Kitsch Vixen

Countdown to Kitschmas: The 2013 Christmas Tag

Pretty sweet scanned in picture of my parents and I from the early 90s! P.S. Mom and I are wearing the same dress because we are the best and you should be jealous.

1. Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or synthetic?
This is actually the first year I've ever had a synthetic tree! I've always loved having a real tree because of the amazing smell, but who knows, I might love having a synthetic one (plus, I bought an Evergreen and a Balsam candle as well as a few other Christmas-y smelling ones).

2. You're in a coffee shop, it's December, what do you pick?
I'm an iced coffee lover all the way. People used to think I was nuts when I worked at the mall because I would buy an iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts and then go sit outside in the freezing cold and smoke (fun fact: I've been cigarette free since March 8th of this year!!). I also really like the chai lattes from a local coffee shop in Connecticut I used to frequent and the pumpkin spice lattes that Starbucks has. I just found out that the Starbucks in Japan don't have them though! Wompwomp.

3. What’s your favourite colour scheme for decorating the tree?
I've never had a colour scheme! My family loves really odd ornaments, so our trees have always been a mix of different colors. Ryan and I are keeping on with that, too.

4. Giving or receiving?
Well, I always love getting presents, (who doesn't?) but shopping for other people always makes me really happy! I love hunting for people-specific gifts that still have my kitschy flair and when someone loves something I've gotten them, it's one of the best feelings in the world, IMO.

5. To mince pie or not to?
Uhh, not to.

6. What's your traditional Christmas lunch?
Ham. Ham and sweet potatoes and corn and rolls and carrots. Pumpkin pie to follow. Mmmm...

7. Christmas day fashion?
PJs until I need to go out. Then I really like Christmas-y dresses and ugly sweaters.

8. What's your favourite Christmas song?
December is for Cynics by The Matches!

9. What's your favourite Christmas film?
This is a really difficult choice. As a kid, I would watch The Nightmare Before Christmas over and over and over throughout the fall up until Christmas. It's really the only favorite that I have that is actually a Christmas-y movie.

10. Open presents before or after lunch?
Before! Stockings during Breakfast time and then under-the-tree presents after that.

Makeup Pixi3 created this tag! I tag you all and remember that if you do, please link your post or comment with your answers down below!

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December 2013 Goals

#TBT: When Ryan and I went to Elendan Gardens on Halloween of 2010. This was right before he proposed!

During November, I didn't make a list of goals and unfortunately I didn't accomplish much at all in October. My anxiety has been going up and down a whole bunch in the past few months, but I'm hoping that in December I can channel that energy into completing the stuff on this list!

Keep up with a normal sleep schedule
So far, it's not so good. Along with not accomplishing much, my anxiety has also been negatively affecting my ability to sleep (more than usual). I was told by a friend that I should pretty much just sleep when I'm tired and eventually my body should be able to regulate my schedule again. That's now my plan. I may change this goal to "revert back to a normal sleep schedule," but for now I'll keep it as is.
Bake
I really do enjoy baking, and what's a better time to do it than the holidays?! I'm thinking cookies and pies, for sure.
Organize hallway closet
Our hallway closet is a mess. We pretty much just have bits and bobs thrown in there, but since it's a super large closet with shelves and everything, it's going to get overwhelming soon if we don't figure out a system for it. I figure this will be at the end of the month when we need to pack up our Christmas stuff.
Decorate the apartment
Hooray for this being our first Christmas living in our own place together! We can't really go all out like we'd like to because of budgeting (since we literally are starting at zero Christmas decorations), but even just stringing up some lights, adding a wreath to the door, and putting together the tree will do!
Plan a giveaway
I've been storing some things away for my next giveaway and I'd like to do one before the end of this year!
Blog more often
Again, this is something very much affected by my anxiety. I've been planning out posts and taking pictures of things, but I need to get everything together. I'm working on a bunch of holiday-themed stuff for Kitsch Vixen right now though! (It hasn't all been my anxiety! I've been having trouble with lighting in my pictures, my skin acting weird, the skin tag under my eye, and still trying to perfect close up shots without a close up lens for my camera. This month will be better, I'm optimistic!)
Read a full book
I might cheat on this goal since I'm expecting a few cute holiday books. Depending on how many things I plan to do for the blog and how everything pans out, I may not have the time to get through a full length novel (I'll also blame the fact that I'm marathoning Charmed). If that's what ends up happening, I'll definitely still read a book, whether it be a super short one or a makeup book that I'm partially through already!
Decide on my next hair transformation
I'm debating whether I should keep on with the pink and blue or change it up the next time I go to get my hair done. Half black and half white has really been my dream hair for years, but I know from experience how much of a pain black can be to get out of hair if/when I want to change it up again. What do you guys think?!
Marathon the Die Hard movies again
Yep. I think I know what I'm doing on Christmas Eve! Haha.
Curl my hair
This and the previous goal are both from my 24 Before 25 list. I think that Christmas would be a great time to actually style my hair instead of just quickly brushing it and throwing it into a bun like I always do.

So, what are your goals this month?

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Small Business Saturday

Happy Small Business Saturday, everyone! I think out of this whole ridiculous four day weekend of money hemorrhaging, Small Business Saturday is by far my favorite. As much as I adore hunting for amazing deals, I love supporting small businesses even more! I may be biased since my parents own a book shop (pictured above), but what's better than endorsing small businesses or buying local? Anywhooo, I've compiled a list of a fraction of my favorite etsy shops for you guys to check out!

The Tiny Hobo: Brooches, Necklaces, Earrings, Rings, Art Prints

Silent Daisy: Blogger Templates, Graphic Design, Photoshop & LR Presets

Shop of Worldly Delight: Brooches, Keychains, Plushes/Dolls, Bookmarks, Bows, Scarves, Ornaments

The Floral Prince: Art, Vintage Clothing, Handmade Clothing, Brooches

Modern Girl Blitz: Brooches, Jewelry, Buttons, Pocket Mirrors, Tote Bags, Zine, Art

Nerd Burger Jewellery: Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings, Hairbows, Brooches, Handmade Clothing

And here's Mystery On Main Street!

You can always order (any type of) books via phone or email if you can't visit locally. (Shameless family promotion!)

I hope you all shop at least one small business sometime this holiday season! Let me know what your favorites are!

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