Wednesday, December 31, 2014

My December Playlist!


It is almost 2015!  Can you guys believe this is the last playlist of 2014?  This has been an amazing year and I can't wait to see what the new year brings.  I hope you guys come along with me as well!  If you want to check out last months playlist click here I'm still obsessed with them.  I did something a little different for this playlist.  I chose 5 Christmas songs and 5 regular songs because I played LOTS of Christmas songs this month!  What songs have you been loving?  Let me know!

1. The Heart Wants What It Wants by Selena Gomez
I don't typically like her or her music but I can't get enough.  I really fell in love with this song when she performed at the AMA's.  It was honestly her best performance EVER!  I just love the vulnerability and how different it sounds.  I hope she continues making music like this because I highly recommend it!  Favorite lyric: This is a modern fairytale No happy endings No wind in our sails But I can't imagine a life without Breathless moments Breaking me down, down, down, down

2. My Only Wish (This Year) by Britney Spears
This is my favorite Christmas song!  I wait all year to listen it!  Personally I think it is underrated because I rarely ever hear it.  This year I bought it and I've probably listened to it a hundred times.  I wish she had an entire Christmas album because I would totally buy it.  Favorite lyric: Santa can you hear me I have been so good this year And all I want is one thing Tell me my true love is near He's all I want just for me Underneath my Christmas tree I'll be waiting here santa thats my only wish this year

3. All About It by Hoodie Allen feat. Ed Sheeran
I discovered this song at 3 AM when I couldn't sleep.  I was so confused because parts sounded like Ed Sheeran and some parts didn't.  It made since once I looked it up though.  It is SO catchy and I really like his style.  He raps but still actually sings which I enjoy.  He is slowly becoming a new favorite.  Favorite lyric: Now, please be warned That every song I feature on has capacity to be reborn I said that anything can happen when I pick up a pen But now I'm all about love so won't you say it again

4. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
I've liked this song for awhile but I couldn't figure out who sang it.  I'm a little disappointed that it is Bruno Mars because I really hate his music.  I'm loving this though.  The beat is my favorite part because it is an old school feel.  It just makes you feel happy.  I play it a lot!  Favorite lyric: Come on, dance Jump on it If you sexy then flaunt it If you freaky then own it Don't brag about it, come show me Come on, dance Jump on it If you sexy then flaunt it Well it's Saturday night and we in the spot Don't believe me, just watch

5. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey
Who doesn't love this song?  When you hear this song you just know it is the holiday season.  It's a classic!  Pretty much every artist has covered it by now but this is my favorite.  He was very brave to even attempt this but it payed off.  Even though I'm not really a fan of his anymore, I still adore is Christmas album.  I even play it when it isn't Christmas.  Favorite lyric: Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas I won't even wish for snow And I'm just gonna keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe

6. Sledgehammer by Fifth Harmony
I am OBSESSED with this song!!!  I'm honestly SO excited for their album.  I've loved them since the very beginning and I love the direction they are going with their music.  There need to be more girl groups out there right now.  You guys know that I love girl power.  I can't wait for more music!!  Favorite lyric: You're taken over the beat of my body You just don't let up, don't let up You're taken over the beat of my body But you lift me up, lift me up If you take my pulse right now It would feel just like a sledgehammer

7. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Michael Buble
I always forget about Michael Buble until this time of year comes around.  His voice is so distinct and I honestly love it so much.  I will be buying this album for sure.  Hopefully I actually do it before next year!  Maybe I'll even check out his other music.  This song is always stuck in my head!  Favorite lyric: They're singing "Deck The Halls" But it's not like Christmas at all I remember when you were here And all the fun we had last year (Christmas) Pretty lights on the tree (Christmas) I'm watching them shine (Christmas) You should be here with me (Christmas) Baby please come home

