sure that everyone try's on their clothing in advance. Don't wait until the day of to find out. The kiddos grew out of the pants that were too big last year or your favorite dress has a stain on it. Trust me. Have a try on the day to decide if you're going to be matchy and to ensure that everything fits properly, once you decide on what your family is wearing. Iron everything in advance to ensure that you're not running around last minute the day of. This is also the perfecct time to take your holiday photos or back up photos since everyone will be dressed.

4. Agenda/Schedule

Thanksgiving at times is one of those holidays that you can house hop as I would like to call it. Start creating a list of what your day will typically look like. It's super easy to lose track of time while you're having a great time. However, set the alarm on your phone when it's time to go. It's best to enter each event on your phone and add reminders.

Example
Thanksgiving Day parade at...
Brunch at Grandma's
Football
5. Hosts Gift

If you're visiting friends/family you should bring something. For the adults, I like to bring a nice bottle of wine. You could even bring a bottle of sparkling cider. The suggestion is to bring something. The person that's cooking will most likely appreciate it. Ask them first, though. If you're unsure bring a nonalcoholic beverage, you do not want to offend anyone. When you're invited to someone's home for Thanksgiving the first thing you should ask is “what shall I bring” if they have nothing “I would like to bring a bottle of wine if that's OK...” if they say no, no one drinks wine. Don't bring anything. You just want to make sure that you've offered.

6. To-Do List

Create a To-Do list with a time frame of when everything needs to be done. You can easily create a To-Do list on your phone or you can use the template on the number section on your iPhone or Mac products.

Example:
Confirm dinner time
Iron Clothing
Purchase hosts gift
Car maintenance
What's your favorite holiday tip?

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Thanksgiving is almost a week away, and as a mom, I know we're pulled in a million directions. From...

Decorating our home
Sending out holiday cards
Attending holiday parties
Purchasing gifts for everyone and their mama
Figuring out our holiday dinner menu

Trust me, I know I get it. Typically, I'ved hosted Thanksgiving dinner in the past and shortly thereafter we head to the outlets to catch those good ole Black Friday deals. I mean, I really love Christmas and I want to enjoy every minute leading up to it. However, I really get it as a mom, sometimes we really don't get the chance to be in the moment. Below I’m sharing how to avoid Mommy Holiday burnout to make sure this holiday season is the best year yet.

Holiday Plans
Sit down and figure out what you’re doing this year. Who’s hosting Christmas Dinner? Are you sending cards? Do you have annual events that you would like to attend?

Me Time
As prior stated, for the last couple of years. I've typically taken a vacation prior to Christmas. It honestly wasn't planned. But I learned that it was really nice to just enjoy the moment in another state. I realized that the stress that the holidays can sometimes bring on alot. I know this is not possible for everyone. However, take some me-time. That may mean a spa date or even a staycation. Treat yourself to some me-time, and do what you love.

Eat Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day? It is! Don’t skimp on it. Make sure that every morning that you have a complete breakfast with your favorite breakfast treat.

Menu Plan
Around this time of year menu planning and my crockpot is my bestie.

If you can freezer cook that's even better. With so many parties and shopping to do. Cooking on the stove can become a task. Compile a list of your favorite recipes. Figure out what you need from the store until you go back to the store for your Christmas dinner essentials and menu plan weekly or the entire month if possible.

The List
Create a list of everyone you're purchasing gifts for. Also, include next to their name gift ideas. It sucks to go to the store trying to figure out what to purchase for someone. Use your time wisely and create your list now.

Delegate Task

With children being so tech-savvy. Include them in festivities. Delegate age-appropriate tasks. That could include picking up an extra chore and/or assisting with cooking. If you’re a blogger. Have them help with your blogger tasks (if you don’t have a virtual assistant).

Mommy burnout is real. Use these tips to simplify this holiday season and avoid mommy burnout.

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I think I attended my first Black Friday event when I was about 17, my aunt was super excited about attending and had been attending the event of this sale for years. It sounded like so much fun, wake up early a day after Thanksgiving, and shop until you were pretty much tired?! Count me in, over the years, after Thanksgiving dinner it was a tradition that my aunt would pick up a newspaper, and after dinner, we would go through the sales fliers and create a plan. It was so much fun, and I created so many Black Friday memories throughout the years. Below, I'm sharing my Must-Know Tips for Shopping Black Friday.

Must-Know Tips for Shopping on Black Friday

Shop Now
As weird as this may sound if you prefer shopping online, shop now. Most stores offer amazing deals prior to Black Friday, and the cashback offer is typically more before the holidays.

Know When the sales start
It’s important to know when the sale actually starts. I think so many people have the misconception that most sales start on Thanksgiving, and Black Friday. However, I’ve learned that all stores are different some stores have sales that start on Wednesday online, and I’ve even gone to stores at the outlet that opened at around 12 am, and whose doors didn’t open until 6 am on Black Friday. Search the website for the stores in which you plan on visiting to make sure that you have the correct information on hand. Also, note I've already started receiving mailers with Black Friday sales going on now.

