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Holiday Blues and Things That Pick Me Up! + giveaway!
Holiday Blues and Things That Pick Me Up! by Keira Gillett
Love Romance Passion
Thanks Sue for inviting me here today at Romance At Random!
Show of hands—how many of you have finished your shopping already? How many are still running around trying to find everything? I see with these two questions I got all of your attention! Ha! So now my next is—what are you doing for yourself? Nothing? For shame! Here are 5 things I’m doing this holiday season that kicks holiday blues to the curb, relaxes me and gives me great pleasure (And I’m not just talking about abducting Robert Pattinson for a weekend, rawr!!! Down girl! lol):
1.) Bubble Baths: Seriously, a bubble bath has got to be the most relaxing activity you could do. Imagine yourself sinking into a warm fragrant bath up to your chin, a dozen scented candles softly glowing, some ambient music and a good book to read. Sounds heavenly doesn’t it?
2.) Drinking Mint Hot Chocolate: I love hot chocolate (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t, do you?) and mint hot chocolate is the best. I like to make it in my gigantic Scrabble cups so that I can slowly savor it that much longer. Delicious.
3.) Going to the Movies: Specifically the new Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows movie opening on December 16. Can we say hawt? Hot! I cannot wait to go see this movie. It looks like it will be epic and with Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. to ogle? Yeah, a very pleasurable evening! 
4.) Get My Nails Done: I used to get my nails done only very rarely. I didn’t see the point spending money on a manicure and only have it last a week. But my mom recently discovered Shellac by CND, which goes straight on the nail, and it lasts forever. I go about 4 weeks between appointments and they look fresh and stay chip free the whole time. It’s amazing. For the holidays I’m going to get snowflake nail art on my ring fingernails. It’ll be so pretty and a definite treat! Now I just have to decide on the color. Tough choice, I know but somebody has to do it, right? 
5.) Read a few new books: For a full list of romance novels coming out check out the monthly book list. I bet you walk away with a few new additions to your TBR pile. But you know what? You’re totally worth it, so go ahead and grab a few more!
What will you be doing for yourself this season? Share in the comments below! Giveaway to 5 randomly chosen commenters each week — winners announced on Sunday – good luck!!
Keira Gillett reviews all kinds of romance genres at Love Love Romance. She’s what’s considered an equal opportunity reader-reviewer. Her (I got-to-have-more/can’t-get-enough-of) hero types are either: blind, scarred or wounded. Wonder what that’s about? *g* Find her on Twitter.
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Thanks for being here today Keira – must say I’m very interested in seeing the next Sherlock Holmes. I have not finished my shopping yet — just need to get a couple of gift cards. But when I wind down, I get a good book & a strong cup of coffee – Starbucks– that puts me in my comfort zone – love it!!! And with all the stress of the holiday I consume more coffee than usual
Happy Holidays!
A good cup of coffee is as good as a good cup of hot chocolate! And Starbucks? Yum yum yum!
For myself I will find and out of the way corner and read romance books.
Always a good option. I find that I can get a lot of good reading time in with audio books in the car while I’m driving around on errands.
I will not answer the shopping question, because I can’t face the truth… Hey, I still have almost 2 weeks. No problem! (ha)
Now, I’m not much for bubble baths or mint hot chocolate (plain, though? Yum!). But I can get right on the Sherlock Holmes & new books train! And I am gonna go check out the Shellac right now! Thanks for the tip!
Happy Holidays, ladies!
Your welcome! If you get your nails done you should send me a picture (loverompassATgmailDOTcom) because I love seeing what people do!
Just had them done – check them out! They’re gorgeous: http://savvythinker.com/shellac-red-with-white-snowflakes-and-glitter-nail-art/
I’m going to start reading that whole new pile of books!
You go girl! Get your read on!
I love a hot bubble bath, while reading a super hawt paranormal romance novel, and sipping on a soy caramel mocha and listening to Kenny G music softly playing in the background while scented candles flicker all around. Okay, I confess, I’m fantasizing, but it WILL happen, someday!! LOL
Gena Robertson
robertsongena@hotmail.com
It’s a doable fantasy and I can so see it happening!
I’ll be curled up in a nice warm blanket reading my favorite book.
I recently redid all my bedding (getting new sheets and blankets and comforters and pillows) so my bed is this absolutely decadent place to curl up and read now… or you know to sleep! lol
I’m going to find some quiet time to read. It’s my favorite passtime and with two kids, it is hard to find time to relax.
I hear you on that! I think sometimes you just got to shut a door or sit down and suddenly you’re bombarded by the little ones and the hubby looking for you.
