Happy November friends! The countdown to the holidays is on, only three short
weeks until Thanksgiving, then we blink and it's Christmas! For this month's My Five Favorites'
topic my blogging pals and I are sharing ideas to help keep the stress level low and fun level
high during the holidays! It's my favorite time of year and I remember ONE year when I was
SUPER organized, oh my gosh, it was so enjoyable!
Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
I'm so excited to have Amy & Christy at 11 Magnolia Lane with us this month ~ they are
organizing gurus and I'm certain they have some tricks up their sleeve to share!
11 Magnolia Lane
Not only are they awesome at organization, DIY and decor, but they have an Etsy shop as
well. My favorite item I order every year is this chic gold vinyl monogram to put on the
front of my calendar!
topic my blogging pals and I are sharing ideas to help keep the stress level low and fun level
high during the holidays! It's my favorite time of year and I remember ONE year when I was
SUPER organized, oh my gosh, it was so enjoyable!
Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
I'm so excited to have Amy & Christy at 11 Magnolia Lane with us this month ~ they are
organizing gurus and I'm certain they have some tricks up their sleeve to share!
Not only are they awesome at organization, DIY and decor, but they have an Etsy shop as
well. My favorite item I order every year is this chic gold vinyl monogram to put on the
front of my calendar!
#1 - Black Friday
$5 Fresh Wreath & Garland
Stock Up!!!
I gave you the scoop about this favorite Black Friday deal here. Home Depot sells
fresh wreaths and garland for $5!! I love to stock up (keep in your garage) to have on
hand throughout the season ~ it's a simple gesture to brighten someone's day if they find a
surprise wreath on their door step! I've used them to decorate inside and outside, as my gift
for my Favorite Things Party, a hostess gift, to add some cheer to a housebound neighbor's
gate. Over the years I've learned the garland is best left for outside decor, as it gets a tad
crispy inside. :( I don't think they're on anyone's radar because there's no line or crazy
people clamoring for them.
$5 Fresh Wreath & Garland
Stock Up!!!
I gave you the scoop about this favorite Black Friday deal here. Home Depot sells
fresh wreaths and garland for $5!! I love to stock up (keep in your garage) to have on
hand throughout the season ~ it's a simple gesture to brighten someone's day if they find a
surprise wreath on their door step! I've used them to decorate inside and outside, as my gift
for my Favorite Things Party, a hostess gift, to add some cheer to a housebound neighbor's
gate. Over the years I've learned the garland is best left for outside decor, as it gets a tad
crispy inside. :( I don't think they're on anyone's radar because there's no line or crazy
people clamoring for them.
#2 - Frozen Cookie Dough
~ Neighbor/Teacher Gifts ~
Not your typical plate of cookies
You guys are going to laugh at me, but once I timed myself to see how long it took to
make a batch of cookie dough - 10 minutes! My point in telling you is that this gift is
so QUICK, easy and appreciated! And, you can do it in November!
Who doesn't love having homemade cookie dough in the freezer? Pop it in the oven at a
moment's notice if company drops by, for a snack, or a busy mom that needs a last minute
treat for school. It's my favorite gift to give ~ I shared all the details, and tips for pretty
packaging here.
~ Neighbor/Teacher Gifts ~
Not your typical plate of cookies
You guys are going to laugh at me, but once I timed myself to see how long it took to
make a batch of cookie dough - 10 minutes! My point in telling you is that this gift is
so QUICK, easy and appreciated! And, you can do it in November!
Who doesn't love having homemade cookie dough in the freezer? Pop it in the oven at a
moment's notice if company drops by, for a snack, or a busy mom that needs a last minute
treat for school. It's my favorite gift to give ~ I shared all the details, and tips for pretty
packaging here.
#3 - Worth It
vs
Not Worth the Trouble List
vs
Not Worth the Trouble List
I'm such a list girl, I don't know how people make it through the day without one!
