December 2017 – neatohollo

Post-Blogmas Thoughts: What I Learned

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful holiday. I can’t believe it’s over, but I’m so proud that I completed Blogmas this year. I’ve successfully posted 12 consecutive days leading up to Christmas!

As a recap:

I ended up posting every day on time, except for day 3, which I posted alongside day 4. That was a complete mistake, as day 3 was drafted and ready to publish in advance, but I had just forgotten to schedule the post.

If I were to re-do this challenge, I would have begun writing these posts far enough in advance to really have the quality of writing I’m aiming for, and I would have stuck to my original plan/lineup of posts. I changed a lot of the order of posts around, which made it difficult towards the end.

I learned that it is possible for me to write every single day for a period of time, but that if I plan on doing something similar to this again, I need to do more revising and think things through a little better. I had a lot going on this holiday season, and I didn’t always have time to write the next Blogmas post, but I always pushed through it.

Overall, I am very glad that I did Blogmas this year, and I felt that it made me learn a thing or two about constantly creating content. If you’re a blogger, I would recommend doing something similar for any amount of time just to see what it’s like!

I’ll talk to you next year! 😉🎉

Previous Post: Blogmas Day 12: Finale! Christmas Girl Drawing

December 27, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 12: Christmas Drawing Finale!

Merry Christmas! I wanted to do a fun, (sort of) final piece and incorporate the doodles from Blogmas Day 7.

Initial sketch! I had originally planned to color the piece, but realized I wouldn’t have enough time to do so.

Inked!

Final, Photoshopped piece! I really like the way this turned out and I hope you do too!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Previous post: Blogmas Day 11: 7 Christmas Eve Traditions

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December 25, 2017December 24, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 11: 7 Christmas Eve Traditions

Merry Christmas Eve! Christmas is tomorrow! Everybody has their own ways to celebrate this night, so I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite ways to spend Christmas Eve.

Track Santa.
pixabay.com
Leave out milk and cookies for Santa.
Sprinkle reindeer food in your yard.
Wear Christmas themed pajamas and pick one present to open.
pexels.com
Christmas movie night!
Decorate a gingerbread house or Christmas cookies.
pixabay.com
Drive around and look at Christmas lights.

Previous post: Blogmas Day 10: Very Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

December 24, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 10: Very Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

Even though Christmas is only 2 days away, but it’s not too late to run out to the stores and grab your last couple Christmas presents. I’ve compiled a list of small, easy gifts for people that are hard to buy for.

Mug or travel mug
Reusable water bottle
Blankets
Socks or slippers
Chocolate or another favorite candy
Makeup or skincare products
Earbuds
Cactus, succulent, or other easy to care for plant
Candles
A scarf
Framed photo or collage
Gift cards (you can never go wrong with a gift card)

You could combine multiple of these ideas to create a “care kit”, as well!

Target is your best friend right now. Good luck!

Previous post: Blogmas Day 9: How to Give Back: Charities to Donate To

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December 23, 2017December 22, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 9: How to Give Back (Charities to Donate to This Holiday Season)

It can be hard to decide what charities to donate to, especially when bombarded around the holiday season. I’ve done some research and compiled a list of several charities I believe in and believe, if you have the means, you should look into donating to.

Animals

American Humane: “American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals.For more than a hundred years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people.”
Marine Mammal Center: “At The Marine Mammal Center, we are guided and inspired by a shared vision of a healthy ocean for marine mammals and humans alike. Our mission is to advance global ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.”
Performing Animals Welfare Society (PAWS): “PAWS is dedicated to the protection of performing animals, to providing sanctuary to abused, abandoned and retired captive wildlife, to enforcing the best standards of care for all captive wildlife, to the preservation of wild species and their habitat and to promoting public education about captive wildlife issues.”
Wildlife Conservation Society: “WCS’s goal is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity.”

