The thrifty elf

     If you partake in Christmas traditions, you can probably attest that this time of year can be a most delightful, yet stressful, time of year. I don't know about you, but it seems like there is a constant mental checklist going on in my head, which never seems to complete itself. In running around like Santa's elf, I realize the full intensity of the expression "so much to do, and so little time". From festivities to finances, how is it humanly possible? In just thinking of the basics, such as decorations, gifts, and feast foods, one slowly realizes that these little things can add up, costing a pretty penny...or two. The end result, the addition of alcohol into your eggnog, not to mention substantial headaches and rising stress levels. Luckily, I've come up with a few nifty, thrifty pointers, which have helped me through and through. 

Tips for Santa's little helpers: 

Make a list, and check it twice!

   When I mentioned that I had a mental checklist going on inside my head, I failed to mention that I also have one written down. It is proven that if you make a list, checking off the things you've completed, it not only helps you stay organized, but earns an immense feeling of gratification, AKA- Happiness. I'm one for instant gratification, so I broke my responsibilities up into two different list...

A "Nice" list, for those I wanted to give a little something, something.

MOM

DAD

SISTERS

COWORKERS

etc.

A "Naughty" list, for everything else that I wanted to purchase 

WRAPPING PAPER

TAPE

CHRISTMAS TREE

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE SUPPLIES

-2 cans green beans

-1 can of cream and mushroom soup

-1/4 milk

-onion crispys

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

etc.

In doing so, I've learned that you can earn yourself a little more brain space, and peace of mind.

"One mans toxic sludge, is another mans potpourri!"

   I'm a girl of simple pleasures, yet I enjoy the nature of nice things. I like to save money, and have fun, which is possible. Idea: Get a group of your best buds together, search your house for new, or lightly used items, and have yourself a Christmas swap, white elephant, if you will. In doing this, everyone gets the joy of unwrapping something, you won't have to purchase 13191232193 gifts, and you're building fun memories with your favorite people. Not so fond of used items, put a limit on how much you should each spend on each other so nobody breaks the bank, or feels bad. My family does a $50 drawing each year, which has been a huge success for as long as I can remember.

"It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came with ought packages, boxes, or bags!"- Le grinch 

   Unfortunately, we live in a showy society, so it's not exactly applauded if you present an unwrapped gift. Aside from the possible embarrassment, it takes away from the mystery. Do you have to have the best wrapping paper on the block with silk bows? Not at all.

This year I decided to compare prices, and styles, of different stores that carried wrapping materials. In my search for style and savings, I discovered the amazing....DOLLAR STORE! (The one where everything is a dollar, not the one that calls themselves the dollar store, yet everything is clearly NOT a dollar.) I found the cutest bags, tissue, and wrapping paper...for the low price of...well, $10, for 10 items. Tape, bows, boxes, glitter, and cute decorations galore. I believe in the beauty of presentation, but it's the inside the counts, so save the extra moola. 

Looking to get creative?

Hit up your nearest craft store for plain brown handled bags, and make your own personalized sacks. 

A tisk, for a task.

   I'm stubborn, so asking for help is not of my nature, but let's face it, we all need a little help sometimes. Instead of planning everything on my own like a mad women, my family breaks things up into personal tasks, so instead of piling the entire Christmas meal onto one person's plate, we split it up. If one of us is slacking on wrapping, we have wrapping parties, and if someone is stacked with responsibilities and needs some last minute gifts, we help a family member out. Hands are for helping folks!

Heart to heart and hand in hand.

   Family,friends, and the memorable times spent together, is what Christmas time is all about. I love surprising family and friends with things they love, because it makes me happy to see them happy, but the real gift is being in their presence. Taking in the small moments of this season can make this time much more enjoyable, from walking through Christmas lights, to hot chocolate by a cozy fire. Christmas isn't a present, it's a meaning, no matter what it is you believe.

Want to spread a little extra love this Christmas? Donate extra canned goods to the nearest food drive, or purchase a gift for a child in need. It's the little things that make the biggest difference.

P.S. 16 more days until Christmas! 

Once upon a Christmas....

