My 2021 Christmas List

It's that time of year again? Already?! I've contemplated doing gift guides this year after taking last year off from them. I think I'll refrain from doing them again, but I've already seen so many wonderful ones on other blogs. Gift guide posts do really well with traffic, but it just doesn't feel right this year. If it is something you want, I could gather a master list of ideas instead of themed posts/guides or link you to some of my favorite guides I've seen.

I thought I would keep up with the tradition of sharing a few things on my Christmas list and maybe that will also serve as some ideas for you. That's what I love about posts like these! I always find at least one thing that makes me go, "Wow! How did I not know about that?" or something in that nature. 😄 I find the older I get, the harder it is to come up with a Christmas list. I feel like they were novels written in seconds in my childhood. Now, of course I have a running wishlist of sorts, but it always feels different when putting it into gift terms. If that makes any sense...

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March and April 2021 InstaMonth

Wow, I think the last Instamonth was actually January's. So I guess I'll just skip right over February. Oops! 😜 I just have to hope my perfectionism takes a backseat on that one and I can let the oversight go. It's just been a really loooooong year and I'll chalk it up to that.

So here are some highlights from my Instagram (@wendybanner) during March and April. I'm always down to follow back, so let's connect if we haven't. I'm going to keep this short, because it's Friday and I am so ready for the weekend. Just gonna make it more about the pictures and not the captions. I hope you have a great weekend!

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InstaMonth for January 2021

I can't believe February is already halfway over. It being such a short month always throws me off. Valentine's Day was a little crazy to think about and celebrate because it was the last time we ate inside a restaurant before the pandemic truly hit. We've had date nights since then, but with a pandemic twist. It's so strange to think about this past year and how our lives and routines have changed.

Anyway, let's dive into a few pictures from my Instagram during January. As always, I'd love for us to follow each other if we aren't. It's hard to grow an account these days!

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What I Got for Christmas 2020

This is the latest I've probably ever put this post up and I'm not sure if there is any interest in it this time, but I always enjoy seeing them. Just bringing it to you in a fashionably late way, let's go with that! I still have a few "What I Got for Christmas" videos on my YouTube playlist to get to. I'll watch videos or read any post I come across like this. I love seeing what people get for holidays, birthdays, etc. I feel like it's the curious side of me- the same side that loves seeing what is in your refrigerator, car, purse..I love finding out about new things that were not on my radar, as well.

I understand that these posts aren't for everyone. It's absolutely okay if you don't want to read this post! In this post, I'm going to share highlights and some gifts from this past Christmas. It's insane that it is already February, honestly. As I type this post, it just doesn't seem like Christmas was already over a month ago. I'd love to know some gifts that you got over the holidays, whether from others or gifting yourself!

Our 2020 ornament. We get a new ornament every year. My fave tradition!

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InstaMonth for December 2020

Wow, I last posted early last Wednesday. I thought one of the bigger events of my day would be when we took our Christmas decorations down. Boy, was I wrong in so many ways. Not long after that post was published, I watched as domestic terrorists stormed my country's (I'm an American in Canada) Capitol Building and continued the attack on democracy. I cannot begin to put into words the sadness and anger that I felt as I watched it all unfold. That I still feel. It just piles on to what I have been feeling over the past year, having reached my breaking point long ago. I hope that everyone involved is found guilty and faces punishment and is held accountable for their words and actions. I just want to make it clear where I stand.

Now, to the post planned for today. It's fluff compared to what's happening in the world, but we need a little fluff and escape! Here are a few highlights from my Instagram this past month. I love posting in December with all of the festivities of the holiday season afoot! I'm trying to amp up my likes and comments this year. It's near impossible to grow anymore, I find. If you'd like to follow each other, let's do it! I love following all of you!

What was in my purse. Isn't this Mickey backpack the cutest?!