Health and People

Alzheimer’s Association: “The Alzheimer’s Association works on a global, national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. We are here to help.”
American Brain Tumor Association: “The mission of the American Brain Tumor Association is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. We do this through interactions and engagements with brain tumor patients and their families, collaborations with allied groups and organizations, and the funding of brain tumor research.”
American Lung Association: “The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. Our work is focused on five strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases; and to accelerate fundraising and enhance organizational effectiveness to support the urgency of our mission.”
American Red Cross: “Each day, thousands of people – people just like you – provide compassionate care to those in need. Our network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world.We roll up our sleeves and donate time, money and blood. We learn or teach life-saving skills so our communities can be better prepared when the need arises. We do this every day because the Red Cross is needed – every day.”
Coalition for the Homeless: “The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless men, women and children. We believe that affordable housing, sufficient food and the chance to work for a living wage are fundamental rights in a civilized society. Since our inception in 1981, the Coalition has worked through litigation, public education and direct services to ensure that these goals are realized.”
Human Rights First: “Human Rights First is an independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals. We believe American leadership is essential in the global struggle for human rights, so we press the U.S. government and private companies to respect human rights and the rule of law. When they fail, we step in to demand reform, accountability and justice. Around the world, we work where we can best harness American influence to secure core freedoms.”
The Hunger Project: “Our programs throughout Africa, South Asia and Latin America are based on an innovative, holistic approach, which empowers women and men living in rural villages to become the agents of their own development and make sustainable progress in overcoming hunger and poverty.”
Mental Health America: “Mental Health America (MHA) – founded in 1909 – is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.”
National Alliance to End Homelessness: “The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to end homelessness in the United States. We use research and data to find solutions to homelessness; we work with federal and local partners to create a solid base of policy and resources that support those solutions; and then we help communities implement them.”
Prevent Child Abuse America: “At Prevent Child Abuse America^®, we lay the groundwork to deliver the great childhoods that all children deserve. We are a 501(c)3 dedicated to promoting services that improve child well-being in all 50 states and developing programs that help to prevent all types of abuse and neglect.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities: “Our network of local Chapters has been helping millions of families with sick children find comfort and support when they need it most. Our programs, tailored to meet the urgent needs of each community, can now be found in more than 64 countries and regions across the globe.”
Save the Children: “Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.”
The Trevor Project: “Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.”

Environment

African Wildlife Foundation: “African Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to ensure wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa.”
American Rivers: “American Rivers combines national advocacy with field work in key river basins to deliver the greatest impact. We are practical problem solvers with positions informed by science. With our expertise and outreach, we work to protect and restore our nation’s rivers.”
National Forest Foundation: “As the nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, we work with the agency and thousands of Americans each year to promote the health and public enjoyment of our 193-million-acre National Forest System. We believe that communities should play a leading role in determining the future of our National Forests and Grasslands, so we focus our efforts on connecting these communities, and the people who comprise them, to the tools, knowledge, and funding to become active and devoted stewards of this incredible public estate.”
Water.org: “Access to safe water can protect and save lives, just because it’s there. Access to safe water has the power to turn time spent into time saved, when it’s close and not hours away. Access to safe water can turn problems into potential: unlocking education, economic prosperity, and improved health. Every human being deserves to define their own future, and water makes that possible. We’ve transformed more than nine million lives with access to safe water and sanitation, and together we can reach even more people.
The Wilderness Society : “The Wilderness Society’s mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. We contribute to better protection, stewardship and restoration of our public lands, preserving our rich natural legacy for current and future generations.”

A giant thank-you to Charity Watch for educating me and making it very easy to compile this list of 22 charities I believe in.

Previous Post: Blogmas day 8: The Winter Tag

December 22, 2017December 22, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 8: Winter Tag

Christmas is just 4 days away! I thought the Winter tag would be a good way to welcome winter and Christmastime!

