Snack Around the Plate

I wanted to get some holiday and winter randomness out of my system before Christmas so today, we’re back with a brand new Snack Around the Plate!

What is a “Snack Around the Plate”? Growing up, this was the phrase my mom called meals she would assemble with random favorites when scouring the pantry and fridge. And, while each item didn’t totally go together, assembled as one collective, I loved them! Basically, “Snack Around the Plate” posts are just a smorgasbord of randomness — “a little of this and a little of that” from all things lifestyle. It’s a mish-mosh highlight reel from a favorite recipes to favorite finds.

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Let’s get into it

1. My Personal Favorite Perfect-for-Date-Night Holiday Movies

You can turn on the TV and find just about any and every Christmas movie but today, I’m including a list of contemporary (at least contemporary to me 😉 ) Christmas faves — perfect for date night (or to watch by yourself). I make it a point to watch as many of these as I can every year! And, there may be a few you haven’t thought about in a while.. In random order:

  • The Family Stone
  • While You Were Sleeping
  • Serendipity
  • When Harry Met Sally
  • Just Friends
  • Bridget Jones’ Diary
  • Four Christmases
  • A Bad Moms Christmas
  • Love Actually
  • The Holiday
  • Fred Claus

(Basically, anything set in the UK or NYC/snowy New England city ;))

2. Go-To Versatile, Sequined Button Down — Now On Major Sale

I first saw this long button-down top and tried it on in store, and loved it so I ordered it in the “plum” color. It’s long and versatile and can be worn closed or open, with leggings, jeans, leather, a skirt…. I wore mine (buttoned with the sleeves rolled up) to a holiday get-together this past week with faux leather leggings, tall knee-high boots, came home, and asked Dave for the black for Christmas. But, as of today, it went on sale for a limited time 35% off! It actually comes in 5 colors in petite, standard, and plus sizing. Runs TTS for a relaxed fit. Great the holidays but also beyond, for date nights, girls nights, and more.

Sequin Button Down

Pilcro Sequin Buttondown Shirt

CURRENTLY 35% OFF!


3. The Gift I Decided to Keep for Myself

This bath bomb set was so beautiful and such a good deal, I had to buy it (as a gift). When it was delivered, it was so nice, I was excited to share it. But then, the price increased a good bit… and then they sold out. But, as of TODAY, the set is back, on sale, and arrives via one-day shipping (to my house) via Prime!

There are 40 of them and they are about palm-sized (they’re larger in person than they appear in the photo). They are also described as clean, for those of you who try to closely monitor what you bring in your home. I’ve since decided to keep it for myself since I’ve really upped my bath game, and I’ll let Eliza occasionally share with me 😉

Christmas Gift Ideas

Natural Bath Bombs Gift Set – Infused with Essential Oils & Shea Butter; Sulfate & Paraben Free

ON SALE!
Plus, ships free and arrives quickly via Prime.


4. A Few Quick-Ship Gift Ideas

Last Minute Gift Ideas

For… White Elephant/Dirty Santa

Refrigerator Deodorizer

Nix the box of baking soda, this deodorizer lasts 10 years, with no need for replacement! I gifted this during Dirty Santa exchange this past week.


Last Minute Gift Ideas

For… HIM | White Elephant | STOCKING STUFFER

Tire Inflator / Portable Air Compressor w/ LED Light, & Pressure Gauge

Such a cool gadget to have on hand, Dave gifted this during a Dirty Santa exchange this past week.


Last Minute Gift Ideas

For… KIDS STOCKING STUFFER

KIDS (TO GO) TABLE TOPICS

We have the big sets but I purchased these specifically for road trips and the car, to engage Eliza in fun conversations. Originally, they weren’t supposed to arrive until the new year, but they arrived early, restocked, and now arrive in plenty of time for Christmas!


Last Minute Gift Ideas

For… HER

FOREO Luna 3 Facial Cleansing Brush

I can’t even believe this deal. When my standard face brush heads were discontinued a few years ago, I switched to the silicone Foreo for face washing and haven’t looked back. It stays charged FOREVER, is hygienic, effective, and works so incredibly well. It vibrates, pulses for a new zone, and turns off automatically when the recommended time is up. It’s 50% off today, on super rare deal!


Last Minute Gifts

For… TEACHERS | NEIGHBORS | WHITE ELEPHANT | STOCKING STUFFER

Swig Life Triple Insulated Standard Can & Bottle Cooler

I wish I could be a brand ambassador for these can coolers (do you remember how often I shared the skinny can coolers this summer?!) Even in the blazing heat and direct sun, these keep canned drinks cold cold. We had the skinny can coolers (I got them for the whole fam) so for Christmas, I got everyone the standard can coolers, too 😉 They come in a ton of colors and a lot of them are ON DEAL today!


5. New Balance 327s Restocked

December 2023 Lifestyle Faves

When some of the core neutrals came back in stock, I sent Dave a few pairs I’d love added “for consideration” to my wishlist. I’ve worn NBs exclusively for years now and I put him on the train a few years ago 😉 The sizes and colors are going quickly but at the top of my list from this retailer is the White/Black/Gum colorway!

