Christmas Ed. Latest Obsessions 11.17

November 20, 2017November 16, 2017 | The Bee Life

Since I was already obsessing over some Christmas items last month, it’s only fitting to continue the obsessions! From vintage to plaid, it’s a mix of nostalgia and inspiration for the upcoming holiday season.
Latest Obsessions 11.17 - the bee life
Ornaments: Every year growing up it was tradition to pick out a Hallmark ornament to add to a collection, start a new one, or just whatever was the favorite that year. Where I still love getting my annual Hallmark ornament, I like getting other ornaments each year, for a milestone, for B, gifts for neighbors and friends… I love ornaments and they’re so sentimental and easy.

Vintage Wrapping Paper: I cant help but feel nostalgia when I find some prints with a vintage flare, especially with Santa’s! Growing up my presents from Santa always had a Santa pattern on them, and now that I’m older, I can’t help but love that small piece of my childhood.

Just Plaid: This has been a latest Christmas obsession for a few years now… it started with a plaid pattern on our Christmas cards, to table runners, and just wanting EVERYTHING plaid. Where you can’t go wrong with a classic red plaid print, green plaids are starting to grow on me.

Multiple Alpine Faux Trees: So we have one of these adorable faux alpine trees, and I love dressing it up and having multiple trees around the house… but I want more of these skinny guys! Since I keep our main tree pretty uniform and simple – these trees are where I like to have a little more fun and keep the holiday chair going throughout the house! I’ll keep keeping an eye to build my little cluster.

What’re you Christmas obsessions? Are they new and trendy or vintage and nostalgic?

Photo Sources: Top Left | Top Right | Bottom Left | Bottom Right

Parties – Festive Cocktails

November 16, 2017 | The Bee Life

Since I’m SO pumped for the holidays this year – I can’t help but get excited for all the fun leading up… the decorating, the tree hunting, our Christmas party, baking cookies, just all of the things! One way to customize your holiday party is to have a signature drink, these drinks have me totally inspired for our upcoming holiday party.
Festive Holiday Drinks - the bee life
Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer: This drink just looks light and refreshing especially with the garnish of rosemary to top it off. I think substituting out the pomegranate for cranberries would also be a great option if you wanted to make it a little more affordable and easier to create. This would also be a great drink for a NYE party!

Pink Peppermint Russian: Although I would need to substitute the milk, perhaps with almond milk, this drink looks so pretty and delicious and has Christmas written all over it. Not to mention, it’s a warmer drink which is perfect for warming up your guests from the cold and snowy nights.

Crockpot Cranberry Apple Cider: This is perfect for a party to start up, and let it simmer and cook in the crockpot while you fine too the decorations and prep the food! Easily add in some whiskey or rum and you have an instant cocktail to keep you warm and keep the festivities going!

My other go-to holiday party drink is getting the party start with Little Beers, or red and green Jell-o shots!

Cheers!

Little Beers – The Recipe

December 9, 2016 | The Bee Life

Happy Friday! Although I am not the biggest fan of shots, there are a few shots that I kind of love, the Little Beer included.
little-beer-recipe-the-bee-life It may be silly, but Little Beers remind me of family and the holidays (because that’s what my family does at the holidays *smiles*). Not to mention it’s super smooth, a little sweet, they’re pretty darn cute, oh and super easy to make!

What You’ll Need:
– Shot or small tasting glasses
– Licor 43
– Cream

Step-by-Step:
1. Pour the Licor 43 into your shot glass, leave some room a the top.
2. Top off with cream – watch the magic happen!
3. Cheers, table tap, and enjoy!

If you have an upcoming holiday party or looking to spice up your family’s Christmas grab these two ingredients and it’ll be a hit – we can usually talk most of the aunts and cousins into these since they’re so delicious and smooth!

Cheers!!

Winter Weekends – Christmas Tree

December 5, 2016 | The Bee Life

The first weekend in December means the Christmas decorations are out and the tree is cut down! Growing up in, essentially, farm land, and now living in a suburb of a city, it’s a little harder to find Christmas tree farms without having to go for a drive.

We had found the perfect spot last year, had our cash ready and went for a drive. Well, we started out walking and looking for the imperfectly-perfect tree. And we kept looking… and looking… and looking… it got to the point where we were about to leave and just buy a pre-cut one from a larger department store (no fun!) but then, there she was! Literally at the very end (or beginning), right before we were heading back – tall and skinny just like we wanted.

She was a little goofy, but we went for it, and cut her down! We also got a fresh wreath and a bundle of swag and then headed back to grab a few other items to finish trimming the tree and house. Once we got the tree in the house and in the stand, it was seriously perfect. We spent the rest of the weekend listening to Christmas music, decorating inside and out, watched Home Alone and stayed cozy at home!

