Posted in Blogmas

Countdown to Christmas

Where has the time gone?

We are eleven days from Christmas! And I barely started my holiday checklist.Ā 

It’s the same every year; hopefully, I can add more things to it in the upcoming years. I think we can all tell I am a creature of habit and like repetition.Ā 

  • Have a Harry Potter movie marathon
  • Make Hot Cocoa from scratchĀ 
  • Decorate a gingerbread house
  • Make my 2022 ornanament
  • Christmas movie marathon
  • Holiday craftsĀ 
  • plan my 2023 goals
  • Write my letter to Santa
  • Send out Christmas cardsĀ 
  • Make TamalesĀ 
  • Drive and see Christmas lights

The current list has no particular order. These are things I try to do every year. Do I do a special something every year? Heck no! It wasn’t until I put up the tree I noticed I did not make a 2021 ornament. I got ornaments as a gift, but I didn’t make any.Ā Ā 

For a Christmas movie marathon, my must-watch movies are:

Noelle, it’s on Disney Plus. Super cute movie with Anna Kindrick as Santa’s daughter who has to help her brother become the next Santa Claus.Ā 

The Muppet Christmas Story is also on Disney plus. I would love for a bunch of very serious movies with the muppets. The Muppets’ version of Hamlet would be amazing.Ā Ā 

The Little Shop Around the Corner is a classic romance. Boy meets girl, and they reject each other they fall in love. It’s the original enemies turned lovers.Ā 

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is always a must-watch. Where are you Christmas gets stuck in my head the second I hear it.

Posted in Blogmas

A Winter Book

I was trying so hard not to buy a book this month since I’m 1000% positive most of not all of my friends got me books for Christmas.

But I couldn’t help myself. Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun seemed too good to pass up.

An LGBTQ+ holiday rom-com is all that I want from a new contemporary romance. I still wish all the tropes like give me a meet-cute but also mix it up.

Synopsis:

The author of the ā€œswoon-worthy debutā€ (Harper’s Bazaar)Ā The Charm OffensiveĀ returns with a festive romantic comedy about a woman who fakes an engagement with her landlord…only to fall for his sister.

One year ago, recent Portland transplant Ellie Oliver had her dream job in animation and a Christmas Eve meet-cute with a woman at a bookstore that led her to fall in love over the course of a single night. But after a betrayal the next morning and the loss of her job soon after, she finds herself adrift, alone, and desperate for money.

Finding work at a local coffee shop, she’s just getting through the days—until Andrew, the shop’s landlord, proposes a shocking, drunken plan: a marriage of convenience that will give him his recent inheritance and alleviate Ellie’s financial woes and isolation. They make a plan to spend the holidays together at his family cabin to keep up the ruse. But when Andrew introduces his new fiancĆ©e to his sister, Ellie is shocked to discover it’s Jack—the mysterious woman she fell for over the course of one magical Christmas Eve the year before. Now, Ellie must choose between the safety of a fake relationship and the risk of something real.

Perfect for fans ofĀ Written in the StarsĀ andĀ One Day in December,Ā Kiss Her Once for MeĀ is the queer holiday rom-com that you’ll want to cozy up with next to the fire.Ā 

Tell me that doesn’t sound adorable. I would love nothing more than to curl up with a peppermint hot cocoa, and Santa cookies to spend the next few hours devouring this book. But I have to wait till tomorrow cuz I ordered the book to late. I’m crying cuz I’m so impatient and this book seems so cute. It’s giving the Sandra bullock movie, While You Were Sleeping vibes.

Speaking of that movie is that a Christmas movie? Cuz I kinda feel like watching it. I’ve decided it’s a Christmas movie. I’m watching it. If you need me for in the next hour and 43 minutes, don’t.

Posted in Uncategorized

It’s the Holiday Season

December is here!!!!

I cant believe its time for Blogmas. 31 days of Christmas has begun already.

I can’t believe it’s December. I feel like this year has passed by so fast once it was august. And my stress from this past week (my partner getting Covid and me having to go to the doctor; it’s been rough) has made me not realize how soon December came.

But we have to keep moving forward.

I’m usually all over Christmas, but this year I don’t even know how to get into the Christmas spirit when I tried so hard to keep the fall vibes for so long.

I have an entire month to get in the mood. I’m sure I’ll watch one Christmas movie and be like you guys I don’t know why I ever doubted my love for this joyous season. But

I’m a little stressed about everything I want to do this season and I still have to buy Christmas gifts. I don’t think I have ever been this late to buy gifts. Usually, by now, I have a list and have checked it twice. But right now, I don’t even know what I’m getting, some people. The worst part is I don’t even know what i want for Christmas.

