It's Time to Announce the Winners for the #HolidayGiftGuide2015 #winner

It's that time, time to announce the winners for the Holiday Gift Guide 2015 giveaways! This year I kept the holiday giveaways short, as I've been very  busy with the little Munchkin... I hope you all enjoyed the fun. With that said, here's the winners...

Holiday Gift Guide: Amazing Artists Around the World With Novica - $50 Gift Certificate #Giveaway #Holidaygiftguide2014

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2015... and this is my eighth post!

I'm born and raised in Canada, but I have to say I've always had a love for other parts of the world. I love living in Canada and being Canadian, and have a love for all types of art. I guess you can say I'm a bit of a dreamer, and wish to someday travel the world to enjoy a wider range of art. I came across an awesome website that showcases artists from around the world, where you can purchase their art: Novica. Novica is in association with National Geographic, and everyone has heard of them!

Novica features artists from around the world: Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand, and West Africa. By purchasing from Novica, you're helping those smaller companies and artists that may not have that much money. Visit Novica Live and find out how you can become a consultant, or even host your own Novica party!

Holiday Gift Guide: Awesome & Fun Shirts From Snorgtees #Giveaway #Holidaygiftguide2015

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2015... and this is my fifth post!

I'm a huge fan of wearing t-shirts, as I like to be comfortable. I normally like the woman's style, so it hugs my curves instead of making me look boxy. I've reviewed many shirts from different shirt companies, and I keep coming back to a few of them... Snorgtees is one of my favorites! I've reviewed their t-shirts a few times in the past, and if you're interested in reading my last review click here. I love that they give different shirt styles to choose from, sometimes different colors, and a wide variety of sizes. Sometimes they include plus sizes as well as kids sizes, as well as also available in hoodies.

Holiday Gift Guide: My Munchkin Loves Her Bath Time Products, Thanks to Fayebaby! #Holidaygiftguide2015

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Brianna, © 2015 aspicyboycatandmyfatass.com

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2015... and this is my forth post!

My little Munchkin is almost 4 months old, and the time is flying by fast. She's growing so quickly, with her cute pudgy baby rolls! It feels like just yesterday she was born... tiny, with a lamb-like newborn cry. Now her cries are much louder, and her adorable personality is starting to shine through even more. One thing that hasn't changed, is that she loves her daily bath time routine. She has her morning bath to freshen her up, and in the evening to prepare her for bedtime... she usually prefers the bath at night. Up until now I was using the regular store bought baby care products, that was until my cousin who is a make-up artist at Motives Cosmetics by Fayebaby mentioned DNA Miracles Natural. It's a new line of baby care products that both myself and my daughter fell in love with... move over Johnson & Johnson, Miracle Naturals is our new favorite!

Holiday Gift Guide: Five Finger Tees is the Perfect Gift for Anyone on Your List! #Giveaway #Holidaygiftguide2015

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2015... and this is my third post!

If you have a sense of humor like I do, you'll probably find that the funny t-shirts at Five Finger Tees will crack you up. Five Finger Tees is a family owned and run business, with a passion for designing and printing t-shirts. The prices of their t-shirts are affordable because they do all the work, from customer service and designing, to printing and shipping. As their motto goes, "We are Five Finger Tees - Prices So Low It's Like Stealin!"

Holiday Gift Guide: Good Sleep Begins with Cloud b - Twilight Buddies Giveaway!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Photo credit: Cloud b main page 

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2015... and this is my second post!

One of my favorite times of the year while growing up was the holiday season. I'm in my 30's now, and it's still my favorite. This year will be the first Christmas that I celebrate with my daughter, and I'm super excited about it. As many of you already know, she was born this past July... I had already been partnered up with the company Cloud b for a product review and giveaway before my angel even arrived. I had originally hoped to get this post published a couple months ago, but having a newborn is more work than I truly expected. Now what does that have to do with the holiday season? Cloud b is an amazing company that would make for the perfect gift for many children of all ages.