What are your favorite things about winter?
- The holidays, the ugly sweaters, and the decorations.
What is your favorite winter outfit?
- Honestly, something with lots of layers. Leggings (sometimes 2 pairs), a shirt, a flannel, and a coat are always the way to go for me. Of course, fuzzy socks are also mandatory.
What’s your favorite winter food?
- Buckeyes! My mom makes them every Christmas and they’re wonderful.
Favorite winter drink?
- Hot chocolate!
What is your dream way to spend a winter day?
- With a snowy day and nowhere to be.
How do you like to do your make up in the winter?
- My makeup routine stays pretty much the same year round, with a few key changes (more setting powder in the summer, more moisturizer in the winter). I tend to use more chapstick in the winter, and more products with moisturizing effects.
What are you hoping Santa brings you?
- A really good 2018!
What are the first three things that remind you of winter?
- Really pale blue colors, bells, and gifts.
What is your favorite winter song?
- I’ve always really liked Carol of the Bells.
What is your favorite winter memory?
- Sledding in my backyard every time it snowed, and then coming inside and drinking hot chocolate.
What is your favorite winter scent?
- Peppermint is a classic. I’m also a big fan of the smell of Christmas trees.
If I could have one wish this Christmas it would be…
- …clear skin?

Of course, I tag anyone who wants to answer these questions to please do so! 🎄

Previous Post: Blogmas Day 7: Holiday Doodles

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December 21, 2017December 20, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 7: Christmas Doodles!

Christmas is only 5 days away! I spent some time working on some Christmas-y doodles for today, and then I cleaned them up a little bit in Photoshop.

Here’s my initial sketches.

Beginning to ink!

Inking is finished!

Final, cleaned up doodles!

This was a super fun, stress-free piece to make. I hope this inspires you to do some doodling this holiday season!

Previous Post: Blogmas Day 6: Holiday Would You Rather

December 20, 2017December 19, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 6: 8 Holiday Would You Rather Questions

Christmas is just 6 days away (Blogmas is halfway over)! I’ve made up a list of some holiday-related would you rather questions, and I want you to play along!

Would you rather…

…wear a full Santa suit every day until Christmas or only eat cookies until Christmas?
…be forced to do all your Christmas shopping on December 24th or be forced to listen to “Wonderful Christmastime” for three days straight?
…have to hand make all the Christmas presents you give this year or have to re-wrap every present each day until Christmas?
…have no holiday break or have no spring break?
…hang all the Christmas lights on the front of your house, only to realize when you’re done that they aren’t working or have a very playful pet cat and only glass ornaments on your tree?
…only get socks for Christmas or only get ballpoint pens for Christmas?
…never have snow again or have at least 3 inches of snow every day from December 1st-January 31st every year?
…wake up to find out you slept through Christmas day or wake up to find out that it’s December 1st?

Let me know what your answers are!

Previous Post: Blogmas Day 5: Christmas Bullet Journal Spread Ideas

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December 19, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 5: Christmas Bullet Journal Spreads

You may be aware that I really like looking at other people’s planners and bullet journals. It’s especially interesting to me to see how others organize themselves this holiday season. Here’s a few ideas for your own sanity this Christmas.

Gift Tracker: Know exactly who to gift what.
by Rachel Miller / BuzzFeed
Gifts Recieved/Thank You Cards Sent: Be very organized and very polite.
Gift Wishlist: You’ll know exactly how to answer “so what do you want for Christmas?”
Package Tracker: Keep track of online orders!
by alexandra_plans / Instagram
Packing List: So you know exactly what you need when traveling during the holidays.
Advent Doodles: A doodle a day until Christmas morning!
Christmas Countdown: How many sleeps ’till Santa?
by caitlinscorner.com
Recipies: Write down your favorite holiday recipies so you never lose them again.

Christmas is only 7 days away!

Previous Post: Blogmas Day 4: A Christmas Playlist

December 18, 2017 by neatohollo

Blogmas Day 4: A Christmas Playlist

With Christmas being just 8 days away, I’ve made a 8 song playlist of some of my favorite holiday songs. I like this playlist because it’s made up of songs you don’t usually hear on the radio (and everywhere you go), so you haven’t heard them on repeat since November.

All I Want for Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town — The Jackson 5
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays — NSYNC
Santa Tell Me — Ariana Grande
Carol Of The Bells — Lindsey Stirling
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas — Michael Bublé
Candy Cane Lane — Sia
What’s This? — Danny Elfman

You can listen to this playlist on Spotify here.

Previous Post: Blogmas Day 3: 10 Christmas Journaling Prompts

December 17, 2017 by neatohollo