I’ll be sitting in my favorite chair reading some new books while sipping some hot chocolate(or maybe something stronger).
Naughty you! lol
Stronger is good too.
I’m not exactly sure what I can do for myself this season. My husband is over seas right now and I have two young kids (15mo. & 4yr) that demand my attention constantly. Besides that I still have to shop, and decorate and all on someone else’s time schedule because my van is broken and in Tuscon (and I’m in Sierra Vista). And I’m only 21! (will be 22 on the 27th of this month) I think the most I can try to do is take a bath and read a book before passing out and doing it all again the next day! But I am hoping I get the ok to go see the new Sherlock Holmes with my mom (She loves him)! I didn’t even know that they had mint Hot chocolate, I’ll have to look for some now it sounds good.
Sounds like you need to hire a babysitter for a few hours and then take a girls night out!
That would be nice, but I don’t actually have many girls to go out with anymore except maybe my mom and sister-in-law.
Don’t they count? I love to go to the movies with my mom and sisters. It can be a blast!
Yes they do count but most of the time they are too busy or (in my moms case) are too tired to do anything.(My mom is 61 and still working!) But I love to go do things with my mom She is amazing and still acts like she’s 30 sometimes! lol It’s great.
Aw! That’s great.
You two should head to morning movies or early evening movies while she’s still active. Good deals for morning flicks.
I like to turn all the lights except the Christmas tree off and just sit with a cup of hot cocoa and watch the tree. Then I jump up and make about 25 dozen cookies and some fudges. I make trays for people…this year there will be one for my daddy-in-law’s cancer doctor. He’s the best! As well as my doctor, and my hubby’s and son’s coworkers. (and us) lol
Wow! That’s awesome. Got any secret recipes?
That’s awesome! Do you have any secret recipes you want to give me? lol
Reading is my most favorite activity to do
Mine too! I challenged myself to read 150 books this year and I’ve got 3 left to go and 2 books nearly finished to really make it 1 book to go.
I like to turn the Christmas lights on every evening when I get home from work, walk my dogs in the chilly night air and look up at the stars and moon shinning brightly. It makes me wish my daughter was home from college NOW, so I could spoil her earlier. Getting together with friends for breakfast or lunch, and talking about the season. That’s what I’ll be doing for myself this year.
I like the breakfast, brunch, lunch idea! It’s a really good one… and also spoiling the daughter (haha Mom are you listening?)
I plan to read as many books as possible. It’s heaven.
Ditto to that!
I would actually take some time for myself and relax.. Doesnt happen to often
Exactly why you should really do more of it NOW!
Since I’m still in the process of unpacking boxes from our recent move. I would love to grab a new book , make a cup of hot chocolate,,dont forget the marshmallows,,light up the fireplace,,and just lose myself in fantasy land,,just for a little while..Of course this is after the hubby has gone to work..lol
Yes! Haha! No need for him to interrupt your you time!
Read lots of romance books is my game plan.
Always a good one. You can win the game with it!
Just finished the shopping. I plan on curling up with a couple of good books and movies and turn off the phone.
Turning off the phone! Yes! I agree! Allow nobody to interrupt the good books!
The adults get a nice Christmas card. I buy toy gifts for my younger nephews and nieces. For myself, I’ll be reading all the romance novels I have inside my usable Walmart bag!
Good plan.
Is that your only place with unread books? Most would envy your TBR pile skills!
Read and taking some time for myself. As a wife and mother it seems everything I do is for someone else. So I’m gonna take some time and hide from the world of responsibilities.
Hiding is good – now if you could turn off Mommy radar that would be even better!
A quiet afternoon, a Christmas romance, and a peppermint mocha from McDonald’s would be a lovely thing to do.
Christmas romances are perfect for this time of year – good choice!
Ordered most my presents on line this year!
Free shipping was a bonus-no lines-no fuss! I have some small things left to pick up.
I love to read at Panera Bread-no coffee, but I love a caffeinated drink with it.
Happy Holidays,
Neecy
We should all take a page out of your book – no fuss is right! Wow! I spent like an hour in the post office the other day just to ship 2 packages.
I am down to just 3 people left! Woohoo! To wind down, I grab a book and a soda after putting the kids to bed. It is soo relaxing to just sit in the quiet for a while.
That’s awesome! Congrats on getting that list nearly completed!
I am going to make sure I have time to relax and read some books I have been looking forward too.
Good for you!
Reading is one of the best ways to wind down.
The most relaxing thing I can think of is reading a good book and not worrying about what I am going to write about it in my review, just reading and putting everything else out of my mind. Next I want to paint my nails – yep simple I know, but it feels so good when it is done
Thank you for the fun.
