The current increase in demand for natural beauty products is at an all time high. Cheers to that! Us consumers are being smarter and more ethical when it comes to purchasing our daily products. More of the big named brands are catering to this change, but wouldn’t it be better to support the brands who were meeting these expectations all along?

Maple Holsitics is one of those brands. They have become one of my favorite brands and its easy to see why. For those of you who do not know about this brand, they are a beauty and personal care company specializing in natural and holistic products that enhance hygiene, health and daily living. All their products are PETA Certified and cruelty-free. Headquartered in New Jersey, their products are made in the USA using naturally sourced ingredients. They offer premium natural and sustainable products at an affordable price.

Not only is this brand cruelty free but they also promote sustainability by offering their own recycling program. For every six bottles you return you receive a free bottle of shampoo or you can choose to have an equivalent donation made to an environmentally-friendly charity instead. No matter what you choose, all of the returned bottles are recycled and made into new ones. Pretty cool right?

Last time I partnered up with Maple Holsitics, I reviewed their Silk18 Conditioner. This time I got to test out their new Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) provides many benefits to various health and beauty practices. For the hair specifically, ACV removes build-up and restores volume while giving your hair a natural shine. Maple Holistics' ACV Shampoo is made with natural ingredients like ACV (duh), sunflower oil, argan oil, jojoba oil and more. It is sulfate and paraben free. From color treated hair to sensitive hair, this shampoo is made for all hair types.

When it comes to the smell of vinegar, you either love it or hate it. I am one of those weirdos who absolutely loves the smell of vinegar. But don't let the fear of the scent keep you from testing out this shampoo. My first initial reaction to this ACV Shampoo was that it smelt nothing like ACV. Instead of an acidic scent, all I could smell was citrus with a hint of apple.

To cleanse your hair, rinse then apply a quarter-sized amount of product to your hair. Fair warning, this shampoo does not provide a lot of suds. So if you prefer your shampoo to be very sudsy, like myself, be generous with the amount of shampoo you use. Lather the shampoo and let it sit in your hair for 2-3 minutes before you rinse. The effects won't take in right away, so be patient. Since the ACV Shampoo is meant to really tend to your dead hairs, be sure to pair it with a nourishing conditioner, my favorite is Maple Holistics' Silk18 Conditioner.

After using the shampoo several times, I noticed my hair felt softer and fresher for a longer period of time. Overall, this is a really good shampoo. It is gentle on your hair and not acidic whatsoever. If you experience a lot of build-up in your hair, this shampoo is a good option for frequent usage. For me, build-up is not one of my main concerns. But using the ACV Shampoo once or twice a month for a real deep cleaning is something I will do!

Finding a brand that cares about both the environment and their customers is a hard find. That’s why I really love Maple Holistics. They put their customers and the future of our world first by creating these natural premium products. I can’t wait to see what new products they come up with next!

For the last year or so, there has been a lot of chatter about climate change and how to combat it. From the banning of plastic straws in several places to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal, living a greener life has been the talk of the year. But how does one make a start to achieve this? There are many solutions, but one of the simplest, yet challenging option, is reducing the use of single-use plastic items.

Whether it is plastic bags in our landfills or plastic straws that made their way into our ocean, plastic pollution plagues our ecosystem. In 2011, the Plastic Free July initiative was created as a global movement that encourages its participants to refuse single-use plastics all through-out the month of July. Over the years, the initiative gained momentum due to the worldwide support for the cause. Millions vow to take the pledge and are up for the challenge. But what does it truly entail?

The idea of not using any plastic products for an entire month sounds impossible. But the whole point of the challenge is to replace single-use plastic products with reusable and sustainable alternatives. Wherever you go, try to utilize reusable products whether that's while you're at work, school or running errands. Eliminating plastic from your life is a daunting task since we rely on it so much. But do not let this discourage you, as long as you make an effort, you make an impact.

Here are the four easiest ways you can make a difference this July:

• Swap plastic bags for reusable canvas tote bags
• Opt for a reusable water bottle rather than multiple plastic bottles
• Utilize a reusable straw or go straw-less
• Bring in your own reusable cup to coffee shops or cafes instead of using a disposable one

Plastic has been in use since 1907 and appears to be the go to material for just about everything. Contrary to popular belief, it is not recyclable or biodegradable. Instead, the material sits in a landfill. Eventually, the plastic breaks down into little particles that pollute our soil and ocean. All of the plastic that has been created and used over the past century is still here on Earth. The UN currently estimates that there has been 8.3 billion tons of plastic produced since the 1950s. With all the amount of plastic currently on our planet, it is no wonder that the plastic free and zero waste lifestyle choices have become so popular.

If you already cut out single-use plastic items and want to challenge yourself more this July, here are some other things you can do to reduce your plastic usage:

• Avoid buying prepacked items in grocery store, instead choose loose products, bonus points if you have reusable produce bags!
• Say no to take out and yes to dine in, and bring your own container in case you don't finish your meal
• Stop using bin liners/trash bags, dump your waste right into the bin or try composting.
• Say goodbye to plastic food wrap, utilize reusable containers or invest in beeswax wrap

Besides reducing the amount of disposable plastic items we use in a month, the ultimate goal of Plastic Free July is to break some of these wasteful habits that we are all guilty of. Whether we like it or not, the little choices we make every day add up. By making the smallest changes, you can make a massive difference. Hopefully, this month long challenge will help you to find eco-conscious alternatives that can become second nature to you. If you wish to join the challenge, sign up on Plastic Free July's website.

Finding a decent conditioner can be a difficult task, especially if you're searching for one that is cruelty free as well. What works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for others. Maybe your hair is damaged or dry or even frizzy. Everyone's hair has different needs. But if you're searching for a conditioner that can help with any of those three problems and be environmentally conscious then let me introduce you to the Silk18 Conditioner from Maple Holistics.

Maple Holistics is a cruelty free and PETA Certified beauty and personal care company that specializes in natural and holistic premium products that serve to enhance hygiene, health and daily living. Headquartered in New Jersey, Maple Holistics' products are all made in the USA using natural ingredients and cruelty-free processes.

Not only is this brand cruelty free but they also promote sustainability by using recycled materials. They even offer their own recycling program. For every six bottles you return you can either receive a free bottle of shampoo or choose to have an equivalent donation made to an environmentally-friendly charity. All of the returned bottles are recycled and made into new ones. How awesome is that?

Maple Holistics offers a variety of products ranging from hair care to skin care. But today, let's focus on Maple Holistics' new conditioner the Silk18 Conditioner. It is silicone and paraben free and contains eighteen silk amino acids along with argan oil, shea butter, organic pomegranate, and jojoba oil. It also contains a natural vanilla extract which gives it the most amazing sweet scent in the world. Based on the scent alone, I would give this product 5/5 stars.