   I always get a little excited around this time of year, the cold weather, pretty lights, and comfy clothes, what's not to love about winter? In reflecting back on previous years, I stumbled across memories of my childhood Christmases. I vividly remember my excitement  when decorating the Christmas tree, insisting I put the angel on the top every year. The days seemed to go by so slowly, when my morning routine consisted of moving the Santa doll down a pocket each day in December, counting down the days until Santa came. I recall my sisters all squished into one bed on Christmas Eve, laughing the night away, while getting scolded by our parents because of the noise, and failed attempts to catch Santa in action. Oh the days!

In getting older, the childhood excitement slowly escapes us, unless we do out best to keep it alive. The way I look at it, there is still so much love, so I make new memories, and hold the old ones close to my heart.

My most memorable presents from Santa

Barbie dream house!

I think I screamed when I opened it, it had an elevator, balcony, and bath tub, my barbies were too cool.

 Tamagotchi!

I got a cute little cat, it died all the time, but I remember spending hours at a time trying to keep it alive.

Cabbage patch kid!

The coolest part about this doll was that it had a birth certificate, which made me feel like I extra owned it. It was my first child, yet now they all kind of creep me out.

Easy bake oven!

My favorite, and most played with, present of all time. I seriously loved that thing, and once I ran out of powder packets and recipes, I used random things from my kitchen. I was devastated when my light bulb went out, and when it was really dirty inside, my mom made me throw it away. Sad day!

Lite-Brite!

Flat out fun! It was such an accomplishment when I completed a full stencil, although I mostly free styled, randomly sticking them anywhere I wanted. My parents didn't like it very much, nor did I, when stepping on a piece sitting upright on the carpet.

Don't stop believing!

Thankful, I am.

Thanksgiving is just days away, and most of us are either day dreaming about eating, or preparing, the delicious feast that comes along with the holiday. With our thoughts absorbed in turkey and green bean casserole, it's easy to forget the true meaning behind the occasion. (cornucopias)
My realization this year came in the form of a fast ball, thrown a week before Thanksgiving. My family is deciding to go separate ways this year, a foreign idea to me. Naturally, I was devastated, 22 years of tradition for me, shattered by one Thanksgiving apart, until I took a look at the big picture. My parents, who are the hardest working souls I've ever met, are taking a relaxing, well deserved, trip to the beach and my sisters are finally getting to spend the holiday with their husbands families, which is rare, because we are typically a pretty inseparable gang on holidays. In thought of this, I decided to feel a little less like Jenny McCarthy's "Singled out" and little more tuned in. In scrambling to decide what I was going to do, whether it be eating a Jim's Thanksgiving, or frozen dinner, I decided to A. be thankful that the reason my family couldn't be together this year was because we chose not to, not because we weren't able to and B. that I could try something different this year. I was thankful for how many friends and distant family members were so eager to have me over, I can't pin point a more eye opening moment where I've felt more loved, and blessed. In conclusion, my turkey day plans will consist of me volunteering at the homeless shelter, for those who need me, and feasting with my second family, and high school best friends. Helping hands, and helping hearts. It's important to be thankful for what you have, especially on a day that is trying to remind you of it.

I'm thankful for:

1. My family: I couldn't put a crazier group of people together if I tried, but I couldn't picture a world where they weren't around. Whether walking this earth, or watching above, my family is most beautiful,giving,loving, group of people I've been so lucky to grow up with, and learn from.

2. My friends: My second family, and ultimate life fighting support system. Good friends are hard to come by, and I've got one hell of a great gang of girls and guys.

3. My education: I've never known exactly what I've wanted, but my drive to stick to eduction, stuck right back. I received my Associates this year, and even though it's only a milestone, it's an exciting one, and I can't wait to further my education, learning and growing to my greatest potential.

4. My job: Not the highest, most challenging, of jobs, but a job to be proud of none the less. My Barista status has introduced me to some of the coolest people, experiences, and opportunities to help others, and grow within myself. I love me some coffee, I love me some customer relationships.

5. My sass: This includes my living arrangement, means of transportation, and fun life accessories. Material objects are not everything, hardly anything, but I'm thankful for the fun things I get to treat myself to here and there.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving of family, food, fun, and friends.

