• Every December, just as the holiday chaos hits full swing, the same question comes up: Am I sending Christmas cards this year or not? Yes, there are some people who love this tradition, others dread it. I guess I am somewhere right in between. So, this Blogmas post (a little late) is a reflection on Christmas cards… the good, the bad and the ugly.

    The Magic of Sending Cards:

    • There is definitely something special about it, even nostalgic
    • Sending holiday greetings can feel like a thoughtful moment during a busy season
    • A way to stay connected with friends & family, close and far away
    • A sweet tradition that makes someone smile
    • A tangible reminder that someone is thinking of you

    Then there is the reality: lets talk about it, sending cards can also feel like:

    • Another thing on the to-do list
    • Added pressure to create the perfect card
    • So much writing, leaving your hand begging for mercy

    The struggle is real, and you are not alone!

    So… here is my take:

    • Send cards, but make it easy
    • Use a cozy, candid photo rather than the product of a planned photo shoot
    • Order premade cards, just sign your name
    • Send to a smaller list this year

    It still counts, it’s still sweet and still meaningful!

    Go Digital!

    • Aesthetic Canva Card
    • Cute Holiday Photo
    • Festive email or digital postcard

    Still thoughtful, intentional and zero stamps needed!

    Skip without the guilt!

    • Celebrate the season while protecting your energy

    Honestly, people get it… life gets busy- and if they don’t, they shouldn’t have been on your Christmas card list in the first place. We don’t need that kind of negativity in our lives.

    Something I have done, more than once:

    Send New Years cards! Send them the beginning of January, new year- new energy and no pressure.

    Ask yourself if sending cards will add joy or stress to your season and let your answer guide you. XOXO

  • Blogmas Day 9: Decking my Halls

    Today is all about Christmas decorating and the sheer joy it brings me. Honestly, it is safe to say, it’s one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. I love turning the house into a festive and inviting space. I don’t go overboard… I don’t like cluttered. I like simple yet sparkly touches.

    Join me as we pull out the bins, crank the Christmas music and deck the halls! Speaking of bins, one holds our tree ornaments. These are my absolute favorite part of decorating. Each ornament holds a memory that is deeply cherished. My ornament collection brings my heart so much joy as I unwrap each one it brings me back to the place and time it was purchased, gifted or made. How wonderful. I will be sharing some of these ornaments as I decorate on my vlogs found here:

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

    While I do love my tree, my mantel is magical. I have included a picture below (pre-stockings).

    Now the house feels cozy, cheerful and ready for all the holiday moments and memories coming our way.

  • There is something about holiday baking that is so exciting it needs two parts, one to cover the prep and one to cover the actual baking and packaging. Holiday baking really is an entire season, and if you couldn’t tell… I am here for it. So, let’s warm up the oven and get started. Today’s Blogmas is all about preparing for holiday baking and even appreciating the little conveniences that help make it all possible (I’m looking at you Walmart delivery).

    Before I even begin to bake, a cozy mood needs to be set. I am talking Christmas sweater, candles lit and a Christmas movie on… or Christmas music blasting. Romanticizing any and everything is kind of what I do, as seen on all my social media accounts found below- so why would I stop with baking?!?! Setting the atmosphere is part of what makes this one of my favorite holiday traditions… not a task but a tradition!

    I start by determining what recipes I am making this year, creating an ingredient/ shopping list and well…shopping. This week has been extra busy, and the stores seem extra crowded, even for this time of year. Walmart delivery to the rescue. Everything delivered to my doorstep at the time they said it would be. Seriously worth every penny of the tip given to my shopper/driver. This was just a small joy I was especially thankful for today.

    I can’t wait to share the recipes I have chosen this year and then the finished products. Whether you are baking for family, friends, coworkers, gifts, yourself or all the above, I hope your kitchen is warm, cozy and filled with love and treats!

    See you tomorrow for Blogmas Day 9!

