December 2016 Movies

There are 6 movies this month. 

December 9

Office Christmas Party

Rated R

105 minutes

Starring: Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Chung, T.J. Miller, Abbey Lee, Jason Bateman, Courtney B. Vance

"When his uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand."

December 16

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Rated PG-13

113 minutes

Starring: Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen. Forest Whitaker, Alan Tudyk, Ben Mendelsohn, James Earl Jones, Riz Ahmed

"The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans to the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow."

Collateral Beauty

Rated PG-13

97 minutes

Starring: Will Smith, Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet, Naomie Harris, Edward Norton, Helen Mirren, Michael Pena

"Retreating from life after a tragedy, a man questions the universe by writing to Love, Time and Death, Receiving unexpected answers, he begans to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty." 

December 23

Sing

Rated PG

108 minutes

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Tori Kelly, Taron Egerton, Nick Kroll,

"A koala named Buster Moon has one final chance to restore his theater to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition."

Passengers

Rated PG-13

minutes N/A

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen, Andy Garcia, Laurence Fishburne

"A spaceship traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early. 

Why Him?

Rated R

minutes N/A

Starring: Zoey Deutch, James Franco, Bryan Cranston, Adam Devine, Megan Mullally, Keegan-Michael Key, Zack Pearlman

"A dad forms a bitter rivalry with his daughter's young rich boyfriend."

Source:
www.youtube.com
www.imdb.com

A Rustic Christmas

Last Friday we decided to go ahead and put Christmas out. We normally wait till this up coming weekend but I have a full day planned for my Grammy on Saturday and Sunday I will be getting home and it would be just too hectic. So we decided last Friday it was! 

Normally I put a lot out for Christmas. I love decorating (even went to school for Interior Design) but because I have a 15 month old who is into EVERYTHING, I couldn't put out half of my things. But that didn't stop me from decorating where I could. We decided on a rustic look this year. Whites, golds, bronzes, browns, things like that. Friday night we went to Kohl's and I found a few pieces from there. Target was having a huge sale Saturday, so after we got back from Clyde, we went straight there. It was spend $100 on Christmas things, get $50 off. It was easy to do. 

Below are my pictures around my house. I'll do my best to let you know where it is all from in case you like something. Like I said it was Target and Kohl's but I'll let you know where each was. 

My Christmas Tree 

This year there are no ornaments. We decided against them. I do have one on there, which is special to me this year but I will save that for another day. (and no, I am not pregnant. It is nothing like that. It just means a lot to me this year but I would rather save it for another day). The tree is from Target (pre-lit) and the star is new this year (Target). I always had this pretty big red bow but the lights went out this year so we opted for a new one. The tree skirt is Target too. I will find Brody sometimes laying on it looking up. I don't have a picture because by the time I pull out my camera, he is long gone. 

My mantle 

The two things on the side stay there all year long (and they are Kirkland's). The stockings are hung in this order, Bullet, Bobby, Brody, Dani and Dash. The tree in the middle I got last year and I think it was Hobby Lobby or Michael's. The two birds holding Bullet and Dash are Target and the reindeer's holding Bobby and I are Kohl's. The stockings were made from Pottery Barn (B, little B and me) and Dash and Bullet's are from Target.

Decorations around the house

A picture of me pregnant with Brody, a yummy smelling candle from Bath and Body Works, a Rose Gold Reindeer from Target, Welcome sign from Target and white flowers from Hobby Lobby

 This is from Kohl's. It lights up my kitchen at night. And has a 6 hour time out, so if I don't want it on all night, it turns off after 6 hours. 

 I usually don't put wreaths out but when we were at Target, I fell in love with this one so we went with it.

A view from my kitchen. I love Christmas. There is something so warm and inviting about it. Everyone has things they have collected over the years. I always love going to peoples homes this time of year and looking at their things. There's always a story or someone who gave it to them. Christmas is a time for giving and remember Jesus' birth. Yes I love decorating but nothing would be impossible without the his LOVE. 

If you squint really hard you will see the one ornament. But even if you do, you won't understand it unless you know what it is for sure. 

What is something you put out every Christmas that means the most to you? 

The Walking Dead Monday

Reviewing: TWD: Season 7: Episode 6: Swear

SPOILERS AHEAD. If you have not watched or don't want to know what has happened, STOP reading now.

Tonight we pick up with Tara and Heath and the mysterious new crew they met up with.

