Christmas Gift Ideas for the Cat-Loving Wellness Junkie.

AKA, my personal Christmas wish-list that I'm emailing my mom!

I never ask for big ticket items for Christmas or my birthday (which are inconveniently five days apart...). It is just way more fun for me to open a wide variety of trinkets, books, & skincare. I am recently committed to transferring all of my beauty items to cruelty-free/vegan andddd of course I'm asking for stuff for my son (aka Cosmo the cat).

Maybe it's weird to share my personal Christmas list (and my parents definitely won't be getting me all of these things, specifically probably not the cat stroller, but a girl can dream) but I think there are some fun unique things on here, so if you're anything like me, enjoy!

1. Essential oils stuff. Specifically cedarwood, frankincense, & geranium essential oils because my extensive research has shown that these are not toxic to cats. I am also asking for a car diffuser/humidifier so that I can calm/energize myself while diffusing the rest of my oils on my ridiculously long commutes.

2. Cat accessories. Because I am a true crazy cat lady! I love this cat activity board so that he doesn't gobble up all of his food too quick and also to stimulate his little mind! He also needs a new fishing pole toy since he completely destroyed his old one, so I like this toy pack from Amazon. And just because I'm extremely crazy, I'm asking for a cat stroller.

3. Cruelty-free skincare. Lately I had really been wanting to switch over to all cruelty-free products but buying them all at once is overwhelming, so I'm asking for some for my birthday (December 20th!). The brand Yes to is great, so I'd love the Yes to Cucumbers Face Kit and this Yes to Blueberries Mask. Shea Moisture also has some really cool new vegan skincare!

4. Books. Specifically Adventure Cats, Essential Oils Everyday and the Solo Traveler's Handbook.

5. Miscellaneous. I have been craving a larger water bottle, specifically a hydroflask because they are so functional and heavy duty. I somehow lost my laptop sleeve so I'm asking for a cute new one. I  scoured through Amazon until I found the perfect yellow backpack for all my work/travel needs.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas:

• Scrunchies
• Some adorable Puravida rings like the compass, wave, or little moon! (they always have a crazy good sale on Black Friday!) 
• Look at these beautiful pens for my planner! 
• This pack of cat socks is unbelievable. 
• I could also always do with practical things in my stocking, like a Starbucks gift card, razors, toothpaste, and vitamins. LOL.
  

What are you asking for/most exciting to give for Christmas?!

A Christmas Mistake!

Happy Saturday! 

This week was an odd one. I somehow mustered the energy to go to the gym and do some killer workouts three days in a row! Monday was an intense heavy legs day, Tuesday I went to the gym after tutoring (so at 8pm, who am I???) and did back & biceps, and Wednesday was chest & triceps and 30 minutes of cardio! And I am honestly still sore.

I still plan to go to the gym today (fingers crossed) but I am feeling so lazy and also have a home to-do list that I need to get done. Involving putting away laundry and oh yeah, applying to grad school. I love being last minute for important things! I will also watch a healthy number of SVU episodes, Christmas cooking specials, and potentially How The Grinch Stole Christmas (third time now).

I wanted to take this opportunity to warn you about the dangers of Christmas decor shopping.

Because Target, Dollar Tree, and Michael's got me, and they got me good.

I went Christmas shopping last weekend in Connecticut with my friend Shawn, then came back to Mass and proceeded to spend another hundred dollars at the Target dollar spot. And now I can barely afford groceries! So beware, budget accordingly, and don't do what I did. Pictured above are my Dollar Tree & Michael's finds, but Target dollar spot is just glorious and irresistible.

There is something about decorating for Christmas that just brings me so much joy. I was talking about it with my friend Alicia today as we browsed Christmas Tree Shop about how it evokes the feeling of hygge. I am obsessed with this Danish concept!

Coziness, candles flickering, logs burning in the fire, knit blankets, comfort food, and friends all gathered around. 

Nothing like hygge for the holidays! Just learn from my mistakes and don't spend your Christmas shopping budget on fun decor alone. Oops!

The (Belated) Friday Five

Don't you love when you schedule a post, but then forget to finish and post it? So here we are, with a much belated Friday Five.

I just had some pretty cool stuff to talk about, so I figured I'd throw this up anyways! Better late then never.

The Christmas House
This is a Christmas attraction located in Torrigton, CT that we drove about 50 minutes to go and see. Anything to get into the Christmas spirit! The man who owns this house doesn't charge a dime to enter his twisted, magical, slightly claustrophobic winter wonderland. It's truly indescribable, but the outside of the house is coated from top to bottom in lights and decorations, but the inside is where the real magic is. His collection of moving dolls, memorabilia, working toy trains, and figurines is utterly incredible. The lighting is so dim that you can't really get photos that will do any justice to the inside of this house. His electric bill is nearly $1,800 during the time he has the lights up, so he has donation boxes all around and I'd definitely recommend donating.

Pura Vida bracelets
These bracelets are something that I didn't realize I wanted until I saw them on some random blog for 50% off for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. I think they make great little gifts (and presents to yourself) because they benefit such a good cause. Plus, as you know, I loveeee Costa Rica. They really capture that effortless, easy-going, surfer gal vibe that I'm constantly striving for.

Being a redhead again
Guys, I think the blondie days are coming to a close. I've recently been obsessing over what I used to look like as a redhead and it really did wonders for my skin tone. We'll see if I can squeeze a hair appointment into my schedule before the year is over...

Dancing With The Stars
I believe this TV show is on Hulu, and L and I have been watching it pretty non-stop. It's just so joyous and over the top! We rarely agree on shows to watch, and this is one that we actually both enjoy watching together. I don't even know if we're on the current season (Laurie Hernandez?) but the props, costumes, and gorgeous dancing bodies make us both smile like little idiots.

Tumblr
This website used to be my LIFE in high school and college. Then it kind of dropped off of my radar. Not anymore. I'm using my Tumblr as a very personal dumping zone for my most personal thoughts, a tracker of my workouts and fitness inspiration, but most importantly a mood board to manifest my visions for myself. Now if only I can find more users over the age of 18... #feelingold.

What are some random things you've been loving lately? 

SantaCon 2016

If you've never heard of SantaCon before, it's something you definitely need to Google. No, it isn't like a ComicCon convention, which is what 90% of people thought I was talking about when I'd bring it up.

Basically, a ton (like thousands!) of people get dressed up in Santa, Rudolph, Mrs. Claus, etc costumes, then take to the streets to walk around spreading Christmas cheer and also bar hopping all around the city. Lots of major cities participate in it and it usually costs a $10 donation to gain access to all participating bars. Sounds fun? It is, as long as you're not a Grinch!

On Saturday morning, four of us took a train from Stratford into NYC and arrived into the festivities. The actual event began at 10am but one friend had work until 11:45, so we didn't actually get into New York until around 2:30. That turned out to be okay because, as it was reminded to us over and over again, SantaCon is a marathon, not a sprint. 

Meaning.... pace yourself.

We ended up going to three different bars in different areas of the city. NYC bars are infinitely more fun than Connecticut bars. It made me wonder why I've never taken a trip into the city just to go out dancing before! The costumes were also amazing. It was essentially a sea of red and white fluff in every single bar. We saw a Grinch in full face makeup, and several walking Christmas trees with lights.

After dancing our lil booties off, an aggressive encounter with a taxi driver, hauling a backpack full of blankets, snacks, and alcohol for miles and miles, and some of the best wok I've ever had, we hopped back on a train to CT at about 10:30pm. Crazy to think that that's usually what time we're heading to a bar on a regular night.

Happy Monday & I hope you had a fun, festive weekend!