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My Warm and Cozy Inspired Christmas List

It's a strange year and the holidays feel different this time around. I must admit that I feel torn about how to do holiday posts this year. I normally do gift guides, but it doesn't feel exactly like the right fit for me at this time. So I'm thinking of sitting this year out with those, but still showing a few festive ideas here and there. I have Bath and Body Works and Old Navy hauls that I'm thinking of posting that are full of current items still available, should you see something you like. Today's post, I'm sharing a few things on my Christmas list. Perhaps these types of posts feel like the same idea, but I just don't want to have posts labeled as gift guides this year. Absolutely nothing against those who choose to do them!

I think with it being the holidays, you should at least treat yourself to a gift that makes you happy. Maybe you're not seeing family. Maybe you can't afford gifts for everyone this year and gift giving is your love language. Whatever may be going on, remember to go easy on yourself. This won't be a normal holiday season for anyone. So again, go easy on yourself and try to surround yourself with things that make you happy. Music, a glass of wine, twinkling lights, holiday movies, etc.

If it makes you feel warm inside, it is a winner. I think that was what I was thinking of when I was deciding on what I truly want at this time. We're home a lot and I just want all of the warmth, coziness, and good vibes. I want our home to ooze hygge! Not featured on this list is the ever-so-essential and yet ever-so-boring things I wouldn't mind getting under the tree like new sheets, towels, and a vacuum cleaner. No pun intended when I say our ancient one sucks at doing its job. 😜 

And if I get nothing but a few days of vacation with my husband and dog, sitting by our trees, watching festive shows, and eating treats we don't normally eat all the way until the new year? I'm sooooo okay with that too. Because at this point, I think the true gift will be 2021 arriving. Good grief, please be better than 2020. Am I right?! 🙏

• Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer -My big ticket item I've been wanting. I cook all of our meals aside from the rare takeout and this thing seems to do a little of everything! Our super old grill is on its last legs and this seems like a good option while giving me even more flexibility in the kitchen than I had before with it being able to air fry and dehydrate!
  
• Bailey's Red Velvet Cupcake - Red velvet everything! We're not ones to really drink that often, but something about the idea of some of this in hot chocolate? Sign me up. That sounds amazing and perfect for sipping in front of our big tree!
  
• Replica Coffee Break Fragrance - It was between this and Gucci Guilty. After having a sample of Gucci Guilty, I really fell for it. Then I saw this and thought, "yep, gonna need that". Haha! A scent that mimics coffee with notes of lavender? Two of my favorite things? Sign me up. Take my money!
  
• Laneige Lip Daydreams Set - A balm for the day and a sleeping mask for night? Love it! Even better that the sleeping one is in the limited edition "sweet candy" scent.
  
• OGX Coconut Coffee Body Cream and Scrub - I've heard so many good things about these and the scent. Honestly, it had my heart at coconut and my soul at coffee. Do I need another lotion or scrub? Probably not. Do I still want them? Abso-darn-lutely.
  
• Sherpa Pullover - This specific one is from Old Navy, but I haven't come across too many sherpa fleece things I don't like. I'm a texture person, so I love throwing on things like this or covering up in a soft blanket. And coming into late fall and winter, I don't think the limit exists for how many warm things to own.
  

What's on your list? I wish you all well this year as the holiday season is upon us. May you stay safe and healthy.

InstaMonth for October 2020

I would have gotten this post up yesterday, but we took a vacation day for the heck of it. I think we needed a mental break! Being an American in Canada, I feel the stress of the pandemic, the election, and everything doubly so. I've just been feeling EVERYTHING at the highest volume and I needed a day. I'm not getting to go home for my brother's birthday or US Thanksgiving as originally planned before the days of the pandemic, but we already had that week booked off and we're keeping it as a holiday week for a staycation. I'm looking forward to the time off, but do very much wish it could be spent going home as I'm sure many of you are wishing as the holidays near.

We're still treating that week as my Thanksgiving, of course. All the baking, cooking, Christmas and Thanksgiving specials and movies, Christmas music, you name it. As a matter of fact, our trees and decor are going up tomorrow because I can't wait any longer. And if you already have yours up, kudos! It's anything goes this year. Whatever makes you happy! I have Christmas music going as I type this post and it never fails to put me mentally in a happy place. It's not much, but it helps. Above all else, take care of yourself!