Be kind to yourself

   

   I'm sure everyone is familiar with the expression 

"You are your own worst enemy", and from personal experiences, it couldn't be any more true. I find it difficult at times to keep my mind from wondering, my chin from falling, or my heart collapsing from negative thoughts. I have discovered that sometimes it's hard to just let go of things, and move forward, we tend to be like helicopters, constantly hovering over things. I've watched some pretty amazing souls put themselves down, from finances to future, and life in between. I've watched some of the most beautiful people struggle with their insecurities, while also listening to some of the strongest hearts crumble from hurt or guilt. We all have the potential to be so hard on ourselves sometimes, and rarely acknowledge that we are all so much more than we believe.Another expression I believe to ring true, and that is"Attitude is everything." It makes perfect sense when you think about it, the mind is a powerful thing, and sometimes a good mindset is hard to come by. In hope to make the world a happier place, I'm going to share a few things that I have found to be most helpful in balancing out my equilibrium.

Watch, do, or think of something that makes you laugh.

   My favorite laugh sessions stem from funny movies or shows, my favorite at the moment being Modern Family.  I enjoy good, clean, fun from stand up comedies, silly sarcasm from Someecards, and humorous pictures I stumble upon online. 

It's almost imperative that I reach for a laugh when I'm feeling the blues.Laughter is truly the best medicine, and you've got a full set of chompers to show off.

Be a people, person.

    Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and encourage your dreams. Don't let anyone dim your shine or put you down, because people like that only want to see you fail. Say goodbye to the bummers and hold your heads high buttercups. Each and every one of you deserves the best, don't ever forget that. 

Accept life's little lessons.

   I used to think being clumsy was a disorder, but now I'm finding out that it's actually a test life throws my way, about 10 times a day. I lock my keys in my car like it's going out of style, fall up stairs, trip, and drop objects like it's my day job.

It's easy to become negative nancys when we want to be, and my turning point was when  I was told that, "It is not what happens to you, it's how you react to it that defines you", definite eye opener. It's much easier to drop an F bomb or blame the nearest person around you, but that only makes you look like a mean sailor. Laugh at yourself. rub your booboos, and thank that sharp table corner for your new banana bruise tattoo.

L.I.F.E G.O.E.S O.N.

Embrace your flaws.

   I guarantee the most intelligent, beautiful, physically blessed, human beings struggle with personal battles we couldn't even imagine having to deal with. Best bet, be weary, kind, and happy, for those around you. Jealousy is the ugliest trait of them all.

I've learned that by acknowledge beauty in others, you discover beauty in yourself. Give compliments frequently, change the things you don't like about yourself, and be happy for what you've been given. Compared to a majority of the world, you are very well off, so use what you have, with what you've been given, no matter where you go!

 Beat brain ninjas

Overthinking: The creation of problems that never existed in the first place, and get you absolutely no where productive. The brain tends to have a mind of its own (pun intended), but with a little positive thought, you can turn those negative ninjas around. It's believed that if you hear, or repeat, something 3 times, you're mind starts to believe it. So start the trio of positive words, and BELIEVE.

You are an amazing human being, you are an amazing human being, you ARE an AMAZING human being. 

 Take life day by day, that's really all you can, and are expected, to do.

Believe in something, anything.

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible"

Get lost.

Whether it's in a book, your head phones, good conversation, intense workout, nap, or prayer, escaping reality is healthy, embrace your imagination.

Let love in.

   We've all been hurt by someone we care about, and sometimes we can't understand where things went wrong. The worst thing to do is linger on the issue, or blame yourself. You have to accept the things you can't change, take a deep breath, and just let go. When one door closes, another always opens, and you'll be surprised one day. Things will naturally fall apart, just to fall together again, and someone will step into your life and make you realize why it didn't work out with all the others. Just because you got hurt, doesn't mean you give up, so have FAITH, HOPE for the best, and LOVE with all of your heart. 

Don't picture being single as being alone, but as a time to "do you booboo!"

Discover things about yourself, find out what you want in life, and with what kind of person you want to share it with, because it's much easier to be happy with someone else when you're happy with yourself. 

