12 Days of Christmas: Days 7 & 8

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY

Yeah....right! I *wish* I had all this spare time to craft or make things. While I have the desire to be creative, I lack the motivation. The only thing I've done this year so far was I taped Christmas cards to our door in the shape of a tree. That's not exactly creative... is it!?

While I'd love to say that I made my own stockings or glued some ornaments together and whipped up a wreath, it's just not happening. Maybe one year, but not this one!

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

• Cleaning!
• Taking down the Christmas tree (Can we leave it up all year?!)
• Returning unnecessary or unwanted gifts (While I appreciate the thought, it can be way obvious that the gift was either a re-gift, an after thought or just something cheap that was picked up! I'd rather get nothing than something that is useless.)
  
• Going Back to work

Wanted: Christmas Cards?

If you're reading this, I want to send *you* a Holiday Card! I don't know if you realize, but I'm kind of obsessed with sending snail mail. I've already sent out about 25 cards, I just ordered my free 50 holiday cards from Shutterfly (we used pictures of the puppies!), and I have another two boxes of cards to go! Writing cards and letters is one way that I pass the time when I'm working bored.

Email me your contact information and I'll send you a pretty card!

Krystal@Krystalskitsch.com

12 Days of Christmas: Day 6

Day 6: Gift ideas ... For ME!!

1. Seriously, I need a new black leather handbag. My Coach, bless its heart, has been with me since COLLEGE (undergraduate at that) and is ready to be retired. Sure, I have totes and wristlets and other handbag type things...but I really need a going out, every day type of bag.

I'll accept Coach...

Marc Jacobs...

Hell, I'd even take a Juicy as long as it wasn't velour and hot pink.

2. Vera Bradley tote in Baroque. This is not just a want--it's a necessity.

3. Target flats. ALL of them. I refuse to wear high heels to work anymore (I was having weird back pain...and now I'm not...so I don't want to start that again!), and I just love Target's ruffly glittery flats.

These match my coat...

4. Betsey Johnson. Her jewelry is adorable. I need it in my life.

5. Diamond bracelet. It's one piece of jewelry that I don't own.

6. Jewelry Armoire

7. Postcards, Stamps, Notecards--Anything and everything. I send mail A LOT and I love vintage postcards, Anne Taintor cards and notecards...

Especially this postcard set from Penguin books -- it's vintage book covers!

8. Desk organization things--like a magazine holder or rack type deal

9. iPhone case--has to be a "hard" one since I drop my phone all the time. Feel free to splurge and get me a designer one...

10. Crystal punch bowl set

I don't care if it's from a second hand store...I just want one badly! It's not like I'm entertaining guests at home that often, but the idea of making some sort of spiked punch and serving it in crystal just makes me happy.

On a more personal note, I do have a wedding registry with pretty amazing things on it. Like a Keurig coffee maker. And a whisk. And a hand mixer. And a food processor. All things that I need and want. They might not be as fun as a Coach bag, but I do want these items nonetheless.

Maybe I'll get lucky this Christmas and get a good mix of personal gifts and things that I want need for the house!

Happy Shopping! :)

12 Days of Christmas: Days 4 & 5

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

I think a lot of great advice has already been shared, but here's my take on it!

*Develop a shopping list that is for your core people (parents, spouse/boyfriend, close friends) *early* in the year! Sales are not just on Black Friday people--they are year-round! I'm done shopping for everyone my core list (except my fiance') & I have been since about October.
*Sites like Ebates and MyPoints were helpful in racking up cash back for purchases (or points, in the case of MyPoints). I have made $30 back from my online purchases from Ebates and I've received about three $25 gift cards for my favorite restaurants from MyPoints! Those gift cards have come in handy on date nights.
*Daily Deal sites like One Kings Lane, Ideeli and RueLaLa have been quite kind this year! One Kings Lane and RueLaLa were giving new users a $20 credit which I promptly used for gifts. One Kings Lane has housewares--even though it's discounted, it can still be pricey--but that $20 credit was awesome! Even without those credits, these sites are still a good place to look for handbags, jewelry and even clothes (if you're the type of person to give those things to your family and friends!).
*One thing I always seem to do is to have gifts just on hand. Using coupons or browsing clearance racks which usually have such cute things (especially at Target!), I always have pretty cool gifts for anyone at anytime. Now, this might not sound like a "personal" way to gift friends and family gifts, but it's really handy to have some cute gifts around at all times for acquaintances, office pals or neighbors. You never want to be caught empty handed! It also cuts down on the extra frivolous gift shopping I have to do this season. Like I said, everyone is *done!*

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Loving this topic! I have too many to share :)


Cried every time I watched this!


