Top 5 Christmas Movies & Black Friday Deals

TOP FIVE CHRISTMAS MOVIES 
I love Christmas movies.  I know they are sort of cheesy and not too deep but they always make me happy this time of year.  Here are my top picks for the best Christmas movies to watch.

Christmas Kiss
Wendy, an-aspiring interior designer, works in a thankless job for an awful and demanding boss, Priscilla. One evening a mysterious kiss with a man in a falling elevator leaves her blushed and thinking he is "the one" until she finds out...

Dear Santa
Shopaholic Crystal's wealthy parents give her an ultimatum - change her irresponsible ways by Christmas or they will cut her off without a cent. With no job or romantic prospects, she finds a letter written to Santa from a little girl that changes her outlook and priorities.

Snow Bride
A tabloid reporter looking for a story accidentally ends up at a famous political family's mountain retreat in a big mix-up -- wearing a wedding dress and mistaken to be the girlfriend of one of the sons.  After spending time with the family and growing closer to her fake "boyfriend" - she has to decide if she exposes the famous family in order to save her job or risk loosing everything for love.

12 Men of Christmas
When a successful New Yorker publicist loses both her job and boyfriend all in one night at her office Christmas party, she winds up taking a job and moving to remote Montana. Totally out of her element in Montana, she finds there is more to Montana than she first expected.

Hitched for the Holidays
In order for commitment-phobe Rob to fulfill his dying grandmother's wish to see him happy and in love, he finds Julie, a single New Yorker with a meddling Jewish mom.  The two strike a deal to pretend to be each others "boyfriend/girlfriend" to satisfy their families; however, things get complicated, and they soon discover that their fake feelings may be a little too real.

And, one extra... this is one of my mom's favorites.
Come Dance with Me
Jack is an executive in a financial brokerage firm trying to impress the president who happens to be the father of the girl he is dating.  Trying to create the perfect proposal for his girlfriend, Jack signs up for dance lessons; however, sparks start to fly between Jack and his dance instructor, Christine, leaving Jack with some difficult decisions.

TOP BLACK FRIDAY PICKS
 And, with Black Friday tomorrow, here are my top sale picks and finds...

 Nordstrom is my favorite place to shop - it has the best selection - and best customer service.  Here are just a few of my top picks.
 

1. COZY SWEATER

This sweater comes in five different colors - and would be great for layering over some leggings paired with boots.  Plus, it is under $25.

2. LEATHER JACKET

This jacket is 33% off (is under $55) and comes in the perfect winter color.

3. SUEDE BOOTS

These boots are 49% off - and they looks so warm.  They have shearling lining in the toes and are suede that is water resistant.  Perfect for cold winter days!

1. SWEATER

I love sweaters, probably as much as I love leather jackets and boots.  I spotted this one the other day - and it looks like the perfect sweater.

2. LACE

Looking for the perfect party dress!  The classic and stunning lace overlay dress would be perfect for a Christmas party, New Year’s or even a winter wedding. And, it is under $50 on sale!

3. SWEATER DRESS

1. This sweater dress with the flare on the bottom and the simplicity on the top looks so fun!

1. CHUNKY SWEATER

1. As I mentioned before, I love sweaters, and this chunky turtleneck sweater looks perfect - and it comes in three different colors!

2. BELL SLEEVES & PEPLUM

I had seen a similar sweater for three times the price - but I love this with its bell sleeves and little peplum detail - and it is under $50!

3. CARDIGAN

This sweater reminds me of the expensive Vince one.  I love this rust color - and I have just waiting for it to go on sale - like this Black Friday.

1. BOUCLE SWEATER

Another cozy sweater - and it is under $35!

2. PONCHO

This sweater poncho is under $25 - and would be great to through on and pair with riding boots.

3. POM BEANIE

This fun pom pom knit beanie comes in a pretty blush color (and off white) and is under $15!

Top Five Strategies to Save Money During Black Friday

TOP FIVE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

I just read this article about the top five ways to save money (and hassles) during Black Friday shopping.  So, I thought I would share.

1. SHOP STRATEGICALLY

Do not get sucked in by the moment.  Look around and find the best deal.  And, if the price isn't what you had hoped - there is a good chance it might go lower.  Have a list of what you plan to buy and work off of that list.  If you have a price point and grand total in mind - stick to it - and if you follow some of the other tips below, there is a good chance you will save more money. 

