Every 30-something needs… a holiday tradition.

- Mel

Do you remember banging pots n’ pans on New Year’s Eve as a kid?
And eating Strata and imbibing in early mimosas for brunch as an adult for your first visit home for Christmas?
Waiting for Mom to read The Night Before Christmas? (and that other weird story about the train and the bell that you and your siblings STILL don’t know what it’s about.)

Do you serve food to the less fortunate?
Walk dogs and petting kitties at your local shelter?
How about joining your neighbors to sing carols?
Or playing Cards Against Humanity with fellow “orphans” who have no family in town?

Or sitting in front of the wood fire stove in your first home and watching the cats go crazy with their new bouncy cardboard castle? (seriously, I’m just waiting for these felines to go nuts over this new gift.)

Or baking a special kind of cookie, that reminds you of your Hungarian grandmother.
Or eating all of the pierogies because it reminds you of your long-divorced Polish step-family.

Whether you’re on your own or partnered up, it’s important to maintain some sort of tradition that makes you smile, warms your Grinchy heart, and reminds you of what’s important. These small acts attach us to the holiday (even when you’re not feeling it), connects us to Christmas memories (present, past and future) and to one another — be that a significant other, your children or pets, or extended family.

Keep mind of the little things this holiday.
Merry Christmas, 30-somethings!

Weekend Therapy: playing The Chimney Song on repeat

- Mel

the week:
It’s state (car) inspection time in this 30-something household (and for the 2nd year in a row, it did not pass; this year, exhaust issues, which is not entirely terrible). As much as I swoon over the 2013 new Ford Escape and dream of trading in my ’05, the reality that my car is paid off in 6 months has much more clout. Whatever this type of maturity is, I can’t even.

weekend:
Is everyone relaxing before Christmas, or is it just us? I picked up an extra shift at my part-time job for Sunday, seeing as how I have both Monday and Tuesday off (hooray!).

The boyfriend and I had a date night Friday and checked out new restaurant Root 174 (at least new to us) in Pittsburgh, as well as a new chocolate shop Sinful Sweets (we ate the chocolate as our appetizer at a bar while waiting for our originally-intended restaurant to open, which wouldn’t seat walk-ins).

Then we went downtown to check out our holiday market (it was freezing & Santa wasn’t there), but I found this:

cat ornament
A Rudy Cat ornament!

We also intended to check out the new Speakeasy in town. But again, our plans were foiled, and they wouldn’t let us in. *sigh*

Sounds like the date night was full of Fail, but we actually had a fun time (we’re committed to having a date night at least once a month — and hey, look: spontaneity!). Our “replacement” restaurant ended up serving an incredible meal — I won’t stop talking about that tomato-fennel gorgonzola soup — I can’t wait to return!

52 books in 52 weeks:
Finished #5: Sex & God at Yale. While mostly an interesting (debaucherous) read, the book itself went on WAY too many long-winded personal tangents. As an adult, did I really need an entire chapter devoted to the definition of “hooking up”? No. But maybe some out there do…

seven things, seven days:
1. The psychology behind organic labeling – from Science Daily
2. We got carolers at our house! On the one night I was gone this week… whomp.
3. But yay, team bonding! (over cider and cookies)
4. Holidays are meant for spiked milkshake happy hours… err, lunch.
5. As I write this, the cats are destroying the tree and presents beneath it. Broken ornament count: 2
6. I am an avid ponytail wearer – For winter, I need this Peekaboo Ponytail Hat!
7. We all seemingly made it through the End of the World! I suppose that’s something worth mentioning.

Have a happy pre-holiday weekend! I wouldn’t wish any last-minute shopping at the mall on my worst enemy!

Motivation. And puking.

- Mel

There was a moment I thought my knees would give out. And when I puked in my mouth leaning over to gasp for breath (ew, the sweet, sweet burn of blueberry waffles, banana and peanut butter). I also had a throbbing headache, coinciding with dizzyness (probably getting sick… again). And then i had to run to dry heave into the rink toilets when it was all over. Yeah, I pushed myself.

I still hear the voice of my junior high cross country coach, telling me that if I throw up at the finish line, I get a cheeseburger. I guess that meant then that we pushed ourselves just enough. I threw up a lot that season.

I not only passed my roller derby assessments; I nailed them. Surpassed all requirements, so that I can try out in January for our league’s A (Varsity) team.

I am endlessly amazed at what this 30-something body can do.

A 30-something’s Christmas Wish List (ahem, mine)

- Mel

So, what does this 30-something want for Christmas?

