JANUARY 2018

- We had snow and our cat tried to go out in it for the first time. - Speaking of our cat, she clawed the crap out of me when we decided she needed a flea bath! - I started to pick up my blog a bit more in January, but I wasn't posting on a consistent schedule yet. - My best friend Lauren had her 24th birthday party and graduation party, which was so much fun to go to just to celebrate her accomplishments!

FEBRUARY 2018

- On Feb. 15, a transformer that supplied power to my job blew up. No one was hurt, but it put us out of commission for a whole day and thousands of people were affected! - On a lighter note, Spectrum (my cable provider) offered more channels without having to pay a ton extra. I just came home one day and had new channels, which is awesome! - It is so hard to believe that it was back in February when we lost Billy Graham. He was a great evangelist and loved the Lord! - A dude tried to convince my husband to come into our house to show him how a cleaning product worked. We had neighbors and friends who said that they knew people who this happened to and it was a scheme to case the house before robbing it...glad we didn't let them in!

MARCH 2018

- I got really up-close and personal with this bull when Jonathan, my mom, and I visited Lazy 5 Ranch, a farm with exotic and domestic animals for you to look at, feed, and pet! - They put the cross on the chapel at my job and there was this glorious ray of light that came down and shown on the cross. It was such a beautiful moment! - Jonathan and I had our first wedding anniversary and we took a trip to Myrtle Beach since we didn't take a honeymoon. While there, we saw a show, ate at Paula Deen's restaurant, and we went to a couple of fun places. - My job hosted a concert featuring T-Pain, Hunter Hayes, and We the Kings. I work at a college, by the way!

APRIL 2018

- I finally got a new computer after using one for a year and a half that constantly shut down. It was a win for everyone! - I visited by best friend Jeremy in Georgia and we went to a ton of touristy locations because Jonathan had never been. We went to World of Coke, the Aquarium, and the Sports Museum. ​- Jonathan and I legit had a day where we sat outside and painted our own wall art. - My mom and I met her biological mother as well as my mom's sisters. - Pollen legit killed my sinuses in April. I found a video on my Facebook page and I walked outside for maybe 5 minutes and had a coating of pollen on my flats. ​- April Fools Day was on Easter.

MAY 2018

- I was introduced to the world of Retsuko. It is a show on Netflix, and I think you should watch it. ​-  I watched a ton of my friends graduate, but I was working. I cried. A lot. - I watched one of our art professors literally boss at creating a portrait of my boss. - The unfortunate Texas Santa Fe High School school shooting happened. - BTS debuted their "Tear" Album.

JUNE 2018

- My mom and I planned, DIYed, and decorated for my mother-in-law's 50th birthday party. I will never make boards like that again. It took way too long and just got thrown away after! - We got together with Jonathan's siblings for Father's Day.

JULY 2018

- I had the conversation at my specialist's doctor's office that changed my life and sparked my weight loss.  - My coworkers and I visited Davidson College for the day. We toured campus and that's when I really realized how bad my health was. - I stopped debating and arguing with people about their opinions and my opinions. Life is too short to waste time being angry or frustrated, and it isn't good for your mental health.

AUGUST 2018

- Jonathan's father, who had been suffering from kidney failure, received a kidney transplant. It was by far one of the best moments of the year. - Mom was on her knee scooter and awaiting surgery for her foot. ​- My grandpa went to the hospital and ended up on a respirator. This was the hardest moment of the year. Lots of hospital trips and uncomfortable conversations. We were able to stay in the SECU house in Wake Forest so we could be close to him while he was at Wake Baptist. - Jonathan turned 22!

SEPTEMBER 2018

- We were hit with hurricane Florence. We retreated to my hometown and we even battled hurricane winds to get up to Wake Forest to see my grandpa, who was still in the ICU. Flooding was too bad for us to get back to our home. - My mom had surgery on her foot! - When we made it back to our home, there were several trees down in our yard that remained there until Thanksgiving.

