What I Got For Christmas 2016!!

I am finally back!!!  I took time away from blogging for the holidays.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  I sure did!  It was SUPER busy but that is what makes it so fun.  Every year I watch What I Got For Christmas videos on YouTube.  I just find it so interesting and fun.  Last year I did a post sharing what I got and you guys seemed to like it.  So here is this years What I Got For Christmas post!  What was your favorite gift?

First up my little sister got me this snowglobe.  I actually collect them so I was very happy.  It is super beautiful and glittery which fits my personality perfectly! I love that it says the year as well.

She also bought me this olive bomber patch jacket.  I love this!!!!  It is really comfortable and the inside is bright orange.  It is the perfect addition to my wardrobe and jacket collection.

From my mom I got these pajamas.  I wore these all day on Christmas and I just love them.  The pants are like leggings which is what I basically live in.  I will honestly wear these all year!

She also bought me a bunch of these solar powered dancing toys.  I am obsessed with these!  I probably own 20 and will definitely buy more.

My friend bought me hot pink sequin uggs!!!  I was SO shocked!  I've never owned a real pair so I'm very happy and grateful.

Last but not least, my older sister got me some sheet masks and an Ulta gift card.  I've been dying to try some sheet masks.  Also I pretty much spend all my money at Ulta so it is perfect for me!

DIY Lip Scrub

Now that the cold weather has appeared everything is dry.  I HATE having dry and chapped lips.  It's the worst feeling ever!  While hanging out with one of my friends we decided to make our own lip scrubs.  A lib scrub gets all the dry skin off so when you apply chapstick it actually works.  They can be a bit pricey so this will save you money.  You could even give them as Christmas gifts!  It's SUPER easy and you probably have all the ingredients already!  If you make this tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

What You Will Need:

2 cups white sugar

½ cup coconut oil

5-7 drops of orange essential oil

A jar with a lid

Pink food coloring

Directions:

1. Begin by mixing the sugar and coconut oil in a bowl. You can use a wooden spoon or food processor.

2. Add in the orange essential oil. You can use any flavor you want.  Also add a few drops of food coloring if you'd like.  Mine is bright pink but you can skip this part if you want.  Continue to mix and blend until the sugar scrub is the consistency you wish.

3. Store the sugar scrub in a glass jar with lid to keep it fresh.  To use your sugar scrub, just apply it to wet skin in a circular motion and rinse.

My New Christmas Tree!

Last week was insane and crazy!  Hopefully this week will be MUCH better.  Even with all the craziness I still managed to put my tree up.  I was pretty excited because this year I got a new tree.  I had a small desk tree that was probably a foot tall.  My sister decided to get a new tree so I took hers.  I thought I would share my tree with you all.  My posts will be back to normal this week.  Enjoy!

Cooking Corner: Easy Apple Crisp

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week already??  It isn't really a huge deal in my family but we do enjoy spending time together.  We usually spend the day playing games and eating A LOT.  Today I'm going to share the perfect dessert to bring to dinner.  A couple weeks ago I had Apple Crisp and became obsessed!  My grandma found this recipe on Pinterest and it's SOOO good!  You can make adjustments if you prefer.  We used different apples and oats.  If you make this tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

For the crumb topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, diced into small chunks

For the Apple filling:

3-4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin

3 Tbsp butter, melted

2 Tbsp flour

1 Tbsp lemon juice

3 Tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

dash of salt

Caramel Sauce (homemade or store bought)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a medium size bowl combine the crumb topping ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until it resembles small crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.

3. For the Apple Filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and flour until well blended. Add lemon juice, milk and vanilla and stir well. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour butter mixture over apples and toss to coat. Pour apple mixture into an 8x8-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apples.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and top is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.  Add caramel sauce and enjoy!

♥DIY Donut Pumpkin♥

One of my favorite things about Halloween is carving pumpkins.  This year I wanted to do something different.  The new trend is painting pumpkins so that's what I did.  I LOVE donuts!!!  I went to Pinterest to find some inspiration.  I think my pumpkin turned out pretty adorable.  I think next year I'll do a few more.

What You Will Need:

-A pumpkin of any size

-A pencil

-Acrylic Paint (any colors you want)

-Paint brushes

Directions:

1. Pick the pumpkin you want.  I went with a small one so it would be more realistic.

2. Then I took a pencil to outline the frosting.  Take gray paint and go over the outline.

3. Paint the top part of your pumpkin light pink.  Then paint the bottom portion a tan color.

4. After everything is dry use multiple different colors to make sprinkles.

It is that easy!  Did you decorate any pumpkins this year?  I would love to see them!  Tweet me pictures especially if you try this design.

