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#5Faves: Only During Christmas

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Let’s face the jingle bells: there are certain things that you can really only fully enjoy during the Advent and Christmas season. Here are five seasonal faves for the Elf in all of you.

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ABC Family Christmas Movies on Netflix: Y’all probably know that Netflix gave me a viewing device and a free subscription, and let me tell you my honest thoughts. ABC family movies starring Melissa Joan Hart or Christina Milian are one of the best things about this time of year. Predictable, fluffy, snowy and sugary sweet. I have watched so many of these it is disgusting. Except it’s not. It’s great.

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My True Love Gave to Me: I usually read stuff like this on my Kindle, but I bought the hardcover version of this bad boy. If ABC Family Christmas movies were a book, this would be it. 12 Christmas stories about love. I am forcing myself to pace myself and not read all of these in one sitting. So. Freaking. Merry.

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Nite Lites: One of the bigger cities by us lights up the whole fairgrounds with a big ol’ light display that you drive through. We put the kids in their pjs after dinner one night and surprised them by taking them out right before bed. There might not be anything cuter than watching your kids light up over lights. And then they fell asleep on the way home. All the angels sang “alleluia!”

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My Tree and This Video: I am one of those crazy people that has to have her tree just so. So crazy in fact that I bought a tiny little tree for the kids to put all of their ornaments on so they wouldn’t mess my tree flow. It’s so glittery and cozy and adult. I don’t need Elmo and Elsa ruining that for me. Also, this video? Best watched during December.

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Doterra Holiday Joy: I finally got my hands on a bottle of this. Ok, strike that. I finally found a bottle on eBay, and it has shipped, and SOON I will have my hands on this. It sells out so quickly every year. I have no idea if I really am going to love it, but I have high hopes. High apple pie in the sky hopes.

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#5Faves: Mike’s Weaknesses

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You guys, I’m pretty sure I can make a #5Faves out of anything, and today proves it. I have no idea where this came from, but I’m rolling with it. I present My Huband’s 5 Favorite Weaknesses. Ta-daaaaa!

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Sour Candy: There is not such thing as Mike opening a bag of sour candy and then putting it away for later. Never happened. Never will. He will gobble it down until it hurts, and he loves every second of it.

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Bad Tattoo Posts on Facebook: If Mike’s face is buried in his phone laughing, there is a pretty good chance he is looking at a Buzzfeed Facebook post about bad tattoos. He can’t not click. He sees it, and it is a must-read.

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Loud Cars: Woe be until you if you are in the middle of a conversation with him and a loud car drives by. He loses the ability to remember he is talking to someone, and his neck involuntarily jerks to see what beautiful mechanical wonder is emitting the noise pollution.

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MSU and Lions Football: Mike has brainwashed our daughter so that she now will sit with him and watch football while asking questions about how the game is played. Which is fine. I have no problem with that. BUT, little did we all know that this was his plan all along so he could watch the games in relative peace.

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Schuler’s Cheese Spread: Please see the above post on sour candy.

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#5Faves: Blogging Resources

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I wouldn’t call myself an expert and neither should you. BUT, sometimes people ask me what my favorite blogging tools are, so Imma let you know. Right here. Right now. Let’s do this.

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Postcron: Lest you think I am on the Internet all day long, I actually use this FREE service that allows me to schedule all of my Facebook touts and Twitter tweets. You can also upgrade your account for pretty much unlimited posting. Otherwise you can schedule 10 posts at a time. Honestly, I don’t have enough creativity at the ready to do more than that.

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Mad Mimi: I’ve tried MailChimp. A lot of people swear by it. But, it was just too confusing to me. I consider myself a fairly intelligent person, so there’s that too. Do yourself a favor and make the easy switch to Mad Mimi and easily send out your blog posts and newsletters via email to any willing subscribers.

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PicMonkey: For all of my important posts…ha. Let me start again. For all of the posts that I spend way too much time on, I like to have a highly pinnable image so y’all can get that stuff on Pinterest. You do that for me, correct? Anyway, PicMonkey is the, by far, easiest way to create one.

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inlinkz: How do you think I do all of these incredible #5Faves and tl;drs for you? I love that they have the option to pay $2 a month rather than buying a big ol’ subscription. So, if you are just a one and done link up hoster, you don’t have to spend a fortune.

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Picasa: For all of my complicated collage needs – like the one above. Much fancy. Wow.

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#5Faves: Chick Flicks #streamteam

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Disclosure: I have received free Netflix streaming and a streaming device as part of my membership on the Netflix Stream Team.  All opinions expressed within this post are my own.

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No fancy footwork here today. It’s Mike’s bday, so we are focusing on our favorite dude. I could get all mushy and tell you my 5 Fave reasons why I love that man, but instead I’ll go easy. Here are my 5 Fave Chick Flicks that you can stream right from Netflix. Instant gratification, baby.