Besides this mouthwatering scent, the Silk18 conditioner is great for all hair types. The conditioner claims it can tame dry or frizzy hair while also strengthening it. It all seems too good to be true right? Well, good news! It is 100% true!

After cleansing your hair with your favorite cruelty free shampoo, apply a moderate amount of the conditioner to your hair. Let it sit for two to three minutes and let it do its job. Once you rinse out the conditioner, don't panic or get upset because it doesn't appear to be working. The effects are not noticeable at first. But once your hair starts to dry the effects are evident. Your hair will be soft, smooth, silky and fabulous.

Currently the conditioner comes in either a 8 oz, 10 oz or 16 oz bottle and the price range is from $10.95 to $18.95. It is available to purchase on Amazon. The conditioner qualifies for free shipping if you have Amazon Prime, but if you do not Maple Holistics will provide free shipping if you spend at least $25.

Everyone needs a conditioner that will make them feel fabulous. Finding this perfect product requires a lot of patience. If you haven't found the conditioner that makes you feel this way, consider adding the Silk18 from Maple Holistics to your must try list. You will not regret it.

We made it! Merry Christmas to you all, and happy last day of Blogmas. Thank you for reading the posts I have created for the past 25 days. It has been a pleasure to participate in this challenge for the past three years. Today I leave you with something wonderful and full of joy. My last post for this Blogmas, and most likely the last post on this website forever, is a review and thoughts on the new Disney film out this month, Mary Poppins Returns.

Mary Poppins Returns is the long waited sequel, not a reboot, to the classic Disney film, Mary Poppins. Mary Poppins came out back in 1964. So why on Earth did Disney make a sequel in 2018, 54 years later? Well the truth is, after the success of the original film Walt Disney wanted a sequel. But the author of the Mary Poppins series, P.L. Travers rejected the idea. She was approached multiple times about a sequel but never gave her consent. If you've seen Saving Mr. Banks, you know that P.L. Travers and Walt Disney disagreed frequently about the original film. But in 2015, the Walt Disney Studios President at the time reached out to Travers' estate to see if they would approve a sequel. And voila they did! And thus, Mary Poppins has returned!

The premise for this sequel has the Banks children all grown up, Michael Banks has his own children and recently lost his wife. Michael is on the verge of losing his childhood home where he and his children live. Michael and his sister, Jane, search for a bank certificate so they may keep their house. Meanwhile Mary Poppins returns to look after the Banks children. Since Michael and Jane have grown up, they do not remember all the adventures they had with Mary being real, instead they think it was all just their imagination and dreams.

Since the movie takes place when the original children are grown up, it makes sense that no one in the original cast reprised their roles. Ben Whishaw plays adult Michael Banks, Emily Mortimer plays adult Jane Banks, and the marvelous Emily Blunt plays the iconic Mary Poppins.

When it was announced that Emily Blunt would be playing this classic character, there were many reservations. How could anyone live up to Julie Andrews? Well, somehow Emily Blunt managed to do so. She's stern, proper and charming all at once. Emily Blunt actually read the Mary Poppins book series and gathered her inspiration and take from there. While it is impossible to outshine Julie Andrews, Emily Blunt shines in her own way, and has become another lovable version of this character.

Also starring in the film is the talented Lin Manuel Miranda as Jack, a lamp lighter who was Bert's protege. Even though I may be slightly biased, I truly think Lin Manuel Miranda is the star of this film. He's charming and a wonder to watch. No one can sing and dance so enthusiastically as Lin Manuel Miranda does in this film.

While it is sad not to see Julie Andrews in the film, we get a surprising cameo from Mr. Dick Van Dyke himself! Sadly Dick Van Dyke doesn't reprise his original role as Bert the chimney sweep. However, he does kind of reprise another role. In the original film, Dick Van Dyke also plays Mr. Dawes Sr., a banker. For the record, I had no idea he even did this, and I grew up watching Mary Poppins religiously. In Mary Poppins Returns he plays the older version of Mr. Dawes Jr. the son of Mr. Dawes Sr.! This cameo is short but absolutely wonderful. At the age of 93, Dick Van Dyke can still dance like he did in the original.

For the adults who love Mary Poppins as a child, Mary Poppins Returns is full of charm and nostalgia. The songs are great, not as good or iconic as the original, but good nonetheless. The movie itself honors the original and introduces this classic character to the new generation so they can love her as much as current adults did when they were kids. If you need a feel good film to watch this holiday season with your family, go see Mary Poppins Returns!

Can you believe we are already on Day 24 of Blogmas? And that tomorrow is Christmas? As Blogmas and the holidays start wrapping up, it's time to start thinking about the New Year. One of the best things about the New Year is the fact that it is a fresh start. New Year, new you, am I right?

Now it's easy to say all this but it can be rather difficult to actually follow through on making plans for the upcoming year. What are you supposed to even do? Get a new haircut? Try a new style? Clean everything and anything? If you have no idea where to start, follow these steps and tips to help you be get ready for the upcoming year.

Step One: Reflect On The Past Year

In order to get ready for the New Year the best first step to take is to take a moment to reflect. What went great this year? What didn't go so well? Taking the time to pause and really think about what you could do better is a great way to start thinking about what resolutions you want to make.

Step Two: Make Your Resolutions/Goals

The most popular thing to do for the New Year is to make resolutions, this tradition is as old as time itself. New Years Resolutions have such a negative connotation. In a recent study, it was discovered that not many people actually follow through. So this year, make goals instead. When making a goal, make sure it is realistic and attainable. Write them down, so you don't forget and you can reference them throughout the year.

Step Three: Get Organized

The best way to prepare for the New Year and accomplish your goals is to get organized. Invest in a planner! This year, I purchased a Passion Planner for my 2019 Planner. The Passion Planner's whole purpose is to help you accomplish your goals. If you need an aid like that invest in one, there are so many different types of planners out there. Or why not make your own! Use a system that works best for you. Having a planner will help you keep you organized. Also, why not organize your space? Organize your desk, your room, and anything else that is cluttered. Having an organized space will help you feel more so much better and ready to take on the New Year!

Step Four: Make A Timeline

The best way to accomplish any goal is to set a deadline. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time, Rome was not built in a day. Think about how long it will take to achieve the goal and decide on a realistic finish date. After making a deadline, make a timeline of what you need to do each day to accomplish your goal. Having this all figured out will only make accomplishing your goal even easier. Friendly reminder it takes 30 days to start a new habit. Creating a routine will help you!

Step Five: Declutter

Throughout the year you probably accumulated a lot of new things and stopped using some old things. Take this time at the end of the year to go through all your things and declutter. Go through your closet, your room, your pantry, your refrigerator, and etc! Take a bag, fill it with things you no longer need or enjoy and either donate it or recycle it. Once you've gone through all your things your space will look more organized and you will feel lighter.

