Friday Favorites

Well hello!

So my Friday Favorites is a little late. Primarily because I have a case of the Christmas Crazy and it literally just slipped my mind. 

So, while this post is coming a little later, it's still Friday. So I can still have Favorites. 

We have an assortment of favorites today, but I realized none of them are tangible. So if you want some tangible favorites, you can refer to my Stocking Stuffer favorites from last week :) 

Okay - let's get cracking. 

1 - Holiday Movies

 

Like the DVD ones, not the Hallmark ones - we've already covered those here. So everyone has their favorite Christmas movies, and today I wanted to share mine! Let me start by saying I am not a fan of Elf (I just don't find it funny) and I've never (fully) seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. That movie had too long of a title for me. So you may think I'm crazy, but I still do have some classic favorites. Here are my top ten favorites - ranked in order and starting with the favorite!

 1. White Christmas 

2. The Holiday

3. I'll Be Home for Christmas

4. The Santa Clause

5. Home Alone

6. Miracle on 34th Street

7. Christmas with the Kranks

8. The Family Stone

9. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

I really want to put 10 as Love Actually....but I've never seen it. And I really need to. Because it's so many people's favorite holiday movie! Maybe I'll watch it this year....finally. 

2 - The Fuller House Trailer

Uhhh....all the feels. I loved me some Full House growing up. Plus Full House still airs on Nick every weeknight right before Friends. So I'd be lying if I said I didn't still watch it. Well yesterday Netflix released the trailer for the upcoming 13-episode reunion this February. Oh the heartstrings. I watched this thing four times and got chills every time. I can't wait! Watch it here.

3 - Christmas Cards

On Wednesday I shared my Christmas Card (and respective blooper reel) with you all! These are one of my absolute favorite traditions each year, and this year was no exception :) If you missed that post you can check it out here.

4 - Grease! Live

So many entertaining things happening on television in 2016! I am a huge Julianne Hough fan, so when I saw she was playing Sandy in the live version of Grease I was pumped. It has a lot of known people, so I'm hoping it'll be really fantastic. It airs Sunday, January 31st! 

5 - Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? - Mickey Guyton

Uhhh....any adult size Frozen fans out there? Well let me tell you this. If you really like the Snowman song but don't want to sing along in the car with the 4-year old who sings it on the movie soundtrack? Check this version out. It's so good. And I get chills at the end every time. A sing along adult version of a Disney movie. You. Are. Welcome.

6 - KUWK 25 Days of Christmas

And finally - a huge favorite of mine is my KUWK 25 Days of Christmas challenge! I just have to do something Christmassy every day. Easy, right? False. This challenge was simple in theory (and in November), but once the crazy of December hit, I realized it was easier said than done. But alas, I have persevered so far! I'll be posting Days 14-18 tomorrow! 

See Days 1-6 here.

See Days 7-13 here.

And there you have it! You know why this Friday is also a favorite? Because after today I'm WORK FREE for two whole weeks!! And that's a praise. Glory be hallelujah. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Until next time,
Katy

Christmas Cards

I have been waiting WEEKS to write this post. 

I love love love Christmas Cards. I originally was planning on waiting until I mailed my cards to write this, but as I shipped them to my parents' house instead of my house.... I'm tired of waiting.  And I'm also tired of chasing my cards all over the great state of Texas, but that's neither here nor there.

So - SPOILER ALERT - some of you will no longer be surprised when you open the card from me. 

Oh well. 

This is mine and Charlie's FIFTH Christmas card. That is both astounding and sad. Primarily because that means I've been living "grown up adult life" for five years. (big deep breath)

I've always loved getting Christmas Cards, and back in December 2011, I realized why do I need to wait until I'm married with children for a card? I have a dog, and he's pretty dang cute...so why wouldn't I grace the refrigerators of people everywhere with our presence? 

Thus came the tradition :)

Here is this year's card. Coming to a fridge near you!