Fitness Friday no. 23

December 2, 2016 | The Bee Life

It’s the first Friday in December! Now that the holidays are right around the corner, I wanted to share 4 simple tips that I’ll be using this month to help maintain and not gain.

fitness-friday-no-23-the-bee-life

Eat Breakfast. Don’t skip out on breakfast. I think it’s human nature to try not eat if we have a party that night, so that we can fully enjoy the snacks and treats – well this will only lead you to overeating, and not the right things. Eat a good, healthy breakfast and don’t skip out on other meals! Consider eating proteins and healthy fats that will fill you up throughout the day.
Build your Immune System. This should always be part of your daily regime, but especially around the holidays be sure your taking care of your body inside and out. Taking Vitamin C, echinacea and other immune system building antics can help in the season of sneezing, coughing and colds!
Get that Workout In. But don’t stress over it or kill yourself to get there, know the number of workouts you want to get in… no the realistic amount… I’ve gotten to the point where three workouts during the work week is my minimum goal – I don’t always achieve it but I get pretty darn close! And when I beat it, it’s even better!
Limit the Sweets. Yes three cookies are always better than two. But when you’re about to pick up that third or fourth cookie, think again and spread out the sweets. This goes for alcohol too, try and limit the number of beers, or stick with vodka or gin mixed with soda water and a fresh garnish!

What’re your tips and tricks to help beat holiday weight gain? Share them in the comments below or on social @mmariebee.

Happy Holidays!

7 Insta’s to Get You Amped for Xmas

November 30, 2016November 28, 2016 | The Bee Life

I get so excited every Christmas season once the stores start lining their shelves with decorations, greenery, ornaments and nutcrackers. Social media is also a crutch to find the latest inspiration for my Christmas decor, new DIY’s, wrapping paper ideas, food, holiday dress… you name it. So I wanted to share my favorite social accounts (since I am always sharing off Pinterest) to help you feel inspired or just get amped up for Christmas (and secretly envy their perfect trees and living rooms).

14547580_138826539932926_2771364215095558144_n1 — @landeelu: Definitely feeling more festive on the inside too! Oh how I love the glow of a Christmas tree. Truly magical. #christmastree #christmaslights #christmasmagic

15101635_1629796847313956_1654694223036809216_n1 — @peabodyandsassafras: This week’s winner for our #create4theholidays challenge is this amazing black and white mantle by the ever talented and sweet @craftedsparrow! Make sure you’re playing along with us to be featured on all the host’s accounts next week.

15034622_118221211995366_6497343035519533056_n — @dearlillie: Our den decorated for Christmas is up on the blog! (Link in profile). We’ve had most of these ornaments since our first married Christmas ten years ago. There’s a detailed source list on the blog along with lots of pictures and links to all the other bloggers we are joining for the #farmhouseholidayseries! – Jenni

15047981_394681884204175_964802362243809280_n1 — @memehillstudio: Well it’s looking a lot like Christmas inside and out! More of Chloe’s room and a big shout out to my niece @cralphy_5 for helping me out alllll day. Love you Char! Both chairs from @raymourflanigan, ornaments, rug, desk from @homegoods, striped panels from @overstock,tree from @walmart , ribbon and ornaments from @michaelsstores … more pics to come. Have a wonderful night friends and keep sharing #howyouholiday!

15035635_1171822979567826_5135532016900505600_n1 — @ourfifthhouse: Happy Friday friends! #fifthhouseholiday #oursixthhouse

14547747_349036608796196_2849261985403502592_n1 — @diaryofdaveswife: The NOEL house has never looked better! 😉 We got all our exterior lights up today and I can’t tell you how much I am loving my new red door! I have a few more touches to put on the inside and we are officially ready for Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 . . . #thenoelhouse #mesa #mesaarizona #az #instaaz #hillviewacres #daveswifeshouse #christmas #christmaslights #thatsdarling #abmhappylife #abmlifeissweet #abmlifeisbeautiful #abmathome #abmlifeiscolorful

15101545_1257806580932145_7057578775768203264_n — @theeverygirl_: 🎁 GIVEAWAY! 🎁 Win a $3,000 package to treat yoself to some much needed pre-holiday pampering this season. We’ve partnered with some of our favorite brands to cover everything from 💅🏼 to 🍷. Click the link in our profile to enter! || photo by @sarahkjp

What I love about social media is that you can find other people/accounts that share the same style as you, but also find different styles that inspire you. I’ve got lots of ideas up my sleeves for our home and Christmas this year, but I am a firm believer that it’s always a work in progress, I would love to have a perfectly done house (like the ones above) over night, but I’m still finding my styles, my pieces, my likes and dislikes! Either way it will definitely feel like Christmas around our house.