OCTOBER 2018

- I didn't post too much in October personally because I was doing blogtober and also really struggling with other things. - I turned 25! - My life was basically going to work, worrying all day until I could call my mom about her and my grandpa, and more. My grandpa was still in the ICU and my mom wasn't being taken care of at home. Plus, not many people were willing to take her and my grandma to Wake to see my grandpa.

NOVEMBER 2018

DECEMBER 2018

- Jonathan's car broke down and is basically done. My break rotor had to be changed. Thankful I had a family member who could help me. - I started blogmas! - We graduated a bunch of students a few weeks ago! - We had a great and fun holiday party at work. - Jonathan and I went to see lights in Tanglewood Park.  ​- I made homemade hot chocolate for the first time and loved it! ​- I went home on the 20th of December.

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WAKE UP AND ENJOY SOME FOOD!

This morning, I make and enjoy some treats including sausage balls, one of my favorite things! We normally do stockings at my mom's house in the morning, as we are going to see Jonathan's family today and probably won't do Christmas presents at my family's house until tonight. I always love having Christmas breakfast and just enjoying the morning before heading out!

HEAD TO JONATHAN'S GRANDPARENT'S HOUSE!

On Jonathan's side of the family, they get together on Christmas Eve at his mom's parents' house and meet up again the next day for some food and gifts for the little ones. It is a nice time to get together and hang out with cousins. Afterward, we will probably go to Jonathan's parents' house where we will exchange gifts with them!

HOPEFULLY SEEING MY GRANDPA!

If you're a loyal reader, you may remember me mentioning that my grandpa has been in several hospitals and rehab facilities this year. I really would like to see him on Christmas, but I don't really know what the plan is. He may be able to come home on Christmas, or he might have to stay where he is and we may need to go and see him. Regardless, it wouldn't be Christmas if we didn't see him if we could, so I'm hoping we can go and be with him for a bit this year instead of leaving him wherever he is all by himself. I'm hoping that this will give him the strength he needs to work hard in rehab so he can come home, but it is all up to God! Please continue to pray for him!

PRESENTS WITH MY FAMILY!

We will probably put dinner on to cook while we open gifts at my mom's house. Jonathan and I will also exchange presents at this point! I always get so excited to exchange presents with everyone because it is so great to see the look on people's faces when you give them something they will love!

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Time for dinner! At the end of the day, we will no doubt enjoy some food and maybe even watch a Christmas movie. We may also be playing around with our stocking stuffers or presents this year, so I'm super excited. The food is my second favorite thing apart from giving gifts to people!

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1. CUP OF CHEER HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

It may seem a little cliche because hot chocolate mix is cheap. However, hot chocolate made from scratch is soooo much better, as I've recently discovered.  In a baggie, container, or mason jar, layer 1/2 a cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of baking cocoa, and a dash of salt. In a separate baggie, and at the top of the container, add in some marshmallows. Then, you can simply print out this free label or make your own with the same instructions! I tried this hot chocolate out for myself and it was so delicious. I also added in a bit more cocoa and some chocolate chips. It really enhanced the chocolate flavor, so you can suggest that when you give them their gift. It is so simple and you can make a ton of these. Each container will make 5 cups of hot chocolate!

2. DIY CANDLES

All you will need for this DIY are empty mason jars, essential oils of your choosing, candle wicks, and a big dollar store candle. First, glue your wick to the bottom of your jars and allow it to dry. Next, cut up or shred the candle and add the pieces into your empty jars. Melt the wax using the double boiler method and add in your essential oils. Let it sit over night to harden and make a custom label!

3. SUGAR SCRUBS

Winter can take a toll on everyone's skin. Sugar scrubs can be use to rid the body of dead skin and moisturize it, keeping it safe and soft during the coldest months of the year. All you will need is a container, sugar, coconut or olive oil, and essential oils. Make a candy-cane inspired scrub by using a body-safe red food dye on half of your mixture and layering it with the white. To create the scrub, combine a cup of sugar with 1/2 a cup of oil and a few drops of peppermint essential oil.