2. TIMING IS EVERYTHING

A lot of the great deals will happen before Black Friday - and after Black Friday.  Retailers know they have a captive audience on Black Friday - expecting to get great deals.  But according to researchers the best deals happen between December 10-18.  I have seen better deals leading up to Thanksgiving, like 50% off at Gap - happening right now.

 
3. ABANDON YOUR "ONLINE" SHOPPING CART

If you want to see if you can get a better deal, put something in your online shopping cart - and then log of without buying it.  There is a good chance the retailer will notice - and send you a better deal. 

4. LOOK FOR PRICE MATCHING

Nordstrom is one of the easiest places to shop - and they will definitely price match.  If you find an item somewhere else for cheaper, they will match it.  Plus, Nordstrom offers no hassle returns - so if you buy a gift there, it is easy to return it if it doesn't work out.  And, they will even return an item at any time and without a receipt.  Plus, if you buy something - and wear it - and it doesn't meet your expectations - they will return it (and refund your money) at any time!

5. USE LIVE CHAT

If you are shopping online  - use the "chat" feature.  I have found that the online chat is actually quicker and easier at getting answers to questions and a few times I have used it for getting a refund on an item that was marked down after I bought it.  I have a high suspicion that online retailers will have a full force of customer service agents available to "chat" during Black Friday - so it might be your quickest way to get an answer and a deal.  Plus, you can multi-task. While chatting, you can be searching online for more shopping.

 TOP FIVE "BLACK FRIDAY" DEALS RIGHT NOW

1. COZY EVERYDAY FLEECE

I love this fleece pullover.  It is warm and cozy and it one of the warmest things fleece pullovers I have owned.  Plus, it washes up great and will last forever!  I had my previous one for many years, and just decided to replace it this year.  And, right now it is 25% off (there were limited sizes left)  Also, here on sale in a few colors.

2. SPARKLE

These earrings would be the perfect stocking stuffer or gift exchange idea for your best friend, mom, or daughter.  You get a set of sparkle (and non-sparkle) earrings for only $10 (plus free shipping).

3. FESTIVE RED

This festive red sweater with a fun pocket detail is only $20! 

4. PLAID PONCHO

This neutral plaid poncho is 40% off - and a great layering piece for winter. This one is also fun and its under $30!

5. HUNTER BOOTS

These Hunter Boots are 30% off.  And, these fun pink ones are also 33% off.

6. DESIGNER SUNGLASSES
I had to add a 6th entry because these designer sunglasses are only $80!  This one color which is not a bad color at all is only $80 - the other two are $405.  When I saw the price - I almost thought it was a mistake.  Be sure to check them out!

 I am participating in the following link ups.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Ideas for Under $25

GIFTS UNDER $25

1. Stuff Every Graduate Should Know: Books with Style (Only $10) // 2. Ring: Shashi (Only $14)

3. Pom Pom Key Ring:  Topshop // 4. Black Dot Journal: Fringe (Only $14)

5. Nail Polish (Set of 2 Only $17) : Deborah Lippmann  // 6. Mathematics Clock : Amazon 

7. Mini Candle: Voluspa (Only $9) // 8. What a Day Glass: Amazon

9. The Boss Mug: ban.do // 10. Desk Calendar: Kate Spade New York

11. What is a Hostess to Do : Books with Style 

12. Golden Key Bottle Opener: Gift Boutique // 13. Glasses: Gift Boutique

Are you looking for some fun gifts for under $25? Here are a few ideas!  

FREE SHIPPING & BIG SALE

Plus all of these gifts are from places that offer free shipping. (And, most of them offer free shipping both ways - so there is no risk in buying them.) And, an extra bonus is that a lot of these gifts on SALE - up to an additional 25% off (the more you spend - the more you save)!  

The  Shopbop sale started today - and ends next Cyber Monday.  Use the Code: GoBig16 to save up to 25% off!  (And, if you are an Amazon Prime member - you can get free two day shipping - but they offer free three day shipping as standard.)

One other thing - I bought this sweater - and I love it!  It would be perfect for any Christmas (or New Year's) parties you have.  It looks great paired with black jeans or even flares.  The women at Nordstrom's - even complimented on it - and wanted to know where it was from!  (This one is very similar and it is up to 25% off this week.)

