Here is a list of 10 things that stood out to me to make them notable to mention! I hope your holiday filled your cup, and if it didn’t, I sincerely hope that you try again starting tomorrow, because, why not! Who cares about the timeline; we can live outside the box.

10 things

1. My grandmother’s gingerbread cookies didn’t taste like hers this year. Royal icing was not the right icing, and they seemed dry and weird looking. I’m going to make a goal to try to recreate them next year more authentically! What is something that was a mis for you this holiday?
2. I realized how important music is for my happiness and creative pursuits. Like, I just cannot go without it anymore. So, I bought these headphones, and I plan to use them a ton to keep the magic alive creatively!! They are so cheap, yet I love them, and the color looked like Pepto pink, but surprisingly came in this dusty rose color, that I so LOVE. Link to headphones in my Amazon shop!
3. I am still making Christmas house displays even after the holidays! I found the cutest 6X7 inch houses to embellish at the 99 Cent store and am painting them with reds and pinks and adding glistening snow and iridescent glitter and tiny wreaths. I hope to pepper them throughout my peppermint themed kitchen next year. One of my goals in life is to make things that look like Anthro. purchases but are just cheaper versions made with a whole lotta labor of love!
4. I found a new church that is singing to me, and honestly, I am such an elegant church lover. I know, I don’t need that to connect with God because he is in my heart, but I just really feel like our society needs a wake-up call at church. Since we don’t have major old-fashioned problems like plagues and survival challenges, mostly, we almost need a kick in the pants to realize how important God is, and how necessary having aw for him is. So, I am seeking out more ritualistic churches. Sorry, if that offended anyone! Just my opinion on the matter.
5. I’m obsessed with this Dr. Teal’s sleep spray which is lavender and chamomile scented but also has melatonin in it. I feel like it is helping me sleep better and sets a calmness in place. 
6. Do you ever think about how precious life is? I got some bad news today, but somehow it didn’t phase me. I think when people are strong that it is happening to, then it is easier to be strong for them. I cut through the lights while they were plugged in on my Christmas tree this week, and I honestly had a WOW moment of like that could of cost me big time. And, it is just so important to remember how lucky we are to be on this planet and living this life right now. And also, I just want to really be there for people that need me or need help.
7. My husband and I have a ritual where we set a budget for each other, and then we pick our own presents and we wrap each other’s. It guarantees getting exactly what you want but also loses the sweetness of wondering what they picked. So, we changed it up to make a budget for one surprise present and sure enough, he got me my favorite present of all, which was a Mediterranean cookbook that knocked my socks off and was so thoughtful. So, I guess I am kinda steering back to surprise presents are the best!
8. Jordan Page is one of my fav content creators, and she does videos on what she got her kids for Christmas, and I just love how she has numbered gifts. So, next year I would like to have a definitive number and that way I don’t go too crazy and it is much more understood how it is going to be for all.
9. I’m really in this weird state right now of not being over Christmas so still wanting to watch holiday movies and craft for it, and kinda want to get some decor 50% off! but, I am also wanting to make a New Year’s eve fun home party, and am already kinda ready for Valentine’s! I really want to celebrate lunar new years this year! I was thinking that fortune cookies and handmade paper ones would be a fun way to start the new year, and also homemade party crackers. Kinda love the balloon drop too at ball drop! I think people just fill a bunch of balloons and hold them up with a plastic table cloth and tape it up high. Then just pull on it when the kids are under it! So cute!
10. I am absolutely obsessed with Chat Books! I plan to make a hard cover flat book with all of my fav Disney pics, like my best Disney photography pics and put about 90-100 pages together. I made our wedding album with this, and fell in love with it. And, the monthly books are adorable and fun too. So, this is a goal of mine to make some really special books.

If you want any links to the things I mentioned please message me on Instagram, which is where I am daily! https://www.instagram.com/miniandmefairytale/ Please note that I am an affiliate marketer and that I receive commission off of my links. These small commissions make it possible for me to share and create content with you and is always something that I love. Thank you for your support!

HAPPY NEW YEARS! This is my favorite time of year. I love self-reflection, and a new start for projects, and life in general. Get after it! Make your dreams come true, and don’t forget to set goals for all aspects of life, not just money or fitness!!

Xoxo,

Christina Raye