A classic, how could you not *love* this?!


Too cute. Love Tim Allen!


It's so bad...it's good!


Again, another classic.


Makes me laugh every time I watch it!


Love it.


Another movie where I just cry but it's sooo good!


I really liked this movie, but I haven't heard many other people who have seen it.

&, last but certainly not least,

GREMLINS!! Ahh!!

& a very Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

I'm exhausted -- not going to lie! I, for one, can no longer hang like I used to. I am very lucky to have five days off from work (not going back until Monday!) and I am very grateful for this holiday.

You all know the night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest party nights of the year, right? Everyone is back in town to see their families, no one is working, etc. I was trying to steer clear of a crazy binge drinking fest, so I was was happy to hear that half of one of my favorite bands (Sister Hazel) were going to perform an acoustic set at a nice bar/club/restaurant nearby.

Drew & Ken of Sister Hazel

It was a total blast but between the free drink here, a shot there, some sushi and some cocktails...my "tame" evening became quite the opposite.

Needless to say my Thanksgiving was spent exhausted with a severe lack of appetite.

But, overall, what a cute day we had!

Since the hubby-to-be has an interesting work schedule, he was working this evening. We opted for a Thanksgiving lunch with my parents at one of our favorite restaurants--Whiskey Joe's.


Our view

I don't want to rub it in, but Florida's weather has been kind of amazing lately. It's warm and sunny with no rain. It's beautiful. I can only hope that my birthday weather holds up to be the same, and I can enjoy some beach time...in December!

We aren't a traditional bunch. We skipped the turkey and all the fixings menu and he ordered a beer can chicken. It was really good!

My meal wasn't as fun to look at -- I was craving some fried fish and french fries. So, so bad.

I'm trying to relax for the rest of the night. I do believe we will be hitting up Kohl's at 3 a.m. to hopefully get some attire for our groomsmen!

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday!!

And, because I forgot to post this last week, JENGA!

Our favorite local bar now has "life size" Jenga. It did turn out to be life size. When we were done with it, it was taller than me before it toppled!

From another night. It was huge!

12 Days of Christmas Catch Up

How could I *not* participate in this little link up!? The topics are so cute! I'm going to do three days in one post.

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

When I was little, we always had large Christmas' at both sets of grandparents houses. As we all got older and people passed on, things have kind of slowed down.

The two things that I remember loving growing up was playing 31 and getting our "crackers!"

31 is a card game and we all put in a dollar to the pot to start. You get dealt three cards and the idea is to get as close to 31 as possible. Here are the instructions because it's been so long -- I'm a little foggy on the rules! :) | How to Play 31

We would be up late playing this game and sometimes I would beat all the adults and take home that big pot. I wonder if they were letting me win?

The Christmas Crackers are a British thing that my grandparents started handing out. Inside was a paper crown, a silly toy, some jokes, etc. When you pull it open, it makes a big POP. I loved these when I was little. I tried bringing them back last year, but I think I was the only one amused by them!

I can't wait to have a family so I can start new traditions. :)

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

I'm by nature a thrifty shopper so my Black Friday shopping experience is few and far between. I usually score pretty great deals year round and nothing on Black Friday has really stuck out as being that great of a deal.

This year, however, is a whole new ball game! With groomsmen to dress and wedding items to purchase, a Black Friday deal is very important to me this year. I staked out Kohl's sales for men's wear and I'm so ready to be there when the doors open at 3 a.m. I hope to score some dress shirts, shoes, a suit...and who knows what else I'll see.

My general tip is to just research what you want on Black Friday and see if it's worth it. For example, the shirts I want to purchase are usually $50. They're for some reason always half off at Kohl's (the place ALWAYS has sales!). On Black Friday they will be 75% off and there is a coupon floating around for an additional 15% off everything. So... yes, in this case. It is a pretty decent deal.

All of the stores are starting their holiday sales earlier and earlier... that by the time the actual Shopping Day From Hell begins there might not be as great of a deal!

I also read that around December 20th is when amazing deals start popping up too. That Christmas merchandise just *has* to sell! Last year I waited until the week before Christmas to buy my major purchases and I did very well.

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

That I've *ever* received!? Sheesh. This is tough. I've received tons of useful things that I've always wanted but never bought myself--like a Foreman Grill.

I've received some cute diamond earrings from the boy for two years in a row. I've worn them pretty much every day since last Christmas!

{top 2 tuesday: wish list}

So, it might be Wednesday... but I'm inspired to catch up with some blog stuffs! Here we go!