The beat goes on

   I haven't written a music post in a while, and since I constantly post music videos or lyrics to my social networks, I thought I'd give it a rest...by taking it out else where! Here are a few bands that have consumed my playlist lately....happy humming!

Phantogram
http://phantogrammusic.virb.com/

I stumbled across their performance at Lollapalooza this year, and It was love at first sound. I always get a real kick out girl-guy duets and electronic funk. Mouthful of diamonds, Let me go, and Turn it off are a few favorites.

She&Him
http://www.sheandhim.com/#/splash

The ever so adorable Zooey Dechannel sings lead vocals in this folk inspired duet, which consist mostly of an indie-folk vibe. I'm obsessed with the cover they did of I put a spell on you, but the winner for me is Thieves.

Foster the people
http://www.fosterthepeople.com/us/home

This was another unfamiliar band I stumbled across at Lollapalooza, I'm sure most everyone has heard Pumped up kicks, which is an extremely catchy tune in my opinion. Lately though, I'm all about Helena beat.

Edward sharp & the magnetic zeroes
http://edwardsharpeandthemagneticzeros.com/

I heard this band playing at work and immediately did my lyric research as to who it was. (SHAZAAM!) I'm very fond of the song Home, it's probably as close to country as I will ever willingly admit, but it is by far not a country band...have a listen!

Robots in disguise
http://www.robotsindisguise.co.uk/

A friend of mine kept posting intriguing lyrics on Twitter, so I did a little google research and discovered the interesting vibe of this band. Slightly risqué, but fun and electronic none the less. She's a color scientist and The sex has made me stupid are curiouser and curiouser.

M83

Electronic, mellow, sentimental....yes, please. We own the sky is beautiful and relaxing.

Feist

Is good at her job. The older stuff is still my personal preference, but I really connected with Get it wrong, get it right from her new album Metals, so humbling.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I just really like how fun and easy this band is to sing to. I'm hooked on Hysteric. 

An horse

I've only heard the song by them Dressed sharply, but I sing it religiously in my head. That has to count for something. 

Reptar

Not in association with the Nickelodeon cartoon, Rugrats. Stuck in my ID is neat-o.

Fall Festivities

   I go back and fourth when people ask me what my favorite season is, they all have fun festivities associated with them. It's hard to beat the outdoor activities associated with summer, such as the beach, but it gets uncomfortably hot at times. Winter is lovely, and immediately makes me think of family and holiday fun, but sometimes it's a little too chilly for my liking. I'm indecisive, I know, but I've come to the conclusion that fall is where my heart is. It's just cool enough to feel comfortable and bust out a light hoodie, but just warm enough to feel the sun on your face, without the third degree burn. Much like summer and winter, fall brings fourth an array of exciting activities. Here are a few of my favorites...

Bonfires/Smore's

What better way to enjoy a breezy fall night, than to snuggle up with a blanket or light jacket, and enjoy some yummy smores or warm cider. 

I also love the idea of an outdoor theatre, maybe watch some scarys to get in the mood for Halloween! 

Hiking

Now that's it's not 100 degrees outside, you don't have to be as concerned about a heat stroke. I went hiking last week and it was absolutely breath taking, literally, because I had not been in forever. The hike went by so fast when i was spending the time catching up with my good friend, and observing the beautiful change in color the leaves had gone through. The  weather was  the epitome of perfection, and I did my body good. 

Nature!!

Bikram Yoga

Intense, 90 minute, sauna style yoga, for all ages, sizes, and gender. It's hard, but worth every drop of sweat. It is perfect for an early morning or late afternoon activity, when the temperature starts to drop and you need to warm up and work out. 

Picnic

A great activity to do with your friends or loved one. Throw down a blanket over a pile of leaves, and enjoy a thermos of warm coffee or tea. 

Bike ride

I'm not exactly sure when it's a bad time to ride a bike, but I always associate it with coolness of fall. Throw some water or snacks into your basket and ride off into the sunset. 

Baking

It's so much fun to get creative with baking in the fall because there are so many cute ideas and yummy recipes, not to mention more mouths to feed between family/friends. Whether it's apple pie or pumpkin cookies, have fun getting down and dirty in the kitchen.

