::Celebrating the holidays with JOY!:: Guest Blogger, Coppelia

{Guest Blogger Coppelia of www.CoppeliaMarie.com} 

I started thinking about Christmas back in September. Ha! Seriously, there's a website that counts down 101 days to Christmas with ideas on how to get organized, plan ahead and make sure the crazy busy holiday time is less stressful and more merry and bright. The countdown starts in September and I love it!

You know how some people are adulting? I'm more into Christmasing.

And yes, singing loud for all to hear (which, we all know is the best way to bring Christmas cheer), happens daily in my car.

But here's the thing: finding joy during the holidays can be tough, especially if:

-Someone you love is sick, battling cancer, needing surgery, etc ...

This season, it was my mom. (And I'm thanking God that she's doing great! But we were all pretty worried about the whole thing.)

Finding joy during the holidays can also be rough if:

-Finances are tight and the kids need Christmas outfits for the reindeer romp, the holiday piano recital, gifts for the teachers and you need an ugly sweater for the office Christmas party. 

Or, maybe you can relate to this: 


-You know those moments when you go through the drive-through line at Starbucks and try to drown your sorrows in a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte? You could be having a peppermint pity party. 

So, what can you do when you're experiencing a combination of all these things (and maybe some more that I didn't have on my list), and you are just not feeling joyful? 

You can still have JOY! 

Sometimes getting out of town for a while helps. We recently had a blast at SeaWorld's Christmas celebration. We even met Rudolph! 

But when you're home, maybe wishing you could go somewhere but the circumstances just don't allow (been there, done that), this might help:

There's a local radio station in Houston, KSBJ (I used to do the morning show there!) and they do something called "The JOY Pledge." Basically, when you're feeling the stress of the holidays for whatever reason, or when you have the Christmas blues, you stop for a moment & say the JOY pledge:

I choose joy

And when I keep my eyes on Jesus,I have joy!

 When I lose it, I will choose it.

 I choose joy! 

It might seem like those are just words, and maybe you're skeptical that "saying a pledge" won't do much to solve your holiday woes. But try it! 

Sometimes, a little change in attitude can go a long way. 

If we are focused on all the negative things that are happening, of course we're not gonna feel joyful! 

BUT, when we decide to think about what we're thankful for, when we make up our minds to choose joy, we often find that one of my favorite quotes, really is true:

"Feelings follow actions more often than actions follow feelings."

In other words, if you wait until you feel joyful… you might be waiting until the new year. But if you decide to act and make the decision to choose joy, you might be surprised that the feeling of joy will follow!

I'd love to hear from you in the comments! Share with me the things that work for you as you try to find joy in this season. 

Here's to more JOY than ever before!

Laughing (and being JOYful) thru life,

Coppelia

~Coppelia

Singer/Speaker/Blogger

www.CoppeliaMarie.com

**My new book is out now!**

"Whole: How One Book Can Transform Your Whole Life" 

http://www.coppeliamarie.com/my-new-book-whole/

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::Top 5 Unique Gifts for the Awesomely Fun Momma in your Life::

::Momma Disclosure:: This post is not a sponsored, but some of the items below have been gifted to me by some of the shops mentioned below. All opinions are true and my own. 

We all have those people in our lives who have everything and who just need a little extra swag this Christmas. I love being a fun and cool Momma. Sometimes I fail, majorly, but I still love being a Momma. I have loved receiving the items below and know that there has to be that one Momma in your life who would also love them! I love it when gifts are more about the true thought put into it than the cost. The gifts below are all great items to add to any area of your collections and are also not going to break the bank! 

::Unique Graphic Tees:: 

I am known to wear graphic tees, a lot. This year I was happy to work with a couple of awesome Texas shops like; Sew Bonita (Frida Shirt below) and Taco Creative (Jesus Loves Taco shirt below). There are so many other shops where I get my t-shirts including places like Liv Luv Shop (Caffeine t-shirt below) & Pick Your Plum. As well as more common stores like Target or Walmart.  As part of my shop review with Elena, of Sew Bonita, we did an interview! 

It was our first time doing this hope you like it (Content edited by 90 Seconds Media): 

::Workout Clothes:: 

I am an active Momma. I am not the skinniest, nor do I run 10 miles a day, but I workout and love workout clothes! This year I partnered with Dick's Sporting Goods and received a gift card to purchase the items I needed and wanted most. They also sent me a great new pair of workout tennis shoes, all which I love. My favorites are comfortable form fitting yoga pants and bright colors! Loved this whole outfit from Dick's. I usually end up looking a hot mess after my workouts but at least now I look cute! Hey! 

