Favorite Commericals of the Holiday Season

I don't watch much TV. Since I've watched a lot of Christmas Movies this year, I've watched a lot of commericals. 90% of these commericals have made me cry. They are all just so heartwarming this year. I am sharing my favorites below. Enjoy. Also get the tissues.

Kohl's

Dick's Sporting Goods

Kerry Gold

Toyota 

Amazon

Hobby Lobby

Ronald McDonald House Charities 

Campbells

Etsy

Chick-fil-A 

Gah! I loved all of these! Do you have a favorite? If so, share it below!

[[Merry Everything Happy Always]]

-gabrielle

Miss you all the time

18 years and I still think about you each and every day. I hope you are watching over us and keeping us safe. We love you and we miss you so much. 

Miss You All The Time by O.A.R.

-gabrielle

What's Up Wednesday

Hello! I am going to say this a lot this week but how the heck is Christmas next week?! I am catching you up with what I have been up lately.

What I'm Eating
 All the holiday goodies

What I'm Reminiscing About

Memories of Christmas past

What I've Been Loving

Driving around seeing Christmas decorations

What I'm Dreading

Nothing. :) 

What I'm Working On

All the year end paperwork. (help)

What I'm Excited About

Some days off; the new year and the thrill of new possibilities. 

What I'm Watching

All the Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies and The Bachelorette. 

What I'm Listening To

Christmas music all the time

What I'm Wearing

Blanket scarfs, mittens, warm coats- winter has officially hit NJ

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Wrapping Christmas gifts? (Who am I kidding? I will be doing that on Christmas eve! HA!)

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

My Birthday! The new year! New opportunities! 

What Else is New

Not that much. Trying to get to the bottom of my to do (which seems to be multiplying each day). Taking in the spirit of the season and spending lots of time with family. 

What are you up to?

[[May you never get too grown up search the skies on Christmas Eve]]

-gabrielle

December Photo Journal

This month is filled with sunsets and lots of Christmas related things. Another fun month in the book and the last for 2020.  I loved this month so much- not only because of the holiday traditions but because everyone seemed nicer and the fact that everyone has Christmas decorations up, makes me ever happier. 

The rain rolling in... 

This spot is my favorite to catch the sunsets

One last elevator selfie for the year

HUGE bagel

pretty natural light

Sunset from our Christmas Card Photos

Thanksgiving Eve

Real Life Messes

Chase Rice Virtual Concert 

This struck me funny

artist Christmas tree photo

Reflection

professional Teams Meeting setup

SANTA!?! no construction workers

LOVE these two

New Jersey Tradition- Santa 
comes around on a firetruck

Prettiest Poinsettia 

Something at my green card

hearts

Patterns

Perfection 

I enjoyed sharing what I saw each month you with you. If you want to check out previous months, 

///february///march///april///may///june///

///july///august///september///october///november///

[[All is calm. All is bright. ]]

-gabrielle

Where were you today? December 14, 2019

🚨New Series Alert!🚨 

Where were you today? Google photos loves to show me what I took photos of last year,  the year before and so on. This was my inspiration. To kick this series off, I figured this would be the perfect place to start:

O.A.R. in Atlantic City 

I have loved O.A.R. since I saw them back in 2003 at the Ritacco (now known as the Poland Springs Arena) for the B98.5 Jingle Jam. At that point they were still sorta new but they were SO good! I remember asking for their CDs that Christmas. 

I was a fan after that show. I listened to them for years and it was almost 16 years until I saw them again. I was able to see them again in June of 2019 at The Met in Philadelphia. It was such an awesome show. I found they were doing a Fall tour and they would be in Atlantic City in December. 

Flash forward to December, the tickets had been purchased for months now and I couldn't wait. I will let the photos and videos speak for themselves.

Throwing Cards during Crazy Game of Poker

After Crazy Game of Poker (and maybe a vodka soda or 2)

Let me tell you, this concert was one of the most memorable and best concert I saw. It was such a great win to end such a crazy year. The thing I love about O.A.R. is their fans- the crowd was such a mixed bag- there were little kids with their parents and then there couples in their 70s. Its a true testament of their music- its relatable to anyone. They played for 2 solid hours. 

