Merry & Bright

the time is here

while it hasn't felt much like christmas was near with the beautiful temps we've been having

 it is a - ok with me ;-)

i am still (of course) making a list and checking it twice but so far this i know...

the baking is done, the shopping is nearly done, the wrapping & bows have been purchased!

this year i am spread thin and i couldn't be anymore excited

i will be indulging and making memories

as i spend it with all sides of the family and in all parts of new york!

hope you have the merriest & brightest holiday of all!

<3

12 ways... (2)

This new and fun little series is my way of sharing the Christmas spirit with you all :)

This Week's Ways:

If you're weekend will be spent shopping and you are scrambling, 

rest assured I've got you covered!

Even though I didn't made a must have guide the year,

I have PLENTY for you to browse through for inspo!

Guides from

2014, 2013, 2012 & 2011

Are ALL linked in this post! 

~~~

One of my very favorite things about the Holidays are the sights & lights!

And these are simply some of the best ;-)

So make some hot chocolate, a sweet treat 

get in the car & check these houses out!

8 Patrick Dr. in Lagrangeville

Turn up your radio and roll the windows down for quite the show!

155 Vaneck Dr. in New Rochelle

You'll peak inside some beautiful window displays including one of Santa's workshop!

21 North Kensico Rd. in White Plains

To see a real life gingerbread house!

185-07 80th Dr. in Jamaica Estates 

I've wanted to go to this house for so long, 

take a look at their facebook page just to see how awesome!

Between 11th & 13th Ave. from 83rd to 86th St. in Dyker Heights

An experience that take you by foot and will require some sunglasses it's so bright!

~~~

I'll be heading into the city this weekend to celebrate the season with the Mr.

& I will certainly watch the show at Saks at least 5 times!

For more must see / do in the city, you can read my guide here & here!

12 Ways...

Once upon a time there were The 12 Days of Christmas and now we have...

This new and fun little series is my way of sharing the Christmas spirit with you all :)

I will be covering everything from recipes to crafts to party tips to movies & more!

Each Wednesday leading right up until Christmas Eve...

This Week's Ways Are:

these jams i will play over and over and over!

filled with memories from childhood and modern day faves!

turn up your volume and enjoy them too ;-)

1. Rockin Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

2. Dominick the Donkey - Lou Monte

3. Holly Jolly Christmas - Michael Buble 

4. It Must Have Been Ol' Santa Claus - Harry Connick Jr.

5. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - *NSYNC

6. All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

7. Marshallow World - Dean Martin

8. Happy X-Mas - John Lennon

9. It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas - Perry Como

10. Christmas Lights - Coldplay

honestly my favorite part about the holiday is getting all into my martha...

some can be gifts or some are for keeps either way they are pretty neat 

ideas from the blog & the web all pinned & waiting for ya here!

cuddling up on the couch and throwing any of these on

with a side of hot chocolate is how any winter night of mine will be spent!

1. Its a Wonderful Life

2. Home Alone (1 & 2)  

3. The Santa Claus ( 1 & 2)

4. Love Actually

5. Elf

6. Miracle on 34th Street

7. The Polar Express

whether you're hosting, attending or want to make a sweet treat 

these are some of the easiest and yummiest

i'll be making my usuals and adding a few more from this list too

ideas from my kitchen& the web all pinned & waiting for ya here!

5 0n Friday.

 a couple of lovely & awesome distractions for you this friday!

...1...

 i am literally OBSESSED with James Corden.

i think his show is hands down the funniest & most entertaining

plus car pool karaoke is everything

take a look!

...2...

this was the exact moment when i knew, i've waited to long!

silly but true - but i am DEFINITELY in need of a haircut

...3...

i've always been a sucker for a sunset (as you know) 

so to see this years PANTONE color of the year

made me extremely happy!

can't wait to wear these all spring long!

...4...

this store i tell ya... 

they are truly making the season yummy!

 these are some of the best smelling soaps and candles ever

but i'm fighting the urge to buy them all right now

any of these your favorite?

...5...

last but certainly not least...

everyday wednesday leading right up until christmas  i will share with you

my list for the 12 ways to christmas before christmas!

covering everything from movies to recipes

First time for everything...

For the first time in the 5 years of this blog
I will not be providing a Holiday Gift Guide.

You see we tend to overwhelm ourselves with the chaos

instead of sitting back to enjoy the sparkle and the wonder of the season.

So this year, I will craft and I will bake but I won't be shopping from a must have list.

Because...

We already have it all.

We stress on all the ways we can out do ourselves from years past.

We spend an awful lot of time and money trying to make this part PERFECT.

(right down to the coordinating wrapping, ribbons and tags.which I am guilty of doing &  already purchased.)

We set ourselves up for unnecessary anxiety, about shipping and parking spots.

While all of that is normal, since we've been doing it for ages.

It's the meaning of the season and the purpose of giving that is so entirely lost.

By all means, I will still shop for my loved ones this year.

And I would never ask you or advise you not to!

However...

 I am supporting all the other ways we can be the best and give our best this year.

I will give gifts solely from my heart.

I will give a gift of purpose.

That will have meaning for years to come.

That the person will always remember was picked with just them in mind.

I am doing this so I have more time.

Time for gatherings, for merry and for cheer!

This will truly be a December to Remember
And we will make it memorable in so many ways

I hope you will join me! <3