Well… lots of stuff, naturally. But I think I’ve targeted my one Must Have item via this gift-giving list of requirements repeated around the Internets:
Something you want – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch
Something you need – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch
Something you wear – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch
Something you read – Marc by Marc Jacobs watch

There: one awesome, multi-purpose gift. I hope you’re listening, boyfriend.
My holiday list also includes: a new derby gear bag; Umba holiday box; doughnut baking pans and cookie cutters; gift cards to Bed, Bath & Beyond (so we can purchase bath remodel items and a Kitchen-Aid mixer!); long underwear and/or under armour pieces; slippers with memory foam or with gel insoles (love!).

What one special item is on your Wish List this holiday?

Weekly Therapy: you can do it!

- Mel

the week:
I find myself often procrastinating with work and my to-do list; however, I’m subsequently stressed and then feverishly motivated by impending deadlines. It’s a furious cycle that I always intend to fix… yet, I procrastinate even on that. Woof. I’m all ears and eyes for any advice on breaking this terrible habit!

But I suppose that I should congratulate myself on the little successes: my holiday cards are shipped and Christmas shopping is DONE! I even wrapped everything already. Take that, procrastination!

weekend:
Off to Ohio! (oh, deadlines? yeah, I’ll get to you. Family first.)

52 books update:
Stalled on my reading a bit, but I’ve started two more books. Hoping to find the time to finish at least one this weekend. Damn deadlines.

seven things, seven days:
1. Fascinated and impressed with this post from Seventeenth & Irving: how to pack for 2 weeks in the winter. This is a task that I always struggle with.
2. And then Lauren from aforementioned blog pointed me in the direction of these bobbi brown empties.
3. 5 Questions with author Sally Koslow, via Dr Stephanie’s blog
4. Will definitely be making this spiced chai tea from A Beautiful Mess. YUM!
5. Fruit Cake soap? Fruit Cake soap.
6. I won an attendance prize with my roller derby team for November. Woohoo!
7. Found two small-balance gift cards in my car & rewarded myself with an eggnog latte. It’s like a holiday bonus!

Every 30-something needs… some crafty time!

- Mel

A few weeks ago, I had to paint numbers on a scrimmage shirt. (I was out of iron-ons and stencils, and using a black Sharpie is for amateurs!) What I discovered, was that surrounding all the stress and hectic schedule leading up to that scrimmage (yes, I waited until the night before to do it! Always the procrastinator!), I was relaxing in that moment.

No screens. No noise. Me and paint brushes.

It’s also a feat to complete not one, but TWO craft projects in one day, but I painted a birdhouse and made bows for our Christmas tree. Before, during and afterward, there was SANTA’S CINNAMON (my favorite hard cider of the year).

Sure, the former is a kids project (30-something kids-at-heart too!), but I get to look at something fun and creative that I planned, executed — and it has a purpose. We have a wonderful bird community in our new neighborhood; something I missed while living in the heart of downtown.

I’m no artist, that’s for sure, but I like a good DIY project. For years, I made cards (and still have a small nagging in my heart for doing something paper based professionally or etsy-based at some point in my life), and nearly forgot how crafting or painting or gluing makes me so relaxed. It’s a Project Finished, to which I feel sort of accomplished.

The bows needed to be done, considering we’re still adding to our holiday ornaments collection (the tree is quite bare without). The plaid ribbon was too cute, but ultimately didn’t work for the tree decorations… but I’ll be planning something soon for those extra spools.

Both projects back-to-back made me realize that I should be making more time to be crafty.
Tell me about what DIY projects you’re working on in the comments!

Holiday Wishes Come True: Hair Products from Folica

- Mel

Hair Wants & Wishes: all of us can admit to wanting hair that is longer or blonder or fuller or straighter. Why can’t we just accept our hair and ourselves, right? We 30-somethings can achieve semi-greatness with the right hair products, however; and that’s why I look to Folica.com for Great Hair.

Folica knows hair is your most important accessory. That’s why in December Folica.com is offering a special promotion where everyone wins up to $50 to spend on hair styling products. Through January 1st, 30-somethings (and beyond) can cross great hair off their wish lists when they enter to win a credit at Folica — 1 in every 100 wins a $50 credit to spend instantly. With over 60,000 great hair products, more than 300 beloved brands and over 70,000 customer ratings and reviews, Folica.com is helps you recreate today’s hottest hairstyles.

In Folica.com’s Hairspiration Giveaway, you can win up to $300 to shop namebrand hair styling products.
It’s a holiday hair wish come true!