@ZDz59001
That’s when you really know a book is great – you forget you will review it!
Great list … and I am so excited to see the new Sherlock Holmes movies! I generally wait ’til the new releases come to the base theater six week later. But I will take on the mall crowd for Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law!
Ditto – and the $$$ ticket prices! **sigh** Is it the 16th yet?
Reading is the best way to destress. It’s the one time my mind isn’t making lists and going over them twice lol.
Santa could use you on his team! lol
Figuring out logistics of how to be too many places at the same time is driving me nuts. Love a nice hot bath at night, reading all the while. Having our Christmas tree light on and candles burning. Great way to relax at the end of the day.
I know! How does Santa do it?
All those houses to visit in just one night…
I wouldn’t getting a massage. It would definitely be soothing to the mind and body.
Did I hear you say Spa Day!!! I must have! Massages… mmm! Good pick!
I’m going to try and find a few hours to read this Holiday Season and maybe even take a nap, extra sleep is always nice!
Extra sleep? How will you catch Santa if you’re sleeping? lol
My treat is to read a book after the kids have gone to bed. I used to always place restrictions like “dishes need to be done” or “is the laundry all done?”…not anymore! Now, I make sure to carve out this time, especially during the hectic holidays. It’s amazing how just a few hours with a book can completely recharge my battery!
I’m completely on board with the mint hot chocolate, too! A book is always more enjoyable with a good cup of cocoa or coffee.
You are one smart cookie! Reading should never have restrictions and we should always do less housework, right? lol
I already bought myself a Christmas present, a new charm bracelet. I’ve got a lot of new books to read too, and a new Kindle that I just got for my birthday with more books on it. So I’m definitely going to be doing some reading.
Ooo! I love getting jewelry for myself. It’s always fun!
Enjoying Christmas with my family!
I hope you and the fam have a great Xmas!
Looking forward to curling up and reading while sipping chai tea. Just finished my shopping this past weekend.
I bet you feel accomplished!
I have 98% done. Whew! 
lol
I am reading Christmas romances to deal with the holiday stress.
Perfect season for them! Have any favorites?
I finally bought a new camera for me! My older model is ok but not able to take long distance shots. Where are my kids in the concerts? Naturally, they are in the far back area of the stage. You have to sit in the balcony to see the kids back there…not anymore! lol
May everyone have a wonderful Christmas!
Oh I know what you mean! My sisters are in the back of concerts too and the camera never does well. I hope your new one works out!
Shopping is done, now it is time to just have fun and play. Getting a NOOK for Christmas so I can’t wait for that. Went for Pedi’s with sister yesterday, going out to dinner with hubby Friday nite. Christmas party Sat nite, and the parties go on and on
Oo a Nook! Nice! What are you going to load it with first?
On Dec 17th I’m going to Madison, WI to hear the Madison Symphony Orchestra play Christmas music in the Capital rotunda!!
Definitely jealous – and my younger sister would be too!
I am shameless about buying myself new books, it just happens. So this holiday I will buy myself more books lol..
Get all the books you want! Don’t miss any of them!
I love your point, it is the season that doing anything for ourselves falls to the wayside. So in light of that I plan on going to get my hair cut tomorrow, AND I will stop by and pick up a delicious peppermint hot chocolate! I never pick up a coffee (even though I do so love hot chocolate), so that is going to be a huge treat for me =)
Great post!
I’m so glad you’re going to do all those nice things for yourself. I’m ready for my manicure apt tomorrow. I can’t wait for the pampering!
Done shopping! I plan on finding more time for myself to catch up on my reading.
Good for you! Enjoy it!
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I am also done shopping! I did most of it online and a lot of people wanted gift cards this year, so easy-peasy
My goal for the rest of this year is to make time to make a dent in my huge TBR pile. I’m contemplating locking myself into a room to “get ‘er done”
Happy Holidays!
You could join a reading marathon – ppl stay up all night and read and post updates on their blogs when they do it. It can be a lot of fun.
I concur with Elvina by the way.
And my only indulgences are: Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops, coffee, and books.
You and your Starbucks! I know your weaknesses now… bwuahaha! lol
Some of my favorite things!
Now I have Sound of Music in my head. lol
I will be munching on all of the wonderful goodies that are only available at this time of year. (and reading of course!)
What is your favorite holiday goodie?
A nice Chai Latte made from Oregan Chai.
Ooo!!! Sounds delicious!
I will have to check out the Shellac because I would love to have my nails done and not worry about the polish. I am also up for books, books and more books.