Are you in the holiday spirit already?

Posted in Blogmas

Merry Christmas

It’s Christmas Day

Merry Christmas, and thank you for joining me for Blogmas! I have no idea if anyone will be reading blogs on Christmas day.

Today is a day to spend with family, so I hope you’re doing that today.

Christmas means a lot of different things to different people, and I love that. To me, it’s about being around the people I love. It’s eating together. It’s love, laughter. It’s happiness and joy.

And I knew things were going to be different this year, but I didn’t realize how different until the day came. I’m glad I will be at work instead of home alone today.

Last night I tried to spend Christmas Eve with my boyfriend’s family. It was awkward and uncomfortable. Mainly because everyone had already left by the time I got to the house.

When It comes to my boyfriend and his family, I feel like I’m always inviting myself over. His parents were falling asleep but didn’t want to go to bed because someone was at the house, and I just was like, gee, thanks, that’s not awkward at all. Which then is embarrassing because I’m there, and I don’t know how to say, ā€œHey, I know I forced my presence on all of you, and now it’s awkward, and I want to leave.ā€

I never learn, and I never listen. My mom has told me a thousand times if you aren’t invited, don’t ask to go. And I still ask to go. I want to spend time with them, but they don’t consider me family. And my boyfriend says it’s because I’m never over, but when I am over, there’s no conversation, or it’s late. They want to go to bed and not play hostesses to the little girl without a family.

Last night, I just wanted my family, and I didn’t get it. I just wanted to sing carols and have warm hugs and have fun. I miss even the simplest things like watching a movie, eating, or decorating our house special.

My mom was sick this year, so she didn’t miss out on people not visiting. She was more grateful she could rest and not have to get out of bed and play host. It’s not COVID; it’s just the flu. Around this time of year, either I, my mom, or my dad end up sick without fail. This year it’s my mom’s turn.

Just some silly little videos of what my Christmas used to be.

Posted in Blogmas, Food and Beverage

All about tamales

Happy Christmas Eve!Ā 

Today has been a whirl and it’s not even noon yet.Ā 

The only Christmas tradition I seem to always and I mean always find time to do is make tamales. Last night I stayed at my friend’s house helping make tamales and while we finished the assembly pretty early, the actual steaming of the tamales took forever. I left at 12:30 but we still had two pots steaming.

This year we were smart and did not bother to count how many we made. We were too lazy and had too many specialty ones we had to make. Cheese with no jalapeƱos for the kiddos, cheese with extra spicy salsa and jalapeƱos for my friend’s father in law. Speaking of her father in law, this man has a gift to never be around when we are making the tamales but always arrives exactly as the first batch is ready to be eaten.Ā Ā 

I personally love helping to make the food because I feel I learn something new each year. Two years ago I made tamales on my own and learned how long to steam them. Last year was the first time I made tamales with banana leaves instead of corn husk, so I learned how to wrap them and tie them. This year I learned to make the masa from scratch.Ā 

My mom used to make her own masa when I was a kid but I never paid attention. As an adult I’ve only used premade masa that can be found from a Mexican market. This year I decided to learn to make masa. I figured it was simple enough.Ā Ā 

Dough

-1 1/3 cups lard or solid vegetable shortening, or butter.

-1 1/2 teaspoons salt (omit if masa mixture contains salt)

-1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (omit if masa mixture contains baking powder)

-4 cups freshly ground masa harina flour for tamales (34 to 36 ounces) and add 2-4 cups chicken broth (or 2 1/4 cups warm water.)

To prepare the dough:

-Combine masa for tamale, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Add broth or water.

-Mix with your fingers to make soft moist dough. In a bowl beat the lard until it gets fluffy, add the masa and beat until the dough has a spongy texture. Taste for flavor and salt and water, if necessary.

Posted in Blogmas

The Places I go to see Christmas Lights

Just a few days to Christmas

My holiday spirit was a little crushed when I learned I would be working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My family celebrates on the 24th, which is common for most Hispanics. So working Christmas Eve at first really hurt me. Also because normally by this time of the year I have made my own ornaments, made champurrado, started getting the things to help make tamales and preparing for the new year because of work I’m missing it.

