Favourite Post Link Up + Giveaway || November

I'm sure that I'm not alone in feeling like November just flew by, right?! A major reason it flew by was from having a whole week off of work, and having so much to do and to plan. My Christmas shopping is about half done (yay!!), but now it's wrapping and shipping everything off (hello $$). Well, tomorrow's December 1st and I'm excited to get all the Christmas shenanigans going!

I'm also so happy to be a part of this monthly link up. It's such a great way to connect with other bloggers! In fact, my favourite post for November is one that was part of another link up ;) Do you have regular link ups that you participate in? Share them in the comments! 

Looking for Hosts || Want to host this link-up with us? We have one-time spots available and regular host spots as well! Just send Ashley an email at ashley@hellonatureblog.com for more details!

This Month's Hosts || Ashley from Hello Nature, Lexy from Crazy Cass Life, Nicole from a la Maxfield, and Kerry from Glory in the Valley 

My favorite post from October || The Circle - Winter Essentials 

Now link up your post + enter to win the gift card below!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Circle || Winter Break Essentials

Happy November! Is it just me or has this past month already flown by? It's almost Christmas, which means it's almost December, which also means it's almost time for another break from work. There's only 5 weeks of work between Fall break and Winter break - crazy! 

I love reading Kiki's blog, and linking up with The Circle every month. This month's is 10 essentials! I chose more than 10, and decided to go with the theme of my upcoming Winter break. This is also my first ever mood board, and I'm proud of how it turned out. I sure do have a long way to go, but it's a start. To me, link ups are fun and have their challenges too. This month proved no exception to those challenges with the mood board.

On to my essentials -

1|| COZY SLIPPERS • It gets really cold here in Alberta, and we have a lot of laminate on the floors, so slippers are a must. They also add juuusst the right amount of cozy when I'm lounging around in my pajamas.
2|| COFFEE + MUGS • I have a serious addiction. Is it weird of me to look forward to choosing my mug in the morning?
3|| NETFLIX • Although I'm not a huge fan of movies and laying around watching TV (I'm more of a computer girl), Netflix is still so awesome to have around. Last time I had some free time, I watched a few documentaries and actually learned something - biased views and all, haha!
4|| SNACKS • Chocolate chip cookies make the world go round, and laying around wouldn't be complete without some yummy treats. I have a lot of Christmas baking to do this year!
5|| NAIL ART • How can one really go through the holidays without some festive nail art? I always feel put together when my nails are done, and this reindeer design is soo cute for the holidays.
6|| PJ'S • Flannel pajamas are the best. They're so warm, and so soft! I've been eyeing this set for a little while, and they look perfect for Christmas morning.
7|| SNAIL MAIL • Oh man, where do I begin? I love sending snail mail to my friends (I may or may not be running behind, though), and I'm going to have so much free time over the 2 weeks to catch up and get those letters mailed!
8|| SCARVES • Even when I'm inside, why not?
9|| BOOKS • I really don't have much time during the work week to lay down and read a novel, and I'm in the middle of one right now...so Winter break will be a great time to finish it!
10|| CUDDLES • There will be soo many cuddles happening, I'm not sure I'll be able to do anything else. Gunner was recently neutered, so he hasn't been allowed on our bed. By the time Winter break comes around, we'll have so many cuddles to make up for the time lost.

What are your Winter essentials?

xo. Nicole

Week's End || November 24

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| I helped out my sister in law at a Christmas trade show, and she was doing pictures with Santa. She set up a red chair, a rustic wooden backdrop, and a fully decorated tree! It was so cute seeing all the little kids eyeing Santa throughout the day, and a few cried but that's to be expected.

2|| It was Crazy Friday at work. I tried my best to do my hair pretty crazy, and I wore my penguin onesie. I received a lot of compliments, and lots of funny looks, haha!

3|| I tried out some new Julep polish, but I ended up picking it all off by the end of the day. I did a rush job in the morning, and I hate when I have chips in the polish!

4|| Gunner is still wearing his cone of shame. He's gotten used to it, and it should be coming off by Thursday! He's a licker and a nibbler, so I'd rather he be annoyed with his collar for 2 weeks than having him open his incision - ouch!

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

1|| I shared the beginning steps of how I'm preparing for Christmas this year.

2|| One of the best parts of our wedding!

GOOD READS:

1|| This is my favourite. I also love the Body Shop!

2|| Amanda teamed up with a friend to make a fun link up.

3|| I don't know Edmonton that well, so I'm thankful for lists like these.

4|| I came across this Facebook page and I've been laughing/sharing ever since!

5|| I finally came across a pre-made gluten free pie crust, and I'm so glad that Ashley shared this list.

Tomorrow, I'm posting my first ever mood board post. It's a fun link up with one of my favourite bloggers, and I'm so excited for you guys to see! I have a long way to go, but I plan on experimenting with colours and schemes for new mood boards. Have you ever done one? Please share!

xo. Nicole