December 1st, you know what that means, Blogmas is back once again! Thank you for coming to my blog, Hey Kaitlin Mary, to partake in the festivities. If you have read my previous Blogmas posts, you probably know that I hardly ever finish Blogmas. Why you ask? Because blogging every single day is super stressful and I wasn't smart enough to plan this all out the month before. But what's going to make this year so special? Well this year I actually am going to finish this!!

But Kaitlin, you have said that every year for the past three years. Why yes I do say this every year but this year, I'm actually determined to finish this. Why? Well that is because this will be the last Blogmas I do on this website. GASP! Say it ain't so! Hey Kaitlin Mary will be no more in 2019. But don't worry, the website will still be up and running. So if you want to read some of the other posts I have done over the past couple of years you can still do that. Saying goodbye to Hey Kaitlin Mary is one of the hardest things I will ever do. I put my heart and soul into this blog but when you know it's time to move on, you just have to say goodbye.

But we are not saying goodbye yet, there are still 24 more holiday posts coming. Below you can find the links to all the posts for this Blogmas.
Day Two: Netflix and Chill - Holiday Edition
Day Three: The Happy & Healthy Holidays Challenge
Day Four: SiriusXM's Holiday Music Channel Guide
Day Five: Cruelty Free Holiday Scent Guide
Day Six: Simple Date Ideas For the Holiday Season
Day Seven: My Christmas Wishlist
Day Eight: Christmastime at Starbucks
Day Nine: All About Advent Calendars
Day Ten: Overcoming Gift Giving Struggles
Day Eleven:A Guide to Disney's Festival of Holidays
Day Twelve: How to Get Off Santa's Naughty List
Day Thirteen: An Eco Friendly Gift Guide
Day Fourteen: 50 Potential Blogmas Post Ideas
Day Fifteen: Let's Play the Hallmark Christmas Drinking Game
Day Sixteen: May I Present Our Christmas Tree
Day Seventeen: Let's Make Our Own Christmas Cards
Day Eighteen: Spending the Day at Knott's Merry Farm
Day Nineteen: Making Your Own Traditions
Day Twenty: Seeing Christmas Vacation at the Movies
Day Twenty-One: End of the Year Reflection
Day Twenty-Two: Making A Lonely Christmas Fun
Day Twenty-Three: Let's Play the Christmas Tag Game
Day Twenty-Four: Getting Ready for the New Year
Day Twenty-Five: Mary Poppins Returns for Christmas

You didn't think that the first Blogmas post of this year would be just some super sad announcement and a table contents did you? For the first Blogmas post of 2018, I wanted to share some of my favorite previous Blogmas posts I have done over the years. Let's take a look:

First off we have Managing That Holiday Stress from my first Blogmas ever back in 2015. Holidays are stressful every year and it's always good keep your stress levels low. I shared some of the tricks that help me get through the holidays. I just hope it works for all of you!

Making Secret Santa Easier With DrawNames from Blogmas 2016. This was never a sponsored post, I actually love DrawNames and I think it makes Secret Santa so much easier. DrawNames is a website that generates gift exchanges. In fact, my family is using it again this year for Secret Santa since we all could not be together to pick names on Thanksgiving.

Nutella Hot Chocolate Recipe from Blogmas 2015. Still the best and easiest hot chocolate recipe out there. Don't at me.

The Hallmark Christmas Movie Formula from Blogmas 2017. Hands down one of my favorite posts I have ever done. I loved it so much it actually inspired one of my posts for this year so stay tuned!

How to Avoid Being Sick During the Holidays from Blogmas 2015. This is advice I wish I followed this year. Here I am sitting with the aftermath of cold from after Thanksgiving. Don't be like me, follow those tips and stay healthy.

Traveling During the Holiday Season with Ease from Blogmas 2017. Every year, traveling during the holidays seems to get worse and worse. Just this past Thanksgiving holiday, traffic was a nightmare in SoCal for a solid two weeks. If you're planning on traveling during the holidays check out some of my tips!

How to Give Back During the Holidays from Blogmas 2016. While sometimes we can all get caught up in the holidays, it's important to remember the true meaning of the season. Be kind and spread good cheer. Check out my tips on how you can give back this season. It's really easy and it feels amazing!

Ballin' on a Budget During Christmas Time from Blogmas 2017. Holidays are expensive! Decorations, cards, food, and gifts, it all adds up. Check out my tips for saving some money during the holidays without having to sacrifice on quality.