On my Holiday Hair Wish List: MORE VOLUME. It’s true, I suffer from thin, flat baby hair… at age 35. My hair, it has the sad. And Folica carries a line of hair products that I SWEAR by to get the biggest OOMPH (emphasis on big): blowpro. Seen below: No Crunch Body Builder, Faux Dry Shampoo (on my no-style/lazy days), and Strong Hold Finishing Spray.
blowpro body builderblowpro dry shampooblowpro hold spray

That said, because of all the necessary styling and blow outs my hair requires, I need a daily treatment. For that, I use Biosilk Silk Therapy Leave-in Conditioner (when I said baby hair, it tangles like baby hair too). This hair product gives INCREDIBLE shine and doesn’t weigh down my (naturally lifeless) hair. Tell me about your favorite hair styling brands in the comments — and don’t forget to enter the Folica.com contest to win a $300 credit!

Disclosure:. As part of the Single Edition network, I was selected to review Folica.com and highlight their services. Although they are a sponsor of this post, all thoughts and opinions herein are my own. See my disclosure page for more info.

Happy Holidays: Love With Food!

- Mel

I received this month’s box at the perfect time — while home on my lunch break.

Oh, this month’s box was FILLED with holiday goodies:
Honey Cinnamon Almonds from Nunes Farms
Holiday Salt Water Taffy from Taffy Town (so cute!)
Belgian Milk Chocolate-dipped Nutter Butter from the Big Chocolate Dipper (I grabbed this first out of the box, and it was stale. Whomp)
Candy Cane Truffle from Kara Chocolates (!!!)
Mocha Mint Cappuccino from Hills Brothers
Gingerbread Boy from Nikki’s Cookies
Chocolate Tasting Squares from Madecasse
Fleur de Sel Caramel Popcorn from 479 Popcorn

Love With Food: Great Foods for a Great Cause
For only $10+/month you receive 8 (or more) gourmet foods delivered to your door. Every box or product purchased, Love With Food donates a meal to a food bank. And for the months of November and December, as a promise to help with the Hurricane Sandy relief effort, each food box purchased, Love With Food donates 2 meals to New Jersey & New York food banks. Order by 01/01 to get your January box!

Disclaimer: this post includes referral links, to which I earn “cash back” for all new subscriptions. I donate these funds back to Love with Food to help the organization with their mission. I am otherwise NOT compensated for this post.

Weekly Therapy: needs more room service

- Mel

the week:
I spent most of my week in Buffalo… doing nothing but work. I forgot my book, which made me do even more work. Even online distractions didn’t sway my production. Even though I decided not to explore the city (um, it was 22 degrees, nothankyou), I had something of a writing retreat, so it’s a win in my book.

When I got back, I had an interview for a part-time boutique position. I should find out some time next week about that…

weekend:
Friday night is GIRLS NIGHT OUT (special holiday gift exchange edition). I hope you make time for your girlfriends this busy season because we all need a release from the stressors (and holiday triggers). And wine. We NEED wine. (and in our case, cheesecake.) Check out the gorgeous earrings I got from my “Secret Santa” (also, a gift card to Starbucks for eggnog lattes so she doesn’t have to bring them to me anymore. ha!):

I promise, my finger is NOT that stubby in real life.

If you’re in Pittsburgh, pick up some unique gifts at Handmade Arcade on Saturday (11am-7pm) downtown at the Convention Center. Then Sunday, come see ROLLER DERBY! It’s our annual Toys for Tots charity scrimmage, so bring a toy for a child who needs a special Christmas.

52 books update:
So, I’ve finished four books since Thanksgiving. Not a bad start!
Kelly Cutrone’s If You Have to Cry, Go Outside
Nixon’s Darkest Secrets
Stop the Wedding! (A Romantic Comedy) – a random, silly book that Kindle store recommend; super easy read

seven things, seven days:
1. Christmas shopping started! (and finishing this weekend); Boyfriend is proving to be more difficult to shop for this year. Men.
2. Also, writing out all the Christmas cards. (I’m early!)
3. I’m hosting a bridal shower for a friend; check out these cute invites from Wedding Paper Divas.
4. WINE ICE CREAM!!!
5. Holiday shopping doesn’t mean I didn’t pick up a lil’ something for myself (duh!): this sequin sweatshirt from GAP is so fun (and comfy! And was 30% off.)
6. Bloggers Elsie & Emma from A Beautiful Mess geek out about Tea. More tea-geeking, please!
7. The Psychology of everything in 48 Minutes from Paul Bloom: