DIY Cookie Plate for Santa Claus

Leaving cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve is a tradition in my house as I'm sure is in yours as well. I wanted Santa to feel a little more special this year with his very own personalized cookie plate. These plates are so fun to make and you can put literally anything on the plates you want.

Materials Needed:
White ceramic plate
Sharpie markers

Step 1:
Create and draw your design on the plate with the sharpie markers. If you're not comfortable freelancing your design, download a template and use it as your guide.

Tip: If you make a mistake, quickly wipe it away with rubbing alcohol.

Step 2:
Heat the plate in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Step 3:
On Christmas Eve, put cookies out on your newly designed plate for Santa.

Mac's Heroine Lipstick Is Back!

IT’S BAAACCCCCk and for good this time. Mac’s Heroine lipstick was originally released in the Reel Sexy collection and has been re released a few more times since then. Everytime it's been re-released it flies off the shelves, literally selling out in minutes. If you haven’t been able to get your hands on this lipstick well now here is your chance. Heroine is now being added to the Mac’s permanent collection. It will be available for purchase on line December 16, 2013 and in- stores January 2, 2014.

Heroine is described as a bright violet/purple with a matte finish. For this lipstick to be matte it  is extremely creamy and glides on smoothly without pulling at the lips.

Any skin tone can wear this lipstick. I’ve seen this color on many people and it always looks different but always beautiful.  If you have a problem pulling it off, try pairing it with Mac’s Currant or Vino lipliner.

This lipstick is definitely worth adding to your collection!

DIY Felt Play Christmas Tree

 This felt Christmas tree is so freaking adorable and Landon absolutely loves it!! It allows the kids to play and decorate their very own Christmas tree. Its also a great educational tool for teaching shapes and colors.

Materials Needed:

Multiple sizes and colors of felt
Scissors
Double sided tape
Felt glue

Instructions:

Step 1: Using green felt , cut a large triangle for the tree. The tree measures 36 inches tall and 29 inches wide. You will need approximately 1 yard.

Step 2: Using an assortment of colors of felt, cut different shapes for the ornaments.

Step 3: Cut different size squares and colors for the presents. Using felt glue, glue the presents to the base of the tree.

Step 4: Using double sided tape, attach your tree to a large flat surface.

Step 5: Let your little one decorate their tree!!

***Remember: Felt sticks to felt!! ***

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Our Elf on the Shelf, Shimmer has definetly brought in the Christmas joy. Landon wakes up excitedly every morning looking for him. Now I have to admit remembering to move him has been hard but so far so good.

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Day 5:

Day 6:

Day 7: I forgot to move Shimmer so I told Landon that he was so sick that he couldn't fly to the North Pole, thank God he bought it :)

 

Stay tuned to see where else Shimmer has been.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids and Men

Finding out what's in your Christmas stocking is sometimes more exciting then what's actually under the tree. However trying to decide what to put in your child's stocking besides coloring books and candy can be mind boggling. And we won't even start on how stressful it is shopping for the men in your life, let alone what to put in their stocking.

So here are a few quick suggestions that I hope you find helpful.

1.Play Doh
2. McDonald's gift card
3. Character temporary tattoos
4. Silly string
5. Slipper socks
6. Character temporary tattoos
7. DVD
8. Bath toys
9. Children's shaving kit
10. Hot wheels car
11. Lip gloss
12. Harmonica

1. Leather wallet
2. Lottery ticket
3. Golf tees
4. USB jump drive
5. Golf balls
6. Ear buds
7. Bath and Body Works men's shower gel
8. Digital luggage scale
9. Wine thermometer
10. Belt
11. Pocket knife
12. Skull cap
13. Gift card to coffee shop

My 5 Favorite Drugstore Lipsticks for Fall

   I absolutely love the dark and rich lip colors of Fall. Here are my 5 favorite from the drugstore.

left to right: Milani Violet Volt, Wet n'Wild 908C, BH cosmetics Berry Bite, Rimmel Kate Moss 04, Milani Sangria

Milani's Violet Volt is a gorgeous violet magenta color. It has a slight shimmer and a frosted finish.

 Wet n' Wild's 908C (Sugar Plum Fairy) is a very pigmented deep berry color. ***Dupe Alert: Mac's Rebel.

 Of course it wouldn't be Fall without a red lip. BH Cosmetic's Berry Bite is a beautiful berry red. This lipstick is so creamy and I absolutely love it.

 If you're looking for that hot vampy lip, then this lipstick is definitely for you. Kate Moss Rimmel 04 is a deep eggplant purple. The color payoff is phenomenal!

Milani's Sangria is a matte deep berry with purple undertones. I wouldn't consider it to be a complete matte lipstick but the color is absolutely gorgeous and very moisturizing.

The Elf on the Shelf

One thing I love about Christmas are the holiday traditions. This year I'm so excited to add the Elf on the Shelf as a tradition.

What is the Elf on the Shelf you may ask. The EOTS is Santa's little helper who is sent from the North Pole to help Santa Claus with his Naughty or Nice list. When you purchase your EOTS, you are officially adopting your elf. You will register and name him. Once your elf is named, he will receive his magic powers. The elf flys to the North Pole at night to report to Santa Claus. Each morning, the elf returns back to the family to a different spot in the house to "watch you." This is where the fun and creativity starts.

Elves are known for being mischevious and getting themselves into trouble. Here are some fun ideas for your elves below.

 

 

There are 2 rules when it comes to the EOTS.
1. The EOTS  can't be touched. If it's touched, it'll lose it's magic powers and won't be able to fly to the North Pole.
2. An elf can't move or speak while anyone is awake in the house.

Your EOTS can arrive whenever you wish, however usually the EOTS arrives the morning of December 1st or the day after Thanksgiving.

The elf comes back for the last time on the morning of Christmas Eve. That night he flys back to the North Pole and returns the following year.

Stay tuned for my EOTS photo journal coming next month.

Will the EOTS be apart of your family's tradition this year?