I always wanted my life to be like a hallmark or lifetime movie. And while I am currently the overworked woman with a full time job that seems constantly to take away time spent with family, where is my knight in shining armor to help me remember what I’m missing? Because it seems to me my job is also getting in the way of my relationship. I no longer have a comfortable work-life balance.Ā 

I’ve been trying to not be a Grinch and actually my friends helped me with that. My friend gifted me with homemade ornaments. Not only are they handmade ornaments, they are Harry Potter themed. She painted the Hufflepuff crest for me. I can’t begin to explain how much I love it.

I’m still super upset I won’t be going to see Christmas lights with the family.Ā 

So I decided to share with you some of my absolutely favorite places to go look at lights. And all the places I missed this year.Ā 

The Newport Beach Boat Parade

This year’s theme was ā€œJingle On the Waves.ā€ I always like going on opening day. They have live entertainment, people put up booths and sell random items. It’s always fun and festive. I was super excited to hear the parade was back. I would have loved to go last year but it was canceled. I think some people still showed up but I didn’t risk it.Ā 

Enchanted: Forest of Lights

Descanso Gardens are absolutely beautiful in the daytime. But at night, with what feels like a thousand lights it is simply magical. They are sold out until the 23 and are closed the 24th and 25th. I’ll be getting tickets for January.Ā 

Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo

It’s a cul de sac where the majority of the houses have their Christmas lights. It’s so cute. You can either drive down or walk. I prefer to walk so I can take pictures. Before the pandemic people used to sell hot chocolate,popcorn and other treats in front of their houses. There was one house that sold these warm nuts that were covered in sweet stuff. I wanna say they were almonds or pecans but I don’t remember.Ā 

Naples Canal christmas lightsĀ 

Along the Naples Canal there are houses and they are all decorated. It’s actually near where the Newport Beach boat parade is. That’s how I found out about it two years ago but I haven’t been back since. I recommend going on a weekday when it’s less crowded. It’s so relaxing but it gets really cold because you’re right by the water.

Posted in Blogmas

Christmas Shopping and a Miracle too

I am back!!!

I had a few things to deal with and a few things my brain still can’t process, but I’m back.Ā 

I’m genuinely feeling a lot better, and it might be because I got most of my Christmas shopping done. Or because I decided to spend a little money on myself. I’m a big fan of treating yourself.

I found aĀ Mr.Ā Coffee Iced Coffee MakerĀ on sale and finally bought it. I have wanted one for years. I also got myself an early birthday gift while getting everyone’s Christmas gifts. Future Eryn is in for a treat. I say this because even though I knowingly fully purchased something, I usually forget what I buy or when I’m supposed to do something. Except I don’t think that’s possible this year. Since it’s not only a gift for myself but also my family.Ā 

WE’RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!!Ā 

I know I live in California, and going to Disney shouldn’t be all that crazy exciting, except it is. I love Disney, and it’s been years since I’ve been to Disneyland. This is also my boyfriend’s first time going to Disneyland.Ā 

Aside from the trip, I don’t even count this as a gift. I had a hard time this year picking out gifts for my nieces. I spend so much on them throughout the year. By the time Christmas comes, they already have abundant toys and clothes.Ā 

It always takes me a while to finally decide what I want to get. Because I always want my gifts to be the best. I know it’s mostly me overthinking, but I just want things to be perfect. Luckily this year will be a little easier; everyone is getting the same gift from me- a tracking number.Ā 

I also got a Christmas miracle.Ā Ā 

I will appreciate it more than any physical gift. My biological father and I have never had a relationship. I’ve mentioned how he wasn’t there for most of my life a few times. I’ve been through all the stages with this. As a child, I was sad about it; as a teen, angry, and after living with him, I decided I couldn’t be mad or upset about something that would never change. I accepted he wasn’t going to be in my life.

Ā He’s been trying to make more effort in the last few years, and I was very hesitant to let him in my life. Mainly because we didn’t see eye to eye on a few things about my life. All I’ve wanted from him lately is to acknowledge that I’m not a child. I’m an adult and a hard-working one at that.Ā 

I don’t know what changed, but he called me a few days ago. He apologized for many things, and while the call was awkward and uncomfortable, it meant a lot to me.Ā 

Posted in Blogmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

It’s officially December; it’s time to start singing Christmas carols off-key, making holiday treats, stressing over last-minute gifts, and… the official start of Blogmas 2021!!!

I have so much new and improved content for you all! You already know how much I love Christmas, and each year, Blogmas helps me celebrate this beautiful holiday even more!

