Christmas Traditions

I love this time of year.  Really, though, who doesn't? There is something about the abundance of lights, yard decor - both classy and just plain over the top, gift giving & receiving, and plenty of baking that makes this time of year especially magic to me.

This will most likely be my last Christmas not married (and no, this is NOT an announcement... yet), and it's making me think a lot about traditions I want to start with my future family.

You know what I'm talking about, those things that you absolutely have to do or you end up with that PHD.

Not the degree, silly!  Post Holiday Depression. 

Do you have any great traditions?

• For me, every year I absolutely must go to the Festival of Lights, and of course, the annual light parade to welcome in the season. 

• I better open some new jammies on Christmas eve, and get a kick out of my siblings acting out the nativity story while my dad reads directly from the bible.

• I have to drink some of my mom's homemade cocoa, and eat orange rolls on Christmas morning. 

• I need to receive an ornament to add to the tree, and a chocolate orange must be found in my stocking. 

• I need to enjoy my grandma's beautiful Christmas tree, and sing carols around her piano.

• And heaven forbid we forget to make gingerbread houses.  Of course those are an absolute must!

• I really enjoy thinking of traditions I want to keep for my future children. I imagine them having an attachment to our traditions just like I do with the traditions my parents have started for our family.

What types of traditions are you planning to enjoy with your own family this year?  Or how about traditions you are planning on starting in the future?

12 days and counting!  

Try not to forget the whole reason for the season, and remember that Christmas is it's own tradition, celebrating the greatest gift any of us have ever received.

Happy Holidays! 

DUBSTEP Christmas! Say What!?

Dubstep is honestly probably my favorite style of music. Ever, ever. 

How cool is this?

Holiday Shopping for Men

Has anyone else started their Christmas Shopping yet? 

It seems like as soon as October hits (yes, October), my brain is in Christmas shopping mode.  In fact, I think I've practically got all my shopping done for Trevor already.  It's a good feeling, but I'm still always scouting for any great products he could possibly want.

I know often times it can be difficult to shop for your man.  I find myself being frustrated because I never know how to surprise him.  He always knows everything I'm getting him, and even if I try to smoothly come up with ideas, it usually goes like this:

Becs: "Hey babe, don't you have a phone upgrade coming up?  Are you gonna get the iPhone 5?"

Trev: "Yeah, probably.  Why? Are you thinking of getting me a new case for Christmas?"

FAIL

I'm incredibly obvious.  That being said, I wanted to share are a few sites I've stumbled across to help with the tedious task of man-shopping.

This Christmas you'll get to do a lot more of this:

... and a lot less of this:

Here are the three sites that have been the most helpful to me this year while shopping for Trev.

WhiskeyMilitia.com

For the skate/snowboarding, music loving, school attending, trendy man in your life.  This website consistently has the best deals on some great brands like Skull Candy, Dakine, Quiksilver, and many more.  I love this site and constantly monitor it.  They have a regular SUPER deal that changes every 10-30 minutes, and also a "private stash" for members only.  I would highly suggest becoming a member for extra awesome daily deals. 

WorldOfWatches.com

Trev is a watch junkie.  He loves watches, specifically expensive watches. I decided to get one for him for Christmas, but knew it would be a little more pricey.  Then a coworker told me about World Of Watches, and I found the exact watch I wanted to get him for half the price.  

Becca - 1 | Invicta Watch - 0

eBay.com

eBay, eBay, eBay.  I actually have had some bad experiences with them as a seller, but as a buyer, I'm completely smitten.  I like to check on their Daily Deals.  You can find them here.  They have regular Daily Deal section (which are usually the best value), and also sections for Tech, Fashion, & Home.  I bought all the gifts for my family on eBay's Daily Deals last year.  LOVE. THEM. 

What sites will you be using this year?  We women need to band together!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Okay, okay.  I know I'm jumping the gun. 

But really, I think one of my favorite things about Halloween is that the day after, Christmas music starts playing on the radio.

So no disrespect to Thanksgiving - after all, it is my 2nd favorite holiday - but I'm feeling all cheery and jolly and can't wait to hang the IKEA string lights I have already picked out.

Happy Holidays!

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