FOR THE FOODIE - MY FAVORITE KITCHEN UTENSILS

 Also, today, I am joining up with my friends at The Blended Blog for a blog hop to share my favorite kitchen utensils.  I am not sure if this would qualify as a kitchen utensil; however, it is something I could not live with out - my ramekins.  I love making molten chocolate cake - and I found this recipe that I can assemble and bake in less than 15 minutes - and it is the best molten cake I have ever had!

Also, at the top of my list for favorite kitchen utensils would be my:

Wüsthof Paring Knife - I could not live without this knife.  I know chefs all use the big chef knife - and I do, too, but sometimes this comes in handy for the little things.

Vegetable Peeler - I love this Oxo brand of peeler.   

Best Can Opener -  This is by far the best can opener I have ever owned.  No more sharp edges or half opened cans.  It takes a little bit of getting used to - but after you do - you will never go back to the traditional can opener.  And, it is only $20

Heat/Stain Resistant Spatulas - I just got these.  I was tired of using the one we had that smelled like onions.  I like to bake - and these work perfectly for scraping the bowl.  And, a set of 3 is only $7!

Now, be sure to shop by Leslie's blog to see what fun post she has put together to share her favorite kitchen utensils. 

 I am participating in the following link ups.

Two Ways to Wear Grey Jeans

 RE-CREATE MY LOOK

Sweater: JOA // Jeans: H&M (Only $20)
Boots: Ivanka Trump (Similar Steve Madden - under $90)

Bag: ZAC Zac Posen (Similar under $60) // Watch: Michael Kors

 RE-CREATE MY LOOK

Cardigan: Sun and Shadow // Turtleneck: Halogen // Jeans: H&M (Only $20)

Boots: Ivanka Trump (Similar Topshop) // Bag: ZAC Zac Posen (Similar under $60)

Necklace: Nordstrom (Only $10) // Watch: Michael Kors

Grey jeans are one of my favorite things to wear in the fall/winter, and I love pairing them with bright colors.  These grey jeans I found are only $20!

 I am participating in the following link ups.

Top Five for Thanksgiving - What to Eat & Wear

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times because it is the start of the Christmas season - and I always love the excitement before Christmas.  Here are a few of my top finds of things to wear for Thanksgiving dinner - and also to make for Thanksgiving dinner.

 
TOP FIVE SWEATERS TO WEAR

1. CARDIGAN

Cardigans have become my go to sweater this fall - and I just found this new arrival which is under $50 and it comes in some great colors.

2. TEXTURED SWEATER

This sweater is such a pretty color for winter - and looks so comfy for lounging around the Christmas tree.

3. FLUFFY SWEATER

I picked up a fluffy sweater like this at boutique near my house - and it has quickly become one of my favorites.  It is so comfy and really warm. I just found this one and it is under $50 and comes in the prettiest colors.

4. RUFFLES

Bell sleeves and ruffle details are two big trends this season.  This sweater has been an extremely popular sweater.  It is so pretty and would be the perfect dressed up for a Thanksgiving dinner outfit.  This top is also really pretty and also has the off the shoulder trend - it is 40% off and if you do not want bare shoulders - you could layer a button down underneath.

5. ADD A BOW

Bows are also a big trend - and this is a fun sweater that would be perfect for Christmas parties, too! (It is also here and $25 off.)


TOP FIVE RECIPES TO MAKE
1. THE BEST PIE
This is probably one of my favorite pies, and when I make it people ask for the recipe.  Add some ice cream - and it one of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner. 

2. MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE
This might not be the first thing you think of for Thanksgiving dinner - but if you are having a small gathering and you want to do something different than Pumpkin pie - these molten chocolate cakes are amazing - and only take 15 minutes total to assemble and bake.

3. BRUSSELS SPROUTS
If you had asked me 10 years ago about Brussels sprouts - I probably would have said I did not like them, but they have quickly become one of my favorite side dishes.  

4. FALL SALAD
 I eat salad pretty much everyday - so having a hearty fall Thanksgiving salad would be the perfect addition to a dinner.  I like this one with kale and butternut squash.

5.  HOMEMADE BREAD
Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without some bread - and this bread has got to be the easiest recipe.  You combine four ingredients - stir - let rest - form into a ball and bake.  It is just about that simple - and it is really hearty bread - that you will love!


 Lastly, today on The Blended Blog I am sharing where I plan to be in 10 years.

 I am participating in the following link ups.