NYE Outfit Inspo

Happy New Year's Eve! Can you believe it, the last day of 2015.. I honestly cannot. Looking back at all the ups and downs (mainly ups, this was truly a great year) it's so bittersweet to say hello to 2016. I'm excited for what the year holds but I honestly cannot believe that a year can get better than '15, we will see! 

If you're anything like me, you wandered into your closet around 11pm last night wondering 'what in the world am I wearing tomorrow?' and then planned a very last minute trip to the mall today. #GUILTY. I wanted to share a few last minute ideas on what you could wear that you may already have in your closet or a few quick places you could grab something!! Whether you're headed to a black tie affair or a pajama party, I've got you covered! 

-- A Touch of Sparkle --

This is for all you ladies who don't feel comfortable head to toe sequins or maybe if you're headed to a more casual event! Look for a statement piece and pair with your favorite distressed denim for a fun look. (Can you believe I snagged these heels at the Thrift Store?!) 

-- Feather Frenzy -- 

I love feathers especially on NYE. I purchased this skirt a couple of years back and I'm shocked how often I find myself wearing it, definitely a great closet staple. Pair it with a black top for a dressier look or go for a more casual vibe with an oversized sweater. I also love fringe skirts! 

-- Lovely Legs -- 

Sequin leggings are perfect if you're wanting to stay comfortable but still look effortlessly glam. I love how great they look with an oversized tee (it's like the fanciest pajamas you've ever owned!)

-- Bling Bling Blazer -- 

A fun option is a sequin blazer! It pairs perfectly with a little black dress or tulle skirt. 

-- Metallic Maxi -- 

I love anything shiny, this is less glam and a little edgier! I love the rose gold (my favorite color!). This full length beauty is perfect with flats because no one will know and was under $30 from Forever21! 

-- Pajama Party -- 

My personal favorite option, snuggle up in your favorite & cutest pajamas to watch the countdown from the comfort of your couch! Invite some friends over or make it a date night! Turn it into a fun slumber party and whip up some yummy brunch the next day, just don't forget your black eye peas for good luck! 

I hope everyone has the MOST wonderful New Year's Eve, thanks so much for spending the year with us! Here's to an A M A Z I N G 2016! XO,

Riley 

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Best Year EVER!!

Image via Pinterest

I am so excited about this New Year!  I believe it will be the best year ever!! Why??  Because I get a clean slate, a new beginning, a fresh new start.  The possibilities are endless.  I like to start each new year with what I know I have to look forward too. I like to make a list of the things we know will happen.  I also like to add a list of things I would like to happen. The week between Christmas and New Years I love to open my planner and start planning the year in front of me!  And I am loving my new Mambi Happy Planner. 

Image via Pinterest

Things with dates on the calendar:

My niece will turn 1 this year! (February)

My daughter will graduate from High School! (May)

A trip for just me and my Husband!  No kids!!  (June)

A family summer vacation to see several new states and watch my son in a Karate Tournament all rolled into one crazy adventure! (July)

My daughter will go away to college.  ( I have mixed emotions about this one! Excited for this chapter of her life for her....sad for me!) (August, move in day is her daddy's birthday!)

 

 

Things I would like to make happen: 

Cousin Trip- where me and some of my girl cousins get together with our kids in a cabin and catch up with each others lives!

Cooper Family Reunion-I need to make this happen!  The matriarch of the family will be 90 this year so I need to get this planned and invitations sent out immediately!

Game Night-I plan to bring this back this year!  We were so busy last year that we only had game night about every 3 or 4 months and that is totally unacceptable!  (While working on my planner last night I decided I was just going to have to schedule it and make it happen!)

Dollywood- We received Dollywood season passes for Christmas.  I have to find several days where we can go and hang out in Dollywood.  It is such a fun time with the kiddos!

Image via Pinterest

 

Hikes-We live in Chattanooga which was voted the Best Outdoor City in America.  We need to get several hikes on the calendar for this year.  We took a small one last Sunday and it was such a great day to be outdoors. 

 

 

Image via Pinterest

The things I want to get on my calendar are my Resolutions.  Of course, I would like to lose some weight and exercise.  But if I see a cookie I am going to eat a cookie or three.  Plus, I don't like to set myself up for failure.  So this year to make it the BEST YEAR EVER I decided to make an effort to add things I really want to do!  Things like Family Game Night, hiking, and date nights with my husband.  (plus if we go hiking I will lose the pounds I added at Christmas!)

 

I am very excited to ring in this New Year!  I am also excited to hear what you are planning on doing!  What are your resolutions??  Please share with the other SHE's what you have dreamed up for 2016!  May it be your BEST YEAR EVER!

 

Lisa

 

 

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Top Moments of 2015

Hey Ya'll! I cannot believe we are already ending 2015. This was by far the busiest and most eventful year of my life. I guess I can say I’m both excited and sad to see it go. Today I thought I would do a round-up of my “Top 5 Moments of 2015”.