Holiday Gift Guide: A Timepiece That Never Goes Out of Style #wearJORD #jordwatch

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Photo credit: JORD Pinterest

It's that time of year again, when people start thinking about shopping for the holiday season. I'm famous for having all my shopping completed early, and this year is no exception to that. In the spirit of Christmas, I'm working with a number of companies who have joined in my Holiday Gift Guide 2015... and this is my first post!

I'm someone who loves my smartphone, and you can usually find me on it quite frequently. I use it for keeping in touch with family and friends, as well as having fun via social media. Many people use their phones now in order to tell time... well not everyone is able to keep their phone on them in certain situations. At my previous job I wasn't allowed to have a cellphone out in the open, as we were dealing with clients confidential documents. How was I able to keep track of the time? Ah... an old fashioned clock... wearing a watch! To me it's not always about just telling time, a watch is a piece of jewelry, it's something trendy, and you can have one to match different outfits.

Looking For Sponsors For My Holiday Gift Guide 2015!

Looking for companies who want to participate in my Holiday Gift Guide!
Every company that decides to participate, will get a permanent spot under the "Sponsor" section. For the event, I will be listing the participating sponsors on both this page (at the bottom), as well as the "Sponsor" section.

How will this help your business? Your company will gain exposure, and this would be cheap advertisement! Plus, everyone loves the holidays... it's fun!

How to Help a Friend Who Is Grieving During the Holidays

When a friend loses a family member, it is natural to want to reach out and help him through the grieving process. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know exactly what to say or how to help the bereaved. The truth is that just being there for your friend is the most important thing. You probably won't be able to take away his pain, but your support during this extremely difficult period will be invaluable, according to "Helping Others Cope with Grief," a guide published by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Schedule Time to Be Supportive

Your friend will need lots of support to get through the first holiday season after the loss of a loved one. Although you may feel overwhelmed with gift buying, decorating and various social engagements, it is important to set aside some time for your grieving friend.
If your friend's loss actually occurs during the holiday season, offer to do the following:

• Arrange for food to be brought to his house. Email an online sign-up sheet, such as SignUpGenius or Take Them a Meal, to friends and neighbors of the bereaved and ask them if they would be interested in providing a meal. With these customized online sign-up sheets, you can avoid inundating the grieving family with multiple meals in one day while making sure they aren't left without food on another.
• In your email, make a suggestion to purchase a restaurant gift card, which is a good option for people who aren't comfortable cooking for others but would like to help out the grieving family.
• Psychology Today suggests that you offer to watch the grieving person's children or to walk his dogs. Your friend will be busy trying to make funeral arrangements, picking out a coffin, or possibly hosting and taking care of out-of-town guests. Although he may not ask you for help, your friend could probably use it to take care of routine chores and tasks.
• Give the gift of time. Offer to take your friend out for coffee or drinks. He may just want to talk, so hear him out.
• Invite your friend over to celebrate the holidays with your family. If he is single, he may feel especially alone at this time and want company. If he has children, he may not feel strong enough to follow through on traditions, so invite his family over for a holiday dinner or help him decorate.

Be Aware of the Grief Process

Remember that it's not just a recent death in the family that can make a friend feel down during the holidays. A one-year anniversary of a close family member, such as a father, mother or child, can be emotionally wrenching. The holidays also open up the wounds of those who have lost a family member earlier in the year.
If you speak to your friend on a regular basis, listen closely for signs that suggest he may be having difficulty dealing with the holidays without his loved one. Look also for any evidence of depression on your friend's social media pages, such as Facebook. For example, if your friend frequently mentions that he is incredibly sad, reach out to him. If you don't live close to your friend, send him a thoughtful Christmas gift basket from FTD.com with a special note telling him that you are thinking of him.