Here's the thing. Christmas Card picture taking ain't for the faint of heart. It's difficult and requires patience. Of which I have very little of. Thankfully, my photographer (and bestie) Lisa has plenty for all. It's like over the 11 month period between each year, I forget that it's difficult. I just see the outcome and think MAN that was a piece of cake. So each year, 5 minutes in, when I tell Lisa "it's just not going to work this year," she reminds me that I think "it's just not going to work" every year. #truefriendshiphurts

What I love most about the Christmas Card photo session (other than the cute cards) are the outtakes. Lisa takes close to 100 pictures each and every year, and each year I tell her to please just give me one good one. But, if I'm honest, sometimes the worst ones are my favorite. :)

Because sometimes I'm smiling great, but Char's snaggle tooth gets caught... 

Or he shares his untimely boredom....

Or he'd really just rather go sit with Lisa....

Or sometimes he would decide to sit ON me....

And other times he would like to sit no where near me.

I just laughed the whole way through that. Maybe you had to be there. And maybe you have to know my dog, but I guarantee you Lisa is chuckling right now :)

I could share the other 77 blooper shots, but you get the idea! Let's just say Charlie's common theme this year was none other than...

#byefelicia

Seriously though, I treasure these cards. I know Char won't be with me forever, so these moments and these pictures are just priceless to me. No matter how many treats we go through. Charlie has already gained 5 pounds of 'holiday weight'....and I'm pretty sure it all happened during this 45 minute photoshoot. #briberyisbrilliant

And a HUGE shout out to Lisa for taking these for a third year in a row. Me and your goddog love you dearly! Plus looking and laughing through the digitals back at your apartment is also always a highlight :)

Before I go I'll leave you with a little blast from the past....

-2014-

-2013-

-2012-

-2011-

I can't even handle 2011 - we're such babies!

To see the bloopers from our 2014 Christmas Card shoot, click here. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone! NINE days until Christmas!!

Until next time,
Katy

KUWK Christmas: Days 7-13

So I really had no intention of waiting this long to do this post - but once you get to days 11, 12, and 13, you'll understand why I'm just now getting around to it. 

We're officially 13 days into December (yes, I realize it's the 14th, but it's 6 a.m. and the only thing Christmassy I've done so far is drink Christmas coffee), and I must say - this little challenge is hard. It's mainly hard on weeknights when I work late. But - like I said in the beginning, I don't have to do something big every day...just something. 

And so far, so good :)

So here we go! KUWK's 25 Days of Christmas - Days 7 - 13!

Monday night consisted of Winter Oreo Bark and I'll Be Home for Christmas (the JTT kind). 

I will always have a crush on teenage Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I was obsessed with Home Improvement growing up (like I recorded any episode that revolved around him on VCR), and proceeded to watch any and every movie he made. This one was no exception. In fact, I remember that me and my sister went and saw this in the theatre. And when we parked we couldn't get out of the car yet because she had to finish singing Tim McGraw's "Something Like That" which was on the radio at the time. Crazy what you remember.

But yes - day seven was baking and a movie. If you haven't watched this in a while I highly suggest it (JTT and Jessica Biel circa 1998), and if you missed my winter oreo bark recipe last week you can find it here! Two ingredients; twenty minutes. It's that easy!

Okay, Tuesday was rough. I worked really late and by the time I came home, I just wanted to collapse into a giant heap of worthlessness. But alas - I did so in a Christmassy way! Day 8 consisted of a bubble bath, Christmas novel (I was reading Winter Stroll at the time), and a Frosted Gingerbread candle. And for purposes of keeping this blog PG - you only get a picture of the candle :)

I'm actually on my third holiday book this month - so I'll be posting a December book review either later this week or next!

Wednesday is for Wrapping!  

And no I'm not dorky enough to have planned it like that (although that's something I totally would do), it honestly just crossed my mind.