Shopping List
Know who you’re shopping for and what stores you would like to shop for that person. It’s so easy to see all of the sales and add everything into your cart. Creating a shopping list makes it so much easier to have a strategic plan.

Emails
Signup for their emails beforehand for your favorite stores. You'll be the first to know about sales and Earlybird opportunities.

Budget
I’m all for budgets, it’s so easy to overspend on Black Friday on items that you don’t even need or want. Create a budget for each person on your shopping list. If you’re purchasing items for yourself or Home. Create a budget for the store in which you plan on shopping.

Price Matching Policy
A lot of stores do not price match on Black Friday. No there policy beforehand to save you time and money.

Stores
There are a ton of stores that have Black Friday sales, which stores do you plan on visiting online, and in-person? I’ve found it so helpful to create a list of the stores which I plan on visiting in person, and virtually, and what item I want from each store.

Back-Up Plan
The possibilities are endless but have a backup plan. If you're at a store and the item you're looking for is out of stock. What is your plan "B"? Know beforehand what stores are going to have what.

Shop with a Friend
If you have a friend/family member that wants to go with you. Let them, the more the merrier. Help each other out. Split up and go to different stores. Have a plan!

As the saying goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. “ Of course nothing is glowing to be perfect. Stores will sell out of items, some stores might not even have the item in stock in which you’re looking for. I highly suggest purchasing the items that are on sale for the same price online. That you purchase the item online to avoid having to search around the stores looking for it.

Do you have any Black Friday Tips?

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This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx

I can't believe that it's the official time to start planning the ultimate Friendsgiving. I'm still trying to decide on a theme for this year. However, I'm looking forward to spending time with friends. I've been on the hunt for great products to entertain with. I always look forward to partnering with Babbleboxx, they always introduce my family to so many amazing new and exciting products. I love getting the opportunity to try new stuff and share them with you guys. Plus, I'm able to try some products that I've never heard of before. My most recent Babbleboxx was jam-packed with some amazing products to host the ultimate holiday entertaining event.

Rodney Strong
I was actually recommended by a friend to try Rodney Strong wines, and I'm so happy that I had the opportunity to do so. The quality of this wine is out of this world. Roobrust in flavor, and is perfect paried with your favorite dishes. I've been considering creating a cheese board to pair with my Rodney Strong wines for Friendsgiving.
Cabernet
Rodney Strong is recognized in the late 1960s that Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley was an exceptional area for heat-loving Cabernet Sauvignon. Rodney Strong planted his first Cabernet vineyard in 1971, Alexander’s Crown, on a small hill in Jimtown, and the reputation for fine Sonoma County Cabernet has never looked back. Today Rodney Strong has three exceptional Cabernet vineyards, from Jimtown to Geyserville, and all the way north to Cloverdale, planted in the well-drained alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale/sandstone soils that make Sonoma County is an ideal place for this noble grape.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay features pristine fruit from cooler, coastal regions of California where Chardonnay thrives and displays its alluring and unique flavors and aromas. The advances in viticulture outside of Sonoma and Napa in recent years have resulted in higher-quality grapes. By incorporating some of this fruit with their Sonoma County grapes, they have created a better, more complex wine.

Dorot Gardens
This is my first time trying Dorot Gardens products, and it has become my ultimate cooking hack. I love that always has fresh ingredients on hand thanks to Dorot. I love that theirs no peeling, no chopping, no mess, Just a simple pop to effortlessly and season and flavor in my favorite dishes. I love that I can now always make a quick dip on a whim all I have to do is add cream cheese or sour cream to have a fresh dip in minutes. How cool is that?! With Dorot you can have fresh Garlic and Herbs year-round with the simple “pop”.

Friendsgiving Book
This Friendsgiving book is jammed perfect with recipes perfect for thanksgiving, the holidays, or simply when you're entertaining.
Friendsgiving is an officially licensed guide for year-long celebrations inspired by Friends. Friendsgiving is filled with recipes, entertaining tips, and group activities for holidays, special occasions, and other festivities inspired by the feasts and fun of everyone’s favorite sitcom squad.

Dewey’s Cookies
Dewey's Cookies are exceptionally thin and remarkably flavorful cookies baked with real ingredients – no artificial flavors or colors, and no preservatives. These delicious treats are Baked with care at Dewey’s Southern hometown bakery in Winston-Salem, NC and are perfect to enjoy on a whim and make the perfect stocking stuffers this holiday season.

Save

Visit Dewey's Cookies to save 10% off site wide here.

Discount Code: DEWEYS10 - 10% off sitewide
Valid November 10th- December 10th with Promo code

Frank’s Red Hot Almonds
Whether you're looking for the perfect snack to have on hand for your guests, or simply the ultimate snack to indulge in while you're cooking this holiday season. Franks Red Hot Almonds is made with Frank’s Original Hot Sauce and made with California Almonds, no artificial colors or flavors. Frank's Red Hot Sauce Almonds are a great snack for any occasion and especially or simply create your own trail mix for your guests.

Frank's Red Hot Almonds is currently available for sale at Meijer Grocery Stores and Amazon.com.