The final #hashtaghumpday of 2014

Welcome to the final installment of #hashtaghumpday ever. HAHA kidding, just of 2014.

So let's get to it and #hashtag this biz with me and the ever amazing Lauren!

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First a little business. Here’s the scoop:

• Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
• Grab the button and include it in your post
•  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
•  Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
•  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
• Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

Aliriiiighty then...

|| Not going to lie, this week has been SUPER busy with work and thus I have no desire or time to do this post #sorrynotsorry #sorryiusethathashtageveryweek

 

|| 2014 was not that great a year for me - ok that's not true, it had it's moments but really, I'm not going to miss it #peaceout2014 #youwereabitch

|| Gunner ate a HUGE bag of M&Ms and an entire tray of Christmas cookies and candy on Friday night while I was away at my girls weekend. I had barely any service but the text about that made it through. Cue me balling hysterically that he was going to die. He didn't. He threw it all up on our door mat and was back to normal within a day or two #overreacctmuch #crazydogmom

 

|| This is the 3rd year in a row I am spending away from my boyfriend. I'm just now realizing how much that sucks #nokissforme #isthisabadsign?

|| All the bloggers out there are doing resolution and 2014 recap posts and I'm all over here like #whocares #notime #ohshitIsuckatblogging #maybeilldoonelater

|| No but really I have not been in my blogging prime lately and honestly I kind of see this space fizzling out. I might have to take a break for a while - debating on that #whatdoyouthink #sabatical?#ugh

|| I'm already out of things to say because I worked a 10 hour day and have a 14+ hour day ahead of me tomorrow (really today, new year's eve) so I have other things to focus on #tatafornow #worksucks

So I hope you have an amazing night ringing in the new year with your loved ones. I will be working at our indoor rodeo at work. It will be fun, but exhausting, and I will be missing those who I'd rather celebrate with. That pretty much sums up 2014 for me - good but not great.

Cheers to a new year and a new outlook! #HAPPYNEWYEAR


 

An InLinkz Link-up

It didn't feel like Christmas

 

Christmas has come and gone. It always makes me sad. So much build up and then “poof” it’s gone. Time to wait a whole other year for it to return.

Honestly it never felt like Christmas to me this year. I wasn’t excited, I didn’t have that fluttering heart I usually have, and even with the snow storm on Christmas eve, it still, to me, didn’t feel like it was here.

And now it’s gone. Before I even got a chance to let it warm me heart and soul – which I could have really used this year.

It’s not like it didn’t happen though, it did. We spent time with family, received many wonderful gifts and I even whisked away with friends to enjoy some of the time off at the cabin.

Christmas eve I took the day off to prep and bake cookies. Then my family and I braved a blizzard to drive to my aunt’s house in Emmett, about 45 minutes away. I ate and ate and ate, loved up on my cousins, and watched them enjoy many new gifts, including the matching dresses two of my little girl cousins received. They insisted on putting on a “show” afterwards as one of their brothers played the harmonica for their dance music.

Afterwards my parents dropped me off at the BF’s parents’ house for a second Christmas eve. More presents were exchanged and midnight (and Christmas) seemed to come quite quickly.

Christmas morning we headed to my parents’ house for Blood Mary’s, more gifts and a delicious brunch. 

We had barely gotten comfortable there when it was time to pick up and leave for the BF’s aunt and uncle’s for more family time, the best ham I’ve ever eaten, and long interesting discussion about ancestors.

It was not the most exciting of Christmases, but it was wonderful all the same.

I hope next year it hits me a little more – and that time slows down so I can actually enjoy it.

PS - I took a lot more photos with my new camera, but I haven't had a chance to upload them yet!

 

PPS - I also had a wonderful little girls’ trip over the weekend – but more on that later.

Cheers to yet another successful holiday and a happy new year!!!

TTFN,

Merry Everything

 

  Wishing you and yours the best on this day full of love.  

 

T'was the Night Before Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, #notevenamouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that #StNicholas soon would be there.

You know how the rest goes #noreasontobother.

But if you were here (or just reading) Merry Christmas #I'dhollar!

Go on to your families, go on with your #cheer,

 
And celebrate together that Santa’s #almosthere!

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An InLinkz Link-up

Christmas at the Bellagio | The Eve of the Eve

It's the eve of the eve!
 

What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than to take you into the winter wonderland I visited in the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens?
 

During my trip to Las Vegas I knew this had to be a stop. I had heard great things, and I was not disappointed.
 

Surrounded by flowers, twinkling lights, and bigger than life polar bears and penguins made of live flowers, it's hard not to be amazed. 

 

Made of all white carnations!

 

Even alone, snapping pictures (and selfies) I felt more spirited and happy about the season than I have all year!

 

They were freshening up the display with new white carnations.

It was one spectacular tree!