4 Last Minute Halloween Costumes From Your Closet

Most of us will probably be going to some sort of Halloween party this weekend.  There is no reason to go spend $80 on a costume because all you'll need is your closet.  If you are like me then you probably have no clue what to be.  Don't worry I've got you covered!  I came up with 4 costumes that you already own.  Let's get to it!

First up is a scarecrow.  All you'll need is a plaid shirt, preferably red, some ripped jeans, and brown boots.  You can add makeup and a straw hat if you would like.  All you need is a braid and your look is complete.

Next up is a witch.  All that you will need is a black dress and black boots.  Any dress will work as long it's black so just pick your favorite.  The only thing you'll need to but is a witch hat which is less than $5.  If you are crafty then make your own.

Next is a flower goddess.  You'll need a flowy white dress, sandals, and a flower crown.  Think Coachella vibes or the Snapchat filter.  This my favorite for sure.

Last up is a fitness girl.  All you need are yoga pants, a exercise top, and sneakers.  This is probably the best one.  You can go straight from the gym to your party.  Plus you will be super comfortable all night!

Well that is what I came up with!  What was your favorite?  Also, let me know what you are going to be for Halloween in the comments!

Quiz Tuesday: What Flavor Starburst Are You Based On Your Ideal Halloween?

Happy Tuesday everybody!!!!!!!  Did you miss it?  I know I have!  If you are new and don't know what this series is let me explain.  Basically I take a fun quiz and share my results with you.  Then you take the same one and share your results.  It's just fun!  Today's quiz is called What Flavor Starburst Are You Based On Your Ideal Halloween?  I thought this was appropriate since Halloween is next week.  You can take this quiz here.  Share your results in the comments!

I got Lemon Starburst!  This was a fail because it is my least favorite flavor.  It was still fun though!!



xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Can you believe tomorrow is the 4th of July?  I'm super excited to spend time with my family and watch fireworks.  I wanted to do a patriotic dessert so I headed to Pinterest!  I found a really easy Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake.  You may also know it as jello cake.  They are so good and you can make a ton of different flavors.  If you make this tweet me so I can see your cakes!  Have an AMAZING 4th!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ingredients:

1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients on the box)

1 package of red jello

1 package of blue jello

1 tub of Cool Whip

Sprinkles or berries

Directions:

1.  Prepare and bake cake in 9X13 pan using directions on the box.

2.  Let cake cool for 15 minutes.  Use a fork and poke holes all over the cake in rows.  You should end up with about 15 rows.

3.  Mix red jello with 3/4 cup of boiling water until dissolved.  Add 1/2 cup of cold water and pour into every other row of holes.

4.  Repeat with the blue jello.  Cover your cake and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

5.  Spread the Cool Whip on top.  Add sprinkles or berries for decoration.

xo,

Jerica

Weekly Obsession!

Can a gift be an obsession?  Well it is this week!  My weekly obsession is....Godiva Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles!!  I'm obsessed with Godiva chocolate already to be honest.  One of my friends brought me these on Valentine's Day as a surprise.  I was instantly guilty because I'm not a strawberry fan.  I tried one anyway and I'm SO glad I did!!  It tastes nothing like strawberry.  It's very creamy and rich and SO delicious!  I want like 12 more bags.  PS if you put them in the freezer it's on a whole different level!!!  I must get more!  What have you been loving?




xo,
Jerica

My Galentine's Day Outfit

In case you didn't know Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13.  Basically it's just hanging out with all your girlfriends with no boys around.  I went to a party where we ate dinner, played games, and watched movies.  I thought I would share my outfit because I loved it!

I'll start with my hair.  I did two braids and then used my perfect bun to put my hair in a bun.  I wanted to do an updo because it looks like you took a lot of time when you really didn't.  It took maybe 10 minutes.

Next we'll talk about my nails.  I knew I wanted to do pink because of Valentine's Day.  When I saw this grey color I knew it would be perfect.  I just did hearts and dots.  It turned out pretty well.