4. DOLLAR STORE GIFT BASKETS

If you know a coffee lover, fill your basket with coffee grinds and creamer. A movie lover? Add in a ton of snacks for a movie night! You can create a cheap yet full basket of items just by going to the dollar store! Other ideas include a makeup basket, a skincare basket, an automotive basket, a kitchen basket, toy basket, pet basket, or decor basket! Your options are limitless and you just need a basket and the items you'd like to gift them!

5. A HOME-MADE HAT OR SCARF

My mom has been crocheting for years, and she has taught me how to do it. I'm a little rusty because I don't do it much in the spring and summer months, but you can easily look up a tutorial. All you will need is yarn and a crochet hook. You can make hats, scarves, socks, gloves, and even blankets if you choose to do this. It is time-consuming, so leave yourself enough time to work on it!

6. HAND-MADE JEWELRY

Jewelry is always a big hit around the holidays and, if you get skilled enough at the craft, no one will even know that you were the one who made it. You will just need beads, clasps, and jewelry wire.  This is an awesome way to give a one-of-a-kind necklace, ring, earrings, or bracelet to that special someone in your life without spending a fortune!

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1. ADDING A NEW ORNAMENT

When I was growing up, my mom and grandparents would always choose a new ornament for my brother and I each year. The ornament always reflected our year in some fashion. Jonathan and I now do this one. It is great as a young married couple as we can continue to grow our tree decor, and it would be so cute with children in the mix!!

2. TREAT-MAKING

For me, and for anyone who loves baking or making things in the kitchen, this tradition will be loads of fun. Each year, we make a set of treats and finger foods the night before Christmas so that we have them to enjoy Christmas morning. My favorite are sausage balls and my chocolate oatmeal cookies! They aren't great for your waistline, but you have to treat yourself sometimes! We don't have egg nog though!

3. READING THE CHRISTMAS STORIES

Jonathan's family on his mom's side gets together Christmas Eve and have breakfast for dinner. After eating, his grandpa reads the Christmas story in the Bible of Jesus' birth and then reads the traditional Christmas story poem. It is so great if you have smaller children because it shows the importance of both stories and gets everyone excited for the celebrations the next day!

4. WHOLE FAMILY GET-TOGETHER

Both of our families do this, but my family does a potluck. This is my grandpa's side of the family. We get together each Christmas Eve and have a potluck. Santa makes a visit for the children and the children usually sing Christmas carols to everyone else at some point during the night. It is a great way to enjoy different foods and have a mini reunion with your family!

5. GO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

There are a ton of places around the U.S. and I believe in the UK where you can go and see Christmas lights. My family usually goes to Tanglewood Park's Festival of Lights, but I think we will all go somewhere different this year. Jonathan and I have already been to Tanglewood together this year. I highly recommend doing this to get into the Christmas spirit!

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1. A PAINTING PARTY

Painting is a unique and fun way to spend time with friends and family this season. Simply choose a fairly easy scene or character to paint, have some food and drinks, and you've got yourself a great get together with a take away that you can either put in your home or give to a loved one for Christmas! You decide.

2. A BAKING PARTY

My mom and our friends did this last year and it was so much fun. Each of us brought the ingredients for various treats and we made them together! At the end of the day, we put our creations into tins from the dollar store and took them to our respective homes to enjoy on Christmas with our family members. I absolutely love this idea because you may just stumble upon a new recipe that you and your family loves!

3. A CAROL-AND-KARAOKE NIGHT

Honestly, who doesn't like singing Christmas songs at the top of their lungs? I know I do! Have a get together where you each perform a Christmas song. Make it extra festive by choosing one and teaching it to everyone. You can then take your karaoke on the road and fa-la-la your way throughout the neighborhood, spreading Christmas cheer to all who will hear.

4. WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE

I am actually set to do this next week with my coworkers. Set a price range for your gifts. The standard price range is normally $5 or $10 for these things, but set your own! Each person will bring a gift and you will draw numbers to see who will choose first. The gift can be stolen twice before the last person who has it can keep it. It is a fun and interesting gift exchange idea!