(aren't those pilgrim hat cookies adorable?)

Pumpkin carving/Decorating

I don't care how old I am, I will carve a pumpkin every year, for the rest of my life, in light of Halloween. I always have so much fun getting creative with my carving, and enjoy seeing what fun ideas everyone else comes up with. Aside from carving, there is also the many recipes to be made using pumpkin, such as drying out the seeds and baking them in the oven.

(recipe soon to come)

Decorating your living space

I love walking inside a friends house and smelling pumpkin spice candles, while observing their means of holiday decoration. It makes me feel like a little kid again and reminds me that there is always something fun to look forward to.

(All pictures were borrowed from Pinterst)

What are your favorite fall activities?

Side note: This song has been stuck in my head all day, happy humming<3

Burst of inspiration

This is literally what my head feels like right now!

Thoughts: My last semester of community college is just around the river bend, and I'm honest in saying that I've worked diligently towards my newly awarded "ASS" degree in Science and Liberal arts. Furthering my education is the next step on my imaginary ladder of life, and the process has been an exciting, yet grueling one. I'm about to embark in the hardest stretch of education I'm leaning toward, while trying not to lose myself and passions along the way. (so far so good) Now don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to pursue a career as a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is real, but I'll be honest in saying that it is not my absolute favorite thing in the world. My favorite thing, besides jalapenos, is creativity, and I've been dying to get my hands on more projects and creations. In trying to focus a majority of my attention on school and grades, I've had very little time to experiment, but with that being said, I do the best with what I have, when I have it, wherever I may be, so this is by far not a complaint. My current obsession, for creative sanity, is Pinterest, and if you are unaware of what Pinterest is, I encourage you to stop reading, and google it ASAP.....

Welcome back! Neat stuff huh?

There are so many wonderful recipes/ideas for your home, health, and overall happiness. I've got to play around with a few ideas, and they have all turned out great, not to mention it was wicked fun in doing so! Aside from Pinterest, I've made a short list of crafty goals I'd like to accomplish in this life/near future.
I highly recommend the same to you, nothing is more inspiring than written ideas!

* Learn how to sew, and reward myself with my own machine. 

* Reinvent my high school fashion line with my modern day perspective. 

* Redo the color scheme in my room.

* Get more familiar with photography, to create my own pictures for my blog.

* Take a cooking/baking/music class...because learning is fun.  

* Record a few of my favorite cover songs, for my own entertainment.
* Scrapbook/Cardmaking 

What are some things you'd like to do? I'd love to hear them!

Brittney LooWho

Cookie Monster

Chocolate chip cookie stuffed with Oreo love

I recently saw this recipe online, and since I adore Oreos, decided it was a must that I  try it out for myself. Chocolate chip cookie with an Oreo in it? Yes, every time. This is extremely easy, as well as tasty, so beware you don't turn into the cookie monster, you've been warned.

You need:

1 box of Oreos

        2 tubes of cookie dough

(1 tube only uses about 1/2 the Oreo box)

Baking sheet

Sweet tooth

($9 or less)

Any chocolate chip cookie dough will work, as well as Oreo flavor. I chose plain double stuffed Oreos, for double the flavor, double the fun. This was my first time, so I didn't think to experiment, but I bet mint Oreos would be fun for Christmas. 

Step one:

Pre-heat oven and prepare cookie sheet according to the instructions on your cookie dough package.

 Step two:

While oven is preheating, take a small amount of cookie dough,roll it into a ball, then flatten it out with both hands. Place cookie in the center of the flattened dough and fold dough over the edges of the Oreo. Take another small amount of dough and repeat, placing the dough on the uncovered part of your cookie. You want to make sure to completely cover your Oreo, but not to drown it in cookie dough. Place cookies in the oven for 10-15 minutes, depending on desired color and texture.

Step three:

Take cookies out of oven and inspect. The top of mine were a little doughy so I popped them back in the oven for a couple extra minutes, which did the trick.

 Let cookies cool, enjoy the way they make your house smell, and prepare a glass of milk because this is about to get good.

That is absolutely it, I told you it was super easy! (and dangerously delicious) 

They look like little UFO's right?