Laina Turner's Blog, page 64

Happy Christmas Eve

As a kid, I loved Christmas Eve almost more than Christmas. It didn’t have Santa of course, a belief I pretended to hold on to for many years until my mom finally called me out on it, but I was angling for the maximum amount of presents. I wasn’t a stupid kid by any means. But Christmas Eve in my family was full of great traditions that as a child I found so fun and exciting.

I was an only child, and my mom was an only child. So on my moms side of the family I was the only grandchild (score). On my dads side of the family, he was the youngest by 10 years, so I was the youngest grandchild AND the only one who lived in the state (score again).

We would get dressed in our fancy Christmas church clothes by late afternoon, and the grandparents would come over to our house. We would have snack foods. Classics like ham roll ups and bologna and cheese (we were such high falutin people). And the most important Hawaiian punch mixed with 7 Up and just hang out before heading to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at church.

When we got back from the church service would once again pull out the snack food and light a fire in the fireplace and then we would open the presents from each other. As I type this post, I can vividly recall the image in my head of a huge tree covered with icicles (I loved those things) presents piled underneath and handing them out to my family. The evening would usually conclude with my dancing or singing for everyone; I was always the entertainer, or my dad bringing out his guitar and playing everyone’s favorites.

I remember being forced to go to sleep and even though I didn’t want to miss any of the fun that was going on I was even more excited to be able to go to sleep so I could wake up early for Santa. The next morning my grandparents would be back over – early – to watch me open my presents from Santa. My grandmothers would make breakfast and then we would have a big late lunch. There would be tons of food and presents and fun.

The family isn’t so large now and my kids don’t have the same exact holiday experiences that I had, which sometimes saddens me, but we have our own which I hope are ones they will be able to recall and cherish 30 years from now.

What are the Christmas traditions you remember most from childhood?

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24 Times When It’s Better To Fake It!

Okay, okay… get your head out of the gutter. I’m not talking about THOSE WAYS to fake it! But there are many occasions when it’s quite possibly better to use the fake version of something instead of the real one. For example… an artificial Christmas tree vs. a real one?

I’ve always been partial to real trees. Growing up, my parents alternated years between having a real one and putting up the fake one. I was always a little bummed out when they used the fake one — it just didn’t have that fresh pine scent that put me in the holiday spirit. As a mom myself now, we have always gone with the real thing. BUT as I sit here two days before Christmas, looking at the hundreds of pine shavings all over my newly refinished wood floors, I’m starting to question my stance. I already know that this tree will get kicked to the curb on the 26th! I do love the real thing, but there’s no doubt that an artificial tree can be just as beautiful, less pricey in the long term and far less maintenance! 

So, with that, here’s a fun list of 24 times when it’s better to fake it (including getting that artificial Christmas tree)! What do you think? Do you agree with all of these?

Graphic via Treetopia.

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Stepping back to move forward

 

I admit I have a Type A personality (shocker). I looked for a few minutes to find a semi-flattering definition of a Type A personality only to find out they don’t much exist. A Type A personality is often defined by the following characteristics:

…ambitious, rigidly organized, highly status-conscious, sensitive, impatient, take on more than they can handle, want other people to get to the point, anxious, proactive, concerned with time management, often high-achieving “workaholics” who multi-task, push themselves with deadlines, and hate both delays and ambivalence…

Yeah….I don’t much like the fact that I have been at times all of these things. I guess the positive is I understand this about myself. I’ve never been a stop and smell the roses kind of gal. I’ve always had more of an ok that’s nice, now what’s next mentality. I’ve had people mention on occasion (many occasions) that I don’t need to try and accomplish so much. That I should slow down and enjoy the ride. But it’s hard. 2014 has been incredibly busy. I look back and can’t even begin to understand how I made it through without going crazy. Right now, 2015 doesn’t show any signs of slowing down which kind of scares me. I know I can handle it, but there were several times in 2014 I wasn’t happy because of my workload, and I don’t want 2015 to be like that. Also, I’m getting married in July, which will just add more to my plate,. I admit the thought of all I feel I need in to accomplish in 2015 stresses me out. So I decided to do something I’ve never done before.

Related post: Planning to Plan

Slow…..down (crazy talk, right).