Wednesday I needed to wrap some gifts primarily to get them out of my room. My space is limited in my room and I've stubbed my toe on my mom's Christmas gift approximately 32 times now walking into my bathroom. It was time to get that mess under the tree where it belongs!

 When I showed you my Christmas decor, you saw I have a blue/silver tree, and a red/green/gold tree. Well both trees have to have presents. No scrooge here. So, I did the noble and just thing and bought wrapping paper that matched both trees! And while I would show you the finished product of my wrapping, I forgot to buy bows. So you shall see said finished product once I find some.

On Thursday night, Jeff and I went to the opening Christmas show at our church!

In years past, I wasn't able to go because I was dancing in the Prestonwood show, so I was excited to see what it was all about this year! And let me tell you - it was quite entertaining! The entire show is a parody of Disney music (which I ate right up) and the talent was just amazing. The show is over for the year, but if they do it again next year - be sure to put it on your list! 

Friday was a pretty special (and ridiculously long) day for my family. We had our first Christmas baby!! Sweet little Easton joined us at 9:09 p.m. on Friday night. Yes. 9:09. I got to the hospital a little before 8a that morning. We all thought it would happen around lunchtime. Joke's on us. Nevertheless, he arrived, and he's precious, and he's the first December baby in our family. So we're all currently in a state of smitten right now. 

My sister. Mother of two. She's a champ. Plus she didn't have food for like 16 hours - so she's like the champ of all champs. 

So what did we do in the waiting room all the day long? A little of this, and a little of that. And then dad and I found the Hallmark channel. YES. 

He told me if I post this anywhere I don't get Christmas, but it makes me laugh and I just had to. So hopefully he just doesn't read this post. We love our Hallmark :)

So after a long Day 11, I packed up and headed to Oklahoma City for a Christmas wedding! My friend (and former roommate for two years), Lauren, got married to her man in a winter wonderland. Seriously - it was so pretty. Christmas EVERYWHERE! Including this gorgeous, massive, real tree that was flown in from Colorado. Yes - trees make air travel if you didn't know.

Me, Megan and Kristie - waiting to get this party started!

The beautiful bride!

Also - these are my work people. They are a complete hot mess and I love them. Seriously - the most entertaining crew on the dance floor!

My main squeeze :)

And THEN, after the reception, the bride had to tinkle. Hey - it's life. It happens. And what do you do when you're in a giant poufy dress and need to visit the ladies room? Take a couple of your girlfriends with you for assistance! That's friendship right there.

On Sunday we all drove back to Dallas and then I headed on down to Midlothian to cuddle with my sweet nephew! Who is just the sweetest thing ever by the way.

And he already praises the Lord. Glory hallelujah can I get an amen?!

This is the point of the blog where I really could just put up about 30 pictures I took while holding him. But I'll just leave you with a couple more...

Easton and his granddaddy! Look at both those smiles :)

And also - Jeff's first time to burp a baby. This picture kind of melts my heart a little bit. He's so little!!

And then I came home and did the only thing I could possibly entertain doing after that crazy long weekend. I watched the new Hallmark movie. 

And it was a great one by the way! I highly recommend it :)
_____

(big deep massive breath) 

And THERE are Days 7-13. 

Last week of work this week and then it's full speed ahead to the 25th! Are y'all ready?! Hope so!

11 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!

Until next time,
Katy

Friday Favorites: Stocking Stuffers

We've made it to Friday!! 

First off - let me tell you that this post is a scheduled-published post I wrote last night, because right now (depending on when you read this), I'm either anxiously awaiting or snuggling with my new  nephew! Prayers for mama and baby are both coveted and appreciated!

Today, per usual, I'm linking up for Friday Favorites - but this week we're doing a little something different. This week we're doing stocking stuffers! And stocking stuffers under $25!

It is the 11th of December - so either you're almost through with shopping, smack dab in the middle, or haven't even started. No matter what the case - I have a feeling this post will be beneficial. Everyone loves a good stocking stuffer - they're safe for those you know like the back of your hand, as well as those you don't know so well. 