Who knew this would be my last concert before Quarantine. 

Listen to the exact set list they played here

What was your last concert you saw?

[[I want love, I want us, I want you, I want me, I want peace- OAR]]

-Gabrielle

Faithful Friday

I think now more than ever, we need hope and light to see us through. I am praying constantly for calmness and to not worry about things I cannot control, for my friends, my family, my co-workers and anyone else who I think could use some uplifting. I pray for calmness in the world- I feel as if it is so unsettled and nothing has really helped. I pray for us to find the true meaning of this year- to find out what is really truly important to you and what is not. Prayer seems to be the one thing that has kept me calm in the last few month. My anxiety has been really good-besides so hiccups here and there. Knowing there is something I can turn to in these hard times. 

Christmas is such a special time of the year not just because of all the holiday activities and perfect photos, its a time to reflect on the why- why do we celebrate Christmas and what does it actually mean? It restores our wonder and joy in life and reminds us that we are not perfect. We try to be perfect but things happen, things fall apart and messes are made. We are humans, and things fall apart. 

Knowing that Jesus was born for a specific purpose in the world and he fulfilled that purpose; we all are here for a purpose too. While we might not know exactly what that purpose is at this time, you have to have faith that you are a really important piece of the bigger picture. You were made for a reason, every single part of you.

This holiday season, keep the faith in hope and joy. Focus on the good that is here this Christmas and cherish each moment you have. Pray in these times for faithfulness and for direction. Pray for joyfulness in a this crazy world we live in. 

[[When they saw the star, they rejoiced. Matthew 2:10]]

I am linking up with Andrea and Erika today. 

-gabrielle

PS. Did you miss this weeks posts? WGJ: Christmas Edition /// Adventures of Christmas Past

Adventures of Christmas Past

I am dreaming today of all my adventures of Christmas past. Lets take a trip down memory lane. Lets start first in....

New York

New York City any time of the year is magical but at Christmastime, there is something even more magical about the City. How New York City is portrayed in the movies, is very true. Everyone is moving around in such a holly jolly way. There is something festive around each corner.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Seeing this in person is really breathtaking and its pure magic. This is one of the iconic NYC landmarks at Christmastime. There is a lot more in Rockefeller Center than the tree, check it out here.

The next iconic NYC landmark is...

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

It doesn't matter if you see this once or every year; if you are 5 or 95, the excitement in the theater is unforgettable. Seeing the Rockettes and all the different performers makes you feel like a kid again. Check out more information here

Just a bit farther out of the city, you will find....

Dkyer Heights

While this was a hike from where I am in New Jersey, but this was totally worth it. Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that all the houses are professionally decorated and everything, I mean EVERYTHING is covered in lights. It was brilliant and I remember thinking "how much is their electric bills?!"  The photos don't do it justice. Check out more here

Next stop.....

New Jersey

There are so many fun adventures I've had in my home state, that it was hard to choose but these were my absolute favorites.

The Polar Express

This had to be one of the most fun and interesting and most Chrismassy thing I've done. As most of you, I grew up reading the Polar Express. I found a real working train in Whippany that took you on the 'Polar Express' and it was everything I would have imagined it would be. The actors, Santa, the surprises AND wearing PJs on the trip. You have to wear PJs just like the book. 

We were the oldest ones there without kids. HA! It was the best time. This was the website for the exact ride I took. Its worth the money and the ride there. 

White Christmas

My parents and I went to see White Christmas a few years ago at a local theater. It was such a high quality show and what a surprise when the show ended, it snowed! It was perfect ending. You can watch White Christmas on Netflix.

Bryan Setzer Holiday Concert

This was such a fun and joyful concert. Brian Setzer knows how to put on a full energy show that had a ton of Christmas Surprises.

and finally.....

Pennsylvania

There are many exciting holiday adventures to be had in PA and I cannot wait to see more of them but this is something you should not miss....