Now it's time for my outfit.  My leather jacket is from boohoo.  It's super light and soft.  My sweater is a coral color with a chevron heart.  It's from kohls and I like it because it's dressy but casual.  I wore my faux leather leggings from kohls.  Lastly I wore my tan booties which I'm obsessed with.  They are from kohls also.





xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: White Chocolate Strawberry Blondies

This is part two of my Valentine's Day baking ideas.  Yesterday I shared Strawberry No Bake Cookies.  Since I have a party tomorrow I needed to bring treats.  I LOVE brownies so I searched Pinterest for some festive ones.  I found the perfect recipe!  Today's recipe is White Chocolate Strawberry Blondies.  Blondies are just a vanilla brownie.  In our case they will be pink!  If you make these tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 box Strawberry Cake Mix

1/2 cup Canola Oil

1 Egg

1/3 cup Milk

3/4 cup White Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips (For Drizzling)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 11x7 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl. Add the milk slowly. You want the cake batter to be as dense & thick possible. Mix in the white chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are just turning brown.

Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes so the center sets, then melt your white chocolate chips and drizzle them on top of the bars, if you choose. Once the bars and the melted chocolate have cooled, cut your blondies using a serrated knife.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies

Valentine's Day is only a few days away!!!  I'm actually going to a party so I needed treats to make.  So I headed to my favorite site Pinterest to find something yummy.  I found two so come back tomorrow for that one!  Today's recipe requires no baking so it's going to be super easy.  Today's recipe is Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies.  I did Healthy No Bake Chocolate Cookie awhile ago but these are pink and more festive.  If you make these tweet me a picture so I can see.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups Sugar
3/4 (1 1/2 Sticks) Butter
2/3 cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 – 3.9 oz pkg Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
4 cups Minute Oats
3/4 cup Strawberry Milk Powder Mix

Directions:

Melt butter, milk, and sugar in a large pot on medium-high heat.

Let boil for two minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients until evenly blended.

Drop large spoonfuls on wax paper to cool and harden.

xo,

Jerica

My December Playlist!

It's New Years Eve!!!!  Can you even believe that tomorrow will be 2016?  I hope you all celebrate safely and have fun.  I'll just be here eating pizza and watching TV.  This year went by SUPER fast!  It's been a good one though and I'm ready for 2016.  Be on the look out for a post about my New Year's Goals.  I did this playlist differently because I've been playing A LOT of Christmas music.  So there are 5 regular songs and 5 of my favorite holiday songs.  I'm still obsessed with my playlist from last month which you can check out here.  What songs are you loving?


1. I Know What You Did Last Summer by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
I have been loving this song!  I discovered it on Instagram and I'm so glad I did.  Camila is my favorite member of Fifth Harmony and I'm a big fan of his as well.  It seems like a completely different sound for them both and it works.  I like that it slightly darker but still catchy.  Favorite lyric: He knows Dirty secrets that I keep Does he know it's killing me? He knows, he knows D-d-does he know Another's hand have touched my skin I won't tell him where I've been He knows, he knows, he knows

2. Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
I finally did it you guys.  I bought the Bieber album!!!  I heard this song and I just couldn't resist!  I can not stop listening it.  It reminds me of old Bieber but still more mature.  It's also the perfect break up song in my opinion.  I'm officially back to being a fan and I REALLY want to go to his concert.  Favorite lyric: My mama don't like you and she likes everyone And I never like to admit that I was wrong And I've been so caught up in my job, didn't see what's going on But now I know, I'm better sleeping on my own Cause if you like the way you look that much Oh, baby, you should go and love yourself And if you think that I'm still holdin' on to somethin' You should go and love yourself

3. History by One Direction
Of course I had to include a One Direction.  This is honestly my favorite album and I play it every single day.  I've been obsessed with this song this month.  It's just so bittersweet and made for the fans.  I've been a fan since the beginning so it just makes me have a lot of emotions.  It's also just a great song.  I hope the hiatus goes quickly!  Favorite lyric: All of the rumors, all of the fights But we always find a way to make it out alive Thought we were going strong Thought we were holding on
Aren't we? You and me got a whole lot of history (oh) We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen You and me got a whole lot of history (oh) So don't let it go, we can make some more, we can live forever

4. Hello by Adele
I have a love/hate relationship with this song.  I'm not a fan of hers but this song just gives you chills.  It gets overplayed though which is annoying.  I'm still trying to figure out what it's about.  On Christmas I may have had too many drinks and sang my own version.  Thankfully nobody recorded that!  Favorite lyric: Hello from the other side I must have called a thousand times To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done But when I call you never seem to be home Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I've tried To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart But it don't matter it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore

5. Hide Away by Daya
I've liked this song for awhile but I never knew who sang it.  I've never heard of her but I'm obsessed with this song.  Every morning while I get ready I listen to it.  I can't get enough!  I like the message of finding a good guy to date.  Young girls need to hear that for sure.  Favorite lyric: All the money and the time that it takes To be fly as a mother Got my both eyes out for Mr. Right Guessing I just don't know where to find 'em But I hope they all come out tonight Hey! Where do the good boys go to hide away, hide away? I'm a good, good girl who needs a little company Looking high and low, someone let me know Where do the good boys go to hide away, hide away?

6. Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande
I never knew this existed until this year.  I was missing out!  You guys know that I love her so I'm very happy.  It's so cute and catchy!  It's a new favorite added to my Christmas collection.  Favorite lyric: Or if it's true love that he thinks of So next Christmas I'm not all alone, boy Santa, tell me if you're really there Don't make me fall in love again if he won't be here Next year Santa, tell me if he really cares 'Cause I can't give it all away if he won't be here Next year

7. Christmas Love by Justin Bieber
I play this all year long and I have no shame!  It's such a cute song.  It just makes me feel so happy.  Favorite lyric: Hey angel in the snow I'm under the mistletoe You are the one You're my very own christmas love Tell Santa I'm cool this year My present is standing right here Thank God above for my very own christmas love

8. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
This is a classic!  I don't know a single person who doesn't love this song.  It's just SO good!  Favorite lyric: I won't make a list and send it To the North Pole for Saint Nick I won't even stay awake to Hear those magic reindeer click 'Cause I just want you here tonight Holding on to me so tight What more can I do? Baby, all I want for Christmas is you

9. Baby, It's Cold Outside by Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
This is my favorite version.  I'm a HUGE fan of Jessica Simpson so obviously I own this album.  I can't get enough!  Favorite lyric: I ought to say no, no, no, sir - Mind if I move a little closer At least I'm gonna say that I tried - What's the sense in hurting my pride I really can't stay - Baby don't hold out Baby it's cold outside

10. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by NSYNC
This just takes me  back to my childhood.  I'm SO sad NSYNC isn't together anymore.  I still have hope!  I play this song all year as well.  Favorite lyric: It's a wonderful feeling Feel the love in the room From the floor to the ceiling It's that time of year Christmastime is here And with the blessings from above God sends you his love And everthing's okay Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays





xo,
Jerica

What I Got For Christmas 2015

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas!  I sure did!  Today I thought I'd share what presents I got this year.  I love these posts and videos because I find it interesting.  I hope you enjoy it!  What was your favorite gift?

My older sister bought me this picture frame.  I love pictures so this is perfect.  This frame is cool because each frame is a different texture.  I really like this!  Now I just need to figure out where to hang it and what to put in it.

My little sister got me these light up letters of my initials.  I've loved these for awhile but it's not something you buy for yourself.  I was very happy when I opened them.  Also they run on batteries so I love that.

She also bought me wax melts that are cupcake scented.  You guys know that cupcakes are my obsession so that was a good choice.

My mom got me this shirt.  If you have read my past posts then you'll know I'm obsessed with these workout tops.  All mine are short sleeve so I'm glad it's long sleeve.  They are by Danskin and so comfortable.  It makes people think you have worked out but you really didn't.

She also got me these leggings.  I'm OBSESSED!  I love colorful and crazy things so these are perfect!  She knows me well.

She also bought me these solar dancing festive toys.  If you read my posts you'll know I have an entire shelf of these things.  They just make me so happy!  Plus they are super cute!

Lastly she got me a lava lamp!!!!!!  I've been asking for one for probably 4 years and it finally happened!  I had one when I was 13 but then I got rid of it because I thought they were uncool.  Now I have one again and I'm very happy!  I know I'm a hippie but I don't care.






xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

It's Christmas Eve!  Today is the last recipe in my holiday series.  If you missed my last recipe I shared was Chocolate Fudge.  Today's recipe is my new favorite.  My cousin actually gave it to me.  I'm eating one right now!  It's Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.  They are super easy to make too.  If you make them tweet me pictures!  Happy Holidays!!!!!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter softened

2 ounces cream cheese softened

2 eggs

1 package Red Velvet Cake mix

Powdered sugar, for rolling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a stand mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add eggs and beat until well incorporated. Slowly add in the red velvet cake mix.

Remove cookie dough to a small bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour so the dough stiffens up a bit.

Once chilled, roll the cookie dough balls into small 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into powdered sugar and place onto a parchment-lined sheet tray.

Bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until cookies puff up and begin to crack on the tops

xo,

Jerica

Quiz Tuesday: Which Christmas Movie Do You Belong In?

