Ring in the New Year!

New Year's Eve by preppy-lizzy

Happy New Year's Eve! We are celebrating in the snow with a good old fashioned ski trip complete with drinks at the local bar across the street. Enjoy your holiday!

What's On My Kindle? - December Edition

What's Been on my Kindle? - December 2014

What's On My Kindle? by preppy-lizzy on Polyvore

My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me by Kate Bernheimer
This is a compilation of modern fairytales. Some are inspired by the classics, others from the imaginations of contemporary writers. Many of these are darker in nature, much like the Brothers Grimm and each ends with a write up of where and how the story was inspired. A fun read for the adult who grew up on fairytales.
4 snaps.

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris
This was honestly such a fun book and such a breeze to read. I jumped around and learned so much about NPH while giggling the whole time through. I loved Choose Your Own Adventure books as a kid so this took me right back to that place. Also the style works really well with the autobiography format. Much better actually than I had anticipated. I feel like I will return to this book another time to see if there was anything I missed the first two times around.
5 big snaps!

Paper Towns by John Green
I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Towns. Like Quentin, the main character, I was fully engrossed in finding Margo and discovering what drove her to run away. John Green does a great job of forcing his leading characters and his readers to forget about figuring out Margo's deal and instead think about reflecting more on themselves as people. We like to look at others as mirrors (what we see in them) rather than the windows they really are. 4.5 snaps for me!

This One is Mine by Maria Semple
This One is Mine is Maria Semple's first novel. I decided to read it after loving Where'd You Go Bernadette? and I was not disappointed. The book tells the story of a LA houswife who lost her identity over the years after leaving the workplace to become a stay at home mom. Through a number of questionable decisions she and her husband find themselves on the brink of divorce. This One is Mine takes a really human look at adult relationships and the pressures that come with marriage after many years. It also is a great representation on how relationships intersect with everyone around you. A great read and truly a set of characters you can root for.
5 snaps for me!

Instagram Roundup

December has been a whirlwind month. With lots of traveling for family celebrations and tons of holiday parties, we have been going non stop. All in all its been a pretty great month so far, but there is still a few celebrations left to be had in 2014 before we officially ring in 2015!

Loving our Christmas tree!

Doing plaid dressed up!

Dan was so happy Nate was in town to celebrate his birthday.

Sleights was too short to run through the snow a few weeks ago.

At the annual ugly sweater party

Blackout after the Santa Monica Pub Crawl 

Waking up to rain and thunder for days on end. I was a happy girl.

Nephew and Uncle deep in thought at our Big Bear Christmas

Jake announced I was his favorite aunt this Christmas. Made me feel pretty good.

#tbt Countdown to seeing my baby sister for Christmas

Monkey Santa never had a chance.

The cousins all together for Christmas Eve.

Dan and Meme locked into an epic Scrabble game.

So happy it's Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Speights and her Jolly Ball.

Style Inspo: Duchess Kate's Pregnancy Style

Style Inspo by preppy-lizzy featuring nude wedge pumps

Emily and Fin black a line dress / ASOS Maternity Skater Dress With Slash Neck And Capped Sleeve / Clara Maternity Dress Short Mocha by Tiffany Rose / H M tie belt / Marc by marc jacobs shoes / Michael Kors nude wedge pumps / ASOS beige handbag

Duchess Catherine's style is one I envy and try to replicate. She is ladylike but fashion conscious and knows what works and what doesn't on her body. I find that she remains just as spot on in her maternity choices as she does in her day to day looks. She was a style star during her pregnancy with George and I am loving watching what she is doing now during her second pregnancy. Have you ever seen a more stylish pregnant lady?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas by preppy-lizzy

Here's wishing you a White Christmas this holiday season. Headbands & Bagels will be back to regularly scheduled posts tomorrow, but for now we are enjoying celebrating with our family!

Happy Christmas Eve & Last Night of Chanukkah

Chanukah and Christmas Eve by preppy-lizzy

For all those celebrating tonight, Happy Holidays! I'll be busy enjoying Christmas Eve dinner and presents at my grandmother's house with my extended family. Enjoy the spirit of the season!

Currently... Holiday Edition

Currently... by preppy-lizzy featuring holiday decor

There is something special about the holiday season that warrants it's own Currently. I don't know about all of you, but I revert to my inner child for much of the holiday season. As it is Christmas Eve and my family's holiday thrives upon tradition, this special Holiday Currently is all about what we'll be up to the next few days.