8. Hoopty Hoop by Tyler Ward
I forgot all about this song until it played on my iPod.  I listened to this pretty much every day in the Summer.  Now I can't stop playing it again.  He is my favorite YouTube musician.  His music is modern but also different.  This song is super catchy and just fun.  Go check him out!  Favorite lyric: Jump in my Hoopty-Hoop baby Ain’t got a lot of money but I think we’re gonna make it You know that when I count down from three We can make believe that We’ll be standing taller than the Hollywood trees Singing oh, oh, oh, oh, oh we’ve got this love thing going on Singing oh, oh, oh, oh, oh we’ve got this love thing going on

9. What Christmas Means To Me by Jessica Simpson
I'm a massive Jessica Simpson fan so I had to include her.  This was my first ever Christmas album that I got.  I was probably 14 or 15 and I still love it just as much.  I really wish she would make a comeback.  Either way I'll always be a fan!  Favorite lyric: I see your smiling face Like I never seen before Even though I love you madly It seems I love you more The little cards you give me Will touch my heart for sure All these things and more, baby (All these things and more) That's what Christmas means to me, my love (Christmas means to me, my love)

10. Last Christmas by Taylor Swift
I love all versions of this song!  This is another classic for sure.  I just really like her version because it is slightly different.  Surprisingly I don't own this album.  I just always forget!  You guys know I'm a total Swiftie!  Favorite lyric: Last Christmas I gave you my heart But the very next day, you gave it away This year, to save me from tears I'll give it to someone special



xo,
Jerica

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Day 12: Christmas Films!


It's day 12 days of my 12 days of Christmas!!!!!!!!!  That means Christmas is TOMORROW!!!!!!!  Today's post is about Christmas entertainment.  This means music and movies.  I'm going to focus on movies but if you want to know what Christmas songs I recommend then stay tuned to my monthly playlist.  That will be up at the end of the month.  What are your favorite Christmas movies?  Let me know!

This is my all time favorite movie!  I've been watching it every year since I was a kid.  All the claymation films are excellent as well.

This series is what gets me in the spirit.  It is funny but still meaningful.  We usually watch all 3 on Christmas Eve.

My mom and I discovered this on Netflix last year.  We just fell in love with it but make sure your tissues are ready!

This was my favorite movie growing up.  I still love it just as much.

My grandma and I just happened to find this at Walmart a few years ago.  This is all about understanding the meaning of life.  You will probably cry so be prepared!



xo,
Jerica

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Day 11: Christmas Decorations!


Welcome to day 11 of my 12 days of Christmas!  Christmas is literally two days away!!!!!  I'm pumped!  Also tomorrows post will be up earlier because we have busy Christmas Eve plans.  Today's post is all about Christmas Decorations!  I put up my little tree clear back in November because I just love it SO much!  I love lights so of course I bought the tree with the most on it.  I also put lots of bulbs which others may hate but I love.  I'll put a picture below.  Send me pics to @jerica_89 on twitter of your tree!





xo,
Jerica

Monday, December 22, 2014

Day 10: How To Survive The Holidays


Welcome to day 10 of my 12 days of Christmas!  Only two days left!!  We all know the holidays can be a bit stressful.  There is always a meltdown of some sort in my family.  It never fails!  So today I'm going to give you some tips on how to survive the madness.  Let me know what you guys do!

-Start shopping in November
-Keep the kids entertained
-Make sure nobody feels left out
-If it gets too tense just take a nap
-Watch Christmas movies
-Eat A LOT!
-Play games
-Be socialable
-Just stay calm!



xo,
Jerica

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Day 9: Christmas Accessories


Welcome to day 9 of my 12 Days of Christmas!  Can you believe it is almost Christmas?  I can't wait!!!!!!!  Today is all about Christmas accessories.  I love everything Christmas themed so I'm share some ideas.  What accessories do you buy?  Let me know!

I collect snow globes so I try to get a new one every year.  They are just super pretty and fun.

I buy Christmas earrings for my mom.  They make you feel festive without being too much.

Onesies are necessary!

