Gift Guide: Cozy Girl

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The Cozy Girl Gift Guide is by far my favourite gift guide to create. As a homebody, I live in all things soft, comfy, and cozy! I know I'm not alone when I say that when I get home from a long day at work the first thing I do is change into comfy clothes or PJs! Below is just a few suggestions you can get for any cozy girl in your life!

1. Pom Pom Beanie

2. Mug

3. Sherpa Pullover 

4. PJ Gift Set

5. Throw Blanket

Other Suggestions:

• Candle
• Fuzzy Robe
• Slippers
• Bubble Bath
• Fuzzy Socks
• Scarf
• Hot Chocolate 
• Tea
• Face Mask

How to Prepare Your Home For Overnight Guests

Hosting guests this Holiday Season? It's important to create an inviting atmosphere that extends through the whole house. By adding a few heartfelt gestures through-out your house, your guests will have a welcoming and memorable stay.

Below are a few helpful suggestions to help prepare your home for overnight guests!

• Add festive decor in the entryway so the holiday spirit greets them at the door.
• Make room for their belongings on the coat-rack or in the coat closet.
• Set out mugs so your guests can help themselves to any hot beverages.
• Fill a basket with cozy throws and blankets for guests to keep warm.
• Print out wifi password and put in decorative frame or letter-board.
• Layer the bed with extra blankets or throws for the colder nights.
• At the end of the bed, place an ottoman or bench for easy access to suitcases.
• In the guest room provide a gift basket or tray with bottles of water, nuts, chips, candy, etc.
• In the guest bath, put out travel size shampoo, body wash and other shower necessities.
• Provide a pile of fresh, clean towels and facecloths.
• If guests are doing their own loads of laundry, provide easy access to laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.

Christmas Eve Box

Christmas Eve Boxes are such a great idea and make for a fun, family tradition! Although growing up my family never took part in the tradition of Christmas Eve Boxes I love the idea and plan to start with my future children!

Fill the box with all the things and snacks you need to make a cozy night at home while waiting for Santa to arrive! Although Christmas Eve boxes are typically given to children, they have been much more popular for adults the last few years!

Below are a few ideas for both an adults and children's Christmas Eve Box!

Adults:

• Festive PJ's 
• Fuzzy Socks
• Christmas Movie
• Candy Canes
• Sweets and Treats
• Popcorn
• Festive Mug
• Hot Chocolate
• Throw Blanket

Kids:

• Festive PJ's
• Christmas Storybook
• Christmas Movie
• Candy Canes
• Hot Chocolate
• Sweets and treats
• Popcorn
• Reindeer Food 
• Nice List Certificate 

Tips for Hosting The Perfect Holiday Party

• Make a List- to create a stress-free holiday party you must live by a list! A shopping list, to-do list, or making a schedule of what needs to me made, served and prepared when. Being organized is key and you won't regret it! 

• Keep it Clean and Tidy- Being the best holiday host doesn't mean you have to live in the world's cleanest house, if you have a messy room just close the door! Spend your time focusing on the rooms you guests will see and be spending time in!

• Shop and Stock- Start your shopping well ahead of time! Stock you pantry with a selection of cookies, crackers, nuts and other non-perishables, this way you'll never run out of nibbles.

• Plan and Cook Ahead- Do as much as possible ahead of time. Plan, cook, and clean, prep work is key for a successful holiday party. Make dishes ahead of time, some can even be froze and thawed at your convenience such as quiches and tarts. 

•  For an easy presentation, use oven-to-table serve ware to help keep food warm and cut down         on multiple dishes and mess. If you're looking for super cute, festive and affordable oven-to-table dishes, I find all of mine at my local HomeSense store!

• Don't Go Dry- Keep drinks on hand. Stock up on soda, other mixers, wine and local beer. The last thing you want to spend your party doing is fixing drinks. Set up an easy-to-make cocktail bar with pre-cut garnishes, infused vodkas, and cocktail recipes so your guests can help themselves and you can spend your time mingling and enjoying your company!

• Hosting a large gathering of people at once? Try a buffet style dinner! This gives your guests the opportunity to serve themselves and you want have the stress of a formal sit down dinner. Tip: If using a table, pull away from the wall so there is four available sides, this will keep from lines forming, your guests will be able to enjoy their food before it gets cold and help themselves to seconds with ease.

• Too many friends and family to host all at once? Have a casual open house so guests can drop by any time between certain hours on a specific day. This will be less stressful and give you the chance to enjoy a more one-on-one setting with your guests. Tip: Prepare and serve food that can be made well in advance. Try making lots of smaller dishes that can be easily brought out throughout the day and evening. 

• Store a few extra gifts in a closet so you'll never be caught-off-guard when a friend or surprise guest drops by with an unexpected gift! 

I hope these few simple tricks can help you plan your perfect Holiday Party! 

Christmas Acts of Kindness

Tis the season for giving. It's sometimes easy to forget this since we are all busy shopping, wrapping baking and attending various social events. The old saying, it's better to give than receive is true.  Small acts of kindness bring untold joy to others and spreads the spirit of the holidays. You're never too old or too young to help others in your family or community and what seems like a little thing could make a huge difference is someone's life. Below is a list of acts of kindness you can serve this Christmas!


Christmas Acts of Kindness:

• Shovel the snow off your neighbours driveway and sidewalk.
• Be a Secret Santa for a family in need.
• Deliver flowers to patients at the hospital.
• Invite a lonely friend, neighbour or relative over for dinner.
• Babysit for a single mom or dad so they can do some Christmas shopping.
• Send Christmas cards to local nursing home residents.
• Go through your pantry and donate items to a local food bank.
• Bring or bake treats for the staff room at work.
• Pay for the car behind you in the drive-through.
• Donate blood and/or sign up to be an organ donor- you could save a life!
• Take supplies to the animal shelter.
• Smile at everyone you see today.
• Let someone get in front of you in line.
• Give up your seat on the bus to another person.
• Fulfil an Angel Tree request.
• Feed someones meter.

What acts of kindness do you perform at Christmas? I'd love to know in the comments!