Reading: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. My grandfather used to read this to my sister, cousins and I each Christmas Eve after we opened gifts and stockings and had dinner. Since he passed away my uncle and dad had taken over reading until recently when us kids starting taking turns. I love reading all the Christmas books from being a kid during the holidays. I am sure I will read The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas before the week is out.

Eating: Tonight we will be feasting on stew and pate and cheese and champagne. My grandmother cooks an amazing meal every Christmas Eve and this year is stew. YUM!

Listening: Christmas Music. What else is new. Although tonight during our drive upstate my dad will be playing the audiobook of A Christmas Carol read by Jim Dale, the master of the Harry Potter series.

Watching: A Christmas Story. As of this evening, the 24 hour marathon of A Christmas Story begins. We watch this throughout the night, and leave it on even during dinner, although almost none of us pay attention. I think we could all recite the entire movie from memory at this point. Tomorrow I am sure we will watch It's A Wonderful Life, so I'm prepping myself for some tears.

Craving: Crème Brule. My sister makes a great crème brule from scratch. In general she makes great deserts, but I am hoping she makes some of these this weekend. We will also be feasting on my aunt's killer Apple Cake tonight. Its soooo good.

Dreaming: Of Skiing. There will be some skiing this week but ski trip is not until February. Our next trip planned!

What traditions are you keeping this holiday week?

Packing for the Holidays

Packing for the Holidays by preppy-lizzy on Polyvore

The holiday travel season is upon us and with that lots of travel. Whether it is by car, plane or train, lots of us will be traveling. This past weekend Dan and I were up in Big Bear Lake with Dan's family for Christmas and then we are off to NY to celebrate with my family. When planning for so much back to back Christmas cheer, getting good about packing is a necessity.

We have also learned to leave as much stuff in NY that we don't need except when we are there, like our ice skates, snow boots and old jackets. Because of that we don't need to travel with as much. We also take advantage of shipping gifts ahead of us and then packing a lightweight duffel to bring ours home, so we aren't having to pay baggage fees going each way.

We also try to take advantage of the fact that we have washer/dryers wherever we are, so we can of course pack less. Packing layers also allows us to have less in our suitcases. I know this sounds counter intuitive but in fact it allows us to transition from the warm cozy cabin to the snow without having to do a total change.

Today is a crazy day for us as we are going to be unpacking and packing in one fell swoop. But sometimes that's better cause you are already in a packing mood!

What are some of your holiday packing tips?

Top 10 Playlist - Holiday Edition

Top 10 Holiday Playlist by preppy-lizzy featuring holiday decorations

Just a few of my favorite tunes right now. Although to be honest, it was really hard to narrow it down to a Top 10!

Pinterest Hairstyle - The Easy Knotted Updo

via Pinterest

This is my planned look for Christmas Eve dinner. Easy and graceful and a tad different from the standard braided updo, I love how knotted styles give a fuller volume to the look. Start on one side, whichever has more hair (if you center part, just pick a side) and star knotting around your head. Then fluff and pin up. It looks like a much more complex hairstyle than it actually takes to accomplish.

10 Under $100: Holiday Wish List

10 Under $100 by preppy-lizzy featuring C. Wonder

C Wonder pajamas / UGG Australia Ansley Moccasin Slipper / C Wonder glove / Kate Spade belt / Bobbi brown cosmetic / Kate Spade beauty accessory / C Wonder jewelry storage / Kate Spade christmas tree ornament / Amazon.com: Amazon.com Santa Gift Card Box - $50: Gift Cards Store / Victor Cruz New York Giants Nike Women's Game Jersey White

With Christmas just days away and only a few nights left in Chanukah, I figured a final wish list was in order. In case anyone is in need of last minute holiday ideas, here are some great options, all under $100, that I know I personally would not mind seeing under my tree.