Step Six: Remember to Relax

One thing humans are great at is getting stressed out. If you're the type of person who is always stressed throughout the year, RELAX! Being stressed is not a good feeling and it is not good for your body. Take some time to do things for you, do things that make you happy. Life isn't a competition, just take each day at your own pace. As long as you finish the race you're still a winner.

Starting a new year can be overwhelming, especially if you're not ready for it. But think of it like this, you have a fresh start. You have a chance to make this year better than the last one. So get out there and let's crush 2019! Until tomorrow.

One of the most popular Blogmas posts to do is The Christmas Tag. Within the past three years of participating in Blogmas, I have not done it once. I typically like to make guides and generic information posts for Blogmas, and the tag always seemed really personal. But this year, I was one Blogmas post idea short so there's no time like the present.

I found this Christmas Tag Game questions list on Root Report. Typically these questions ask about your favorite holiday related things and traditions. There are a total of 30 questions but today I'm going to answer a couple of these holiday themed questions!

As a kid, did a sibling ever receive a present that you wished was for you?

Honestly no, I have three way older brothers so all the things they got for Christmas were adult presents and I was still a little girl playing with Barbies. My brothers and I all have really different interests so there is never any jealousy when it comes to gift giving. Plus our Mom is the best at giving presents.

Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?

I'm not going to lie, I do love getting presents. Everyone does! If someone tells you they don't like getting presents, they're lying. But, even though I hate shopping for gifts most of the time, if I know exactly what to get someone then I love giving gifts. There's nothing like watching the joy on someone's face when they open up a meaningful and thoughtful gift.

Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?

Do I try to? Yes. Do I follow through? Maybe for the first month and then completely forget about them for the rest of the year. Oops. I'll try again next year.

Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

Not always, but this year my family is celebrating on Christmas Eve because it worked out best for my brothers' schedule. I did however always negotiate opening up one present on Christmas Eve and that worked every once and a while!

Have you ever made a snowman?

Yes! But never on Christmas. My family used to have a cabin in the mountains in Southern California and we would always go up in the winter time to see the snow!

Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

Real. My mom likes the real trees, however I wouldn't mind a fake tree. I tried to convince her one year to do it to help save the planet and it didn't go well. Plus we always get our Christmas tree flocked!

Use one noise to describe how excited you are for Christmas.

GAHHHHHHHHHH!

What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?

My mom makes these special cookies only during Christmastime called Ta Das. It is an old family recipe that my great grandfather created when he lived in Italy. They are the most delicious cookie and are a perfect holiday treat, especially when you pair it with a coffee or hot chocolate.

What is your favorite Christmas film? What is your favorite Christmas song?

My favorite movie has to be Elf. You can't go wrong with this classic Christmas movie. As for song, I have always loved Last Christmas, but lately I have really loved listening to Christmas (Come Home)! Not going to lie, I've been listening to SiriusXM's holiday station, Holly, since November 1.

What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

It's cheesy but I have to say my favorite thing about Christmas is being together with my family. Since my brothers are all a lot older than me, they have lives of their own and don't live close by. So any major holiday is the main time we're all together. But Christmas overall is just a magical time and there are so many amazing aspects of it!

There you have it! Those were ten questions I took from the Christmas Tag Game, Root Report has 20 more holiday related questions. The Christmas Tag Game isn't just something to write about during Blogmas. If you need a fun ice breaker game to play during the holidays this could be a fun activity to do with your friends and family. Only two days until Christmas! Until tomorrow.

When Christmas comes to mind, the first thought you have is spending time with your family and carrying out your annual traditions. But for some people the holidays can be a really lonely time of the year. Maybe they don't have a big family or maybe they don't celebrate the holiday. There are so many reasons why someone ends up being alone during the holidays.

First and foremost, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being alone for the holidays. For some it can be upsetting to not have plans. Instead of wallowing, make the most out of it! Here are some fun things you can do all by yourself this Christmas.

Volunteer. One of the best things you can do if you're alone on Christmas is to volunteer. You can spend the day feeding the homeless at a local food pantry or homeless shelter, or even spend some quality time with the elderly at your local senior center. Volunteering is a great way to connect with others, so if you're feeling lonely this is a great way to interact with people during the holidays.

Go On An Adventure. Sometimes the best thing to do when you're alone is just get up and go somewhere. Take a drive to somewhere you have never been before and make a day out of it. Or go to your local park to get some fresh air. If you're feeling really adventurous book a last minute vacation! A change in scenery is always a great idea.

Have A Real Self Care Day. Being all by yourself is one of the best times to have a self care day. Why not treat yourself, stay in your pajamas all day and do some online retail therapy? Or give yourself a real pamper day, you can't go wrong with a face mask, a hot bath, and a candle or essential oil for a nice ambience. Maybe you can spend the day with a good book and some of your favorite food.

Go To The Movies. Surprisingly, some movies are actually released on Christmas Day. And some of those movies actually go on to be nominated for Academy Awards. So why not go down to your local theater and see a good movie? Going to the movies by yourself always appears to be taboo but instead it is truly a liberating experience. On the plus side, you're in a dark room full of people watching something (hopefully) wonderful!

Be Productive. When you're by yourself with no distractions that is the perfect opportunity to get things done. If you have work to catch up on, why not get it all done? Or maybe you have a project you have wanted to start for a while. There's no time like the present. Make a cup of coffee or tea and get to it!

If you're spending Christmas alone, do something that will make you truly happy. There's no shame in spending time by yourself, especially during the holidays. If you don't want to be alone, reach out to someone you're close to. Maybe they'll extend an invitation to their event, or maybe they'll spend the day with you doing one of these fun activities. Until tomorrow.

With only 10 days left in the year, New Years is right around the corner. It has me thinking about what 2018 had to offer. There were some highs and there were some lows. Some goals were accomplished and others were not entirely met. Some lessons have been learned and growth has occurred.

2018, you were a long year that went by rather quickly. As I'm thinking about what I learned this year, I'm also deciding what I will take to into the New Year and what I'm going to leave behind. Looking back, here were some important lessons I learned this year.

Say goodbye to negativity and hello to positivity! Whether you have a negative mindset or have someone in your life who always focus on the bad, just let it go. Life is so much better when you have a positive attitude. Negativity holds everyone back. If you leave the negative attitude in 2018 and 2019 will already be better.

Don't waste your time with people who don't care about you, this lesson hit me good this year. Instead of being sad or mad that you aren't close to someone like you used to be, realize that it is okay. People change and grow apart, sometimes when you take a step back you realize that person wasn't meant to be in your life anymore. As long as you made the effort and did your best, there's nothing you can do about it. So good riddance! Focus your energy on people that want you in their life and actually enjoy spending time with you.