1. May 2, 2015 

Master’s Graduation - I officially finished school FOREVER! Working on my MBA was one of the most exhausting and rewarding experiences of my life. Knowing I never have to sit through another night class makes me more relieved than words can explain.

2. May 29, 2015

Home Building Completion – The day we waited a year and a half for finally came - we finally finished building our home! I will tell people this time and time again, building a home is the best form of pre-marital counseling you could ever do. The whole process taught us so much. We learned how to compromise, what makes each other tick, how to resolve stressful situations, and manage finances.  Our project was not a normal build. The construction crew consisted of Andrew, my Dad, Andrew’s Dad, and my Dad’s good friend. It’s extremely humbling to see how many people jump in and help when you take on such a large, time consuming project. We could not thank the “crew”, our Mom’s, and Grandparents enough for bringing food, helping clean, and offering advice and supportive words. I would recommend home building to everyone, do it once, and you’ll never want to do it again J

3. June 6, 2015

Wedding - After 5 years of dating, Andrew and I tied the knot. It’s amazing how quickly the day happens and how many different emotions you go through in one day: happy, sad, excited, nervous, and relieved. The day was perfect and we were so grateful for our families who planned the “big day”, friends who helped celebrate with us, and all of those who have supported us. I can’t believe we’ve almost reached 7 months of marriage!

4. February 20, 2015/ May 26, 2015/ August 20, 2015

Fur Children – Maggie, Millie, and Manning joined our family this year! We didn’t realize how quickly our animals out numbered us, or how much we could possibly love them. They fill our home with fur, slobber, and the best cuddles. Even after all of the messes, destruction (i.e. chewed up sheetrock and stairs in our new garage), and vet visit bills - we would never trade them!

5. August 24, 2015/ October 7, 2015

New Beginnings – On August 24^th I started a new job that I absolutely love, and am beyond thankful for. I believe you have to take a leap of faith to change something if you aren’t happy. It was nerve-racking and scary, but aren’t all great things? And finally, October 7^th we launched SHE Degree! We are so thankful for our readers, and the opportunity each of you gives us every post we write.

At the beginning of 2015, I was nervous and terrified of all of the major life changes that would be coming in the months ahead. I am not a fan of change, so coming to terms with, literally almost, everything in my life changing was a tough idea to get past. Looking back now, it’s amazing to see that greater things can come from change, and we should welcome the new that is coming in 2016. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives this year, we look forward to the next!

xo ~ Brittney

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New Years Traditions

Hey Y'all,

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! Ours was so nice. Although the weather could have been much better (we have had a lot of rain) I think it may have given us a good excuse to relax! We enjoyed time with our family and had some very nice days of celebration. And of course we had a lot of good food.




You know we are all about traditions and New Year's Day is no exception.  While I am writing this I am beginning to wonder if my traditions could be considered superstitions? I make sure all my Christmas decorations are packed away before the end of the year. And we always have a New Year's Day dinner with Black Eyed peas, Tomatoes, Rice, Greens (I like them all~ collard, mustard or turnips) and cornbread.  This is hands down my favorite meal and my sweet family tries to enjoy it too. Although, I don't know that I will ever be able to convince Andrew how delicious it is.

Here is where I guess you could say the superstitions come into play... A Christmas tree holds all our wishes and dreams for the year. And I don't think you can start a new year with old
dreams and wishes hanging around.   For our dinner, we tell everyone that they have to eat "peas for luck and greens for bucks" in the coming year.  Silly sayings but we say them every year.  Of course, these may both be ploys passed down in our family to
1) get the Christmas decor packed away to help with the chaos and 2) get the children (& hubby in my case) to eat a few peas and gasp, even a bite of greens. 

No worries if you don't get your tree down by New Year's Eve or have pizza planned for New Year's Day....  that may be your tradition. What I love about traditions is that they can be unique but they mean something special to you and your family.
 
As the 2015 year comes to an end, we can look back on so many happy times, a few sad times and more blessings than we deserve. And I am sure that I will have my Christmas decor packed away by tonight and my peas will be soaking Thursday night.   What about you?  We would love to hear your traditions for the New Year.             Bring on 2016 ~ We are ready!

                                                                          xoxo,

                                                                                     Amy

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Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve from My Little Elves & All the SHE's!!! 

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas. Thanks so much for following along this holiday season, stay tuned for lots of New Year's Eve party plans, outfits, recipes and more! XO,

Riley, Dallas & Doodlebug

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My Favorite Things!!

 

I love  Christmas!  It is a crazy busy time at my house.  The three birthdays the week before Christmas only add more to do at our house.  But I love every minute.  My big tree is probably my most favorite thing.  The ornaments are a mixture of homemade by my four children and ornaments we have collected on our travels.  It is fun to reminisce about our trips when we decorate the tree.  I guess that is why it is my favorite thing.....every ornament has a story.  

And another favorite is my stocking hanger!  My sweet cousin Tony made it for my mom.  I inherited it when she passed away....along with all my siblings stockings!  (We still have our stockings here at our Hancock Christmas.  I am the keeper of the stockings.)