Gift Guide: The Kiddos

Gift Guide: The Kiddos by preppy-lizzy featuring Avon

LEGO The Hobbit Lake-town Chase 79013 / Nintendo tech accessory / Avon throw pillow / Radio Flyer 5- in-1 Family Wagon Radio Flyer / Radio Flyer Fold 2 Go Tricycle Radio Flyer / Ferrari F12 12v Car Red RC Ride-On Big Toys / Stats Jump N Slam Basketball Set Toys R Us / Rawlings 9" Players Series Baseball Glove and Training Ball / Riedell Ice Skates 13/113 Girls/Ladies Shoes / Amazon.com: Pro Skateboard Complete Pre-Assembled Graphic / Natural... / PLAYMOBIL Holiday Island

With Christmas almost here, I am sure you have gotten copies of Christmas wish lists from all the kiddos in your life. What is better than a toy for Christmas. To be honest, nothing. I still like getting toys as an adult. When I was a kid Legos reigned supreme in my life, so I am always tempted to buy Lego sets for the kids in my life now. I also love anything that will take them outdoors, like a bike, wagon, basketball hoop or baseball glove. For my nephew this year, I got him a catcher's mitt because his goal is to become a great catcher. I am looking forward to helping him break it in while we are up in Big Bear.

What are your go to's when it comes to gift giving for kids?

Old Factory Candles Make A Great Holiday Gift + A Giveaway

This post was sponsored by Brandbacker and Old Factory Candles, but all product opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.

Sometimes you get the opportunity to try out what may be your go to gift of the future. The trio sets from Old Factory Candles make the perfect stocking stuffer or hostess gift this holiday season or anytime.

I am a huge fan of candles in the house, especially in the bathroom when I am getting ready for work in the mornings or during a long bath. I was fortunate enough to try their Fresh & Clean Trio. The lemongrass scent is probably my favorite although all three are perfect, especially for a spa atmosphere.

They have some other great scent trios that include: New Born Baby, Fall Harvest, Happy Holidays, High As A Kite, Man Cave, Romance, Spa Day, and Vacation. And the best part at just $25 on Amazon, it is the perfect thank you gift, stocking stuffer, shower gift or holiday gift!

And Old Factory Candles has been kind enough to offer one free set to a reader! Just enter the Rafflecopter below. The winner will be notified via email and will then be contacted by Old Factory Candles for their redeemable coupon code on Amazon! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gift Wrap Guide

Gift Wrap Guide by preppy-lizzy featuring pine cone home decor

For anyone that has read my blog, you are well aware how much I love wrapping presents. It is hands down one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. To keep all my gifting straight I have started to follow some simple rules that have really served me over the years.

1. Wrap each families gifts in different papers. I assign one or two wrapping papers to each part of our family to keep all the presents straight under the tree. Rather than have to read each tag, the paper lets me know which part of my life the gift applies to. We have one grouping for Dan's mom's side of the family, another for his dad's side, another for my extended family Christmas on Christmas Eve, another for my family on Christmas day, and yet another for all our friends.

2. Presents are not complete without tags and bows. I put the extra effort in to add bows and tags to my gifts. Presentation and anticipation of a well wrapped gift partially heightens the excitement of the gift. It also looks way better under my tree in the meantime.

3. Stocking Stuffers get marked SS. It makes it easy to keep from accidentally putting them  under the tree.

4. Keep your wrapping gear organized. I keep my gear in a hanging wrapping stand and box for wrapping paper. This way I always know wear to find my gear and my paper, bags, tags and ribbons all stay in tip top shape while being stored.

5. Don't rush. Enjoy the wrapping process and take your time. When you dedicate time to wrapping, they presentation improves ten fold. Put on a Christmas movie, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and get in the holiday spirit!

Happy Chanukah

Happy Chanukah by preppy-lizzy featuring gold home decor

Wishing all of you who celebrate a happy first night of Chanukah. Growing up in New York, I had a lot of Jewish friends and always enjoyed attending Chanukah at their homes. As Adam Sandler would say, enjoy your eight crazy nights!

Color Therapy: Gold

Color Therapy by preppy-lizzy featuring loose shirts

Alice Olivia loose shirt / MSGM high waisted knee length skirt / MICHAEL Michael Kors metallic leather handbag / Metal bangle / Ava Aiden 14 karat gold jewelry / Sonix tech accessory

Is there any color that screams the holidays more than gold? I didn't think so. I am totally inspired by all the gold I am seeing in clothing, shoes and jewelry right now. There is also something so luxurious about wearing gold in your outfit. Don't you think?

Beauty Boost with InstaNatural

This post was sponsored by Brandbacker and InstaNatural, but all product opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.

I am not a beauty blogger by any means but I do love to take advantage of trying new products when the opportunity arises. Brandaacker and InstaNatural were kind enough to give me some of their beauty products to try and I was pretty excited. Overall I was really impressed with the product and could see myself continuing to use two of the three products pretty regularly. The last product I was not as impressed with but I am particularly sensitive to scent.