I'm keeping this Instagram round-up short and sweet this month. As always, if you'd like to follow each other, you can find me as @wendybanner on there. I hope you're all staying safe and healthy. Don't let down your guard, because the pandemic is still here and stronger than ever. Thinking of all of you!

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InstaMonth for September 2020

I'm a little late on this post, but I took a little time off this week. Monday was Thanksgiving here and my father-in-law passed away on the same day and while my husband and he were not close, I felt like I needed to take a little time away to help my husband process the news and just be with him. I met him only once for a nice long dinner and chat, so I suppose I also needed to process the news myself.

I feel like this is probably the easiest way to get back into posting. Although I'm second-guessing this decision as I'm sitting here shaking my fist at the new Blogger editor. I put off switching over as long as I could and for good reason - I am not a fan! I've got my Halloween playlist playing, which I plan on sharing soon! Here are some highlights from my Instagram last month.

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Fashionable Heart Turns 13 and August's InstaMonth

Hi y'all! Before I dive in with the recap from my Instagram during August, I wanted to give a quick message on my blog and its longevity. Fashionable Heart turned thirteen last week on the 7th. FH is officially a teenager! So many things have happened in those years!

In 2007, this space allowed me to focus on things and topics I enjoyed and helped give me an escape as I mourned my grandmother. It has given me a voice when I've sometimes questioned having one or being heard and seen.

I just want to pat myself on the back for the day that I started this journey. I've gone through periods where I need small breaks or fewer posts, but I've never truly contemplated quitting or going on a lengthy hiatus. That's not to say it will never happen, but I feel like as long as I stay true to myself and allow the blog to grow with me, that it'll be a part of my life for years to come.

Blogging has given me some awesome experiences and brought amazing people into my life. Not just here, but the older days of Xanga, MySpace, and LiveJournal. And before those, I even had a WebTV website way back when where I shared different things about my life and favorite quotes. Some things never change. I've been in the blogging game for so long that I can't remember a lot of time before it.

And I'm happy to blog because with it, I talk about a lot of things I would have forgotten without it! Maybe I'm not as personal as I once was in my early days, but I try to strike an even ground. I am a private person who likes to selectively choose what is shared and when a more personal touch is needed. I don't want to share everything, but I don't want to be too impersonal. It's finding that balance and I hope I'm succeeding.

Thank you for supporting me whether you have been here from the start or just clicked on Fashionable Heart today. I can't thank you enough for subscribing, following, liking, commenting, working with me, and most importantly reading and listening. It all makes me feel such happiness and acceptance. Grateful and thankful are understatements. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I might have told a fib when I said I'd make that quick. Haha! Let's get to some highlights from my Instagram during August!

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Five Friday Faves for September 2020

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts. I was going to do my InstaMonth today, but I figured I'd save that for one day next week. It's Friday on a holiday weekend, so why not share a few things I've been enjoying? You can share what you've been enjoying in the comments. I'd love to know! Any book or music recommendations you'd like to share? Lemme have 'em!

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InstaMonth for July 2020

Hi, y'all! Can you believe we are in August already in a year that seems to be moving slowly and quickly given whichever moment you're in? This pandemic seems to slow things down, but then I sit back and look at how quickly the months went by. Time is weird right now. Well, it's always weird, but it seems even weirder now. I read this article a few month's ago and it struck me as being true as the pandemic has continued! I find myself having to check my watch or phone more and more to see what day and time it is.

Now to some highlights from my Instagram account during July. I'm happy to see August, as autumn is just around the corner. I can't wait for full fall vibes with dark evenings, cool breezes, candle lit nights, etc. It's my favorite season, so bring it on. Sorry, summer lovers! :)

L'Occitane Aqua Reotier line - review is here!