Another of my favorite things is baking.  I have a whole table in my dining room laid out with treats. My famous chocolate chip cookies and my nutter butter cookies are always on the top of the list.  Of course chocolate fudge and peanut butter fudge are must!  I love making cookie/goodie trays for friends.  

May each and everyone of you enjoy the season.  I will admit it can be bittersweet.  Remembering the Christmas past. Remembering those not with us this year.  But my Mom (Bird) loved Christmas!  And as she would always say....the show must go on!  While Christmas is not a show per say, it is a time to show those here with you how much you love them. Christmas is my favorite...because of the tree and the goodies.  But, honestly it is my favorite because everyone comes to my house!  I get to spend time with all my favorites!!  

May God bless you and yours!

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Christmas Gift Guide: Brittney

Hey Ya’ll! Christmas week is finally here and I hope you’re ready! If you’re not, no worries, we are here to help with the last minute gift ideas! There are always those moments during the holiday season that make gift giving stressful – Did you receive an unexpected gift from a co-worker or neighbor, or will you play Secret Santa with people you don’t really know? All of us have been there! Below, I’ve listed a few of my favorite gifts at all different price points that are sure to please everyone.

Co-Workers /Neighbor

Depending on how well you know them, the gift can be small, but thoughtful. Candles, coffee mugs, or baked goods from your favorite bakery are always a hit. They're simple, but they let them know you are grateful for their friendship.

Via Bath & Body Works

Via Ashley Brooke Designs

Mystery Secret Santa

Secret Santa games and Chinese gift exchange games can be stressful if you are purchasing gifts for someone you do not know very well. My go-to method is to buy something I know I would want to receive. Depending on the dollar limit, personalized bags/totes (makeup or grocery bags), home decor items (think throw blankets, accent pillows, picture frames), or gift cards are always a hit. If you are looking for a more DIY gift, try a theme gift basket - my favorite! The options are endless, find a cute basket or bucket and fill it up! I've listed a few options below.

Hot Chocolate Jars

 Via Pinterest

Movie Night Basket

Via Pinterest 

Tailgate Cooler

Via Pinterest

Hopefully these ideas gave you some inspiration for your last minute gift giving!

Merry Christmas!

xo ~ Brittney

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Who Doesn’t Love Christmas Cookies?

Hey Y’all,

Hope you are soaking in every bit of the Christmas season that you can.  We are on the final countdown and if you are like me it is coming very fast.   A favorite activity for our family is baking special treats.   Well, I bake and Mike samples.  It works for us.  This year I have made quite a few. Check out our Pinterest board for all of the recipes. She Degree Pinterest

I like these because they are really pretty easy to make and they make a nice gift.   I sent several treat bags with my husband to work to share with his friends. The treats were Buckeyes, Sugar Cookies and Pecan Tassies.

Buckeyes taste really good, but my chocolate doesn’t swirl as pretty as I would like…. I think I need a little more practice.    Check out this link for great directions. BuckEyes

Image via Pinterest

      My sugar cookie recipe is very easy and they are probably the best sugar cookies I have ever had.  Dressed with a confectioner’s sugar glaze and sugar sprinkles make some very pretty snowflakes, don’t you think?     

                 Sugar Cookies

• 4¾ Cup Flour
• 1½ tsp Baking Powder
• ¾ tsp Salt
• 1 Cup Margarine
• 1½ Cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1½ tsp Vanilla Extract

1. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together. Set aside.
2. Beat margarine and sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs. Fold in Vanilla.
4. Stir in flour mixture.
5. Chill overnight in the refrigerator.
6. Roll out dough until it's about ¼ - ½ inch thick
7. Cut into your favorite cookie cutter shapes
8. Bake at 350 degrees in pre-heated oven for 8-10 minutes.

 

Glaze/Frosting:  Mix with fork 1 cup powdered sugar and 4 tsp milk. You can add more powdered sugar to make it thicker. Add more milk to make it a glaze. You can use this on anything to give it just a little extra sweetness.

 

Pecan Tassies

The Pecan Tassies are probably my favorite.

Crust: ½ cup butter    3 oz cream cheese    1 c. flour

Mix butter and cream cheese until smooth, stir in flour.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Filling:  1 egg   ¾ c brown sugar 1T butter melted   1 tsp vanilla   dash of salt   ½ c chopped pecans

Stir together egg, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt until smooth. 

Shape chilled flour mixture into 1” balls. Place in mini muffin cups that have been sprayed with cooking spray.  Press dough on the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cup. Spoon 1 tsp of pecans into each muffin cup. Fill to the top with egg mixture.  Bake @ 325 degrees for 25 minutes or until mixture is set. Cool on cookie sheets and remove from pan. 

Pampered Chef makes a great wooden press that is perfect for spreading the crust into the muffin pans.  Pampered Chef.

 

My tip for the day ~ prepare  your cookie dough the day before you want to bake.  The chilled dough bakes better and the kitchen is not quite as messy.  I hope you will want to try these out for yourself.  Who knows, they may become your new holiday cookie ~ 

                                                xoxo, 

                                                                  Amy

 

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