2018 Holiday Survival Guide

Happy Wine Wednesday!

It’s that time of year again: Gift Guides galore and countless buying options for all your loved ones. However, while we’re busy taking care of everyone else let’s not forget to take care of ourselves!

With so much over abundance of food, wine, and poor sleep, even the cheeriest of us succumb to a case of the “bah humbugs” aka BURNOUT. This year I’ve decided to do a Holiday Survival Guide in place of a Holiday Gift Guide. These are my tried and true tips, pieces of life advice, and product recommendations to get you through the busiest time of year!

Tip #1: Make time for your family.

Love them or hate them, they’re still your family and believe it or not, probably love you too. So make Granny, your cousins, and that weird guy you have no idea how you’re related happy: Just show up. I remember going to family holiday parties that I didn’t want to attend. However, looking back, I’m happy I did! I’ll never forget spending time with some of my family members who have since passed on. Those memories are precious to me.

Tip #2: Be picky with your time.

There’s nothing worse than being at a Holiday party surrounded by people you could take or leave. These people aren’t your family, they aren’t your co-.workers, and they’re not your friends. Trust me, your time is precious and something that you can never get back. I’ve had more than my share of mean girl encounters in my life.

So if you don’t want to goto that party with a room full of fake people, then don’t go. These people do not have your best interest in mind by inviting you. Besides, they won’t be in your life much longer anyways. Toxic people are best to be avoided at all costs. Wish them well and and say you have other plans.

Tip #3: Enjoy yourself in….moderation.

Moderation? What’s that?

This time of year moderation is unheard of. There isn’t a break room out there that isn’t bursting at the seams with donuts, cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, brownies, yesterday’s bagels, and Ferro Roche (my favorite). I say it’s ok to indulge a little! But just don’t eat the whole cookie tray. Try to have a healthier breakfast and lunch. Do your best to avoid the break room goodies but if a chocolate finds its way into your mouth. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Enjoy this time of year, don’t over do it!

Tip #4: Moderation also goes for alcohol.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that I love wine, but I think the BEST TIP I can possibly give you this Holiday Season is to enjoy alcohol in moderation. This is the time of year where the parties can seem never ending. You have to be smart and know your limits. A woman can have 1-2 drinks per hour safely and men 2-3. If you stick with this guide line you should be ok. Remember to eat and hydrate in between! Water is your friend.

But if you do happen to drink too much remember to get home safely. Lyft and Uber might be the way to go.

Tip #5: Hangover aides.

It happens, you end up drinking way more than you originally planned. You were having so much fun. It’s ok, I’ve totally been there. Don’t you wish there was a magical pill to wake up feeling amazing the next morning??

Although not a pill, I recently tried Drink Aide after a long night of wine studies. Not only did I wake up feeling pretty descent, I WORKED OUT TOO. 😱💪🏼

Consider giving it a try, or any other hangover products you’ve seen on the market lately. Just tap the picture.

Another option I enjoy is Kombucha, green juice, and coconut water.

Tip #6: Take care of your skin.

I feel that this time of year is absolutely terrible on our skin. Between the drying heat, cold weather, poor diet, and stress: We all might be looking a little rough around the edges. Especially, if you’ve been going to bed with make up on! (WORST THING EVER, DO NOT DO THIS)

On a personal note, I’m particularly difficult to find skin care products for. My skin is prone to redness and is super sensitive. I end up using a product for a bit but if i notice any signs of irritation in the trash it goes.

This past summer my mother came back from a cruise looking more refreshed than when she had left. I did initially think to myself maybe she got a facial and lots of sleep but actually bought this skin serum she said was amazing. Although I was skeptical, I decided to give this serum a try.

I kid you not, this is my new favorite skin serum. The fragrance is pleasant and I don’t have any breakouts or rashes from it, and my skin is hydrated! Even though it’s oil based, it absorbs completely. Definitely worth a try to help keep skin supple and moisturized! I feel like it undoes a night of partying or poor sleep. Tap the image to learn more!

Tip #7: Be fun.

Nothing is worse than the Debbie Downer in the room who is ruining the fun for everyone. If you’re at a party that’s kinda struggling, it’s always good to have a handy playlist on board. Your iTunes might just save the night! Music not the issue and guests still seem bored ? How about a good old game of cards!

Here’s a new one on the scene that I’m really excited about from the Director of SOMM III it’s called Blinders:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rosemariemovie/somm-blinders/widget/video.html

This blind tasting game is sure to be a hit at the next party!

Tip #8: Save the cooking for Thanksgiving, just get it catered.

Food should be the last thing you need to worry about when hosting a party. Save yourself the added stress and just get it catered. Almost every restaurant chain does catering now: Chick Fil-A, Panera, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrell, Chipotle, Au Bon Pain, and so forth. Many super markets cater as well (ahem, Whole Foods Market!!) or possibly even your favorite restaurant. Give them a call ahead of time and rest assured, your holiday party will run a little smoother this year!

Tip #9: Don’t feel obligated to invite or not invite people to your party.

Ive been there! Making a guest list can be terribly difficult. I remember thinking: I have to invite this person because otherwise that person won’t have anyone to talk to. But I can’t invite this person because that person and them don’t get along. Guess what? It’s 2018, we’re all adults and they’ll get over it! Invite whoever you want. If your guests are really your friends they’ll put aside their differences for the night or learn how to talk to strangers. It’s that simple. Just make sure you serve good wine.

Tip #10: Treat yo self.

No one else is responsible for taking care of you. You have to take responsibility for caring of yourself. Don’t feel bad because you went Christmas shopping and got yourself 10 things you don’t actually need. You can get yourself gifts, too! It’s also ok to get a facial, get your hair done, or mani/pedi. If you’re not feeling well, it’s ok to stay home and rest up. Life is hard, don’t be hard on yourself.

Tip #11: Amazon is your friend.

I literally did all my Holiday shopping in under an hour on Amazon. Skip the scary lines at the mall this season and just do all your shopping online! This time of year many online stores are doing free shipping or great sales. If you buy summer or spring items now, you’ll save even more money, so always check the sale section of any online retailer!

Still looking? Check out my amazon store front! Http://www.amazon.com/shop/TheRealHouseWine

Or http://liketk.it/2yI8c at my LIKEtoKNOW.it page!

Cheers everyone!! Hope you have a great stress free Holiday!!

Love,

Amanda 💁🏼‍♀️