Top 2 Things on My Christmas Wish List

1. Diamond bracelet. I have all my bling for the wedding except a snazzy bracelet. I'm not picky, as long as it's sparkly it will do!



2. A new Vera Bradley. I want a tote in the baroque pattern badly!

Just Thursday...

Just Thursday...

Outside my window... there is some mad construction going on. Our entire building is rattling!
The time is... 2 p.m.
Today I feel...a little stressed about school but overall quite pleased.
I am thinking...that I need to get started on my case study that is due tomorrow evening.
At the moment, I am thankful...for my job and my future husband.
I am going...to indulge in some Starbucks soon!
I am wearing...a ruffly yellow tank under a gray argyle cardigan. I don't know why I love cardigans so much! So comfortable at work.
I wish...that the upcoming days pass quickly but that they also are relaxing and productive. I don't want any bridal meltdowns anytime soon!
I am reading...a collection of bridal magazines, Bitches on a Budget (STILL!) and wanting to start Committed (Written by the Eat, Pray, Love author about marriage).
I am working on...my To Do List. Slowly but surely folks.
I am hoping...to get a lot accomplished on Sunday. For once in a long while, we both have off!
I am hearing...that annoying rattling.
I bet you didn't know...that my wedding favors were decided! We are going to do wine glasses & beer steins. We have to rent them or purchase them anyway for the wedding--we might as well give them away.
One of my favorite...things to do on a night out is exactly what I did last night. We had dinner at a local brewery, played life size Jenga at our favorite bar (if I drink THREE more beers I'll get my name on an engraved plaque for being a member of their "Keg Club" which means I've purchased 120 different beers!), and stayed up late talking about the wedding, family stuff, the holidays and just our upcoming life. :) It was a nice night.

Weekend Plans..

[Thursday] Homework, housework, catching up on TV :)
[Friday] Dinner downtown where one of his friend's bands is playing & drinking three beers so I can get my name on the plaque! Now, I need to decide what I want engraved... just having my name is too boring. Any ideas?
[Saturday] Hopefully buying some sweet milk glass from a former bride in my area, cleaning house, going to a friend's housewarming party.
[Sunday] Our day off together. House work? Errands? Wedding stuff? Only time will tell...

Seventeen Essentials College Planner Review & Giveaway

I know you are aware of my love affair for stationary and all things organizational. When Carolina Pad offered the chance to review (and give away!) a college planner, I jumped at the chance. This planner is not just a typical day planner--this baby is an organized way to get all your college information sorted!

If you've ever applied to college, you know that the process can be daunting. From the recommendation letters to the campus visits, there is a lot to keep straight. While the application process has mainly gone digital nowadays, there are still lots of things that need to be easily accessible on your journey to college success.

Seventeen magazine and Carolina Pad created a stylish way to organize your essential college information. It's completely functional and has a filing system to keep your papers handy!


While this planner might be best for those applying to college for the first time, such as high school juniors and seniors, this planner is completely applicable to other students at various stages in their academic career. Applying for graduate school? Trying to organize all your college paperwork? This planner has customizable tabs so it can be tweaked to fit your needs.


So, what's inside this baby?

• Interior pages to log important college information and timelines (i.e. calendar, interview notes, master Checklist, and more!)
• Expandable files for loose papers
• 8 tab dividers to file applications by college
• 42 color-coordinated labels

This planner is certainly going to good use inside my household, and I hope that you'll find this useful too. On to the giveaway!

Win it:
A Seventeen Essentials College Planner to get yourself organized!

How to Enter:
Leave a comment with the hardest part about keeping your college applications and schedule straight!

Extra Entries:

• Become a follower of Krystal's Kitsch via Google Friend Connect
• Tweet this giveaway: Enter to win @carolinapad college planner at Krystal's Kitsch @KrystalS http://www.krystalskitsch.com
• "Like" Krystal's Kitsch on Facebook
• "Like" Carolina Pad on Facebook
• "Like" Studio C on Facebook
  
• Blog about this giveaway (five extra entries; please leave five comments!)
• Add my button to your blog (five extra entries; please leave five comments!)

Giveaway ends Thursday, December 2nd at 11:59 PM EST and the winner will be announced Friday morning on December the 3rd. Winner will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to reply to my email. Remember, if I don't know your email and it's not in your profile... you can't win!

*I received one College Essentials planner from Carolina Pad to review and host this giveaway. No other compensation was received.

A Royal Engagement

Everyone is getting engaged! The holidays seem to bring out the diamond rings, and this morning when I heard Prince William and Kate Middleton had finally announced their engagement... I tried to think about what I knew about her. Besides being gorgeous, I only know that she wears ridiculous hats.

I'd love to see her hat rack.