5 on Friday | Oh the Weather Outside is Freightful

Thank goodness it if FINALLY FRIDAY!! It's has been bitterly chilly here the past few days {ahem... Tuesday all 50 states were below freezing!!}, which has called for layers upon layers of comfy, cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots. For me, this week has been hectic and outright crazy. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and spending Saturday playing football and enjoying a meal with friends.

Sooooo let's get to it:

ONE
The theme of my week has been crazy "firedrill" after "firedrill" at work. Planning a year in advance can sometimes be difficult & setting up and "fluffing" aprox. 18 Christmas Trees was just the icing on the cake. I think that I learned this week more than I ever want to know about a fake Christmas tree. From tips to hinges versus branches to wrapped and twigs, I can now call myself a Christmas Tree EXPERT!

TWO
I added this new Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor to my make-up collection and I have been getting so many comments on the color and friends asking where they can get it that I thought I would share. Lately it has been a go-to in my makeup routine.

THREE
I linked up with Elise, April, Katie, & Zelle as they hosted one of the best link ups during the Holiday Season-- These are a few of my favorite things. If you missed out you can find my list here. Next week I will be sharing some stocking stuffer ideas! 

FOUR
Last night {Thursday} I went to the Do It Herself workshop with Home Depot. The project turned out to be very challenging.... but in the end we 85% completed the Holiday Marquee. My group selected that since I was the best with the Jig Saw at cutting the rounded edges that I should take our project home. I think after a little more TLC & coats of paint it will be something fun to hang in the house for the Holidays.

FIVE
Today marks 33 days until Christmas! YAY for taking time off work and spending time with family and friends. On Monday my friends and I put together our Operation Christmas Child boxes and are going to deliver them this weekend to the drop-off. I am filled with JOY knowing that I am touching a child in need with a special Christmas gift!

Thanks to Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha!

OCC | The Power of a Simple Gift

The Holiday's are about giving a better way to start off this Holiday season than with giving through Operation Christmas Child. As a child/ young adult, I remember gathering up toiletries, toys ,and other small gifts from around the house or the drugstore in preparation for my OCC box. The thought that some of those items were everyday "non-fun" gift in my eyes really put into perspective how blessed I was in my life. I always enjoyed seeing how many different items I could fit inside and I was so proud of what I put together in the end and enjoyed "sending" it off at the OCC drop-off. Even though I never would know who the end recipient would be, it brought so much joy to my holiday giving to someone, somewhere who was less fortunate. 



When I saw this link-up on Jenni's blog {Frankly, My Dear} with her friend Hayley  I knew that I needed to make a special Saturday post and share! I cannot wait to gather all kinds of items together for this year's box.

About Operation Christmas Child
OCC is an event sponsored by Samaritan's Purse and supports and blesses children all around the world and aims to teach them about God, lead him or her to faith, inspire pastors, and plant new churches. By packing a shoe box (or small plastic box) full of goodies for either a boy or girl, they are able to provide so many children around the world with gifts- things they need and want. You can read more about the mission and history here.

Although I am starting the link-up a day late... it's not too late for you to join in too! Please check out all of the details on this document. Also Hayley from A Beautiful Exchange is hosting a series for bloggers and non-bloggers.

Everyone please join in & pack a shoebox. I promise that it will not only bring joy to a child, but that you will also have joy in your life through the gift of giving

xoxo