Devine Fairytale

a magical lifestyle blog

Categories: Holidays

Snowman Christmas Tree

Christmas is my favorite time of year!  I have a traditional green Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, but the past few years I also added a bit smaller snowman tree.  I have gotten so many compliments on it, I wanted to share a quick post so you can make one of your own. It’s so simple and so cute!!

A simple white pre-lit tree (that I got on sale after Christmas!) and a simple red tree skirt are the easiest finds.  I already had a red scarf that I was able to use for the tree and conveniently, I also had a “Frosty” top hat.  I have seen some at Hobby Lobby and Amazon though.  I got the craft pieces at Hobby Lobby: a white paper lantern (just make sure it is proportional to whatever size tree you are using), small black and orange puffs to make the eyes and nose, larger black puffs to make the buttons (attached with ornament hooks), and black pipe cleaners (I connected two for each arm).  I finished up my snowman with a few white glitter ornaments.

I hope all of you enjoy the holidays! <3
xoxo, Shannon

Categories: Holidays

Holiday Party Survival Guide

Thanksgiving has passed and now we have all of the Christmas (and Hanukkah) parties ahead of us! I don’t know about you, but this year seems even busier than years’ past.  If you’re trying to stay on track in your fitness journey or working on losing weight, it can definitely make things difficult.  If it’s something that’s important to you though, there are ways to get through it without all of the extra pounds!


Drink LOTS of water!  Did you know you’re supposed to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day (if you weighed 120 pounds, that’s 60 ounces of water)?  Are you doing that?!  I also try to drink several ounces before going to a party and stick to it while I’m there.

You usually don’t know what temptations will be at these parties and if you are hungry, you are more likely to give in.  Fill yourself up with something healthy before you go!  Plan your meals strategically.  If I have a party to attend at night, I will eat some egg whites for breakfast instead of my usual shake.  I’ll eat a nutritious lunch and then make my shake to have while I’m getting ready and on the way to the party.  When I get there, I’m full and less tempted by all of the sweets!  I will use my best judgement if I want to have a bite to eat.

Want to know my favorite holiday shake recipe?  It’s Chocolate Peppermint!  One pack of Chocolate Shakeology, 5 ounces of water, 5 ounces of unsweetened almond milk, a splash of pure peppermint extract, and ice.  Tip: don’t use too much peppermint!  Start with a little, I promise!  It’s better to have too little than too much.  I blend it all up in my Ninja and I’m ready to go!  If you want it creamier, add more almond milk than water.  OR substitute coffee to make a healthier version of Starbucks’ Peppermint Mocha.

Chocolate Peppermint Shakeology Ingredients

You can also offer to bring a dish or snack to the party.  Make it healthy and that way you will know there is something for you!

If you do have some extra sweets or just overeat in general, don’t beat yourself up about it.  Just make sure one night doesn’t turn into a whole month of cheat days.  Enjoy what you ate and then move on.  Jump right back in to your healthy meal plan and don’t give up.

What are some other ways you stay on track with all of the fun that comes with the holidays??

xoxo, Shannon

Categories: Holidays

Holiday Bucket List!

This is my favorite time of the year!  I put together a small bucket list to check off during this holiday season.  I can’t wait to share these moments with all you as the month goes along.

Just outside of Tallahassee, there is a Christmas Tree Farm in Havana, Florida.  There are rows and rows of trees and it’s so pretty!  I knew I wanted my friend Kate to take some pictures for us out there and they turned out fabulous!  I was really excited for the first chance to wear my blanket scarf...even though it was HOT when we took the pictures.  If you are in the area and want a live tree, I definitely suggest the drive out to Havana.  They also have a great gift shop and large light up pieces for your yard.  (You can get the Kissing Krystal here)
I would LOVE to hear what items are on your Holiday Bucket List!  Please share them in the comments below.  I love hearing about new traditions and fun adventures!
xoxo Shannon

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