Stay motivated. When negativity comes and clouds up your life, a lack of motivation is closely behind. I know I certainly felt this way, especially closer towards the end of the year. No matter how your life is going it's important to remember to never give up. Whatever you wish to accomplish you can and will do it! You got this!

Remember you come first! It can be easy to get swept up in life and forget to do things for yourself. But self care is the most important thing you can do. If you're not going to take care of yourself, remember no one else will. Sure you have supportive friends and family, but they don't always know exactly what you need. Remember you and your mental health come first, no matter what.

Along with the lessons learned over the year it's always good to focus on what positive things happened this past year. Whether that was the amount of traveling I did or all the new things I tried this year, 2018 was a year filled with adventures. With that being said, I hope 2019 is filled with even more adventures and amazing opportunities for us all. How was your 2018, what are looking forward to most in 2019? Until tomorrow.

When the holiday season rolls around all the popular Christmas movies play constantly on loop. But how often do movie theaters play some of these popular holiday films? Not since the year they came out right? That's what I thought until I found out my local movie theater, Harkins, shows some throwback movies rather frequently.

Harkins plays throwback movies every Tuesday at 7 PM throughout the entire year! Tickets to see these older movies are only $5, what a deal! Throughout this month Harkins has shown its' festive spirit by showing popular holiday movies such as: The Polar Express, Jim Henson's Holiday Special, Schindler's List, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, Elf, and The Holiday.

So on this past Tuesday, one of my best friends and I went to go see Christmas Vacation. Why this one you ask? Well it is one of her absolute favorite Christmas movies and the truth is, I have never seen it before. Shocker right? This movie is basically a Christmas classic. So how did I go 26 years without seeing it? Easy, I don't watch a lot of these older holiday movies. In fact, I just saw Home Alone for the first time last year, but I digress.

To be able to see this Christmas classic on the big screen made the whole experience so much better. Instead of watching it from my couch with my phone in my hand, I got to unwind, relax and truly watch this movie. By seeing it this way, I now see why some people absolutely love it.

But what did I think of this movie? Well...it was alright. I find Chevy Chase just unlikable, and he was that in the movie. Let's face it Clark Griswold is a jerk. He's rude to his neighbors who do absolutely nothing to him and the stunts he pulls ends up damaging their property and almost killing them! But I did enjoy seeing the slapstick humor Clark had to endure. But you have to think, how is that man still alive after all those dangerous things that happens to him throughout the movie? But that's just my opinion!

There's nothing like spending an evening at the movie theater. I just love the idea of going to see old movies, especially ones I have never seen before, on the big screen. It makes the whole movie watching experience so much better, and more theaters should do this! There was a really good size crowd at the movies that night, so it could be a great revenue raiser for struggling theaters. What do you think? Would you go see a classic at a movie theater? Until tomorrow.

Whenever this time of the year rolls around, the talk of holiday traditions comes up. But what makes a tradition a tradition? Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior. Most of the time, traditions are set by families and are passed down from generation to generation. But that's not the only way to start a tradition.

Starting a tradition is something you can easily do. A tradition can be something that you do every year out of habit or something you want to incorporate into your life. And you don't need to make it a whole family affair, you can create traditions for your friends or just yourself! If you need some ideas for making a tradition here are some simple ideas.

Baking Christmas Cookies! Whether you're baking cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, or making them as a dessert for Christmas you can't go wrong with baking some festive cookies. You can go all out and make them from scratch or you can get the pre-made dough from the grocery store. There's no such thing as a wrong Christmas cookie.

Make or Buy an Ornament Each Year! Getting an ornament that commemorates each year is a fun little tradition you can start on your own and eventually pass down to your future family. Maybe you can buy an ornament from a memorable vacation you took that year, or you can make one that reflects all your favorite moments from the year. If you keep this tradition up, your future generations will have so many family heirlooms!

Donate! The holidays are all about giving back, so why not make it a tradition to brighten up someone else's day. Donate money to charity, donate items to local organizations, or donate your time, there are so many ways to give back.

Go See Holiday Lights! Many places and people decorate for the holidays, so why not make it a tradition to go out and view them? Take a walk around a neighborhood with some awesome light displays or attend a local tree lighting. If you're lucky enough to live near a store that does elaborate holiday displays why not take a look at those every year, they're always changing! It's a fun thing to do during the holidays so why not make a tradition out of it?

Make A Winter Bucket List! One tradition can be making a list of all the things you want to do during the holidays each year. You can add things like watching your favorite holiday movies, making gingerbread houses and all of the other classic winter activities. The fun thing about this tradition is that it can change every year!

If you don't have any specific holiday traditions, it's never too late to start making some. Traditions are what make the holidays so special and bring a lot of people together. What are some of your favorite traditions? Let me know! Until tomorrow.

Every year, I always go to Disneyland around this time of the year to view the holiday decorations and partake in the festivities. But this year, I decided to mix it up and go to another theme park in Southern California and see what their Christmas season is like. I was lucky enough to go to Knott's Berry, or shall I say Merry, Farm with one of my best friends. My best friend, Michelle, has a Knott's season pass and every year when she renews it she gets a free guest ticket. This year I was her lucky guest and we had a holly jolly time.

If you have never been to Knott's Berry Farm before, the best way to describe it as a hybrid of Disneyland and Six Flags. I say this because they have a fair amount of children's rides and have a cartoon mascot, Snoopy from Peanuts, yet they have a ton of thrilling coasters that are similar to what Six Flags has to offer. But specifically for Christmastime, Knotts has so much to offer this holiday season. Here are some of the highlights!

Festive Decor! When walking around Knott's, you truly can feel the holiday cheer. The park went all out on garland and wreaths. All throughout the park you can see the decor, and even some Christmas tress. Even in Camp Snoopy you'll find Christmas decor that makes up a perfect photo opportunity.

Christmas Craft Village! One thing that makes Knott's Merry Farm so unique is their Christmas Craft Village. So many local vendors set up booths in Ghost Town to sell some one of a kind knick knacks and trinkets. You can even see demonstrations of chainsaw wood carving and glass blowing! The craft market really looks like as if the Etsy homepage came to life!

Live Entertainment! Throughout the park you'll find Christmas carolers, a holiday saloon show, and two other live shows that feature the Peanuts gang. There is also the ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! It is always a fun thing to watch, however it is only performed on the weekend. Sadly I did not get to see this show, but if you happen to go to Knott's on the weekend during this festive season, I highly recommend you watch it!