How to Help a Friend Who Is Grieving During the Holidays

When a friend loses a family member, it is natural to want to reach out and help him through the grieving process. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know exactly what to say or how to help the bereaved. The truth is that just being there for your friend is the most important thing. You probably won't be able to take away his pain, but your support during this extremely difficult period will be invaluable, according to "Helping Others Cope with Grief," a guide published by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Schedule Time to Be Supportive

Your friend will need lots of support to get through the first holiday season after the loss of a loved one. Although you may feel overwhelmed with gift buying, decorating and various social engagements, it is important to set aside some time for your grieving friend.
If your friend's loss actually occurs during the holiday season, offer to do the following:

Wake up Happy (Even During the Holidays)

Whether you suffer from depression, anxiety, or fatigue during the holidays, maybe for you its more difficult than most to actually stay happy during this time. Instead of feeling discouraged that you can’t get into the holiday mood, find out what will help you wake up in a happy mood and carry you through the day. Waking up refreshed and ready-to-go will help you feel better and will also help you enjoy the day. So are you ready? Here are some tips that will help you wake up, stay happy and get you in the holiday spirit!


Don’t Forget Your Vitamins!

Is your body getting the correct nutrients? Many people don’t know it, but a vitamin D and calcium deficiency can lead to depression and you not feeling your best. Therefore it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough nutrition in the form of foods that will help your body feel energized. Did you know that coq10 is another supplement that helps your body with its energy level? It functions with the mitochondria in your body and thus aids with the energy production in your cells. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps shield you from potential viruses, which also affect your mood because if you’re not feeling well this also can lead to anxiety and other issues.

Tap into Your Energy with Color

Part of feeling blue is not having enough energy during the holidays, so in order to get your energy going first thing in the morning is by implementing a pop of color. Seeing a vibrant hue when you first open your eyes will make you smile and will also give you an extra burst of energy. Instead of dwelling on what is wrong, you’ll instead be concentrating on the bright object in the room that makes you happy. Depending on what makes you happy within, find a piece of art, a favorite pillow, or a blanket throw that comes in one of your favorite bright colors such as yellow, fuchsia, red, or orange. Place it next to your bed so that it’s the first thing you see in the morn.

Next, before you head to work or go about with your day, implement bright colors in your breakfast as well. For example, eat an orange, drink some orange juice, or cut up some strawberries – all of these vibrant colors combined will get you going in the morning and should help change your frame of mind from glum to hopeful.

These are just a few tips to help you wake up with a smile on your face first thing in the morning, but there are many additional tips as well. Picture the day ahead, think happy thoughts (visualization helps), and distract yourself with things and people that make you content. Pretty soon waking up happy will become a habit and you’ll find yourself enjoying the holidays!

Sierra is a freelance writer who loves the holiday season. Catch up with Sierra on her blog Ocean Dreams.

Wake up Happy (Even During the Holidays)

Whether you suffer from depression, anxiety, or fatigue during the holidays, maybe for you its more difficult than most to actually stay happy during this time. Instead of feeling discouraged that you can’t get into the holiday mood, find out what will help you wake up in a happy mood and carry you through the day. Waking up refreshed and ready-to-go will help you feel better and will also help you enjoy the day. So are you ready? Here are some tips that will help you wake up, stay happy and get you in the holiday spirit!

The holidays are fastly approching and I still have to get some gifts bought. This is the first year that I'm so far behind. Normally I have everything bought by now and wrapped and put under the tree.

Damn... Jingles keeps trying to hump my arm as I'm typing! How come I have such a horny cat? The vet said he should probably grow out of it... he's fixed. Hmmm... he's still a little male perverted kittie! He's purring... maybe he's just a really really happy kittie?!!!!

Friday after work since I'm working until four, I will go to Yorkdale and will hopefully finish my shopping. I guess I've been putting off buying stuff because I've been waiting for Shoppers Drug Mart to have a deal where you redeem points for more money. I have a feeling they've stopped doing that... I'm sad. First they got rid of the Shoppers Optimum visa card, and now this.... oh so sad.