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

  • Today, I am still catching up on life, so let’s talk about slow, cozy, winter mornings. Some that are even snow covered. My favorite kind of morning during the holiday season. Hot coffee (yes the cup matters), Christmas lights glowing, a fire burning, candles flickering and scenting the house… yes please.

    It is such a simple act that sets the tone for my day. If you are feeling the December overwhelm creeping in, consider this your reminder to spend the morning setting the tone for your day too. Be sure and set a positive one while you are at it!

    What is your cozy morning routine this time of year? Let me know here or on any of my social media accounts linked below.


    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

    My favorite coffee mug to use this time of year for a cozy and festive morning ☕🎄
  • We are officially six days into Blogmas, and today I wanted to keep things short, sweet and to the point. The first week of December always feels like… scratch that… IS a mix of excitement and CHAOS. Holiday events, school activities, shopping, baking…living, breathing…. I am here for all of it.

    For day 6, I just need a little slow down. So just a quick reminder today to follow my social media accounts here:

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

    and to take a pause when needed.

    Here is to a restful day 6. See you tomorrow for Blogmas Day 7!

  • There is something so peaceful about the slower traditions of the holiday season, the ones that make December feel a little more meaningful, and a lot more magical. Today for Blogmas Day 5, I’m diving into some of my favorite Advent traditions that help bring calm, intention, and joy into the busiest month of the year.

    Whether you’re into faith-centered gatherings, cozy countdown calendars, or the art of decorating with greenery, or all of the above like me- this post is your reminder to slow down and savor the season.


    🕯️ Midweek Advent Services: A Mid-December Breather

    Between shopping, parties, and all the “end-of-year everything,” midweek Advent services are such a great pause to remember what and why we are celebrating in the first place. The are usually a bit shorter than Sunday service- short, sweet and to the point.  

    What I love about them:

    • The peaceful music
    • Soft candlelight
    • A moment to breathe in the middle of the week
    • A reminder of the hope that was born on Christmas day

    Even if you’re not traditionally a weekly service person, I would encourage you to try a midweek advent service.


     🕯️Advent Calendars: Literally Little Moments of Daily Joy

    Let’s be honest… Advent calendars are elite. Opening a tiny door every day? Nostalgic!

    There are so many fun types now:

    • Classic chocolate calendars (nostalgic and delicious)
    • Beauty & skincare (bought one of these for my 20-year-old daughter)
    • Fitness-themed (okay…)
    • Tea, coffee, hot chocolate (a cozy surprise every morning)

    It’s not about the item—it’s the countdown.


     🕯️Advent Wreaths: Cozy Decor with Meaning

    Whether you grew up lighting Advent candles or just love the greenery aesthetic, Advent wreaths bring such warmth to any space.

    Why they feel so magical:

    • The glow of weekly candle lighting
    • The symbolism of hope, peace, joy, and love
    • A beautiful centerpiece that evolves throughout the season

    You can go traditional with purple and pink candles—or keep it modern with neutral tones and LED tapers. Add ribbons, oranges, berries, or pinecones to match your holiday style.


    🕯️ Final Thoughts

    Advent traditions add so much heart to the holidays. They help us slow down, look forward, and find meaning in the small moments. Whether you’re attending a midweek service, opening your favorite calendar, or lighting a candle on your wreath, these rituals are little anchors that keep December centered around the true reason for the season. The birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday Jesus!

    Let me know what Advent traditions you’re celebrating this year—do you have a favorite calendar or wreath style? 

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/



  • Welcome back, besties! This season is in full swing… officially! Parties, shopping, family plans and endless to-do lists, this is where I thrive. It’s my time to shine! If you feel like your normal routine (and I love a routine) is getting swallowed up by Christmas chaos, you are not alone! Here is some good news… you can squeeze in some movement without missing festive moments.

    Try a cozy holiday walk. It doubles as movement and mental health time while allowing time to check out the neighborhood Christmas decorations. A walk with warm coffee in hand is good for the soul if you ask me and its low stress and easy to stick with. So go get your steps in!