Kaitlin's Rant, Today's Topic: Winter/Midseason Finales from Blogmas 2015. While this post really doesn't contribute much to society, it's still one of my favorites. I don't know there's just something funny about ranting about the things that piss me off. Midseason finales are the bane of my existence and I'm currently going through this struggle with one of my favorite shows at the moment. But what can you do? If you feel my struggle take a read.

Last but certainly not least, here is my favorite post I've written for Blogmas. A Series of Unfortunate Events: Cabo Edition from Blogmas 2017. While the story itself has nothing to do with Christmas, I tried to recap the events as a traditional holiday story. Did it do all that? Most likely no, but if you need a good laugh go check it out.

There you have it! Those are some of my favorite posts that I have written over the years. If you want more, you can check out the Blogmas tag. What are you looking forward to this Blogmas? Let me know! Until tomorrow!

Today is December 1, a day where we can (hopefully) all agree it is the appropriate time to officially start getting into the holiday spirit. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Festivus or any other holiday that takes place this month, it's safe to say that this time of the year is truly the best. What all these holidays have in common is just not presents or materialistic items, but each holiday in their own way represents what this season is truly about: spending time with your family and loved ones. Sure all the gifts are nice, but the most important thing to remember is that we all take the time to cherish all the little things in your life that you may take for granted throughout the rest of the year.

Which leads me to the next most wonderful part of this season, BLOGMAS is back! For those of you who have no idea what Blogmas is, have no fear, I've got you covered. Blogmas is a time of the year and tradition for bloggers. Bloggers who participate are challenged to write posts every single day up until Christmas. Most posts are typically Christmas, holiday or winter related but it all depends on what the blogger is inspired by. Pretty cool right?

Blogmas is my favorite thing about the holiday season. Not only do I love the challenge of writing daily posts (which by the way is super tough), but I also love to see what other bloggers have to say this holiday season and support the blogger community. If you're looking for more blogs participating in Blogmas this season, search for #BLOGMAS on Twitter, that's where all the Blogmas and even Vlogmas action will be this holiday season!

But here on Hey Kaitlin Mary you're going to find a variety of posts about almost anything and everything. I've been participating in Blogmas for the past two years, and each year I want to be even better than the one before. Which leads me to my next point, I want to hear from you, the readers. I want to know what do you want read about this Blogmas! If you have any topics you want to hear about or learn more about please let me know, don't be shy. Comment below, shoot me an email, DM me on social media, or even send me a carrier pigeon, I'd love to know what you want to see this Blogmas!

I hope you all are just as excited I am about this year's Blogmas! In fact, if you can't wait until my next post tomorrow check out some of my posts from previous years.

So tell me, what are you most looking forward to the most this holiday season?

Until tomorrow!

It's December 1, and you know what that means, BLOGMAS IS BACK! For those of you who have no idea what Blogmas is, let me break it down for you. Blogmas is when bloggers write a Christmas/winter related blog post everyday until Christmas.

So a new blog post every day for the next twenty five days can't be too bad right? Well, last year when I first participated in Blogmas, I had no idea how hard it was going to be! But I'm back at it again, with 25 more original posts for the holiday season.

So let's dive in, on the first day of Blogmas I give to thee: a countdown of the Top 10 Best Christmas TV Episodes, well at least according to me!

10. New Girl - The 23rd
Before Jess and the gang go home for the holidays, they all decide to go to the holiday party at Schmidt's office. Each character has their own little bit of conflict going on but they all unite to make Jess happy so she can see the houses decorated for Christmas on Holiday Lane. Plus we get to see Schmidt dressed as Sexy Santa, what's better than that?

9. Futurama - Xmas Story
Futurama is one of those shows that can be a little strange sometimes but every once and a while they have a few good episodes up their sleeves. Like the Christmas episode, Xmas Story which tells the story of a killer Santa robot. It's a fun episode that tackles greed while reminding us the true meaning of Christmas.

8. Glee - A Very Glee Christmas
This was the first Christmas episode of Glee and the story is a little cheesy, but the best kind of cheesiness. The two main story lines for the episode take on believing in Santa and being the Grinch which you really can't go wrong with. The best part of this episode is the music, the Glee cast takes on some of the best Christmas songs and performs them well.

7. Raising Hope - Toy Story
A funny show with a funny Christmas story, the episode centers around Jimmy finally learning about his father's annual Christmas scheme. His dad buys all of the popular toys in town and sells them to last minute shoppers for double the price. Jimmy is hurt because he never once got a popular toy and now that he is a father he wants to give his daughter what he never had. But as you can guess, they learn that the toys don't matter, and that family is more important.