::Mugs:: 

So, I have a little secret, or maybe not so much, I love MUGS! I drink tea more than coffee and I rarely use my pretty mugs but I love collecting them! These are my top favorites that I have sitting on my desk, looking oh so pretty! I also use them to hold my pens or business cards. Multi-use! I have purchased them in different places. Some local shops and places like Francesca's for the Blogging Day mug. The Calavera mug my co-worker gifted to me, of course, it's my absolute favorite!

::Unique Colorful Clutch bags or Purses:: 

This year I also partnered with Original Wear Travels Abroad, the three bags below are from some of their Spring and Summer Collections. You can truly never have enough purses. They are so handy and when you have options it makes getting ready a little more fun, such a girl, sometimes! There are so many shops that have unique pieces that are sure to match something in your closet and can turn into a great conversation piece at your next outing! 

::Unique Jewelry Pieces::

Also from Original Wear are the slice of heaven and colorful cuffs seen in the far right corner. The leather cuff with the large metal piece is from another amazing Texas talent, who is from the RGV (If you know me, I am a Texas Valley girl, so much support local!! so much support local?) the artist's name is Mitch Darte. She recently partnered with two local artists and opened a shop called Mi Casa Hidalgo. Check it out!! One of my favorite partnerships this year was with JORD Watches, their wood watches are amazing, and as holiday gifts, I am sure you'd make the Momma in your life very happy! The other items above are from The Silver Loft (red heart necklace and silver bracelet)  and  Luca Love Bracelets  (Set of 4 bracelets which include the Tree of Life, Story of Jesus and Alejandra's arrow, a set I created). 

Celebrate the Holidays by creating Traditions with Hallmark! #HallmarkTradiciones

{This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hallmark & in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect. . The opinions and text are all mine.}

Every holiday season, we try to add a new tradition. This year, thanks to Hallmark, we decided to let the kids choose their very own Christmas ornaments to hang on our fresh tree. The kids had not done this before, so it was a bit confusing at first. We went to our local Hallmark store, which is literally an adult candy store. I had to remember we were there to let the kids select items, and resist buying everything. They have such an amazing selection of Holiday items and, of course, the best Holiday cards. All the perfect gifts to help spread joy. 

The best part of spreading joy is planting that Holiday cheer in our own home. We love creating moments and traditions that the kids will remember.  No matter what is going on during the Holiday we love slowing down and remembering what the time of the season is all about. For us, that means family, more importantly, our children and their growing memories. We have such crazy schedules and lives that small moments like this, no matter how hectic are always fun. 

The kids were so excited and after several minutes of browsing, picking up and almost deciding on ornaments, they had made their final selections. Santiago picked the Grinch and he talks. He loved his choice, I did too. Very unique and a classic Dr. Seuss character. Camila picked a princess, not any princess but the new version of Rapunzel. It has been a favorite movie of the kids since it came out. I love that both picked an item that represent them and that they will remember they selected. 

Filling our home with Holiday cheer, lights and now new Christmas ornaments for our little tree, give bring us great joy and create new traditions. I know the kids will now look forward to adding a new ornament every year. I think that every year will be unique as the kids continue to express grow into their personalities. 

Last year we added "Lucy", our Elf on the Shelf which is available at Hallmark, to our Christmas traditions. And, this year when she reappeared from her year long hiatus the kids were ecstatic. They look forward to what crazy trouble Lucy will get into. It's the small traditions that bring them joy and that to us is happiness.   

What kind of traditions have you created for your family every year? 

Do you want to win your Holiday cards and gift card from  Hallmark to help you spread the Holiday cheer this year? ENTER BELOW. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hallmark. The opinions and text are all mine.

Holiday Gift Card Deals Round-up #ad

All offers below are available from now until Dec. 31 unless otherwise noted.

We realize that some people are hard to shop for, but there is one item that never gets old. Food gift cards are always good, they are easy to use and I am sure we all love food enough to use them! Another great idea is gift cards to food and entertainment places where kids {and parents} can have fun too. Finally, what Momma doesn't like wine and or a good spa day. Here are some great Holiday gift cards for everyone to enjoy, great for group, couple or family gifts. {hint,hint} 

::P.F. Chang’s::
P.F. Chang’s is offering a free $20 gift card with every $100 in gift cards purchased in-store or online at pfchangs.com/giftcards. Cards can be redeemed for food or drinks beginning Jan. 1at participating restaurants. Offer available in all P.F. Chang’s markets.