    If you follow me on any or all my social media accounts (and I hope that you do, I have a lot of fun over there) you already know I love a set of dumbbells. I am linking my social media accounts here so you can follow along with some of my quick dumbbell videos. Let me know when you try them!

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

    Come back for Blogmas Day 5: Advent Festivities

  • Blogmas Day 3: My Holiday Glow

    Welcome back, besties! Today we are covering skincare and glow, because absolutely nothing pairs better with a great holiday outfit than glowing skin. This is a necessity as celebrating kicks into full gear.

    I link all my favorites on my social media accounts found here:

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

    👁👁Hydrating Undereye Patches: Nothing wakes my eyes up faster than cooling, hydrating, wonderful, amazing (can you tell I love them) undereye patches. I use them after an everything shower or right before getting glammed up. They reduce my puffiness and are instantly brightening and hydrating.

    🌟Moisturizer and Glow Lotion: To give my skin a soft, subtle yet festive glow, I use a shimmer lotion. It adds just a touch of sparkle, enough to make skin luminous but not glittery if you know what I mean?? Shimmer lotion is beautiful when applied to shoulders, collarbones and legs, any exposed skin really.

    🌞Bronzed Holiday Warmth: Even in winter, especially in the winter, I love adding bronzers to my makeup routine. I want a sun kissed look year-round!

    😘Setting Spray: To lock everything in! Bonus if it has a light shimmery finish. It sets makeup into the skin, so it lasts from coffee runs, to Christmas shopping all the way through holiday parties.

    💄Don’t Forget the Lips: Winter is hard on lips, so a nourishing, moisturizing balm is essential.

    💋Hydrated Lips + Glowing Skin= The Perfect Holiday Look

    Come back for Blogmas Day 4: Workouts to fit into your holiday schedule!

  • Today we are discussing one of my absolute favorite parts of the season; holiday outfits!! Warm and cozy layers, soft textures, red and green accessories and so…so many sparkles! I love sparkling. I will be sharing my outfits with links on all my social media accounts:

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

    Outfit 1: Casual Christmas Shopping/ Coffee Run Outfit

    • Crewnecks! Crewnecks! Crewnecks! (say it again for the people in the back) I am obsessed with crewnecks… paired with jeans, leggings… boots, sneakers, clogs! Yes please.
    • Comfy sweaters paired with any of the above= WINNING

    Outfit 2: Elevated & Everyday Layering: Warm while still stylish

    • Long sleeve top, fitted or not
    • I love a puffer coat, a wool coat will dress any outfit up
    • Wide-leg or barrel jeans
    • Minimal jewelry

    Outfit 3: Winter Office: Professional meets cozy

    • Wool or plaid skirt, or a wool plaid skirt 😊
    • Tights or leggings for warm legs
    • Long cozy sweater
    • Fitted top underneath
    • Heeled ankle or knee boots

    Outfit 4: Festive Holiday Party Look: My time to shine… literally!

    • Sequin or ruffle mini skirt
    • Tights if needed for warmth
    • Leather coat, I like the bomber style
    • Strappy sparkly heel or boot

    Whatever you wear, don’t forget to accessorize with confidence! See you tomorrow for Blogmas Day 3… Skincare for the holiday season!!

  • Kicking off December Festivities

    Can you believe it is already this magical time of year?!?! I am so excited to officially kick off my first Blogmas ever! I will be sharing everything from party outfits, casual holiday fashion ideas, cozy lifestyle tips, festive ideas, fitness and baking to holiday magic✨🎇✨. This will help keep our season merry and bright.

    I plan on celebrating the Christmas season while keeping up with family, fitness and self-care. I’ve planned something special for each day, and I can’t wait to share it all here. I will also be sharing pictures, videos, gift guides and links on all my social media accounts. Check them out here:

    https://www.facebook.com/cathy.sansosti

    https://www.youtube.com/@Cathysansosti

    https://www.instagram.com/cathysansosti/

    Join me this holiday season, grab a holiday drink, cozy blanket, snacks and follow along! Let me know, what are you looking forward to the most this December?