6. South Park - Mr. Hankey, The Christmas Poo
This episode of South Park is a classic, not only is it funny but it also has a great message behind it. It centers around Kyle, who is Jewish, and how isolated he feels during Christmas time because he does not celebrate it. So he meets Mr. Hankey, a magical piece of poop, but when he tells everyone about him no one believes him. But when Mr. Hankey reveals himself and proves he is real, he teaches everyone the true meaning of Christmas.

5. The Big Bang Theory - The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis
Sheldon makes this episode, and frankly the entire show, so great. Sheldon has no idea what to get Penny for Christmas because he has no idea what she is going to get him so he buys an assortment of gifts to choose from. When Penny gives him a meaningful and personal gift, an autographed napkin from his idol, Leonard Nimoy, we see an entirely different side of Sheldon. He is overwhelmed with happiness and gives Penny a hug and all of the gifts he got her.

4. The Office - Christmas Party
What makes this episode so great is that it is hysterical. Michael tries to win at Christmas by changing the Secret Santa to a Yankee Swap in order to get the video iPod he bought for his Secret Santa. The whole party goes to shambles and we get this classic line: Well, happy birthday, Jesus. Sorry your party's so lame. Plus we get to see Jim be so sweet and almost confess his love for Pam!

3. The Simpsons - She of Little Faith
This episode of the Simpsons is one of their best because of the great meaning behind it. Lisa decides to convert to Buddhism because of her disappointment with the Church. Marge tries to bring her back to the Church by trying to briber her with Christmas. But Lisa learns that she can have her own religious practices and still celebrate and appreciate her family's religion, even though it differs from her own.

2. How I Met Your Mother - How Lily Stole Christmas
How I Met Your Mother meets The Grinch. How epic is that? Lily hears a voicemail from Ted back when she left Marshall. Ted called her a bitch because she broke Marshall's heart. But to make it festive, they decided to refer to her as the Grinch throughout the entire episode. Lily bans Ted from Christmas and he is forced to spend it with his crazy family in Staten Island. The entire gang, including Lily, goes and saves him and Lily and Ted make up in the end because they realize that their friendship is more important.

1. Bob's Burgers - Christmas in the Car
By far this is my favorite Christmas TV episode, I love to watch it every year and I will continue to do so. This episode is so creative and unique, you won't find another like it. The Belchers have to buy a new Christmas Tree because their two previous trees died because they were put up way too early. So their drive to get a new tree turns into an epic journey, they get chased down by a candy cane truck and their car gets stuck in the snow. The episode is extremely funny and it really gets you in the holiday spirit.

So there you have it, those are some of my favorite Christmas TV Episodes! What are some of your favorite things to watch during the holiday season? Blogmas Day 1 has been completed, a little late, but completed nonetheless.

Until tomorrow.

Happy December everyone! This year, I decided that I am going to participate in Blogmas. For those of you that do not know what Blogmas is, it is when you blog (or vlog which is actually Vlogmas) everyday until Christmas Day! So 25 blogs, maybe a vlog or two thrown in there, for 25 days in a row? Challenge accepted.

I know my last 30 day challenge didn't go as plan but I've learned from that and I know what I need to do to and I know how it needs to get done. I will complete the Blogmas challenge, on time... Hopefully... Anyways, I'm rambling now. So for the first day of Blogmas, I thought it would be fun to share my Christmas Playlist.

What's Christmas without holiday music? Now my Christmas Playlist hasn't really changed since I was in high school. And that was about six years ago. So it may or may not be outdated. So here are some of the songs I like to listen to during the holiday season.

Ho Ho Hopefully | The Maine

This song is on repeat all day on December 1, all because of the first line of the song. "December first I'm in a foreign state." Kind of cheesy to play a song that mentions December 1 on repeat on December 1, but hey that's one of my traditions. But besides that, this song is super cute and it is all about how important it is to be with your loved ones during holidays.

Girl of my Dreams | Jonas Brothers

Where my fellow JoBro fans at?! Who remembers this track from the Disney Holiday cd? No one? Just me? Okay. Hey it's still a jam.

Wonderful Christmastime | The Ready Set

The Ready Set is one of my favorite artists and his version of the classic song is funky and fresh.

Mr. Winter | The Maine

The Maine honestly has the best original Christmas music, but the best part is that it's so good you want to listen to it year round. Especially Mr. Winter could just be a really cold guy rather than a season. But this song is on their Christmas EP so it makes it onto my Christmas playlist.

Greatest Time Of Year | Aly & AJ

Another classic from the Disney Holiday CD. So catchy and so true, Christmas time/winter time really is the greatest time of the year.