5. A PJ PARTY

Nothing says the holidays like kicking back with some hot chocolate in your PJs for some Christmas fun! Have everyone wear festive pajamas and bring sleepover snacks. You can amp up the cheer by having a holiday movie marathon during your PJ party, or you can bake or craft various Christmas DIY gifts while you're all together. It is a cozy and fun way to spend time with your friends and family this year.

6. CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

This fun and educational party can help you learn and celebrate the ways people celebrate Christmas all around the world. You can do various activities that people in other countries do, or you can simply eat traditional Christmas foods from around the world.  On WhyChristmas.com, you can click the flag of various countries to see how they celebrate Christmas each year. It is such a unique way to celebrate!

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1. MAKEUP/SKINCARE ITEMS

For adult women, makeup is like toilet paper, you can always take more because you know you'll use up what you have and will need extra eventually. I suggest adding an eye shadow palette or maybe a new makeup brush to her stocking this year. For men, you can add skincare products like beard oil or lotions.

2. STRESS BALLS

This is a great gift idea for adults who experience a lot of stress in their everyday lives. Give them a little guy like the one on the right to help them manage it. I personally really like the putty-based stress balls or squishies, which now come on keychains.

3. WIRELESS ACTIVITY TRACKERS

You don't have to purchase an Apple Watch or FitBit Tracker to give one for the holidays. There are a ton of super affordable versions of these at places like Walmart, Target, and several bargain stores like Ross or Roses. Many adults are hoping to lose weight in the new year, so this will help them keep track of their progress and their goals.

4. NEW WALLETS

Men in particular tend to be hard on their wallets, as many of them store them in their back pockets and sit on them throughout the day. Women can be just as hard on theirs. Get the adult in your life a new wallet so that theirs doesn't fall apart on them!

5. A BLUETOOTH TRACKER

Adults forget things. That's not a jab. I'm 25 and I forget where I've placed things often. Bluetooth trackers like the Tile tracker is a great way to keep track on them. Put them on or in whatever you tend to lose and connect  them to your phone. You can easily pull up their location if you lose your items!

6. REUSABLE ITEMS

We are at a critical point in our climate problem, especially in America and overpopulated cities around the world. Getting a reusable item is a great way to inspire change. I'm personally hoping for a reusable straw, but I love reusable bags and bottles like these!

7. PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

These can be new toothbrushes, bath scrubbies, lotions, nail kits, body wash, lip balm, or some other care item. You are supposed to change out some things after a few months and you will always need new things, or at least want to try them!

8. A TOY FROM THEIR GENERATION

Christmas is a great time to let your inner child loose. Get them a smaller toy from their generation. You can get kids from the 90s a Tamogatchi, for example. This is super customizable! I think it would be a nice surprise to get a toy as an adult!

9. MINI CANDLES

There is absolutely nothing I love more than lighting a candle and enjoying some coffee or hot chocolate around this time of year. You can find mini versions of your favorite candles virtually everywhere, so I think they make really great stocking stuffers, but they are rarely included!

10. MINI TECHNOLOGY

Portable chargers, new headphones, a strong charging cable, a mini microphone, and much more! These little pieces of technology may just come in handy! I know my mom and husband both seem to break their charger cords OFTEN! I think this is perfect for the on-the-go adult as well!

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1. CUSTOM OFFICE SUPPLIES

I know it sounds expensive, but ordering bulk or when a custom print shop is offering a sale. I think that a custom mouse  pad would be a great idea, if you are in an environment where mouse pads are used on a daily basis.

2. GIFT CARDS

Gift cards are an easy way to give to your coworkers this season. Give them a gift card they can use anywhere, at a shop like Target or Walmart, or to a coffee shop in your area. They will be so happy you thought of them and can use the gift cards to buy what they need or want from the store that you got it from!

3. GIVE AN OFFICE GIFT

When I was growing up, we used to get a present "for the house." It would be something like utensils or new pots. Why not do the same for the office? Surprise coworkers with a new-and-improved coffee machine, chair cushions, or something else that makes sense for your environment.