Share your Christmas decor inspiration with me on instagram @mmariebee!

XO –

Photos above link to instagram accounts featured on this blog post.

Holiday Party Essentials

November 11, 2016November 27, 2016 | The Bee Life

One thing that I absolutely cannot wait for are the holidays and all the amazing parties! Here are some holiday essentials to get you ready for every type of party, from family dinners, work parties, low key nights with friends working all the way up until NYE. These versatile must-haves include awesome timeless dresses, classic sweaters and statement pants and tops!
holiday-party-essentials
01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07

The key to nailing every holiday look this season is easy; keep it simple AND know when to pull out those statement pieces like metallic patterned pants and sparkly sequined shirts! Don’t be afraid to keep it classic with red plaids or plain dresses for more casual looks or dress them up with statement necklaces, dark tights and cute booties or a slick pair of heels.

I saw the plaid sweater (#7) in Target and bought it immediately! Not to mention it was on sale during a BOGO. Start stocking up now because those good pieces will get snatched up quick from other fashionistas!

What’re your favorite pieces this holiday season? Tag your upcoming party looks at me on instagram @mmariebee.

Sparkle on!

Christmas Hangover.

December 28, 2015January 20, 2016 | The Bee Life

Am I the only one with a Christmas hangover? Somehow, I don’t think that I am. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, full of love, laughter, sweet moments… and not too much drama (let’s face it, families are the best at drama).

This Christmas was one of new traditions and changes. I spent Christmas for the first time ever away from “home” – and at our home with B, our first Christmas in five years that we’ve spent together!

The weather has been a bit amazing too – mid to high 50’s in the midwest, is NOT common especially for this time of the year. Being able to take Moz on a walk on Christmas Eve in yoga pants and a sweatshirt was amazing. In fact we’d joked about a month previous that it’d be cool to do the exact thing.

Our Christmas Eve was nice and busy – we did a lot of prep around the house, I did a lot of baking and Christmas dinner prep, and of course a few last minute gifts with B. We went to church and then came home snapped a few pictures and made some pizza’s and flipped the TV between It’s a Wonderful Life and Elf! We also toasted with Manhattan’s in honor of my Grandma’s birthday and to new traditions.

Christmas morning we woke up and opened our stockings and presents – we had a great Christmas and both spoiled each other. We relaxed a bit and then got ready and headed to B’s grandma Dee’s house for breakfast. We then headed over to his parent’s for presents and a movie for most of the afternoon! We finally headed back up to our place just in time to prep and cook dinner while my parents made it into town! My aunts came over too – and we had a nice dinner around the table talking and enjoying each-others company. More presents ensured after dinner from my parents! It was then almost time to call it a night.

The mayhem continued on Saturday – after relaxing a bit in the morning we headed down the road to my aunts house for Hampel Christmas. Snacking and drinking, playing a new pickle game, laughing, dancing and catching up was the next few hours until dinner. Pork, sauerkraut, gravy and dumplings are the main dinner items – presents and white elephant followed after dinner and then the games commenced. We always play Pass the Trash and this year played a few fun games of LRC.

Finally, Sunday was B’s birthday – so we headed to church with our parents and then out to brunch right after. It wasn’t until almost 3 o’clock we finally had the house back to ourselves and were able to crash for a nice nap!

It was four days of non-stop family, drinking, eating, and a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed taking some down time today to continue to relax and recover and get the house back in order.

Merry Christmas!

Throwback Thursday – Christmas

December 17, 2015 | The Bee Life

Since we’re just about at that week away point for Christmas, I wanted to share a little TBT of past Christmas’ a look back at the memories and traditions, and oh how I’ve changed over the years!

What I love about the holidays is making cut out cookies with my mom on Christmas Eve, listening to Christmas music non-stop and still having the same reaction whenever Mariah Carey’s – All I Want For Christmas comes on (which is getting so excited and belting it out!) I love getting excited to walk down the stairs in the morning to see all the presents (Yes, Santa is real). I love our big family parties we have (always after Christmas) – I love going home to see my family and dear friends and I love getting dressed up for Church and singing at the evening mass. I love the waffles and bacon my parents make for brunch on Christmas morning, now with mimosas! I love eating cut out cookies as soon as we go downstairs before any present opening commences. I love opening our stockings! I love when there is a fresh coating of snow on Christmas morning. I love the new traditions that’re being created, and I love remembering the old!