Objectively, I realize some of my activities are self-imposed because of some crazy timeline I have in my head. The rational me understands I’m ridiculous trying to cram all I’ve been playing to into this year.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on what I can give up and put off until I have more time. But it’s a struggle. I decide to take something off my plate and then find myself trying to convince myself that I should just go ahead and do it. That I’ll figure out a way to get it done. But I can’t without driving myself crazy and I don’t want to be crazy.

I want to enjoy my life and to plan my wedding and the trip in March we are taking to Ireland and not worry about all the million things I need to do. I don’t want to watch life zip by as I’m too busy to enjoy it.

To take a step back will be the biggest challenge for me ever but I think I’m up for it!

How do you not take on too much?

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Grandma’s Date Balls

We all have things that are must haves during the holidays. Whether because it’s tradition or reminds of something or someone, it’s important. For me, one of those things at Christmas time is a yummy recipe my grandmother used to make called Date Balls. I know what you might be thinking… it doesn’t sound all that glamorous for a holiday treat, but I swear these are the BEST THINGS EVER. I could and have (and did-almost), eat the entire batch. Not only does the dessert itself conjure up memories of Christmas past, but I can vividly remember the blue and white tin my grandmother always put them in. Until recently (the last time we moved) I still had that tin. However, since it was tin it finally got so rusty it wasn’t usable. I always find it interesting how our memories are often triggered by a song or a smell or in this case a certain food. It’s great to be able to relive these times and while a little sad that some of the people in those memories are no longer with us those memories will always be cherished.

 

 

More yummy treats:

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Nutter Butter Marshmallow Treats

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Buy A Pair of New Shoes & Support TOMS One-For-One Giving Program

In case you’re not aware, TOMS is a shoe company that was founded by Blake Mycoskie in 2011. In 2006, he visited children in a small village in Argentina and saw that the children didn’t have sufficient shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS  — a company that will match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes for a child in need.

TOMS has given more than 35 million pairs of new shoes to children in need and has also helped restore sight to over 250,000 people. TOMS is truly a company that is in business to help improve lives. And as a bonus, they have a huge selection of styles and their shoes are super comfortable. 

If you’re in the giving spirit this holiday, consider purchasing a pair of TOMS shoes and feel good knowing that you’re also donating a pair to someone in need.

Classic Canvas Slip-On for Women

TOMS – TOMS Classic Canvas Navy Slip-On Women 10 – $43.75, Free shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

 

Classic Canvas Slip-On for Men

TOMS – TOMS ‘Classic’ Canvas Slip-On (Men) – $49.99, Free shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

(57 reviews)

 

Jutti Suede Ballerina Flat

TOMS – Jutti Suede Ballerina Flat – TOMS – Black (39.5B/9.5B) – $84.00, Free shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

 

Desert Suede Wedge Bootie

TOMS – Women’s TOMS ‘Desert’ Suede Wedge Bootie – $88.95, Free shipping – Available at Nordstrom

 

Alpa Boot

TOMS – TOMS ‘Alpa’ Boot (Women) Womens Dark Grey – $99.00, Free shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

 

TOMS ‘Classic’ Crochet Slip-On (Women)

TOMS – TOMS ‘Classic’ Crochet Slip-On (Women) – $55.00, See Site shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

(348 reviews)

 

TOMS – Women’s Classic – Boucle Slippers

TOMS – Women’s TOMS ‘Classic – Boucle Slippers – $48.95, Free shipping – Available at Nordstrom

 

TOMS – TOMS ‘Nepal’ Boot (Women)

TOMS – TOMS ‘Nepal’ Boot (Women) Womens Black Suede – $113.95, Free shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

(32 reviews)

 

TOMS Burlap Slip-On (Women)

TOMS – TOMS Burlap Slip-On (Women) – $49.95, Free shipping – Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

(119 reviews)

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Fab 5 Friday

Here are just a few of my fav posts from this past week. Now off to finish my Christmas shopping!

Minimalist Baker – 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars…I love me some peanut butter.

The Nectar Collective – What Are Your Blogging Goals For 2015…I’m working on my goals. Are you?

Gimme Some Over – Vegetable Beef Soup…love soup in the winter.

