Keep Calm; It's Nearly Christmas!

1. Mini candy canes brought in by a co-worker the other day. There's nothing better than cappuccino and gingerbread flavoured candy!

2. Some days just call for faux fur! Faux fur scarf: The Gap, Satin blouse: Jacob. Note: You gotta love when your eyeshadow has so much fall out that it smears all over your nicely done foundation. Yeah, it was a struggle with that powdered eyeliner & I can tell you it will not be happening again. I hate messy make up!

3. Christmas-themed doodles at the office, from me to you.

4. Keep calm, everyone! It's almost Christmas! On the other hand, stress out because you aren't nearly prepared enough as you should be & you still have Christmas shopping to do! I can't be the only one who is feeling that way right now. Less than two weeks until Santa is here!

Have a happy Tuesday everyone!

Check out what else has been happening on HLDFashion:

Holiday Sparkle: The Outfit
Holiday Sparkle: The Shoes
Bag Lovin'
Snaps of the Week
Ahh, Dior!

Christmas Inspiration

Nothing like snoozin' during the holidays! 

Traditional Christmas colours haven't been lost this season, but for the past few years I've noticed that there are no hues that are off limits. I love how simple and elegant silver & blue look together, and a hint of dusty gold mixed in is lovely, too! Definitely makes me want to decorate (even more).

This is my alter ego... If you get what I mean (ha, ha. I'm so funny).

 We'll be seeing you soon, Santa! Remember my Marc by Marc Jacobs bag & half marathon entry, please!

Yesterday I received a package with some Christmas decorations in it from my family's home on the island. It's so nice to have festive additions in my apartment, not only because it helps me get in the Christmas mood, but because it's a little touch from home as well. As much as I love you, VanCity, I love my family more & will be happy to see them for Christmas!

Instant Fun with Instagram

I wanted to share with you all the latest snaps from Instagram! I have way too much fun with this application on my phone, and I am already at over 400 photos on my little iPhone! Crazy how they all accumulate, but I'm the kind of person who wants to take pictures of EVERYTHING. It drives Brandon crazy, but as my mom says, "I'm making memories!"

Here's the latest! My Instagram username is HLDFashion - easy to remember!

1. Benefit goodies from a staff sale at work. Erase paste & Eyecon eye cream are quickly becoming favourites! I also picked up a mini sample of NARS firming foundation that I have yet to try, and the Shu Uemura lipstick (at the top) is so pretty and SO moisturizing. I love it!

2. Blo Blow-Dry Bar post cards at The Style Spy x The Gap shopping event.

3. Holiday treat for Christmas shopping.

4. Mannequins styled with pieces from The Gap by The Style Spy team.

5. Lauren & myself at the shopping event.

Hope you all have a lovely day! If you are on Instagram, leave me a comment with your username & chances are you will have a new follower! ;)

Christmas Cocoa

Although it's only November, December is approaching with rapid speed. This means everyone is gearing up for Christmas, and I must say, I am more than excited. While we have to wave goodbye to the iced coffees and blended drinks of summer to avoid being even COLDER than we are (in Vancouver, anyway), I am happy to curl up on the couch with a hot beverage. One of my favourite Holiday beverages is hot chocolate, and while it is a year 'round treat, there's nothing better than adding a seasonal twist such as eggnog, peppermint syrup & candy canes. Hey, Kahlua & Baileys is pretty darn good, too!

Below is the hot chocolate I made the other day. Although there was no eggnog, coffee liqueur or candy cane flavouring in it, I added a swirl of whipped cream & put it in my favourite candy cane mug to feel a little bit more festive!

Also, Starbucks has their Holiday drinks now, as I'm sure you all know. I was wondering when they would finally bring out those cute red cups! I have to say, the skinny peppermint mochas are delicious!

What's your favourite Starbucks holiday drink?

Note: Since writing this blog post, I purchased some light eggnog & have added it to basically everything. Needless to say, I haven't shared it with Brandon, and I have nearly made it through one litre all by myself. Yes, Holiday pounds are approaching (ha ha)!

Chocolate candy cane cookies

What I did today...

- I went to work. I work at a spa in town here as a receptionist, and I got off early to bake some yummy treats!

- I bought my aunt a scarf. We drew names this Christmas with my dad's side of the family, and I got my aunt. Coincidentally, she drew my name. SCORE! She ALWAYS buys the best gifts! This year I bought her a gift certificate for a pedicure from my work (including her choice of polish), a scarf, and a glass high heel shoe ornament. I hope she enjoys it as much as I do!

- Made chocolate candy cane cookies! I apologize for the low quality photos... A camera wasn't on my Christmas list, but it is on my TO-BUY list once Christmas has passed!

... And that's about it! My boyfriend and I cleaned our room today, and now he is wrapping my presents! I have been banned from the bedroom for a little while, so I figured it was a perfect time to blog!

Hope you all had a fantastic day! Tomorrow is BOOKED most of the day at work, so it will keep me busy I hope!

Have a wonderful evening!

Love, Holly! :)