Candles just make everything smell AMAZING!




xo,
Jerica

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Day 8: Christmas Books


Welcome to day 8 of my 12 days of Christmas!  I love to read!  The only Christmas books I could think of were books I read as a kid.  If you know of any YA or adult books just let me know.  I'm always looking for new books.  I'm only going to put pictures of the books since there isn't any need to explain.  What is your favorite Christmas book?






xo,
Jerica

Friday, December 19, 2014

Day 7: Gift Ideas


Welcome to day 7 of my 12 days of Christmas!  Most of you probably have people that you just don't know what to buy for.  I've come up with some ideas.  I tried to come up with a variety of items but it is mostly things I'm hoping to get.  What do you guys want this year?  Let me know!

Who doesn't love Frozen?  This is the sing along version which is awesome.  Anybody would love this as a gift no matter what age!

I'm OBSESSED with One Direction and they always have amazing perfumes.  This is their You & I scent and I hope I get it.  If you aren't sure a person wants a certain perfume then you can buy a set with many different samples.

People always need good headphones.  I'm in love with these neon Beats by Dre.  They are super stylish and amazing quality!  I hate ear buds so I'm glad this style is popular again.

If you know somebody who loves to read I would highly recommend an e-reader.  My mom and I both have a Nook and we use it all the time.  You can take them everywhere as well.

This is something I really want to buy for my nieces.  If you a kid in the 90's then you probably had a similar toy.  Ours were a lot more dangerous though!  Basically it is a flying fairy but she flies using only your hand as the control.  It is SO cool!



xo,
Jerica

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Day 6: Beauty Must Haves


Welcome to day 6 of my 12 days of Christmas!  We are half way done already!  To be honest I'm not really a huge beauty person.  I rarely even wear make up.  I do have some products to share though.  I use these products all winter long.  Most of them are lip products.  What do you guys use?  Let me know!

For Christmas my friend gave me a home made lip scrub.  I'm not crafty enough to know how to make it so I'm sharing this one.  This is the bubble gum lip scrub from LUSH.  I've never used one before now and I'm obsessed.  It gets rid of the dead skin and hydrates them as well.  I use it about once a week.

I carry these in my bag to use throughout the day.  These flavors are AMAZING!  I highly recommend them.

While I sleep I like using a lip ointment so it can really soak in.  Right now I'm currently looking for a good brand but this is what I'm currently trying.  So far I like it.  It sort of makes your lips tingle which feels refreshing.  If you have any suggestions on what I should try then let me know.

This is what I look forward to most around this time.  I buy everything Winter Candy Apple from Bath & Body Works.  It is the best scent EVER!



xo,
Jerica

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Day 5: Favorite Outfits


Welcome to day 5 of my 12 days of Christmas!  I never really have a go to outfit during this time of year.  It is just SO cold here that I go for warmth not fashionable.  So instead I thought I would give you a list of things I wear.  Make sure you tell me what you wear!


-Hoodies
-Warm Sweaters
-Graphic Holiday Shirts
-Skinny Jeans
-Sweat Pants
-Tall Boots
-Coat
-Snuggly PJ's
-Jackets
-Gloves
-Hats


xo,
Jerica

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Day 4: DIY Melted Crayon Ornaments


Welcome to day 4 of my 12 days of Christmas!  Today I'm going to share a DIY project that my younger sister and I plan on making.  We haven't actually had time to make them but I'll put the Pinterest picture below.  These look like you spent hours making them but they are super easy.  You can give them as gifts or use them on your own tree.  Let me know if you try it out by tweeting a picture to me @jerica_89.



What you'll need:
1 package of Crayola crayons
Sharp knife
1 package of clear glass ornaments
Hair dryer
A pair of thick gloves


Directions:
1. Take your crayons out of the box and using your knife peel the wrappers from the crayons. Once your crayons are peeled, cut your crayons into small pieces.  You'll need about 6 pieces per crayon.

2. Take the silver top off your ornament and place 3-4 crayon pieces into the ball. Make sure you use glass ornaments because plastic will melt.  Experiment with color combinations and have fun!

3. Put the silver top back on the ornament and put your gloves. Turn your hair dryer on high heat and hold your ornament in your gloved hand. Heat up the crayons until they start to melt and then swirl the ornament around in your hand so the colors swirl all over the inside of the ornament. Don’t melt the crayons completely, it will be too much. Once you are satisfied with the look, turn off the blow dryer.