So here we go!

1 - Christmas Blend Coffee

$12.95 at Starbucks

....okay, so this one might be personalized/biased (someone please get me this) - but hear me out. Christmas/holiday blend coffee is just good coffee. It's just absolutely delicious. But here's the thing - after December....IT'S GONE. So after pumpkin spice coffees and Christmas blends, you're stuck roughin' out the last few months of winter with regular ole coffee. No bueno. So buy your special someone every box you can find a box or bag and let them experience a little holiday in January!

Which leads me to....

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2 - Mugs!

$6-$12

 

I have a coffee mug obsession. That's nothing new. But when I saw these at Pier One the other night, I knew I had to include them. They're gold and white and so pretty in person! And right now they're on sale for $8! I always think of mugs for people at work. Don't let people drink their morning beverages out of plastic (or heaven forbid Styrofoam) cups. Coffee tastes better in a mug, people. 

Target, Anthro, and Pier One all have really cute mugs right now!

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3 - Emi Jay Hair Ties

1 for $3 or 5 for $11

 These puppies are a girl's best friend. For those of you who don't know, these things have changed the world of hair ties. They come in solid colors and prints; they don't leave creases in your hair, they're not so tight that you have headaches, and they're not so unattractive sitting on your wrist while not being used. Get some in every color and you can just color coordinate with your outfit! And just like any other hair tie and/or bobbypin, you can never have too many. Find them here!

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4 - Nail Polish

$9 - $10

I absolutely love nail polish, and I absolutely hate buying it. In the grand scheme of things, $10 as a stocking stuffer is a pretty good deal, but $10 on a Tuesday in March just pains me. Usually because I'm at Target and my bill is already rapidly approaching triple digits. What IS it about that place?! So I would most definitely give the gift on nail polish this year! Neutrals and purples are my personal favorites :)

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5 - BP Stone Stud Earrings

$4 at Nordstrom

 Yes. You read correctly. $4. They're originally $8 (still a steal), but lucky for you they're 50% off right now! The colors are dwindling quickly...rightfully so...but you can also find these pretty colors for $12. Which is still a really great deal for some big ole colorful studs. I want one in every color.

_____

6 - Scarves on scarves on scarves

Varies - but under $25

 If you're a veteran over here, you know scarves are a big deal. And you know what the beauty of them is? Well 1) scarves are normally pretty decently priced. Blanket scarves are a little more pricey, but the normal ones are usually under $25. And 2) they take up a lot of room in a stocking. :) Just saying! Find all of Nordy's scarves under $25 here.

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 7 - Facial Masks

 Varies - but under $25!

So. You're a female. Now picture your female self at Target. (Did you smile?) Now picture yourself in the facial aisle at Target. It's a beautiful thing ain't it? Neutrogena, Oil of Olay, Ponds, BioMiracle, anti aging, stress relieving, pore shrinking - they're all calling out to you. And you want to buy them all. But do you NEED them? Probably not. Well, friends - Christmas is about giving people everything they "don't need." Find a pretty stress mask with good reviews and give it to your fellow female. We're all anxiously trying to get our skin to stay 23 forever. #itsnotworking

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8 - Gift Cards

Whoever said gift cards were lame was a dang fool. Yes, they may not seem personal, but I still think they're thoughtful. They're so thoughtful that the giver is letting you BUY SOMETHING YOU WANT AND/OR DON'T NEED. That's a good gift right there. The gift of free reign and no pay. My parents have always hidden giftcards in the tree and we kids eat them up. Restaurants, Target, Sephora, etc. They're just a beautiful thing!

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And there you have it! EIGHT stocking stuffers for the common female - all under $25. 

Yes, please, and thank-you. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

EXACTLY TWO WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS?! 

Did you panic? No fear. Just scroll up and re-read :)

Until next time, 

Katy