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InstaMonth for April 2020

We are in May now! Time is operating at a strange pace for me right now, for sure. Is it fast? Is it slow? It's a little of everything any given minute. We are still staying home and will until Toronto and Ontario decides otherwise. Even then, I can't help but feel uncertain that we are all going to do it too quickly. I know there are those out there who have a different opinion. My own home state has the worst rating in the US in social distancing. Just this past week, "grandma killer" was trending on Twitter because someone wants their freedom so badly and is refusing to stay home. I personally can't wrap my head around it. I really can't.

People are losing their lives, their loved ones, and are getting sick for weeks with what many have deemed the "worst thing they have ever gone through". I understand the uncertainty, financial problems, and all of that. I just don't understand the way of thought behind the protesting, fake coughing on someone and laughing, having parties and BBQs with friends, etc. Selfishness and stupidity is running rampant and it worries me tremendously. It feels so disrespectful to those out there on the front lines, those working their essential jobs, to those who have seen COVID19 firsthand, and even to those like us who are doing everything they can to stay in and stay healthy.

We have a long weekend here coming up and I am so excited about it. I know that sounds crazy with us being at home everyday, but that is while still working. My husband even added an extra day to make it a five day weekend/staycation for us. A nice little mental break! Don't underestimate the power of a vacation day even if it is just spent at home. A day of doing nothing is actually something!

And y'all, would you believe it snowed this past weekend and a little this morning? In May?! I don't think I've ever seen snow in May. It snowed on May 9th, which was my grandmother's birthday. Whenever I see snow, I think of her because I'd always get so excited to see it and call her about it. I'm from the south, so I still find myself treating snow as some kind of rare delicacy. I feel like she was sending me down a little sign from heaven and that was an uplifting feeling.

Anyway, I'll get into the post. Here are a few pictures from my Instagram (@wendybanner) during April. With the algorithm not always working for me, I like to also share them on my blog. My feed has been focused a lot more on skincare and self-care recently. If you'd like to follow each other, I'd love it. My double-tap game is strong! :)

Latest H&M haul.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2019: For the One Hosting

I don't mind hosting, but I'm kind of excited to not be doing so this year. Going home this year, we just didn't want to go all out with decor and worry about party planning. Next year is fair game, though! It was a smart move on our part, because it's been something else trying to get everything ready for the trip to South Carolina.

If like us, you're going elsewhere for all of your Christmas gatherings, perhaps this will give you a few ideas on what to take as a gift for the ones opening up their home to you. I also highly recommend food to add to the offerings, because who isn't excited when more food shows up?! As always, I kept it to a budget. All of these ideas are under $50!

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InstaMonth for October 2019

Here's what shall be known as the last full month of the year where my Instagram doesn't look like Christmas basically threw up all over it! I'll be putting up our decor next weekend, so after that it is fair game. I'm not sure I love any backdrop more than a Christmas tree! Okay...maybe my beloved marble, but those are my top two, for sure! I won't go into full Christmas mode until my Thanksgiving, but it's hard not to get into the spirit here in Canada seeing as we have already celebrated every holiday before Christmas arrives. As a matter of fact, I'm listening to Lea Michele's new Christmas album as I type this post.

I'm not going all out with our decor this year, since we are supposed to be heading to my home in SC for the holidays! I can't very well not put up at least some of my smaller items and one of our trees, so that we have them out to enjoy for the duration of the next few weeks that we are here. Are you going all out this year or taking it easy during your holiday? Going home? Taking a vacation? It's insane that we're already on the holiday conversation, isn't it?! It feels like we were all ringing in the new year.

Here are a few pictures from my Instagram during October. It was a pretty laid back month, which I am more than okay with now that the holiday rush is upon us!

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InstaMonth for September 2019

September through December is not only my favorite time of year, but it's my favorite time to be on social media. I mean, I'm kind of in a "bleh" moment with social media as a whole, but I love all of the fall and holiday visuals shared during this time. There's just something so special about all of the fashion, holiday decor, etc.

I'm starting to take my social media down that path, sharing more autumnal choices on Instagram and Pinterest. Does the time of year change how you post and what you post and view? Which season gives you the most inspiration? I'm in my moment right now! Here are a few posts from my Instagram during September.

