With the Christmas holiday just one week away, I thought it would be fun to bring back some of my favorite posts from last year that are still just as relevant, helpful and festive! From recipes, to prepping for out of town guests, to navigating the holidays being single, these blog posts are perfect prep as we enter the holiday festivities.

It’s such a joyous time of year and a time that always reminds me of just how thankful I am for even the smallest of things. It’s not about the presents, it’s about being present. Instead of wrapping presents, wrap someone in a giant hug. Instead of shopping for food and gifts, donate them. Be the light of the holiday season!

So without further ado, here’s a peek into the archives of some festive holiday content!

RECIPE: MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP BROWNIE BITES

If there is one thing I have loved since childhood it is anything mint chocolate. I’m surprised I didn’t turn in to mint chocolate chip ice cream as a kid I ate it so much! From ice cream, to Andes mints, to York peppermint patties, to peppermint mochas and hot chocolate and beyond - no such thing as too much mint chocolate!

The past couple of times I’ve worked from Starbucks I picked up one of their peppermint brownie cake pops. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out! It was such a delicious treat and I thought to myself: why couldn’t I make a version of this myself? And that’s where this creation started! Pretty ground breaking, right?! CLICK HERE to get the recipe!

RECIPE: CHOCOLATE-PECAN OATMEAL COOKIES

If there is one thing I love about the holidays besides the cheer and spending precious time with my family, it is all the baking! My mom has always been a huge baker and I remember back to being a little girl and helping her make cookies in the kitchen. Now in our family, cookies are an anytime of the year thing but there is something magical about cookies at the holidays.

I love the combination of chocolate and pecans [pee-cans or peh-cawns??] so I figured I’d whip up a delicious holiday cookie with the combo! I decided to do a chocolate-pecan oatmeal cookie and y’all…they do not disappoint one bit! The heartiness from the oatmeal with the crunch of the pecans and the melted dark chocolate chunks makes for the most perfect and delectable cookie. These are sure to be a crowd favorite! CLICK HERE to get the recipe!

HOW TO: MANAGE HOLIDAY STRESS

The holidays are a joyous time filled with love, laughter and Grandma’s homemade cookies. It’s a time to show appreciation to your loved ones and to help those less fortunate. It’s a time to celebrate another year of blessings and memories.

But with all of this, comes the hustle and bustle that accompanies the holiday season. We feel rushed, stressed, anxious and sometimes lose the true meaning of the holidays. With that, I’ve put together 4 key holiday stressors [based on your feedback!] and ways you can manage each to help keep you focused on the important things this holiday season…and Grandma’s cookies! CLICK HERE to see how to manage 4 key holiday stressors.

5 WAYS TO PREP FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS

The holiday season brings about gatherings of friends and family from both near and far. When you are hosting out-of-town guests, there are certain things that can make a guest feel even more at home during the holiday season. There’s nothing worse than traveling for the holidays to stay with family or friends and feeling like you are all up in their space - not fun! I’ve rounded up 5 ways to make your space even more welcoming and inviting for guests. CLICK HERE to see the 5 ways to prep for holiday guests!

WHAT TO BRING TO A HOLIDAY PARTY

The holiday season is in full force and calendars are booking up with celebrations and parties galore! There is so much joy this time of year but sometimes figuring out what to bring to a holiday party can be a bit stressful. Is this too much, is this not enough, is this cheesy, what if everyone else brings the same thing - probably all questions you've asked yourself before a holiday party. No need to worry! I’ve narrowed it down to 4 main ideas of things you can bring to a holiday party so you don’t show up empty handed! CLICK HERE to see what to bring to a holiday party!

5 WAYS TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU’RE SINGLE

All the jingle ladies, all the jingle ladies. I sincerely apologize for now getting that song stuck in your head but let’s be honest…we could all use a little Beyonce in our daily lives!

Being single can be tough these days, especially when you are creeping up on 30 like I am and everyone around you seems to be getting married, engaged or having babies. The holiday season can heighten these blah thoughts unfortunately. You see couples with cute holiday pictures, smooching under the mistletoe, even more people getting engaged, etc etc.

But when you take a step back, there is no reason why being single can’t make for a fun and memorable holiday season! There is no better time than now to get out there and enjoy life, celebrating all of the wonderful gifts we have. CLICK HERE to see 5 ways to enjoy the holidays when you’re single!

5 FESTIVE NAIL COLORS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

There is nothing that makes me feel more like I have my life together than having my nails done. Anyone else with me?! With the holiday season in full force and holiday parties filling up the calendar, I’ve rounded up 5 of my favorite festive nail colors to get you through the holiday season - there’s a little something for everyone! CLICK HERE to see 5 festive nail colors for the holiday season!