Festive Food! Knott's is well known for their boysenberries and fried chicken. But if that's not festive enough for you, then you can always go to Santa's Cabin or Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, both are sponsored by Hershey. In Santa's Cabin, you can find fresh baked cookies, pastries, hot chocolate, and even seasonal craft beer and hot holiday spiced wine. In Mrs. Claus' Kitchen you can actually decorate your own holiday cookies!

Nightly Snow! In Southern California, you can't always find snow during Christmastime. But luckily for us locals, theme parks create some snow to give us that festive feeling. On Ghost Town's Main Street and School House Road you'll find snow every night with a light show synced to some of your favorite holiday songs.

Knott's Merry Farm will continue to run until January 6, so there is plenty of time to get your holiday cheer on before Knott's Berry Farm returns. Also if you are looking for something to do this New Years Eve, Knott's will have special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the holiday. It really is a blast and something fun and festive that the whole family can enjoy. Until tomorrow.

Sending out Christmas cards is a timeless tradition. Some families send them out throughout the month and others buy cards to pair with a gift. Sending out a Christmas card during this time of the year is a little thing you can do to show your friends and family members that you are thinking about them. Buying cards can be really expensive, yeah I'm looking at you Greeting Card company, but that shouldn't stop someone from sending a card to someone they care about.

You don't need to buy a fancy card to send out this holiday season, in fact you can always make them yourself! There are so many Instagram video tutorials, Pinterest tutorials and even some Blogmas posts from other bloggers showing off how to make a great card all by yourself. So this weekend, I went to work on making some of these DIY Christmas Cards and here's how they turned out!

I'm going to be completely honest with you, I could have done a lot better. I feel bad for my friends who are going to get the cards I didn't do the best on. But what really matters is that you always try your best and as long as it comes from the heart that's all that matters. Here are a few tips I have if you're going to attempt to make any of these cards.

The card with the flat ornaments is probably the easiest one you can make. For all my beginner crafters out there, this card is going to be your best friend. Pick the paper you want to use as the color for an ornament, and to get a perfect circle shape use a cup to trace the circle. And voila a perfect circle! Then when you want to create the ornament topper, cut out a mini trapezoid. Glue it all down, make a line from the ornament topper to the edge of the card and write down what you want your card to say. And then you're all done!

For the Starbucks Cup card, this one was also quite easy to make. Cut a tall Starbucks cup in half along the seam. To give it a pop of color, I hot glued the edges of the cup onto a piece of green paper and then glued the green paper on the card. Then write whatever you want it to say. Pro tip, get a slightly bigger envelope. The addition of the cup onto the card makes it a little bulky.

When it comes to the card with the Christmas tree and reindeer, this one was not my proudest crafting moment. The green paper I used for the tree was just too small. I was trying to upcycle some green scraps I have collected over the years. The scraps were too small to make the 3D tree, yeah that's supposed to be 3D. I ended up gluing it all down because I was ashamed at how funky it looked. So if you want to make it 3D like it is supposed to be, using bigger pieces of paper will be a lifesaver. As for my fingerprint reindeer, less is more. The lighter one was used with less marker, while the darker one had more. Make sure you leave just the right amount of room to connect the body to the head, otherwise it will just look wonky like mine.

For the card with the two Christmas tress on it, this was me trying to redeem myself from the ugly tree I made with the fingerprint reindeer. I chose some different shades of green paper to cut into different triangle shapes and glued them starting with the largest on bottom and smallest on top. This is craft is so easy and simple and it looks so cute!

The 3D ornament card was the first one I attempted to make, and with this one I bit off more than I could chew. Each ornament needs three circles, so use a cup to make the perfect shape. Then once you have them all cut out you fold them in half and glue one half to another half. This is where things got tricky, it turns out I can't cut a circle to save my life. Some were too big and others too small, but it wasn't that huge of an obstacle. When you have the circles lined up you can measure and cut them to make sure they are even. While I like the idea of the 3D ornaments, I think I'll stick with the flat ones since it is a lot easier.

My attempt to make Christmas cards shows you that you don't have to be a fancy artist or calligrapher to make a decent looking card. Making a card is a better option than buying a card. It will save you money, and it will really show the person you are sending it to how much you care. Take a look at what you have lying around your house, this is a great opportunity to take something old and make it into something new. Happy crafting and good luck! Until tomorrow.

One of the main holiday traditions in my household is having a different themed Christmas Tree every year. My mom has done this all throughout my life, for as long as I can remember. We've had everything from a Barbie themed tree to a Disney themed tree. There have been so many themes, it is nearly impossible to remember them all. But this year, our tree's theme is something I'm really excited about. I proudly present our Broadway themed Christmas tree! Seeing Broadway shows is something my parents and I do quite often. Every so often we'll go down to Los Angeles and see the new shows that are playing at the Pantages or more recently at the Ahmanson. In fact last month, we just saw Dear Evan Hansen and at the end of this month we're going to see Come From Away. And even sometimes we'll travel across the country to see a show! This year, we actually flew to Boston just to see Moulin Rouge while it was in previews. Some of the ornaments we have on the tree this year were bought from shows we have seen this year like Aladdin and Dear Evan Hansen. The ones shaped like the Playbills were purchased from Broadway Cares, which is Broadway's philanthropy that fights against AIDS. And some of the speciality ones like the Hamilton star ornament and Wicked snowflake were bought from Etsy. All I can say is that I'm absolutely obsessed with this year's Christmas tree! One thing I love most about this tradition is that the tree is never the same. What does your tree look like this year? Do you have any Christmas tree traditions in your family? Let me know! Until tomorrow.

Last year, I wrote a Blogmas post about the Hallmark Christmas Movie Formula. In short, every holiday Hallmark movie is the same. This has become a well known fact, and has led to the creation of the Hallmark Christmas Drinking Game. And today, I'm going to play it.

The movie I have chosen to watch is A Shoe Addict's Christmas, one of Hallmark's new Christmas Movies this year. The beverage of choice is a sparkling cranberry vodka, this was honestly the most festive drink I could think of, I'm more of a beer person to be honest. Now buckle up it's going to be a wild ride. Fair warning, this post will contain spoilers for the movie, also if you need a reference here's the Hallmark Christmas Drinking Game rules sheet.

The movie stars Candace Cameron Bure, so that's a shot to start off the game. Woo! This is going to be a fun time. So the movie starts off with our main character, Noelle, Christmas related name take a drink. Pause. Do we have to take a drink whenever someone says her name? If so, that's going to be a lot of drinks. Anyways, back to her story, she's going through her jewelry. She stumbles upon a necklace, which seems to be sentimental. She decided to put it away because it belongs to her dead mother, take a drink, that's a reference to a dead relative.

We then meet her love interest, Jake, who is a fireman. Jake talks about taking a new desk job but doesn't want to leave because the fire station reminds him of his father, who used to be captain. Drink again, there's another dead parent! The cut back to Noelle, who is at her job at the department store, decorating the store for the holidays and ogling the shoes. Jingle Bells is playing in the background, so take another drink! Then she heads back to her apartment only to find boxes all over the lobby. Turns out she has a new neighbor, and you guessed it, it's her handsome fireman love interest. He introduces himself, she's does the same, and he cracks a holiday joke at her name, DRINK!

The next day, Noelle is back at work and her boss gives her a special task, to find the name of an employee from the 90s as part of a present he's putting together for his mother, the owner of the store. Noelle has to go down to the basement to find it, eventually she gives up for the day and heads back up to the store. Turns out a blizzard struck and her boss closed up the store and sent everyone home early. She's snowed in, TAKE TWO DRINKS!

While waiting for someone to rescue her, Noelle meets her Christmas Angel, who is wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, drink! The Christmas Angel offers her a pair of shoes that will take her back to Christmas past. She accepts the shoes and take a drink for the magic deal with the Angel! She goes back to her past Christmas and takes the advice of her Christmas Angel. She makes a different choice and now she's on a different path. After getting a glimpse of this new path she is brought back to her reality, still snowed in at the department store. However, the fire department has showed up! Guess who saves her? That's right her hunky new neighbor.

Flash forward it has been a couple of days, Noelle has been hard at work planning the Annual Firefighter's Gala. She heads home after one day of work and gets hit by a snowball. Turns out Jake was having a snowball fight with some local kids, take two drinks. Then they find out they have to work together to plan the gala. So the fun begins, Noelle's Christmas Angel, still wearing the ugly sweater so drink, starts pushing the two together. They take a horse drawn carriage ride together and jingle bells plays in the background, DRINK! Noelle resists the Christmas Angel at first, but she starts to come around. She takes the second pair of shoes given to her and is transported to another event where she could have had a different outcome. This time it is to strengthen her relationship with her father. They drink hot cocoa, take a drink, and bond over how much they both miss Noelle's mother, and take another drink.

After that trip to the past, Noelle starts to lighten up. She grabs hot cocoa with her Dad in real life, drink. Then on another errand for planning the gala, Jake and Noelle end up making Christmas cookies thanks to the Christmas Angel, and take another drink. Jake and Noelle start to get closer, they decorate the Christmas tree together. That's a holiday tradition right? We're going to take a drink here anyways.

Noelle wants some answers about this alternate future that she could have had, so she asks her Christmas Angel for the details. The Angel obliges and gives her this cheesy Christmas metaphor. She compares every opportunity to a sleigh, which that alone deserves all of the drinks. Noelle takes her Angel's advice and starts to fall in love with Jake. But oh no, her boss and the mean owner of the store don't want her to plan the gala with Jake anymore because he's too free spirited and the gala is a regal affair. Also Jingle Bells is playing in the background. Drink! Man that department store really likes to play Jingle Bells. Noelle, not wanting to hurt Jake's feelings, bakes him some Christmas cookies to try to break the news to him. Drink! After seeing how excited he is for the gala, Noelle is unable to break the news to him. Instead he asks her to be his date to his fire station's Christmas party.

Eventually, Jake finds out he is longer allowed to help plan the gala and he's obviously upset with Noelle. Noelle then gets upset with the Christmas Angel. Ya da ya da, Christmas magic, everyone makes up. Noelle and her Christmas Angel are friends again and she gets one last look into Noelle's possible future. It's with Jake! Noelle and Jake make up and the gala, the store owner apologizes and says the gala could use a little more fun. It starts to snow and ends with a Christmas kiss, and then you finish up your drink!

A Shoe Addict's Christmas definitely lives up to the Hallmark Movie Formula. It's a great cheesy movie to watch with friends and family and enjoy a cocktail or two. Luckily, playing the drinking game with this movie wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, I had a total of three drinks. Enjoy all the Hallmark Christmas movies that are currently playing. And if you choose to play the Hallmark Christmas Drinking Game, please do so in a responsible manner! Until tomorrow.

Congratulations! We've done it! We've survived the first two weeks of Blogmas. If you're participating in Blogmas, you're probably tired and running out of ideas. If you are having zero problems during this Blogmas and are on fire with these posts, well you are very lucky. Writer's block, especially during Blogmas, is no joke.

For all my fellow writers who are experiencing writer's block or are running out of ideas for Blogmas posts, today's post for is for you. I am giving you the gift of some blog post ideas for Blogmas! Let's check them out.

Posts to Make You and Others Feel Festive:

Advent Calendars

Christmas Music Playlist/Favorite Holiday Songs

Best Ways to Spread Christmas Cheer

Best Christmas/Holiday Movies To Watch

Christmas Tree Unveiling

Holiday Decor Ideas

Making a Winter Bucket List

Your Holiday Traditions and Memories

Living Your Best Life This Winter:

Dealing With Holiday Stress

Holiday Health Tips

Ways To Treat Yo' Self

Hangover Remedies

Doing the Holidays on a Budget

Ways To Give Back This Holiday Season

End of the Year Reflection

Resolutions for the Upcoming Year

What's Going On In Your Neck of the Woods?:

Christmas Markets

Local Holiday Events

Christmas Tree Lightings

Holiday Concerts

Festive Date Night Ideas

Posts That Help With the Gift Giving Process:

Your Christmas Wishlist

Gift Guide for Significant Others

Where to Find the Best Deals During the Holidays

Gift Guide for Tech Lovers

Ideas for Stocking Stuffers

Gift Guide for Pets

DIY Gifts

Secret Santa Tips

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Being A Holiday Trend Setter:

Christmas Makeup Looks

Winter Essentials

Festive Nails

Christmas Outfit Ideas

What To Wear to a Holiday Party

Winter Skin Care Guide

How to Find the Cutest Ugly Holiday Sweater

Best Holiday Scents

Eat, Drink and Be Merry:

Holiday Cookie Recipe

Favorite Christmas Treats

Holiday Cocktails Recipe

Christmas Dinner Menu

Hot Chocolate Recipe

Healthy Holiday Snacks

Getting Crafty:

Gingerbread Houses

Making Your Own Christmas Cards

Wrapping Presents Guide

DIY Gift Tags

Christmas Crafts for the Kids

Customizing Your Christmas Stocking

Whenever I run out of ideas for Blogmas, what really gets me inspired is seeing these kinds of ideas from other Blogmas bloggers. It's okay if you run out of ideas, it happens to everyone. What's important is that you don't give up, inspiration will come eventually. And if you need some extra help, you can always turn to your friends and family for ideas. If you want to talk to another writer, I'm always willing to help out a fellow blogger.

Until tomorrow!

As time goes on and on, climate change gets worse. Let's face it, our planet is dying. So why not do something good this holiday season and give out some eco friendly gifts? Whether you're shopping for a family member who doesn't believe in climate change or a friend who is living their best green life, check out my guide of green gifts to give this holiday season.

Something everyone should have is a Reusable Water Bottle. Plastic bottles are so bad for the environment and for you. When you drink out of a plastic bottle, little particles of plastic leak into the water you're drinking. Gross right? Instead choose to give a reusable water bottle as a gift, literally everyone can use one.

For your candle lover, why not get a Soy or Beeswax Candle? What's wrong with regular candles? Turns out they're bad for the environment too. Candles are made with paraffin wax, which is full of hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon is essentially what fossil fuels are made up of. So if you want to get an eco friendly gift for a candle lover, choose an organic candle made from beeswax or soy. If you want to be even more eco conscious, choose an essential oil diffuser instead!

The war on plastic straws has been going on all year long. So if some of your friends and family haven't hopped on this bandwagon yet why not get them some Reusable Straws? Now you can find so many different types of reusable straws out there. Stainless steel, glass and even retractable keychains, there is literally a reusable straw for everyone.

For the person who can't start their day without a cup of coffee, give them a Coffee Traveler! The United States alone throws out around 108 billion disposable cups per year. So the perfect eco friendly gift for a coffee lover would be a reusable coffee cup. So many stores sell reusable cups for both hot and cold beverages. You really can't go wrong with any one of these!

One of the most eco friendly resources out there is bamboo. Bamboo can make literally anything, cutting boards, toothbrushes, sunglasses, bathtub trays, and so much more. You think it, they probably have it. Since bamboo is a natural resource, it can break down and decompose unlike products made out of plastic. So when in doubt choose Anything Made Out of Bamboo!

For the environmentally conscious tech obsessed, you can't go wrong with a Portable Solar Charger. Portable chargers are a handy thing to have no matter what, but what's really cool about the solar ones is that you don't need to constantly recharge them. If it can feel the suns rays, it will charge up. How cool is that?

A Tote Bag is just a fancy version of a reusable grocery bag. They tend to be big and roomy so they can hold loads of stuff. Plus they are durable so you don't have to worry about them ripping right away. A tote bag is versatile and can be used for anything, like as a purse, a beach bag, a shopping bag, and so much more. If you want to go the extra mile this holiday season, use a tote bag instead of wrapping paper or a gift bag. The planet will thank you.

Giving green gifts this holiday season is one way to help save the planet. Not only are you lowering your carbon footprint, you are encouraging others to do the same. By giving these eco friendly gifts, you're encouraging your friends and family members to get into greener habits. We only have one planet so let's take care of it so we can have many more years to celebrate the holidays! Until tomorrow.

When Christmas comes around, there's one question that is always asked. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Santa sees everything, like it says in the song, he sees when you're sleeping and he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good. So have we all been good for goodness sake?

Let's take a moment to think about this, were we good people this year? Some definitely have not been, others have been good, and others have been medium. If you think about it, every action we make can have either a negative or positive value. Every action either contributes something good or bad into the universe.

Now it is fair to say that people can't be perfect all the time. Human beings make mistakes, that's how we learn and evolve. So if you haven't been the best version of yourself this year, it's never too late to turn over a new leaf. Here are some suggestions to help you go from naughty to nice.

Be Positive. If you want to be a nicer person, the first and easiest step to do is to just be a positive person. If you're constantly negative, you're only bringing yourself and others down. Getting into a positive mindset will do wonders!

Do Something Selfless. One quality that always gets someone on the naughty list is selfishness. If you have some self absorbed tendencies, try cutting back. Stop thinking about yourself and think about others. Go out of your way to do something for someone else. Even the smallest gesture will give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Be Grateful. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, take a second to appreciate everything you do have. Be grateful for your friends, family and all the other great things in your life. Show your gratitude daily, and never take anything for granted.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. Throughout our lives we all experience moments that just make us angry and upset. Instead of lashing out and harping on those experiences, it's better to just brush it off and keep on living life. Of course if something does happen that really hurts you and you need to address the matter, try to do it in a positive way. Instead of focusing on the pain, use it as a way to grow.

Admit Your Mistakes. If you know you've been a complete nightmare this year, own it. Apologize to whoever you hurt, make it up to them. But most importantly, forgive yourself. As long as you own up to the mistakes you've made and are ready to make amends, you're on your way to becoming a better person.

If you want to be a better person this year, the first step is to realize is that everyone makes mistakes. Life is all about self improvement, and Santa knows that. Just because the year is almost over, that doesn't mean it's too late to start being the best version of yourself. Start now and take that mindset into the New Year. Until tomorrow.

One place that always goes all out during the holidays is Disneyland. On November 9th, Disney's Festival of Holidays returned to the California Adventure park in Anaheim. The Festival has two main attractions the marketplace and the entertainment. You will find a variety of dance, live music and a holiday-inspired performances throughout the park this holiday season. And like aways you can meet Santa Claus in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Along with the Festival of Holidays going on in California Adventure you can find Disney's ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party. Viva Navidad! has Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros bringing out some holiday cheer with festive puppets and the music of mariachi and samba musicians.

But what's the main attraction for the Festival of Holidays? THE FOOD! Just like last year, the Festive Food Marketplace is back, but with some changes. Each booth is completely different compared to last year and has a variety of options. Along with the the food vendors, the Market Place also has booths for Disney's holiday merchandise and speciality boutique pop-up shops. Here are all of the food stands that are part of this year's marketplace.

Merry Mashups has combined some of your favorite holiday classics. Here you can find the turkey & stuffing tamale with cranberry relish, lox & everything bagel nachos and even the hot cocoa marshmallow macaroon.

Winter Wonders has some feel good food that will make you feel warm and cozy. Here you can find the pumpkin soup with maple cashew cream, chana masala with grilled garlic naan and a vanilla cranberry trifle for dessert. I actually tried the chana masala and it was delicious! However, the serving size was on the small side and the "grilled" naan was cold.

Brews and Bites should just be called Brews and One Bite. The only food item on the menu is the chorizo queso fundido with house made tortilla chips. The rest of the menu is just the assortment of craft holiday brews. The best deal here is getting the alcohol flights, because you get a taste of four different brews.

At Favorite Things you'll find holiday ham shanks and Reuben potato tots to eat, but the real winners here are the eggnog cocktail and the cranberry sangria.

Holiday Duets has some interesting pairings here, the curry cauliflower soup is made with lamb and the shrimp and grits comes with sausage. Disney thinks they are perfect pairings, but I can't help but disagree. But you can't go wrong with the festive Mickey and Minnie Cookies here.

