Music: Best Songs of 2017

Without a doubt, in my opinion anyway, SZA and Jhené Aiko released two of the best albums of 2017. 

Fellow music heads, here’s a list of some of my favorite songs from this year. What are some of your favorites?

New Year’s Eve In + Sparkling Wines Under $15

Butterflies, since New Year’s Eve is a few hours away let me start by saying...alcohol should only be consumed by adults aged 21 years or older who can do so responsibly AND discharging firearms in the air for fun is not what’s up. With that being said...OMG it’s almost 2018! I’m not complaining one bit, I’m gratefully looking forward to another year. I’m still trying to recover from the Christmas hustle and bustle so I think I’m going to stay in with the kiddo and guy and just take it easy. We’ll probably play a few games, eat some tacos, pop some bottles of sparkling wine and sparkling apple juice and light some fireworks. What are you guys doing for New Year’s Eve?

If you’re thinking about celebrating the new year with some bubbly, here are a few of my favorite inexpensive sparkling wines.

The Holidays: Secret Santa 2017

Hey Butterflies, so in addition to exchanging holiday cards with people from all over the world this year, I also participated in a Secret Santa exchange with a few other bloggers, hosted by fellow Texas blogger Megan Anne of LoveMeganAnne.com.

My secret Santa was Los Angeles blogger Leslie Leon (@_leslieleon_). Leslie sent me a copy of  the self-help book “You are a Badass” by author Jen Sincero, Pretty as a Peach body cream from Bath & Body Works, a micro mini beauty blender, and a Paint The Town Nude lipstick pencil set from Sephora.

The Holidays: Ugly Sweater Inspiration

Butterflies, so when did wearing ugly Xmas sweaters become a thing? Anyway, my job is having an ugly sweater contest and I’m on the hunt for a sweater since I don’t have enough time to make one. Polyvore is one of the older fashion inspiration apps I use but it never fails me. Check out a few of my favorite ugly sweaters, found at Forever21 and Kohl’s via Polyvore. 

The Holidays: Fun Family Holiday Traditions

Traditions are an important part of the holiday season and since there’s only about two weeks left until Christmas, I thought I’d share with you some of my holiday traditions. We didn’t celebrate the holidays when I was growing up so most of these I made tradition for my own family and hopefully my kid will keep a few of them for her family.

Decorating the Tree - We usually put the tree up together about a month before Christmas and decorate it with all the ornaments we’ve collected over the years. Except for the fillers, each ornament is a symbolic representation of us and/or holds a special memory. 

Decorating the House - I don’t know why, but I’m not really into decorating the outside of my home. Instead, I deck the halls, doorways and living room with poinsettias and a few other holiday trinkets we've collected over the years.

Card Exchange - This is probably one of my favorite of all my holiday traditions, exchanging holiday cards, handmade ornaments, and recipes with people from all over the world really helps you get in the holiday spirit. This year I received cards from Isle Of Man, Germany, France, Australia, Trinidad, Canada and all over the United States.

Holiday Photos - This is especially precious when the kiddos are little, they grow up so quick so it’s important to capture photos of them every chance you get. Christmas photos also make great personalized gifts.

Holiday Movie Binge - Lounging around watching classic holiday movies is definitely something we all should partake in at least once a year.

Baking Cookies - We attempt making gingerbread houses a couple of times but we suck at it. Instead, we bake cookies.

Christmas Morning Breakfast - Our individual schedules are so crazy, we hardly ever get to eat breakfast together anymore so we look forward to Christmas breakfast every year. The guy normally handles this and it comes with the works. 

P.s. I’m curious...

What’s your family’s favorite holiday tradition?

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

What’s your favorite Christmas song?

Mine would be exchanging holiday cards, Home Alone, and Santa Baby by Ariana Grande. Please share yours below.

Happy Holidays!