Happy Tuesday!!!!!!  I'm getting very excited about Christmas.  One of my favorite things about this time of year is watching Christmas movies.  Today's quiz is perfect!  It's called Which Christmas Movie Do You Belong In?  I'm excited to see what I get.  I don't have a favorite movie so I'm up for anything.  You can take this quiz with me here.  Let me know your results!

I got National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!  The description says: You love Christmas, but the holidays tend to be chaotic and action-packed for you, no matter how hard you try.

I've actually never seen this.  The description fits me perfectly.  The holidays are always crazy at my house.  It's always exciting though!



xo,
Jerica

♥Christmas Tag♥

Christmas day is only 4 days away!!!!!!  I'm SO excited!  You guys know I love doing these types of posts.  I've been waiting awhile for it.  I want you guys to do it as well!  Leave your answers in the comments!
 
1. What have you been buying from Starbucks this Holiday season?
I actually haven't been to Starbucks this year.  I usually order Hot Chocolate though.

2. What's your favorite Winter candle scent?

I'm OBSESSED with anything Winter Candy Apple.  It just smells SO good!  I wait all year for it.  It's pretty sweet so be prepared.

3. Giving or Receiving? Why?
I love giving.  I put a lot of thought into my gifts and it's a rewarding feeling when they love it.  Besides Christmas is all about giving anyway.

4. Do you stay in your pajamas or dress up for Christmas?
Pajamas all day!  I have no reason to get dressed.  We usually just eat and then I play with my nieces all day.

5. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning.  My mom never lets us open them before no matter how much we beg her.

6. What are you doing for the Holidays this year?
I'm spending it at my moms.  We are eating fried chicken and playing games.  It's very chilled out.

7. Candy Cane or Gingerbread Men?
This is tough!  I'd probably go with Candy Cane.  There are so many different flavors but I really love the cherry ones.

8. What is at the top of your Christmas list this year?
I didn't really ask for anything.  I do really want a lava lamp though.

9. Do you still have Advent calendars
No I never have.

10. What do you eat for Christmas dinner?
It changes every year.  This year it's fried chicken.

11. Do you prefer a real or fake Christmas tree?
I've never had a real tree before.  I love fake trees though.

12. What's your favorite Holiday nail polish?

I love anything glitter this time of year!  This is by Essie called Frilling Me Softly.  It's the perfect silver polish.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Chocolate Fudge

I'm very excited for today's recipe.  In case you missed it, I'm sharing a holiday recipe every Thursday through Christmas Eve.  Last week I shared a cookie recipe for Oatmeal Scotchies.  This week I'm sharing Chocolate Fudge.  My grandma makes this every single Christmas.  I look forward to this every year!  This isn't her recipe but it's similar.  If you make this tweet me pictures!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cup white sugar

1⁄2 cup cocoa

1 cup milk

4 tbsp butter, or margarine

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Grease an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan. Set aside.

Combine sugar, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer. Do not stir again.

Place a candy thermometer in the pan and cook until the temperature reaches 238 degrees F (114 degrees C). If you are not using a thermometer, then cook until a drop of this mixture in a cup of cold water forms a soft ball. Feel the ball with your fingers to make sure it is the right consistency. It should flatten when pressed between your fingers.

Remove from heat. Add butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge loses its sheen. Do not under beat.

Pour into prepared pan and let cool. Cut into about 60 squares.

xo,

Jerica

My Christmas Decorations!

Today I thought I would show you my Christmas decorations.  I love making my room festive.  It just makes me feel SO happy!  I don't have a lot but I love them!  How do you guys make your room festive?  Let me know!

First up I put Christmas lights on my window.  These are cool because they are old fashioned.  I didn't know they still made them.

Lastly I put my little Christmas tree!  I'm obsessed with it!  I buy new ornaments every year and this year I bought owls.  Everybody is loving them including me!  I also just bought my tree topper which is so cute.





xo,
Jerica

Quiz Tuesday: Can We Guess What ’90s Toy You Deserve For Christmas?

Happy Tuesday!!!  It's that time again and were getting festive!  Christmas is next week already and I can't wait!  I found the perfect quiz for today.  It's called Can We Guess What ’90s Toy You Deserve For Christmas?  This combines two of my favorite things.  I LOVE the 90's!!!!  I'm interested to see if I get a toy I actually had as a kid.  You can take this quiz here.  Share your results!

I got the Furby!  I actually did have one!  I loved it for about a week and then got annoyed because it would never be quiet.  It ended up being hidden in my closet but I still felt cool!




xo,
Jerica