4. Take the silver top back off the ornament and turn the ornament upside down over a plate or bowl. Turn your hair dryer on once again and heat up the crayons until they fall out of the opening at the bottom and on to your plate or bowl. Put the silver top back on your ornament and that's it!

xo,
Jerica

Monday, December 15, 2014

Day 3: Christmas Memories


Welcome to day 3 of my 12 Days of Christmas!  Today I'm going to talk about my favorite Christmas Memory.  Sadly I don't have a scanner so I can't add pictures.  Until I was about 8, my mom was a single parent but took Christmas very seriously.  When I was 5 we lived in a tiny apartment and it was the best Christmas ever!  In school I had made reindeer food which was basically oats and glitter.  I went out on our deck and dumped it all over the snow right before bed.  Around 3 AM my older sister shook me awake whispering that Santa came!  I made her crawl out to our tree and see what was out there because I wasn't going to get in trouble!  My mom typically made us wait until at least 7 to open presents but not this year.  She heard us and knew we wouldn't fall back asleep.  I got my own miniature sized recliner and a game boy and so much more!  We stayed up until about 5 AM and finally fell back asleep.  Looking back I'm so thankful for my mom.  Somehow she made every Christmas the best even though we didn't have a lot of money.  She still does it now!  I can't wait to hear your favorite memories!



xo,
Jerica

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Day 2: Random Acts Of Kindness


Welcome to day 2 of the 12 days of Christmas!  Sometimes people forget the real meaning of Christmas.  People just think about presents for their family and friends.  I'm totally guilty of this as well.  This year I've come up with simple things you can do to share the holiday spirit.  You can even do them all year if you want!  Let me know if you try any of these!

-Pay for the person behind you in line or in a drive through
-Adopt a family
-Volunteer at a shelter/food shelter
-Donate toys to a Children's Hospital
-Bake cookies for your neighbor
-Compliment people
-Visit a nursing home
-Sing carols
-Give to a food bank


xo,
Jerica

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Day 1: Oreo Peppermint Bark Recipe


Welcome to day 1 of 12 days of Christmas!  Today I'm going to share a holiday recipe.  I love baking around this time of the year.  It is just such a relaxing thing to do especially because the holidays can be a bit stressful.  I chose an Oreo Peppermint Bark recipe that I found on Pinterest.  Peppermint is my favorite flavor around this time of year.  You can substitute peppermint for something else if you don't like it.  Tweet me pictures if you try this at home @jerica_89.  Enjoy!


What you need:
10 mini candy canes, crushed (about 1/2 cup)
12 Oreos, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions:
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.

Add milk chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread flat. Sprinkle with chopped Oreos. Chill for 10 minutes.

Add white chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.  Pour over Oreos and spread to the edges of the milk chocolate. Sprinkle with chopped candy canes. Chill until set, break into pieces and serve or package to give!



xo,
Jerica

Monday, December 8, 2014

12 Days Of Christmas!


Hey everybody!  I decided to get festive this year so starting this Saturday I'll be blogging every day until Christmas!!!!!  Every post will up at 1 PM so be on the look out.  There will be a wide range of topics so everybody can enjoy hopefully.  If you have you have any suggestions you can tweet me @jerica_89.  I hope you guys are excited!!!!!!


xo,
Jerica

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Movie Review: The Giver


I read this book at least 10 years ago so I was really excited for that they made a film.  I only remembered some parts from the book but it's just been too long.  This movie was AMAZING!  I can't stop watching it!  If you want to start reading dystopian book but you aren't sure what to read then I highly recommend this one.  It deals more with emotion instead of anything too extreme.  The film deals with a community where everybody has the same rules and nobody can be different.  All of their life they are watched so the perfect job is given.  The main character is Jonas and he gets chosen to be The Receiver.  This means he will hold all the memories from the past world.  He comes up with a plan to make everyone experience those memories too.  I cried a few times.  It really makes you think about what we take for granted every day.  You guys should definitely check this out!  What do you guys think?  Have you seen it?  Let me know your thoughts!



xo,
Jerica