More information about the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio here.

 

Merry Christmas!

The Best White Elephant Gift of All Time

 

 

Have you ever had one of those amazing weekends that leaves you exhausted but happy and looking forward to your short 2 day week? And you go to bed early Sunday night, floating in happy memories of all the fun you had that holiday weekend full of friends and merriment? 

 

Then you proceed to have the worst night of sleep (or lack there of) of your entire year, and get up in tears because you feel so miserable? Just me? Ok well that's where I'm at this Monday. 

 

I did however have a fabulous weekend until said sleepless night.

 

Friday I took off work to have my nails done, get the dog groomed and cook and clean for our ugly sweater party that night.

 

 

The party was a huge success!  We had 30+ friends roll in at various times throughout the night. Mass quantities of holiday cheer was consumed (or booze if you want to get technical). I also made a special drink for all the guests and it was AMAZING! 

Hot Apple Pie (I made a half batch):

 - 24 pack Angry Orchard

 - 1 handle (half gal) Fire Ball

 - 1 bottle Migillicuddy's Apple Pie Liqueur

I heated the mixture over the stove and put it in an insulated dispenser. Holiday bliss!

Although the photo booth did not get taken advantage of quite as much as I had hoped, I did get a few great shots.

 

 

 

Even Gunner was sporting a sweater before he went and rolled in the mud.

 

 

 

Then Saturday night, after a day of cleaning and recovering, we had another holiday gathering to attend. It was a White Elephant gift exchange, and I have to say, I HANDS DOWN won the best gift award this year.

 

Are you ready for this????

 

I give you the boobie mug. Complete with Milk Duds.

 

 

 

BEST WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EVER. Thanks to Dad who had it wrapped up in a closet for the last 30 years.

 

Sunday I did some last minute Christmas shopping and wrapping and then enjoyed a steak dinner at my parents' house.

 

Basically it was the perfect weekend until I tried to go to sleep last night.

 

Ugh.

 

 Three days till Christmas!!!!! (Trying to be optimistic here, can you tell?)

How to Throw an Epic Ugly Sweater Party

In case you aren’t aware – ugly sweater parties are the new “it” thing for the holiday season. I know shocking right?

I am hosting my second annual USP tomorrow night, the first of which was a huge success. It makes you feel pretty darn good when people starting asking you “are you having that Christmas party again?” starting in November. So the Second Annual Holiday Extravaganza has been in the works for over a month.

Exhibit A

When throwing an epic Ugly Sweater Party (USP) there are a few things that are absolutely necessary to make it a memorable night for everyone (although I know a few don’t remember last year if you know what I mean, see Exhibit A).

Let’s take it from the top:

ONE | SWEATER  - It may be a little obvious, but you need a kick ass sweater. These days, with USPs being such a fad, you can find them just about anywhere. I prefer the good ol’ thrift shop sweater – a classic Christmas mess. Add your own battery powered lights and you have a majestic unicorn of a sweater. I have two this year – for my party and one other.

TWO | PHOTO BOOTH - No USP is complete without a photo booth/photo station. Set it up in a room away from the main party, add some cheap wrapping paper and lights as background and voilà, a photo booth! Add silly Christmas props to top off the fun. You can leave a camera to capture the moments, or just have people use their cell phones. Take it a step farther and create a hashtag!!! I know – mind blown right?

THREE | PRIZES - In order to get your company excited and creative with their attire you need to offer prizes for the best sweater! Last year the party got a little crazy and I never actually awarded the winner. This year however I have prizes for the best dressed guy and gal! What’s more fun than a little competition eh?

FOUR | REFRESHMENTS – I set up my party as BYOB, with additional food and beverages to share as optional. If you are a more gracious host, load up on some holiday ales, champagne and spirits to get the party started. Last year I offered “Santa Shots.” They were extremely hard to pour to have them stay in pretty layers and they tasted a bit like straight peppermint, but hey, I tried! This year we might do hot Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack  Tennessee cider.

Santa Shot | Source

FIVE | GAMES – I highly recommend some form of entertainment at every party. What better way to laugh and enjoy each other’s company than some good ol’ Cards Against Humanity? They have Christmas Expansion packs to get you in the mood for the holiday season!!! Other card games/drinking games are also a hit. I recommend having plenty of seating! We always set up at least two tables for games.

Got to love CAH | Source

SIX | HOLIDAY ENVIRONMENT - Again, this may be fairly obvious, but the look and feel of your party location is important. I always put up additional lights, have some festive candles burning, and of course have music playing in the background. This is your excuse to go all out with your Christmas décor!

Make sure you have those six things and you are well on your way to being the USP host of the year! I can’t wait to share this year’s photos with you – assuming I survive another year!

Here’s to hoping all your holiday parties are  a hit this year!

Cheers!

TTFN,