We all know that getting enough quality sleep each night is essential to our health and well being.  Sometimes tho, it can be hard to fall asleep!  Our minds are racing with all the things we have to do (especially during the Holiday season) or we are simple unable to get relaxed enough to start snoozing.  Over the years, I have found a routine that works to get me ready for a great night's sleep.  Things like yoga, chamomile tea, blue light blocking glasses, and essential oils are just some of the ways to prep for bedtime.  Below I'm sharing the top products I use for a better night's sleep.

Click on an image to shop!

Hope these tips will give you a better night's sleep!

xx,
Megan

Cards by Basic Invite

It's our first Christmas as a married couple!!  I'm so excited to start the tradition of Christmas cards.  This year, with everything going on, we were a little behind on getting a holiday family photo for the cards.  Luckily, we have the luxury of being newlyweds and using our wedding photos!  Basic Invite even had a template for newlyweds that was perfect.  The entire process was quick and easy.  The hardest part was choosing from all the designs!  I did an entire post about Basic Invite along with all the cards we had made in this blog post.

Do you send out Christmas or Holiday Cards to friends/family?  I'd love to hear about your tradition!  Be sure to share in the comments below :)

This weekend the girls in my family spent a day baking Christmas cookies!  It's a tradition I cherish and look forward to bringing my daughter someday.  We tried a twist on a couple classic holiday cookies so I'm sharing the recipes with you all!  Hope you enjoy baking these festive treats!

Zesty Sugar Cookies

Yield: 6 Dozen

Ingredients:
1 cup butter softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 1/2 cups flour

Directions:
Cream sugar and butter until creamy.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.  Stir together dry ingredients.  Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture until completely blended.  Chill for 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut with holiday cutters dipped in flour.  Using a floured spatula, transfer cookies to ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.

Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Yield: 7 dozen

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup dark molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
5 cups flour

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar; add molasses, egg, and vanilla.  Stir together the dry ingredients.  Add to molasses mixture and mix well.  Chill dough 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.  If needed, add a little four before rolling.  On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut with holiday cutters dipped in flour.  Place on ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Cool of wire racks. 

Hot Cocoa & Cream comes in two varieties, one is made with essential oils and the other one without the added oils.  Let me tell you, the essential oils make a HUGE difference in scent!  With the essential oils you get a hint of coffee and stronger notes of cocoa.  If you enjoy being in a cafe, then this candle is perfect for you!  It's a favorite among the women in my family and we keep it in stock year round.  

Fragrance: Nutmeg & Sandalwood Essential Oils with notes of Milk Chocolate & Steamed Milk

Twisted Peppermint is a refreshing scent that also smells like something yummy is being baked in the oven.  It's the perfect combination!  Cool, refreshing, a touch of sweetness and bold fragrance.  Definitely a unique candle specifically for the season.

Fragrance: Orange & Peppermint Essential Oils with notes of Vanilla Buttercream & Fresh Balsam

Marshmellow Fireside is hands down one of the best scents!  I love that it can be burnt year round, not just at Christmas time.  It's slightly sweet yet not overpowering and gives an instantly cozy feel.  

Fragrance: Toasted Marshmallow, Smoldering Woods, Fire Roasted Vanilla, Crystallized Amber

My little helper!  Since I was taken photos on the floor, Odin felt the need to lay by me and get in almost every shot :)  Mostly because he thinks me being on the floor means playtime but I also think Odin enjoys the smell of candles!  That's just proof that candles make great gifts.  Bath & Body Works is always having a sale so you never have to pay full price for these candles.  Other scented candles I enjoy this time of year are Peppermint Marshmellow, Spiced Apple Toddy, Merry Mimosa, and Frosted Cranberry.

Which scent is your favorite this time of year?