::Pollo Tropical::

Pollo Tropical guests will receive a $5-off coupon for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5-off coupons will be valid for use in January at all company-owned Pollo Tropical locations. Guests can also plan holiday gatherings and parties with ease with Pollo Tropical catering for any size group with as little as one day’s notice. Guests can order by calling 866-769-7696 or by going online toorder.pollotropical.com.

::Taco Cabana::

Taco Cabana guests will receive a $5-off coupon for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5-off coupons will be valid for use in January at participating Taco Cabana locations. Offer available in all Taco Cabana markets.

 

::Bruegger’s Bagels::

Bruegger’s Bagels is offering deals on gift card purchases and catering orders this holiday season that your audience will want to take advantage of.

Gift cards: Guests will receive a $5 bakery bucks certificate for every $25 gift card they purchase. The $5 certificates will be valid for use from January 1, 2016 – March 30, 2016, in-bakery only at all Bruegger’s Bagels restaurants.

Catering: Guests can also plan holiday gatherings and parties with ease with Bruegger’s bagels’ catering for any size group with as little as one day’s notice. Guests can order by calling 855-776-0660 or by going online to catering.brueggers.com.  And from now until the end of the year, a $10 rebate will be applied to all catering orders over $75.

::Main Event::

Main Event Entertainment is offering everyone who buys $25 in gift cards through Dec. 31 a free $10 bonus FUNcard. Gift cards can be purchased at any of Main Event’s 22 locations or online atmainevent.com/FUNcards. Offer available in all Main Event markets.

::Salata::
Now through Dec. 30, Salata, is offering guests who purchase a $25 gift card a coupon for a free small salad (or wrap) on their next visit in (coupons valid through Dec. 31, 2015). Offer available inDFW, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, L.A. and Chicago.

::Max’s Wine Dive::

For every $50 spent, guests will earn a $10 bonus card that can be redeemed January-February only. This will be available both as a physical gift card and through our new online gift card partner, QuickGifts. Offer available in Dallas, Houston, and Denver. Max’s Wine Dive, locations and more information available at http://www.maxswinedive.com/

::Etre Bell::

Now through Jan. 31, Etre Belle Beauty and Medical Spa is giving back to guests for the gifts they give to others. Purchasers of a $100 or more in gift certificates will receive a choice of a manicure, pedicure, massage or facial as a gift for themselves. Gift certificates can be purchased at Etre Belle Beauty and Medical Spa, located in NorthPark Center between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Contact the Spa, at (214) 369-1600, for more information or to schedule an appointment. (Dallas only).

Glade®’s Winter Collections D.I.Y. Wreath #ad #SienteGlade

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SienteGlade #CollectiveBias

As the Holiday season kicks in, I always seek out moments to create something special for our home. Something that will help our upcoming guests feel welcome in our house. We are a large Mexican-American family and gathering during the holidays always brings joy to our lives. We are so busy that seeing everyone in one place is not always possible. No matter how hectic this holiday season may get, we want to enjoy time with our families and help bring joy to their season as well. As someone who grew up in a large Mexican family, coming together at family gatherings has always been a motive for true happiness.

In our home joy comes in the little things, putting up our Christmas tree, decorating our home and creating our own winter wonderland is always fun! In order to begin this long-awaited process I took some time and visited my favorite store, Target, which carries many of the new limited edition Glade® Winter Collection scents. I purchased the Be at Peace™ scent, which has a hint of balsam fir and juniper. The scent is so clean and crisp it truly reminds me of winter. The packaging inspired me to create a Holiday wreath that would reflect the scent and colors of winter.

To my family and I, joy means spending time together, enjoying one another and having a

house filled with fresh scents and food of course!

The holidays are always a great excuse to craft and decorate your house with lots of red, green and gold! All colors inspired by Glade® and their limited edition Winter Collection of fresh aromas.

In order to create my wreath, I purchased some great Christmas decorations/ornaments and a medium size green wreath. You will need some hot glue or if you have ornaments ties or ribbon would also work. Creating the wreath is very simple and takes no time at all. You can have it done in about 30 minutes depending on how much detail you want to add.

