Saturday, December 31, 2011

December 31st is for dancing.



We're hosting a New Year's Eve party tonight. Things could get messy...

This was last year:




We got ready at the apartment, headed to a hotel party and then out to dance it up. 

This year we're hosting a party at the apartment then we're going to the same club as last year. They do a countdown of the best songs of the year so it's guaranteed good music! And for a girl who loves to dance it's a guaranteed good time.

What are you doing for New Years? Partying or having a relaxing night in? Having fondue? Haha.

If you are going out, please be safe!

See you in the new year,

Monday, December 26, 2011

games, traditions & all-around craziness (Christmas Eve)


 Looks peaceful doesn't it? Don't be fooled.

My family is loud. Now I'm not talking about loud, like "oh, yeah I know a family like that." I mean loud to the point where you can make out words when you're standing outside of the house. Everyone is shouting over each other to be heard, laughing, complaining or trying to get someone's attention.

16+ people. All at the same time. 

Most of the time I love it. It makes me feel at home. But usually people usually have one of two reactions. Laughing uncontrollably or covering their eyes and praying for it all to stop.

Exhibit A:


I clearly am enjoying myself and my sister looks like she needs an Advil. 

So, we're rowdy, excitable and competitive but we're a family and Christmas Eve holds some pretty important traditions. Since as far back as I can remember we've been getting together for Christmas Eve. It used to be at my Grandmaman's every year but since she moved to a smaller apartment, one of my uncle/aunts & my parents have been switching off each year. Here's how the night usually pans out.

Around 6-7pm those who went to church arrive & we put out some snacks. We have everything from veggies to pizza dip to cookies and sweets. While people are eating we chat & catch up with those who we haven't seen in a while and then the games begin.

We've played dozens of games over the years, not board games, but more of the 'social games'. People usually try to pick up a new game or two to play with the family come Christmas eve. Some of our favorites have been the Dice Game, Bag Game, Toonie up the Butt, Oranges & Pantyhose, 4 on the Couch & Sitting on Laps. There are so many more though. This year a big favorite was the Mafia game, taught by my cousin and her husband, Joelle & Alec. 

Once we've played a few we do a dollar store and a $10 gift exchange. There are always some interesting gifts. This year the car mats & alcohol were the most popular I'd say. French people love their wine! Haha.

After the gift exchange there's more games until midnight. At midnight everyone hugs & wishes each other a Merry Christmas/Joyeux Noel and then we have a buffet of hot food including Pate (meatpie), pizza rolls, bread, appetizers and lots more. In French tradition this is called the Reveillon. (Links to a very basic Wiki description.)

Have a look:


Some of the family from 2008.


Another 2008 shot. Dad's poem.


Christmas Dinner 2009.


Christmas Eve 2010

Thanks for visiting the blog. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your holidays!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Steppin Out Saturday: Christmas Eve





Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you're all having a great day surrounded by family & loved ones. I promised you a Steppin Out Saturday outfit and here it is.

I've been noticing lots of oversized sweaters with sequined dresses/skirts lately.


Like this one on Refinery 29 found via Pinterest.


And this one from Zara also via Pinterest.

I'm not usually one to wear something just because it's trendy, but I really wanted to give this one a try because 1) I love BIG, comfy sweaters and 2) I had the perfect sequined dress that I had not worn in years... 

The dress was too big for me. All the belts I tried to pair with it competed too much with the sequins. But when I added an off-white belt from a silk shirt and puffed the dress out a bit, it didn't look bad... Now that it's not so baggy, I may actually wear it more often! 

I love finding new combinations in my closet. Free shopping!

The gray sweater was $2! I couldn't resist buying it last summer. One can never have enough gray sweaters... Pairing it with a fun, festive skirt dresses it up a bit. Comfy, warm & cute (at least, I think so).  Christmas Eve outfit done. 

Money spent: $0.

----

Sweater: Joe Fresh
Dress: Fairweather
Belt: Le Chateau
Tights: Forever21




*I also think I need a new pose for my outfit photos... the 'pencil' is not cutting it anymore.