Anti Aging Facial Moisturizer Cream
I have only been using this moisturizer for a few days now but I am very pleased with it. I am very particular about what products I use on my skin because I have skin sensitivity, but I have not noticed any negative side effects with this product. The moisturizer itself is thick but very lightweight feeling, enough so that I could see myself using it twice a day instead of just in the evenings. It absorbs very quickly and has a nice light floral scent without being overpowering. Overall the product feels luxurious and luxe.

Stretch Mark and Scar Cream
I have a ton of scars from sports over the years as well as my fair share of stretch marks from weight changes. While I have only been using this product for a few days, I have been hopeful that I will continue to see positive results. I was mostly curious to try it for my scars and while they do not eliminate scars or stretch marks they seem less pronounced. It has a fresh scent and feels lightweight on the skin after application, although it does require some extended rubbing in time to ensure the product is fully absorbed. It is not a miracle cream, but it does help make modest improvements.

Cellulite Cream with Caffeine + Retinol
Like all women I have cellulite and would love to find a product to help reduce the cottage cheese look. Unfortunately I find myself still on the hunt after trying this. While it may work for some, the scent is just too off putting to continue use for me. I am very scent sensitive and I just didn't like the scent. Too bad, since I really liked my other InstaNatural products.

Gym Rat Report: Strong Chest and Tri's

via Pinterest

Gym Rat Report is back this month with a great workout for your chest and triceps. Make those halter dresses look divine with just a few easy steps.

1. Bench Pushups (4 sets, 15 reps/set): Use a bench to do an elevated pushup. Hands flat on bench. Repeat.
2. Dips (4 sets, 25 reps/set): Using the same bench, use your arms to hold yourself in a seated position off the bench. Drop your butt down and bend your arms. Extend your arms to bring you back to a seated position. Repeat.
3. Plank (4 sets, 60 sec/set): Arms shoulder width apart, place hands on the ground and flatten your back til your body is in straight position (like the top of a pushup). Hold for 60 seconds. Repeat.
4. Barbell Chest Press (4 sets, 15 reps/set, 65 lbs): Lay back on the bench. Using a spotter, hold the barbell out with extended arms over your body. Bend your arms and drop barbell towards your chest. Push upwards, straightening your arms. Repeat. This focuses on your chest.
5. Barbell Skull Crusher (4 sets, 15 reps/set, 30 lbs): Lay back on the bench. Using a spotter, hold the barbell out with extended arms over your body. Bend your arms and drop barbell towards your skull. Push upwards, straightening your arms. Repeat. This focuses on your triceps.
6. Spiders (4 sets, 30 reps/set): Using the bench, rest your forearms on the bench with your legs behind you in a plank position. Bring your left knee up towards the bench and back to your starting position. Repeat on the opposite leg. Repeat 30x on each leg.
7. Dumbbell Tricep Overhead (4 sets, 15 reps/set, 25 lbs): Hold a single dumbbell over your head with both your hands. Bend your elbows, lowering the dumbbell behind your head. Extend your arms to bring the dumbbell back over your head. Repeat.
8. Dumbbell Chest Fly (4 sets, 15 reps/set, 15 lbs): Hold one 15lb dumbbell in each hand. Laying on your back on the bench, hold the dumbells straight above your chest. Open your arms up outward, bringing each dumbbell towards the floor. Lift the dumbbells back to your starting position. Repeat.
9. Basic Crunch (4 sets, 40 reps/set): Laying on the floor. Crunch your upper body towards the ceiling til you feel engagement in your core, hold for a second and return to your starting position. Repeat.
10. Rope Pulldown (4 sets, 15 reps/set, 45lbs) Using the weight machine, set to 45 lbs and grab the rope attachment. Facing away from the weights, extend the rope over your head. Step forward with knees bent and one leg in front of the other.  Pull away from the machine and return to starting position. Repeat.
11. Cable Fly (4 sets, 15 reps/set, 15 lbs): Set the cables to 15 lbs for each side. Hold one cable in each hand. Step forward with knees bent and one leg in front of the other. Pull your arms towards each other at the center while remaining extended. Return to open starting position. Repeat.
12. Full Body Stretch (30 seconds): Stretch it out, you deserve it. Stretch your arms, chest, and back.