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Love Actually

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Clueless

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Romeo + Juliet

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13 Going on 30

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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

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#5Faves: Tips for Styling Mocs

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Turns out some people really did want moccasin tips. My bad. So, I’m here with my 5 Favorite ways to wear mocs. If I show you mine, then you have to show me yours. Only fair.

You’ve got moccasins shoes, but you’re unsure of how to style them. Give your moc fashion a boost with these style inspiration tips. Find out what kind of outfits to wear, mock no-nos and more!

 

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Minnetonka are forever and ever my favorite mocs to rocks. I’m on my second pair in many years, so they last and last. Also, they are beautiful. Some of my favorite pairs:

Suede Skimmer Mocs
Classic Fringe Boot
Sheepskin Ankleboot Slippers

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Leggings and skinny jeans are your best option when wearing moccasins. They don’t hide your pretty shoe with too much material, and they tend to be a little more casual. My mocs are absolutely my everyday shoe, but I have to make sure that the feel of my outfit matches my footwear. Anything too fancy ain’t gunna werk.

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Sockless forever. Please don’t try to wear socks with your mocs if they show any skin. I personally have not seen someone pull this off. If you can, send me a pic. Maybe I’m in need of lessons. Even if it is cold outside: no socks. Like my mom always taught me: it doesn’t mater how you feel; it’s how you look.

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Allover look: if you’re playing it safe, go with a baggy cardi/tunic/casual style in earthy colors with your moccasins. And avoid too many trends. The last thing I want to do is put on my oversized Aztec sweater, geometric leggings, statement necklace, slouchy beanie, and vanity glasses. Slow and steady, grasshopper. While mocs are really versatile and neutral, just pick a few pieces to make a statement.

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Gold Jewelry: I have a thing for gold and antique brass jewelry. I love wearing heavy chains or simple gold studs when I wear a moc outfit. It just feels earthier and more cohesive with the style.

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#5Faves: Supplements

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I guess I could do a Whole 30 or something to increase my energy and overall wellness. Or I could see a dietician. I am all about trying to rid this pregnancy anxiety in any way possible. But, for now, popping pills of the supplement variety seems to have the same benefit? Read: Can you ever even really tell? But, I trudge on. Here are my favorites.

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Nature Made Fish Oil

Lots of omega-3s for a healthy nerve system which this panic ridden lady is desperate for. You are supposed to take these three times a day, but I just do them once because I am cheap like that. Also, I adore this brand because they are so small compared to other fish oils. Not burp-less unfortunately (I think Target makes one like that), but the size is worth it.

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Integrative Therapeutics Probiotic Pearls

Olivia recommended this to me for a healthy gut. Again, I love how tiny they are. I am going to give these a try next time though. They seem to have the same ingredients but for half the cost. We will see.

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Target Prenatal

I used to take the pricey Rx prenatals with Ellen. Who knew you could just take up & up and get the same benefit? A lot of moms I know take these because they are cheap and they are tasteless. Also, it’s just one pill a day.

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Nature Made Vitamin D

I swear Nature Made did not pay me to write this post. It’s just that they are readily available at pretty much any store, pretty good quality, and a good price. My OB asked me to go on a vitamin D supplement because my labs came back, like, rill low-like. Particularly good for those of you who, like me, live in a state where the sun hibernates for months at a time. It’s that happy vitamin.

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Nature Made Vitamin B Complex

Another feel good blend. Vitamin B helps with anxiety issues, so I hope, like the others, that this is helping and not making really expensive urine.

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#5Faves: Albums and Memories

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Disclaimer: Obviously these are not my top five of all time. I don’t think I could ever do that. It’s not that I am a music nerd or anything, it’s just that I am afraid of commitment – unless it’s marriage, or children, or anything in the clearance aisle at Target.

I just typed “isle” instead of “aisle.” I mean, how amazing would it be if there was a Target Clearance Isle?

Moving on.

Video Warnings: total swears. Maybe in all of these songs? Just watch all these videos during nap time. Also, I haven’t watched all the videos either, so I have no idea about the visual content. I am totally irresponsible. 

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Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend

I remember being in college and going through a dry spell when it came to good music. Naturally, this is a tragedy because what else would I put on my 2nd gen iPod for campus walking? My friend David – the same guy who introduced me to Mike – turned me on to this album. I guess you could say Davidbrought a lot of good into my life that summer. Thanks, friend.

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 Return to Cookie Mountain by TV on the Radio

Totally different sound than any other album I know of. Heck, track to track on this album is like listening to a new artist. I like that a lot. I started listening to this album during a very transitional time in my life: some good memories, some bad. So, I put it away for a long time not wanting to think about those things. Mike somehow noticed, and he has been on a crusade to replace bad memories with good ones so I can enjoy it all over again. Love that guy.