The episode starts out with two new girls on a beach killing walkers. They come across Tara washed up on the shore. They attempt to kill her but the older girl stops her from doing it. The little one says they are supposed to kill and walks away. The older girl drags Tara off. * Heath is in a trailer talking to Tara (obviously an earlier scene) about food and ammo and how it's been 2 weeks since they left for things. They are talking about how they had to kill people for things and how no one is in this together. Tara picks up a gun and notices an engraving of a baseball bat. Back at the beach scene with Tara passed out and the older girl holding a gun to her. The older girl then leaves food and water by her head. She also leaves her a weapon. As she walks away, Tara wakes up and takes a bottle of water and hides. It seems Tara was faking it. She looks over to see the older girl crying. Tara picks up the food left and before she can eat it, sees the older girl walking away. Tara decides to follow her. She follows her through the jungle for awhile and comes upon a community. She sneaks around the community to see what it is. She sees women talking, kids playing, people on post watching, people gardening and happy. Then you hear a clicking sound and everyone runs to get guns. Then they start shooting at Tara as she runs away. A lady tries to kill her but she takes her out and her gun. When you think she's made it out, the little girl from the beginning (named Rachel) stops her. The older girl (named Cyndie) stops Rachel from shooting Tara as other people join. Tara tries to reason with them when an older lady walks up. Tara tries to talk to her but she doesn't say anything. *Tara and Heath make it to a place on the water that looks lived in. They search the place and come across a mound full of sand. Tara tries to pull a duffel bag out of the sand and the whole thing comes crashing down. Walkers emerge and corner Tara on the pier. Heath runs off as walkers chase him. Back at the scene with Tara and the girls, we find Tara in a house, handcuffed to a air conditioner. Natania introduces herself as well as well Kathy and Beatrice. Natania explains that the bells Tara hears is to drive away the walkers. They want to know what Tara is doing here. She explains how her and Heath were on the barge when she went over and made her way inland. She says Cyndie gave her food and she pretended to be passed out and followed her there. Natania explains how she should be dead but because she didn't kill Beatrice when she could, she saved her and now doesn't know what to do with her. They leave Tara so they can discuss what to do. Beatrice comes back for Tara at night and takes her to another place. They uncuff her and offer her dinner. Natania introduces Cyndie and Tara officially and Tara thanks her. Cyndie tells her she is trying to teach Rachel there is a better way then killing people. Natania wants to talk and they all sit down to dinner. * Tara is eating and they all are staring at her. Natania says she is trying to convince her to stay. They need someone like Tara. Natania even offers finding her friend and that he could stay there too. Tara is confused by that because there are no men. They fall silent. Natania explains that they got into a scuffle with another group and none of them made it. Then the women found this place, kept hidden and stayed alive. They want the truth from Tara on where she is from. Then Tara explains about where she is from and everything they had done. Tara wants to join forces together but Natania suggest one person go and see how it goes and Beatrice volunteers. * Natania wishes the girls bye (Kathy goes too) and they leave. Tara walks by Rachel and Rachel spits at her. Tara gives her the middle finger and smiles. The girls come across a walker and Tara says she has it. Right before she kills it, she runs away. The girls chase her and Tara loses them. She then comes across Beatrice and they fight. Beatrice gets the upper hand and explains to Tara about the Saviors she "thinks" they took out (Beatrice obviously knows about Negan) and tells her how they killed all of their men over ten years of age. She says Tara can't leave and right before she shoots her, Cyndie jumps in front and tells Tara to run. Cyndie catches up to Tara and makes her swear she won't tell anyone about them. Cyndie gives Tara her backpack and tells her she will take her to the bridge. * They get there and Cyndie tells her she will help get across since there are walkers. Tara wants to know why she isn't like the rest of them and Cyndie ask her "why aren't you?". They both help each other make it half way and Cyndie lays on top of a car so she can shoot as Tara walks across. Then Tara has a memory of Heath saving her life and when she comes to, she kills walkers in her way to search for him. She thinks she sees him as a walker but it turns out to be a lady. She then hides behind a pod and sees Cyndie being taken away by Beatrice and Kathy and sneaks off. She find Heath's glasses and sees tire tracks. She also finds a key-card with a letters PPP on them. *Tara walks through a field and comes across a boat and searches it. She comes across an old gas station and searches it. She ends up staying the night there. The next morning she makes her way back to Alexandria where she is greeted by Eugene. Tara finally figures out what has happened. Rosita wants to know if she found any place and Tara lies to her. 

Main points of this week show: 

• The new community is called Oceanside. 
• Poor Tara had to figure out about Abraham, Glenn and her girlfriend who have died and how. 
• Where is Heath? and is it just me or is Tara kind of a comic relief? 
• The women of the new community have figured out how to keep themselves safe. By the clicking when someone comes into their community instead of yelling. They keep bells far enough away to keep zombies distracted. They kill on sight (besides Tara). 
• I wonder how often we will see these women of Oceanside. I don't think they would introduce a whole new community and make us like some of them to not bring some of them back. 
• Even if Tara had known what had happened early on, I still think she would have gone back. Her family is with Rick and all of them. 
• It doesn't shock me that Tara doesn't tell Rosita about Oceanside. After learning about what happened to Glenn and Abraham, I think she sees no value in telling them. She made a promise and I don't see her breaking it. If for some reason they meet back up, I don't see it being because she told. 
• What does the PPP stand for on the key-card Tara found? I can't wait to find this one out. 

Feel free to leave comments, thoughts and/or ideas, on what you liked, loved, hated or think might happen. 

*=commercial break

Black Friday

You don't want to miss out 

on the Black Friday sale 

I have going on. 
Click ~here~ for all the info.