Gift Guide: Your Brother

Gift Guide: Your Brother by preppy-lizzy featuring glass shot glasses

T shirt / Diamond socks / Cocktail jewelry / White Stuff ribbed beanie hat / Men's Snowboard Moc Slipper / Vineyard Vines Shells Printed Bow Tie / Glass shot glasses / John Lewis bar tool / Spinning Beer Pong Rack / Cards Against Humanity / Kombi GTX PrimaLoft Ski Gloves

For most of my life I didn't have a brother to shop for, just my two male cousins. But now that I have two brothers-in-law, I find it difficult to pick out the perfect gift each year. Let's face it, boys can be really difficult to shop for. But this year I feel like I finally got a good handle on it. I look for great party games, like Cards Against Humanity, a really nice flask, ironic tshirts, or even upgrades to things they already have like a new pair of ski gloves or nice socks. Do you have any great gift ideas for the brothers in your life?

Currently... December Edition

Currently... by preppy-lizzy featuring music home decor

It's time for one of my favorite posts every month. Later this month, I'll be doing a special Holiday Edition of Currently, but until then I had to keep you all up to date on what's been going on.

Reading: My Mother She Killed Me by Kate Bernheimer. It is an updated collection of fairytales, reimagined and told by modern writers. These are not your classics reimagined, but completely new fairytales inspired by the ones you and I grew up with. A fun read and great bed time reading because no story is particularly long.

Eating: Pizza. I am all about pizza right now. Not sure why but I could eat it every meal it seems. Maybe its because there are so many ways to dress up your pizza these days beyond just the plain cheese or pepperoni. I'm all about the Spinach Artichoke Pizza from CPK right now.

Listening: Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby. Is there any singer that is more synonymous with Christmas then Bing Crosby? His beautiful voice carries us all away with him.

Watching: The Newsroom on HBO. I am so sad that this is the last season of The Newsroom. I have been watching religiously every week and am totally enraptured. The storyline this season is so relevant and thrilling. I will be so sad to see it end.

Craving: Hot Chocolate. I don't know if it's the season or what, but there is nothing better than hot chocolate complete with whipped cream at the end of a long day.

Dreaming: Christmas. Why is this surprising. Next weekend we are off to Big Bear to celebrate with Dan's family and then back to NY to celebrate with mine. We also have two holiday parties this weekend. Let the holiday cheer spread away!

Gift Guide: Your Friends & A Giveaway

Gift Guide: Your Friends by preppy-lizzy featuring striped christmas ornaments

Minnetonka shoes / Kate Spade brooch / Kate Spade bracelet / C Wonder tie ring / Kate Spade metallic iphone case / Black sparkly belt / Sephora Collection colorful eyeshadow / Sephora Collection angled shadow brush / Kate Spade Cue the Confetti Notecard Set / Kate Spade Medium Notebook / Kate Spade drinkware / Kate Spade striped christmas ornament

For me one of the best parts of the holidays is finding the perfect gift for family and friends. For my girlfriends, I strive every year to locate the perfect gift. It could be great new earrings, warm earmuffs for their morning commute, a new phone case, great glasses for their apartment, or a mini makeup pallet they can keep on hand in their purse.

Another great option for your friends who love the great outdoors, is a Sand Cloud towel. I have been using mine since this summer and absolutely love it. And what's even better is that Sand Cloud is offering a free towel to one of my readers. Just enter the rafflecopter below and good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FreshTape Makes Storing Leftovers A Breeze

This post was sponsored by FreshTape, but all product opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.

The wonderful of FreshTape recently reached out to me to review their awesome product. I am a person who is always losing her chip clips, so something that is reusable and easy to use is something that not only me but my kitchen cabinets were longing for. They have a number of cool pattern packs including a collegiate line they are working on right now, to show your school pride.

They are a Georgia based company with their products completely made in America. Each tape stick can be used multiple times and 18 stickers come to a pack. They have tons of pattern options available and I was lucky enough to get the pattern pack (my favorite option for sure). Some of my other top choices would be the holiday and tailgate pack.

Before

After

You can find them online here or from a number of retailers like Sur La Table and Hobby Lobby.

Day to Night Series: The Plaid Button Down

Today I am pairing up with Laura from Walking in Memphis in High Heels on her Day to Night Series. This installment is for the plaid shirt. Laura and I both have a love of plaid and we love how easily it can transition from day to night. I styled the evening look while Laura went with a more daytime inspired look.