If you're looking for something sweet then Visions of Sugarplums is the stand for you. Here you'll find warm sticky toffee pudding, a white chocolate cranberry blondie, the eggnog wreath éclair and horchata fudge. Also here you'll find the Sweet Dreams and Milk Special, your choice of dessert and a carton of Horizon's organic milk. Yum!

At Blissfully Braised the name of the stand says it all. Here you'll find braised pork belly and cornbread cakes with braised collard greens and gravy.

Grandma's Recipes has your classic holiday treats like pot roast and candied yams. What you'll also find is what Grandma is drinking while she cooks. Here you can find cider and blonde ales that have a tart and fruity taste.

Spicy Celebrations is where you'll find hot fried turkey, jalapeño latkes and chocolate chipotle pot de crème. The real winner here is the pomegranate margarita.

A Twist on Tradition doesn't really seem that different to me, but maybe to some it can be seen as unconventional. Here you'll find pozole rojo beef with hominy polenta and “chicken-less” mole with Spanish rice. I honestly cannot wait to try the vegetarian mole! Also you can get the black forest yule log here.

The Winter Sliderland booth just reminds me of Thanksgiving. The turkey slider and stuffing mac and cheese just seems like some creative Thanksgiving leftovers to me. The only thing that throws off the Thanksgiving vibe is the milk chocolate-candy cane pot de crème dessert.

Making Spirits Bright is obviously the best booth in the Festive Food Market Place. Here you'll find a variety of wine, champagne, and even some festive mimosas. Make sure you get one of the Flights so you can sample three of the beverages. Yum!

If you plan on eating your way through the Festive Foods Marketplace then you might want to invest in the 2018 Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass. This pass comes with an official credential and lanyard and eight coupons that can be redeemed for food and beverages at select booths. The coupons do not work on alcohol and you get one coupon per booth essentially. The pass is $54 total, so if you plan on eating at all of the stands this might be a good investment.

Personally, I love holidays at the Disney parks. Something about the Disney Christmas magic just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. The Festival of Holidays is a great addition to the park, however there's one thing about it that really grinds my gears. While the food is tasty, the portions are just way too small for the price paid. But hey that's just me. What do you think about the Festival of Holidays this year? Let me know! Until tomorrow.

Shopping for presents during the holiday season is one of the most stressful things about this time of the year. It can be even more difficult if you have no idea what to get someone. Whether you're stuck on what to give your mom or the person you barely know in your workplace gift exchange, follow these tips to overcome your gift giving struggle.

Think About The Person. Think about who you are shopping for. What do they like? What do they need? What reminds you of them? What's something you two have in common? Did they mention anything they really want or need? Asking yourself these questions is a simple thing to do when starting the gift idea process. When you're done doing that, make a list of all their interests and needs, then take it from there.

Do Some Research. If you're really stuck and have no clue what to get someone try to fish some ideas out of them. Take a look at their social media, see if they've posted anything or created an online wishlist. Or ask the people who know them the best for some help. Or you can take the direct approach, ask the person if there is anything they wish Santa would bring them this year. It can be a fun conversation topic and it can actually help give you some ideas!

When In Doubt Be Practical. When you get really stuck an easy thing to do is think of the things this person will actually find useful. Because the worst thing you could do is give someone a gift just because you have to give them a gift. You can never go wrong with giving someone a practical and useful gift. Simplicity is always key.

Don't Procrastinate. When you have no idea what to give someone, sometimes putting it off seems like the best idea. This isn't always the case. Instead of putting it off, keep it on your mind. Maybe while shopping for gifts you know you need to get you will see something that will help inspire you.

Just Have Fun. The whole point of Christmas is to spread joy and good cheer, and it's important to never lose sight of that. If you're still stuck on what to get someone, think about what would bring them joy? What is something fun for them? Giving them something that is simply enjoyable or provide an enjoyable moment is something every one needs.

When it comes to buying gifts, don't take it all too seriously. The whole point of exchanging gifts is to spread joy and show the people you care about how much they mean to you. Don't sweat the small stuff. Whatever you end up getting or doing for someone this holiday, I'm sure they'll appreciate the effort you made and that's all that really matters.

Now it's time for me to follow my own advice, there are two weeks until Christmas Eve and I do not want to be one of those last minute shoppers out there! It's time to buckle down and finish up all my Christmas shopping. How about you, how do you overcome the gift giving struggle? Let me know! Until tomorrow.

One of the most popular holiday traditions is the daily unveiling of an Advent Calendar. Every year, Advent Calendars seem to get more and more popular. Today, companies make all sorts of Advent Calendars. You have your traditional paper ones, your beauty ones, your candy ones, and even some have been made for socks. But where did the tradition come from?

The term Advent comes from the Latin origin which means coming. Advent is the period of four weeks before Christmas. The term "coming" is used to signify the birth of Jesus. Advent Calendars began in the 19th century as a way to countdown to Christmas. The first forms of these calendars were started in Germany by making 24 tallies on a door and wiping one off each day. Wow! Haven't we come a long way since then?

When paper calendars started to become a trend in the 1900s, the traditional Advent Calendar we know of today became the standard. Each calendar is made with 25 different slots, or doors, and behind each door is a holiday themed scene. Over time, Advent Calendars have evolved and now include prizes behind the doors.

Advent Calendars have come a long way since they were first introduced! Here are some pretty cool Advent Calendars that are currently available.

Traditional Advent Calendars

Peanuts Advent Calendar. Each box reveals a holiday antic and features all your favorite Peanuts characters.

Sweet Christmas Advent Calendar. This holiday sweet treat themed Advent Calendar has all sorts of Christmas characters and activities hidden behind each slot.

Twinkle and Shine Advent Calendar. If you want to learn more about holiday traditions from all around the world, this advent calendar teaches you a fun fact each day!

Beauty Advent Calendars

The Body Shop's 24 Days of the Enchanted Advent Calendar. Inside you will find 24 beauty favorites from The Body Shop that will revive and re-energize your body and mind.

Ciaté London Mini Mani Month Nail Set. This comes with 20 mini nail polishes, one full-size polish, a mini treatment, a mini top coat, and nail transfers.

Nyx's Sugar Trip 24 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar. This beauty advent calendar is filled with 24 different makeup products including lipsticks, eye shadow and highlighters.

Candy Advent Calendars

Lindt Bear Advent Calendar. Who doesn't love some Lindt chocolate?

Reese's Countdown Christmas Advent Calendar. You really can't go wrong with a Reese's candy every day.

Godiva's 2018 Advent Calendar. By far one of the most popular chocolate Advent Calendar.

It may be nine days into December, but that doesn't mean it's too late to get in on the fun of an Advent Calendar. I'm definitely thinking of buying one! What about you, do you have an Advent Calendar? Until tomorrow.