4 Simple Ways To Be The Hostess With The Mostess

Thursday, December 13, 2018
This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com. All opinions shared are mine alone. #ad #EDCRepeatBboxx


This is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love sun kissed skin when summer rolls around, I love fresh blooms during spring, and of course I love pumpkin spice everything during the fall, but nothing quite beats the magic of Christmas. Even though it's not "technically" winter yet, I think of winter starting on December 1st. It just feels so exciting and magical with all things Christmas surrounding us everywhere we go. I love the gift exchanges, the festive clothes, the Christmas music playing in all the stores, the pretty wrapping paper, and of course all the parties and gatherings. Sometimes parties are well thought out and planned weeks in advance, and other times they are small get togethers that happen spur of the moment. No matter what type of party is happening in your home this year, make sure you're prepared with everything you need to eat, drink, celebrate, and repeat!


EAT:
Small bites, appetizers, and full blown dinners are delightful, but you have to make sure you have something sweet for your guests! I don't know about the rest of you, but I think dessert is a must! Everyone does the same old things, cookies, cakes, maybe some form of bar... but you would really stand out with something new and different! Everyone loves chocolates, and I can promise everyone will be OBSESSED with these Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels from Fran's Chocolate. They are literally mouthwatering good. They combine rich, smooth chocolate, soft buttery caramel, and the unexpected boldness of sea salt. The Gray Salt Caramels are dipped in 70% dark chocolate and finished with sea salt. The smoked salt caramels are dipped in 39% deep milk chocolate, and finished with Welsh smoked sea salt. This women owned business will not disappoint! 



Another fun, sweet treat is My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream! So maybe you're hesitant... I get it! I was at first too. But trust me, you have to try this stuff! I looovee it! My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is Premium Ice Cream wrapped inside a sweet, chewy dough that melts in your mouth. They come in 8 delicious flavors, but I can promise you the strawberry is delicious! You can pick it up at a retailer near you, but I found mine at Target! Make sure to get your $1 off coupon by visiting: https://www.mymomochi.com/lifeissweet/ And, get $1.00 Cash Back by visiting: https://ibotta.com/rebates/204115/my-mo-mochi-ice-cream?q=my%2Fmo




DRINK:
When is comes to drinks, I like to lean towards ice cold water and maybe some hot chocolate... but not all of your guest will be like me, haha. For that reason, you can serve Cinzano Prosecco which is an aromatic, dry sparkling wine, that is fresh, fruity and crisp. Cinzano Prosecco has intense floral aromas and hints of apple and pear. Full disclosure, I don't drink... but if you do, I have heard from several sources that you can trust this brand! They recommend making a Prosecco Bellini which is -3 parts Cinzano Prosecco -1 part fresh peach purée -Pour all ingredients into a chilled flute glass. Stir gently. The taste of sweet peach is balanced by the dry, crisp acidity in the Cinzano Prosecco. Enjoy as an aperitif or with light appetizers!



Celebrate!
There are so many reasons to celebrate during the holiday season! One thing I've really learned to celebrate over time, is good friends. Good friends can really make a difference in your life and it's important to let them know they are appreciated. Inviting them over for a get together can really help your friends feel loved and making your home inviting helps them feel welcomed! One way to make it extra special during the holidays is using ScentSicles Scented Ornaments and table ornaments! I love walking into a home smelling like a Christmas tree lot. It makes it feel so special and festive! ScentSicles are designed to naturally blend in, simply hang or hide in trees, wreaths, garland and other holiday décor for the fresh scents of the season. ScentSicles deliver “Christmas in an Instant” with no-mess, no oil, and no-flame! Make sure to check out their special offer of $5 off a purchase of $30 or more with code BABBLEBOXX and $1 off 1 item with code BABBLEBOXX1 Valid now through 12/31/2018. Free shipping on all orders of $15 or more Coupon code not valid on bundles.



Well, that concludes my tips on what to have on hand for those last minute get togethers and perfectly planned holiday parties! All of these things would also be so fun to use for a date night in! I hope you found something you will love in this post!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy



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Lace, Satin, and Bows, Oh My!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

We've talked about matching Christmas jammies, and we've talked about Christmas cards, now it's time to talk about another favorite Christmas tradition of mine... Christmas dresses! Having two little girls, this is seriously so fun for me! I love choosing something festive and dressing the girls up so pretty. It's so fun to curl Oaklyn's hair and have Cambria wear a pretty, sparkly bow. The girls wear their dresses on Christmas Sunday to church and I try to coordinate mine and Hunter's outfits as well to get a festive family photo. This is a tradition I can't go without. Things like this just make the holidays so fun! Oaklyn is really into "spinny" dresses and looking "pretty" so I'm super excited for this year!




The girls got a little test run wearing their dresses for these photos because I just HAD to show you all the gorgeous dresses from Bonnie Jean. I mean seriously, these dresses are literally everything I wanted! They are tiered with the most beautiful lace and have gorgeous satin bonding. They also have a satin bow placed in both the front and the back making it stunning when looking at it from either view. I absolutely love the way these dresses fit on my girls and couldn't stop staring at them twirling and smiling as they had them on. There's just something about matching little girlies that is so so darling! I'm obsessed! 




There are soo many gorgeous options at Bonnie Jean, I'm sure you'll find the perfect holiday dresses for your own daughters! My girls are wearing the Ava dress, but a few of my other favorites were the Korah, The Westly, and the London! I absolutely think it is worth it to invest in holiday dresses because they can be worn and used throughout the year! These dresses are wonderful quality and will fit the girls for a little while. They will be perfect to wear during Valentine's day and would even be cute for the 4th of July! I also love dressing my girls in festive dresses the whole month of December so they can wear them next year before Christmas Sunday when they get their new ones!



If you're looking to start this tradition this year, or are simply looking for the perfect Christmas dress, look no further! Make sure to look at all the beautiful holiday dresses Bonnie Jean has to offer!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy
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