Every year I make a list for the following year of what worked and what wasn't worth
the time or effort. I found the list changes year to year depending on what stage of life
your kiddos are in. I also have a book where I keep track of party details
(for about 15 years, a little OCD?) it helps jog my memory when putting together menus.
Date, Invitation, Guests, Food & Beverage Menu, and of course, what I wore.
You can see at my Annual Girlfriend Party last year I wore winter white pants and
cropped fringe sweater - monochromatic in case you're wondering. Hahaha!
#4 - Make Ahead
Thanksgiving & Christmas Menus
If you think 'make ahead' means sacrificing quality and flavor, think again! Simply prepping
the time consuming chopping, dicing, making a sauce, etc. helps ensure a stress free day
when you're hosting the meal. My parents always host a crowd of family on Christmas day
and my mom and I spend a few hours the day before getting the table set and prepping all
that we can. I'm sure you're not surprised I have a list of our menu last year, the initial
indicates who brought which dish. (I know it's a LOT and a weird mix, but we all love food
and accommodate if anyone has a favorite request, somehow the Tamales & Green Chile
got left off the list, but it's tradition).
Thanksgiving & Christmas Menus
If you think 'make ahead' means sacrificing quality and flavor, think again! Simply prepping
the time consuming chopping, dicing, making a sauce, etc. helps ensure a stress free day
when you're hosting the meal. My parents always host a crowd of family on Christmas day
and my mom and I spend a few hours the day before getting the table set and prepping all
that we can. I'm sure you're not surprised I have a list of our menu last year, the initial
indicates who brought which dish. (I know it's a LOT and a weird mix, but we all love food
and accommodate if anyone has a favorite request, somehow the Tamales & Green Chile
got left off the list, but it's tradition).
A few years ago I shared our more traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu of
favorite tried and true recipes from past Bon Appetit magazines. I gave detailed
tips what I prep the days leading up to the holiday. Stress free and delish!
#5 - Look Good! Feel Good!
How did this ended up #5, it should be #1
How did this ended up #5, it should be #1
Take the time NOW to plan out a couple outfits you LOVE. It will make all the
difference if all else fails, and you're running around frazzled, if you have an outfit
planned that makes you feel fabulous.
Start with your Pinterest Fashion Board (you have one right?) Here's mine.
It's a great place for inspiration before you head out shopping.
I'd choose a couple outfits to emulate - comfy, casual for shopping or school and
something dressy for church, party, Christmas day. It doesn't have to be an entire new
outfit, although I'm sure you deserve one! Shoes, statement necklace, sweater or a pretty
scarf to update some classics in your closet are perfect too.
Whatever makes YOU feel great!
Don't forget to schedule your hair and mani, pedi appointments now, if you haven't done so.
planned that makes you feel fabulous.
Start with your Pinterest Fashion Board (you have one right?) Here's mine.
It's a great place for inspiration before you head out shopping.
I'd choose a couple outfits to emulate - comfy, casual for shopping or school and
something dressy for church, party, Christmas day. It doesn't have to be an entire new
outfit, although I'm sure you deserve one! Shoes, statement necklace, sweater or a pretty
scarf to update some classics in your closet are perfect too.
Whatever makes YOU feel great!
Don't forget to schedule your hair and mani, pedi appointments now, if you haven't done so.
Be sure to check out my talented friends' favs too:
Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
Amy & Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane
Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
Amy & Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane
You might like these previous My Five Favorites too:
Gadgets
Paint Projects
IKEA Items in my Home
Thrifted Finds
Valentine Decor
Home Organization Tips
Christmas Wish List
Recipes for the Holidays
Entertaining Accessories
Displaying DIY Artwork
Ways to Mix Metals
Paint Projects
IKEA Items in my Home
Thrifted Finds
Valentine Decor
Home Organization Tips
Christmas Wish List
Recipes for the Holidays
Entertaining Accessories
Displaying DIY Artwork
Ways to Mix Metals
