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Here we are, the last day of Blogmas and CHRISTMAS. I hope everyone has had a wonderful day with family and friends. I know it’s been so nice getting to see everyone that I don’t typically get to see! This year I participated in Abigail and Cathleen‘s Blogger Secret Santa! I love this gift swap because you’ll likely get to shop for one of your favorite blogger friends. I’ll be linking to my blogger Secret Santa once her post goes live, but until then you can check out the gifts I got for Kayla last year here. You can also see all of the other amazing bloggers who participated this year over on Abigail’s blog here.
My Blogger Secret Santa this year was Alyssa from Living In Full Bloom! Her gifts were so perfect and I am so thankful and grateful. Thank you so much, Alyssa. You are a gem and you absolutely nailed it. Be sure to check out her blog, like her page on Facebook, check out her Instagram feed, and follow along with her tweets; she has wonderful content and I’ve been following her blog for a hot minute.
Now, let’s get to the gifts.
Disclaimer: clearly, the holiday season is not about gifts. The best part of this gift exchange is that you get to build a stronger connection with other bloggers in the community. Although, my new keychain is baller; it was also a ton of fun writing/reading the notes that went along with the gifts!
I currently have a huge bean boot keychain on my keys which is the perfect signal when I’m trying to find my keys after I’ve thrown them in my big tote or bookbag. But, I was in need of a new larger keychain that will still make my keys easy to find. I asked for this adorable one and Alyssa came through. As you know, I basically inhale coffee during the school year, and so this quote really resonated with me. Life happens, coffee helps. So dang true.
The Cutest Keychain
I’m also a huge fan of nude nails. I don’t think I’ve ever written that or posted it anywhere. But, when I’m not feeling attached to any color in particular at the nail salon, I always go for a nude color. This Essie nail polish in the shade topless and barefoot is the perfect nude pink for that classy nail color. It will be my go to graduate school interview color; simple and understated.
A Pinky Nude Essie Nail Polish
I also really love face/mud masks. The Shea Moisture masks are the best and seriously get whatever job they say they are trying to achieve done. Dull skin is literally the most common skin problem that I have in the winter along with the dryness. I always pick up moisturizing face masks but have never thought to pick something like this up. I’m excited to try this one out. I also think the texture of the mud masks is so funny. I’ll probably use this closer to starting school so that it can be part of my pre-first-day-of-class ritual.
Radiance Mud Mask
I’ve also been pushing myself to wear more jewelry. I always buy a ton of cute pieces, but never actually end up wearing a lot of it. I tend to go for my go to pieces which are commonly featured on my Instagram. The all-black look has become a common theme in my wardrobe and so these earrings are perfect to keep that trend going. I keep my hair pretty short and so I love experimenting with bigger earrings for my statement look.
Black Statement Studs
All the Candy!
No one can go wrong with candy, because I pretty much eat any type of candy. I have a mad sweet tooth. Alyssa was able to pick out my favorite candy, Sour Patch Kids, without any help from me. I’m the worst at making Secret Santa lists. These came in handy for when Hannah and I went to see Coco right after I took these pictures. Pro tip: sneak these boxes of candy in your purse and you have a cheaper snack option ready to go. Also, Coco is the cutest movie and the visuals are incredible. I don’t ever cry at movies and this one almost got me. For a children’s film, I’d say that’s pretty incredible.
Lastly, Alyssa included a cute card with a sweet note. I love blogger mail and have to get in on a blogger Christmas card swap in the future. Hannah and I are the worst and haven’t even sent out our cards out. We have a couple of extras and would love to send some to more people; DM us your address if you want one! I guess we can just go with the holiday/winter card thing. Yikes. You can see what they turned out like here.
The holidays always finds a way to bring people together. I’m a huge fan of the Blogger Secret Santa gift swap and can’t wait to participate again next year! Does anyone else seem to have a go-to Secret Santa gift? I seem to always be drawn to cute mugs, especially with initials and sayings. I think it’s because I’m always reaching for cute mugs and then talk myself out of it. Who needs more than 10 mugs anyway?
Blogmas was fun, but I’m ready to go back to my weekly schedule. And this 2018 content is about to be killer. Let’s get it. I’m ready for you 2018.
keep on keepin’ on,