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Under the Table and Dreaming by Dave Matthews Band

This one harkens back to 8th grade and high school. It was always my favorite DMB album. I listen to it and think of waiting in line outside of Harmony House to get tickets to their concert or constantly refreshing the screen when tickets finally went on sale online. Or that time I accidentally bought $400 worth of tickets on my dad’s credit card.

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If We Can’t Trust the Doctors by Blanche

I could pretty much copy and paste what I wrote for #2 here, but what is even more memorable is what I don’t remember. I *think* I went to see these guys in concert? I think? I can’t remember. I remember-ish. Do you ever get that? I get it all the time with books I may or may not have read too.

 

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Alright, Still by Lily Allen

If you’re judging me for this, you clearly haven’t listened to this whole album. I almost always want to listen to this when I have the chance. This album is living with four other girls in a crummy old house in East Lansing, MI while we drank bottles of wine and got ready for nights on the town. I can’t say I miss doing that, but I do love the memories.

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#5Faves: Florida Finds

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I think alliteration is my least favorite of all the literary devices. :::thinking::: Yes, it is. Irony though. I like irony a whole bunch. Oh, and hyperbole is the greatest thing to happen to the earth. None of this has to do with the following:

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Ann Taylor Scarf: So soft and snuggly and 40% off. All things that I love.

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Gap Knit Hat: The lady at the store insisted that we must be from a colder climate because I would have to be insane to buy this hat for West Palm Beach. She was right about the climate. But I am also insane.

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G.H. Bass & Co. Gold Watch: I have always been in love with the oversized Michael Kors gold watches, but guess what? They cost a lot of money and I would scratch it. And honestly, it’s more of a fashion statement than a functional piece. So, um, I got this one for 60% off. It tells time. It makes that statement.

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Yankee Candles: I think I mentioned before how smitten I am with the Autumn Leaves candle at Yankee. Bought a big ol’ jumbo one at the outlet for penn-ays on the dollah dollah bill, y’all.

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Sloane Ranger Weekender Bag: Yet another outlet find. Because at outlets you can spend as much money as you want, and you never feel guilty. Right? Right??

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#5Faves: Places I’ve Traveled

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I am by no means a world traveler. Usually the closest I get to crossing borders is a late night trip to Chinese Tonight. BUT, I have been a few places. So, while the belly and I are whooping it up in West Palm Beach, check out some mediocre pics of fantastic trips. Cut me some slack; they are the best I could pilfer on short notice from Facebook.

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Ireland: A group of us spent Summer 2006 traveling around the Green Isle. Dublin, Belfast, Galway, Sligo, Dingle, and more. This is a pic of us at a bar on Trinity College’s campus.

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Napa: Our honeymoon local. We learned the hard way that you can’t drink all of the samples that they give you at the tastings…unless you have a driver. This pic is at Mumm Napa – a sparkling wine tour.

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Germany: This is the best picture I could drum up. Katie and I made an impromptu trip here one weekend while in Europe. We had a blast with the World Cup fans roaming the streets.

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Petoskey, MI: Mike and I went here for a wedding a couple of weeks ago and decided this is where we will retire. Northern MI, people. She’s a beaut.

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Italy: After my trip in Ireland, my mom flew to Italy to hang with me for a week. Talk about your mother-daughter date. We mostly did Rome and the Vatican. Girl time.

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#5Faves: Ulta & Sephora Haul

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What just happened?

You ain’t in Kansas anymore, baby. Or I suppose Heather actually lives in New York. Whichever. Anyway, I am so SO grateful that she is passing the 5Faves torch on to moi. Based on my predecessors, I feel like a donkey among horses. But, I’m your donkey now. And I’m here to make a donkey out of myself.

So why are we wasting time? I have makeup to show you.

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Christian Dior Contour Transparent Lipliner

I DO NOT have room for 85 shades of lip liner. So, I just about died when I found this transparent lipliner that works with…wait for it…any color ever. The quality is insane, and I have used it every single day since I bought it.

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L’Oreal Paris True Match Powder

I watched the coolest contouring video on the Youtube last week. Just like Leighann Says, I bought a pressed powder in a couple of shades lighter than my skin color. So subtle but so effective. Turns out I can fake cheekbones.

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Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

And I highly rec this brush to do your contouring with. I looked through a ton, and this one seemed to be the best quality for the least amount of dough.

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Essence How to Make Nude Eyes Palette

The reason I love this so much is that it creates two different natural/nude looking eye shadow looks, and it comes with a cheat sheet showing you how to do it. So, you just pull out the little card and apply. It’s like a little makeup class in yo bag.

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Nyx Primal Colors

I’m going to do more sugar skull makeup for Halloween this year. But, I wanted to add more colors to my arsenal. This time I picked up yellow and pink to add the the teal and red I have. Maybe next year I will go crazy and do some purple. These colors can be applied wet for darker precision or dry for a lighter look.

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