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What I Got For Christmas 2017

what i got for christmas 2017

What I got for Christmas 2017

what i got for christmas 2017

Happy holidays gals!!   Don’t you feel like we should get a day to recover after Christmas?

I do not care for the stress of trying to come up with a gift idea for someone who doesn’t offer any suggestions.   All eyes on you Pete MacGillis (my old brother).   So many times I got my brother gifts he went on to return so now I have to just be clear that I’m happy to get him something if he points me in the right direction.

I tell you this because I hand picked my Christmas gifts.   Some people don’t like that but I think it makes the holiday hustle a little less stressful for my mom and brother.    I do not like to exchange gifts outside of my very immediate family because I want to keep the holiday stress to a minimum.   Growing up the holidays were about a bunch of traditions and I remember those more fondly than any gifts.

So here is what I got for Christmas 2017:

A lighted makeup mirror.

I had tried to purchase this makeup mirror  but it kept selling out so instead I got this more affordable option and I really like it.   The lighting in my bathroom is really poor and I was noticing my makeup was not well blended when I’d catch a glimpse of myself in my car’s rearview mirror.  I’ve already used this lighted makeup mirror and I can’t imagine the quality of the other mirror is much better for the price difference.

An Instant Pot

Do you have an Instant Pot?   If you do, please drop a comment below with your favorite recipes to make.  I had been hearing such great things about the Instant Pot that I asked my brother to get me one for Christmas.   I normally do not like to get kitchen gadgets and appliances because I like to keep my counters clear but this supposedly might replace my well loved crock pot with a bunch of additional features.    The box says the pot makes homemade yogurt which my kids really want to try.    There are so many recipes I want to try like this chicken ramen and this butter chicken.  I also saw a bunch of dessert recipes online as well.

A Wristlet Wallet/Phone Holder

The exact wrislet I asked for has sold out but you can find similar options here more specific to your phone size.   I used to have a wallet phone case but I now prefer to use a slimmer phone case and throw it inside a small wallet when I leave the house.   My kids were constantly ripping my credit cards out of my wallet phone case and I always had to flip it open to use the phone.   This is totally personal preference but just figured I’d share cause I’m sure there are other mamas on the go who might like something similar.

I’d love to hear any fun gifts you got this holiday season!   And please, if you have a favorite Instant Pot recipe drop it in the comments below.

Thanks so much for reading!   I just changed my newsletter to go out with each post – so if you enjoy reading please sign up.   Your feedback helps me so much so if the newsletter is now too frequent please let me know.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday!

Rachel

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  • Theresa
    December 26, 2017 at 4:59 am

    Merry Christmas! Would you mind sharing what recipes you recieve from people as well as what you like?

    • Rachel
      December 26, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      YES!!! I definitely will pass them on! Making my first attempt tomorrow.

  • Lori remington
    December 26, 2017 at 5:06 am

    Merry merry Christmas Rachel.
    You have changed my life by following you and your adorable fashion style. I Use to ask my adult kids what to wear or I would copy what they bought which annoyed them. But now I have my own style and order what I like thanks to you. My kids and friends have noticed my style Change. More simple, solid light colors, and classy. I would love to give back to you by offering my home for you and your family if you even want to come to California. Go to Disneyland!!!! You can stay here free and I will cook amazing meals. Just my way of giving back. Merry Christmas and thank you!!!!!

    • Rachel
      December 26, 2017 at 9:38 pm

      Lori you are so generous!!! Thank you so much. My parents are both requiring frequent medical visits over the next few month but at some point we would love to come to Cali. I so appreciate the offer and I’m happy to hear you love the styles.
      Happy New Year!!
      Rachel

  • Heba
    December 26, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    Merry Christmas beautiful !!! I don’t own a mirror but I asked my husband for one for my birthday which is today ! Is this pot a pressure cooker or is it different I do own one but it a pressure cooker I love using it it’s very quick and cooks very good

    • Rachel
      December 26, 2017 at 9:38 pm

      Hi Heba!!!
      This pot is a pressure cooker in addition to a slow cooker, steamer, saute pot, yogurt maker, and a few other things. I’ll update you how it’s going.
      Thanks for reading!!!
      Rachel

  • Chris
    December 26, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    I am quite excited for the InstaPot! It is kind of a couples gift because we will both benefit when it is used… can’t wait!

    • Rachel
      December 26, 2017 at 9:39 pm

      So you’re welcome I guess 🙂
      XOX

  • Jennifer
    December 26, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    My husband and I do the same – we buy our own gifts, wrap them, and open them on Christmas day! No surprises, but we are good with that and everyone is happy. 🙂

    • Rachel
      December 26, 2017 at 9:39 pm

      YES!!!! makes things a lot easier during the hectic time of year. Thanks Jennifer 🙂

    • Rachel
      December 31, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      THANKS KRISTINE!

  • Amy
    January 3, 2018 at 11:00 pm

    I recently deleted my instagram and out of all the fashion bloggers I followed, yours is the only account I miss so I decided to pop over to your website. Now as far as the Instapot, I’m fond of this recipe https://recipes.instantpot.com/recipe/cajun-chicken-and-rice/ I usually use a flavored chicken from the meat department to prevent the chicken from getting too bland. But also, it makes a great cheesecake. If you google it, there’s so many different recipes available for cheesecake in it. Also, Fat Daddio’s makes a cheesecake pan that you can get off Amazon. I think I got the 6 inch pan (?) but I suppose it depends on the size of your instant pot

    • Rachel
      January 4, 2018 at 1:49 pm

      Hi AMY!!!!
      WOW. I am honored. REALLY!!!! And so happy you stopped by. With social media it’s hard to get people to the actual website. I will definitely try that recipe. Sounds delish. Cheesecake isn’t my thing but maybe for a party or something I’d make it. I am a salt lover.
      Again – thanks so much for coming over.
      Rachel