I first make a mock arrangement of my wreath and try to imagine what I want it to look like.

Once I have dreamed up my perfect Christmas wreath; I start affixing the ornaments, ribbon, and bows. I purchased a pre-made bow, which is always easier, and some ribbon to tie around the entire wreath. Once I have secured all the ornaments and details to my wreath with ribbon ties or hot glue; it is ready to go on my front door and welcome our guest when they arrive on Noche Buena.

You too can create for your family and be inspired using this Glade® coupon to purchase your favorite Winter scent. Follow Glade® on Facebook or Twitter for more on their Holiday Inspired scents: http://cbi.as/1c10a & https://twitter.com/Glade

Glade Latina Holiday Sweepstakes

::LivingSocial:: Gifts made Easy #ad

                           ::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements are my true and honest opinion. 

Whether we like it or not, the Holiday season is in full swing. This year we decided to start our Holiday shopping early and like many we did most of it online. It's so convenient and literally at the click of mouse, you can complete all your shopping for everyone in the family. While it's easy to shop for some people, it can be tricky when shopping for families or couples. Today I decided to partner up with LivingSocial a great site for all types of gifts that your family and friends can use year round! 

Let's begin, our top 10 items from LivingSocial that I feel a couple or family would love:

::Camping with Style:: 

We love camping. And, many in our family love it too. But, I found the best camping site for those of us who want to be outdoors but not so much. This is Glamping, or Glam camping like no other. Check out the site for all the details on this deal for camping on Lake Bastrop this December! We would love this gift, hint hint, but I know many in our family would too.

 https://www.livingsocial.com/escapes/properties/83423-luxury-weekend-glamping-on-lake-bastrop

::Overnight Stay in a Teepee:: 

Now, for the kid in you and for those with actual kids, ha. This Teepee stay would be the best adventure ever! I can already imagine my children having a blast and looking at the deal it would be very affordable for us as a family of 4. It's only about a 4 hour drive away and a great mini-vacation for us all. This is one we are definitely considering for ourselves. 

https://www.livingsocial.com/escapes/properties/73087-new-braunfels-area-cabin-or-teepee

::Local Family Activities:: 

Lego Fan Festival in Houston

For those families looking for some local fun. And, for those kids who are in love with the long time Lego craze. The Lego Fan festival in January here in Houston would be a great gift idea! You and your family can enjoy all the fun and never leave the city. My son loves Lego's so this is another we will definitely be looking into.  See the site for all the details. 

 https://www.livingsocial.com/events/1541934-ticket-to-brick-fest-live-lego-fan-festival

Museum of Natural Science in Houston

Another local favorite is the Museum district LivingSocial has a deal for the Museum of Natural Science. My children love Dinosaurs and learning about the history of our earth. This one is another fun idea to gift to our family and friends for their children. Learning and a fun interactive time is always time well spent.   

https://www.livingsocial.com/events/1512276-1-ticket-to-the-houston-museum-of-natural-science-permanent-exhibit-halls

::Couples Ideas::

Date Night 

Once we can settle on a babysitter my Hubby and I love date-night, I mean what parent doesn't!? Thanks to this deal with LivingSocial we can have a unique night out, spend some quality time together and learn new skills. Like Painting! This December we might have to try this one out. I have seen others go to this type of event and it always look like they have a blast. 

https://www.livingsocial.com/events/1437522-paint-nite-painting-event-at-local-pub-or-restaurant?append_ref_code=home_page_showcase_i0

Brunch for Two

Or, if you prefer some Jazz music and good food maybe this deal suites you more. Brunch for two at a local Houston restaurant. As self-proclaimed foodies my Husband and I are always seeking out new places to enjoy food. We also love music and great atmospheres, so this one seems like so much fun. But, LivingSocial has so many options, you are sure to find a deal that fits your taste, no pun intended.  Ha. 

https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/1523670-sunday-jazz-brunch-for-2-people

::Spa and Fitness::

A day at the Spa

You may want to give this to your wife or Momma for taking care of you all year, a nice relaxing day at the spa. Or, even to a couple for a romantic afternoon away from it all. Spa days sounds great no matter what time of the year. LivingSocial has many great options. After all our hard-work, Thanksgiving cooking and upcoming Holiday shopping we would all benefit from a spa day. 