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Five Friday Faves for September 2019

Time for my random Friday faves that I am trying to do monthly! Frankly, I enjoy doing these because it allows me to share favorites that don't fully fit in with my monthly beauty faves. I love beauty, but obviously I like a whole heck of a lot more than that and this allows me a good place to talk about some of those things that took the spotlight that given month.

This month is brought to you by autumn, it seems like. I know it is not official until Monday, but the temperatures have been dropping here. Pumpkin spice has invaded your local coffee spots and bakeries, Halloween decor is taking over the stores, and sweaters are out on the clothing racks. So yes, I've basically hit full fall mode and I am not ashamed of it. It's my favorite season with all of my favorite holidays! If only it lasted longer. Granted, every season seems to be flying by this year. Somehow we're nearing the end of September already? How did that happen?!

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InstaMonth for July 2019

I'm a little later than usual with this post, but here we are with a few photos from my Instagram during last month. Why share them on my blog, as well? Well, the algorithm is not my friend and those of you that do follow me probably miss several of my posts because of it. I know I miss yours and it drives me crazy. I own this little space on the internet and a little cross promotion never hurts anyone.

I think the algorithm and the follow/unfollow (annoying!) is what is killing Instagram, at least it is for me. I also find that I lose more followers the more active I am, which honestly boggles my mind. Should I just not open my account for a month and see if my account actually grows (LOL, but don't think I haven't thought about it more than once!)?! In reality, I throw out likes and comments like confetti so if you're interested in supporting each other, I'm totally game. I don't want to be just a number and I don't want you to be either. Just find me, @wendybanner!

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Healthy Planet Grand Opening and Haul

This past weekend, I was invited to a grand opening for Healthy Planet at four different locations in Ontario. I had my choice of Cambridge, Ancaster, Milton, and Ajax. Ajax was the closest one, so we stopped by to check out the new store Saturday afternoon! It's crazy because I've shopped from my local Healthy Planet before, I'd just never actually gone in. It's always been my husband running in to grab what we need (usually a smoothie, protein powder, etc.).

What I didn't realize was that there was a beauty area. How in the heck did I not know this?! I'm kicking myself for not knowing this and for not taking a picture to share. Just know that I will definitely be utilizing that section in the future!

I did do a little shopping and received a generous gift bag full of product samples that I can't wait to work my way through.

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What I Got For Christmas 2018

I love these posts. Probably because I am such a curious person. Show me what's in your handbag, your fridge, what's on your wishlist, what you got for your birthday...I love it all. Not only does it tell me more about you, but it almost always gives me future ideas or shows me something I didn't even know existed. I've gotten a handful of things, read books, or listened to music that I now love in recent years because you originally shared and talked about them. And I get a lot of messages showing me things that you think I will love based on what I have shared in the past. I love that!

With that said, if these types of posts are not your thing, I totally get it. I won't take it personally if you exit out of this post, but I hope you'll stick around for other topics I post about. :) So here are a few things I got for Christmas. I'm dubbing it the "Christmas of Beverages" and you'll find out why below!

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InstaMonth for December 2018

The 2018 to 2019 is still messing with me. Three times it took me to save and label these pictures properly! December 2018 is what I was going for and it took me far too long to get that right. I'm pretty sure I started to label them "December 2019". Let's hope I don't have to date and sign any important papers for a little while...or at least until I have a calendar in front of me. Geez Louise!

I have my Instagram monthly round-up for you today. As always, if we are not following each other on there, I would love it if we did. Find me as wendybanner. I love getting to know people on there. It is extremely hard to grow on the platform these days and I love showing my support where I can. I certainly appreciate the support that I get from all of you. It is everything!

1. Zoella goodies. // 2. OOTD. // 3. November faves.

4. Me! Bath bombs. // 5. I live for ugly Christmas sweaters. // 6. Starbucks pink drink. So good!

7. CoverGirl Exhibitionist // 8. NYX Advent. I swatched the entire calendar. // 9. OOTD.

10. My Best Beauty of 2018 // 11. Trying out a new foot oil. Review coming! // 10. OOTD.