Paying It Forward This Holiday Season

 

 

Like many other people, Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. People may not know this but I am a very sentimental person, and especially around Christmas I cant help but think of my blessings I have had each year, and think of those who deserve to feel that love as well.

 

Each year, I like to do a little something for those in need to boost someone's spirit. Especially in today's dismal world, forwarding a little love is something I think we should all do. Each time around this year, our church has a Christmas tree in the vestibule with paper ornaments each featuring a child in need of something. Every year I can remember, my mom and I take one each and get a child something they need, and a little something extra to make them smile. I have so much fun shopping for them and wrapping their gifts, knowing the joy they will feel when they unwrap a surprise.

 

Christmas cards are a newer tradition that I have recently started since I am older now, and I send my own to friends and co-workers. Another way to send some cheer this year when filling out your Christmas cards is to send one to a recovering American soldier. It is the perfect time to acknowledge their sacrifice and struggle with a card that lets them know a perfect stranger cares (I will put the link at the bottom).

 

Another thing that I have been wanting to do for years and will start this year is to drop off a card and homemade cookies to the local fire station and police department in appreciation for their around the clock protection. In the middle of the night, a cookie might make all the difference.

 

Another great idea? Join forces with local boy scouts or youth groups and visit the children's hospital to sing carols and bring cheer (I did this once when I was in my church youth group and because I'm so sensitive to others feelings, I think I cried through most of it, I'm a huge sap I know).

 

Do you have any traditions to pay it forward during the holiday season to make someone feel special? I'd love to hear your ideas as well, even if it is simply paying for the person behind you at Starbucks, I feel that the holidays are the perfect time to count your blessings and share some love. That is what I love most about Christmas, spending time with my loved ones and seeing cheer all around.

 

xo

 

 

To write to a recovering American soldier:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Ave.

NW Washington, DC 20307-5001

Gift Guide: For Your Man

 

 

 

Phone Case // Gentlemen's Book // Slippers // Sweatpants // Golf Book // Face Kit // Headphones // Golf Swing Analyzer

 

 

You would think gifting for a guy for would be super easy, but what if he's only into hunting? sports? drinking artisanal beers? Well I think the picks above can easily be gifted to almost any guy. What guy doesn't love comfort, technology and life helping gadgets? These sweatpants are the softest, warmest ever (matching slippers too) and I love that slim, leather phone case that has slots for credit cards inside. Also, my guy loves golf, so instead of the usual monogrammed golf balls or Nike polo's a pocket book for golf and if you want to splurge, a golf glove with technology that syncs your swing to your smartphone for analyzing your swing and all that other fun stuff (because I don't know much about golf lol).

 

So if your man always says the I dunno" response in Eyeore's voice when you ask him what he wants this year, maybe one of these will work!

 

xo

Glam Extras with Fur & Sequins

 

Poncho w/Fur: Target // Dress: Nordstrom (sold out) similar here // Boots: Target (last season) similar here // Sequin Beret: Francesca's Collections (last season) similar here // Bag: Kate Spade

"A poncho?" "You'll take what I give you and you'll like it"

Ahh, so many quotes to use in everyday life from that movie. Give me some faux fur and any kind of sparkle in gold, and I'll take it!

 

As soon as I spotted this poncho in Target, I knew it was coming home with me. It can be worn so many ways: open, belted, wrapped, etc. and over many different types of outfits. It is so soft and warm with the right amount of fur. This beret is a favorite of mine, and when it's not the holiday/winter months, I actually hang it on the edge of the bookshelf in my bedroom for some sparkle all year round (obsessed with gold).

 

I added these touches of glam over a seriously chic wrap dress that is the epitome of work- chic. That DVF really knew what she was doing all those years ago btw. Just a little touch of the holiday season in an everyday ensemble, for the win!

 

PS: stop by Monday as I'll be featuring this amazing dress!

 

xo