4. HANDMADE OUTERWEAR

Everyone needs to stay warm this winter, especially if you work outside. Surprise your coworkers with handmade hats or scarves. They will be happy that you put time into making or picking it out for them and they will use it all season long for years to come to keep them warm.

5. NOVELTY DESK ITEMS

There's nothing quite entertaining than novelty desk items. Get them quirky desk organizers, desktop games, funny sound buttons, and more. Keep them entertained when they are in an afternoon lull.

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1. CHRISTMAS MUSIC

2. WE CELEBRATE JESUS' BIRTHDAY!

3. THE FOOD OF THE SEASON

I know we just stuffed our bodies with...er...stuffing and turkey and stuff, but nothing can beat the treats and foods we make in my family around Christmas time.

4. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!

5. COOL WEATHER

6. GIVING GIFTS I KNOW THEY'LL LOVE

7. HOT COCOA

8. CHRISTMAS MOVIES

9. TONS OF GET-TOGETHERS

10. CUDDLING!!!!!!!

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YOUR MOM

Christmas is a great time of year to spoil your mom. One thing you can get her is a nice piece of jewelry. Save the "Mom" necklaces and jewelry for Mother's Day and get her a piece that she can wear every day or on special occasions. I'm not personally a mom, but I know I always got things for my mom and nana that were specific to their "titles."

YOUR DAD

I think that a great idea for a Christmas gift for dad is something practical that all dad's probably use: a wallet. I say this because not all dads are beer-drinking, sports-loving, tool-using, grill-o-hollics like society thinks they are. Give it a personal touch by adding their name or initials to the wallet!

YOUR GRANDPARENTS

If your grandparents are like mine, they never really "want" anything for Christmas and tell you to save your money for something else. However, there is one thing that my grandparents would never tell me not to gift them: pictures of our family.  If your family doesn't take photos often, schedule a photo shoot and add the photos to a book or to a frame. Your grandparents will love it!

YOUR IN-LAWS

Last year, the first year Jonathan and I were married, I decided to give my mother and father in-law a basket of coffee stuff. It included coffees, creamers, and more. It was also supposed to include a "mom's coffee spoon" I ordered special from Etsy, but it didn't arrive in time. We also gave them a gift card and they really seemed to enjoy it. We made sure to use a basket they would reuse, as well!

YOUR BROTHER/SISTER (IN-LAW)

YOUR TEENAGER

Ah, to be a teen again! I remember being totally bratty about the things my mom picked out for me sometimes. Instead of having to wait in long return lines, you can always give your teen a gift card to their favorite store. That way, they can choose what they like. It will also save you a lot of trouble when it comes to finding what they would like, plus they aren't at the sentimental stage where they want you to pick something that you think they'd like.

YOUR LITTLE ONE

These guys aren't too hard to shop for. I think that toys are always a good option, but I think it is always a great idea to give an educational toy. You can spring for something like an e-reader or a computer for smaller children. This will help them learn while they are at play! It will give them a passion for learning new things, which is very important at their age.

YOUR BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND

If you aren't married but you have a special someone, they can be so difficult to shop for. However, I think most people who are in a relationship typically like to have a matching set of something. Bracelets are good and are understated, so they don't scream "I'M IN A RELATIONSHIP" and can work with every day outfits.

YOUR COWORKERS/BOSS

You either love your coworkers and boss, or you don't. Me, I love the people I work with. It is so easy to just give a blank coffee mug and candy, but I think the best gift to give would probably be some nice office supplies. ​A nice planner for the new year or a zip-up notepad holder that is maybe personalized is a great idea!

CLOSE FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER

Close family members are easy to buy for. Just get them something that they LOVE. My best friend LOVES BTS, so a great thing to get her would be some of their merch. I also have a best friend who loves music, so I could get them something like that!

LESS CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

If you don't talk to someone once a week and you don't have a super close relationship, they qualify as "less close." Get them something simple like a $5 gift card to a store they use or to a coffee place.  ​You could also just give them some cash in a Christmas card and I'm sure they will be happy that you thought of them!

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