I can’t believe Christmas is just around the corner, I haven’t yet shopped for anything, and I’ve just started getting my decorations out. I guess I’m not as on the ball as many others are out there, but I’m also not as behind as last year.Ā 

I did have a Christmas bucket list, but some of my December plans have already started to fall apart, so I’m not sure how much of my Christmas list ill be able to do.Ā 

Looking back, I also didn’t have much hope to check off my fall list, and then October had to prove me wrong.Ā 

My Christmas Checklist

  • Send out Christmas Cards

I did this last year, too, and was surprised how many wanted cards. Please email if you want one, and I only have 100 this year instead of the outrageous amount I had last year.

  • Look at Christmas lights
  • Make hot chocolate from scratchĀ 
  • Holiday baking
  • Cookie decorating
  • Harry Potter marathon
  • Make my 2021 ornament.
  • Write my letter to Santa.
  • Christmas movie marathon
  • Do a random act of kindness
  • Make a holiday craft
  • Start planning 2022 goals

If you’re joining in on blogmas, don’t forget to share your post down below so we can come by and say hi.

Posted in Blogmas

Blogmas 2021 Announcement

I am very excited to be making this announcement that I will be doing Blogmas through December!

Last year I did Blogmas, and while it was an insane amount of work that included headaches, sleepless nights, and a lot of stress-eating, it was also so much fun!!

I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pull it off because 25 posts, one every single day, it’s a lot of work. But I pulled it off last year, thanks to my boyfriend and my friends. But most of all because of your help and encouragement. It was a success, and I really want to do it again this year!!

For those of you who didn’t follow my Blogmas the last year-get ready! I know every blogger does it differently. I post a different Christmas-themed post every day from December 1st to Christmas Day, and it’s definitely a lot.

A few tips for anyone participating in Blogmas. Preplanning makes everything easier. I use a to-do to stay organized and on top of all my posts. And the second probably the most crucial rule, enjoy it. Don’t worry if you miss a day or two. Blogmas is all about spreading the Christmas spirit and having fun.

If you are participating in Blogmas, please leave a link to your blog in the comments. I’d love to follow along and read others’ posts.

I have many posts planned, but I want to create content that YOU want to see! So leave a comment on the post, or shoot me an email letting me know what you’d most like to see. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Posted in Blogmas

Blogmas Day 26: 2021 Prep.

Blogmas: bonus day!

What’s this another post? Just like the rest of you I wasn’t expecting a post today either.

Happy Boxing Day!

I recently learned that my mom lied and Boxing Day is not a day to clean up and box up old things. It was probably a ploy she cleverly used to get us to clean the house.

Yea I’m an idiot for still believing it as an adult but tell me it doesn’t make sense to clean before the new year. To start fresh. It makes more sense than spring cleaning.

2020 is just about over. I want 2021 to get off to the best start possible. But also I’m nervous about what 2021 will bring. Or maybe more accurately what will I bring into 2021.

Things I plan to leave in 2020 are:

  • Unrealistic Expectations. It’s not a secret that I don’t think highly of myself. It was only recently when I started to think of my self worth. It’s kind of the reason I started this blog. My standards for myself kept growing and I never saw any improvement in myself. It wasn’t just what I did wasn’t enough but I wasn’t enough. even now I still don’t feel like I am enough. But I’m working on setting realistic expectations.
  • Bitterness and Resentment. I lost a few friends this year. People who were takers attached to me. It felt like they would drain me but didn’t add anything to me. I plan to learn to let go. When you don’t know how to forgive and let things go hurt turns into bitterness and resentment. I don’t want carry feelings of resentment into my new season. If I want to move forward and not backward, I have to release what hurt me.
  • Failure mindset. Things didn’t go as planned in 2020. Failure is not permanent. I can’t continue to let uncomfortable change, failure and disappointment control my life. Normally when things turn bad I become pessimistic. I tell myself all I’ll ever do is fail.

How I’m preparing for 2021.

  • Reflecting on 2020. What did I do right? – Wrong?
  • Clean my room. I’m so used to cleaning before the new year starts.
  • Make goals. I want goals that are manageable and realistic. Goals I can actually accomplish.
  • Make a vision board. I plan to map out my 2021 plans. I want to be a powerful manifestor.

Side note! I brought myself a advent Calendar today because there are also 25 days between Dec. 26 and Jan. 20, I plan to countdown to inauguration day 2021.

Let’s use the remaining days of 2020 to prep for a FANTASTIC 2021!