On Me: Shirt: Banana Republic (similar), Skirt: Boden USA (similar), Shoes: Anthropologie (similar), Watch: Fossil (similar), Necklace: Kate Spade (similar), Earrings: Baublebar (similar), Bracelets: Etsy and Fitbit Flex

 How do you do plaid?

Mad for Plaid by preppy-lizzy featuring modern throws

Emily and Fin pocket dress / J Crew top / Abercrombie Fitch vintage shirt / Abercrombie Fitch vintage shirt / J Crew vest / Isabel Marant plaid jacket / Tweed coat / Tartan skirt / Nineminutes tartan skirt / Abercrombie Fitch clothing / Vivienne Westwood Red Label punk pants / Pedder Red red flat shoes / Me too flat / Sole Society woolen shawl / Charlotte Russe blue scarve / Berkshire modern throw

#10ThingsILove During the Holidays

My favorite list to share each quarter. Today is a very special holiday edition. Therefore without further ado, my current #10ThingsILove.



via Starbucks

10. Red Cups at Starbucks

I love a good holiday drink, who doesn't? I also find that the Brulee Latte at Starbucks is even better than the PSL and their hot chocolate can perk up any day!

 9. Christmas Lights

Christmas decorations just make me happy. But there is something about driving home at the end of the day to tons of twinkling lights guiding your route. The first thing I do when I get home everyday is turn on the lights on the tree and stairwell garland.
When we were kids, my sister and I used to play the Christmas Light game on the way to our house upstate. We would each get a side of the car to count all the decorated  houses we saw on our 3 hour drive. Maybe that is where my obsession started.

8. Rain and Snow

It doesn't feel like Christmas without some snow (or at least in LA, a few rainy days). The colder temps and wet weather just feels like the holiday season to me.

via StudyUSA

7. Shopping for Friends and Family

I love giving gifts to my loved ones. I send gifts all over the country to both friends and family and pride myself on finding the perfect gift. Also shopping during the holidays is just so great with all the decorations. This year I had to get my shopping done extra early since we are so busy each weekend, so I was glad decorations were up a little early. I know I may be the only one.

via Esquire

6. Christmas Music

Christmas Music plays in my office all day long starting around Thanksgiving and I'll be honest, it makes the day fly by. It keeps me focused and engaged with a big smile on my face. If my door is shut, I may sing along a little bit too.

5. Decorating the Tree

In my family we always made a big night out of decorating the tree. Dan and I decorated last week while we watched The Santa Clause and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. It is fun to recount all the memories on your tree as you decorate. When we travel we collect at least one ornament from everywhere we have been. I also have my ornaments that I have been collecting since I was a kid so our tree is pretty full, but each ornament means something different.
One of my favorites is my Sugar Plum Fairy from the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker that I got when I was maybe 5. The paint is chipping and her wooden body is more delicate than ever, but I get a rush of joy each time I hang her on the tree.

4. Holiday Parties

I love all the holiday parties around this time of year. From our annual breakfast at work, to our Ugly Sweater Party and Elephant Gift Exchange with friends, to the Santa Monica Pub Crawl, it always seems like we have something to do day in and day out. It's so hard to pick and choose what to attend sometimes!

3. New York, New York

We spend Christmas with my family in NY each year and I love getting home to see the city all decked out for Christmas. We usually try to take in a holiday show and dinner at Rockefeller Center under the tree while we are home, in addition to all our family activities. It reminds me of growing up in the city. And I love getting to see the holiday windows each year.

via StyleMePretty

2. Wrapping Gifts

I know I am weird, but I LOVE wrapping presents. I love making the presentation just perfect. Don't believe me, I have a post just about wrapping gifts on the schedule for next week with my rules for wrapping with ease.

1. Family Time

The holidays to me are most importantly about family (and the friends who are family). We have a number of family traditions that we honor each year, and they are things I look forward to annually. We celebrate with Dan's family the weekend before each year and this year we are headed to Big Bear to celebrate for what will hopefully become a tradition like the many my family has.
For Christmas Eve, I have an annual brunch with my two best friends from high school that we have been doing since freshman year of college, dinner and gifts at my grandma's house with my family and my uncle's family, and then we drive upstate early Christmas morning (like midnight) to make sure we wake up to open gifts at the house in the woods. I am really looking forward to all the time with my family this year! I haven't seen most of my family since September!

So that's my #10ThingsILove Holiday List, what would make yours?