Studio DIY – DIY Christmas Stockings…what a fun idea.

Mandy Leigh – 25 Lifestyle Post Ideas…a helpful resource for those days when you can’t think.

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Be Festive In Red This Holiday Season

We recently posted about wearing red during the holidays. Not everyone feels like they can pull off the bold color, but during the holiday season, I think it looks great on everyone! So, try something different and be festive in red! Check out some of our favorite red style picks for this holiday season: 

Little Red Dress

Everyone has their go-to little black dress in their closet. Why not have one in red for this time of year?

Wantdo Women – Ilady Women’s Sexy Red Gradient Christmas Party Bandage Dresses H035(L) – $92.74, Free shipping – Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

 

Spencer High Heels

A festive pair of high heels can really enhance your holiday outfit.

Rsvp – rsvp Spencer High Heels (Red) – $31.99, Free shipping – Available at 6pm.com

 

Classic Crossbody Purse

And what about your favorite accessory? A bright colored purse is perfect!

Tory Burch – Amanda Classic Crossbody – $289.00, Free shipping – Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

(35 reviews)

 

Solid Woven Cashmere Scarf

Another accessory that can really add to any outfit — a cashmere red scarf. 

Nordstrom – Women’s Nordstrom Solid Woven Cashmere Scarf – $73.50, Free shipping – Available at Nordstrom

(38 reviews)

 

L’Oreal – Colour Riche Lipstick, True Red 315

Wearing red doesn’t necessary have to come from your outfit. Accessorize with red lipstick!

L’Oreal – Colour Riche Lipstick, True Red 315, 0.13 oz (3.6 g) Gilded Pink;Mystic Mauve;Mica;Mulberry;Silverstone;Bronze Coin;Brazil Nut;Spice – $5.99, 5.48 shipping – Available at Amazon.com

 

Pull on Boots

Spruce up your shoe wardrobe with a pair of red pull-on boots. Super comfortable and stylish. 

Eric Michael – Laguna Women’s Pull-on Boots – Red – $124.99, Free shipping – Available at 6pm.com

 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

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What I Did This Weekend

I had THE BEST time last weekend with my soon to be hubs. My friend Michele, who I’ve been friends with since 2nd grade (and that is a long, long time for me) got married. Not only was the wedding absolutely gorgeous, she had this amazing winter wonderland type theme all in silver and white. There were these gorgeous silver trees with hanging icicles. It was simple and classy and just beautiful. Her wedding cake was made out of Rice Krispy treats. Such an original idea and look super cool!

What made the weekend over the top, besides the wedding, is I got the chance to see people I hadn’t seen in years and years and years. Some of these folks I hadn’t seen in person since the 80’s (yeah LONG time). Time flies by so fast but with good friends you can just slip right back in to easy conversation. And of course Facebook makes it feel like we saw each other yesterday.

I am so grateful I was able to reconnect and make a solemn vow NOT to let another25 years go by before I see them again.

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Holiday Style

I’m not a huge wearer of red. I like the color; I just don’t think it looks all that great on me. But this time of year I can’t help myself but want all things red and sparkly. I have seen so many more people out and about in red. It’s festive and fun!

How about you?

Do you like red for the holidays?

 

For Laina by morris-kim featuring Guerlain

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

the last couple months has been a plethora of recipes containing pumpkin. On this blog and many others. I, for one, can never get enough pumpkin and am always looking for easy ways to sneak it in. A few weeks ago I posted a recipe on Espresso Bellavitano Crescent Rolls and it got me thinking about a pumpkin version.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls 2014-12-14 19:33:24






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Prep Time
10 min

Prep Time
10 min
Ingredients 1 can of crescent rolls (the pumpkin filling will fill 32 crescents - 4 cans or you can freeze the remaining filling for later which is what I did) Small can of pumpkin pie filling 2 eggs 1 tbsp of cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1tsp nutmeg 8oz cream cheese - softened
Instructions Preheat over to 350. Place crescents on ungreased cookie sheet. Mix all remaining ingredients thoroughly. Spoon a generous amount of filling on crescents and spread evenly. Roll up crescents and place in oven Cook 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Laina Turner http://www.lainaturner.com/

These were really easy to make and very tasty as a dessert and the next morning with my coffee.

 

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