Some of these colors are actually on sale! I love the Pink/Maroon color-way in the sale section!

December 2023 Lifestyle Faves

6. The Lounge Pants You’ll Want to Order in Multiples
(50% off today!)

Best PJ Pants at Aerie

I ordered the green and when the arrived and I tried them on, I quickly jumped online and ordered two more colors. The most comfortable lounge pants (that I’ve been wearing daily) that are the perfect weight and functional with pockets. They’re a soft waffle-henley material and relaxed fit and I’m seriously in love. They’re on sale right now at 50% off and I’m telling you now — if you get one, you’ll want two.


7. Holiday Things & San Antonio

Per our usual holiday scramble, you look at the calendar and wonder what happened to all the time and all the days. I have a good bit on our list I’m still hoping we get to this season, but I’ve already let some things go and feel okay about it. If you’re a subscriber, you may have already seen some of these, but here’s a little of what we’ve been up to…

We visited with Santa and per our unintentional tradition — it was a gloomy, rainy day.

December Family Holiday Things

Tartan Dress | Navy Quilted Barn Coat (both on sale)

December Family Holiday Things

We flew to San Antonio, Texas to visit Dave’s mom and one of his sister’s family this past week. It was an EARLY 2:00 a.m. morning for us and as soon as we stepped off the plane in TX, we headed to the zoo.

My favorite part of the day was actually the train that takes you around the park.

We spent time at the market and brought a few fun things home. And BTW — the churros they make in front of you are PHENOMENAL.

December Family Holiday Things

If you’ve never been to San Antonio, it’s always fun and colorful, but during Christmas, it’s something extra special.

December Family Holiday Things

Flannel Shirt | Sunglasses

We tried to get our TexMex fix and ate it multiple times a day.

December Family Holiday Things

New Balance Sneakers | Jean Jacket

And Eliza was in absolute heaven getting to spend some time with some of her cousins.

December Family Holiday Things

We were able to plan for my personal favorite — Mi Tierra — and Eliza sipped a Shirley Temple while we had margaritas.

Taking in the lights downtown on the River Walk is spectacular. The weather was warmer than I’d hoped but this is my favorite time of year to visit SA.

On our last day, Eliza’s cousin invited her to join his class on a field trip so she was able to jump right in with the older kids to experience the Witte.

December Family Holiday Things
December Family Holiday Things

It was a quick, jam-packed visit but I’m glad we were able to get out there for a few days.

December Family Holiday Things

Eliza’s Luggage (this is the small but she also has the large)

Eliza’s had “spirit week” all week at school — we could REALLY do without (haha) but I did love how some of her “themes” came out. On “Candy Cane Day”, I used her bun form and twine to come up with a striped bun situation, and on “Santa’s Helpers” day, she went as a sweet little snowman.

Black Combat Boots | Red Cable Knit Sweater | Bun Form | White PJs

We had pajama day at church and two of her last three days of school before break will be pj days at school.

December Family Holiday Things

Gingham PJs | Slippers

I’m pumped for this weekend where our plan consists of staying in our pjs, baking, watching Christmas movies, ordering takeout, and riding around to look at lights. Next week, I have holiday dinner dates scheduled with my mom, and one with Dave, and a matinee movie date scheduled with Eliza.

Whether you’re thriving or barely surviving 😉 here’s to finding a little magic in the next couple weeks.

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10 Comments

  1. 12.15.23
    Linda Geary said:

    Kelley…I absolutely love the pictures of sweet Eliza! How precious to see the magical joy through her eyes! Many blessings and Merry Christmas to you all!

    • 12.16.23

      Linda, Thank you so much for following along with us and for taking the time to leave your sweet note. I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!

  2. 12.15.23
    Jayne Zabala said:

    I know I say it every time, bit Eliza just gets more adorable every day. I loved the photo with Santa wearing their 🕶️. My favorite Christmas movie is: Simon Birch. Great messages, laugh out loud and tears too. Ashley Judd plays the mother. Merry Christmas to all of you!!

    • 12.16.23

      You are so kind, Jayne…thank you! And I appreciate your movie recommendation. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!

  3. 12.15.23
    sharon chelton said:

    Enjoy your blog, especially your adventures with Eliza!
    One more movie to add to your Christmas list , is Last Christmas it is set in England with the song by Wham. a very cute RomCom. If you search it , it is Last Christmas, not The Last Christmas!!!

    • 12.16.23

      Hi Sharon, Thank you so much for following along with us. We do love our adventures! Your movie recommendation sounds like it’s right up my alley and I will have to check it out. Merry Christmas!

  4. 12.15.23
    Cynthia G Bennett said:

    Hi there!
    Trying to order the Foreo Luna, but the 10% code isn’t working.
    Any ideas?
    Thank you!

    • 12.16.23

      Hi there, It looks like the coupon code has now been removed. But it’s still a fantastic deal!

  5. 12.18.23
    Lisa said:

    Good morning, Kelley,
    Thank you so much for the great list. I needed one more gift and you helped me. I appreciate your hard work.
    Happy holidays!!!

    • 12.19.23

      Hi Lisa, Yay and I’m so glad this post was helpful to you. I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!