Longwood Gardens

Another hike of a trip in Kennett Square, PA, but 100% worth it. The picture above looks like something out of Harry Potter. On a cold night, bundle up and take in all the beauty that Longwood Gardens has to offer. I know I said New York City is magical at Christmas time, but Longwood Gardens is a close second. Check out more about Longwood Gardens.

Thanks for taking a journey with me through my favorite Christmas adventures through the Tri-state area. What are your favorite Christmas adventures you've had? Let me know in the comments.

[[OMG! SANTA! I know him!]]

-gabrielle

WGJ: Christmas Edition

Hello! Just because I love seeing other's favorite Christmas songs, I figured I would make a playlist of my favorite Christmas songs. I have been listening to Christmas music since November 1st. We all need some joy in our lives and Christmas music is made just for that. Leave your favorite Christmas songs in the comments. 

WGJ: Christmas Edition

Snow Angels- Mitchell Tenpenny
Last Christmas- James TW
Feels Like Joy- Micah Tyler
Lit This Year- Florida Georgia Line
Christmas Tree Farm-Taylor Swift
Little Saint Nick- The Beach Boys
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- Michael Buble
White Winter Hymnal-Penatonix
My Only Wish (This Year)- Brittany Spears
Santa Claus is Comin' To Town- Bruce Springsteen
Drummer Boy- Justin Bieber, Busta Rhymes
This Gift- 98°
You Make It Feel Like Christmas- Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton
Christmas Time- Christina Aguilera
(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus- Harry Connick, Jr.
Naughty List- Mitchell Tenpenny
Santa Tell Me- Ariana Grande
All I Want For Christmas is You- Mariah Carey
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays- *NSYNC
Mistletoe- Justin Bieber

Christmas in the Country- Thomas Rhett

Listen Here.

[[The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear]]

-gabrielle

Feel Good Friday

Happy Friday and happy December! I am in disbelief that we are in December already. ( I know I say it every month but its true, I am always in disbelief.) This week was a fun week. Another work project came finished on part and started another part. Both parts went/are going smoothly- which always makes me think "OH NO!" something is going to go wrong but I am hopeful this is going to be smooth sailing (knock on wood!) This week I also celebrated 1 year in my current position. It's been a year of learning and unusual things happening but I am so excited that I have one year under my belt and I am curious to see what this next year brings.

I am waiting to decorate my office for Christmas because of the construction that is still happening in my office. I didn't even attempt to clean up the dust/mess yet because I know it will just look the same way the next day and to be honest, I have a lot more important things to do than to clean right now. HA!

I am sharing some sweet stories I found on the internet in the last few weeks. I hope these stories bring a smile to your face and a warmness inside of you.

First Ironman with Down Syndrome /// I love this. Chris is such an inspiration to everyone. His goal is to get 1% better and he did that and was able to complete an Ironman competition under 17 hours. Can you imagine swimming for 2.5 miles, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run in 17 hours?! He did not give up and he just kept going. Way to go Chris!

Local Entrepreneurs Pay for Groceries Before Thanksgiving/// This reminded me of a flash mob; These entrepreneurs showed up at a grocery story in Atlanta and started paying for peoples groceries before Thanksgiving. What a neat idea and a great way to share holiday joy. 

Food Store Employee helps mom /// You never know what a small act of kindness can do for a person and this employee made such a HUGE impact on this mom's day. He didn't have to take the extra step but he did and he provided happiness in the form of sandwiches.

Best Neighborhood Ever/// When you move into a neighborhood you hope to get great neighbors; in this neighborhood, they really went above and beyond for their sick neighbor. Kudos to you good neighbors. 

______

Okay, I think that wraps up my Feel Good Friday Finds. I know I had to keep some tissues nearby because these stories are just too sweet. 

My plans for this weekend include doing the homework I procrastinated on all week, watching an obscene amount of Hallmark Movies and working on some fun things for WGJ.

I am linking up with Andrea and Erika today for Friday Favorites.

What is on YOUR Christmas list this year?

[[You can do hard things]]

-gabrielle

PS. Did you miss this week's posts? Catch up here: Dear November and November Reads