Five on Friday: Black Friday Edition

one. Emerald Sky

I am so excited about this guys. BEST DEAL of the day. So you know my love for them. But their Black Friday sale is just killer. Ok so here's the deal.....From Midnight to noon on Friday, using the code FRIYAY40 will get you 40% everything from their site. Once that ends at noon (central), they will be offering 25% off until midnight Monday with the code SHOP25. Not only that, but with a purchase of 3 or more shirts, you can get a free tote bag or koozie (while supplies last). They have launched their new Holiday line and it is adorable. I love these girls so much. Go buy. Go support. Have your child and yourself set for the Holidays. I have included all of their newest additions and you best believe this little lady is buying them! 

two. Betsy Jones

So the photographer we used this year for our family photos is having a Black Friday sale. Here's her deal: 20% off any shoot booked from January-April 2017. The deal only last through the weekend so get your spot quick! How awesome is that?! Email is betsy@swinkphotos.com

three. June and January

I love this kiddo clothing company, mainly for their jumpers. They are super cute and really comfortable for Brody. There Black Friday sale starts at 7am (eastern) Friday morning and includes their Tank Jumpers for $21, Knit Tights are $7 each or 3 for $17, Headbands are $5 each or 3 for $13, Hooded Jumpers for $25 plus so much more! And if you spend over $100, use the code ONYXFRIDAY10 at checkout for $10 off. (coupon only valid on 11/25)

four. Becca Egger

For Brody's newborn photos, there was only one person I turned to. And that was my beautiful friend Becca Egger. She is amazing. I went to her blog and copied her words because she is quirky with her words and only she can tell you her deal the best! "A full session with all the typical details, but the sitting fee is reduced by 40%!! Instead of $125, you'll pay just $75. Deadlines: Sale ends Tuesday, November 29, 2016. Your session must be on the calender by March 1, 2017, and completed between January 1 and November 1, 2017. Don't worry, I'll remind you! How to redeem: email me and say "I'M IN!!" and I'll send you an invoice within 24 hours." Email is castironphotos@gmail.com

five. Younique

For those of you who don't know, I am a Younique rep. Why? Because seriously, I love this stuff. My face has never looked better, felt better and the product always feels so nice and easy going on. I don't wear makeup much but when I do, I want good quality stuff. I do clean my face and wear face lotion everyday so I need something good, breathable and not thick. For the Black Friday deal, Younique is doing something everyday at noon (pacific time) for the next 7 days. You can log on and see what it is. They will also send an email everyday at the same time so you can see what it is. They are limited edition bundles and each bundle last for 24 hours. You can also purchase everything else if the bundle that day isn't something you need/want. And also, you can get Free shipping for these next 7 days with any purchase over $50! 

To go to any of the sites above, please click on the name in each heading (example.... one. Emerald Sky (you would click on Emerald Sky and it will take you to their website)). Please let me know if you have any questions on the five above and I will help where I can. And set your alarms people so you can get to shopping. 
I know the big department stores offer great deals but the people above are just super close to my heart and I would love for you to help support them. They are moms, friends, sisters, powerful women who are doing what they love! Know someone who is having a new baby, give them the gift of a photographer! Always wanted that one shirt from Emerald, well here's your chance! 3D fiber lash mascara makes the most perfect gift for your girlfriends! #shopsmall 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. 

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have the most beautiful kiddo who I just love beyond what I ever thought I could love. I have an incredible husband who provides for us and allows me to spend my days with our son. Lord knows I don't deserve either but for some reason he has graced me with them and I couldn't be more grateful for it. 

I am thankful for my family and my friends who are always there for me, loving me and holding me up. I am thankful for my blog and my readers. You guys give me an out each day, a way to get my voice out there and because of y'all, I am able to do it. I am thankful for my Swink family because they keep me fit and sane and make me laugh every time I am there. 

A few weeks ago, B, little B and I had family photos taken. It was hot to say the least and to pretend it wasn't, in fall clothes, I wasn't sure how the pictures would come out. When Betsy sent them to me, I was floored. I am so excited to share these with you. 

And by the way......my coach Betsy is an amazing photographer. I don't know how she captured these moments but she did. She was fun, she got down on the ground, she had suggestions and ideas and directed us to exactly where we needed to go. I love her anyways but because she was able to capture these for me, she will always have a special place in my heart. I am pretty sure she is booked for the holidays but if you are interested in booking her (and you should be), here is her ~website~ or her ~Facebook~ or you can email her at betsy@swinkphotos.com. 

Betsy,
Thank you again for capturing these. You truly are remarkable at what you do. You have such an eye for it and know exactly how to place people. Your fun, free spirited and weren't afraid when I said I wanted to put Brody in his Lion costume and see what you can get! Not only are you a great photographer and a fantastic coach, but you have become such a great friend! Thank you again. 



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FYI: I am having an amazing Five on Friday: Black Friday edition post! I will be posting either late Thursday night or really early Friday morning so you are not gonna wanna miss these deals. I promise you that. I will have codes and links and everything for you. I am so excited for these. And y'all, they are all shop small places because that's what this momma loves to support, especially on days like this! 

(ok yes I do love Amazon and Target but for my Black Friday edition I am sticking with the Shop Small people I love).