Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

 

An ugly Christmas sweater knit by your grandma has become a Christmas party classic! Honestly, how can you not love this hilarious and fun party? But how do you make it look good? And where do you get a sweater if your grandma never knitted you one? I have the style know-how and Etsy has a wide variety of sweaters to choose from!

10 Best Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Let’s start with what you can wear an ugly sweater with- sequin leggings. You’ll literally be festive from head to toe and these leggings were quite a hit last year and I’m thinking they will be again this year. At least I plan on wearing some! Pair them with stilettos (preferably in red for even more festivity) and a cute little clutch like the Betsey Johnson one featured above.

In preparation for the party season, I browsed through Etsy for the ugliest Christmas sweaters and I’m sharing my favorites with you in a variety of price ranges. Leave a comment with your favorite one!

1. “You Go Glen Coco” Sweatshirt
2. “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal” Sweatshirt
3. Grinch Me Sweater
4. Bumbles Sweater
5. Vintage Santa Sweater
6. Beaded Sweater
7. Embellished Sweater
8. Peachy Snowman Sweater
9. Grumpy Cat Sweater
10. Off-the-Shoulder Sweater

Saying ‘Thank You’

Yesterday, I promised a shopping haul from my San Antonio trip. Well today you won’t be seeing it because I was sick all day yesterday and didn’t have time to take any good pictures of the cute things I bought much less take pictures of me with/in them. I have some sort of sinus infection that’s stopping me from forming a coherent thought and putting on make up. Story of my life.

Today, I wanted to share with you a cherished tradition that many people are forgetting about- the ‘thank you’ note. Who would have thought that something so simple and important would become a thing of the past? Seriously, the only time I’ve ever received a thank you is after a wedding. Notes like these shouldn’t be reserved for events like that. It should be an ordinary thing. If someone does something nice for you, then you send a note! It’s not rocket-science.

Years ago, I went to a little friend’s birthday party. She was turning 8, I think. Her party was dinosaur themed and I got her a dinosaur gift of some kind. A few weeks went by and still no thank you note. I was brought up believing that you should send these within a week of the party. Regardless, I gave her some slack (I was a very polite kid, you see). 15 years later, I’m still waiting on that thank you note. I should have known not to expect one given that the birthday girl gathered up all of her gifts after she opened them and retreated to her room to play with them… by herself.

Remembering how important it is to send thank you notes, I have quite the stash of them in my desk! I absolutely adore them and stock up whenever I see a sale. Sending these notes says so much about your class, gratitude, and overall etiquette understanding. You aren’t required to send them by any means, but those that do automatically seem more appreciative than those who don’t. Consider that next time someone gives you a gift or does something nice for you!

Graduation Details!

 

You’re looking at an official college graduate! I, Liz Morrison, have graduated with a BA in Communications and I couldn’t be more proud! It was a long journey to get here but I’m thrilled that I made it. Starting college at 17, I had no idea what to expect and where this road would take me, but when I walked across that stage and shook hands with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, I knew that this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

 

As a first generation college student, my parents were so thrilled! My mom ordered a cake for me from one of our favorite bakeries in Virginia Beach (it’s vanilla). After the ceremony, my parents took me to a nice restaurant on the water so we could celebrate and rehash the event. We also spent a few hours on the beach laying in the sun.

 

My dad rarely smiles for photos but on graduation day, he smiled! From the time I was a little kid, he always encouraged me to go to college and make something of myself. I’m so grateful that I was able to do just that. This accomplishment means the world to me and my graduation day was the single most important day of my life. It meant freedom, prosperity, and starting a new legacy for my family.

The morning of my graduation it was a little foggy but as the day went on the fog burned off and the sun came out in time for our ceremony. It was incredibly warm in that cap and gown sitting under the sun. One guy in front of me actually passed out from heat exhaustion. Since our school is small, everyone graduates on the same day. There were about 1500 people that graduated so we sat outside for quite some time before it was my degree program’s time to walk. That moment was well worth the wait though. When my name was read aloud I had little tears in my eyes and a smile that said it all.

 

Part of my graduation gift to myself was buying this lovely Lilly Pulitzer dress for the event. I got quite a few compliments on it once I took off the graduation gown. Lilly is for special occasions and this certainly counted as one! It was the perfect day and I’m so thankful that I have it to look back on. Tell me about your graduation day in the comments below!

Fruit-Infused Water

As the temperatures start to warm up, I’m relearning the value ice-cold water has in my life. I adore the refreshing feeling it gives my body when I’ve been outside for a few hours in the sun. More than anything, I love to “dress” my water in something visually appealing!

I first had fruit-infused water at a spa in Disney World. They had a pitcher of cucumber melon water chilling by the snack bar for guests to enjoy. I never thought I could really enjoy and be satisfied by water alone but I was proven wrong! Adding fruit to something basic really makes it better.

This spring and summer I’ll be drinking a lot of this! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Water pitcher (or a large water bottle if you need it on the go)
• Cute drinking straws (for a festive look)
• Cucumber
• Lemon
• Strawberries
• Raspberries

These four fruits are the easiest to combine if the need arises. I also suggest when hosting a party creating a “water bar” for healthier guests. Before the party starts, chill glasses in the freezer to give them a frosted look and then take them out when your guests arrive. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Enjoy your water!

Birthday Festivities

Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! I’m always overwhelmed with the amount of kindness I’m shown on my birthday from friends, family, and my fabulous readers. It motivates me to keep going. Sometimes life just burns you out, but being reminded of the support system that backs you up breathes life into an otherwise tired spirit. Thanks for the breath of life guys!

Anyway, I had a really nice birthday despite visiting the doctor to be tested for this and that. My parents took me out for Italian food and then we came home and had my favorite ice cream cake! I also treated myself to a few goodies such as these adorable navy blue stiletto Ann Taylor heels I found on sale. They make my legs look amazing! Then I went into Aldo and scored some cat eye sunglasses for the summer. I was also gifted a lovely Kate Spade sequin watch and Abercrombie tee with a scarf from two really special people in my life.

I spent Easter Sunday enjoying the spring weather by the water. My mom, sister, and I sat on a dock and let the sun warm our backs. We watched the ducks dip their heads under water while their little feet were in the air. Some creatures just do the most adorable things. The Easter Bunny also came and left me with some cute notecards, chocolate, socks, nail polish, and gel window clings for decoration. Smart bunny!

Tomorrow I’ll be writing about my progress in the gym, my favorite exercises, and a few other tips. Don’t forget to join me!