https://www.livingsocial.com/cities/7-houston/health-and-beauty-coupons

Fitness Time

For those of us who might eat a little too much this Holiday season or who want to begin early on their New Year resolutions maybe some fitness deals are best! I for one will be hitting my boot-camp every chance I get after all the turkey this Thanksgiving. You can get your family and friends fit and healthy for this Holiday season. I personally love these fitness deals. 

https://www.livingsocial.com/cities/7-houston/fitness-deals

::Best Deals for the Dollar::

Under 50

Who can go wrong with good affordable gifts for everyone LivingSocial has many options under $50.00. You can give great gifts and save your wallet the extra pain. Check out all the options LivingSocial has for a good price.  https://www.livingsocial.com/gift-ideas/collections/gifts-under-50

::Food!::

Finally, food, need I say more!? Gifting food is always my favorite. I mean people have to eat right? What better way to save someone some time or money when they are in a hurry on a busy weekday night. This is another true favorite as a Momma who often has to find time to cook, eating out is easy and receiving gift cards or deal is the best.

    https://www.livingsocial.com/cities/7-houston/food-deals

There you are! 

Will you be gifting some of these great deals? Which are your favorites? 

#ad :: Elf on the Shelf :: Discovering Traditions

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated campaign. I received an Elf on the Shelf courtesy of creator Carol Aebersold and MSL Group. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

PARA INFORMACION EN ESPAÑOL SOBRE LA TRADICION DE ELF ON THE SELF VEA ::AQUI::

I never know when to introduce certain tradition to my children, they are fairly young still and well I don't ever know if they will fully appreciate them. But, this past weekend I decided to join in on the Christmas Elf on the Shelf fun since I had been gifted the cute little Elf earlier this year. I also had the opportunity to interview the creator which was a very neat experience. 

I put my box filled with goodies on the table and of course immediately sparked attention in my kids. When I opened it, the tradition was immediately born. A magical experience if you will. My son was intrigued. He asked so many questions, "will she come alive?" , "does she move?", "are you sure?". I started to unpack and explain. 

They started to fall in love with the idea of having an actual "SANTA SPY!" in their home!  

They quickly started talking to her and my daughter of course loved that she was a girl. We jumped into bed and read the book. We then started thinking of a name but needed some help from Daddy. He suggested Wendi, my kids automatically thought of Peter Pan's Wendy since she flies! I decided to spell it Wendi with an "i" to be unique. Ha. 

We read the book 3 times, Camila wanted to be sure of what was going to happen and my Santi wanted to be reminded of how and when she would come and go to the North Pole. 

Afterward we decided that the best place for her to start her new stay in our home was  on our Christmas tree... we shall see what adventures she has for the next week leading up to Christmas when she has to go back to Santa in the North Pole. 

I loved the book, this was all new to me but it's such a sweet idea and my kids are excited to see where Wendi will venture to each day! 

The best part was chatting with   when she was here earlier this year presenting her newest addition to Elf on Shelf now a Birthday tradition! She is really an inspiration to writers and Mom-entrepreneurs everywhere. Her and her daughter were persistent and had faith in their brand. All of which I love. 

Here is a summary of my 
Interview with the creator of Elf on the Shelf:

Where did the idea come from? Carol Aebersold had an elf named Fisbee when she was a young girl which she then used to help her children celebrate their Holiday season. In 2004,one of  her daughters suggested that they write a book about the tradition. Her story becomes one of persistence and never giving up. She was rejected 9 times before her book was self-published. Carol stated that we should:

"Keep chasing our dreams. Because if we don't, we may miss many great opportunities." 

Her passion for this tradition now translates into thousands of book sales, education initiatives  to help teachers with lesson plans & creative activities for students and now book signing tours. She came to Houston this year to share with with us her newest sequel which is the Elf on the Shelf a Birthday tradition which I cannot wait to open in March for Cami's 4th Birthday! It's a special permission that Santa has given his scout elf for 24 hours to help share in the child's birthday.  

She mentioned that one of the biggest boosts that the book received was in 2007. Unplanned, actress Jennifer Garner was photographed with an Elf on the Shelf, the rest is history! Her story really gives me hope. She stated that we should't assume that things will be easy  or that they will go a certain way, because nothing is set in stone! 

These days Elf on the Shelf is committed to giving back and when you purchase Elf on the Shelf a Birthday Tradition you will help a child receive clean water, $1 of each book sale is donated to Charity Water. This is so important to me, as I want to teach my children about the importance of giving back to our communities and the world around us.