The Christmas Tag 2018

This tag was sent to me by Stuart, if you haven’t read his tag, it’s here. He blogs about life but the honesty behind his words will always leave your heart feeling full – such great content. And I have been very blessed to have connected through this outlet with him. Thank you again for this tag Stuart!

HERE ARE THE RULES:

  1. You must thank the person who nominated you
  2. Link back to the original post (the one on this blog) and use the graphic provided.
  3. Answer the questions given
  4. Nominate at least 3 people. (or more if your feeling like a nice person)
  5. Give the nominees 10 questions to answer (or use the ones previously given)
  6. HAVE FUN!

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS:

1. What present did you always want as a child and never received?

Great question, unfortunately, the answer will seem a little complex. Growing up in a low income household, I was taught to appreciate the little things. I didn’t know what was the ‘hottest’ toy and didn’t know what I was ‘missing out’ on. All I know is that, one Christmas I received a Cabbage Patch Doll – I may have been 5 years old, it was the best Christmas, I loved it so much. And I am fortunate to have a mother who held on to it. When I had my oldest daughter, my mother gave it to me. I still have it.

2. What are your top 5 Christmas movies?

I’ll link the post I did here of our families favorite movies to watch this time of year. I’ll will tell you, Home Alone 1 and 2 is always on replay, especially this time of year. And if you don’t know, Macaulay Culkin teamed up with Google to recreate some of the most famous scenes, so if you haven’t watched it – you must!

3. Out of all the Christmas songs, which one makes you truly joyful?

So easy, hands down ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ from Bobby Helms! Love it! A close second, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ from Mariah Carrey, because you know, she’s fabulous darling!

4. What special memory do you have of Christmas morning, as a parent?

Making our very special Christmas breakfast. We go all out, making sure it is the most special breakfast, it’s a brunch, with all the toppings the little ones tummy can absorb. I make pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, and plenty of toppings, whip cream, chocolate chips, strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, etc. It’s a messy house, filled with the blessing of having an assortment of food.

5. What was your favorite Christmas gift?

My Kitchen Aid mixer, my husband gifted me the beauty about 4 years ago! It’s heaven for baking, HEAVEN!

6. At what age did you realize that Santa was not real?

I didn’t grow up with Santa, so I’m good! I was taught from teeny tiny, that Jesus brought us the gifts through our parents. I’m not trying my very best to instill that in my own kids, so not to disappointment them later. Hehe.

7. How long do you stay awake Christmas Eve setting everything up for the kids?

Is just Hispanics – aka Mua, but traditionally, we stay up all night and open gifts at midnight. Because of my condition, known as Chiari + Syringomyelia it’s getting tough to keep up to do that. We do try though, open gifts late on the 24th and then our family opens stockings Christmas Day after the breakfast I told you about in number 4.

8. What traditions have you and your spouse made for your marriage on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Not to focus on gifts for one another. We are our own special gifts, try our best to do better for one another, and promise to love one another as we are, flaws and all.

9. Are you a all year Christmas shopper or a last minute shopper?

I’m an Amazon Prime ‘Christmas shopper.’ However, we’re moving really soon, like next week soon – please pray for my sanity, and well, my Christmas shopping will be done literally last minute. And I won’t share more, because it’s too shocking to even say! Eek!

10. What is the hardest thing you have ever had to put together for your kids to enjoy once they woke up?

Haha! Last year, I so brilliantly wanted to gift the kids a mini kitchen, you’ve seen them, the one with the stove and the faucet made to resemble your own kitchen, they’re so cute. To put together, not so much! I had received it weeks ahead of Christmas, we manage to get someone to take the kids out of the house while we build it on the 22nd, and when I opened the box the ‘counter’ wood piece was cracked! Ugh! But, thanks to baby Jesus for my quick thinking, I went to the store and picked up some Marble Self Adhesive Liner. The kitchen finished off with a gray ‘marble’ counter top, and what the heck, I also lined did the insides of the cabinets, including the ‘microwave.’ And, ok fine, I spray painted the white kitchen handles in gold! Because I’m a tiny bit insane like that. Again, very cute, very much a hassle!

HERE ARE MY NOMINEES:

Bereaved Single Dad

The Eclectic Contrarian

Sparkkling Thoughts

My Namaste 365

Thank you to my nominees in advance for participating, please just answer the same questions. Happy Day to all!

Ana

Nail File Friday’s: Easy Red and Silver French Manicure

With the classic french manicure in mind, the whites and the pinks, I did this red with silver glitter look. It’s a little outside the box from the traditional french, but still so pretty and festive for this time of year.

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

If you want to see more on this look, please check out my YouTube channel and subscribe!

Happy Friday to all!

A-

Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC

Reblog Wednesday: Gratitude — Tales from the Mama Duck

So, this here doesn’t require too many words. It left me speechless when I first read it and it’s leaving me speechless now. It’s so incredibly true, a picture is indeed ‘worth a thousand words.’ The post I share with you today is by the incredible blogger over at Family 5 Power – go over to her site and continue to enjoy her other incredible content!

Thank you Mama Duck for another reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Ana-

“Let us thank God for his priceless gift!” 2 Corinthians 15:9 GNT

via Gratitude — Tales from the Mama Duck

Find limited-edition palettes, minis and more beauty gifts to give at NORDSTROM.