All I Want For Christmas | Big Time Rush

I chose the Big Time Rush version because, I like Big Time Rush, they're a very underrated boyband. Don't get me wrong, Mariah Carey's is great as well, it's a classic. I just prefer this one.

Santa Stole My Girlfriend | The Maine

The line: Santa, you bitch is possibly the greatest and funniest line ever. I chuckle every time. I'm telling you The Maine has the best original Christmas music.

Forgot It Was Christmas | The Downtown Fiction

This song is catchy and has a great tune. It's also very funny, the boyfriend forgets to buy the girlfriend a Christmas present so he writes her a song saying he forgot it was Christmas. Likely story. No one forgets Christmas.

Last Christmas | Cascada

There are so many covers of this song, but this by far is the best version. Hands down.

Beautiful Christmas | Big Time Rush

A festive and catchy song all about the deeper meaning of Christmas. A beautiful Christmas, is not from the presents, but how you spend it and who you spend it with.

Wishlist | The Ready Set

Another original, and gosh I just love it. "Cause you're number one on my wishlist baby." Tell me that's not adorable.

White Christmas | Honor Society

Another classic Christmas song, done by one of my old favorite bands. I just love this version. Michael Bruno's voice is so soothing and wonderful.

Christmas In Hollywood | Hollywood Undead

It's Christmas in Hollywood, Santa's back up in the hood. I used to have this song on my Myspace page every December, MYSPACE. That's how old this song is. This naughty song is catchy and very funny. There needs to be more funny and adult Christmas music.

Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass | All Time Low

Finishing off the playlist with my favorite snarky Christmas song by one of my favorite bands. Doesn't everyone have someone they want to say Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass to? It's the perfect thing to say to someone you simply cannot stand.

So there's my playlist for this holiday season! Well for every holiday season since I was sixteen, but you get the point. Unfortunately, not every single one of these songs are on Spotify. But a majority are and if you want to give a listen to my playlist check it out here! And here we have it, the first day of Blogmas is complete! One down, twenty four to go. Let's go. Until tomorrow. See what I did there?

There's always some sort of mystery and creativity behind a person's blog name. And a clever hidden meaning is thrown in there to describe that person. Sadly, I am not as creative as everyone else in this world. Coming up with creative titles and names was never my expertise. Sometimes, I have a rare moment and think of something clever and funny, but that's after hours of picking my brain.

But when I started my blog last year (I can't believe it's been a year!) I first went by the title: Living Life Colorfully, and after a couple months I didn't think it suited my blog or voice. Even though it is a phrase I do love to live by, it did not describe my writing style.

When I was in middle school, I joined the school newspaper and that's where I found my love for writing. But when I got to high school, I got some bad grades on writing assignments and it killed my confidence. Those bad grades didn't come from a teacher telling me I sucked at writing, it was from a computer that told me I sucked and my confidence shattered. I had to write for a computer and appeal to the computer and what it was looking for. I forgot how to write for a person and for me, and I didn't learn it again until the next year. I got an English teacher who brought my confidence up a little.

I've always been insecure when it came to showing people my work. I hated to have people read my work, and I've always been terrified of criticism. But I've learned it comes with the job and as long as you're proud of what you write and create, then that's all that matters. You can't be everyone's cup of tea.

You can't gain confidence without finding your voice, and that takes time. I found my voice in college, and I realized it's very conversational. I like to write as if I am talking to my audience. I like to think when someone reads anything I write on my blog, it's almost like we're sitting down in Starbucks, having a cup of coffee and chatting like we've been friends for years.

So the back to the meaning behind my blog name. Hey Kaitlin Mary is meant to be an introduction to the reader. My name is Kaitlin, middle name Mary, and the 'Hey' in front serves as a greeting. So every time you come to my blog, you are saying hello to me. I thought it would work with my conversational tone and style. And if you haven't noticed, I end each post with until next time. That's my way of ending our coffee date. I say until next time because I don't want to say goodbye, that implies we'll never meet again. So until next time gives me hope that we'll have many more coffee dates in the future.

So that's the story behind my blog name, Hey Kaitlin Mary. Nothing too interesting or creative, I did warn you on that. You're probably wondering what is the point of this blog post? Well I am participating in a 30 Day Blogging Challenge. I saw this on google while I was looking for some Vlog Tags to do and I stumbled upon this. And as Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother (RIP) would say, "Challenge Accepted!"

As you can see this was day one and it is now completed! One down, twenty nine to go! Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed! Until next time.